Sumo Museum: A Tribute to Japan's National Sport

The Sumo Museum, situated inside the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Sumida, Tokyo, is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history and culture of sumo wrestling. Founded in 1954, the museum's collection originated from the extensive private collection of Tadamasa Sakai, a politician and avid sumo enthusiast. In January 1985, it moved to its current location within the Ryogoku Kokugikan. The museum's exhibits include *nishiki-e* (colored woodblock prints), *banzuke* (official ranking lists), and *kesho-mawashi* (ceremonial aprons). The museum has a single exhibition room, and displays are rotated six times a year to showcase different themes and items from its collection of approximately 30,000 pieces. These exhibits provide insight into the evolution of sumo, its legendary wrestlers, and the traditions that surround the sport. Visitors can view *ukiyo-e* (woodblock prints) of past *yokozuna* (top-ranking sumo wrestlers) and video footage from recent tournaments. The museum also functions as a research center, studying the history of sumo and hosting public conferences. Visiting the Sumo Museum offers a deeper appreciation for sumo's significance as a national sport and its cultural importance in Japan.