| |
|
| The Sumo Museum was opened
in September 1954 to coincide with the completion of
professional sumo's new home, the Kuramae Kokugikan.
Based on the materials gathered over the years by its
first curator, Sakai Tadamasa, it was created to protect
and preserve the rich historical heritage of Japan's
national sport. In January 1985 the museum moved to
its present location when tournament sumo returned to
Ryogoku with the opening of the Ryogoku Kokugikan. |
| The major function of the
museum is to gather and preserve a wide range of materials
related to the history of sumo, from woodblock prints
and banzuke (official listings of rank) to the ceremonial
aprons worn by the great rikishi of the past. These
items are then displayed in themed exhibitions held
six times a year. The museum also functions as a research
center, continuously studying and reviewing sumo history
as an integral part of Japanese culture. |
| Acting Museum Curator - Mitsugu Kokonoe (as of January 2009) |
|
|
|
