The Art of Sumo

The ring-entering ceremony for Grand Sumo tournament at the Royal Albert Hall in 1991. © Chris Christodoulou and the Royal Albert Hall

Grand Sumo returns to London in 2025 and there is no better time to learn about the myths, rituals and traditions surrounding this 1,500-year old sport.

Did you know that this country has a special relationship with sumo? Displays of sumo wrestling took place in the UK over 140 years ago and the first ever official Grand Sumo tournament held outside of Japan was on British soil.

Why do wrestlers throw salt? What is buried underneath the ring before tournament? What is the significance of the costumes? Visit the exhibition to find out the answers to these questions and more.

Kanjin Sumo by Kuniaki II Utagawa (1833-1888), courtesy of the Japanese Gallery Kensington

Grand Yokozuna by Tsukasa Kei, image courtesy of Manga Originals