Events

November in Fukuoka means sumo. As wrestlers arrive for the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, the city welcomes a familiar autumn tradition. Marking the occasion, Takumi Gallery at ACROS Fukuoka hosts “Sumo Culture and Traditional Crafts,” a special exhibition exploring the craftsmanship woven into the sport.

Sumo and Fukuoka’s craft traditions share a long history. Hakata-ori weaving techniques help create the elaborate ceremonial aprons, known as kesho-mawashi, worn by wrestlers during ring-entering ceremonies. Hakata dolls have long been treasured as sumo souvenirs, too. Across Fukuoka Prefecture, communities also keep their own sumo traditions alive, from bouts held as offerings at shrines to children’s tournaments.

Through ceremonial aprons, sumo-themed Hakata dolls and materials relating to the Kyushu tournament, the exhibition brings these connections into focus. Weekend demonstrations and workshops offer a chance to watch artisans at work, then try some of their techniques firsthand.

Special Displays | Fukuoka’s Traditional Crafts in Sumo

Handwoven Hakata-ori Ceremonial Apron

The richly decorated kesho-mawashi worn during ring-entering ceremonies are among sumo’s most striking sights. This special display features an apron made for Kaio, now stablemaster Asakayama, by Hirokuni Ono, Japan’s only artisan who handweaves Hakata-ori kesho-mawashi.

Hakata-ori is best known for obi sashes, but its craftsmanship also finds expression in the sumo ring. Seen up close, the apron reveals both the bold design that complements a wrestler’s presence and the delicate, painstaking weaving behind it.

Hakata Dolls: One-of-a-Kind Sumo Wrestler Figures

The powerful build of a wrestler, a fleeting movement in the ring: these works capture both through the distinctive sculpting and painting techniques of Hakata dolls.

The display includes the “Great Bouts of the Showa Era” series and works depicting the ring-entering ceremonies of yokozuna, sumo’s highest-ranking wrestlers. The care given to each muscle, expression and gesture brings the figures to life, revealing the skill and expressive range of Hakata doll artisans.

Kyushu Tournament Commemorative Display

Alongside videos introducing the history and appeal of the Kyushu tournament, this display features a Technique Prize trophy awarded to Kotoshogiku, now stablemaster Hidenoyama, and reproductions of award certificates made from Yame washi paper.

Even the paper used for sumo award certificates has a local craft story to tell. It is a small but revealing connection between Fukuoka’s traditional papermaking and the sport’s moments of recognition.

Sumo Culture Photo Gallery

Fukuoka’s sumo culture extends well beyond the Kyushu tournament. Photographs introduce traditions passed down in communities across the prefecture, from ceremonial bouts at shrines to local sumo events.

Also featured are photographs of Hakata dolls depicting sumo’s traditional “48 winning techniques.” Rendered in miniature, the movements offer a fresh way to appreciate both the wrestlers’ skills and the artisans’ eye for detail.

Artisan Demonstrations and Workshops

On weekends during the exhibition, local artisans share the skills behind Fukuoka’s traditional crafts. Visitors can watch lantern making and lettering, Hakata doll making, Yame washi papermaking and Hakata-ori weaving—processes that usually take place out of public view.

Workshops follow the demonstrations, with artisans guiding participants through activities such as making lampshades, painting sumo wrestler dolls and creating art with silk thread. Working with the materials offers a more personal introduction to Fukuoka’s craft traditions, with sumo as the starting point.

Demonstration and Workshop Schedule

• Nov. 7 (Sat) | Lantern Making
  Workshop: Lampshade making
  Fee: ¥4,000 / Capacity: 4 people per session
• Nov. 8 (Sun) | Lantern Lettering
  Workshop: Decorative painting
  Fee: ¥4,000 / Capacity: 4 people per session
• Nov. 14 (Sat) & 15 (Sun) | Hakata Doll Making
  Workshop: Sumo wrestler doll painting
  Fee: ¥4,000 / Capacity: 4 people per session
• Nov. 21 (Sat) | Yame Washi Papermaking
  Workshop: Yame washi papermaking
  Fee: ¥4,000 / Capacity: 2 people per session
  Times: 11:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 15:00 (1 hour per session)
• Nov. 22 (Sun) & 23 (Mon, national holiday) | Hakata-ori Weaving
  Workshop: Silk thread art
  Fee: ¥4,000 / Capacity: 4 people per session

Except on Nov. 21, demonstrations and workshops take place in two sessions: 11:00–13:00 and 14:00–16:00. Each workshop follows the demonstration.
Workshop registration is on the day, on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration closes when each session is full.
Interpretation is available in English, Korean and Chinese.

Quiz Rally and Related Activities

The Takumi Quiz Rally adds a playful element to a visit. Answer five questions around the gallery to receive an original senjafuda, a traditional-style name label. A capsule toy machine also offers sumo-themed Hakata doll ohajiki, small collectible game pieces.

On the first floor, the “We Love SUMO Fair” features limited-time sumo merchandise, including handheld fans shaped like the gunbai used by sumo referees. There is more to browse at Unagi no Nedoko, a shop showcasing crafts and other products made in Kyushu, and ＆LOCALS, a shop and café featuring regional ingredients from across Kyushu.

With displays, workshops and shopping, the exhibition offers several ways to get to know the crafts that accompany sumo. As the Kyushu tournament brings excitement to Fukuoka, it is also an opportunity to appreciate the artisans and community traditions that give the sport its local roots.

Special Exhibition: Sumo Culture and Traditional Crafts

• Nov. 3 (Tue, national holiday)–23 (Mon, national holiday), 2026
• 10:00–18:00
• Free admission (workshop fees apply)
• Takumi Gallery, ACROS Fukuoka 2F
• 1-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• Website