Traditional craftsmen are continuing the 150-year-old practice of creating colorful sumo banners, known as nobori, for major tournament venues [1].
These banners are central to the visual identity of professional sumo, serving as more than mere decoration. They embed specific colors and designs believed to bring good luck and convey the spirit of competition for the wrestlers.
The artisans primarily produce these works for the Kokugikan in Tokyo [1]. Their work ensures that the aesthetic and spiritual traditions of the sport remain intact as the events transition between different cities and venues [2].
According to a report aired on May 31 [1], the craft has been preserved for about 150 years [1]. The process involves a generational transfer of knowledge, where specific techniques for painting and fabric selection are passed down to maintain the same quality and symbolism used in previous eras.
Efforts are currently underway to prepare for the next major event. The craftsmen are producing banners for the upcoming Nagoya tournament, which is scheduled to begin in July 2026 [2]. These specific banners will be displayed at the IG Arena in Nagoya [2].
An ANNnewsCH narrator said, "There are craftsmen who have continued to protect this for 150 years" [1].
The banners remain a staple of the sumo experience, bridging the gap between the ancient roots of the sport and the modern arenas where the matches take place. By maintaining these hand-painted standards, the craftsmen prevent the commercialization of the sport's most sacred visual symbols.
“The craft has been preserved for about 150 years”
The persistence of nobori craftsmanship highlights the tension between modern sports commercialization and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. By relying on generational artisans rather than digital printing, the Japan Sumo Association maintains a link to the sport's historical identity, ensuring that the ritualistic nature of the tournament remains a primary draw for both domestic and international audiences.
