Sumo U.S.A.: Wrestling the Grand Tradition Opens at the Japanese American National Museum

Sumo U.S.A.: Wrestling the Grand Tradition opens at the Japanese American National Museum, Thursday, July 3, 1997.

Adapted and expanded from an exhibition initially mounted by the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, Sumo U.S.A. focuses on how Japan’s national sport came to the United States along with thousands of immigrants at the turn of the Century and the important role it played in the Japanese American community in Hawai‘i and on the mainland. The exhibit becomes even more significant with the recent resurgence in the interest of sumo.

Through the use of photos, artifacts and memorabilia, the exhibit reveals the effect of sumo on community life and how professional sumo in Japan was changed by the participation of these American-born sumotori (sumo participants). Life-size cut-outs of actual sumotori give visitors a true perspective on the size of these incredible athletes.

The exhibit runs through November 30, 1997. For more information call the Japanese American National Museum at 213.625.0414. The Museum is located at 369 E. First Street in the historic Little Tokyo district of Los Angeles.