[For businesses] Why not support sumo wrestlers by entering a sumo prize draw?

What is a Sumo Kensho?

A Sumo Kensho is a system designed to support wrestlers (rikishi) and enhance the excitement of professional sumo tournaments. By contributing a kensho prize, companies can not only provide tangible support to wrestlers but also contribute to the growth and preservation of Japan’s traditional sumo culture.

The purposes of kensho are as follows:

To support wrestlers (rikishi).
To contribute to the cultural development of professional sumo.

Through kensho, companies have the opportunity to become an essential part of sustaining and promoting the unique traditions of sumo culture.

Basic Rules for Providing Kensho

When contributing a kensho prize, the following rules apply. These guidelines are established to ensure the fair and smooth operation of professional sumo tournaments:

Kensho is solely intended to support the wrestlers (rikishi).
It is displayed in a manner that does not disrupt the flow of the matches.
The application for kensho must meet the requirements set by the Japan Sumo Association.

By providing a kensho, companies take on a special role in supporting the traditions of sumo and the challenges undertaken by the wrestlers.

Appreciation for Kensho Contributions

As a gesture of appreciation for contributing kensho, there are moments during the tournament when the company name is communicated to spectators and viewers:

Kensho Flag Display on the Dohyo
Before the match begins, a kensho flag bearing the company name is paraded around the ring (dohyo).
Announcement in the Venue
The company name is announced inside the venue.
Listing in the Match Program
The company is featured in the match program as a kensho contributor for the day.

Examples of Kensho Displays

Number of Kensho Applications and Fees

The kensho fee is ¥70,000 (including tax※) per banner. The following requirements must be met for applications:

A minimum of 1 banner per day and 15 banners per tournament is required (the minimum application fee for one tournament is ¥1,050,000, including tax※).
A maximum of 5 banners can be applied for per match.

In recent years, contributions from Japanese local governments and overseas companies have increased, with some tournaments featuring over 2,000 kensho banners. For particularly popular matches, such as the final bout of the day (musubi no ichiban), the maximum number of banners is often reached quickly. Early application is highly recommended to secure your desired match.

※Includes Japanese consumption tax only.

About Kensho Flag Production

The kensho flag is a symbolic banner displayed on the dohyo before a match. Below is the relevant information regarding its production:

Approximate Cost

¥71,500 per flag (including tax)
- This is a standard estimate for flags with proofreading included.
- Costs may vary depending on the type of material, the number of flags produced, and whether proofreading is required.
- A detailed estimate will be provided based on your specific requirements.

After the Kensho Flag is Displayed

The kensho flag becomes the property of the customer (the sponsor) who ordered it.
The flag remains in the custody of the Japan Sumo Association, allowing it to be reused for future tournaments.
If needed, the flag can be returned to the sponsor after the tournament ends, upon request.

Because flags can be reused, this system is efficient for sponsors planning long-term involvement in kensho activities.

Kensho Application Requirements

To provide kensho, all of the following conditions must be met:

The kensho fee must be fully paid by the specified deadline.
The application information must be accurate and free of falsehoods or errors.
There must be no connection to organized crime groups or similar organizations.
The applicant must not have been involved in criminal cases resulting in arrest, prosecution, or a guilty verdict.
The applicant must not have engaged in illegal activities such as assault, injury, coercion, or fraud.
The applicant must not belong to certain restricted industries, including pachinko halls, consumer finance, or religious organizations.
The applicant must comply with the internal regulations of the Japan Sumo Association.
Applications may be rejected if deemed inappropriate by the Japan Sumo Association.

Handling of Display Errors

Kensho is an initiative to support wrestlers (rikishi), and in the event of unforeseen circumstances, no monetary compensation or re-display will be provided. The following are examples of potential cases:

The match begins earlier than scheduled, and the display of the kensho flag is interrupted (no past occurrences).
Due to a high number of applications for a specific match, the venue announcement cannot be completed in time (no past occurrences).
Multiple types of kensho flags were produced, but the intended flag was not displayed as requested.
A single kensho flag was scheduled to be displayed in multiple matches on the same day, but it was not displayed as planned.
Errors occurred in the venue announcement, such as misreading the company name.
Other unavoidable reasons resulted in display errors.

Even if the kensho display does not align with the sponsor's intentions due to these reasons, the Japan Sumo Association cannot accept responsibility. We kindly ask for your understanding in advance.

Matches Eligible for Kensho

Kensho can only be provided for makuuchi matches held during the main tournaments in January, March, May, July, September, and November. Each tournament spans 15 days, with approximately 20 makuuchi matches held per day.

A maximum of 5 banners can be provided for a single match.
In cases of wrestler absences or for popular matches, your banners may not be displayed as planned.

It is important to understand this system and plan your support for the wrestlers accordingly.

Kensho Application Process and Timeline

The kensho application process requires approximately one month or more. Follow the steps outlined below based on the guidance provided by the Japan Sumo Association:

Submission of a pledge and company profile
Review and approval process
Confirmation of the kensho flag design (including the registered company name)
Production of the kensho flag
Submission of the kensho flag, application form, and payment

Handling in Case of Wrestler Absence

If a wrestler is absent and the kensho cannot be displayed as planned, one of the following measures will typically be taken after consultation with the Japan Sumo Association:

Transfer to a different match
Refund after the tournament
Transfer to a different day

Conclusion

Sumo has been growing in popularity in recent years, with tournaments frequently selling out. Television viewership also continues to maintain high levels, reflecting its strong appeal.

The kensho system is a unique way to support wrestlers (rikishi) and contribute to the development of professional sumo. By participating, you can become an essential part of preserving and promoting Japan's traditional culture.

Our company provides support for overseas businesses interested in contributing kensho banners for sumo tournaments. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Our Mission

We aim to create seamless connections between Japanese culture and the world while ensuring its sustainable preservation for future generations. Our initiatives go beyond simply "learning about culture" by offering opportunities to actively experience, support, and contribute to its continuity.

For instance, participants can share in the joy of supporting Japan's traditions through cheering for sumo wrestlers or contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage by donating to shrines. These activities not only connect local communities with global consumers but also provide a new model for cultural exchange that fulfills corporate social responsibility and enhances brand value.