This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Tokyo’s Kokugikan sumo arena. On June 2nd, 1909, the first Kokugikan arena was opened in Tokyo, on the grounds of the current Eko-in temple, where sumo events had been held during the Edo period.
The name Kokugikan was given by the novelist Emi Suiin, who described sumo as Japan’s kokugi - national sport.
The arena held its final sumo tournament in 1946, being replaced by a new Kokugikan, located in the Kuramae district. Finally, the old building was demolished in 1983.
The current Ryogoku Kokugikan arena was opened in 1985:
