Sumo is returning to the UK for the first time since 1991. To celebrate this grand occasion, we are inviting children and young people across the UK to design a poster to promote the Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall this October for a chance of winning one of our goodie bags of prizes!

The Grand Sumo Tournament | Competition Guidelines | How to Enter | Sumo Learning Resources

About Sumo and The Grand Sumo Tournament

Sumo is a Japanese form of full-contact wrestling, in which two wrestlers must push their opponent outside of the ring or by forcing them to the ground to win. The sport has existed for thousands of years and has many deep-rooted traditions that can still be observed even in modern sumo tournaments today. Sumo is so culturally significant, that it has even been declared as Japan’s national sport.

There are six official tournaments that take place across Japan every year. These tournaments draw crowds of fans from not just Japan but from around the world. The Royal Albert Hall will be hosting the Grand Sumo Tournament this year from Wednesday 15 - Sunday 19 October. This is the second time that an official Basho Tournament has ever left Japan; the first time being in October 1991, also at The Royal Albert Hall.

To find out more about The Grand Sumo Tournament, visit the Royal Albert Hall's website.

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Competition Guidelines

Design a poster to celebrate the return of the Grand Sumo Tournament to the UK! We are looking for bold, eye-catching designs that highlight both the event itself and the friendship between Japan and the UK.

Your poster must be A4 size (approximately 595 × 842 mm) or designed using the space provided on the entry form. Any form of artwork (except photographs, digital or AI generated images) can be submitted. 

It should include elements that represent sumo, Japan, and the UK. It must also incorporate at least two of the following: landmarks, national colours, natural patterns, symbolic animals, cultural motifs, or food.

Need some ideas?

• Sumo – a sumo ring (dohyo); sumo wrestlers in traditional attire; or references to Shinto traditions in the sport.
• Japan – famous landmarks, cultural symbols or motifs, traditional patterns, iconic characters, or well-known Japanese foods.
• UK – recognisable UK landmarks, cultural patterns or symbols, nature or animals or popular British foods. You could also include the Royal Albert Hall, the venue for the tournament!

Example Poster Designs

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How to Enter

• Download the Entry Form and fill in the required information.* 
• Design your poster in A4 size (approximately 595mm x 842mm) or using the space provided on the entry form.
• Make sure your design meets the guidelines listed above.
• Take a clear photo or scan a copy of your poster AND the entry form. 
• The photo or scan of the entry form must include the poster, the entrant's name, age, and a short description of the poster design – what does your poster represent?
• Email your poster design and entry form to education@japansociety.org.uk**  

Deadline for entries: Friday 10 October 2025

Important notes:

• Entrants must be 18 or under and reside in the UK to be eligible to win a prize.
• Entries will be judged based on two different categories - Primary (Y1-6) and Secondary (Y7-13). Please ensure that the entrant's age/year group is clearly stated on the entry form.
• Entry must be the original and unpublished work of the entrant without any assistance by others (parents, other adults, siblings, or friends).
• Winners will be selected from the two different categories, and notified by email after the closing date.
• By entering this competition, participants agree to their poster design being shared on our website, social media, and other promotion channels. When announcing winners of the competition, the participant's first name and age or school year will be displayed; no other personal information will be shared. 
• Entries submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
• See Terms and Conditions of the competition for full details and information about data collection.

* Participants will be automatically entered into the correct age category.
**Please note that we cannot accept posted entries; only entries sent by email will be entered into the competition. 

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Sumo Teaching Resources 

Bring sumo to life in your classroom and learn all about the sport, the wrestlers, and its fascinating traditions – our online sumo resources and activities are filled with interesting facts and information. For more information visit our main Sumo Resource Page.

Sumo Activity Pack Coming Soon!

Sign up to our Education Mailing List to be the first to know when new sumo resources become available.

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The UK Grand Sumo Poster Design Competition is a collaboration between The Japan Society and the Royal Albert Hall.