Sumo inspires artists to express the spirit of Japan

First-time visitors to the Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo stadium in Tokyo's Sumida Ward are invariably amazed by the pageantry surrounding the sumo ring -- the yokozuna grand champions parading in their ceremonial aprons, the gyoji referees in their costumes, the prize flags and so on.

The inside of the hall looks like a huge display of traditional arts and crafts.