New & Now
Kehaya Festival 2026 in Katsuragi | Birthplace of Sumo
On February 23, 2026 (Mon., public holiday), the Kehaya Festival will be held at the Katsuragi City Sumo Museum “Kehayaza” in Katsuragi City, Nara. The festival is associated with Taima no Kehaya (當麻蹶速 / たいまのけはや), who is said to be the founder of sumo.
Along with sumo-related programs, the event also features the Kehaya Mini Marche, with market stalls and food trucks—making it enjoyable for both children and adults.
Outline
Children’s Sumo Workshop
A hands-on sumo workshop will be offered by former wrestlers and student sumo wrestlers.
If you would like to participate, please apply using the application form.
- Eligibility: Ages 5 to junior high school students
- Capacity: 15 participants (first come, first served)
- Fee: Free
- Application deadline: February 13, 2026 (Fri.)
Highlights
Open Practice (Demonstration Sumo)
On the dohyo (sumo ring) at Kehayaza, student sumo wrestlers will perform demonstration sumo. You can also watch with commentary from museum staff, explaining sumo movements and training routines.
Sumo Jinku Performance
Members of the Kehaya Sumo Jinku Group will perform Sumo Jinku, a traditional style of sumo folk chanting.
Schedule
- 9:45 Reception opens
- 10:00 Opening
- 10:20 Children’s Sumo Workshop
- 11:20 Open Practice (student sumo wrestlers, etc.)
- 11:45 Sumo Jinku / Local performance
- 12:00 Closing
Times may vary depending on conditions on the day.
Kehaya Mini Marche
Market stalls and food trucks will be available on the day, offering a variety of food and drinks. Please feel free to stop by and enjoy the festival.
Date & Venue
- Date: February 23, 2026 (Mon., public holiday)
- Venue: Katsuragi City Sumo Museum “Kehayaza” (83-1 Taima, Katsuragi City)
- Organizer: Katsuragi Tourism Association
- Admission: Free
- Registration: Not required (registration is required only for the Children’s Sumo Workshop)
Access
- About 10 minutes on foot from the temporary parking lot (328 Taima, Katsuragi City)
- About 5 minutes on foot from Taima-dera Station (Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line)
Parking
Please note that there is no parking space for general visitors at Kehayaza on the day of the event.
Due to expected crowds, a temporary parking lot will be available:
- Temporary parking lot: 328 Taima, Katsuragi City
In Case of Cancellation
The event will be held in the rain, but may be cancelled in severe weather.
“Severe weather” refers to when a weather warning for Northern Nara Prefecture is issued at 7:00 a.m. on the day of the event.
Contact
Katsuragi City Sumo Museum “Kehayaza”
Tel: 0745-48-4611
Fax: 0745-48-8196
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