Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum

This compact museum in Teshikaga, Hokkaido, is dedicated to Taiho, widely considered the greatest sumo wrestler of the 20th century. Born Naya Koki in 1940, he joined a sumo stable at 17 and became the youngest yokozuna in history at 21. His record of 32 tournament championships stood unbeaten for 43 years. The museum displays ceremonial aprons, trophies, combs and brushes, and photographs from across his career. A 15-minute English-narrated documentary provides helpful context before exploring the exhibits. Most signage is in Japanese, so the film is a good first stop. Compact but carefully curated, it rewards anyone curious about sumo's history.