Sailflags is proud to have supplied 50 giant 4m Nobori Flags for the prestigious Paris Sumo Tournament at the Accor Arena.
Taking place on 13 and 14 June 2026, the tournament brings professional sumo wrestling back to France for the first time in more than 30 years. The landmark event also celebrates the centenary of the Japan Sumo Association, making it an especially significant occasion within the international sumo calendar.
For our team in Cornwall, it is a great honour to see flags produced in our own factory become part of such an important celebration of Japanese sport, history and culture.
50 Giant Nobori Flags Featuring Key Sponsor Logos
The 50 flags supplied for the event each stand approximately four metres tall and feature branding from key event sponsors.
Based on the traditional Japanese Nobori format, the flags use a tall, rectangular shape supported by an upright pole and horizontal top arm. This distinctive construction helps the printed artwork remain clearly visible while creating height, colour and movement throughout the venue.
Displaying the sponsor logos across such a large collection of flags provides repeated brand exposure without losing the authentic character of the event. Positioned around entrances, walkways and prominent event areas, the Nobori Flags help create a visually powerful sense of arrival while recognising the organisations supporting the tournament.
At a major arena event, smaller graphics can easily become lost within the scale of the surroundings. A coordinated installation of 50 oversized flags provides the visibility required to complement the venue architecture and create a strong, consistent visual identity.
“Supplying 50 giant Nobori Flags for such a prestigious international event is a real honour for everyone at Sailflags. Although we are widely known for our Feather Flags, we have a long history of producing traditional Japanese Nobori Flags and specialist large-format displays for major events. To see flags manufactured by our team in Cornwall displayed at the Accor Arena in Paris is something we are incredibly proud of.”
“Supplying 50 giant Nobori Flags for such a prestigious international event is a real honour for everyone at Sailflags. Although we are widely known for our Feather Flags, we have a long history of producing traditional Japanese Nobori Flags and specialist large-format displays for major events. To see flags manufactured by our team in Cornwall displayed at the Accor Arena in Paris is something we are incredibly proud of.”
Adam Haycock, Managing Director of Sailflags
Large-Scale Flag Production for a Major International Event
Producing 50 large-format flags for an internationally significant event requires more than simply enlarging a standard design.
Sponsor artwork must remain sharp and clearly identifiable when printed at scale. Colours need to be consistent across the entire collection, while the placement and proportions of every logo must work effectively within the long, narrow Nobori format.
The finishing and construction must also be carefully considered. Each flag needs to hang correctly from its pole system, retain its intended shape and deliver a consistent appearance when displayed alongside the others.
Every stage of the project was managed by the Sailflags team in Cornwall, from artwork preparation and colour checking through to printing, sewing and final quality control.
Continuing Sailflags’ Connection With Sumo
This is not the first time Sailflags has been selected to produce bespoke Nobori Flags for a major international sumo event.
In 2025, our Cornwall team was commissioned to manufacture Nobori Flags for the Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall. The flags featured the names of competing sumo teams and sponsors, bringing an important element of traditional Japanese presentation to one of London’s most recognisable venues.
To now see another major collection of Sailflags-produced Nobori Flags travel from Cornwall to Paris continues a connection that we are extremely proud of.
These projects demonstrate how specialist flag-making skills can support some of the world’s most distinctive sporting and cultural occasions. While every event is different, the requirement remains the same: accurate printing, skilled finishing and a finished product capable of doing justice to the setting in which it will be displayed.
More Than Feather Flags
Sailflags is widely known for producing high-quality custom Feather Flags, but our experience extends far beyond our best-known promotional flag range.
For more than 20 years, we have manufactured custom flags and banners for businesses, councils, venues, exhibitions and major events across the UK, Europe and beyond.
Our work includes:
- Traditional flags and building flags
- Japanese Nobori Flags
- Oversized and bespoke event flags
- Feather, Teardrop and Banner Flags
- Printed fabric and mesh banners
- Arena, festival and venue branding
- Sponsor-branded flag installations
- Custom display products for unusual projects
Because our products are printed and finished in-house, we can adapt materials, dimensions, sewing methods and finishing details for projects that cannot be fulfilled using standard off-the-shelf products.
This flexibility is particularly important for large events, where flags may need to meet precise visual, practical or cultural requirements.
The History and Impact of Japanese Nobori Flags
Nobori Flags have a long history in Japan, with early examples used to identify different groups, communicate messages and mark important locations.
Their tall, narrow shape allowed symbols and information to remain visible above crowds. Over time, Nobori became widely associated with temples, festivals, shops, restaurants, sporting occasions and public celebrations.
Although modern printing allows detailed sponsor logos and full-colour artwork to be reproduced, the fundamental principle remains unchanged: colour, height and movement naturally attract attention.
This makes custom Nobori Flags especially suitable for:
- Japanese cultural events
- Sumo and martial arts tournaments
- Festivals and public celebrations
- Restaurants and food venues
- Exhibitions and visitor attractions
- Arena entrances and walkways
- Sponsor branding and event partnerships
- Large-scale branded installations
The format can help transform a space rather than simply advertise within it. A carefully arranged display of Nobori Flags creates atmosphere, establishes a visual theme and provides strong visibility for event partners.
Proudly Produced in Cornwall
There is something particularly special about seeing 50 specialist flags travel from our factory in Cornwall to an internationally significant event in the heart of Paris.
Every flag represents the combined work of our design, printing, production and sewing teams. From checking sponsor artwork and managing colour reproduction to printing the fabric and completing the final finishing, each stage is handled with care.
Although the finished flags may be seen by thousands of spectators, their journey begins here in Cornwall with a team of skilled craftspeople who understand how flags need to look, move and perform.
From Cornwall to Paris
Supplying 50 giant Nobori Flags for the Paris Sumo Tournament is a proud moment for everyone at Sailflags.
It reflects both our long history as a UK flag manufacturer and our ability to produce specialist, large-format flags for major sporting, cultural and international events.
We may be best known for Feather Flags, but projects such as this demonstrate the breadth of experience behind the Sailflags name. From individual promotional displays to large sponsor-branded installations destined for world-famous arenas, every project receives the same commitment to print quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail.
From Cornwall to Paris, we are proud to see our flags playing a part in this remarkable event.
Bespoke Nobori Flags for Events, Sponsors and Venues
Sailflags produces custom Nobori Flags in standard and bespoke sizes for restaurants, cultural organisations, festivals, exhibitions, venues and major events.
We can also produce coordinated collections featuring sponsor logos, event branding, individual names or multiple artwork variations.
Our team can advise on flag dimensions, fabrics, print options, pole systems, finishing and suitable display arrangements. Whether you require a small group of Japanese-style flags or a large-scale installation for an arena, festival or sponsor activation, we can help develop a solution suited to the project.
Contact Sailflags to discuss custom Nobori Flags, oversized event flags or bespoke large-format flag printing.
