Faced with large deficits at the time, JNR was receptive to the idea of selling the property, aided by its belief that if the new Kokugikan was built next to the station, the number of passengers served would increase. As the land in Kuramae was selected as a candidate site for the construction of a sewage treatment plant in Tokyo, the association acquired the means to purchase the land located in Ryōgoku. The move to Ryōgoku was decided in 1980, and in March 1982, a land purchase contract was concluded between JNR and the Sumo Association.
JNR's financial struggles prompted them to consider selling their property. They envisioned building a new Kokugikan near the station to increase passenger traffic. The selection of Kuramae for a sewage treatment plant led JNR to acquire land in Ryōgoku, which ultimately facilitated the move to that location.