Previous Story
Japanese sumo wrestlers visit Saipan
The immaculate beach side of Hyatt Regency Saipan was transformed into an impromptu dohyō, or sumo wrestling ring, last Saturday, with three visiting Japanese sumo wrestlers giving spectators a lighthearted look at one of Japan’s oldest sporting traditions.
A bunch of kids teamed up and tried their might to push sumo wrestler Kyokutenho Masaru out of the ring during a mock wrestling bout at the Hyatt Regency Saipan last Saturday.
(Frauleine S. Villanueva)
Kids and adults were given a chance to meet—and mock wrestle—with Kyokutenho Masaru, one of Japan’s favorite sumo wrestlers, along with two other reigning champions from Tomozuna-beya, a group of sumo wrestlers.
The children made gleeful attempts to push the wrestlers out of the ring and even the adults in the audience took turns trying—and failing—to make the three champion wrestlers budge. The sumo wrestlers themselves frolicked with the kids, swinging them in the air and flipping them on their backs, to squeals of delight.
The sumo wrestlers’ visit to Saipan was the brainchild of Chiaki Nagumo, Marianas tourism ambassador and chairman of the Saipan Japan Cultural Exchange Program Association, who promoted the event as a way to help Saipan residents recover from the devastation of Typhoon Soudelor.
“It makes me happy, very, very happy. Especially because the kids, the smile on their faces, you can see their excitement,” said Nagumo.
Because of the visit, the wrestlers are now thinking of training on island during the winter. Nagumo said Kyokutenho is considering bringing his team of 30 wrestlers here.
“He is very, very impressed of this island. It met the requirements for training, the people are good, the atmosphere is good, and the weather is good,” Nagumo said.
Food was also served at Saturday’s event, with Hyatt providing chanko nabe or hot pot soup and onigiri or rice ball to the attendees.
Other sponsors of the event were Kinpachi Restaurant, Himawari, and Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan.
