The Japanese Sumo Association has announced that a 110 strong group (consisting of wrestlers, referees, and ushers) will take part in a three-day exhibition tour of Las Vegas this autumn. An event that should produce a few memorable images if nothing else.
Especially if the distinctive looking Toki could manage to squeeze his bulk and his sideburns into a white Elvis-esque jumpsuit.
And it would be even better if the other sumo wrestler to sport sideburns, “tiny†Takanotsuru, joined him.
Jen says
I hope I can check it out! I’ll have to keep my eyes open for this event. Thanks for the info! 🙂
Wahn says
Lee: Do they sell any sumo match videos there? Im particularly interested in the opening ceremony there the priest – is he a priest? – welcomes the wrestlers in.
Lee says
Do you mean this bit (next to last picture) Wahn? If so I’m almost positive that it’s the gyoji (referee) that conducts proceedings.
I’m pretty sure I’ve seen videos/dvds at the Kokugikan where tournaments are held in Tokyo. Although I’ve never really looked properly as I’ve been luckily enough to see it live.
I’ll hopefully be going again in May when the sumo roadshow is back in Tokyo, so I’ll have a look for you if you want.
When a friend and I went last weekend we went down to the front (and expensive) seats early on to take a few pictures. Hence the close ups above. But in an incredible stroke of luck, nobody came to claim the seats, despite the day being sold out. Meaning we spent the whole day ringside, which was an incredible experience to say the least.
I’ve already started praying to the sumo gods for similar good fortune next time!
Bunny says
ELVIS LIVES!!!!!!!
Wahn says
Im not sure Lee, probably is. I saw a documentary on the trditions of the sport on Discovery Channel a few months back. It’s about his -the alleged priest/gyoji’s- retirement and hosting of his final season.
Brett says
The bottom guy even has the Elvis pelvis grab and thrust going on. I’d love to see him in a gold lame suit