First, allow me to offer my congratulations on the holding of these grand Fifth Sumo World Championships at the Ryogoku Kokugikan with the finest rikishi from around the
world in attendance.
The Japan Sumo Association strives to promote, as one of Japan's national sports, the traditions of Sumo, and to contribute to its development. Our task is nothing less than that of passing on to future generations the sport of Sumo, which has become an integral part of the Japanese way of life. We have engaged in several projects to introduce this magnificent cultural tradition to other countries. Its growing recognition by people from other countries has led to the continuing internationalization of Sumo, and that has helped Sumo to flourish even more.
It is an achievement of truly historic significance that the International Sumo Federation, in striving to preserve the traditions of Sumo and contribute to its development, has overcome international and ethnic boundaries to again hold these Sumo World Championships, and for this I would like to offer my congratulations.
We at the Japan Sumo Federation plan to do everything we can to further the expansion of the Sumo World Championships and I hope that all of you will continue your admirable efforts.
