I would like to express my thanks and pleasure at the
Seventh Sumo World Championship being held here at the
Ryogoku Kokugikan. This all could not have taken place
without the sponsorship of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
the Ministry of Culture and Education, the Japanese Olympic
Committee, the Japan Sumo Association, and TVAsahi as well as
the special support of Japan Foundation.
As you already know, sumo has a long history and
tradition. It is part of our country's cultural heritage and
has been nurtured by the people over the years. It is not
merely a game of winning and losing, but is a form of a
martial art that aims to produce a socially useful human form
by the training of mind, technique and body. I am truly happy
that this aspect of sumo has become popular and is widely
loved throughout the world.
It is our pleasure that today the continental sumo
championships are held every year in five continents and six
regions. The number of member countries of the International
Sumo Federation now counts up to 80. Such international
popularity of sumo was highly appreciated by the
International Olympic Committee and the International Sumo
Federation was granted the status of Recognized International
Federation on January 30, 1998. This indicates that sumo has
cleared the precondition to be an Olympic event and a greater
hope for the future has opened up.
The Sumo World Championships, so far held in Japan, will
be held outside of Japan for the first time next year. The
championship in Riesa, Germany will most likely be followed
by ones held in South and North America, giving the same
opportunities literally throughout the world.
This year's Sumo World Championship, the last tournament
held in sumo's birthplace for the time being, is important in
the sense that it distinguishes the first stage of
championship's history from the second stage that will start
next year. I therefore hope that the competitors fully
display their strength of trained mind, technique and body as
a compilation of their efforts to date so there will be no
regret, and demonstrate their spirit of fair play in their
bouts. I also hope that through the competition the
contestants will confirm their friendly feelings and
confidence to each other and promote international friendship
and goodwill.
In parting, I would like to express my deepest thanks to
all of those involved in the management of holding the
championship, and I pray for the success of this tournament
as well as the next one in Riesa, Germany.
Akira Sasai
President
International Sumo Federation
