It is again the time for the World Sumo Championships,
this year to be held for its seventh time at Ryogoku
Kokugikan, with all the top wrestlers from all over the
world.
Sumo is the national sport Japanese are proud of, as the
symbol of our culture and traditions. In recent years, sumo
has come to be known and loved worldwide, as a result of
which there is an increased number of people who not only
watch the sport but also give it a try as an amateur
wrestler.
It is not surprising, therefore, that the number of
participating countries keeps increasing year after year at
the World Sumo Championships that counts its seventh now. The
strength and skills of foreign wrestlers have come very close
to those of Japanese to the point that they can often beat
Japan.
Another point to make is the fact that all the
participants do stay at the various university sumo club
facilities affiliated with Japan Sumo Association, during the
tournament, putting them in daily contact with the Japanese
student sumo wrestlers. This is a wonderful way of
experiencing the true essence of sumo, providing them with
opportunities to understand the spirit of Japan. I have no
doubt that this whole process contributes a great deal to the
international friendship and goodwill.
It is truly our great pleasure to support and help the
Event develop further, by broadcasting it on the nationwide
network.
In closing, I wish each and every wrestler good luck, and
the Event a great success. At the same time, I would like to
extend our sincere respect and gratitude to all the concerned
parties led by Japan Sumo Association whose endeavors have
made the Event possible.
Kunio Ito
President & CEO
Asahi National Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
(TV Asahi)
