USA SUMO: MUSASHIMARU HIGHLIGHTS, Grand Sumo Open, Grand Sumo Las Vegas, US SUMO OPEN

Legendary, record-holding Yokozuna MUSASHIMARU joined California Sumo Association members for several events nationwide Musashimaru joined California Sumo Association and US Sumo Open competitors for a special 150th anniversary commemoration of US-Japan relations in Washington D.C. on April 3-4, 2004. On April 3, Musashimaru and CSA members participated in two sumo demonstrations on the martial arts stage at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. On April 4, Musashimaru was the guest of honor at the annual Japan Bowl. Musashimaru also coached CSA members and visiting students of Japanese in proper sumo technique.

Upon returning to Los Angeles, Musashimaru was interviewed at a press conference, and also was a special guest at a dinner hosted by the Japan America Society on April 5.

On April 6, Musashimaru was cheered on by nearly 1,000 fans at the US Sumo Open as he appeared to greet the crowd and participate in the kagamiwari (sake barrel breaking ceremony). In celebration of the US-Japan anniversary, Musashimaru was joined by representatives of the Japan Foundation and the Consulate General of Japan. National Cherry Blossom Festival >>

2004 - US SUMO OPEN Press Conference

Musashimaru and CSA Director Andrew Freund speak at the press conference in Los Angeles on April 6.

Musashimaru answers questions for both Japanese and American media.

2004 - Dinner Reception with Musashimaru

Dinner guests ask Musashimaru questions.

Musashimaru entertains guests at the celebration dinner on April 5.

2004 - US SUMO OPEN

Timur Baatar accepts the lightweight silver medal for the second year in a row.

With his second consecutive lightweight gold medal, Joe Davis wins a bottle of Hakutsuru Sake.

Middleweight champion Kena Heffernan poses with fellow Hawaiian, Musashimaru.

Heavyweight medallists Petar Stoyanov (Bulgaria), Tyler Tuione (USA), and Jondo Darbundashvili (Georgia) pose with Musashimaru.

Two Hawaiians (Kena Heffernan and Musashimaru) with two Bulgarians (Mongolian-born Timur Baatar and Petar Stoyanov).

2005 - Grand Sumo Open

MUSASHIMARU was our special guest at the August 14, 2005 Grand Sumo Open in Little Tokyo (Los Angeles), the first event ever to include both active amateur and professional sumo wrestlers.

2005 - Grand Sumo Las Vegas

MUSASHIMARU was a featured guest and speaker at Grand Sumo Las Vegas, the historic pro sumo competition at Mandalay Bay on October 7-9, 2005

2006 - US SUMO OPEN

MUSASHIMARU was a repeat special guest at the 2006 US Sumo Open, serving as commentator and judge.

2006 - Ocean's 13

MUSASHIMARU is a featured sumo wrestler in this film, competing against long-time rival and fellow Grand Champion (both from Hawaii), AKEBONO. Shooting took place in Los Angeles in September, 2006.

Photos: Chieko Hayashi, Chuck Green