Osaka EXPO tournament

[Moti Dichne]

Today, in preparation for the "Osaka-Kansai Expo Tournament," Osaka-born Takekuma Oyakata (former Ozeki Goueidou) paid a courtesy visit to Osaka Governor Yoshimura Hirofumia ahead of the August 3rd show. After the visit, Takekuma Oyakata held a press conference at the Osaka Prefectural Office and said, "I think this is a rare opportunity to spread the appeal of sumo to the world. I hope it will be an attractive event for first-time viewers." Approximately 200 wrestlers will participate, and a dohyo will be set up at the "EXPO Messe WASSE" inside the Expo site to show bouts of top-ranked rikishi, some shokkiri comedy sumo , and sumo jinku (traditional songs). According to the organizers, the venue can accommodate approximately 4,000 people. In Makuuchi of this coming Natsu Basho, Gounoyama, Ura, and Asakouryuu are all from Osaka, and Takekuma Oyakata shared his expectations, saying, "If these three rise to the occasion, it light up the place. I'm looking forward to it."