Rikishi in Paris activities

[Moti Dichne]

The Kyokai has updated its Instagram account on the 12th, posting candid photos of both Yokozuna, Houshouryuu and Oonosato. The two are visiting Paris, France for the Grand Sumo Paris koen (13th and 14th), which is being held for the first time in 31 years. The post, captioned "What the two have been up to since arriving in Paris," includes photos of them appearing at a press conference held in Paris, as well as photos of them enjoying baguettes with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Fans and followers have left comments such as, "It's great to see them both smiling," "They both look so cool!", "The baguette looks so small," and "It's nice to see the friendly Yokozuna duo again."

 

Yesterday Yoshinofuji and Hakunofuji visited the Parc des Princes, the home stadium of Paris Saint-Germain, the powerhouse that has won the European Champions League twice in a row, and toured the inside of the stadium. Both rikishi were presented with jerseys bearing their names and kicked a ball around on the sidelines of the pitch. Yoshinofuji smiled and said, "I was so moved. I received such wonderful presents, it was the best." The final day of the Paris performances on the 14th (15th Japan time) coincides with Japan's first match in the FIFA World Cup. Yoshinofuji said, "Japan was so strong in the last tournament and it was so exciting, so I have high hopes for this tournament as well," expressing his wish for Japan's success. Hakunofuji, who played soccer in his childhood, sent his support by saying, "I'll be cheering you on from France."