Back home from Paris

[Moti Dichne]

The first group of Kyokai people, having finished the Paris Koen, returned to Haneda Airport on the 17th. Led by Chairman Hakkaku. Approximately 60 people, including Yokozuna Houshouryuu), appeared in the arrival lobby. Shortly after Houshouryuu, Ichiyamamoto and Wakamotoharu appeared, chatting and laughing, and the group returned home with various expressions on their faces after their long journey. They boarded a regular JAL flight, sharing the same plane as regular passengers. Tsukebito and those ranked Makushita and below were seated in economy class, while Sekitori were assigned business or first class according to their rank, and the same applied to gyoji and yobidashi. Some rikishi were provided with one seat, while others were given two. Speaking to reporters on behalf of the rikishi, Houshouryuu reflected on the Paris Koen, saying, "I am filled with gratitude for the fans who called out our names and cheered us on." He further added, "I think we were able to introduce sumo to people overseas, so I hope they will come to Japan and see it live," expressing his satisfaction at having conveyed the appeal of sumo. The second group, including Yokozuna Oonosato and Ozeki Aonishiki, is scheduled to arrive at Haneda Airport today.