Takanohana’s Sumo for Children - Exceptional Workshop by legendary Yokozuna

ABOUT - Takanohana Kōji (貴乃花 光司) is a former Japanese sumo wrestler, stablemaster, and coach. Son to legendary Ozeki Takanohana Kenshi, Takanohana was born into the renowned sumo family, called the "Hamada dynasty". Often referred to as the "Prince of Sumo", Takanohana throughout his career continued to make moments that remain engrained in history, from being the youngest ever to reach the top division at the age of 17, the youngest ever to defeat a yokozuna, youngest ever to be promoted to Ozeki, and only one to accumulate so many top division titles before becoming the 65th yokozuna (highest rank in Sumo), with the sixth highest record ever of winning tournaments. He has been named one of the most influential figures in the Heisei Era.

After retiring at the age of 30, he became head coach and stablemaster of the Takanohana stable from 2004 through 2018 and served as director on the board of the Japan Sumo Association between 2010 to 2018. In 2019, Takanohana Koji founded the Takanohana Basho General Incorporated Association, dedicated to enriching lives through the practice and spirit of Sumo-do, with emphasis on children.

Participants

15 foreign children between the ages of 4-13 yrs old will be selected to participate in a hands on Sumo experience under the guidance of Takanohana Oyakata.

Hosted by the Japan Institute of Culture & International Exchange, and the SDGs Future Investment Laboratory

Supported by ORIENTALBIO Co., Ltd., and Aqua Bank Co. Ltd

IMPORTANT A -

**When applying for participation we ask for your understanding and approval that：

- A Professional Photographer will be present on the day and photo(s) will be provided to the participating families

- Please refrain from making any photos containing Takanohana public (including uploading to SNS) due to image rights

- Video images will be taken on the day by the sponsors and may be used at a later date. There also is the possibility of Media presence. Media and members of staff may take pictures and or shoot film that may be used at a later date, and participants will be required to sign a consent concerning the use of images prior to participation.

- A ChankoNabe (sumo hot pot stew) tasting experience will be provided during lunch time to participants, however as the stable is not a restaurant and not accommodated to restauration, participation will be optional and under the responsibility of participants.