TOKYO - Yokozuna Onosato and ozeki Aonishiki on Wednesday were among the second group of sumo wrestlers to depart for Paris as part a delegation to join a two-day exhibition tournament.
Speaking to reporters at Tokyo's Haneda airport, grand champion Onosato said he hopes the event will help introduce Japan's ancient sport to overseas fans, saying, "I want to deliver a good performance."
"My recovery has been going well. It's nice to get away for a change after a long time. Hopefully it will have a positive effect," said Onosato, who sat out the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in May with a left shoulder issue.
Aonishiki, the Ukrainian-born sekiwake who is aiming to become the first European-born wrestler to reach the sport's highest rank of yokozuna, said he was looking forward to visiting Paris, describing the French capital as a historic city with many tourist attractions.
"I want to show my style of sumo," said Aonishiki, who also missed the May tournament and is set to be demoted from the second-highest rank.
Komusubi Wakatakakage, the winner of the previous meet, was also among those departing in the second group. The first group, including Japan Sumo Association chief Hakkaku and yokozuna Hoshoryu, arrived in Paris earlier.
The exhibition, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, will be the JSA's third event in the French capital, following similar tournaments held in 1986 and 1995.
