Sumo at the beach

It was a fun day as professional wrestlers Kyokutaisei Takuya, left, and Kyokushiuho Koki, center, play with children at the sumo wrestling exhibition last Saturday at the beach side of Hyatt Regency Saipan. (BEA CABRERA)

The beach side of Hyatt Regency Saipan was transformed into a makeshift dohyu last Saturday, with a select group of children enjoying a rare treat—a demonstration of sumo wrestling.

The highly ritualized and ancient sport of sumo wrestling showed off its lighter and goofier side, with two professional sumo wrestlers from the prestigious Tomozuna stable doing a demonstration that delighted a select group of students and their parents.

Champion wrestlers from the Tomozuna stable graced the event: Tomozuna owner and shunin, Kyokutenho, and best rank maegashira Kyokutaisei Takuya, Kyokushiuho Koki, and Asahisho Kota. Maehashira is the highest salaried rank of a sumo wrestler.

Bringing sumo wrestlers to Saipan—as part of Hyatt Regency Saipan’s celebration of its upcoming 40th anniversary this year—was the idea of Kobe Portopia Hotel Corp. president and owner Hitoshi Nakauchi, whose company owns Hyatt Regency Saipan.

“…because Hyatt has been here for so many years, Mr. Nakauchi wants the children to see and understand the Japanese culture. He believes that the children are our future and since Japan and Saipan have a rich history together, Mr. Nakauchi wants that connection to stay alive,” said Hyatt general manager Nick Nishikawa.

“Sumo wrestling is a complicated society in Japan as they undergo so much discipline and dedication to the sport. …It is difficult to organize and sponsor any private sumo wrestler appearances, and have them travel outside of Japan. …Now that we have them here on Saipan is a wonderful opportunity for them to meet children and enjoy the beauty of the islands,” he added.

Before the sumo wrestling exhibition, families and guests were treated to a freshly cooked “Chankonabe,” a Japanese hot pot that is included in a sumo wrestler’s diet. According to Isao Usui, sales manager of the group, Chankonabe is packed with nutritious ingredients that help sumo wrestlers maintain their strength and physique.

“It is filled with different kinds of vegetables and tons of protein like pork and chicken broth. This well-balanced meal is traditionally eaten by sumo wrestlers but also enjoyed at home or some restaurants,” he said.

“This is a good way of introducing the sumo wrestler’s way of life to the people of Saipan. …We have been here four to five times in the past and it was stopped because there were no more flights from Japan. But now we have direct flight again through Skymark Airlines [and] we are happy to be back,” he added.

Even with the renewal of Hyatt’s land lease with the CNMI government still up in the air, Nishikawa said that the CNMI can expect more community events from the Hyatt this year. “…Our top responsibilities are to serve our guests and continue to be a community partner. …We only offer 100% service,” he said.

“Tourism is the only industry on this island, so it is upon us to fulfill that important role to support this industry.”