Yoi-Sho!!!

Is what the audience shouts when the wrestlers kick their leg up and stomp on the ground. Last weekend, my friend Julia invited me to the Grand Sumo Tournament at the sports arena. It was their first time in LA in 27 years and her company, Sakura was one of the sponsors. We arrived a bit early to set up gift bags. I was happy when I saw that they were using cute red, reusable, cloth bags. I couldn’t believe it when I came across the bags from another sponsor- plastic? JANKY!! Not to mention when I walked around to check out the vendors, I noticed another company making gift bags out of plastic bags as well. Asians love them some petroleum based, non-biodegradable bags. I’m gonna have to have a talk with my peoples soon.

Anyway, the fights were amazing to watch and it was cool seeing all the gentle giants chilling in the hallways, some in robes and others in the traditional mawashi. Sumo’s are like royalty in Japan and it was funny to see all the fans back at the hotel going ape-shit over getting pics with them. Thanks to Julia and to Sakura for having me as a guest at this historic event.

Posted by thuy