Name: Anonymous 2010-04-05 9:16
Since the early 90s the increasing number of foreigner participating in Sumo in Japan has been somewhat of a controversy. 4 of the last 6 yokozunas have been born outside japan.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumo#Foreign_participation
On February 23, 2010 the Sumo Association announced that it had changed its definition of "foreign" to "foreign-born" (gaikoku shusshin), meaning that even naturalized Japanese citizens will be considered as foreigners if they were born outside Japan. The restriction on one foreign wrestler per stable was also reconfirmed.[13]
I've got no problems with gaijin doing sumo, but some official restrictions, and promotion of the sport overseas would be ideal. Having said that, the latest restriction shown above is a clear sign that the traditionalists are unconfortable with seeing roundeyes winning.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumo#Foreign_participation
On February 23, 2010 the Sumo Association announced that it had changed its definition of "foreign" to "foreign-born" (gaikoku shusshin), meaning that even naturalized Japanese citizens will be considered as foreigners if they were born outside Japan. The restriction on one foreign wrestler per stable was also reconfirmed.[13]
I've got no problems with gaijin doing sumo, but some official restrictions, and promotion of the sport overseas would be ideal. Having said that, the latest restriction shown above is a clear sign that the traditionalists are unconfortable with seeing roundeyes winning.