Professional Luncheon,
Hakuho,
The 69th Yokozuna

The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation.

Japan's traditional discipline of Sumo is being increasingly dominated by wrestlers from overseas. A trend set earlier by Hawaiians has now been taken over by wrestlers from Mongolia.

Hakuho is a Sumo wrestler from Ulan Bator. He arrived in Japan in October 2000 and made his professional debut the next year, at the age of 16. Hakuho reached the top Makuuichi division three years later and, on May 30, 2007, he became only the second Mongolian and fourth non-Japanese wrestler to be promoted to the highest rank in Sumo, Yokozuna.

Hakuho has won 10 tournaments to date, including the Grand Championship in March, with no losses. He now ranks second to his fellow countryman Asashoryu, while Sumo enthusiasts predict that it is only a matter of time before he dislodges his rival and takes the top position.

Come and ask the Mongolian man-mountain his views on Japan's national sport, the increasing foreign influence and the likelihood of the discipline making it into the Olympic Games.

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Sandwich Plate: Smoked salmon, red onion & rucola on campagne with mustard cream cheese, tomato and pickles.
Hot Plate: Baked rack of lamb cacciatore with roast potatoes, green vegetables and green salad.

Hakuho