Japan Sumo Association lays groundwork for Trump visit

The Japan Sumo Association is preparing to host Donald Trump at an upcoming tournament after learning the U.S. President wants to watch a live sumo bout during his visit to Japan at the end of May, a source with the organization said Friday.

The sport’s organizing body has reserved seats for Trump on May 26, the final day of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo, and has been considering its security measures since March, the source said.

Trump and his aides have requested box seats located near the first three rows at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan during his visit, which is expected to take place from May 26-28.

The JSA plans to reserve several box seats that surround the president’s seat for security personnel, as well as those located near the path that the president will take to his seat.

Wow, who knew Trump was a closet Sumo fan! And what a publicity tour de force.

And seated in the first three rows, that's awful close to the wrestling platform, or Dohyo, made of bails of hay and clay for each of the six tournaments a year.

The Emperor and other dignitaries are usually seated in a balcony high above the crowd. Trump will be close enough for a wrestler to be thrown on top of him from the ring.

So much to know about Sumo. It will do the Japanese people a great honor to attend, and also endear Trump to Japan's Deplorables.

Sumo is a pure sport. Wrestlers must train very hard and endure lots of pain. The best wrestlers in recent years hail from Mongolia, a few from Eastern Europe. No grandstanding (spiking the football, etc.) is allowed.

Don't think fat guys: think interior linemen in football. Not much speed (in Sumo), but incredible leg flexibility, quickness, and muscular strength.

The current Sumo grand champion, Hakuho, is maybe the greatest champion ever! A photo shot of Trump handing a trophy to Hakuho will be something.

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