TOKYO - Sumo grand champion Hoshoryu and other top wrestlers departed Tokyo's Haneda airport Tuesday for Paris, where they will showcase Japan's ancient sport in a two-day exhibition tournament at the weekend.
Japan Sumo Association head Hakkaku and ozeki wrestler Kirishima were also among the traveling party flying out for the first overseas meet since last October's London event.
Speaking to reporters before boarding his flight, Hoshoryu expressed his sense of duty as an ambassador for the sport.
"I want to show what sumo is all about," the yokozuna said. "I will do my best."
The 27-year-old nephew of Mongolian great Asashoryu said he was also mindful about his health following his withdrawal from the May grand tournament with a hamstring injury.
"I just want to make sure the injury doesn't get worse," he said.
Hoshoryu said he looked forward to sightseeing and trying the local cuisine during his first visit to the French capital.
"There are so many places I've only seen in movies," he said. I'm looking forward to it because I've heard the bread is delicious."
The two-day exhibition through Sunday will be the sumo association's third tournament in Paris, following similar events in 1986 and 1995.
The delegation includes around 130 people traveling in two groups. Yokozuna Onosato is among those set to fly on Wednesday.
