Fan Club of Sumo Wrestler Osunaarashi Established in Egypt

Cairo, Nov. 29 (Jiji Press)--A fan club for Osunaarashi, the first "makuuchi" top division sumo wrestler from the Middle East and Africa region, has been established in his home country of Egypt. At an event held at the Japanese embassy in Cairo on Thursday, Alaa Eddin Shaalan, the father of Osunaarashi, said that he hopes the fan club will make sumo known to more people in Egypt. Expectations are high that Osunaarashi, 21, can play a role in enhancing Japan-Egypt friendship through his performances in the traditional Japanese sport. Hiroko Tsuchiyama, a 65-year-old Japanese who operates a farm in Egypt, said she feels a responsibility as the founder of the fan club. She promised to continue supporting Osunaarashi until he reaches the rank of "yokozuna" grand champion. Osunaarashi was promoted to the sport's makuuchi division after 10 tournaments, the fastest ever for a non-Japanese wrestler. At the ground sumo tournament in November, however, he logged his first losing record, with seven wins and eight losses. END