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© Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Trump's sumo attendance raising security issues for organizers
By Yuri Kageyama TOKYO©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.
41 Comments
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Serrano
Every Japanese prime minister likes to trumpet close ties with this nation's most important ally
Especially close ties with Trump, haha, Abe has no worries, two years ago at the White House he endured a long handshake, haha
Security at the Ryogoku Kokugikan will not be a problem, if anyone attacks Trump, he'll take them down and beat them up like he did with Vince McMahon, haha
Aly Rustom
because its the only sport where the guys are as big as he is?
Put him in a mawashi and let him compete
Cricky
Great both of them should done nappies and body slap each other, its ancient ritual after all. Their wives can have a chat about those other women. Or schools. Hopefully at the end nobody has to kill themselves.
ksteer
I wonder how many truckloads of salt they've ordered?
Yubaru
I can not imagine Trump sitting on one of those seats, they are going to be forced to put in a chair to accommodate his butt, literally!
They should just reject his request and put him in the seats where the other dignitaries typically sit!
darknuts
Is Trump really that big? I've never noticed. Anyway, a big fat man falling the President might be a real concern.
Ganbare Japan!
I am really excited that Trump wants to see the unique ancient Japanese sport of Sumo. It demonstrates he is willing to learn about the culture of USAs most important partner. PM Abe, who is an excellent sportsman like Trump, will advice Trump the basics and history of Sumo. What an honor for the Grand Champion to receive the Grand Prize off Trump!
There is no need to insult or disrespect Trump.
CrazyJoe
I thought it was because Trump looks like a sumo wrestler himself.
Make sure it's smaller than the Emperor's Cup.
Serrano
This is pretty cool. I hope he enjoys it but I agree it may be tough for a tall, big guy to sit on tatami for a long period of time.
He's not gonna be there for a long time, he's gonna watch one or two matches, start talking with a gorgeous Japanese intelligence agent, leave with her in her car, and be taken to Tiger Tanaka's place where Tiger Tanaka will say, "I must say I am disappointed with the ease with which I could pull you in. The one thing my honorable mother taught me long ago was never to get into a car with a strange girl. But you, I'm afraid, will get into anything. With any girl."
half-hearted jumper
Trump 'claims' to be very tall. Yet... there's a lot of contention on that. He claims to be 6'3" (190cm), yet that doesn't "measure up". In all likelihood, he's closer to 6'1".
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/17/a-tall-tale-accuracy-of-trumps-medical-report-and-new-height-questioned
Seth M
I could swear I saw him play in American "wrestling" (WWE or something) before. I know that whole thing was a show. Can they arrange something similar for him in here? he's definitely got the weight, that would be mad funny.
HBJ
I hope he goes, and I hope he stays around to watch a Yokozuna lose...
...because my zabuton will get thrown with more purpose than usual.
Thomas Robert Mountcastle
Yes. It is time to start a petition: "Welcome Trump in the Dohyo!" Imagine the TV coverage.
The President of The USA in mawashi! No empty seats for sure.
akoppa
Where should the throne be placed?
Akie
Why ? Japan is very safe.
Bill Wright
President Trump is a fan of Sumo and considers it an honor the be allowed to displace the season owners front row seating position plus its an ideal position In which to present the trophy to the Winner.
redelmotalking
They’ll work out all the logistics and security issues and this will be great PR for Japan and Abe. I hope Trump doesn’t look bored though after 10 mins. He’ll be miffed that there’s no beer ..
Vernie Jefferies
Sitting in the front row is extremely dangerous. There are no logistics in preventing sumo wrestlers from getting knocked off the dohjo into the crowd below. That will not end well.
Ganbare Japan!
@ redelmotalking:
Of course theres beer and sake at Sumo. Its tradition for many watching. Trump and Abe are non Alcohol drinkers, so they dont care anyway.
JanuszB
I am a foreigner.Strange cocktail here. More venom than hospitality
extanker
Welcome to any discussion of modern politics. For your sanity, it's probably best if you don't spend much time dwelling on it.
mmwkdw
It's simple... arrange an exclusive "off-schedule" event, fill the arena with Security Staff, and have Trump and Abe sit at the front.... Done deal.
mmwkdw
And here's the fun thing... if Abe has no power to do this, but the new Emperor does... given that the relationship between the two is somewhat Warm, I think they may be a "Debt" owed between the two that could be called upon , should the Emperor Command such an event.
mmwkdw
"Modern Politics" vs "Modern Religion" the former has become deadlocked in a pathetic "he says/she says debacle" whilst the latter has become Polarized and Worryingly Dangerous.
William Bjornson
Security? Just say "NO!". Why should trump spoil the day for everyone else when his interest will wane after the second match? Just get him a private roon with a wall size screen and a bucket of KFC and a lead in by sean hannity and he won't know the difference.
JohnDigsJapan
That has to be one of the least attractive descriptions of sumo I've ever read.... It is something I'd think an American news organization would use to describe the sport, not a Japanese one...o
Patricia Yarrow
I agree JohnDigsJapan. An appalling and actually disrespectful, amateurish description of sumo. For a moment there, I thought this was a quote from The Donald himself.
JK
Don't ruin Sumo with politics.
RealCDN
"JK" above put it best.
toolonggone
Ganbare Japan!May 21 05:51 pm JST There is no need to insult or disrespect Trump.
Au contraire! There are many, so very many.
Davnetcat
LOL My cup is overflowing with all those tears. President Trump is a great fan of sports and there's one thing you can be sure of, it will draw a lot of viewers. A historical and cultural first for a visiting dignitary and true Icon.
NCIS Reruns
I shudder to think of the repercussions, should the prez get accidentally beaned by a flying zabuton.
redelmotalking
It's Japan. There will be no flying zabutons. Everyone will be instructed not to throw them if Trump is present and everyone will comply. Perfect omotenashi will be on display!
gokai_wo_maneku
I think I'll stay home this weekend. I live in Shinjuku, and as far as I know, Trump is not coming to Shinjuku. And yet, there is already a massive police presence building up everywhere here. Doesn't look friendly.
TorafusuTorasan
After reading the "overweight men in circular mud ring" knee-slapper, I want the writer's take on
NFL "steroid ingesting meatheads lumbering after a pigskin-covered conical sphere on a lawn-like surface"
NBA "overactive pituitary gland monstrosities prancing around a wooden floor like newborn draft horses"
Tennis "oversized calf muscle freaks batting air filled rubber globes on a mud court with cat-gut rackets"
TARA TAN KITAOKA
I Cannot understand Abe, why is he treating trump as his ally when trump is demanding heavy taxes on almost every Japanese export to the United states.