politics

Trump's sumo attendance raising security issues for organizers

41 Comments
By Yuri Kageyama

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41 Comments
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I've always found that fascinating," Trump told reporters last month,

because its the only sport where the guys are as big as he is?

describing sumo as "something I'll enjoy very much."

Put him in a mawashi and let him compete

12 ( +15 / -3 )

I wonder how many truckloads of salt they've ordered?

7 ( +8 / -1 )

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!

7 ( +11 / -4 )

featuring overweight men in top-knots and loincloths bashing each other in a circular mud ring.

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

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Trump has said he is having a trophy made for the sumo winner, which Japanese media have already informally dubbed the "Trump Cup."

I thought it was because Trump looks like a sumo wrestler himself.

Make sure it's smaller than the Emperor's Cup.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Is Trump really that big? I've never noticed. Anyway, a big fat man falling the President might be a real concern.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

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.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

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.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

I am a foreigner.Strange cocktail here. More venom than hospitality

Welcome to any discussion of modern politics. For your sanity, it's probably best if you don't spend much time dwelling on it.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

StrangerlandToday  06:01 pm JST

He’s fat. There is no denying that. He’s also very tall, so his frame holds it well.

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

3 ( +4 / -1 )

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.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

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.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

@ redelmotalking:

He’ll be miffed that there’s no beer ..

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.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

I am a foreigner.Strange cocktail here. More venom than hospitality

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Don't ruin Sumo with politics.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

"JK" above put it best.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

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!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

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"

2 ( +2 / -0 )

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.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

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.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"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.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

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.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

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.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I shudder to think of the repercussions, should the prez get accidentally beaned by a flying zabuton.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Where should the throne be placed?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

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 ..

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

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.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

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."

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

Why ? Japan is very safe.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

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.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

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

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

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!

Trump's fat enough he could step in the ring.

There is no need to insult or disrespect Trump.

-17 ( +9 / -26 )

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