'Shiraku' -- Japan mourns Chirac, sumo ultra-fan

You can disagree with his politics, but you can't deny he was a cultivated and passionate man.

his successor Nicolas Sarkozy.

"How can anyone be fascinated by these battles between fat guys with slicked-down ponytails? Sumo wrestling is really not a sport for intellectuals," he was reported to have said.

And with way more class than Nicolas "Bling bling" Sarkozy.

Crikey. I never knew that. Good read that!

Beautiful, when people of different background make friends.

Sumo has declined along with him. Photo of glory days