Sumo at the White House

[rowan klein <rowank@onthenet.com.au>]

Found this recently. Thought it was a little interesting.

wanchan


The Japan Times, Thursday 14th November 1907

HITACHIYAMA IN AMERICA.

    Hitachiyama, the champion sumo wrestler of Japan, gave a very
interesting and successful exhibition of his art, with the aid of his
disciples, at the White House today, in the presence of the President, who
expressed himself greatly pleased and edified by the display, reports the
New York correspondent of the Advertiser. In American athletic circles the
possibility of getting up a contest with representative American
heavy-weight wrestlers is discussed, many being of the opinion that in
spite of Hitachiyama's undoubted skill and strength, the superior staying
power and muscle promoted by the catch-as-catch-can, Cumberland, and
Greco-Roman styles would prove a match for the visitor, the principles of
sumo being already recognized as distinct from those of jujitsu.

The Japan Times, Friday 15th November 1907

HITACHIYAMA AND THE PRESIDENT.

    London, Nov. 12. Washington is amused over the report that President
Roosevelt declined the challenge of Hitachiyama, the Japanese expert in
jujitsu now giving exhibitions there. The President good-humoredly explains
that he thinks Hitachiyama too much for him.