on this day: 1914

["Rowan Klein" <rowanchan@hotmail.com>]

The Japan Times, Saturday 13th June 1914

HITACHIYAMA RETIRES

THE GREAT WRESTLING CHAMPION'S FAREWELL

http://www.juryo.com/newspaper/19140613.jpg
Champion HITACHIYAMA in center.

The retirement of Hitachiyama from the ring, who is the champion wrestler of 
the past ten years, is to be marked with a special program of three days, 
beginning with yesterday at the Kokugikan, (the National Wrestling 
Amphitheatre) Ryogoku.
The first day of the festivities was marked by crowds of enthusiastic 
spectators, who have made the retiring champion their favorite, and who did 
not wish to miss the last opportunity of seeing the renowned wrestler in the 
ring.
The entrance, and the Amphitheatre itself was decorated with brilliant 
banners, streamers, bunting and flags, most of which were presented to the 
champion in honor of the occasion. Early in the morning, the crowds began to 
come, and at noon, the program was fairly in swing. Between 3 and 4 in the 
afternoon everyday, Hitachiyama will perform the ceremony of entering the 
ring, - to say goodbye.
To honor the record the champion has held, the Japanese press will present a 
sword to him this afternoon. While he was much admired for his skill as a 
wrestler, Hitachiyama was more like because of his personality, and he will 
be respected even after his retirement, by wrestlers and people.



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