In Japan people usually retire at the age of 60 or 65. Yesterday the former sumo wrestler Sekiwake Takamiyama (関脇高見山), real name is Watanabe Daigoro (渡辺大五郎), and the original name is Jesse James Wailani Kuhaulua from Hawaii retired from the sumo world. Today is his 65th birthday.
He came to Japan in 1964 and became the first foreign born rikishi (力士), sumo wrestler to win the top division championship in 1972. He was also the first foreign born wreslter ever to take charge of a training stable called Azumazeki beya(東関部屋).
Yesterday he had a retirement party, and 1000 people got together. The letters from President Obama who was also from Hawaii and Prime Minister Aso Taro(麻生太郎) were read at the party.
Today the US House of Representatives decided the appreciation resolution for his contributions to the Japanese Sumo world for 45 years and to the friendship he made between Japan and the USA.
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