LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The legendary “YAMA” (pro sumo fighting name “Yamamotoyama”) is visiting multiple states from September 22 – October 9, 2011, coordinated by California Sumo Association.
The largest Japanese human in history, topping the scale at 600+ pounds, will spend most of his time in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Yama has been competing in sumo for 20 years, including a very successful university career, where he won 5 championships.
In Japanese professional sumo, Yama reached the highest “makuuchi” (all-star) division at the second fastest pace in pro sumo history, and he is well-known in Japan for his gargantuan size, and entertaining persona.
Yama is in the U.S. to promote sumo, do media interviews, meet his American fans, and also make public appearances to raise money for victims of the March 11 disaster in Japan. A portion of proceeds from many of Yama's public appearances will go to the Japan Red Cross.
“I am excited to visit Caifornia, and I look forward to meeting American sumo fans,” says Yama. “I also feel a responsibility to raise awareness and support for the victims of the March 11 Japan disaster.
“Thank you in advance to all the fans who have shown interest in me and my sport, and also to all of you who have shared your sympathy and support for the suffering of many in Japan during these past six months. I look forward to meeting you in person.”
| WHO: | 600-pound Sumo Star “YAMA” | |||
| WHAT: | Public Appearances, Charity fundraising, Photos, Autographs, Press Conference | |||
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WHEN/WHERE: |
Thurs, 9/29: | Fox “Good Day L.A.” morning show (8:45 AM), Los Angeles area (Channel 11) | ||
| Fri, 9/30: | Ozumo Restaurant (Santa Monica, CA) – public appearance | |||
| Sat., 10/1 (5 pm): |
Martial Arts Museum (Burbank, CA) – public appearance (fee includes Museum admission, professional photo with Yama, “tegata” handprint, and autograph) |
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| Mon, 10/3 (7 pm): | Ozumo Restaurant (San Francisco, CA) – public appearance | |||
| Tues, 10/4 (7 pm): | Ozumo Restaurant (San Francisco, CA) – public appearance | |||
More information is available at http://www.usasumo.com/news/yama.html.