KONISHIKI Kids in Japan 1997

This is the photo album of the 35 kids who visited Japan in January under the sponsorship of Konishiki. You can view the pictures taken by them during the one week stay.

Based on the theme of fostering Leaders of Tomorrow, Konishiki will be inviting 35 sixth graders from Hawaii from January 25 (Sat.) to 30 (Thur.). The group will visit Tokyo Disneyland, will meet with Japanese grade school children, and will cheer for Konishiki on the final day of the Hatsubasho (first) sumo tournament. he tour to Japan was planned by Konishiki and 35 kids were chosen from over 230 applicants. Five students were chosen from seven schools based on an essay that they had to write and also to kids that had not ridden airplanes yet in their lives.

The essays were screened by Konishiki and by the Principals of the seven schools. The unique screening factor of kids not having ridden airplanes was Konishiki's idea. This shows Konishiki concern for kids so that they can see the wide world and also is a message which is prevalent in his homepage.

ThanksLetter

[Schedule - 1997]

Jan 25	Arrive at Narita International Airport Check into hotel. Visit to Takasagobeya to see Konishiki's practive.
Jan 26	Visit Kokugikan in Ryogoku to see the final day of the Hatsubasho Tournament.
Jan 27	Visit a grade school in Meguro, Tokyo.
Jan 28	Welcome reception at the hotel.
Jan 29	Visit the scenic spots of downtown Tokyo.
Jan 30	Visit Tokyo Disneyland Depart Japan for Hawaii.

[Photo Album - 1997]

On January 25th at 1 p.m., 35 kids from Hawaii arrived at the Narita International Airport (without any chaperones). They were invited by Konishiki to visit Japan and also to see his tournament. The excited kids were warmly welcomed by Konishiki at the airport.

On the 26th, despite the jet lag, the kids were up and ready to go to Takasago Beya (stable) in Asakusa to see Konishiki's morning practice. The kids were surprised at the size of the sumo wrestlers. Some of the kids even took off their shirt to practice with the sumo wrestlers and to learn this new yet ancient sport. In the afternoon, the kids moved on to Ryogoku Kokugikan to cheer for Konishiki at the Senshuraku (final day of the tournament). Despite the big cheer from the kids, Konishiki lost the match but the kids were satisfied at the exciting match.

Jan 26 - Visit Kokugikan in Ryogoku to see the final day of the Hatsubasho Tournament


On the 27th, the kids visited Meguro Ward Elementary School and had lunch with the Japanese students. It was the first time that they ate at a Japanese school cafeteria. Later on they had a basketball match with the Japanese students. They also enjoyed tedama an ancient Japanese marble-like game. In the evening a welcome reception was held at their hotel. Konishiki attended with other wrestlers from Hawaii, Akebono (a Yokozuna) and Yamato. They were bombarded by the kids for autographs. The kids danced Hawaiian dances in return.

Jan 27 - Visit a grade school



Jan 27 - Reception


On the 28th, the kids went on a Tokyo tour. They toured the Tokyo Tower and also visited the Diet Building and even saw the Diet in session. Then they went to Yoyogi Park to meet Konishiki and to have lunch with him. The kids were surprised when Konishiki brought along his home-made sandwiches for everyone. The kids were surprised at the snow still left in the park since it was the first time that they had seen snow. In the afternoon, the kids went to shop in the Odakyu Department Store, and later to Asakusa, the downtown of Tokyo.

Jan 28 - Sightseeing trip of Tokyo





On the 29th, the kids visited Disneyland. They shook hands with Mickey Mouse and rode on amusement vehicles. Konishiki also went back to his childhood days.

The 30th was their final day in Japan. The kids were greeted by Konishiki at the airport. Shortly after, the plane left for Hawaii with the kids and a lot of presents and memories.