Sumo Wrestlers from Japan Join Pingtung's Bluefin Tuna Season Challenge

Sumo wrestlers from the Chozan Stable in Japan arrived in Pingtung to take on the challenge of lifting large bluefin tuna. As part of Pingtung's bluefin tuna cultural tourism season, the Donggang Fish Market welcomed a group of 'VIPs' today. Invited by the Pingtung County Government, the sturdy sumo wrestlers attempted the 'lift the bluefin tuna challenge.' However, due to the fatty and slippery nature of the tuna, they found it difficult to manage this task without prior experience, leading them to express that their perceptions of fish had completely changed, contributing to a lively atmosphere in the fish market.
Yin Feng-Lan, Director of the Department of Communication and International Affairs of the Pingtung County Government, welcomed the sumo wrestlers to Taiwan for the first time on behalf of County Mayor Chou Chun-Mi. She noted that the Pingtung bluefin tuna cultural tourism season has entered its 25th year, and that sumo wrestlers hold a revered place in Japan. The strength they displayed by lifting and transporting the tuna not only set a new milestone for the tourism season but also helped highlight the hard work of local fishermen. The hope is to lead the bluefin tuna cultural tourism season into the next 25 years through the participation of the sumo wrestlers.
The group first participated in the 'Lift the Bluefin Tuna and Guess its Weight' event and 'Fish Transport PK Challenge.' Three to four wrestlers attempted to lift the tuna with the Japanese team estimating its weight at 220 kg while the Pingtung team guessed 228 kg, with the final weighed result being 224 kg, resulting in a victory for the Japanese team. First-time lifter Funebiki Kichiman expressed his surprise at the size and slipperiness of the tuna, saying he never had the opportunity to handle such a large fish before, making it an eye-opening experience.
Next, the fish transport PK challenge took place, with the Pingtung team represented by Legislator Hsu Fu-Kuei competing against Sumo wrestler Gyoraisan. The excitement in the crowd built as both teams worked hard to transport the tuna to the finish line, ultimately leading to the Japanese team winning the championship badge. Chozan Stable's leader, Chozan Matsuyuki, stated that they enjoyed their first visit to Pingtung and appreciated the local customs, expressing hope for more friendly interactions in the future.
After the engaging competition, at the arrangement of the county government, the Japanese wrestlers continued their cultural immersion by visiting the Donggang East Dragon Palace and the King Boat Cultural Museum, with the aim of fostering a deeper cultural exchange. The final stop for the group was the Wutan Elementary School in Taiwu Township, where they had friendly exchanges with the local judo team, showcasing their sumo skills and allowing students to experience sumo wrestling, resulting in laughter and joy throughout.