Towering at 1.93m (6-foot-4) and donning a kimono and sandals, with his hair oiled and tied in a bun, Takaaki Tsukahara, also known by his fighting name “Tochitaikai,” was an unmistakable figure as he embarked on sightseeing in Paris. Accompanied by his fellow rikishi, Hideki Suzuki, or “Tochikodai,” who stood at a comparatively shorter 1.77m, the duo made for a unique presence among the city’s iconic landmarks.
Tochitaikai, embracing his inner tourist, playfully posed as if grasping the Louvre Pyramid between his fingertips, while curious onlookers seized the opportunity to capture selfies with the unusual duo serving as an impromptu monument.
“The buildings in Paris are truly magnificent, and I am in awe,” the 25-year-old Tochitaikai shared with AFP, expressing his amazement during his first trip outside of Japan. This journey marked a significant step in promoting his sport’s rare international foray.
While foreign tournaments were more frequent in the 1980s and 1990s, professional events abroad had been scarce since 2005, when the sport ventured to Las Vegas. Now, Tochitaikai and Tochikodai found themselves in the City of Lights, announcing an upcoming tournament at the Bercy arena for June 2026—the very same venue that will host gymnastics and the basketball finals during the 2024 Olympic Games.
This tournament will mark the third sumo event to be held in the country. The first, back in 1986, captivated Jacques Chirac, then the mayor of Paris, who went on to become a devoted fan. By the time the second tournament rolled around in 1995, Chirac had ascended to the French presidency, a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal.
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| Tochitaikai Yu, a Rikishi, strikes a pose in front of the Louvre Pyramids, Paris, on February 5, 2025. Photo by AFP |
On a chilly February afternoon, the fog-shrouded upper reaches of the Eiffel Tower provided a mysterious backdrop to the duo’s exploration of the city. They ventured to iconic sites such as the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the Trocadero, and the city hall, happily posing for photos with both the landmarks and intrigued passersby.
Hamade Bettayeb, a 51-year-old truck driver, shared his delight at the sight of the rikishis, recalling how it immediately brought to mind President Chirac’s passion for the sport. “I’m very happy to have them here,” he added.
The future holds promise for the duo, as strong results could pave the way for their return to Paris in the coming year. Tochikodai, ever enthusiastic about taking sumo on the road, remarked on the warm reception they received: “In Tokyo, it’s different, but when we visit other regions, people are delighted, and there is a sense of admiration.”
For Tochitaikai, this journey was the fulfillment of a dream. “I believe we represent something sacred in Japan, something cherished by the Japanese people,” he reflected. Having struggled academically, he found his calling in the world of sumo, choosing a path where he could forge a living with his physical prowess.
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