Sumo wrestlers to promote tourism
Israel’s embassy in Japan puts together team of famous sumo wrestlers to come to Israel, as part of effort to lure Japanese tourists to visit Holy Land
Israel’s ambassador to Japan, Eli Cohen, who leads the operation, has been in contact with a number of Japanese sumo organizations to form a delegation. Cohen has visited several organizations as a special guest to some of the most prominent wrestlers in Japan.
One sumo farm has already agreed to send sumo sportsmen to Israel. Although no final date has been set, it is believed that sumo wrestling stars will land at Ben-Gurion International Airport within months.
Ambassador Cohen said the whole staff at the embassy in Tokyo took part in making the project possible. “The visit of famous sumo wrestlers will have a big impact on the Japanese’s relations with Israel. They are the most popular people here, and if we can bring them to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and the Galilee, even photographing a sumo wrestler floating in the Dead Sea, Japanese tourists will be encouraged to come to Israel,” Cohen told Israel’s leading newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth.
The embassy is also exploring ways of organizing demonstration wrestling sessions between professional wrestlers, and between them and Israelis who have enough courage to face the heavy challenge.
“I hope we will succeed in finding Israeli wrestlers who will be willing to face them,” Cohen said.
El Al has already offered to provide the wrestlers free tickets as it tests the feasibility of a weekly commercial flight to Japan.
The Ministry of Tourism has been mobilized and will most likely arrange the stay of the wrestlers in Israeli hotels. The Foreign Ministry, including Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom himself, has also shown interest and pledged to do all to make the project a success.
