[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 479 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 479

Honoring the contributions of Takamiyama Daigoro to Sumo and to United 
                        States-Japan relations.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 21, 2009

    Ms. Hirono (for herself, Mr. Abercrombie, and Mr. Faleomavaega) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                           on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Honoring the contributions of Takamiyama Daigoro to Sumo and to United 
                        States-Japan relations.

Whereas Takamiyama Daigoro was born Jesse Kuhaulua in Maui, Hawaii, on June 16, 
        1944;
Whereas Takamiyama Daigoro entered professional Sumo, an ancient Japanese sport 
        with origins spanning over several centuries;
Whereas Takamiyama Daigoro was the first United States born sumo wrestler and 
        also became the first foreigner to win the top division championship of 
        Sumo in 1972;
Whereas upon his 1972 victory, United States Ambassador Robert Ingersoll read a 
        congratulatory message from President Richard Nixon, marking the first 
        time English words were spoken at a sumo tournament;
Whereas Takamiyama Daigoro competed in over 1400 matches, established numerous 
        records, and earned many awards over his 20-year career;
Whereas Takamiyama Daigoro became the first and only foreign born wrestler to 
        become an oyakata, or training master, by establishing a training stable 
        for sumo wrestlers;
Whereas Takamiyama Daigoro paved the way for Polynesian and other foreign 
        wrestlers to compete in this traditional ancient sport including 
        Saleva'a Atisano'e, also known as Konishiki, who became the first 
        foreigner to reach ozeki, the second highest sumo rank, Chad Rowan, also 
        known as Akebono, who became the first foreigner to reach yokozuna, the 
        highest sumo rank, and Fiamalu Penitani, also known as Musashimaru, who 
        became the second foreigner to reach yokuzuna; and
Whereas Takamiyama Daigoro is retiring on June 16, 2009, at the mandatory 
        retirement age of 65: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) honors Takamiyama Daigoro's achievements to Sumo and 
        his contributions to enhancing United States-Japan relations; 
        and
            (2) encourages the international community to recognize the 
        successes of Takamiyama Daigoro in Sumo.
                                 <all>