[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCING A BILL HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF TAKAMIYAMA DAIGORO TO 
         THE SPORT OF SUMO AND TO UNITED STATES-JAPAN RELATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAZIE K. HIRONO

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2009

  Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill that 
recognizes the contributions of Jesse Kuhaulua, known professionally as 
Takamiyama Daigoro, a trailblazer in the sport of sumo wrestling.
  Maui-born and a graduate of Baldwin High School in Wailuku, Jesse 
made his debut as an aspirant in Japan's national sport in the winter 
of 1964 in Osaka. At the time, he knew little of the Japanese language 
and the subtleties of the sport itself. In this initial test, he 
wondered if his stay in Japan would be counted in weeks or months.
  On June 15, 2009, Takamiyama Daigoro will retire from a 45-year long 
sumo career filled with historic milestones. This day marks the day 
before his 65th birthday by which senior members of the sport must 
retire.
  Takamiyama Daigoro was the first United States born wrestler to enter 
the sport of sumo. In 1972, he became the first foreigner to win the 
Emperor's Cup, a top division championship in the sport. He was also 
the first foreign-born wrestler to climb to the sumo's third highest 
rank of sekiwake. Takamiyama also stands as the only foreigner to open 
his own stable, to train future generations in the sport, after he 
stopped actively competing himself.
  Takamiyama opened the door for others from Hawaii to join him in this 
most ancient of sports. This group includes Saleva'a Atisano'e, also 
known as Konishiki, who became the first foreigner to reach the second-
highest rank of ozeki; as well as Chad Rowen, also known as Akebono, 
who became the first foreigner to hold the highest rank of sumo, that 
of yokozuna; and Fiamalu Penitani, also known as Musashimaru, who 
became the second foreigner to hold the title of yokozuna.
  I urge my colleagues to support this recognition of Jesse Kuhaulua, a 
true ambassador of aloha spirit.

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