Two Sumo Stars Yoshinori Tashiro & Ryusuke Soma to perform in Konnichiwa Japan Festival 2024

NEW DELHI/TOKYO: Yoshinori Tashiro, the towering 188cm (6.16 feet) Japanese sumo wrestler and celebrated actor, will soon be reaching in New Delhi for the Konnichiwa Japan Festival, set to take place on November 23-24. Known in the ring by his sumo name, Tōōyama Katsunori, Tashiro has acted in Indian Tamil-language film ‘SUMO’.

Also joining him at the festival will be Ryusuke Soma who also has acted in OTT dramas such as Netflix original drama “Sanctuary” as Komatora (2023), and in the  Japan Unification Series Hokkaido Edition as Kanamori, the jet black Kamui. He also has done some commercials such as Tanukikoji Mega Don Quijote Vision, and Mamenoki Nursery School Nursery Teacher.

Duo’s presence adds an exciting element to the festival, which celebrates Japanese culture and strengthens bonds between Japan and India.

Born in Hachiōji, Tokyo, Tashiro began his sumo career in 1999, ultimately achieving the rank of makushita 7 before retiring in 2007. Since then, he’s transitioned smoothly into the world of entertainment, acting in several commercials, TV series, and international films. His role in the Indian Tamil-language film Sumo, where he plays a Japanese sumo wrestler who forms an unlikely friendship with an Indian surfer, has endeared him to Indian audiences and showcased his talents in a new light. To be released soon, the film explores themes of cultural exchange and friendship, capturing Tashiro’s own journey of bridging cultures through the medium of cinema.

Standing at 188 cm tall, with a physique that commands attention and a warm smile that breaks barriers, Tashiro’s charm has found a place in numerous commercial ventures. His Indian fans may recognize him from ads for brands like Haribo and UrbanLadder, as well as a commercial for Vi, a leading mobile phone provider. His on-screen appearances reflect a versatility that extends beyond sumo, showing how seamlessly he can adapt from a competitive sportsperson to a beloved entertainer.

In addition to his acting, Tashiro’s unique skills include “sumo mug tricks,” where he can balance a mug on his chin, an entertaining talent that’s sure to delight festival-goers. Outside the ring, his hobbies include traveling and exploring diverse cuisines, making India a fitting destination for a cultural ambassador like him.

The Konnichiwa Japan Festival will provide attendees with the chance to meet Tashiro and gain insights into his extraordinary career, from his journey in sumo wrestling to his film career in Japan and beyond. As he joins another sumo wrestler at the festival, his presence is expected to draw considerable interest from Indian fans eager to learn more about Japanese culture.

Tashiro’s journey from the sumo world to the silver screen exemplifies the power of sports and art in transcending borders. His appearance in New Delhi brings his inspiring story full circle, symbolizing the ever-growing cultural ties between India and Japan, and leaving fans eager to see what this one-of-a-kind ambassador will bring to the festival.

Brimming with Japanese culture, Konnichiwa Japan Festival, now in its 8th edition, is all geared up to return at the DLF Avenue Saket in New Delhi on November 23-24 from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The DLF Avenue adds its unique charm to the festival, providing the perfect backdrop for this 2-day Japanese cultural extravaganza.

Organized by World Heritage Academy (WHA) in collaboration with Konnichiwa Japan Club and title sponsor Asahi Japanese Destination Management Company, the festival is set to captivate Indian audiences with a myriad of authentic Japanese delicacies, captivating performances, and engaging talks. Since its inception in 2017, the Konnichiwa Japan Festival has been a beacon of cultural exchange, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan within the Indian community.