Hello Kitty Appointed Ambassador for the Grand Sumo Tournament in London: “A Little Bit Nervous”

Sanrio announced it will sponsor “The Grand Sumo Tournament” to be held at London’s Royal Albert Hall from October 15 to 19, and that Hello Kitty will serve as the event’s ambassador. Ahead of the tour, on September 2, Hello Kitty and Yokozuna Hōshōryū appeared at a send-off ceremony at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

From the Dohyō to the World Hello Kitty Connects Sumo and London

This will be the first sumo performance in London in 34 years, since 1991. Profiled as being born on the outskirts of London, Hello Kitty will take part in children’s events as an ambassador sharing Japan’s traditional culture. The Henry Hall Room inside the Royal Albert Hall will also host a special Hello Kitty exhibition in collaboration with Japanese traditional crafts, showcasing the appeal of Japanese culture.

In addition, as part of the social-contribution “Sanrio Nakayoku Project,” she plans to visit hospitals and other facilities in the UK to share smiles with children.

Through this tour, the company aims to realize its corporate philosophy of “Everyone Get Along” and its vision, “One World, Connecting Smiles. (Bringing smiles to as many people as possible and spreading a circle of happiness around the world.)”

Hello Kitty’s Message:
Hello everyone! It’s Hello Kitty♪ I’m delighted to help share the charms of Japan’s traditional culture with the people of London together with the sumo wrestlers! In London I plan to take part in the Grand Sumo performances and visit friends at schools and hospitals! I’m a little bit nervous about this new challenge, but I’ll be so happy if I can make lots of new friends ❤. Everyone in London please look forward to it♪

First Overseas Performance, Hopes for New Fans

Yokozuna Hōshōryū on the London Tournament:
Sharing the stage with ambassador Hello Kitty today, I met her for the first time, and she was very cute. This will be my first time participating in a performance overseas, so I’m very happy and excited. I hope it will be an opportunity for everyone in London to get to know professional sumo. I also want to do my best, with the mission of a sumo wrestler in my heart, to convey the sport’s appeal to children. I will strive for victory in my bouts and give it my all, so I ask for your support.

Source : ORICON NEWS