New & Now
[Katsuragi City] Participated in “SUMO EXPO 2025: SUMO Unites the World!”
On August 4, 2025 (Monday), a special event was held at the EXPO Exhibition Centre “WASSE” within the Osaka/Kansai Expo site, bringing together municipalities connected to sumo from across Japan to showcase the sport’s appeal to the world.
As the birthplace of sumo, Katsuragi City presented a variety of programs, including demonstration matches by amateur wrestlers and performances of sumo jinku (traditional sumo songs) by the Kehaya Sumo Jinku Association. In addition, the Elementary and Junior High School Sumo Tournament featured three competitors from Katsuragi City, including winners of the city’s Wanpaku Sumo Tournament held in July.
What is “SUMO EXPO 2025”?
Japan’s national sport, professional sumo, is coming to the Osaka/Kansai Expo! This special event, organized by municipalities with ties to sumo, invites visitors to explore and experience sumo culture from across Japan and around the world.
For more details, please visit the official SUMO EXPO 2025 website.
Event Highlights
Katsuragi City operated a booth where brochures were distributed and promotional videos introduced the city’s many attractions.
During the municipality PR session, the city once again presented amateur sumo demonstrations and sumo jinku performances by the Kehaya Sumo Jinku Association.
The booth of Takagi Packaging Co., Ltd. (Pack-in Takagi) also joined, and Katsuragi’s mascot Renkachan had an exciting “Dan-DAN Sumo” match with Himiko-chan, the mascot of Sakurai City in Nara Prefecture.
The Elementary and Junior High School Sumo Tournament thrilled the audience with intense bouts.
Renkachan also toured the venue, taking photos at booths and interacting with visitors—not only from Japan but also from overseas. At the Setouchi Town booth (Kagoshima Prefecture), she even posed for commemorative photos wearing a kesho-mawashi (ceremonial apron) featuring MYAKU-MYAKU, the official Expo character—she looked fantastic!
Future Schedule at the Expo
Katsuragi City will present its attractions again on the following dates:
- Dates: September 20 (Sat) & 21 (Sun)
- Event: ALL NARA HARMONY
- Venue: Signature Pavilion “Dialogue Theater — Inochi no Akashi —” (within Osaka/Kansai Expo site)
Stay tuned for more updates!
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