"Sometimes you have to lose to win," a former Sumo wrestler showcases Japan's national sport as entertainment

Hiroki Sumi

Hiroki Sumi, a Japanese former sumo wrestler, visits Australia for the first time for the Sumo International Down Under in Melbourne and Sydney. Credit: Zing Entertainment

Hiroki Sumi, a Japanese former sumo wrestler, gained global popularity after appearing on a Netflix series 'Sanctuaty' and a Hollywood movie 'John Wick: Chapter 4' last year. He is now in Australia for the Sumo International Down Under this week.


In the audio, Mr Sumi tells us how he transformed himself from a professional Sumo wrestler who was trained to dominate and win, to an entertainer who knows how to amuse the audience.

Mr Sumi arrived at Melbourne on the 17th of January, the same day the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake occurred 29 years ago. The earthquake's estimated death toll is over 6,400. Mr Sumi was 5 years old and he lost his grandmother in the earthquake. Mr Sumi also shares his experience in 1995 with us.
Sumo-International-Downunder-2024-supplied.jpg
Sumo International Downunder 2024 Credit: Zing Entertainment

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