Hakuho, the great yokozuna of the Heisei era, came to Palaceside Building on the 8th, where “Hakuho Championship Photo Portrait and Exhibition” (organized by The Mainichi Newspapers and Mainichi Building) is under way. About 300 people, mainly those who work in the building’s offices, gathered to see the yokozuna at once; calls of “Yokozuna!” and applause rose, and the mood was high.
The yokozuna answered the cheers with a smile.
As many fans waited on tenterhooks (photo 1), the yokozuna arrived at the west entrance just after noon on the 8th. After a commemorative photo in front of the entrance with President Asahina Yutaka of The Mainichi Newspapers, President Hada Tsuneo of Mainichi Building and others,
he went up the entrance stairs (photo 2) and into the building (photo 3). He walked the first-floor corridor into Art Salon Mainichi, the exhibition hall. The corridor walk was only some 15 meters, a very short stretch, but many people filled it and he walked slowly through a great cheer (photo 4). Inside he toured the show and
posed before the championship portrait The Mainichi Newspapers will present at the May tournament to mark his 33rd title at this year’s New Year basho (photo 5).
After the visit, on the way to the elevator he walked as if parting crowds on both sides and readily answered high-fives to
outstretched hands; fans overflowed with “I touched him!” delight (photo 6).
He then visited The Mainichi Newspapers’ head office on the fifth floor and talked with President Asahina and others. At 12:37 p.m., as dozens of Mainichi staff saw him off with applause and cheers, he again answered high-fives with a smile (top photo) and left the head office.
His very cheerful, bright expression left an impression.
Please win still more titles and come play again!!
