Press release text used courtesy of the Delegation of the European Commission to Japan. (edited by Mark Buckton)
On April 24th, the European Union will present ozeki Kotooshu with a kesho-mawashi ceremonial apron to mark his success in Japan's national sport. The apron will also serve as a symbol of friendship between the EU and Japan.
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The design of the apron shown was selected from over 200 entries received in a competition organized by the Delegation of the European Commission to Japan.
After three rounds of screening designs, two entries were selected for use in the design of the final kesho-mawashi.
The designers of the winning entries are Mr. Yuya Fujino (Tokyo) and Mr. Kyoji Fujiki (Gifu).
The chosen design for the apron will contain a circle of the twelve stars of the EU flag with the kanji character that stands for "Europe" in the center. This kanji will be presented in a rainbow color motif, symbolizing cooperation between Europe and Japan.
The ceremonial handing over of the kesho-mawashi to Kotooshu will take place on April 24th in advance of the May Grand Sumo Tournament.
