Question from Readers:
It seems that His Majesty the Emperor does not watch professional baseball or sumo wrestling. Could it be that he is not very interested?
His Majesty the Emperor and Sports Viewing
Recently, I was chatting with a friend about why His Majesty the Emperor doesn’t seem to watch professional baseball or sumo wrestling. He casually said, “Maybe he’s
just not interested,” but it seems that’s not quite the case. Hearing about Emperor Showa being a fan of the Yomiuri Giants and that watching sumo was a tradition was quite surprising.
Emperor Showa’s Baseball Viewing
What my friend mentioned was an episode where Emperor Showa watched a game between the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers, and indeed, those photos from that time are quite striking. Seeing His Majesty in a baseball cap gives off a humorous and approachable vibe. However, given his position, he may need to be cautious about supporting a specific team. I thought it was admirable how he values fairness, which is certainly expected from royalty.
Watching Sumo and Family Bonds
By the way, during the sumo tournament in 2020 at the Kokugikan, it was nice to know that Empress Masako and Aiko-sama were there together. It’s so adorable that Aiko-sama has loved sumo since childhood! Imagining her enjoying something she loves just like other normal children makes her feel relatable. It’s unfortunate that such events have been restricted due to COVID-19, but there is hope that they may soon resume. I also hope to take my family to watch sumo wrestling when my child is a bit older. Being right in front of that powerful ring would surely be an unforgettable experience.
What Are Your Memories?
Do you have any memories or experiences related to watching sports? Especially moments you enjoyed with family or friends—please share in the comments! I love sports viewing as well, so I would be thrilled to hear relatable stories. I’d also welcome any tales of bringing too many snacks and ending up too full to enjoy the game!
