Yes, Pokémon Wrestling Is Really A Thing Now
Pokémon and sumo wrestling. Who'd have thought these two would end up being a match made in Heaven?
The Pokémon Company has now revealed that they will be jumping into the ring and become an official sponsor of sumo wrestling.
You'd be forgiven for thinking that Pokémon and sumo wrestling don't have much in common. Although, when you think about it, it actually makes a lot of sense. After all, the whole premise of Pokémon is choosing your most badass fighter and pitting them off against a formidable foe, much like sumo wrestling. Talking of Pokémon battles, if you want to know which little monster will help you win every battle in Pokémon Go, check out our guide here.
Why Is Pokémon Teaming Up With Sumo Wrestling?
In an official statement, the president of The Pokémon company, Tsunekazu Ishihara said: "Pokémon is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, but compared to sumo, which has a long history and tradition, it’s still the beginning". Thanks to Kotaku for the translation. Ishihara went on to express his respect sumo wrestling and how he was keen to highlight the appeal of the sport and Pokémon.
Further on in the statement, the official organisation for sumo wrestling, The Nihon Sumo Kyokai, explained that the collaboration is an "historic first".
Of course, this isn't the first time we've seen an usual, but nonetheless brilliant, collab with Pokémon. There are the various plushies from Build-A-Bear Workshop featuring the most-beloved little 'mons. Not to mention, the Pokémon-themed donut collection from Krispy Kreme.
What Do The Sumo Wrestling Pokémon Banners Look Like?
Special Pokémon-themed kensho banners will, also, be making an appearance during upcoming sumo wrestling matches. As The Japan Times reports: "One of the defining sights of a sumo tournament is the parade of brightly colored kensho banners around the ring before the highest- ranked wrestlers fight [...] The banners represent prize money staked on that bout by corporate sponsors. Each one costs ¥62,000 with ¥56,700 going to the winner of the match and ¥5,300 deducted for costs and fees."
Click to enlargeOver 200 banners will be produced, and each one will be different with designs featuring some classic Pocket Monsters such as Pikachu and Makuhita or box art for games such as Pokémon Red and Green. As well as this, The Pokémon Company will be sponsoring the ceremonial robes worn by wrestlers, called kesho-mawashi, which can feature logos from their sponsors.
It might seem like a bit of an unusual collab, but we are here for it. Now, we just need a match with wrestlers dressed as Pokémon to make our lives complete.
