A Japanese sumo wrestling team led by reigning champion Asashoryu will visit China on Saturday.  

More than 40 wrestlers will take part in a two-day exhibition show at the Capital Gymnasium in Beijing this weekend and then display the Japanese traditional sport at Shanghai Gymnasium on June 9 and 10.

Asashoryu is the brightest star on the team. The grand champion overpowered Hokutoriki to capture his third straight Emperor's Cup on the final day of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on May 23.

The last time a Japanese sumo team visited China was in 1973, to celebrate the normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations.

"I'm grateful that we can hold sumo exhibitions in China," said Japan Sumo Association Chairman Kitanoumi, "especially after 31 years."

"I hope this event will lead to an exchange between sumo and Chinese traditional wushu (martial arts), I hope China's wushu will visit Japan in 2005." he said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 4, 2004)