NEWPORT, R.I. -- It's hard to faze the sophisticated residents of Newport, R.I., but Konishiki succeeded. The former ozeki was the star attraction at the Black Ships Festival here July 22-25.
This festival, an annual event for 16 years, celebrates the city's longstanding association with Japan. Matthew Perry, commodore of the "Black Ship" fleet, which forced Japan to open its doors in 1853, after almost 250 years of self-imposed isolation, was born in Newport. Thus, the level of interest in Japan and things Japanese has always been high here.
But never had a 270-kg sumo wrestler appeared in the narrow streets of this old port city. Konishiki was a sensation everywhere he went. He was guest of honor at a black-tie gala held in one of the opulent mansions for which this seaside resort is famous. Also attending were local dignitaries and a delegation from Shimoda, Newport's sister city since 1958.