Sumo legend Konishiki
From an email:
“When: Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 5 p.m.
Where: Tonari, 707 6th St., NW
What: As Washington D.C.’s unofficial ambassador of Japanese food and culture, Daikaya Group welcomes sumo legend Konishiki and the entire “D.C. Sumo + Sushi” tour to the city. The tournament is flying in six wrestlers from Japan, and Tonari is throwing the sumo stars a welcome party.
Come for selfies with sumo wrestlers, and stay for Tonari’s Japanese-Italian take on pizzas and pastas.
The happy hour will feature sumo-inspired food and drink specials.
Guests will be able to meet Konishiki, the first non-Japanese-born wrestler to reach ōzeki, the second-highest ranking in sumo. He eventually won the top division championship three times. The Hawaiian Konishiki is now a musical performer with a wide-range of talents, playing the ukulele and rapping in both English and Japanese.
Sumo wrestlers Daikiho, Somayama, Kirinowaka, Chinyonoshin, Tououyama and Aononami will also be at the Tonari party. Bonus: AEW is in town at neighboring Capital One Arena (show starts at 7 p.m.) for double the wrestler action.
Tonari is credited with introducing Washington, D.C. to Wafu-Italian cuisine in 2020. Originated in 1950s Tokyo, Wafu means “Japanese style.” The Daikaya Group, long known for its exacting dedication to Japanese cuisine and sensibility, is precisely the right messenger to reinterpret this style of dishes with its signature eclectic menu.”