Getting handed a middle seat is sad enough at the best of times.
But imagine your dismay if you then saw this on boarding:
機内ではこんな感じでした。 ぎゅうぎゅう状態です。 #sumopic.twitter.com/4vmXZQMHRy
— 八角部屋 (@hakkakubeya) July 30, 2014There’s 29 sumo wrestlers in there and they’re all spoiling for a fight because they’re on their way to a training camp on the island of Okinoshima in Japan’s Shimane Prefecture.
It’s hot in Japan right now. Today, at 11am on Okinoshima it was 29C, so that wouldn’t help the mood either. At least there seems to be plenty of overhead locker space.
北勝花、北勝若＋１頭 #sumopic.twitter.com/7cietBn2VG
— 八角部屋 (@hakkakubeya) July 30, 2014Given your average sumo weights 150-odd kilos (330 pounds), there’s probably 4.3 tonnes of body in there, but the (tiny) plane touched down safely and everyone looked happy enough.
Even when they all bunched up for the bus ride.
激励会場へ向かうバスの車内。 暑苦しとは言わないで(笑 短い時間の移動で冷房もきいて いるので大丈夫です。 #sumopic.twitter.com/NS6EMtbdvf
— 八角部屋 (@hakkakubeya) July 30, 2014Translation courtesy RocketNews24:
“On the bus to the party venue. I know it looks like we’re getting smothered, but don’t say anything! LOL Actually, the air conditioner is on, and it’s only a short drive, so we’re fine.”