In Conversation: Baruto Kaito 把瑠都凱斗

The Department of East Asian Studies is pleased to welcome Baruto Kaito (把瑠都凱斗) for a special talk event.

Kaido Höövelson, known professionally as Baruto Kaito, is a former sumo wrestler from Estonia. He is the first professional Estonian sumo wrestler in Japan, reaching the top division just two years after his debut and becoming the first European to reach the second-highest rank of ōzeki.

In this event Baruto will share stories about his life in Japan and his experience with the Japanese language. He will discuss his highlights of travelling the country, from Rausu (羅臼) in Hokkaido, to Japan’s westernmost island, Yonaguni Island (与那国) in Okinawa.

Since his retirement, he has spent time working as an actor, politician and martial artist. He is currently a politician in his native Estonia.

Please note: this event will be conducted in Japanese with an English-Japanese translator.