Sumo champion Yokozuna Hakuho promotes batik in Japan

Jakarta (ANTARA News) -- Sumo champion Yokozuna Hakuho participated in activities promoting batik at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Tokyo, Japan, held on Thursday, May 7.



According to a press release from the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, the event was attended by a number of people, ranging from government representatives, ambassadors of friendly countries, businessmen, and academics, to members of the Japanese Kimono Association.



Former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda and his wife also attended the event.



Batik is a method of dyeing fabric that uses wax to create patterns and designs.



"I love batik," Hakuho, who was wearing a yukata batik outfit on the occasion, said.



"This is not the only batik item I have. I have a number of yukata batik clothes with unique motifs," he affirmed.



Some people in Japan noted that the presence of a wrestler at the batik promotional event was an appropriate step as sumo wrestling is a respected sport in the Japanese society.



Therefore, the appearance of Hakuho dressed in batik clothing will attract the attention of the Japanese society widely, and at the same time, Hakuho will add to the image of batik.



Moreover, Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Yusron Ihza Mahendra remarked that batik was given the status of a world cultural heritage by UNESCO.



"Therefore, I hope batik does not occupy a place in the hearts of Indonesians alone but also in the hearts of people of other nations, especially Japan," he said.



Mahendra further noted that a silk batik item with a Japanese motif was displayed at the exhibition, which reflected the harmony between the two nations.



"I never imagined a Japanese kimono with batik designs, but it turned out quite impressive," he affirmed.



The exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia and the Cross Cultural Artisan Association.



The batik works on display had motifs that were a combination of work of Indonesian artists and Japanese artists, known as refine batik.



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