CNN —Japan’s flag carrier had to make last minute changes to deal with excess weight – not from baggage, but from a group of passengers who just so happened to be sumo wrestlers.
The sumo wrestlers weighed an average of 120 kilograms (264 pounds) each – far more than the 70 kilogram (154 pounds) average passenger – an airline spokesperson told CNN, raising concerns over fuel capacity on the smaller aircraft that services flights within Japan.
But it was still a tight squeeze on the way back from the sumo festival.
We had great support, although we are a little tired,” a representative for the Gunma wrestlers said in the TV Asahi report.
There are no weight restrictions or classes in sumo wrestling, but the ancient Japanese sport has been dominated by bulkier athletes.
Persons:
CNN —, Amami Oshima, “, ”
Organizations:
CNN, Japan Airlines, JAL, Haneda Airport, Itami Airport, ITM, TV Asahi, Asahi, bulkier, Travelers, Korean Air, Air
Locations:
Amami, Tokyo, Osaka, Japan, Haneda, Fukuoka, Gunma, “, Zealand, Auckland, New York