S/ Konishiki / Welcome New York! Again, my name is Konishiki.

Former ozeki Konishiki hosted an event promoting sumo and sushi in New York City on June 15.

About 800 spectators dined on sushi and bento.

The former professional sumo wrestler explained the rules and history of the Japanese sport as athletes put on exhibition matches.

S/ Spectator / It was amazing. So awesome.

S/ Spectator / That was the coolest thing I've ever seen.

S/ Spectator / I've only seen it on television. There's nothing like seeing it live and in person. It was fun, and it was informative. And I think that's what was interesting. Now, I want to go to Japan.

Konishiki has called for informing the world more about Japan.

S/ Konishiki / Japan has many great things like sake, kimono and knives. Among them, sumo is the easiest to understand. The reaction is better abroad than in Japan. I think we're in an age when we should change the form of sumo to include foreigners.

The event will be held in three other cities in the United States through July.