Sumo Wrestler Goes Viral With Video of Him Signing Autographs
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![Carl Samson](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CARLSAMSON_NEXTSHARK.jpg?width=128&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
By Carl Samson
This sumo wrestler’s “autograph” or handprint, is a big hit on social media.
The wrestler, identified as Takayasu, has won multiple awards as a professional sumo.
In a Twitter video from @sumokyokai, Takayasu is seen signing “autographs” with handprints in Kurume City, Japan.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/1-8.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
He presses his right hand against a large inkpad before stamping a series of white pages.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2-10.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Takayasu’s “autographs” will reportedly be sold to fans, but it’s unclear how much each costs.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/3-5.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Interestingly, the autograph technique was not decided on a whim.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/4-5-e1544103114287.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
According to BuzzFeed, Johnny Suputama, founder of Japanese culture website Spoon & Tamago, said that “wrestlers were considered sacred warriors and their hand prints were good-luck charms, which is how they became collector’s items.”
On the other hand, a 2016 article from SoraNews24 gave a simpler explanation, asserting that wrestlers use handprints to “show off how, well, giant they are.”
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/5-5.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Either way, Takayasu’s “signing” is an instant hit on Twitter, receiving over seven million views since Monday:
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