| Sponsor | Rep. Hirono, Mazie K. |
| Committee | Foreign Affairs |
| Date | June 15, 2009 (111th Congress, 1st Session) |
| Staff Contact | Adam Hepburn |
H.Res. 479 is being considered under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds vote for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) on May 21, 2009.
H.Res. 479 resolves that the House of Representatives:
• "Honors Takamiyama Daigoro's achievements to Sumo and his contributions to enhancing United States-Japan relations; and
• "Encourages the international community to recognize the successes of Takamiyama Daigoro in Sumo."
Takamiyama Daigoro was born on June 16, 1944, in Maui, Hawaii. He was the first United States-born sumo wrestler and also became the first foreigner to win the top division championship of Sumo in 1972. Upon his 1972 victory, United States Ambassador Robert Ingersoll read a congratulatory message from President Richard Nixon, marking the first time English words were spoken at a sumo tournament. Takamiyama Daigoro competed in over 1,400 matches, established numerous records, and earned many awards over his 20-year career. He is retiring on June 16, 2009, at the mandatory retirement age of 65.