Plus-Size Business Started with a Word from a Sumo Wrestler. Sakazen Shoji Co., Ltd. Sponsors "Hokutofuji Retirement and Ooyama Succession Sumo Exhibition and Hair-Cutting Ceremony" on May 30

Sakazen Shoji Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, President: Takashi Murakami, hereinafter Sakazen), which operates specialty stores for plus-size clothing, will sponsor the "Hokutofuji Retirement and Ooyama Succession Sumo Exhibition and Hair-Cutting Ceremony" to be held on Saturday, May 30, to commemorate its 80th anniversary in 2026.

◆Hokutofuji Retirement and Ooyama Succession Sumo Exhibition and Hair-Cutting Ceremony Special Site

https://hokutofuji-ooyama.jp/

Many people may have the impression that "Sakazen means plus-size," but the history of the plus-size business is about 40 years out of the company's 80-year history.

At that time, partly because the store was close to Ryogoku, many sumo wrestlers visited the store just like regular customers. However, the founder started the plus-size business after hearing a word from a sumo wrestler: "I can't choose because there are no plus-size clothes anywhere."

From that day on, every time a plus-size customer visited, they took measurements down to the finest detail and made clothes through trial and error. At first, things did not go as planned, and they struggled with inventory and the production of new products, but the use by sumo wrestlers gradually increased, and the business finally got on track.

Currently, centering on Sakazen physical stores and the Sakazen official online store, they are patronized by everyone in many sumo stables, and they send out "Sumo Wrestler Courtesy Cards" to sumo stables nationwide for their use.

To convey their gratitude to such "Sumo," they are planning many initiatives in 2026, their anniversary year.

◆Contents

- Sakazen 80th Anniversary Site [Thank You Sakazen]

Special video messages received from Sakazen ambassadors, as well as talents and celebrities associated with Sakazen, will be released sequentially. This is special content that can only be seen here. On the site, videos are distributed with the filming cooperation of the sumo stables who patronize them. *The relevant content is scheduled to be updated at any time during 2026.

- Sakazen 80th Anniversary Special Web Site

Details: https://www.sakazen.co.jp/page/80th_anniversary/

- Archive

Grand Sumo Regional Tour Jonan Ota Basho Sakazen 80th Anniversary Basho

Details: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000074.000063432.html

◆Sakazen Shoji Co., Ltd.

Sakazen Shoji Co., Ltd.

Sakazen Shoji Co., Ltd. is an apparel specialty store founded in 1946 that will celebrate its 80th anniversary this year. It operates about 30 stores, mainly in the Kanto region, including the regular-size men's clothing/casual wear business, the made-to-order suit business (Bliss World), the plus-size business from 3L to 9L (casual/business/sports wear/shoes/underwear/accessories, etc.), and the select shop business for high-end brands imported directly from Europe. With the mission of "Fun and happiness for everyone," it aims to contribute to customers, employees, and local communities through its business.

- Sakazen Shoji Co., Ltd.

https://sakazen-shoji.jp/

- Sakazen Official Online Store

https://www.sakazen.co.jp/