Step into the sumo world with this exclusive convenience store range.

Family Mart’s Convenience Wear is a popular way to put an outfit together on a budget, and it’ll soon be getting a distinctly Japanese twist, thanks to a new collaboration that celebrates one of the country’s most famous sumo wrestlers.

▼ The wrestler entering the ring is Chiyonofuji,  one of sumo’s biggest stars during the Showa era (1926-1989).

Chiyonofuji – real name Mitsugu Akimoto – was the 58th yokozuna, with yokozuna being the highest rank in professional sumo. Known for his powerful physique and extraordinary strength, he dominated the sport during the ’80s, becoming one of its most iconic figures and remaining hugely popular even to this day, decades after his retirement.

Now, Chiyonofuji’s legacy continues in this new Convenience Wear range, which consists of two Line Socks inspired by sumo traditions, and hand towels depicting some of his most memorable moments in the ring.

▼ Chiyonofuji Socks 600 yen (US$4).

These unisex Line Socks feature a design inspired by the shimenawa ropes seen at sumo’s highest-ranked wrestlers’ dohyo ceremonies.

▼ Chiyonofuji’s name also appears in the design.

▼ The socks are specially treated so they have antibacterial and deodorising properties to keep them odour-free.

The socks come in two colourways, white and dark blue, and are available in two sizes: 22–25 centimetres (8.7-9.8 inches) and 25–28 centimetres.

▼ The Chiyonofuji Hand Towel (800 yen) recreates one of the legendary wrestler’s memorable scenes in the ring.

The towel, made in Japan by esteemed towel manufacturer Imabari, is designed to be highly absorbent. Carefully created, it features a jacquard-woven depiction of Chiyonofuji, recreating his appearance in the ring.

▼ The wrestler’s name also appears on the towel.

The collaboration was developed with Hiroyuki Ochiai, the fashion designer and creative director of Convenience Wear, who said the Chiyonofuji design looked just as he remembered seeing the wrestler on television at the time. Ochiai says he hopes that the collaboration provides an opportunity for people in Japan and overseas to learn more about Japanese culture.

The collaboration went on sale at Family Mart stores nationwide from 28 August, with availability and launch times varying slightly between stores. The socks and hand towel will also be available in limited quantities through Family Mart Online from 25 August.

Source, images: Press release
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