iPad for Sumo Wrestlers
Sumo Wrestlers

Japan’s ancient art of sumo wrestling hit some bumps earlier this year when a number of the sport’s top figures were accused of illegal gambling. News of these scandals spoke of ties with Japanese gangs, and alleged match-fixing combined with illegal bets for greater profit.

These sumo gambling scandals have mostly washed over, and now the country’s top wrestlers have something new to talk about: free iPads. The Japan Sumo Association (JSA) just purchased 60 iPad mobile devices and will distribute them among the country’s 51 sumo training stables.

Why the free iPads? Apparently the average sumo wrestler, who weighs in at 150kg or more, has trouble pushing buttons on a standard mobile phone. The iPad, with its large touch screen interface, is much easier to use by the chub-fingered wrestlers.

The JSA believes these free iPads will help wrestlers across the country remain in contact. With one iPad in each sumo stable, communication should be easier.

The JSA is apparently not worried that the wrestlers might use the iPads to gamble. Recent advancements in mobile gaming technology see iPad casinos becoming more readily available, letting players play real-money slots and other games on-the-go.