Into the World of Sumo – Baruto Kaito aka Kaido Höövelson

Kaido Höövelson also known by fighting name Baruto Kaito was born in Ebavere near Väike-Maarja, Estonia. He became the first Estonian professional sumo wrestler in Japan. Baruto’s stellar athletic career and charming personality has made way for him to become a huge star in Japan, not only in the wrestling ring but also in public life, in television and elsewhere. His achievements have also been highly regarded in Estonia. Kaido Höövelson has received the Cultural Endowment of Estonia’s Fitness and Athletics Award of the Year for introducing Estonia in Eastern culture (2010), the Order of the Estonian Olympic Committee (2011), the Order of the White Star third class (2012), and the Medal of Estonian Honour and Glory (2018). Kaido Höövelson ended his professional sumo career in 2013. From 2019-2023, he was a representative in Estonian parliament for the Estonian Centre Party.

In collaboration with the Japan Foundation.