#Japan #Tokyo #CALIF Art Gallery #Beads International #Hidetora Hanada

An Inspiring Summer Kids Event with Hidetora Hanada

On August 19, 2025, Beads International Co., Ltd., known for its streetwear brands such as XLARGE, X-girl, MILKFED., and SILAS, hosted an exciting kids' summer event featuring athlete Hidetora Hanada, a professional American football player. The event took place at the newly opened Calif Art Gallery in Nakameguro, Tokyo.

Purpose of the Event

Beads International, actively involved in promoting sports beyond apparel through partnerships with initiatives like the WE League, aims to encourage children to chase their dreams. Hidetora Hanada joined the company in November 2024 as an athlete employee. After transitioning from sumo to American football, he continues to face unprecedented challenges in the United States. His story serves as inspiration for children seeking to explore their own dreams.

The goal of this event was to ignite the enthusiasm of kids, encouraging them to embrace a 'let's try it!' attitude.

Talk Show Highlights

During the talk show segment, Hanada shared his thoughts on switching from sumo to American football, the cultural differences he encountered during his studies in America, and how perseverance through failures and loneliness has led to significant personal growth. The attendees listened intently, soaking in the wisdom of Hanada's experiences.

When the floor opened for questions, a surge of hands shot up. Participants from various sports disciplines—sumo, American football, soccer, baseball, and dance—eagerly asked Hanada for advice on overcoming challenges, asking questions like, "How do you push through tough practices?" and, "What should I focus on in my sumo training?" This interactive segment highlighted the kids' enthusiasm towards learning from Hanada's rich experiences.

Arm Wrestling Contest

The event peaked in excitement during the arm wrestling competition, where Hanada humorously admitted, "I pumped up at the gym just for today!" Initially, the participants were overwhelmed by his size, but soon they rallied their spirits with phrases like, "Next time, I'll beat you!" This light-hearted competition allowed the kids to engage with Hanada in a fun, competitive atmosphere.

Photo and Autograph Session

The day concluded with a memorable group photo and an autograph session. Children crowded around Hanada, lifting him for playful photographs and eagerly requesting signatures on caps and t-shirts. Hanada even accommodated a playful request to bump into him, making the experience even more thrilling for the young fans.

Parents and guardians provided feedback like, "Hanada's advice to value even the smallest efforts and continue challenging oneself stood out particularly," and expressed their desire for more events like the arm wrestling competition. The time certainly flew by quickly, leaving everyone with smiles and memorable experiences.

Venue Experience

The event took place at the newly established Calif Art Gallery, where kids enjoyed sitting on iconic Eames Shell Chairs, designed by the adjacent Mid-Century MODERN furniture shop owned by Beads International. This not only offered an engaging experience in sports but also a delightful aesthetic atmosphere, enhancing the kids' overall enjoyment.

Beads International is committed to energizing and enriching the world through street culture, fostering various communities, and promoting a diverse workplace that nurtures athletes to excel in their fields.

About Hidetora Hanada

Born on October 30, 2001, in Wakayama, Hidetora Hanada was raised in a martial arts family with a wrestling champion father and a judo-instructing mother. He began sumo at the age of eight, joining Nihon University’s sumo club during his university years. At just 19, he won the All-Japan Sumo Championship, achieving amateur yokozuna status before announcing his transition to American football at Colorado State University, an NCAA Division I school.

Achievements

• - 2017: Champion of the National High School Sumo Tournament (Individual)
• - 2018: Champion of the World Junior Sumo Championships (Open Class)
• - 2019: Champion of the World Junior Sumo Championships (Open Class)
• - 2020: Winner of the 69th All-Japan Sumo Championships
• - 2022: Champion of the Sumo Heavyweight Category at the World Games

Company Overview

Company Name: Beads International Co., Ltd.
CEO: Yusaku Nishikata
Headquarters: 1-1-2 Higashiyama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Website: bs-intl.jp
Established: December 1990
Employees: 400 (as of August 2025)
Capital: 450 million JPY
Business Activities: Planning and sales of clothing and accessories, promotional activities, and e-commerce.