Japan pro wrestling king Rikidozan, accompanied by former Sumo Grand Champion Azumafuji, is scheduled to leave Tokyo Tuesday, February 15, by Pan American plane for the United States for bouts with topflight grapplers and to further the development of pro mat skill and technique.
    The popular barrel-chested muscleman who recently whipped Masahika Kimura and Toshio Yamaguchi in Japan title matches and the man mountain Sumo celebrity Tuesday evening were tendered a farewell party by Shinsaku Nitta, board chairman of the Japan Pro Wrestling Association, and four other JPWA executives, at the Imperial Hotel.
    The gala function was attended by 200 entertainment celebrities and others concerned who offered a varied program of music. Pro Wrestling Commissioner Tadamasa Sakai headed the list bf speakers who wished the two men good luck on their trip.
    Riki's three-month trip, his third to the States, will take him to Honolulu, San Francisco, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Chicago, New York and other American cities. He expects to engage in about 60 matches, including one possibly with world champion Lou Thesz for the title. During the tour, he intends to learn the atomic drop and the backbreaker.
    While performing Sumo exhibitions in Hawaii, Azumfuji will train to became a pro wrestler. Rikidozan, also a former Sumo wrestler, says for Azumafuji to turn pro grappler he would have to work off his bulging waistline and learn the tricks of the pro mat sport which includes some 3,000 maneuvers compared to the standard 48 in Sumo.