Arviat (Dec 01/04) - A group of Arviat youth are living in the world of sumo wrestling this week.

The four, aged nine to 12, are being accompanied on their Japanese adventure by Arviat recreation co-ordinator John Main.

The trip was arranged by a major Japanese television network (which translates to ABC Television) as part of a cultural exchange program focusing on sumo wrestling.

Main said there are four African youth also taking part in the adventure.

"It's all being done for a New Year's Day program which, they tell me, is the biggest day of the year for TV in Japan," said Main.

"Together, the eight kids will learn about sumo wrestling and get to tour around Tokyo and learn about Japanese culture.

"The trip should be tons of fun for the kids."

The Arviat youth got involved with the project through the Japanese's fascination with the Arctic environment.

Japanese tourists come to the Kivalliq every year to see the Northern Lights and take polar bear viewing trips.

Main said the Arctic is viewed as an exotic destination by the Japanese.

"This TV network had come to Arviat to shoot other productions in years past.

"They decided they wanted to bring four strong young Inuit from Arviat to participate in this event."

Main said because he didn't get word of the project until late October, it was a hectic process to find interested kids, talk to their parents and conduct interviews.

"Because it's for TV, they had to do a lot of what they called "scouting" in regards to the kids appearance. "The directors knew what they were looking for, so the selection process was quite intense."

Selected to make the trip were Christopher Shamee, David Muckpah, Shelton Nipisar and Joe Jr. Karetak.

The group is housed in a traditional Japanese inn during their stay, complete with paper walls, a no-shoes-allowed rule and futon bedding.

And, the kids will receive training from actual sumo experts.

"Vancouver's Wonderland Tours co-ordinated the whole trip for us.

"They were great in meeting all our needs in preparation for this adventure.

"We couldn't have done it without them."