1.
SV EXTERIOR: twins going through training exercises.
0.32

2.
CU PAN: twins doing leg exercises.
0.56

3.
SV: twins sparring with classmates.
1.05

4.
SV ZOOM INTO CU INTERIOR: twins in classroom. (2 shots)
1.22

5.
SV: twins jogging
1.31

6.
SV: twins dressing after training exercises.
1.46

6.
SV: twins with school friends.
1.57



Initials H/1600


SPORT: SUMO WRESTLING

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The history of Sumo wrestling -- Japan's national sport -- goes back at least 1,2000 years, but as far as anyone can recall there has never been a pair of identical twin wrestlers. However there will be some changes later this year when two 15-year old schoolboys -- who between them weight more than 240 killogrammes (530 Lbs) -- make their professional debut in Osaka.

SYNOPSIS: Shinji and Shoji Inomoto were normal-sized babies when they were born 15 years ago. However by the time they were 6 years old they both tipped the scales at over 90 killogrammes and have continued to grow ever since. Now Shinji -- on the left -- weighs in at 125 killogrammes, (270 lbs) a mere two pounds heavier than his slightly younger brother Shoji. Not surprisingly, the two boys have decided to take up careers as Sumo wrestlers, and go through an exhausting daily workout. Sumo attracts thousands of spectators in Japan, and top stars can earn huge sums of money and wide public acclaim.

For the time being the boys are still at school and although they are bigger than their contemporaries there is no shortage of willing sparring partners. They have to put up with being teased by their smaller classmates but Shiniji and Shoji take it all good naturedly and the school bullies steer well clear of them. In the classroom they are normal attentive pupils, and are particularly keen out the social sciences.

Despite the fact that it costs about 80,000 yen (320 U.S. dollars) a month to feed the twins, their parents are anxious to see the boys achieve their ambitions. Two years ago their father took them to see a former Yokozuna -- Grand Champion -- who runs a Sumo training centre in Osaka. He said he would take them when they were older. But for the time being the twins boys continue to build up their muscles, and dream of the day they make their wrestling debut.