This story has been updated with a new video, detailing the Century SUV Convertible and the Crown Convertible one-off builds

While our full attention was on the Tokyo Auto Salon last week, Toyota discretely revealed the Century SUV Convertible at the Grand Sumo Tournament in Japan. This roofless version of the luxurious SUV flagship was developed in response to a special request from a retired Sumo wrestler, intended to serve as a parade vehicle for future champions.

After making a brief appearance in an official teaser last September, the unique Toyota Century SUV Convertible was fully revealed outside the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in Tokyo last Saturday. While the lower part of the exterior remains identical to the standard model, the roof and pillars have been removed, effectively converting it into a four-door convertible. This open-top SUV is finished in white, complemented by a cream interior and a set of multi-spoke alloy wheels/

More: Akio Toyoda Thinks $170,000 Toyota Century SUV Is For The Young And Restless

Toyota Century SUV Convertible Is A Custom Parade Vehicle For Sumo Wrestling Champions
Toyota Century SUV Convertible Is A Custom Parade Vehicle For Sumo Wrestling Champions
Toyota Century SUV Convertible Is A Custom Parade Vehicle For Sumo Wrestling Champions
Toyota Century SUV Convertible Is A Custom Parade Vehicle For Sumo Wrestling Champions
Toyota Century SUV Convertible Is A Custom Parade Vehicle For Sumo Wrestling Champions
Toyota Century SUV Convertible Is A Custom Parade Vehicle For Sumo Wrestling Champions
Toyota Century SUV Convertible Is A Custom Parade Vehicle For Sumo Wrestling Champions
Toyota Century SUV Convertible Is A Custom Parade Vehicle For Sumo Wrestling Champions
Toyota Century SUV Convertible Is A Custom Parade Vehicle For Sumo Wrestling Champions
Toyota Century SUV Convertible Is A Custom Parade Vehicle For Sumo Wrestling Champions

Toyota Motor Corporation via Response

In addition to the exterior modifications, Toyota engineers have put significant effort into adapting the open-air SUV for its new role. The interior is spacious enough to accommodate two sumo wrestlers, the body has been reinforced, and the suspension has been strengthened to support the additional weight.

The rear section of the cabin, resembling a folded fabric top, serves as the small backrest for the custom rear bench. Photos from the event showcase a substantial amount of legroom, with the raised floor at the rear offering sumo wrestlers a commanding view of the cheering crowd.

There is no word on any changes under the hood, meaning that the stock 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain has most likely been carried over. The PHEV offers a combined output of 406 hp (303 kW / 412 PS), sent to all four wheels through an e-CVT gearbox and the E-Four Advanced AWD system. Additionally, it provides up to 69 km (43 miles) of EV-only range, although with two Sumo wrestlers on board, achieving this range might be more challenging.

More: Toyota Craftspeople Spend 12 Times Longer Tightening Bolts On Century Than Any Other Car

Toyota’s Chairman, Akio Toyoda, attended the event alongside Japan Sumo Association director Yamayasu Shibata (formerly known as yokozuna Onokuni), and committee member Sho Miyagino (formerly known as yokozuna Hakuho).

As reported by Response, the Toyota Century SUV Convertible was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Sumo in 2025 and will be the Japan Sumo Association’s official parade vehicle for the new champions. According to Toyoda, the company had initially prepared another parade vehicle based on the Crown, but Miyagino argued that a Century would be a more fitting choice as the new Toyota flagship.

We don’t have information about the cost of these modifications, but the transformation of a full-size luxury SUV into a convertible is typically a costly endeavor. Just as a reminder, the standard Toyota Century SUV is priced at ¥25,000,000 ($172,291), making it the automaker’s most expensive model. In addition to the extensive Meister personalization program, Toyota says its open to create one-of-a-kind versions upon request. It remains to be seen whether the Sumo-specific build will serve as an inspiration for similar open-air conversions of the Century SUV in the future.