Sumo World January 2002 by Picolo Jean-Michel

Sumo World

ln This Issue

Editorial Staff: Clyde Newton Andy Adams Ryo Hatano Shinobu Suzuki Lora Sharnoff David Meisenzahl Mark Newton Mark Schreiber C. Newton C. Newton, S. Suzuki

Editor and Publisher Associate Editor Senior Editor Staff Columnist Staff Columnist Staff Columnist Staff Columnist Guest Columnist Photographer Translators

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On the Coyer - New Ozeki Tochiazuma Clyde Newton).

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On the Back Coyer - This print from the 1850s is from the collection of Swedish collector Goran Flyxe, and depicts Sakaigawa, an ozeki in the 1850s. Older readers will remember Goran Flyxe's print graced sorne of Sumo World's early issues (courtesy of Goran Flyxe).

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Editor's Box Hatsu Basho Banzuke Makunouchi Division: Rankings and Profiles * Tochiazuma Promoted to Ozeki By Clyde Newton * Predictions for 2002 * Hatano-san's Colurnn * The 10 Most Disappointing Yokozuna * By Andy Adams * Meishobu Revealed * juryo Results, Behind the Curtain * Off The Dohyo by Lora Sharnoff * Letters from Readers * Heya Addre.sses * Kyushu Basho Hoshitorihyo * Hatsu Basho Preview by Clyde Newton * Kyushu Basho Review * Natsu Basho Results juryo Division: Rankings and Profiles Makushita Division: Top Ranks

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(continued on p.l3) * Our thanks to"Sumo" of BaseballMagazine-shafor use of photos

Sumo Kyokai Messengers Wakamatsu (ex-Ozeki Asashio) and Irumagawa (ex-Sekiwake Tochitsukasa) fOrmally notif; Tochiazuma of his promotion to ozeki on November 28.

Tochiazuma Promoted to Ozeki By Clyde Newton Tochiazuma's fine 12-3 record in the Kyushu Basho won him promotion to ozeki after a total of 20 tournaments at sekiwake and komusubi. Tochiazuma's credentials for promotion were impeccable in terms of win-Ioss records; 10-5 inJuly followed by 12-3 records in both September and November 2001. Despite his impressive records, Tochiazuma's chances of promotion looked precarious going into the final day. He appeared to injure his leg in losing to tournament winner Musahimaru on the 14th day, and was unable to walk unassisted. However, the injury was apparently minor. Nevertheless, the sekiwake's final bout with ozeki Musoyama was critical, since he had already lost to the other competing yokozuna and ozeki, and a further loss to Musoyama might well have resulted in his promotion being deferred until the Hatsu Basho. Tochiazuma had little trouble with Musoyama, though, and his promotion to ozeki became certain. Even Sakaigawa Oyakata (ex- Yokozuna Sadanoyama), the head of the judging division, who has expressed caution regarding some recent ozeki promotions, wholehearted supported Tochiazuma's promotion. Tochiazuma was born in Tokyo on November 9,

1976, just before his father, the first Tochiazuma retired from active competition. The first Tochiazuma (now Tamanoi Oyakata and his son's mentor), competed as a Kasugano Beya between 1960 and 1977, and was regarded as being an ozeki candidate in the late 1960s and early 1970s. A skillful rikishi and an upsetter, the first Tochiazuma was only ranked at sekiwake once, but in J anuary 1972 he won the Makunouchi yusho with an 11-4 record at No.5 Maegashira. After becoming Tamanoi Oyakata, the first Tochiazuma remained with Kasugano Beya for many years, but after his mentor-ex-Yokozuna Tochinishiki died in 1990 and ex- Yokozuna Tochinoumi took over Kasugano Beya, he decided to branch out on his own, taking some deshi from his old heya. ln November 1994, Tamanoi's son, Shiga Daisuke, joined the professional ranks, and breezed through the lower divisions, reaching Juryo in May 1996, while still only 19, and the Makunouchi in November of the same year. New Ozeki Tochiazuma reached the sanyaku ranks early, but was hampered by lack of experience and injuries. However, he finally came into his own in 2001, with a 10-5 record as a maegashira in J anu9

ary, followed by 9-6 at komusubi in March. Promoted back to sekiwake in May, he won 9 bouts, following by 10 wins in J uly, then 12-3 records in both September and N ovember. While powerful and skillful, Tochiazuma's sumo still has flaws. He is extremely effective when he aggressively attacks larger opponents, but when he is cautious his relative lack of weight cornes into play. Earlier this year, he started side-stepping opponents, probably more out of instinct than intentionally. However, in the Kyushu Basho, the 25 year old sekiwake displayed stronger self-confidence than he has to date. What kind of ozeki will Tochiazuma make? If he concentrates on making his sumo even more speedy and he is able to avoid injuries, he has the potential to become a strong, stable, longterm ozeki. While he certainly has the potential to win the yusho at sorne point, probably sooner rather than later, the odds of Tochi going one step further to yokozuna are not high. Given Wakanohana's experience, Tochi will probably have a longer career if he remains at ozeki. Tochiazuma's promotion brings the number of ozeki back to four. While Musoyama appears to have achieved stability, Chiyotaikai will be kadoban again inJanuary. If Chiyotaikai losses his rank and Miyabiyama fails to win 10 or more bouts and thus is unable to return to ozeki, there could be only three ozeki in March, as well as four former ozeki, which would be unprecedented. N evertheless, Tochiazuma' s promotionshould

Predictions for

2002

By Clyde Newton

Yusho: Musashimaru-2, Takanohana-1, Tochiazuma-1, Kotomitsuki-1, Wakanosato-1 Most Wins for the year: Tochiazuma New Yokozuna: None New Ozeki: Kotomitsuki Promoted back to Ozeki: Miyabiyama New Sekiwake: Tamanoshima, Takanowaka Promoted back to Sekiwake: Wakanosato, Dejima, Tochinonada New Komusubi: Toki, Tochisakae Promoted back to Komusubi: Chiyotenzan, Takanowaka, Hayateumi, Tosanoumi Shin-Nyumaku: Kuniazuma, Shimotori,Juzan, Harunoyama, Hokutoriki Promoted back to Makunouchi: Tochinohana, Takatoriki, Higonoumi, Daishi, Takamisakari, Kotoryu, Kitazakura Likely Retirements: Akinoshima, Takanonami, Hamanoshima, Terao, Minatofuji strengthen the level of competition Kaio is 29 and increasingly erratic, also nearly 30. Tochiazuma has outlast all the current ozeki, as yokozuna.

in the top ranks. and Musoyama is the potential to weIl as the two

Sekiwake Tochiazuma easi1y ousts new komusubi Kaiho on the sixth clay.

Tochiazuma's Tegata (ActuaISize)

1 1

., 1

An Open Letter to Tamanoi Oyakata by Ryo Hatano Congratulations on Tochiazuma's promotion to ozeki! The dream that both of you had, as shisho and deshi, and of course, as father and son, for promotion to ozeki has materialized. You were unable to reach ozeki due to illness, but you passed the dream on to your son, and he has fulfilled your wish. Indeed, he has shown filial piety to you by achieving your old objective. You mentioned that you were a happy man. And Tochiazuma attributes his promotion to you and okamisan. He has kept his promise to both of you. ln an interview, T ochiazuma was asked what itfelt like to have overtaken his father. He replied that he hadn't overtaken you yet, since you won a Makunouchi yusho, but Tochiazuma has yet to do so. l am sure you are looking fOl'ward to the day when your son wins his first yusho. Sumo's popularity is rather low at the moment, but Tochiazuma's promotion is good and welcome news for sumo. As you know, l retired from the frontlines of sumo reporting quite a while ago. As a result, l don't know the current rikishi very well on a personal basis. l have never spoken to Tochiazuma, but since he is your son, l have following his career closely since he first set foot on the dohyo. Frankly, l was surprised when he chose a professional sumo career. Although he was a high school yokozuna, l had doubts as to how far he would go as a professional rikishi. Tochiazuma won the Jonokuchi and Jonidan titles with perfect 7-0 records right after his debut, which didn't really surprise me, since he had done well in high school amateur sumo. But when your son won the Sandanme and Makushita yusho as well, and quickly gained promotion to Juryo, l was most impressed. At that point, yo.ur son took your old shikona-Tochiazuma. And then, m hls thlrd basho inJuryo, Tochiazuma won the yusho with a 12-3 record and gained promotion to Makunouch1. Tochiazuma has a strong resemblance to you and his physique is reminiscent of yours-rather small. But this is to be expected, since he is your son. You had the traditional technical finesse of Kasugano Beya rikishi. And Tochiazuma is skillful as weIl. And though it may be impolite to mention this, Tochiazuma IS ev en stronger than you were. He has both skill and power. l think he is a very clever rikishi. He obviously closely follows your advice and applies it to his sumo. His present build is the product of dedication to keiko. l thmk hls serious attitude towards keiko and the skill he has inherited from you will bring him greater and greater success in the years to come. Tochiazuma was criticized for bouts in which he used henka (side-stepping an opponent) in the Aki Basho, but in the Kyushu Basho, he didn't have even one henka. There is one great hope l have for Tochlazuma. y okozuna promotion. He is a small rikishi by today's standards. However, a small yokozuna could help revive sumo's popularity by defeating larger rikishi. Which makes me recall a rikishi who was slightly senior to you when you were in Kasugano Beya-yokozuna Tochinoumi.

As Tochiazuma's shisho and as his father, l hope you eencourage him to aim for promotion to yokozuna. 1 recall the time about 30 years ago, inJanuary 1972, when you won the yusho as a maegashira, and as one of the prizes you won was a trip to Australia with your mentor, the then Kasugano Oyakata (ex-yokozuna Tochinishiki). l had sorne free time and accompanied you both on the trip. l remember the splendid service in first class on PanAm. The week-long trip was so enjoyable-we visited Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, and the Gold Coast. J apanese routinely travel to Australia these days, but back then there were very few J apanese on the streets of Sydney. You were close to the age Tochiazuma is now back then, and it is like a dream to think now that your son, who wasn't even born then, has been promoted to ozeki. (Tamanoi Oyakata (ex-Sekiwake Tochiazuma) was a Kasugano Beya rikishi and reached sekiwake. He retired inJanuary 1977 with a Makunouchi record of 404 wins, 44810sses and 23 days absent. He stood at 1.77 meters and weighed 115 kilograms. He is now 57 years old.)

Kitanoumi and Futagoyama Likely to Vie for Rijicho Post by Clyde Newton With sumo's popularity in Japan seemingly at its nadir, the Sumo Kyokai faces critical elections in February. Both Tokitsukaze Rijicho (ex-ozeki Yutakayama) and Sakaigawa Riji (ex-yokozuna Sadanoyama), the still inf1uential former rijicho, will both step down, as they will reach the mandatory retirement age of 65 before the next two year term of office expires. When Tokitsukaze Rijicho was first elected inJ anuary 1998, Kitanoumi Oyakata (ex-Yokozuna Kitanoumi) nearly achieved a surprise victory in the final voting, due to strong support from a large group of oyakata who had opposed sorne of Sakaigawa's policies. The common wisdom at the time was that the young (he was only 44 at the time) and well-liked Kitanoumi was certain to be Tokitsukaze's eventual successor. However, the collapse of the old negotiated election system, in which the eIders of each ichimon (group of heya) would apportion the top posts evenly has created a sense of uncertainty, and it turns out, Kitanouml Oyakata's election as rijicho after the Hatsu Basho is by no means certain. The powerful Nishonoseki Ichimon is rumored to be united behind Futagoyama Oyakata (exOzeki Takanohana), while Kitanoumi must rely on support from a smaller and increasing fragmented electorate in his own Dewanoumi Ichimon. Takadagawa Oyakata (ex-Ozeki Maenoyama), th: most outspoken opponent of Sakaigawa, ran for a r!JI position in 1998, against the wishes of his Takasago lchimon, which "officially" supported the then incumbent Jinmaku Oyakata (ex-yokozuna Kitan.ofuji) and Takasago (ex-komusubi Fujinishiki). Kitanofuj110st his riji post and abruptly left sumo altogether, while Takadagawa was elected-and promptly expelled from the Takasago lchimon. Takadagawa's victory was seen as an aberation, however, he managed to cobble together 12

another riji election victory in 2000. However, with Sakaigawa Oyakata no longer running for office, Takadagawa's support, sorne of which came from Sakaigawa's own Dewanoumi Ichimon, is expected to evaporate. Kitanoumi, who is considered to be friendly to the reform group, if not a fellow-traveller, may pick up sorne of the support that went to Takadagawa. Kitanoumi Oyakata, however, faces a threat in the initial election for riji (board director) posts. Ali the oyakata (with the exception of jun-toshiyori) vote for the riji posts. To complicate matters, three oyakata are expected to run for riji from the Dewanoumi groupMusashigawa (ex-yokozuna Mienoumi), Dewanoumi (exsekiwake Washuyama), and Kitanoumi. At best, the Dewanoumi Ichimon has the strength to barely elect two directors. One of the candidates will be certain to lose, and it could even be Kitanoumi himself-in which case he would be eliminated from the subsequent vote for rijicho. ln recent years, the Nishonoseki Ichimon, especially the group centered around Futagoyama Beya, has become increasingly powerful, with more and more oyakata, while the Dewanoumi Ichimon, which has produced less sanyaku rikishi in recent decades, has faded somewhat. ln the 58 years since the rijicho post was first held by a rikishi in 1944, the Dewanoumi Ichimon has occupied the top position for a total of 36 years. On the other hand, the Nishonoseki Ichimon has had only one rijicho-the old Futagoyama Oyakata (ex-yokozuna Wakanohana)-and he served for a total of only four years between 1988 and 1992. The Nishonoseki Ichimon has three riji; Sadogatake (ex-yokozuna Kotozakura), Futagoyama, and Magaki (exyokozuna Wakanohana II). Ali three are running for reelection and are expected to retain their posts. Due to this degree of support from his own ichimon and presumably from sorne riji of the Tatsunami/Isegahama and Takasago Ichimon, Futagoyama is now viewed as having a slight lead over Kitanoumi in the race for rijicho. The outcome is far from certain. Kitanoumi, despite being only 48 and retired for but 16years, has considerable experience in high level posts in the Sumo Kyokai. He presently holds the jigyo bucho (business director) post, the de facto NO.2 position in the Sumo Kyokai. Most rijicho held the jigyo bucho post prior to rising to the top position. Futagoyama, 51, on the other hand has only held the jungyo bucho Qungyo director) post, and under his watch revenues from jungyo have fallen into the red for the first time in decades. While Futagoyama himself is not held responsible for low attendance at jungyo (which is a problem related to the current, his heading the division can hardly be regarded as a positive factor in his election to a higher post. If Kitanoumi Oyakata do es win one of the 10 riji positions, his chances of being elected to rijicho may weil depend upon the solidity of Futagoyama's backing among the other board members. Magaki Oyakata, who has always been associated with the anti-Sakaigawa rebel group, is said to have pledged support to Futagoyama. The real question mark is Sadogatake Oyakata (ex-yokozuna Kotozakura). Sadogatake is from non-Futagoyama side of the Nishonoseki Ichimon. The non-Futagoyama side used to have a second riji, Taiho Oyakata (ex-yokozuna Taiho), who was forced down by Futagoyama's unexpected candidacy for riji in 1996. While in alllikelihood the new rijicho will be from the

Futagoyama

postwar generation, there is a slight chance that Sadogatake could emerge as an interim compromise candidate for rijicho. However, Sadogatake will reach Kyokai retirement age in 2005, and thus could serve for just a single two year term. The most likely outcome would be for Kitanoumi and Futagoyama to take turns as rijicho--say two or three two year terms each. Whatis certain is that control of the Sumo Kyokai will shift to a new generation born after the end of World War II. Whoever is elected as rijicho will undoubtedly face a monumental task in spearheading a revival in sumo's popularity. There are factors beyond the control of even the most imaginative rijicho, such as japan's depressed economy, which is in part responsible for low attendance at hombasho.

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The Ten Most Disappointing Yokozuna ByAndyAdams 1. SHIRANUI 1 DAKUEMON (1801-1854) Record: 9-6-4 Yusho as Yokozuna: 0 Yokozuna Winning Percentage: .600 Jun-Yusho as Yokozuna: 0 Heya: Urakaze Basho/Years-Months as Yokozuna: 3/1-3 (1/1840-3/ 1841) Size: 176 cm. (5-9)/135 kg. (298) Age/Month- Year of Yokozuna Promotion: 39/1-1840 Age/Year of Retirement: 43/1844 Makunouchi Record/Winning Percentage: 48-16-6/.762 Career Yusho: 1

3. NISHINOUMI II KAJIRO (1880-1931) Yokozuna Record: 12-5-0 Yusho as Yokozuna: 0 Yokozuna Winning Percentage: .706 Jun-Yusho as Yokozuna: 0 Heya: Izutsu Basho/Years-Months as Yokozuna: 2/1-0 (2/1916-3/ 1918) Size: (185 cm.) 6-3/4/135 kg. (298) Age/Month-Year ofYokozuna Promotion: 36/2-1916 Age/Year of Retirement: 38/5-1918 Makunouchi Record/Winning Percentage: 136-38-36/ .73 Career Yusho: 1

Comments: As the eighth yokozuna (an honorary rank at the time), Shiranui (Dakuemon) 1 has the dubious distinction ofbeing the only yokozuna ever to be demoted from ozeki-the highest rank on the banzuke at the timeafter being granted yokozuna status. His .600 winning percentage as yokozuna wasn't the lowest of sumo's 67 yokozuna. That distinction belongs to the 39th yokozuna, Maedayama--the only one who had less than a .500 record--.471--while performing at the top rank. Surprisingly, Shiranui didn't retire after losing the rank of ozeki, continuing to perform for another three years or so. Shiranui l's yokozuna dohyo-iri style was not the basis for one of the two classical styles still used today--that distinction belongs to Shiranui II.

Comments: Nishinoumi II Kajiro, the 25th yokozuna, competed in only two full basho at the top rank--the second-shortest yokozuna tenure in history. He came from Kagoshima Prefecture and joined Izutsu Beya in 1900 at the age of 19. The oldest at 36 to gain the top rank since the Meiji Era, he is the only yokozuna who committed suicide. Although he was big at over 183 cm. (6 feet), his style of sumo--seizing the mawashi in a hidariyotsu position--was slow-moving and unspectacular. He retired at the age of 38 in May 1918, became Izutsu Oyakata and trained Nishinoumi III.

y okozuna

2. OTORI TANIGORO (1887-1956) Yokozuna Record: 35-24-2 Yusho as Yokozuna: 1 y okozuna Winning Percentage: .593 Jun-Yusho as Yokozuna: 0 Heya: Miyagino Basho/Years-Months as Yokozuna: 11/5-0 (2/1915-5/ 1920) Size: 174 cm. (5-8 1/4)/112 kg. (247) Age/Month-Year ofYokozuna Promotion: 27/2-1915 Age/Year of Retirement: 33/5-1920 Makunouchi Record/Winning Percentage: 108-4915/ .688 Career Yusho: 2 Comments: Otori Tanigoro, the 24th yokozuna, was one of the youngest (up to his time)-27-to be promoted to the top rank in May 1915. There were sorne complaints from sumo fans that he had been promoted too quickly--and, as it turned out, he had less than a .600 winning percentage in his five-year tenure at the top rank. After being refused in his bid to enter sumo because he was too small, he was finally accepted in 1903 at the age of 15. He was promoted to yokozuna in 1915 after scoring zensho-yusho and retained the rank for the next five years, although he was one of the few to not win a basho title as a yokozuna. He had a disappointing tenure overall (one of only three yokozuna in history to score less than a .600 winning percentage) and retired in 1920 at the age of 33.

4. NISHINOUMI III KAJIRO (1890-1933) Yokozuna Record: 49-20-1 Yusho as Yokozuna: 1 Yokozuna Winning Percentage: .71 Jun-Yusho as Yokozuna: 2 Heya: Izutsu Basho/Months- Years as Yokozuna: 13/5-8 Size: 185 cm. (6-3/4)/124 kg. (273) Age/Month- Year of Yokozuna Promotion: 32/4-1923 Age/Year of Retirement: 37/10-1928 Makunouchi Record/Winning Percentage: 134-60-4/ .691 Career Yusho: 1 Comments: Nishinoumi III Kajiro, the 30th yokozuna, had the longest career of any of these 10 disappointing yokozuna: 13 basho, or 5 years and 8 months. He was only the second of these 10 yokozuna who captured the yusho while holding the top rank. Using a simple, unspectacular style of sumo, Nishinoumi III focused on getting a morozashi whenever possible. Although he had not been able to come up with a single yusho before promotion to yokozuna and despite the opposition of the Yoshida Family (who historically controlled the promotion of yokozuna until the postwar period), the family finally agreed to the promotion on the basis of Nishinoumi's future potential. Thus, he was promoted to yokozuna at the age of32 in 1923. He came close to compiling a .700 winning percentage with .691, although he was frequently absent. He retired in 1928 at the age of37 and died alonely death five years later in 1933. He was only 43 years old.

s. MUSASHlYAMA TAKESHI (1909-1969) Yokozuna Record: 15-15-0 Yusho as Yokozuna: 0 Yokozuna Winning Percentage: .556 Jun-Yusho as Yokozuna: 0 Heya: Dewanoumi Basho/Years as Yokozuna: 8/3-5 Size: 186 cm. (6-1)/120 kg. (265) Age/Month-Year of Yokozuna Promotion: 25/5-1935 Age/Month-Year of Retirement: 25/5-1925 Makunouchi Record/Winning Percentage: 174-69-2/ .716 Career Yusho: 1 Comments: Musashiyama Takeshi, the 33rd yokozuna, was considered something of a sumo genius at the start of his career and regarded as a tragic case at the end. His yokozuna winning percentage of .556 was the secondlowest among ail 66 yokozuna. He was born in Kanagawa Pre-fecture and competed for Dewanoumi Beya. He seemed to have everything going for him by the time he reached yokozuna at age 25: a muscular and wellproportioned physique, physically strong with a sharp deashi and hand-some with well-defined features. But he appeared in only eight basho during his eight-basho, three-and-a-half-year tenure at the top rank and had so many absences that he competed fully in every basho-only once! As a result, he ended up with a disappointing record of only 15 wins and 15 losses. At one point, he revealed plans to switch to a career as a heavyweight boxer, but he never followed through on his grandiose idea. He retired at the age of 29 and remained in sumo as Dekiyama Oyakata until his death in 1969.

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6. AKINOUMI SETSUO (1914-1979) Yokozuna Record: 38-19 Yusho as Yokozuna: 0 Yokozuna Winning Percentage: .66 Jun-Yusho as Yokozuna: Heya: Dewanoumi Basho/Years as Yokozuna: 8/3-1 Size: 175 cm. (5-83/4/134 kg. (295) Age/Month- Year of Yokozuna Promotion: 28/5-1942 Age/Year of Retirement: 31/ 11-1946 Makunouchi Record/Winning Percentage: 142-59/.706 Career Yusho: 1 Comments: Akinoumi Setsuo, the 37th yokozuna, will a1ways be remembered for stopping the great yokozuna Futabayama's 69-bout winning streak on the fourth day of theJanuary 1939 Tournament rather than for anything he achieved as a yokozuna. Rather small for a yokozuna at this period at only 175 cm. and historically he was unfortunate in having to compete with Futabayama. After entering sumo at the age of 17, he reached the ultimate rank of yokozuna Il years later when he was 28. Not too strong for a yokozuna, he ended up winning only twice as many bouts as he lost: 38-19 for a winning percentage of .667 so that he was unable to come close to his Makunouchi percentage of .706. Nine years after he retired in 1946, he left sumo altogether after an inter-heya disagreement and operated a series of restaurants in the Tokyo area before retiring to Kamakura in the 1960s.

7. MAEDAYAMA EIGORO (1914-1971) Yokozuna Record: 24-27 Yusho as Yokozuna: 0 y okozuna Winning Percentage: .471 Jun-Yusho as Yokozuna: 0 Heya: Takasago Basho/years as Yokozuna: 612-5 Size: 181 cm. (5-11)/120 kg. (265) Age/Month-Year of Yokozuna Promotion: 33/6-1947 Age/Year of Retirement: 35/10-1949 Makunouchi Record/Winning Percentage: 206-104/.6 Career Yusho: 1 Comments: Maedayama Eigoro, the 39th yokozuna and the first one in postwar World War II history, was a strong ozeki as weil as a highly successful oyakata, but a poor yokozuna. ln fact, he compiled the worst winning percentage of ail 66 yokozuna in sumo history--.471 (24 wins and 2710sses) to become the only one who fell below the .500 mark. He entered sumo in 1929 at the early age of 14, but eventually relied on a fierce slapping attack so that he became known as the Red Devil of the Dohyo. He became an ozeki only three basho after he reached the Makunouchi Division, a record equalled only by the 26th yokozuna, Onishiki. Toward the end of his career, he dropped out of the Osaka Basho, claiming that he was sick, but he returned to Tokyo to watch the touring San Francisco Seals play a baseball game. A photograph of Maedayama shaking hands with Seals manager Lefty O'Doul appeared in the Tokyo papers and got him into trouble with the Dai-Nippon Sumo Kyokai. Hefinally retired in 1949 at the age of 35 to take responsibility for behaving imprudently in a manner unbecoming a yokozuna. As the head of Takasago Beya, he helped to internationalize sumo and spread interest in it abroad as head of the Sumo KyokaiisJungyo Division. He brought Hawaiian-AmericanJesse Kuhaulua toJapan and trained him as Takamiyama besides helping to raising ozeki Maenoyama. 8. YOSHIBA YAMA JUNNOSUKE (1920-1977) Yokozuna Record: 109-67-79 Yusho as Yokozuna: 0 Yokozuna Winning Percentage: .619 Jun-Yusho as Yokozuna: 1 Heya: Takashima Basho/years as Yokozuna: 17/3-8 Size: 179 cm. (5-10 1/4)/161 kg. (355) Age/Month- Year of Yokozuna Promotion: 33/1-1954 Age/Year of Retirement: 37/1-1958 Makunouchi Record/Winning Percentage: 304-151-1/ .688 Career Yusho: 1 Comments: YoshibayamaJunnosuke, the 43rd yokozuna, like seven others of the 10 most disappointing yokozuna, never managed to take the yusho after his promotion to the top rank. lronically, he was promoted to yokozuna after scoring zensho yusho as a 33-year-old ozeki. He was a handsome rikishi with an imposing physique and was popular with fans, many of whom were sympathetic to his futile attempts to win a basho as a yoko-zuna. Born in Hokkaido, he came to Tokyo in 1938 to attend school but was discovered and recruited by Takashima Beya before

he was able to crack a book. While ranked in the Makunouchi Division, he joined the military in 1942 and spent the next six years in the service. Returning to civilian life, he was aIlowed to re-enter Makunouchi in 1948, reaching ozeki in mid-i51. The highlight of his career was capturing the January 1954 Tournament with a perfect record and parading triumphantly through the streets of Tokyo in the falling snow. His strong attacks were based on his hidari-yotsu, migi-uwate grip, but his high hips plagued his attempts to win another yusho. He retired in 1958 at the age of 37 and took over as mas ter of Miyagino Beya. 9. FUTAHAGURO KOJI (1963-) Yokozuna Record: 74-33-13 Yusho as Yokozuna: 0 Yokozuna Winning Percentage: .691 Jun-Yusho as Yokozuna: 3 Heya: Tatsunami Basho/Years as Yokozuna: 9/1-5 Size: 199 cm. (6-6 1/2)/154 kg. (340) Age/Month- Year of Yokozuna Promotion: 23/7-1986 Age/Year of Retirement: 24/12-1987 Makunouchi Record/Winning Percentage: 197-87/.693 Career Yusho: 0 Comments: Futahaguro Koji, the 60th yokozuna, was the only yokozuna ever kicked out of sumo at the age of 24 only a year and a half after being promoted to sumo's top rank. The 199-cm. yokozuna had been expected to take over from Chiyonofuji and dominate the late 1980s and early '90s, and had three jun-yusho to his credit in the six basho in which he competed from beginning to end. There is no doubt that he would have captured many yusho had he managed to remain in sumo. But a series of altercations with his stablemaster as weIl as with his tsukebito along with various personality problems resulted in his abrupt departure from sumo at the end of 1987--at the express request of his oyakata, Tatsunami Oyakata. Previously, he had actuaIly run away from the heya several times because he was unable to endure the hard training and hazing dealt out by higher-ranked stablemates. lronicaIly, his own tsukebito fled the heya, complaining of mistreatment by Kitao--his former shikona. After lea ving sumo, he went on a long, worldwide tour and finally set up his own professional wrestling camp after returning to Tokyo. 10. WAKANOHANA III (1971- ) Yokozuna Record: 61-38-57 Yusho as Yokozuna: 0 Yokozuna Winning Percentage: .616 Jun-Yusho as Yokozuna: 2 Heya: Futagoyama Basho/Years-Months as Yokozuna: 11/1-10 Size: 181 cm. (5-11 1/4)/134 kg. (296) Age/Month/Year of Yokozuna Promotion: 27/5-1998 Age/Year of Retirement: 29/3-2000. Makunouchi Record/Winning Percentage: 487-250124/.660 Career Yusho: 5 Comments: Wakanohana Masaru, the 66th and next-tolast yokozuna as of the end of 2001, was another rikishi who would have gone down in sumo history as one of the greatest ozeki with five yusho to his credit if he had

remained at that rank. But as it turned out, he was unable to win another yusho after his promotion to yokozuna foIlowing the May 1998 basho. The son of famed ozeki Takanohana, the nephew of yokozuna Wakanohana 1and the older brother of yokozuna Takanohana, he had the most absences due to injury of any of the 10 Most Disappointing Yokozuna with 124, which adds up to more than eight complete basho. His c!osest, and most frustrating approach to the yusho was his 13-2 performance as a yokozuna in the 1999 Hatsu Basho but sekiwake Chiyotaikai won after two playoffs. It appeared that Wakanohana had won the first playoff in a close finish, but the judges led by Kokonoe Oyakata, the stablemaster of Chiyotaikai (conflict of interest?), conferred and called for a rematch. This would have given him his sixth yusho and eliminated him from consideration as one of the Ten Most Disappointing y okozuna. Climaxing his outstanding career as an ozeki (426-212--winning percentage of .667), Wakanohana was promoted to yokozuna foIlowing two consecutive yusho performances in the Haru Basho and N atsu Basho of 1998. He was runnerup in September of that year with a 12-3 record and again in January ë99 with 13-2. That disappointing result in the latter basho seemed to take the stuffing out ofWakanohana, who most noticeably began to show his age--and disappointment--in his remaining year in sumo. He even became the first yokozuna since Onokuni to suffer make-koshi at the top rank with a 7-8 record in September ë99. After sitting out the next two basho, Wakanohana made an abortive comeback in March 2000, but lost three of his first five bouts and suddenly decided to throw in the towel. After his danpatsu-shiki later that year, he left sumo altogether in mid- December and now works as a italentoî or entertainer in show biz.

BASHO SCHEDULE FOR 2002 Hatsu Basho-Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo January 13-27,2002 Tickets on sale: December 1,2001 Banzuke: December 25,2001 Haru Basho-Osaka Furitsu Taiikukan, Osaka March 10-24, 2002 Tickets on sale: February 10, 2002 Banzuke: February 25, 2002 Natsu Basho-Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo May 12-26,2002 Tickets on sale: April 6, 2002 Banzuke: April 24, 2002 Nagoya Basho-Aichi-ken Taiikukan, Nagoya July 7-21, 2002 Tickets on sale: March 14,2002 Banzuke:June 24, 2002 Aki Basho-Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo September 8-22, 2002 Tickets on sale: August 3, 2002 Banzuke: August 26 Kyushu Basho-Fukuoka Kokusai Center November 10-24 Tickets on sale: October 5, 2002 Banzuke: October 28

Meishobu Revealed Vokozuna Chiyonoyama vs Ozeki Wakanohana (uwatenage) January 1958 (lOthDay)

Frame 1-Wakanohana (Ieft), displaying total confidence thrusts out his left shoulder at the tachi-ai.

Frame 2-Using his superior reach and height to maximum effect, Chiyonoyama (right) thrusts at Wakanohana.

Frame 4-Sensing danger, Chiyo

(right) thrusts furiously at Waka's throat, forcing the ozeki's chin up.

Frame 7-Chiyo continues to relentlessly pursue Wakanohana as the !iule ozeki fights to hang on in the dohyo.

Frame 3-0zeki Wakanohana momentarily breaks through Chiyo's thrusts to fleetingly grasp the yokozuna mawashi.

Frame

5-Though Wakanohana managed to grasp the yokozuna's mawashi, Chiyo continues to thrust at the ozeki's throat and forces his opponent towards the edge of the dohyo.

(back to camera) pushes the flailing Waka from the side. Waka was in a virtually hopeless position.

Frame S-Wakanohana's legs begin to buckle. Chiyonoyama has almost won the bout.

Frame 9-Chiyonoyama shoves Wakanohana out. It was Wakanohana's first loss of the tournament, though he went on to win his second yusho with a 13-2, and gain promotion yokozuna. Chiyonoyama finished at 12-3.

Frame 6-Chiyonoyama

Behind the Curtain By David Meisenzahl

Stepping out in front of the curtain for the January tourney are two new faces to the juryo ranks and two returnees. It is nice to see so much activity at the curtain for a change. Most of the rikishi moving up into the paid ranks are from the same ichimon. Rikishi tend to practice the most with other from the same ichimon. Of the four sumotori getting promoted, three are from the Takasago Ichimon, while the remainingman is from the Nihonoseki Ichimon. Ushiomaru, from former sekiwake Takamiyama's Azumazeki stable, is a first timer to the juryo ranks. Nicknamed "Sano", mostlikely from his previous shikona, Takamisano, he put together a 5-2 record at Fukuoka from NO.1 Makushita to get pushed up the banzuke. We have often seen Sano waiting in the hanamichi for Akebono to finish his bout. Sano was one of Akebono's tsukebito for many years. Now he finally gets to put on the silk mawashi after almost 8 years on the dohyo. This will bringJesse's sekitori count to 2, with Sano joining 'Robocop' aka Takamisakari inJuryo. Hokutoriki, from former yokozuna Hokutomi's Hakkaku Beya, is our other first timer to the paid ranks. Like Sano, Hokutoriki notched 5 victories against 2 defeats, opposite the banzuke from Sano, at higashi NO.1 Makushita. He will join Kaiho, who became Hakaku Beya's first Sanyaku rikishi in November. Sumanofuji, from former sekiwake Fujizakura's Nakamura Beya, is a returnee and the heya's highest ranking rikishi. He was ranked at N0.2 Makushita in the last basho, posting 5 wins and 2 defeats. It must be nice for Nakamura Oyakata to have a sekitori again. Kotokanyu, 35, from former yokozuna Kotozakura's Sadogatake stable, is our other returnee, who has lots of company in the paid ranks from his heya; Kotomitsuki, Kotonowaka, and Kotoryu. To do this, he put together an impressive 6-1 record from NO.5. Makushita. Who are our unlucky 4 that must be stepping behind the curtain to make room for these wrestlers. Half of them are from the Dewanoumi ichimon and the other half are from the Nihonoseki ichimon, a matter a fact, two are from the same stable. Wakatsutomu, from former ozeki Wakashimazu's Matsugane Beya, is falling like a rock down the banzuke. He started 200 l in makushita, spent half the year ranked in Makunouchi, and now he will start next year back in makushita. Wakatsutomu, competing at No. 7Juryo, could only manage wins on days 3 and 4, leaving him with a dreadful2-13 record. It will be awfully tough to lose all those perks, keshomawashi, and shimekomi (silk mawashi used by sekitori), and go back to plain black cotton. Let's hope that he can bounce back up the banzuke as fast as he has dropped down. Wakatoryu, another of Matsugane oyakata's boys, is also stepping back behind the curtain inJ anuary. Ranked at NO.9Juryo at Fukuoka, he dropped out on day 6, having won 3 bouts, posting a 3-3-9 record. Yotsukasa, from former sekiwake Tochitsukasa's Irumagawa Beya, debuted in front the curtain way back in '98, reached Makunouchi the following year, and now is booked for a return appearance in makushita for J anuary 2002. He had a rough tourney, only getting 3 wins and 12

defeats, at NO.11Juryo. Masutsuyoshi, from former Ozeki Masuiyama's Mihogaseki Beya, reached Juryo in 1998, and like Wakatsutomu, he started 2001 in makushita, but spent the rest of the year inJuryo. Now he too will be in makushita for the first basho of2002. A record of 5-10 at No. 13Juryo guaranteed him a slot in the Makushita ranks, behind the curtain.

Juryo Results By Clyde Newton

No.4 Oikari won the Juryo yusho with an 11-4 record. The 29 year old Isenoumi Beya rikishi has had four straight kachi-koshi since returning to action after an injury he suffered in the J anuary 2001 tournament. Oikari's tsuppari is destructive wh en he is good shape. The coUegian is set to return to Makunouchi, where he was first ranked in November 1998. Only nine of the 26 Juryo rikishi achieved kachikoshi, and only one man other than OikariTakamisakari, won in double digits. Takamisakari, returning to Juryo after several tournaments in Makushita due to a severe injury he suffered in September 2000, appeared to have recovered the self-confidence he seemingly lacked during his sojourn in Makushita. A group of ex-Makunouchi veterans at or near the top of Juryo made an aU-out effort to return to the top division. 34 year old former Sekiwake Takatoriki narrowly feU short with a 7-8 record at N 0.1 Juryo, while Asanowaka, at the same rank, made it back with a 9-6 record. The luckiest of the ex-Makunouchi contingent was Sentoryu, who has been promoted back to Makunouchi on the strength of an 8-7 record at N 0.3. Sentoryu was 5-7 at one point, but he rallied in the final days. Former sekiwake Terao and onetime komusubi Tochinohana were both absent inJuryo in November, due to injuries, but both rikishi will return to action in J anuary at their N ovember ranks.

Oik,!,ri 18

Most Wins by Makunouchi Rikishi Since 1958 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Wakanohana Tochinishiki Taiho Taiho Taiho Taiho Taiho Sadanoyama Kashiwado Taiho Tamanoshima Kitanofuji Tamanoumi Kitanofuji Kitanofuji Wajima Wajima Kitanoumi Kitanoumi Wajima Kitanoumi Kitanoumi Kitanoumi Kitanoumi Kitanoumi Chiyonofuji Takanosato Wakashimazu Chiyonofuji Chiyonofuji Hokutoumi Asahifuji Hokutoumi Asahifuji Kirishima Takahanada Akebono Takanohana Takanohana Takanohana Takanohana Wakanohana Musashimaru Akebono Musashimaru

75-14-1H 77-13 66-24 71-19 77-13 81-9 69-11-10 74-16 71-19 70-6-14 69-21 63-27 75-15 75-15 73-17 63-27 77-12-1 73-17 71-19 77-13 80-10 82-8 77-13 77-13 69-15-6 74-16 78-12 71-19 80-10 68-10-12 74-16 73-17 72-18 70-20 62-28 60-30 76-14 80-10 80-10 70-5-15 78-12 67-23 70-20 76-14 73-17

Ganyu Acquires Toshiyori Status Ex-No.l Maegashira Ganyu of Kitanoumi has b.een a jjun-toshiyori since retiring in acqUired the Onogawa toshiyori name in 2001. The Onogawa kabu had previous1y by the name ex-Maegashira Haehiya.

Beya, who May 2000, December been held

Off the Dohyo By Lora Sharnoff

Ozeki Chiyotaikai was recently awarded an honorary godan m karate from Shldokan, for his contributions to the dissemination ofkarate through his appearances in sumo. Chiyotaikai's strength in tsuki-oshi (thrusting and pushing) may be attributable to his background in karate, WhlChhe took up in junior high sehool in his native Oita Prefecture. Before going into professional sumo, he reached the initial rank of shodan in karate and came in third in an Ali Kyushu Competition. The last person to receive an honorary godan in karate prior to Chiyotaikai was American singer MiehaelJackson in 1998. Upon receiving the godan, the ozeki commented, ''l'm very happy, and this inspires me to apply myself even harder to my sumo in order to repay the karate world for this honor." Maegashira (and former ozeki) Takanonami, one of sumo 's most eligible bachelors, will be tying the knot with y oko ,Kondo, his love of over 10 years standing, at Tokyo s Hotel New Otani on February Il. Yoko and the erstwhile ozeki first met in Nagoya when the future ozeki was just 17 and still a no-name in the sumo world. The temple used by Futagoyama Beya (Fujishima Beya at the time) for lodings in Nagoya also runs a nursery school. y oko was a teacher at the nursery sehool. The couple started datmg around 10 years ago. Eventually, they got frustrated with maintaining a long-distance romance, and y oko moved to Tokyo. They started living together around two years ago-for a while in the same apartment building as Takanonami's Futagoyama Beya stablemate Akinoshima and his wife. . Futagoyama Oyakata (ex-ozeki Takanohana) gave his Immediate approval to the match once Takanonami revealed hhis desire to wed and only chided the erstwhile oze~i for not getting around to it sooner. As is virtually get~mg to be the custom in the sumo world these days, the petite Yoko is, at age 36, six years Takanonami's senior. Speaking of Futagoyama Oyakata, his former wife, Noriko, recently had her first acting job since she gave up her show busmess career sorne 30 years ago to marry the first. Takanohana. Since separating from the oyakata, N onko has occasionally appeared on sorne talk shows and cooking programs. However, by playing on Nihon Television's political satire draa "Let's go, Nagata-cho" a woman cabmet member modelled on Chikage Ogi, who IS currently in Prime Minister Koizumi's cabinet, the former Mrs. Hanada managed a comeback as actress Noriko Fujita this past autumn.

Sumo Manga Omocha-e Exhibition An exhibition of sumo manga and omocha-e (old sumo print games) will be held at the Yayoi Bijitsukan (gallery) fromJanuary 3 to March 31, 2002. About 400 items from the collections of Kageyama Tadahiro, ex-rikishi Kototsurugi, Mizuno N aofumi, and others will be exhibited. The gallery is located at 2-4-3 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo (tel: 03-3812-0012). The gallery is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Readers' Column Dear Clyde, l am an avid sumo fan since a trip toJapan during the September '94 basho. l have NHK via satellite, watch the daily broadcasts, and look forward to your terrifie bimonthly publication. (l'm serious enough to have put together a nice little collection of tegata. ) l have watched the dimishing crowds with growing dismay. l have a few thoughts that might be germaine, and were not covered by you and Andy in your thoughtful article. The rikishi have become, on average, much stronger than they were in decades past. Training regimens, technique, videotape, nutrition, and the Chiyonofuji type work ethic now permeate the sport. l consider Chiyo the prototype for the modern rikishi. The result is a powerful athlete that, much like a US football player, has a very short sumo life expectancy. Catastrophic injuries are more common each year. l feel this is at the root of the current malaise. Before rikishi can develop avid fans beyond the cognescenti, they are gone, or their power is irrevocably diminished. A good example might be Dejima. A short time ago, a yokozuna prospect, now he struggles to stay in the sport. Not a career to bring in the fans. l suggest that sumo suffers from the same problems that ail pro tennis. The season is simply too long. ln fact, it really never ends. This creates many of the current problems. Rikishi never have a chance to fully recover from their inevitable injuries. l know this is part of the warrior code of old, but it conflicts with fans who need a hero to personify the sport. By the time l learn rikishi names, they are injured, gone, or demoted. The fans also need more of a breather. This off season would build anticipation and create a hunger that now never builds, due to overexposure. Sumo is simply too common, too available. l believe eliminating 1, or perhaps 2 consecutive tournaments per year would be adequate. It would also be helpful to create an annual finale that would crown a rikishi top man for a given year. l realize that the chance for an entrenched, ritualized sport like sumo making these changes is improbable. But, l feel better airing? my thoughts. Sincerely, Joel Beren Malibu, California Dear Sumo World staff, One suggestion that we would like to make. We feel that eliminating ail but one or two lifetime kosho would not be the right thing to do. We do feel, however, that the master of each heya should be responsible for identifying those rikishi who refuse to train properly and vigorously and then become injured because of that failure. Those rikishi could be restricted in the kosho area. Or would be like the Department of Defense investigating itself? When you consider that American baseball players who become injured can be absent for the entire season and still collect their millions, Japanese rikishi are actually treated rather harshly. Takamisakari is a good example. l am sure he trains

hard-he appears to be very conscientious. Yet he was demoted all the way to Makushita through no fault of his own (our opinion, of course). As we understand the kosho system, if an injury occurs in the dohyo during honbasho, it is a "public" injury (kosho). If it occurs duringjungyo, the rikishi is penalized by a demotion. Since rikishi are almost forced to perform for the public between exhausting honbasho, do you think this is right? If we may ask another question: What became of Asanosho (Wakamatsu Beya) and Daihisho (Asahiyama Beya)? Thanks again for a most enjoyable magazine. Earl and Tomiko Boyer Everett, Washington Note: Asanosho fell down to the Sandanme but worked his way back up to the Makushita in 2001. He was absent at Makushita NO.26 in November. Daihisho retired in March 2001 in Makushita. (Ed.)

Hi Clyde: l think only theJapanese can revitalize sumo. So, they should be the on es to ask. Compare the culture of American baseball to that of Japanese baseball. It's a wonder that any J apanese boys nowadays voluntarily enter such a master-slave relationship. Is that the root of the problem or am l wrong? W. Frazzini

Clyde: Here are my three suggestions for reviving sumo popularity: 1. Never again allow two heya to merge so that most of the yokozuna & ozeki & other top ranked rikishi do not face each other in tournaments. l think sumo popularity began to decline a few years back when those two heya (Fujishima & Futagoyama) merged and put too many top rankers in the same heya. 2. Allow Osaka Governor Fusako Ota to enter the dohyo & present the Governor's Cup to the winner of the Osaka Basho in March. This would be a big news story & draw attention to the event. Tradition is nice, but this is the 21st century. What happens when there is a woman Prime Minister? As a fan of sumo, l would like to see her do this. Keeping her off the dohyo do es nothing for me & serves no purpose. 3. On days when Diet sessions are held during a basho, get NHK to televise the sumo, rather than televising the Diet session until5 p.m., then play catch-up with video replays of the day's matches. The Diet sessions are boooooring. If NHK must coyer the Diet, show it on the Education channel, or let one of the commercial networks televise the sumo. Keep up the good work with Sumo World & the English-Ianguage telecasts on BS-2. Best regards, Wayne Graczyk, Tokyo Weekender Sports Editor

Addresses of the Heya (as of December 2001)

i 1

Tokitsukaze Beya (ex-Ozeki Yutakayama) Sadogatake Beya (ex-Yokozuna Kotozakura) Kitanoumi Beya (ex-Yokozuna Kitanoumi) Futagoyama Beya (ex-Ozeki Takanohana) Takadagawa Beya (ex-Ozeki Maenoyama) Oshima Beya (ex-Ozeki Asahikuni) Magaki Beya (ex-Yokozuna Wakanohana) Wakamatsu Beya (ex-Ozeki Asashio) Musashigawa Beya (ex-Yokozuna Mienoumi) Hakaku Beya (ex-Yokozuna Hokutoumi) Isegahama Beya (ex-Ozeki Kiyokuni) Taiho Beya (ex-Yokozuna Taiho) Kasugano Beya (ex-Yokozuna Tochinoumi) Takasago Beya (ex-Komusubi Fujinishiki) Hanaregoma Beya (ex-Ozeki Kaiketsu) Kokonoe Beya (ex-Yokozuna Chiyonofuji) Isenoumi Beya (ex-Sekiwake Fujinokawa) Oshiogawa Beya (ex-Ozeki Daikirin) Nishonoseki Beya (ex-Sekiwake Kongo) Kabutoyama Beya (ex-Maegashira 1 Daiyu) Araiso Beya (ex-Komusubi Futagodake) Kataonami Beya (ex-Sekiwake Tamanofuji) Miyagino Beya (ex-Maegashira 13 Chikubayama) Hanakago Beya (ex-Sekiwake Daijuyama) Tamanoi Beya (ex-Sekiwake Tochiazuma) Ajigawa Beya (ex-Yokozuna Asahifuji) Nakamura Beya (ex-Sekiwake Fujizakura) Asahiyama Beya (ex-Ozeki Daiju) Naruto Beya (ex-Yokozuna Takanosato) Minato Beya (ex-Komusubi Yutakayama) Kiriyama Beya (ex-Komusubi Kurosegawa) Tomozuna Beya (ex-Sekiwake Kaiki) Matsugane Beya (ex-Ozeki Wakashimazu) Hatachiyama Beya (ex-Ozeki Hokutenyu) Shikihide Beya (ex-Komusubi Oshio) Takashima Beya (ex-Sekiwake Koboyama) Kagamiyama Beya (ex-Sekiwake Tagaryu) Onomatsu Beya (ex-Sekiwake Masurao) lrumagawa Beya (ex-Sekiwake Tochitsukasa) Takekuma Beya (ex-Sekiwake Kurohimeyama) Oguruma Beya (ex-Ozeki Kotokaze) Dewanoumi Beya (ex-Sekiwake Washuyama) Minezaki Beya (ex-Maegashira 2 Misugiiso) Shibatayama Beya (ex-Yokozuna Onokuni) Nakadachi Beya (ex-Komusubi Ryogoku) Izutsu Beya (ex-Sekiwake Sakahoko) Oitekaze Beya (ex-Maegashira 2 Daishoyama) Mihogaseki Beya (ex-Ozeki Masuiyama) Azumazeki Beya (ex-Sekiwake Takamiyama) Michinoku Beya (ex-Ozeki Kirishima) Kasugayama Beya (ex-Maegashira 1 Kasugafuji) Tatsunami Beya (ex-Komusubi Asahiyutaka) Tagonoura Beya (ex-Maegashira 1 Kushimaumi)

3-15-4, Ryogoku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 39, Kushizaki Minami Machi, Matsudo-shi, Chiba-ken 2-10-11, Kiyosumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 3-10-6, Honcho, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 2-1-15, Ichinoe, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 3-5-3, Ryogoku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 3-8-1, Kamezawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 3-5-4, Honjo, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 4-27-1, Higashi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 1-16-1, Kamezawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 1-12-2, Kotobuki, Daito-ku, Tokyo 2-8-3, Kiyosumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 1-7-11 Ryogoku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 1-16-5, Hashiba, Daito-ku, Tokyo 3-12-7, Asagaya-Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 4-22-4, Ishihara, Sumida-ku 3-17-6, Harue-cho, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 2-17-7, Kiba, Koto-ku, Tokyo 4-17-1, Ryogoku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 5-19-7, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 9562-2, Tanibo, Kunitachi-shi, Tokyo 1-33-9, Ishihara, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 4-16-3, Midori, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 3-21-10 Midori, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 4-12-14 Ume da, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 1-7-4, Mori, Koto-ku, Tokyo 4-1-10, Chuo, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 2-13-24, Ojima, Koto-ku, Tokyo 8-14-7, Hachigasaki, Matsudo-shi, Chiba-ken 2-20-10, Shiba Nakada, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama-ken 2-47-7, Higashi-Oku, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 3-1-9, Gyohei Sumida-ku, Tokyo 4-13-1, Kosaku, Funabashi-shi, Chiba-ken 2-1-18 Tatekawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 4-17-17, Saga, Ryugasaki-shi, Ibaraki-ken 3-21-2, Kami-Ishiki, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 8-16-1, Kita-Koiwa, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 5-15-14, Saginuma, Narashino-shi, Chiba-ken 3-32-12, Hachioji, Saitama-shi, Saitama-ken 3-24-12, Ryogoku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 2-15-5, Kiyosumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 2-3-15, Ryogoku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 2-20-3, Tagara, Nerima-ku, Tokyo 2-26-9, Takaido-Higashi, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 4-3-16, Gyoden, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 2-2-7, Ryogoku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 874-2, Sezaki-cho, Soka-shi, Saitama-ken 3-2-12, Chitose, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 4-6-4, Higashi-Komagata, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 1-18-7, Ryogoku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 2-5-3, Taishi Kawabara, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa-ken 3-26-2 Ryogoku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 52-4, Takagi, Saitama-shi, Saitama-ken

Nihon Sumo Kyokai

1-3-28, Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

MAKUUCHI

2001

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41-Takaloriki

42·Asanowaka

43-Julllollji 45-0ikari 46-Sentoryu 48-((unÎazullla 50-Shimotori

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ISBN 5-86479-089-3 Copyright ---_._ '--" ..-"--..•

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JURYO

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MAKUUCHJ:

32-Kitazakura

MAKUSHITA:

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33·Hamanishiki

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n·Tomonohana

KIMARTTE

73-Goto 74·Hoklltoiwa

76-Kotokanyu

2001

Hatsu Basho Preview

Musashimaru a Slight Favorite in January By Clyde Newton With Takanohana absent for the fourth consecutive condition, but given the pressure and distractions usually associated with a promotion to the top two ranks, he is tournament (tying the record held by Onokuni), unlikely to figure in the yusho race, as he did in November. Musashimaru is once again the favorite for the yusho. As has been the case with most recent basho, the Given his exceptional dedication and fighting spirit, Tochi Musashigawa Beya yokozuna is not reported to be may have a lengthy tenure at ozeki ifhe can avoid injuries. especially good condition. However, given the lack of a Undoubtedly, he will be able to win the yusho at least once, as his father did, and it could come later this year. credible rival, Maru is a slight favorite to take the yusho again inJanuary, probably with about 13 wins. However, he needs to work on developing a consistently fast tachi,ai, if he is to compete on even terms with the If Musashimaru made more of an effort to get into shape, he might even be capable of zensho yusho. ln fact, other ozeki and yokozuna. Tochiazuma is not likely to have mu ch impact on the yusho race, but should be able no rikishi has achieved zensho yusho in Makunouchi to win about 10 bouts in his ozeki debut. since September 1996, when Takanohana did so. Over 30 Kotomitsuki's 9-6 record at sekiwake in November, basho have passed since the last 15-0 record in Makunouchi, an aIl-time record. Musashimaru had a 15- which came on the heels of his fine 13-2 yusho as a high o record in his first yusho tournament inJuly 1994, but maegashira in September, was somewhat disappointing, but still represented progress, since he had never before rivaling that performance now seems out of reach. The most critical factor in Musashimaru's achieved kachi-koshi at sekiwake. Koto has a real chance performance inJ anuary will be his tachi-ai. A really weak to achieve promotion to ozeki late this year or next year, but first he needs to put together three consecutive doubledeashi could cost him the yusho, but with a mediocre or digit records, at the very least. With more seasoning, he relatively strong initial charge, he will be the odds-on could even emerge as a yokozuna candidate in the future. favorite for the yusho. y okozuna Takanohana is absent again, and has not 10 wins. Asashoryu has been promoted to sekiwake for the first competed since the senshuraku of the May tournament time. The spirited Mongolian is still only 21, but is last year. The 29 year old yokozuna resumed light workouts in early December, after six months away from becoming stronger and more skillful with each passing basho. He tends to falter a bit in the final stretch of the dohyo. There is no chance at aIl that he will be able to compete inJanuary, and the most likely date for his tournaments, however, he is a threat to aIl the sanyaku rikishi, right up to the yokozuna. He has had consecutive return is May. If Taka do es return in May, he will have 10-5 records, and even at sekiwake, the odds are that he been absent for a year. will win 9 or 10 and again be awarded one or two of the Ozeki Kaio's performance is becoming almost sansho. impossible to predict. Given the precarious balance This is a critical tournament for sekiwake Miyabiyama. between his considerable strength and fighting spirit on one hand and his chronic lower back condition on the He can regain his ozeki rank ifhe wins 10 or more bouts. The 24 year old Musashigawa Beya rikishi has the other. He could take the yusho and again be on the brink potential to win in double-digits, but it aIl depends on ofyokozuna promotion or as easily drap out winless and whether he has done enough training to get back into be faced with kadoban again. something close to top shape. He also tends to lack self Kaio had no choice but to compete in November, and confidence. Given his recent performances, Miyabi is it was certainly a wise decision, given the difficulty recent former ozeki have encountered in their futile bids to likely to faIl short with about 8 wins, but as he is still very young, he may still have a bright future. return to their highest rank. The odds are that Kaio will at least achieve kachi-koshi. He should be able to at least Wakanosato is back at komusubi. The burly Naruto match the 10-5 record he had in November. Beya sekiwake made a remarkable comeback in November from 1-5 to 10-5. To go beyond this level, he Ozeki Musoyama was in very good condition in needs to get off to a strang start. He has looked training sessions in December. He may be able to equal his best record at ozeki to date, 12-3 in March 2001, but unimpressive in most of his bouts with the yokozuna and ozeki in recent basho. 9 wins. given the somewhat erratic nature ofhis sumo, he is only Kyokutenho has been promoted to komusubi for the a longshot darkhorse candidate for the yusho. Muso has first time, by virtue of "luck of the banzuke." He only had good fighting spirit and real power, but his defense is 8 wins at No.5 maegashira in November. He is the third rather weak and unlikely to imprave much at this stage of Mongolian rikishi to reach sanyaku. Kyokutenho's tachihis career. He may again play a key role in helping ai has improved in the last year or so, but he needs much Musashimaru, also from Musashigawa Beya, win the more powerful and aggressive sumo to hold his own in yusho. sanyaku. He is likely to fall short with about 5 wins. Chiyotaikai's ozeki rank is in kadoban status this time. He has had ample time to get back into shape, and he should be able to win 9 or 10 save for another injury. Until he was injured, Chiyo was winning Il or 12 bouts in most tournaments, and once he is back in top shape, he may even be a candidate for the yusho again. www.sumoworld.com New Ozeki Tochiazuma is in reasonably good

Sumo World Website

Kyush" Basho Round"}> / Hi-lights Summary of the Kyushu Basho

y okozuna Musashimaru lost to ozeki Kaio in the final bout of the KyushuBasho, but it made no difference to the outcome of the tournament, as he had already clinched his 9th championship on the 14th by defeating Tochiazuma. Maru suffered a shocking upset at the hands of 36 year old NO.6 maegashira Daizen, the oldest rikishi in the Makunouchi, on the 10th day. Musashimaru looked considerably stronger in the last few days, and appeared especially determined in his 14th day bout with Tochiazuma. At 30, Musashimaru but shows no signs of advancing age. However, he is known for not training very hard, sometimes not at aIl. With fellow yokozuna Takanohana likely to be absent until next May, Musashimaru has his chance to win a few more yusho this year, but he will have to make a better effort to get in shape before each basho, and also to keep his weight under control. Ozeki Kaio, who was kadoban (rank in jeopardy) in November and notexpected to compete, decided to make a do-or-die effort to main tain his rank, despite a totallack of training due to severe lower back pain. Though obviously in pain, the 29 year old ozeki survived a discouraging start to finish with a respectable 10-5 record. Kaio's struggle created the only real excitement for the local fans in Fukuoka. Kaio is from Fukuoka himself. The dohyo was covered with cushions through by excited fans over his defeat ofMusashimaru on the senshuraku. Were it not for his back trouble, Kaio would undoubtedly already have been promoted to yokozuna. He is by far the strongest of the current ozeki and won two tournaments last year. However, his back trouble is not likely to heal fully, and given his age, the odds that he will reach yokozuna next year are not high. Ozeki Musoyama finished with a mediocre 9-6 record. Never really in the yusho race in recent basho, Musoyama has achieved stability in mediocrity. While powerful when his pushing and thrusting meets its mark, he lacks technique and an effecti ve defense. N evertheless, he should be back to survive at ozeki for at least another year, with no chance ofbeingpromoted to ozeki. The third and youngest ozeki, 25 year old Chiyotaikai, was absent this time and will have his rank on the line when he returns inJanuary. Sekiwake Tochiazuma finished with a fine 12-3 record in November and gained promotion to ozeki after the basho. The 25 year old was in the yusho race until the 14th day, when he was eliminated by Musashimaru. Tochi had a 12-3 record in September, and 10-5inJuly, and has been ranked at sekiwake or komusubi for 20 basho. Tochiazuma appeared to injure his leg in his bout with Musashimaru, however, he managed to compete on the final day and slapped down ozeki Musoyama to finish as the runner-up. Had Tochiazuma not defeated Musoyama, he would have lost to aIl three competing yokozuna and ozeki, and his promotion would have been in jeopardy. Sekiwake Kotomitsuki, who won the September tournament, got off to apoor start, but gradually improved, to finish with a 9-6 record. Both powerful and

skillful, Kotomitsuki is likely to become a strong ozeki candidate in 2002, though he needs more seasoning, selfconfidence, and stability. Ifhe can avoid injuries, he has a very bright future and could go aIl the way to yokozuna. Mongolian Komusubi Asashoryu turned in his second consecutive 10-5 record. Still only 21 and somewhat underweight, Asashoryu is extremely aggressive and quite savvy in his defense for a rikishi ofhis age. He is becoming stronger with each passing basho, and could even have a chance to take the yusho at sorne point in 2002. New Komusubi Kaiho got off to a strong start with a 4-1 record after the first five days, but despite a valiant effort, finished with a pOOl'5-10 record and demotion back to the maegashira ranks. NO.l Maegashira Wakanosato went aIl the way from 1-5 to 10-5. The two NO.I0 Maegashira 10 Takanonami, a former ozeki, and Hayateumi, got off to a tremendous start, but petered out like punctured ballons in the last week. Hayateumi dropped out with an injury at 8-2, while Takanonami was trashed by the sanyaku and lost his last five bouts, going from 9-1 and a share of the lead, to 9-6. Both new maegashira achieved kachikoshi; Buyuzan won 10 bouts and a share of the Kantosho, while Kobo managed an 8-7 mark. The Kyushu Basho was overall an improvement over the September tournament in Tokyo, which was one ofthe most lackluster in memory. H 0 w e ver , su mo' s popularity is still at its nadir, and the arena in Fukuoka looked more than half empty on most days. One of the keys to more exciting basho and a recovery in popularity is an improvement in the performance of the ozeki, which overall was very pOOl'in 2001. Sekiwake Tochiazuma was awarded the Ginosho (Technique Prize) for the 7th time, while the Kantosho (Fighting Spirit Prize) was shared by Komusubi Asashoryu (10-5), NO.l Maegashira Wakanosato (10-5), and NO.15 Maegashira Buyuzan (lOS). The Shukunsho (Outstanding Performance) was not awarded, but would have gone to Daizen, who upset Musashimaru, if he had won eight or more bouts.

~ Bad Start for Kaio-No.l maegashira ozeki Kaio on opening day.

Tamanoshima

upset

~ Muso Overpowered-Komusubi Asashoryu Musoyama by yorikiri on the second day.

upset

ozeki

Unbelievable Upset-No.6 maegashira Daizen, the olLlest rikishi in Makllnouchi at 36, achieved a remarkable upset of unbeaten yokozllna Musashimaru on the /Oth day. Daizen wou/d have been awarded his jirst sansho prize il he had achieved kachi-koshi, but unfortunately he fell short.

Wakanosato Unimpressive-Yokozuna Musahimaru had Little difficulty in defeating Wakanosato by yorikiri on the 4th day.

Hayateumi Injured-No.IO maegashira Hayateumi grimaced in pain after he suffered an injury in his both with fellow NO.IO maegashira Takanonami on the 9th day. Hayateumi withdrew the next day. Takanonami got off to a poweiful start, withfinished with a 9-6 record.

Closer to the Yusho-Yokozuna Musashimaru overpowered his nemesis Kotomitsllki on the /41h day, to come close to taking his jirst yusho in over a year. 26

Ozeki Clash-ln the only bout between ozeki during the Kyushu Basho, Kaio threw Musoyama down by uwatenage on the 14th day.

Key Win for Ozeki Promotion-Tochiazuma upset ozeki Musoyama on the final day, to c/inch promotion to ozeki. Musoyamaf誰nished with a mediocre 9-6 record.

Musashimaru Takes Yusho-Musashimaru clinched his 9th yusho by hurling down sekiwake Tochiazuma on the 14th day.

Kaio Wins Musashimaru

lO-Ozeki Kaio easily defeated yokozuna on the senshuraku, for his 10th win..

Kyushu Basho Awards *

Yusho: Jun-Yusho: ':' Kanto-sho: * Kanto-sho: * Kanto-sho: * Gino-sho:

* Sansho for Shin-Nyumaku-New Makunouchi rikishi Buyuzan clinced a share of the kanto-sho by defeating Ogin.ishiki on senshuraku.

Yokozuna Musashimaru Sekiwake Tochiazuma

13-2

Komusubi Asashoryu NO.1 Maegashira Wakanosato NO.15 Maegashira Buyuzan Sekiwake Tochiazuma

10-5 10-5

12-3

10-5 12-3

Then&Now

Intai-Zumo Leaflets by Clyde Newton Retiring Makunouchi rikishi publish leaflets, containing the torikumi and other information for distribution to those who attend their intai-zumo, or retirement ceremony at the Kokugikan. Sorne of the higher or more popular rikishi also bring out commemorative booklets/ magazines. At the most recent intai-zumo, for former yokozuna Akebono in September 2001, everyone attending that day was given a colorful booklet on the career of the first foreign-born Yokozuna. Intai-zumo at the Kokugikan began in November 1946, with the retirement ceremony of Futabayama. Initially, only a simple torikumihyo (list of bouts) was printed, but by the early 1950s, leaflets with a portrait of the retiring rikishi on the front coyer were launched. From the late 1960s, most of these leaflets were printed in full color.

Left-Yokozuna Sadanoyama (Dewanoumi Oyakata)june 2, 1968, at Kuramae Kokugikan. Right-Sekiwake Kairyuyama (Tateyama Oyakata), October 5, 1968 at Kuramae Kokugikan.

Left-Ozeki Takanohana 1 (Naruto Oyakata)-May 29, 1981, at Kuramae Kokugikan. Right-Yokozuna Wajima (Hanakago Oyakata), October 4, 1981 at Kuramae Kokugikan.

Left-Sekiwake Takamiyama (Azumazeki Oyakata)February 3, 1985 at Ryogoku Kokugikan. RightMaegashira 1Kushimaumi Oun-Toshiyori), May 30,1999 at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Kushimaumi, a Macintosh buff, designed his own program on his computer, a first.

J-

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Left-Yokozuna Taiho (Taiho Oyakata)-October 2, 1971, at Kuramae Kokugikan. Right-Sekiwake Kongo (Nishonoseki Oyakata), May 29, 1977 at Kuramae Kokugikan.

Left-Komusubi Asahiyutaka (Tatsunami Oyakata)October 2, 1999, at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Righty okozuna Akebono (Akebono Oyakata), September 29, 200 1, at Kuramae Kokugikan.