Sumo World November 2001

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Now in the 29th Year of Publication!

ln This Issue

Sumo World

On the Coyer - Aki Basho yusho winner Kotomitsuki is depicted in this unique painting by Lynn Matsuoka.

Kotomitsuki holds the two sansho prizes he won in addition to the yusho. Please refer to Lynn's ad on p.15 of this issue.

On the Back Coyer - Kotomitsuki proudly holds the Tenno Shihai (Emperor's Cup) in shitakubeya after winning the Aki Basho (photo by Clyde Newton).

* ln This Issue, Editor's Box * Reviving Sumo's Popularity

By Clyde Newton * Should Kaio be Promoted? * Toshiyori List... * Akebono's Intai-Zumo * Aki Basho Roundup * Hatano-san's Column * Gyoji Promotions

By Clyde Newton * Lynn Matsuoka Ad * juryo Results

By Mark Newton *Then & Now: Sumo Magazines (VI) :

By C. Newton * Meishobu Revealed (Kotomitsuki vs Kaiho)

By C. Newton * Behind the Curtain

By David Meisenzahl * Kyushu Basho Preview by M. Newton * Kyushu Basho Banzuke Makunouchi Division: Rankings and Profiles juryo Division: Rankings and Profiles Makushita Division: Top Ranks * Aki Basho juryo Hoshitorihyo * Aki Basho Makunouchi Hoshitorihyo

2 3-4 .4 5-6 7-9 10-13 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21-27 28-30 29 30 31

Editorial Staff: Clyde Newton Editor and Publisher Andy Adams Associate Editor Ryo Hatano Senior Editor Shinobu Suzuki Staff Columnist Lora Sharnoff Staff Columnist David Meisenzahl Staff Columnist Mark Newton Staff Columnist Mark Schreiber Guest Columnist C. Newton Photognpher C. Newton, S. Suzuki Translators AU subscription checks should be made out to: Sumo World/Clyde Newton.

Ali checks and correspondence should be mailed to: Clyde Newton, Editor & Publisher Sumo World 1-2-16 Inokashira, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0001, japan Tel/Fax: 0422-47-5715 e-Mail: cpnen@iac.co.jp URL: <http://www.sumoworld.com> Please send registered mail only to the following address: Clyde Newton cio Foreign Correspondents' Club ofjapan Yuraku Denki Bldg.

1-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100,japan Annual Subscription Rates: japan: Regular Mail--~3,900; Express Mail: ~4,900 SUMO WORLD is a bimonthly magazine published in English on sumo for the foreign community in Japan, the U.S. military stationed in Japan, foreign tourists visiting Japan and sumo fans in Hawaii, mainland United States, the United Kingdom and other countries in Europe, Brazil and Latin America, Asia/Oceania and elsewhere in the world. Subscribers who do not pay by credit card (via kagi.com) are strongly recommended to send cash by registered mail (dollars or yen) or by international postal money orders. This saves time and money both for Sumo World and subscribers. Make out all checks, including those for subscriptions, back issues, books, etc., to Sumo World/Clyde Newton, payable by a U.S. bank or the U.S. branch of a non-U.S. bank or in pounds sterling payable by a British bank in the U.K. Please do not send checks addressed in any way other than Clyde Newton / Sumo World. Please do not send bank drafts or remittances payable by a Japanese bank. As for Japan, all those living outside Tokyo should pay by postal cash envelope (genkin kakitome) or postal check.

,', Our thanks to"Sumo" of Baseball Magazine-sha for use of photos

(continued on p.19)

Suggestions for Reviving Sumo's Popularity

by Clyde Newton Sumo faces a real crisis with its current decline in popularity in j apan. With the yokozuna and ozeki failing to perform and seemingly with no new stars of the caliber of Takanohana and Wakanohana on the horizon, the Sumo Kyokai is in an unenviable position. Of course, sumo's popularity has had its ups and downs in the past, and there are those in the Kyokai who believe that the scale will naturally turn again and that sumo will once again capture the public's imagination.

However, with japan's economy in a downward spiral for a full decade, such complacency today is quite dangerous.

Whereas in the early 1990s, sumo drew a full house every day when Takanohana and Wakanohana were still young and at the peak of their popularity, this year's Aki Basho drew a full house on only three days. Given the very poor level of competition in the September tournament, that was probably aIl that could be expected. Sorne recent basho have not had a single day with a capacity crowd.

The Sumo Kyokai must be credited with having taken sorne measures to stimulate interest.

These include reducing the minimum height and weight requirements for shindeshi, opening the keiko session for the Yokozuna Shingiiinkai to the public, and announcing that the old jungyo system, in effect until the early 1990s, will be revived. However, there are many more measures that might be

taken to increase fan satisfaction and at least hait the decline in public interest. The following suggestions are no more than the pers on thoughts of this writer, but are intended to generate debate. Readers are encouraged to comment on these suggestions and make counter-proposals of their own, which will be offered in the j anuary issue. â&#x20AC;˘ Eliminate Minimum Height and Weight Restrictions Entirely The Sumo Kyokai has introduced a system where prospective rikishi who fail to meet the height and weight standards can become rikishi if they pass a battery of strength and fitness tests. This system is a quite sound and should ideaIly be applied to aIl prospective shindeshi, though the reality is that the number of youths seeking a career in sumo has dropped substantiaIly, and the heya need to accept aIl the new recruits they can to survive. However, eliminating the absolute minimum height restritionwhich is currently 1.67 meters (5 feet 6 inches) could result in sorne very interesting bouts in the future. â&#x20AC;˘ Rethink the Kosho (Public Absence) System The number of sekitori absent in recent years has dramatically increased.

Many rikishi have been kosho several times in their careers. It can almost be argued that the system is being abused. Whereas

3

eliminating kosho altogether is too harsh, perhaps rikishi could be limited to only one or two kosho during their careers. Actually absentee rikishi on jungyo are even more of a problem for the Sumo Kyokai. On the recent AkiJungyo, at one point 21 sekitori were absent, in other words, nearly one third of all the rikishi ranked in Makunouchi andJuryo, an aIl-time record. There are those who maintain that the large number of injuries and absences results from the fact that most rikishi are too heavy or do not train properly.

• Create More Incentives for Rikishi to Perform Weil With income from corporate supporters (such as those in koenkai) declining due to the recession in j apan, rikishi are becoming more and more like japan's "salarymen," in other words they are dependent on a fixed salary. This is most pronounced with the jungyo system; sorne jungyo have elimination tournaments, but the prizes are not very lavish. One way to offer rikishi more income would be to permit them to make commercial endorsements. ln principle, the Sumo Kyokai has banned rikishi from making any kind of ads or similar commercial activities since 1985, with the exception of charitable causes or advertising for governmental organizations. Permitting rikishi to appear in ads would also serve to create more public exposure for sumo in general and help create new popular rikishi.

• Concentrate on Encouraging Children to Take up Sumo One of the reasons why the number of new deshi is decreasing is that today's youths are simply not captivated by sumo. Any effort to encourage children, starting with six or seven year olds, to take up amateur sumo is worthwhile.

The Sumo Kyokai would be weIl advised to take a pro active approach to this, possibly working in tandem with schools.

Further, ever since sumo's popularity has declined in the last few years, the average age of fans attending hombasho and jungyo has increased.

• Stimulate More and Better Press Coverage of Sumo j apan's newspapers, which still largely gather news through the closed kisha club (press club) system, tend to carry the same stories about a given topic, in many cases using almost the same wording. With the de cline in sumo's popularity, newspaper coverage of the jungyo has become sporadic at best, and even articles during the hombasho are relegated to page seven or eight. Given the current level of sumo's popularity, miracles in this area are unrealistic, but positive steps could be taken by creating more media opportunities and adopting a more open and less bureaucratie approach to the media. The number of books on sumo inJapanese has also sharply declined in recent years; publishers could be encouraged by making it easier for them to use photographs of sumo with high usage charges.

4

• Revive "Nighters" at Hombasho The final bout in hombasho takes place shortly before 6:00 p.m. On weekdays, this is a time when most j apanese working men and women are still on the job. Most profession al basebaIl games begin at 6:00 p.m. or so on weekdays, which drasticaIly increases the number of people who can attend.

Though there would be difficult problems involving television coverage, especially during the baseball season (early April to early October), having the Makunouchi bouts begin at 7:00 p.m., with the final bout at 9:00 p.m. might weIl drasticaIly increase the number of fans attending hombasho on weekdays.

ActuaIly, in 1955, the Sumo Kyokai experimented with having the Makunouchi bouts begin after 5:00 p.m., with the final bout at about 8:00 p.m. The concept was dropped after one basho, due to complaints from the rikishi, who claimed (with sorne justification) that their lives were disrupted and by the media, who had difficulties with deadlines.

However, that was 46 years ago, and the Sumo Kyokai might con sider a cautious, experimental approach, such as having two or three "Nighters" during hombasho to test the waters.

• Create More Opportunities for the Public to Interact with the Rikishi The Sumo Kyokai must actually be credited with trying to increase contact between the public and rikishi, especially on jungyo. ln the old Kuramae Kokugikan, the rikishi seemed closer to the fans, indeed even shitaku-beya was on the first floor. But at the present Kokugikan, the rikishi are largely cordoned off from the public. The easiest way to establish more contact with be to totaIly revive the old, open-air jungyo, which also served as an opportunity for rikishi and oyakata to meet possible new deshi and their parents. The number of new deshi from Hokkaido, for instance, has drasticaIly declined. ln recent years, few jungyo have been held in the smaIl rural towns and villages which produced so many great rikishi in the pasto Of course, it is difficult to have a profitable jungyo in a small town,or even break even, but perhaps costs could be kept under control by reducing dependence on external service providers.

And a Few Suggestions by Andy Adams • Alternate the july tournament venue between Sapporo and N ago attend the senshuraku parties as weIl as pre-basho keiko.

• Stage more hana-zumo tournaments around the country, especially in cities where hombasho are not held, su ch as Yokohama, Niigata, Kita-Kyushu, etc.

• Hold more amateur sumo tournaments for children, notjust injapan, but on an international basis.

• Sponsor pre-basho newspaper and magazine contests in which the winners are awarded top-priced masu-seki at the foIlowing basho.

TOSHIYORI LIST (as of October

DEWANOUMIICHIMON DEWANOUMI BEYA Dewanoumi (ex-Sekiwake Washuyama) Sakaigawa (ex-Yokozuna Sadanoyama) Sekinoto (ex-Sekiwake Fukunohana) Inagawa (ex-Maegashira 1 Yoshinohana) Dekiyama (ex-Sekiwake Dewanohana) Yamashina (ex-Komusubi Onishiki) Takasaki (ex-Maegashira 2 Oginohana) KASUGANO BEYA Kasugano (ex-Yokozuna Toehinoumi) Sendagawa (ex-Maegashira 6 Wakanaruto) Iwatomo (ex-Maegashira 7 Toehiisami) Chiganoura (ex-Sekiwake Masudayama) Takenawa (ex-Sekiwake Toehinowaka) KITANOUMI BEYA Kitanoumi (ex-Yokozuna Kitanoumi) Ganyu* (ex-Maegashira 1 Ganyu) TAMANOI BEYA Tamanoi (ex-Sekiwake Toehiazuma) Yamawake (ex-Maegashira 3 Toehifuji) MUSASHIGAWA BEYA Musashigawa (ex-Yokozuna Mienoumi) MIHOGASEKI BEYA Mihogaseki (ex-Ozeki Masuiyama) Kiyomigata (ex-Maegashira 1 Dairyugawa) Matsuehiyama (ex-Komusubi Banryuyama) IRUMAGAWA BEYA Irumagawa (ex-Sekiwake Toehitsukasa) HATACHIYAMA BEYA Hataehiyama (ex-Ozeki Hokutenyu) NAKADACHI BEYA Nakadaehi (ex-Komusubi Ryogoku) TAGONOURA BEYA Tagonoura (ex-Maegashira 1 Kushimaumi)

NISHONOSEKI

52 63 61 58 50 48 33 63 62 54 50 39 48 31 57 55 53 52 55 50 43 41 39 36

ICHIMON

TAIHO BEYA Taiho (ex-Yokozuna Taiho) Nishiiwa (ex-Maegashira 5 Daimonji) Tateyama (ex-Sekiwake Ozutsu) Asakayama (ex-Maegashira 13 Owakamatsu) Odake (ex-Juryo 4 Dairyu) SADOGATAKE BEYA Sadogatake (ex-Yokozuna Kotozakura) Hidenoyama (ex-Sekiwake Hasegawa) Shiratama (ex-Maegashira 3 Kototsubaki) Shikoroyama (ex-Sekiwake Kotogaume) Kumegawa (ex-Komusubi Kotoinazuma) Kotonishiki* (ex-Sekiwake Kotonishiki) FUTAGOYAMA BEYA Futagoyama (ex-Ozeki Takanohana) Otowayama (ex-Komusubi Takamisugi) Yamahibiki (ex-Maegashira 1 Toyonoumi) HANAREGOMA BEYA Hanaregoma (ex-Ozeki Kaiketsu) Tokiwayama (ex-Sekiwake Wakaehiehibu) OSHIOGAWA BEYA Oshiogawa (ex-Ozeki Daikirin) Shiranui (ex-Sekiwake Aobajo)

61 61 45 34 41 60 57 40 38 39 33 51 40 36 53 62 59 52

29, 2001)

NISHONOSEKI BEYA Nishonoseki (ex-Sekiwake Kongo) Kitajin (ex-Sekiwake Kirinji) Minatogawa (ex-Komusubi Daitetsu) KATAONAMI BEYA Kataonami (ex-Sekiwake Tamanofuji) MINEZAKI BEYA Minezaki (ex-Maegashira 2 Misugiiso) MAGAKI BEYA Magaki (ex-Yokozuna Wakanohana II) Hamakaze (ex-Komusubi Misugisato) NARUTO BEYA Naruto (ex-Yokozuna Takanosato) OGURUMA BEYA Oguruma (ex-Ozeki Kotokaze) MATSUGANE BEYA Matsugane (ex-Ozeki Wakashimazu) HANAKAGO BEYA Hanakago (ex-Sekiwake Daijuyama) ARAISO BEYA Araiso (ex-Komusubi Futagodake) ONOMATSU BEYA Onomatsu (ex-Sekiwake Masurao) SHIBATAYAMA BEYA Shibatayama (ex-Yokozuna Onokuni)

TOKITSUKAZE

52 48 45 51 45 48 39 49 44 44 42 57 40 39

ICHIMON

TOKITSUKAZE BEYA Tokitsukaze (ex-Ozeki Yutakayama) Nishikijima (ex-Komusubi Futatsuryu) Arashio (ex-Komusubi Oyutaka) KAGAMIYAMA BEYA Kagamiyama (ex-Sekiwake Tagaryu) Fujigane (ex-Maegashira 1 Zaonishiki) Tatekawa (ex-Maegashira 2 Kirinishiki) IZUTSU BEYA Izutsu (ex-Sekiwake Sakahoko) Tatsutayama (ex-Maegashira 1 Sashunada) ISENOUMI BEYA Isenoumi (ex-Sekiwake Fujinokawa) Katsunoura (ex-Maegashira 3 Kitakaehidoki) KABUTOYAMA BEYA Kabutoyama (ex-Maegashira 1 Daiyu) MINATO BEYA Minato (ex-Komusubi Yutakayama) SHIKIHIDE BEYA Shikihide (ex-Komusubi Oshio) MICHINOKU BEYA Miehinoku (ex-Ozeki Kirishima) Shikishima* (ex-Maegashira 1 Shikishima)

64 51 46 43 49 39 40 44 55 35 61 54 53 42 30

TAKASAGO ICHIMON TAKASAGO BEYA Takasago (ex-Komusubi Fujinishiki) Furiwake (ex-Maegashira 12 Asaarashi) Oyama (ex-Maegashira 2 Daihi) Nishikido (ex-Sekiwake Mitoizumi) NAKAMURA BEYA

64 58 49 39

Nakamura

53

(ex-Sekiwake

Fujizakura)

5

AZUMAZEKI BEYA Azumazeki (ex-Sekiwake Takamiyama) Akebono (ex-Yokozuna Akebono) WAKAMATSU BEYA Wakamatsu (ex-Ozeki Asashio) KOKONOE BEYA Kokonoe (ex-Yokozuna Chiyonofuji) HAKAKUBEYA Hakaku (ex-Yokozuna Hokutoumi) Kimigahama (ex-Sekiwake Kitaseumi) Tanigawa (ex-Maegashira 4 Shiratayama) Jinmaku (ex-Maegashira 1 Fujinoshin)

TATSUNAMI-ISEGAHAMA

57 32 45 46 38 53 57 40

RENGO

TATSUNAMI BEYA Tatsunami (ex-Komusubi Oyutaka) Tamagaki (ex-Komusubi Wakanami) Ikazuchi (ex-Komusubi Haguroiwa) Tomonohana* (ex-Komusubi Tomonohana) ISEGAHAMA BEYA Isegahama (ex-Ozeki Kiyokuni) Wakafuji (ex-Maegashira 1 Katsuhikari) KIRIYAMA BEYA Kiriyama (ex-Komusubi Kurosegawa) Urakaze (ex-Maegashira 7 Teruzakura) ASAHIYAMA BEYA Asahiyama (ex-Ozeki Daiju) AJIGAWA BEYA Ajigawa (ex-Yokozuna Asahifuji) KASUGAYAMA BEYA Kasugayama (ex-Maegashira 1 Kasugafuji) OSHIMABEYA Oshima (ex-Ozeki Asahikuni) Kumagatani (ex-Maegashira 14 Asahisato) TOMOZUNA BEYA Tomozuna (ex-Sekiwake Kaiki) MIYAGINO BEYA Miyagino (ex-Maegashira 13 Chikubayama) TAKASHIMA BEYA Takashima (ex-Sekiwake Koboyama) OITEKAZE BEYA Oitekaze (ex-Maegashira 2 Daishoyama) Nakagawa (ex-Maegashira 6 Oiteyama) TAKAKUMA BEYA Takekuma (ex-Sekiwake Kurohimeyama)

NO ICHIMON

33 60 55 37 59 59 50 53 51 41 35 54 35 49 44 44 35 63 52

AFFILIATION

TAKADAGAWA BEYA Takadagawa (ex-Ozeki Maenoyama)

56

* denotes jun-toshiyori

Ex-Futatsuryu to be Next Tokitsukaze Oyakata Nishikijima Oyakata (ex-komusubi Futatsuryu) has been named as the next Tokitsukaze Oyakata.

He will succeed the current Tokitsukaze (ex-ozeki Yutakayama), who is concurrently the rijicho (president) of the Nihon Kyokai, when he reaches the Sumo Kyokai's retirement age of 65 next August.

Nishikijima was an active rikishi between 1963 6

and 1982. Like the CUITentTokitsukaze, he is a deshi of the great former yokozuna Futabayama.

He was promoted to Juryo inNovember 1969, and to the Makunouchi in March 1972. He was ranked in sanyaku, at komusubi, for just one tournament, in July 1979. He retired in November 1982, after falling into Makushita, and has since been Nishikijima Oyakata.

Also Nishikijima Oyakata is alread y 51, it is highly likely that either Tokitsuumi or Shimotori will eventually head the illustrious Tokitsukaze Beya.

Further, Wakamatsu Oyakata (ex-Ozeki Asashio) is believed to be the front-runner to take over as the next Takasago Oyakata when the current Takasago (ex-komsubi Fujinishiki) reaches 65 next March.

Nishikido Oyakata (ex-sekiwake Mitoizumi) was once seen as certain to take over the heya, but apparently was not interested in heading the heya. If Wakamatsu does succeed as Takasago, it will mean that Wakamatsu Beya will merge with Takasago Beya, to form the largest heya in sumo. The new Takasago Beya will include three sekitori (based on the Kyushu Basho banzuke) - Asashoryu, Toki, and Asanowaka.

Wakamatsu Oyakata, 45, is himself a former Takasago Beya rikishi. When the previous Takasago (ex-Yokozuna Asashio) died in 1988, he was then considered a potential successor, however, he was still an active rikishi at the time and ranked at ozeki.

Tokitsunada Oyakata Leaves Sumo Jun-toshiyori Tokitsunada (ex- No.4 Maegashira Tokitsunada) left sumo altogether at the end of September, as his two year term as jun-toshiyori was expiring. He is the first jun-toshiyori to leave sumo after failing to acquire a toshiyori kabu. Among the CUl-rent jun-toshiyori, Kotonishiki Oyakata (exsekiwake Kotonishiki) is believed to have found a permanent kabu. When he retired from active competition last year, Kotonishiki hinted that he would eventually leave sumo altogether, but he has apparently changed his mind.

Musashigawa Beya Collegian Kaikizoe Fails to Compete in Debut Promising Musashigawa Beya collegian Kakizoe was supposed to have made his long delayed debut in the Aki Basho, but was absent due to a nagging injury. Kakizoe is the first collegian to be given a higher rank for his debut, at NO.15 Makushita_ He has been demoted towards the bottom of Makushita on the Kyushu Basho banzuke, but is expected to be sufficiently recovered to corn pete_ Kakizoe was intially slatted to debut in March this year, but needed extensive treatment for an injury.

Intai-Zumo Brings Yokozuna Akebono's Career to End Ryogoku Kokugikan-September

29, 2001

by Clyde Newton

-

.a ..••.

Last Tsunashime - Former YokozunaAkebono s last tsuna is tied on the dohyo at his intai-zumo on September 29. It was thefirst time that a former yokozuna s tsuna had been tied on the dohyo at his intai-zumo.

Moment of Silence - Us. Ambassador Howard Baker (center) flanked by Azumazeki Oyakata (left) and Akebono (right) stands in front of dohyo to observe a minute s silence in memory of the victims of the September 77 terrorist attacks.

J\

~

il:=A- •• ~

.----,

_~~-

Final Dohyoiri . Akebono performs hisfinal dohyoiri, jlanked by Yokozuna Musashimaru (lejt) and Ozeki Musoyama (right).

Tate-gyoji Shikimori Inosuke holds Akebono s liule son.

Speeches by Ambassadors - Us. Ambassador Howard Baker gave thefirst speech before the dampatsushiki, followed by French Ambassador Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, who read a message from PresidentJacques Chirac in jluentfapanese.

Moment on the Dohyo - Akebono gently sets his son down on the dohyofor a moment. Akebono has said that he will not oppose his son seeking a sumo career, if he so desires.

Former UN VIP - Former UN Undersecretary-General Akashi Yasushi takes his tum to cut Akebono s mage. Akashi was the chief UN representative in the former Yugoslavia during the war years there, and later supervised elections in Cambodia.

7

Former 1970s Yokozuna - Former Yokozuna Kitanofuji, now a commentator jàr NHK, takes his turn to eut Akebono s mage.

KitanofUji lefi sumo altogether inJanuary 7998 afier losing his riji (director) position in the Sumo Kyokai elections held that month.

Hawaiian Brother - Akebono struggles to maintain his composure as jàrmer Ozeki Konishiki clips his hair. Fellow Hawaiians, ftiends, and jàr several years rivais, Akebono and Konishiki were thefirst two non-japanese rikishi to move above sekiwake.

~ ~1'~ Many Non-Japanese - A substantial number of the 324 men cutting Akebono s hair were non-japanese. At lefi, TV personality Dave Spector. At right, Shiroikuma, who heads the sumo federation in the Czech Republie.

First Appearance in Four Months - Though recentknee surgery precluded Yokozuna Takanohana ftom taking part in Akebono s final dohyo-iri, Akebono s greatest rival managed to setjàot on the dohyo to take part in the dampatsushiki.

Close Friends - At lefi, 73 year old jàrmer Tate-Gyoji Kimura Shonosuke XXVIII Shonosuke XXVIII and Akebono have always had a good rapport. At right,jàrmer Maegashira Yamato, afellow Hawaiian and jàrmer high school classmate.

Last Moments with Mage - Akebono sits pensively moments bejàre thefinal eut by his mentor that symbolically ended his 73 year career on the dohyo. The lights in the Kokugikan were dimmed as the MC recalled Akebono s greatest bouts.

~_.

8

Shikishima's

Dampatsu-shiki

Former NO.1 Maegashira Shikishima's dampatsu-shiki was held on the dohyo at the Kokugikan on September 30.

The event was not an intai-zumo, and was attended just by Shikishima's supporters.

Approximately 400 men took turns to eut Shikishima's mage, including his mentor, the former Tatsutagawa Oyakata (ex-sekiwake Aonosato), who retired from sumo last year at 65. The final eut was made by Miehinoku Oyakata (ex-Ozeki Kirishima). Shikishima is remaining with Miehinoku Beya as a jun-toshiyori.

Tomebasami - Akebono s mentor Azumazeki Oyakata (exSekiwake Takamiyama) makes the tomebasami, or final eut, severing theformer yokozuna s oichomage. It was thefirst time that Azumazeki Oyakata has made the tomebasami at an intai-zumo.

Farewell Speech - Moments after his dampatsu was completed, Akebono gives a speech to thank hisjĂ ns for their csupport over the years.

Final Cut - Michinoku Oyakata makes thefinal eut on Shikishima mage at theformer maegashira s dampatsu -shiki at the Kokugikan on September 30.

Tomonohana Retires

Akebono Oyakata - With his hair cut and dressed in a suit, the new Akebono Oyakata greets Dave Spector and other guests at the party held for him at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel following the intai-zumo.

37 year old former Komusubi Tomonohana announces his retirement on Oetober 19, rather than eompete in Makushita. However, he is stilllisted on the Kyushu Basho banzuke at NO.3 Makushita. Tomonohana will remain with Tatsunami Beya as ajun-toshiyori. Sumo World will run an in-depth article on Tomonohanain theJanuary 2002 issue.

9

Aki Basho RoundupjHi-lights Summary of the Aki Basho

The Aki Basho can only be termed disappointing; three ozeki withdrew, with Kaio's quest for yokozuna promotion ending in a shambles. Yokozuna Musashimaru collapsed with a record five kinboshi upset losses, while ozeki Musoyama was the only rikishi above sekiwake to win in double digits.

The basho got off to a rocky start with ozeki Kaio losing listlessly in his first three bouts, then withdrawing due to a flameup of his chronic lower back pain. Kaio thus went from the brink of yokozuna promotion to kabodan status, and will be demoted to sekiwake if he fails to achieve kachikoshi in November.

Ozeki Miyabiyama, who had his rank on the line, got off to a pOOl'start and had to withdraw with an ankle injury on the ninth day, thus forfeiting his ozeki rank. While Miyabiyama will be the youngest former ozeki in over a century, he is still only 24 and may still have a bright future if he can regain his momentum.

Chiyotaikai also got off to a pOOl'start and dropped out after the 9th day. It was an unpleasant surprise, as the Kokonoe Beya ozeki had looked rather stable, though not understanding in recent basho. He will be allowed to take the Kyushu Basho off since his injury took place on the dohyo, but he will be kadoban inJanuary. Since there will already be three former ozeki in November- Takanonami, Dejima, and Miyabiyama, there could conceivably be five after the Hatsu Basho.

Musoyama, while not outstanding, at least maintained the honor of the ozeki rank by winning 10 bouts. As in recent basho, he looked sharp on sorne days, and a walkover on others. Since Musoyama and Musashimaru are from the same Musashigawa Beya, there were no bouts between yokozuna and ozeki during the Aki Basho.

Sekiwake Tochiazuma turned in a fine 12-3 record, though he was criticized for sidestepping sorne of his opponents. He was also overly cautious with sorne opponents, but nevertheless he achieved the best record in his

Start for Kabodan Miyabiyama NO.2 Maegashira Kotomitsuki easily overpowers ozeki Miyabiyama on the opening day of the Aki Basho.

POOl'

10

Makunouchi career to date.

Sekiwake Dejima, who would have been promoted back to ozeki if he had won 10 or more bouts, instead collapsed with a 5-10 record. He actually made a reasonable effort, and on most days bulldozed his opponents to the edge of the dohyo before losing his balance or being sidestepped. Dejima has had leg injuries which have not hea1ed properly due to his desperate struggle to hang on to his ozeki rank this summer. Still only 27, Dejima may still maya successful comeback to sanyaku if he heals.

Both komusubi-Wakanosato and Tamanoshima fell short with 7-8 records. While Tamanoshima performed credibly for a new sanyaku rikishi, Wakanosato's record was disappointing, since he is heralded as being a top ozeki

Abortive Quest for Yokozuna - Komusubi Wakanosato bulldozes a weakened ozeki Kaio out of the dohyo on the first day.

Wakanosato fell short with a 7-8 record.

candidate.

The three stars of the tournament were all maegashiraKotomitsuki, Asashoryu, and Kaiho. Asashoryu roared back from his make-koshi record at komusubi inJuly to humiliate the competing yokozuna and ozeki and regain sanyaku status with a 10-5 record. The only negative impression from Asashoryu in the Aki Basho was that he seemed to lose steam in the last few days.

Kotomitsuki took advantage of the collapse of the top ranks to win his first yusho with a 13-2 record. Koto was superb on most days, though not quite up to the level ofhis remarkable 13-2 record last November, wh en he returned to Makunouchi. Kotomitsuki will be promoted back to sekiwake, and may even be boosted to ozeki if he wins the yusho again in November.

Little No.4 MaegashiraKaiho's 10-5record was nothing short of remarkable. He looked like a totally changed rikishi, full of confidence and power. Though it may be too much to expect him to excell again in November, he is showing to potential to compensate for the departure of Mainoumi and Tomonohana. ln summary, the best that can be said of the Aki Basho is that since the quality of sumo hit rock bottom, the Kyushu can only be more interesting.

Kotomitsuki's

First Loss - Ozeki Musoyama defèated No.2

Mae~ashira Kotomitsuki by tsukiotoshi on the third day. It was Koto sfirst lossof the tournament, and the last he would suffir until the senshuraku. Musoyama was never really in the race to win the yusho, but still finish with a decent 70-5 record.

Stunning Upset- No.4 Maegashira Kaiho achieved the first kznboshz of hzs career by upsetting a slow moving yokozuna Musashzmaru on the 7th day. Kaiho was one of the stars of the Aki Basho. Despzte bezngranked as a high maegashira, he won 70 bouts and promotion to komusubi in the Kyushu Basho.

Kotomitsuki Takes Sole Possession ofthe Lead - Kotomitsuki deftatedAoshoryu byyorikiri on the 8th day, after a heated struggle.

Koto thus took sole command of the lead with a 7-7 record.

Musashimaru Losses Second Bout - No.7 Maegashira Asashoryu defèated Yokozuna Musashimaru by ashitori on the fifth day. It was the yokozuna s second loss, and took him further away from the yusho race.

Fatal Loss for Miyabiyama - No.4 Maegashira Kaiho deftated N!zyabzyama by hikiotoshi on the 9th day, to hand the ozeki his szxth loss. Miyabiyama injured his left ankle in the bout and had to withdraw the next day, thus losing his ozeki rank.

11

Tochiazuma is Runner-up - Sekiwake Tochiazuma had little difficulty in ousting a hapless yokozuna Musashimaru on thefinal day. It was a crucial win fir Tochiazuma, as his 72-3 runner-upp recordplaces him in a strong position fir promotion to ozeki if he wins at least 77 or 72 bouts in the Kyushu Basho. Musashimaru finished with a poor 9- 6 record.

Kinboshi Record - NO.5 Maegashira Tochinonada upset Musashimaru by shitatehineri on the 77th day.

It was Musashimaru fifth kinboshi loss during the basho, aU aU-time record.

Jo

Musoyama Wins lOth Bout Ozeki Musoyama defiated komusubi Tamanoshima on the 73th day by sotogake. It was Musoyama S 70th win; he was the only rikishi above sekiwake to win in double digits in the Aki Basho.

Final Day Loss - NO.2 Maegashira Kotomitsuki, who had clinched the yusho the previous day, succumbed to a superb kainaheri executed by NO.4 Maegashira Tokitsuumi on the senshuraku. ln winning, Tokitsuumi achieved kachi-koshi with an 8-7 record. Kotomitsuki looked overly confident.

Aki Basho Awards

Kotomitsuki Clinches Yusho - Kotomitsuki improved his record to 73-7, thereby clinching the yusho, by throwing Kaiho by shitatenage on the 74th day.

12

* Yusho: '.' Jun-Yusho:

NO.2 Maegashira Kotomitsuki Sekiwake Tochiazuma

*

NO.2 NO.1 NO.2 NO.4

Shukun-sho: ':' Kanto-sho: '.' Gino-sho: * Gino-sho:

Maegashira Maegashira Maegashira Maegashira

Kotomitsuki Asashoryu Kotomitsuki Kaiho

13-2 12-3 13-2 10-5 13-2 10-5

My Thoughts on the Aki

Basho

Kotomitsuk誰' s Records

by Ryo Hatano

by Ryo Hatano Recently many basho have lacked content and been boring. The recent Aki Basho was simply the worst of the worst. 1mention this as someone who has watched sumo for many years, including a long period as a sumo reporter. 1sense that many former rikishi (including those who are commentators) felt the same way. But worst of ail, these kind of basho are alienating sumo fans.

Aside from star rikishi, the yokozuna and ozeki form the backbone of sumo. However, in the Aki Basho, yokozuna Takanohana was absent while yokozuna Musashimaru finished with a 9-6 record. Of the ozeki, Kaio, who sorne felt was in a position to reach yokozuna, dropped out with a 0-4-11 record, Chiyotaikai also withdrew at 4-5-6, and while Musoyama managed to eek out a 10-5 record, Miyabiyama suffered an injury and ended with a 3-7-5 mark, thus losing his ozeki rank.

Former ozeki Dejima, who would have been promoted back to ozeki if he had won 10 or more bouts at sekiwake in September, collapsed with 5-10. These withdrawal resulted in there being no bouts between yokozuna and ozeki in the final stretch of the tournament. This totally robbed the basho of excitement.

What is the problem with Musashimaru? He looked pitifu!' Where has his awesome strength gone? He had five kinboshi losses (upset of a yokozuna by a maegashira), an al1-time record. Sin ce he seems to have gained too much weight and has thus lost speed, he should control his weight and train properly.

Prior to the Aki Basho, here was much speculation that Kaio would finally gain promotion to yokozuna.

Actually, the majority of media seemed to fee! this faT. However, 1 thought it would be difficult for him. But instead of making his debut in November, he will be a kadoban ozeki. For him, it will be tantamount to going from heaven to hel!' 1 hope he heals his injuries properly, then make another effort to achieve promotion to yokozuna. Rikishi who are promoted to yokozuna with less than impressive credentials tend to have short careers at the top. Is this in the interest of sumo?

Chiyotaikai has forgotten the effective sumo he had when he won the yusho. Miyabiyama simply does not seem to have been able to become accustomed to being ozeki. Much the same can be said of Dejima.

The month of September in the Sumo Kyokai-s 2001 calendar features a large photograph of five ozeki-Kaio, Musoyama, Chiyotaikai, Dejima, and Miyabiyama. Out of these five, only Musoyama is holding his own. Kaio and Chiyotaikai are kadoban, while Miyabiyama and Dejima have already fallen from ozeki. It can even be said that people who bought tickets for the basho might have felt like asking for a refund from the Sumo Kyokai.

As for Kotomitsuki-s yusho, what makes it most different from other hiramaku yusho (yusho by maegashira) is that he faced ail of the top rikishi.

Therefore, his yusho was more impressive than most hiramaku yusho. He was able to compete most effectively by grabbing his opponents- mawashi with his right hand.

Kotomitsuki has a lot of strength in his lower body.

Kotomitsuki is the fifth collegian to win the yusho in the postwar era, after Wajima, Dejima, Asashio, and Musoyama First Yusho of Collegian

Rikishi Wajima Kotomitsuki Dejima Asashio Musoyama Figures in paranthesis First Yusho rikishi)

Rikishi Sadanoyama Taiho Wajima Chiyotaikai Kotomitsuki Wakamisugi Takahanada Akebono

After

Rikishi

Tourney Basho after Debut 1972/5 15(9) 2001/9 16(9) 1999/7 21(15) 1985/3 43(39) 2000/1 43(39) are for basho in Makunouchi

Promotion

to Makunouchi

(ail

No. of Tourneys 3 6

(Daigo) (Takanohana)

9 9 9 10 11

Il

Kotomitsuki is the 18th rikishi to achieve hiramaku yusho since the introduction of 15 day tournaments in May 1949. The first postwar hiramaku yusho winner was Tokitsuyama, who had a perfect 15-0 record atN 0.6 Maegashira.

Takamiyama won the yusho with a 13-2 record at No.4 maegashira inJuly 1972 and Takahanada (the present Takanohana), won with a 14-1 record at NO.2 Maegashira inJanuary 1992.

Musashimaru Wins Meiji Jingu Tournament Yokozuna Musashimaru won the annual single day elimination tournament sponsored by MeijiJingu at the Kokugikan on October 1. Musashimaru won the final bout over Asashoryu by yorikiri. Minatofuji won the J uryo yusho.

13

Gyoji Promotions The Sumo Kyokai has announced the simultaneous promotion of the two top gyoji; Tate-gyoji Shikimori Inosuke become the 30th Kimura Shonosuke while Sanyaku-kaku Gyoji Kimura Shozaburo becomes the 32nd Shikimori Inosuke.

Both of these fine gyoji have reached the pinnacle of the gyoji lad der after over 46 years in the sumo world. And both were among the final deshi of legendary Tate-gyoji of the 1950s; Kimura Shonosuke XXII (1890-1994) and Shikimori Inosuke XXI (1886-1966).

The new Kimura Shonosuke is especially noted for his fine calligraphy. He was in charge of writing most of the banzuke for nearly 15 years from the early 1980s to late 1990s, while he was known as Kimura Yodo. He was born in Saga-ken in Kyushu on February 1, 1938, and entered Dewanoumi Beya as a gyoji in May 1955, under the tutelage of Shonosuke XXII. Shonosuke XXII was considered to be one of the best gyoji of aU time, and had a remarkably long career on the dohyo from 1898 to 1959. He lived to be 104.

The new Shonosuke attained the gyoji's equivalent of sekitori status-Juryo-kaku in September 1966. He was still only 28 at the time and had been a gyoji for only Il years. But due to the large number of senior gyoji who made their debut in the 1930s, he did not achieve Makuuchi-kaku untilJanuary 1984.

He is thus the last surviving active gyoji who had Makuuchi-kaku status in the old Kuramae Kokugikan. His name was changed to Kimura Yodo inJanuary 1990, and inJanuary 1995 he advanced to Sanyaku-kaku.

He was named the 31st Shikimori Inosuke in J anuary of this year. He will formally succeed as the 30th Shonosuke as of the Kyushu Basho, replacing the former Shonosuke who reached the Sumo Kyokai retirement age of 65 this March.

New Tate-gyoji Kimura Shonosuke XXX"

14

New Tate-gyoji Shikimori Inosuke XXXII

The new 32nd Shikimori Inosuke was born in Hokkaido on December 3, 1940. He made his debut as a Tatsunami Beya gyoji in May 1955, under the tutelage of the famous bearded "Hige no Inosuke" Shikimori Inosuke XXIX. He was the final deshi of his illustrious mentor.

Gentle and very unpretentious, the new Inosuke is weUliked by people in the sumo world. As he was a couple of years younger than the new Shonosuke, he took longer to work his way through the ranks. He was elevated to Juryo-kaku in July 1970 and to Makuuchi-kaku in January 1985, the first tournament held in the present Kokugikan.

The new Inosuke was promoted to Sanyaku-kaku in January 1995, simultaneously with the new Shonosuke.

He formaUy takes over as the new Shikimori Inosuke as of the Kyushu Basho.

Since Shonosuke is already nearly 63, he will have a tenure of just over two years as Shonosuke.

While his reign will be relatively brief, it will by no means be the shortest for a tate-gyoji; the 30th Inosuke served for only two basho last year before reaching 65. Once the new Shonosuke retires, the new Inosuke will likely succeed him as Shonosuke, but for less than three years.

Whereas sorne past tate-gyoji had dohyo careers of over 55 or 60 years, no future gyoji will be able to serve for more than 49 years, since like rikishi and other sumo personnel, they must now have completed compulsory education Uunior high school) prior to launching their careers. ln the prewar era, many gyoji began as seven or eight years olds. They actually officiated in bouts at the maezumo or jonokuchi level, but also continued with their schooling.

The tate-gyoji alone carry swords-symbolizing their loft Y position. The sword supposedly symbolizes ritual suicide in case of a mistake in judgment, though, of course, the worst that can happen in the case of repeated erroneous decisions is suspension.

Available for your sumo art collection: The beautiful cover painting of Kotomitsuki-zeki, by Lynn Matsuoka.

The priee is $4,750. It is unique, so order now to be the one who gets it!

You can order this from the website using PAYPAL, or through e-mail with a money order payable in US dollars.

Also available through e-mail or through the wbesite:

This beautiful original painting of OZEKI KAIO, which captures his true game face and style. Oil and graphite on archivaI paper, mounted on archivaI backing, signed and stamped by the artist. Price $4,900*

THE RlVALRY, an open edition offset lithograph depicting the two y okozuna, Takanohana and Akebono with Musoyama as the tachimochi.

Mounted on acid-free backing, and personally signed by the artist. $42.*

SEE THE WEB SITE FOR OTHER IMAGES AND OFFERS!

http://www.lynnmatsuoka.com Please contact the studio through e-mail: artist@aloha.net *Price INCLUDES tax and shippingwithinJapan orthe US. You can arrange to pick up the artwork at the Hawaii orJapan satellite studio. Other address may incur a slight additional charge.

15

Juryo Results

By Mark

Newton

Juryo No. 5 Aogiyama defeated No. 9 Tamarikido in a playoff to win his second Juryo yusho with a fine 12-3 record, and will be returning to the Makunouchi for the first time in eight basho.

No. Il Shimotori and No. 8 Buyuzan finished with 11-4 records. A fifth rikishi, No. 12 Takanotsuru also won in double figures. It was a certainly a change from Nagoya where not one rikishi managed to win ten bouts or more.

Aogiyama was in top shape with an awesome display of oshi (pushing and tsuppari (slapping) in the Aki basho. Ex-sekiwake Kotonishiki advised him to "slap his opponents using his legs," meaning strong leg work would be the most effective way to slap his opponents out of the ring. Koto's advice obviously helped as Aogi didn't slow down. It was a remarkable comeback from his poor 5-10 record in the Nagoya basho.

into sorne stiff resistance from Hamanoshima on the last day, losing his chance for a spot in the playoffs.

Hama needed his fifth win to stay in the Juryo.

No. 12 Takanotsuru won his last six out of seven bouts to finish with a good 10-5 record. After eight days of action he was 4-4 and kachikoshi (a majority of eight wins) seemed to be his goal to avoid demotion to the Makushita. As he will be promoted to the mid-Juryo ranks in Kyushu, Taka will not have to worry as much about demotion to the Makushita, so he should be able to compete with more confidence.

Kobo finally achieved promotion to the Makunouchi with his second straight 8-7 record at Juryo No.!. ln spite of an injury to his knee in the middle of the basho, Kobo managed to get his eight wins. It has taken him nearly 13 years to reach the Makunouchi. Terao won on the last day to end up with a 7-8 record, barely missing promotion back to the Makunouchi, but suffered an injury which will force him to sit out the Kyushu basho. Sentoryu lost the first three bouts of the basho, and never quite recovered, finishing with a 7-8 record.

37-year old Tomonohana finally called it quits after a 5-10 record atJuryo No. Il rather than attempt a comeback in the Makushita. He has become a jun-toshiyori.

35-year old Kotokanyu also ended up with a 5-10 but will carry on in the Makushita. No. 10 Senshuyama collapsed with a 3-12 record and will be demoted to the Makushita.

(Preview - Continued from P 20)

Aogiyama Wins Yusho - Sakaigawa Oyakata (ex-yokozuna Sadanoyama), the head of the Sumo Kyokai 's Shimpan-bu (Juding Department) awards Aogiyama theJuryo yusho certifieate on the final day of the Aki Basho, minutes after the veteran rikishi defiated Tamarikido in a playoff.

For the second straight tournament Tamarikido finished in a tie for first place only to lose in the playoff. If it hadn't been for his unexpected loss to Minatofuji, Riki would have won the yusho. 12 wins atJuryo No. 9 was enough to propel him back to the Makunouchi.

Buyuzan put an end to his habit of popping up and down between the Juryo and Makushita with an 11-4 record atJuryo No. 8, and a very lucky promotion to the Makunouchi. Buyu has never competed in the top ranks of the Juryo so it will be interesting to see how he does in the Makunouchi. He would have made the playoff if he hadn't succumbed to Sentoryu's henka on the 14'h day. Buyu remarked that he wanted to put in a solid performance as the launching of a koenkai (supporters association) for him in Toyohashi, his hometown, depended on it.

Shimotori bounced back from a poor 6-9 record in Nagoya to win Il bouts and promotion to the upper Juryo-ranks for the Kyushu basho. Shimo ran 16

Tamanoi Oyakata, Tochiazuma's father, used this same technique from time to time in his career, one hopes that he will advise his son to avoid this tactic if Tochi is serious about promotion to ozeki. Tochi should win Il or 12, and finish as runner-up or take the yusho.

Asashoryu no doubt draws in more fans than anyone else in sumo these days. One can only hope for the sake of sumo's popularity that he eventually makes ozeki or yokozuna. He has a chance to begin a drive towards ozeki promotion in Kyushu by winning 10 bouts, and could even take the yusho if a 12-3 record is sufficient to do so. He has the fighting spirit of Chiyonofuji in his younger days, and gives it aIl he has, as opposed to Tochiazuma, who seems more concerned with winning without a sweat if he cano The other komusubi, Kaiho pulled off a surprising 10-5 performance in September but it is unlikely he can repeat it. 8 wins seems more likely this time.

No. 1 Maegashira Wakanosato has what it takes to win 10 to 12 bouts if he can avoid losing to lower ranked opponents.

Waka tends to rely on brute strength to overpower his maegashira opponents without employing a well-thought out strategy. If he can show more versatility in this regard he will start winning in double figures. Expect about 10 wins.

The upper maegashira ranks will be packed with strong rikishi again, including Tamanoshima, Takanowaka, Tokitsuumi, and Tosanoumi. It will be interesting to see how ex-ozeki Dejima will do if he has completely recovered from his foot injury. The third ex-ozeki, Takanonami, ranked at No. 10 maegashira, should be able to win in double figures as he should have recovered from pneumonia.

Then

Be

Now: Sumo Magazines (VI)

By Clyde Newton

This installment covers rare or classical covers from the prewar era. Publishing sumo magazines has never been as especially profitable business, and when sumo has been popular, the number of different companies publishing magazines has tended to proliferate, creating difficulties in maintaining circulation when interest declines. The late 1930s, wh en Futabayama reached his prime saw the greatest number of different publications, to the extent that a rather roughly printed sumo magazine was published even in japanese-controlled Manchukuo (Manchuria).

Sorne heya which had wealthy supporters even went so far as to issue periodical magazines.

Left-Yokozuna Tachiyama was depicted on the january 1917 coyer ofYakyukai's sumo magazine. Largely due to its beautiful coyer, on the only one depicting Tachiyama in color, this issue is much sought after. Right- Arakiyama is depicted on the May 1923 issue of Marishiten, the private magazine of Osaka-Zumo's Asahiyama Beya.

Left-August 1936 issue of the rebel Kansai Sumo Kyokai's Kakurikido depicted Ozeki Nishikinada. Issues of the rebel association, headed by Tenryu are extremely rare.

Right-The inaugural May 1936 issue of Asahi Sports depicted new Yokozuna Minanogawa.

Left-The May 1937 issue of Asahi Sports' sumo magazine featured then ozeki Futabayama. Right-New Yokozuna Futabayama graced the coyer ofthejanuary 1938 issue of Asahi Sports. Asahi published sumo magazines and extras on and off until january 1962. Most where graphic publications with mostly photos and relatively little text.

1

Left-A print by Katsukawa Shunko of the great Edo Era yokozuna Tanikaze was used for the May 1931 issue of Kakudo, which was published by the Sumo Kyokai between 1929 and 1932. Al! issues ofKakudo are very rare now. Right-Meiji Era yokozuna Umegatani I on the May 1935 issue of Sumodo.

Left-The May 1939 coyer of Hinode Shupan's sumo magazine for children. Only one issue was published by Hinode Shupan.

Right-The May 1943 issue of Sumo Graph, a pictorial sumo magazine which moderately priced compared with larger publications like Yakyukai, which were usual!y priced at one yen.

17

Meishobu Revealed Kotomitsuki vs Kaiho (shitatenage) 14th Day-September 2001 Photos by Clyde Newton

Frame 1-No.2 Maegashira Kotomitsuki (left) and No.4 Maegashira Kaiho square off at the tachi-ai on the 14th day. At 12-1, Kotomitsuki wou1d clin ch the yusho if he won the bout.

Frame 2- The gyoji indicates a matta after due to an unsatisfactory tachi-ai.

Frame 3-The two rikishi square off again, and Kotomitsuki opens with a powerful thrusting barrage against the lanky Kaiho.

Frame 4-Kotomitsuki tries to get inside Kaiho's defenses, but is unsuccessful.

Frame 5-Kaiho (left) manages to get into a yotsu position put cannot get a good grip on Koto's mawashi.

Frame 6-Kaiho has a fleeting

Frame 7-Kotomitsuki (left) unleashes a powerfu1, superbly executed shitatenage and his opponent losses his balance.

18

Frame 8-Kaiho crumbles to the

dohyo as Kotomitsuki clinches his first title.

chance to win as he succeeds in placing his head against Kotomitsuki's chest.

Koto cannot be moved, however.

Frame 9-Kotomitsuki struggles to withhold a smile of joy as Kaiho rises.

Behind the Curtain

By David Meisenzahl

With Akebono's danpatsushiki between tourneys, an era ended, of the first foreign yokozuna in sumo's history.

Who will be the next yokozuna? Though it may be hard to imagine one of the rikishi entering juryo could be the one, you just never know.

Wakatenro may just be that rikishi. Ex-maegashira Yamato noted a year or so ago that Wakatenro was holding back his power in keiko bouts. Why? Only Wakatenro knows the answer to that, but today he is not holding back any longer! To make Magaki Oyakata (exy okozuna Wakanohana II) even happier, not only is his raising star Wakatenro breaking into juryo at Fukuoka in November, but his veteran deshi Gojoro is finally returning to the paid ranks. Gojoro has been absent from Juryo since the September 2000 tournament. Gojoro went as high as NO.3 Maegashira inJuly 1998.

The last rikishi stepping up to Juryo this time is a potential sanyaku regular, in this writer's opinion, Tamasakari entered sumo in March 1999, and proceeded to tear up the makushita division with three consecutive 6-1 records. He didn't get his first losing record until he reachedJuryo inJanuary 2000, and that was only 7-8.

Takamisakari was injured in the September 2000 basho, only returning to the dohyo this year at Osaka, where he had begun his career exactly two years earlier.

Takamisakari may be able to return to Makunouchi in March next year, and keep climbing, as long as he is fully healed.

Senshuyama is stepping back behind the curtain. The small Takasago Beya rikishi just steps back and forth, in front of the curtain, behind the curtain, then repeat. He was ranked inJuryo in November 2000, in Makushita in January 2001, inJuryo in March this year, then back to Makushita in May. He actually achieved kachi-koshi with an 8-7 record when he returned for his third try inJuryo inJuly, only to fall apart with a 3-12 record in September.

Expect the trend continue with him posting 4-3 or 5-2 and returning to the juryo ranks for the first tourney of 2002.

An old crowd favorite, aging former komusubi Tomonohana, has fallen out of juryo and has decided to retire rather than compete in Makushita. 'Sensei' entered made his debut in March 1992 and went as far as komusubi inJanuary 1994. He has been around for 58 tournaments, putting together a career record of 379-38178. He entered sumo at the very late age of27 after seeing the success of another crowd favorite, and now TV sports anchor, Mainoumi. They were in the same sumo club in university. 'Sensei' will remain with the Sumo Kyokai as a jun-toshiyori.

The third and final rikishi stepping back behind the curtain is Kotokanyu. He has not put together a winning record since Osaka, so he has had three consecutive losing records. Perhaps with sorne extra rest, he can bounce back up to juryo. However, most rikishi will tell you that the upper Makushita ranks are the toughest in sumo, since that is the battleground for those who wish to break into the paid ranks of juryo and beyond. And that is why it is agood ide a to pay close attention to whatis happeningjust behind the curtain.

Minute of Silence for Victims of Terrorist Attacks

Mokuto - On thefinal day of theAki Basho, all the direetors of the Sumo Kyokai as well as all the Makunouehi rikishi and gyoji lined up around the dohyo during theJuryo bouts, tojoin the audience in observing a mokuto, or minute of silence, jĂ r the vietims of the terrorist attaeks ofSeptember 77 in the On thefirst day of the January 7989, the Sumo Kyokai ordered a similar silent prayer jĂ r Emperor Showa, who had died the previous day.

us.

Sumo World Website www.sumoworld.com Results of Makunouchi and Juryo bouts are posted on the web site every day during hombasho.

(Sumo World - ContinuedjromP.2) Yen checks drawn on Tokyo banks are acceptable so long as no handling charge is involved. We are now set up to receive payment by credit cardo (See pg. 18) An subscribers should print their name and address in block letters. AH communication with Sumo W orld can be in either English or J apanese.

NOTE: ALL MlLITARY SUBSCRIBERS ARE ASKED TO lNCLUDE THE NAME OF THE COUNTRY lN WHlCH THEY ARE STATlONED lN THEIR RETURN ADDRESS-lN BRACKETS. 19

Tochiazuma, Kotomitsuki, Asashoryu, and Wakanosato Favored in Close Race

By Mark Newton The Kyushu Basho looks likely to turn into a freefor-aIl with the top rankers either sidelined or nursing injuries. The ozeki and yokozuna could do no better than a combined 26-27 record with 37 absences last tournament, and this basho promises to show more of the same with Takanohana, Chiyotaikai, and possibly Kaio sitting out the basho.

That leaves only one yokozuna, Musashimaru, and one ozeki, Musoyama, to uphold the honor of the top ranks. As it is unlikely that either one of them will be a serious contender for the yusho, the probability of a sekiwake or komusubi winning the yusho is quite high. Two sekiwake, Tochiazuma and Kotomitsuki, as weIl as komusubi Asashoryu and No.1Maegashira Wakanosato have what it takes to go aIl the way, but it is possible that the yusho could come from the lower maegashira ranks.

Sumo has entered a changing of the guard phase, with Akebono and Wakanohana already retired, and yokozuna Takanohana and Musashimaru at 29 and 30 respectively, in the twilight of their careers. Kaio and Musoyama are both 29, with only one or two good years left in them. It seemed that Chiyotaikai, Miyabiyama and Dejima were their likely successors, but with aIl three of them now injury-prone, and Miyabi and Dejima no longer even ranked at ozeki, a re-think has become necessary. It now looks as though Kotomitsuki, Asashoryu, Tochiazuma and Wakanosato will eventually occupy the top ranks in sumo, and we can expect them to be serious contenders for the Emperor's Cup on a more regular basis from here on, barring a sudden reemergence of Chiyotaikai, Miyabiyama or Dejima.

It appears likely that yokozuna Musashimaru will be the first Makunouchi rikishi ever to win the most bouts in a year without winning a single yusho. Maru has compiled a 60-15 record over the last five basho, winning an average of 12 bouts every tournament, which is no mean achievement, and certainly up to the standards expected of a yokozuna. His nearest competitors have only won 50 wins this year so Maru just about has this title sewn up. It is that elusive 9th Emperor's Cup that Maru wants, though. With the exception of last tournament, Maru has been on the verge of capturing the yusho every basho, only to see his hopes dashed in the last few days. Although a slight leg injury probably contributed to Maru's po or 9-6 record in September, he appears overweight and somewhat flabby these days, and carrying 225kg is becoming more of a burden than an asset at his age.

He should be able to win 10 or Il bouts but not more th an that as he will probably still be nursing a leg injury.

Takanohana will be sitting out the Kyushu basho.

Taka still has not been able to resume serious training, and both he and his his mentor and father, Futagoyama Oyakata, have stated that a return to the 20

dohyo will not happen until Taka is completely recovered. At this point a comeback in March or possibly May is likely.

If Kaio is not competing, Musoyama will once again be in the enviable position of not having to face any ozeki or yokozuna. Even so, it is unlikely that Muso can pull off more 10 wins. Muso consistently wins 9 or 10 bouts every basho but the yusho seems out of reach these days. Muso can beat anyone in sumo but he can also be upset by at least 10 of the highest ranked rikishi. Expect more of the same from him in Kyushu. 10 wins at best.

Tomozuna Oyakata, Kaio's shisho, commented that the ozeki might sit out the Kyushu basho to recover from his injuries, in order to attempt a comeback inJ anuary. If he does take part, getting his eight wins could weIl be a struggle as he has not been able to train. He faces a choice of going for his eight wins in Kyushu and possibly re-injuring himself as weIl as losing his rank or staking everything on a comeback inJanuary. 10 wins inJanuary at sekiwake would ensure that he regains his ozeki rank.

Chiyotaikai will be sitting out this basho, but as his injury in the Aki basho was officially recognized by the Sumo Kyokai, he will keep his ozeki rank in J anuary. Chiyo has become injury-prone of late, and talk of him making yokozuna seems to have faded away. Kotomitsuki, Tochiazuma and Asashoryu may even overtake him unless he can overcome his injuries.

Miyabiyama fractured his foot in September and dropped out of the tournament and will be ranked as sekiwake in November. Although he is sitting out this basho, his injury was recognized by the Sumo Association, which means he can regain his rank with 10 wins inJanuary at sekiwake.

The other two sekiwake Kotomitsuki and Tochiazuma both have a good chance to be promoted to ozeki. Koto, together with Asashoryu, do more keiko (training) than anyone in sumo today and it shows on the dohyo. If Koto can pull off a back-toback yusho, it is likely he will be promoted to ozeki, in spite of a poor 4-11 in July, and his maegashira ranking in September. Since he is somewhat erratic it seems unlikely he will manage this feat but it can't or be ruled out. It is more likely that he will win 12 and finish as runner-up.

The third sekiwake, Tochiazuma, has a 22-8 record over the last two basho, which indicates that an 11-4 record would, un der normal circumstances, ensure his promotion to ozeki. The pro blem, however, is Tochi's bad habit of doing henka Uumping aside) at the initial charge (tachi-ai). Four ofhis wins came this way in September, certainly not befitting of an up-and coming ozeki candidate.

Although

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