SUMO
WORLD
. Now Celebrating
Its 20th Year of Publication Sumo World
ln This Issue
On the Coyer - Ozeki Takanohana) crushes out yokozuna Akebono on senshuraku of the Natsu Basho to rack up the yusho--his third--and advance to the brink of yokozuna promotion. Jun-yusho with 13 wins in Nagoya should be enough .to put him overthe top. (Photo by Clyde Newton) On the Back Coyer - Takanohana holds the Emperor's Cup after winning the Natsu Basho tide, as his koenkai supporters shout "banzai!" (Photo by GerryTotI) * ln This Issue, Editor's Box 1 * Natsu Basho Wrangle By Ryo Hatano 2-3 * Three Danpatsu Ceremonies Photos by Clyde Newton .4 * Natsu Basho Roundtable 5-6 * Akebono Speaks Out: 2 7-8 * San Jose, Hawaii Jungyo 9-10 * Reviews of 2 Sumo Books Il * Technique Corner: Sukuinage By David Shapiro 12 * Off the Dohyo by Lora Sharnoff, Juryo Roundup by Andy Adams 13 * Then and Now: Tawara By Doreen Simmons Foreign Rikishi Scores 14 * Natsu Basho Action Highlights 15-16 * Oyakata/Heya Table 17-18 * Reader's Page 19 * Nagoya Basho Preview By D. Shapiro 20 * Nagoya Basho Banzuke Makunouchi Division Rankings and Profiles 21-27 Juryo Division Rankings and Profiles 28-29 Makushita Division Top 15 Ranks, East and West.. 22 * Natsu Basho Hoshitorihyo 30 1
Editorial Staff: Andy Adams Editor and Publisher Clyde Newton Associate Editor Contributing Writers: Mark Schilling, David Shapiro, Lora Sharnoff, Shinobu Suzuki Photographers: Gerry Toff, C. Newton Translators: C.Newton, M.Schilling, S.Suzuki Ail correspondence and subscription checks should be mailed to: Sumo Worldl Andy Adams cio Foreign Press Club 1-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100, Japan Tel: (03) 3211-3161 FAX: (0422) 475715 Annual Subscription Rates: Japan: Express Mail-5,500 yen; Regular Mail-4,500 yen. U.S. Military MailSubscriptions to APO or FPO numbers located in the Japan area are priced at the same rates as those listed above for Japan. Overseas Airmail: Asia-$25; Rest of the World-$28 Overseas Seamail: Anywhere in the World-$22.50 SUMOWORLD is a bimonthly magazine published in English on sumo for the forelgn community in Japan, th~ U.S.. 1l)i1.itary stationed in Japan, f9relgn tounsts vlsltlng Japan and sumo fans ln Hawaii, mainland United States, the United Kingdom and other countries in EuroRe, Brazil and other Latin American cou nt ries, Asia/Oceania and elsewhere in the world. Make out ail checks to Sumo Worldl Andy of Adams, payable by a U.S. bank or also the U.S. brandi a non-U.S. bank. Payment can be madeorders. in cash bdollars or yen) or drafts oy international money 0 not sena bank or remittances payable by a Jal2anese bank. As for ail those living outside Tokyo should Ray by Japan p'ostal cash envelope or Rostal coupons. Yen checks drawn on Tokyo banks are acceptable so lon~ as no handling involved. by Sorry but cards. we re not set up to charge receiveis payment credit Ali subscribers should pnnt their name and address in block and in Japanese names and addresses shouldletters, be printed Romaji-not kanji-since kanji characters can be from read in moreWorld than one way. ail items ordered Sumo must 'beNote: paid for directly to Sumo World! Advertisingrates are available on request. Cop.Yright Š 199'3. Ali rights reserved. No part of thls magazine reproduced utilized in any form or bymay any be means, electronicor or mechanical, incl~ding photocopying, .recordinq by an information storage and retneval sysfemor wlthout express permission in writing from the publisher. Ali correspondence should include a self-addressed and stamped (in Japan) envelope if material or pho.tographs .are being sent to SUMO WORLD and thelr return IS requested. .Pr9duced on a Macintosh Il; printed by Japan PnntmgIssues: Co. Back Ail original back issues are available from the inaugural issue of January 1973-except for 16: Marcn, ana SeRtember and November 1973; January, March September 1974; November 1980; January, Marc~1 September and November 1981d' January and March 1982; JanuatY 1983, an ~8Z5 copy for in March and November 1984-at Japan, $3.50 for overseas airmail andp~r $3.00 overseas of the available. 16 missin issues seamail. with colorReproductions front/back covers
* Our thanks to "SUMO" of Baseball Magazine-sha for use of photos
(Clyde Newton Photo)
NATSU BASHO WRANGLE By Ryo Hatano The last bout on the last day of the Natsu Basho between Akebono and Takanohana ended in victory for Takanohana. ln this latest battle between the Futagoyama Beya "army" and the Hawaiian "gang" of Akebono, Konishiki and Musashimaru, the gyoji's gunbai turned toward Futagoyama. ln addition to Takanohana's top-division yusho, Wakanohana took the Shukun-sho (Outstanding Performance Award), Takanonami, the Kanto-sho (Fighting Spirit Prize) and Takatoriki, the Gino-sho (Technique Prize)-a complete sweep of the top prizes by Futagoyama Beya and a great display of power by a great stable . now at the peak ofits form. The last heya to monopolize
the yusho and sansho (three special prizes) was Dewanoumi Beya back in 1949-44 years ago. During the Natsu Basho, Wakanohana's drive to become ozeki and stand with brother Takanohana as part of a fraternal ozeki duo was the focus of attention. Waka fought the first half of the basho with enthusiastic fans watching his every move. The mental pressure was too much to bear, however, and he finally cracked under il. The battle between the Hawaiian trio, who occupy the top three ranks of yokozuna, ozeki and sekiwake, and Futagoyama Beya, whose 10 Makunouchi rikishi dominate the top of the division, including the ranks of ozeki, sekiwake and komusubi, has been intensifying in recent basho. Akebono beatMisugisato, Takanonami, Wakasho(Con't on next page)
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yo and Takatoriki but lost to Wakanohana on the 13th day. Then on senshuraku he was beaten by Takanohana and the yusho slipped from his grasp. The Waka-Taka brothers caused his defeat. His oyakata, Azumazeki (former sekiwake Takamiyama), said: "His rivais from now on will be Takanohana and Wakanohana. Ifhe can beat them, he can win the yusho." He is completely correct. Komusubi Musashimaru's record last taurnament against the Futagoyama army was three wins and four losses. Futagoyama rikishi accounted for four of his defeats. Of Konishiki's eight defeats, four came at the hands of the Futagoyama army-a big blow to his kachikoshi campaign. During the senshuraku bout between Konishiki and Wakanohana, the two rikishi traded armthrows at the edge and went down at nearly the same time. When the gyoji pointed his gunbai at Konishiki, thejudges didn't cali a mono-ii Uudge's conference), giving the win to the ozeki. This bout was a major loss for Wakanohana-and caused an uproar among the fans. Just looking at the slow-motion video tape, it seems c1ear that Konishiki's right hand touched down first. After the bout, Wakanohana said: "When 1 was doing sukuinage and faIling, my face hit (the dohyo)." It stands to reason that if he hit the dohyo that way, he must have been falling more slowly than his opponent. That's generally what happens when two rikishi attempt countering armthrows at the edge of the dohyo. As he said, Wakanohana hit the side of his face. The scrape must have been tremendously painful, but his fall to the dohyo was c1early slower than Konishiki's. There wasno mono-ii and the win went to Konishiki. Afterwards, chief judge Kagamiyama said, "Konishiki had the advantage. When they were both making last-ditch throws, Wakanohana's body was flying. Ifs not a question of whether his hand touched down." ln short, the decision was based on Wakanohana being shinitai (a dead body, or falling in an irrecoverable position). 1 wonder, though, whether ordinary fans can understand this explanation. Shinitai literally means that a rikishi's body is "dead." ln other words, he cannot possibly return to a position that would enable him to continue the bout.
explain their decision. ln that way, they can obtain the understanding of most of the people watching. But if they let the gyoji' s cali stand without a mono-ii, many people will have a hard time understanding their decision or even be dissatisfied with it. The phones of the Sumo Kyokai and major newspapers were ringing off the hook with fans calling to express their opposition to and dissatisfaction with the outcome of the KonishikiWakanohana bout. When there is doubt, ifs best to cali a mono-ii and give an explanation that everyone can understand. The bout between Konishiki and Wakanohana in the recent Natsu Basho c1early showed the cost of not following this advice. 1 hope that the Sumo Kyokai will deal wisely in similar situations in the future. When Akebono was beaten by Takanohana, he returned to the shitaku-beya with red eyes and left the Kokugikan without saying a word to anyone. The two rikishi were like night and day-and their bout again iIIustrated the cold-heartedness of competitive sports. Akebono will no doubt try ta rid himself of his frustration over this defeat. On the other hand, Takanohana will probably try to practice even harder so that he can again taste this kind ofjoy. 1 hope that the violent clashes between Akebono and Takanohana, the respective winner and loser who finished the last basho at the op-posite ends of the pole as respective winner and loser of the yusho, will set off more fireworks in basho to come. Will Takanohana move up to yokozuna and Wakanohana ta ozeki during the next basho in Nagoya? Will the Hawaiian trio be able to stop them? The battle between the Futagoyama army and the Hawaiian gang will generate even more heat come July. (Translated by Mark Schilling)
It was a questionable bout. Even the video tape that recorded it can 't be called completely accurate, given the position from which it was shot. But when the outcome of a bout is question able or when ail the people watching at home think ••Ahh ....1 wonder who won?" the judges should cali a mono-ii and carefully and c1early
1IIItll[llïl~1
Sashi-Chigai- Akebono appears ta be still airborne, while Wakashoyo's right [oot has already touched out. The judges reversed the decision [avoring Waka.
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End of a Career - Dewanomi Oyakata makes the final snip of former komusubi Ryogoku's mage at the danpatsu-shiki ceremony feting his retirement, May 31 st. Ryogoku will remain in sumo as a coach at De-wanoumi Beya with the na me of Nakadachi Oyakata, the previous name of Kasugano Oyakata.
l ntai-Zumo
Ceremony - finmaku Oyakata, former Kokonoe Oyakata, makes thefinal eut of ex-komusubi Takanofuji' s mage, May 29th. Taka has quit sumo.
3 Veterans Bow Out With Danpatsu-shiki Rites at Kokugikan Photos by Clyde Newton
(Warren Arbuckle Photo) AchievementHonored:
Yokozuna Akebono smiles as he holds the
trophypresented to him l7y the Tokyo A merican Club on April 25th as their 1993 Sportsman of the Year. He's the third sumo rikishi honored l7y the club since the inception of the award in 1990. The other two areAzumazeki Oyakata (former sekiwake Takamiyamafesse) and ozeki Konishiki.
Sayonara, Wakasegawa - Isegahama Oyakata cuts off the topknotof ex-No. 1maegashira Wakasegawa, May 30, at Waka's danpatsu-shiki rite. Waka has left sumo. 4
Nagoya Basho Roundtable (The Natsu Basho roundtable was held on May 29th at the home of Sumo World editor Andy Adams and included, besides Adams (AA), associate editor Clyde Newton (CN), Lora ShamofJ (LS), author of "Grand Sumo" and SW contributor, and Katrina Watt (KW), SW contributor.) AA: We'll begin as we did last time with a few random comments based on some notes 1 took during the Natsu Basho. ln Mainoumi's bout with Toyonoumi on senshuraku, he used uchigake (inside leg trip) to block Toyo's attempt to force him to the edge, then spilled his huge opponent with sotogake (outside leg trip). When Toyonoumi fell, it was like a giant tree crashing to the ground. Mai should have yelled 'Timberl" LS: Mainoumi was near the bottom of Makunouchi and he was very desperate to stay in the top division. He's too small ta be way up in sanyaku, but when he sets his mind to it, he seems able to hold his own in Makunouchi. KW: What l'm worried about is that his tac tics seem to be catching because we're seeing more sumo where the opponents stand back and look at each other instead of going for the belt. CN: Mainoumi went ail the way to the end and didn't collapse, as he often does. This may be the best basho of Mainoumi's career. 1 think he should have got the Gino-sho (Technique Prize). 1 think both he and Tomonohana will have short, interesting careers. But 1 don't think Wakanohana deserved a sansho. (He received the Shukun-sho (Outstanding Performance Award). AA: Picking up where 1 left off, Kirishima's uchigake against Takanonami on the Il th day was a thing ofbeauty. The excitinggive-and-take in Wakanohana's boutwith Terao on the fifth day was one of the highlights of the basho. Akebono made a surprising recovery of his balance twice in his bout with Kushimaumi on the seventh day, attesting to his hard training, his stability and his ability in keeping his hips low. LS: At the practice session befol-e the Yokozuna Shingiiinkai (Promotion Council) before the basho, Akebono didn't look very good. AA: But he had a whole week to shape up before the basho got under way. If you really hit your peak a week before the start, you might get stale by the time the tournament opens.
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(Clyde Newton Photo) His Third Yusho - Takanohana receivesthe cham-pionshipflag/rom Sadogatake Oyaka/a a/ter winning the Natsu Basho with an ou/standing 14 record. LS: But he went into the basho with a fever. He had a lot of pro blems. AA: Look at Wakanohana in the previous basho_ He lost weight, he threw up and had ail kinds of problems. KW: 1 was surprised to see Akebono having a few shaky bouts. Kushimaumi wasn't in good shape at ail. CN: The impression 1 got of Akebono this time was that he's worthy of the rank ofyokozuna. AA: ln contrast to Takanohana, who didn't look like a potential yokozuna at aIl. KW: ln the majority of Akebono's as very strong and in control.
bouts, he comes across
AA: NextisAkebono's boutwith Wakashoyo, with the gyoji giving the nod to Waka and the judges reversing his decision. lfyou had seen the photo on the sports page of the japan Times, you would have seen Wakashoyo's right foot clearly touching the ground outside the dohyo and Akebono's body still not touching down inside the dohyo. 1 think it was a very good decision to reverse the tate-gyoji's (chiefreferee) decision. KW: 1 was surprised because it was so close. 1 thought they would cali for tori-naoshi (rematch), but in Konishiki's bout with Takanohana when they did cali for torinaoshi, the video replay showed c1early Konishiki's hand touch-ing first. AA: But the controversial bout occurred on senshuraku when Konishiki
beat Wakanohana.
The Sumo
Kyokai
called in the judges and said they should speak up more when a close bout occurs, implying that there should have been a mono-ii Uudges' conference) in the KonishikiWaka bout. The chief judge, Kagamiyama, even submitted his resignation, but, of course, it was not accepted. To resume my comments from my notes, Wakanohana diĂ not look very good in most of the five losses he suffered, especially when Kotonowaka rolled him into the dirt on the 14th day. And the way Oginohana hustled him out on the eighth day and Kenko tossed him out on the lOth
day. They were fairly low-ranked maegashira. He certainly didn't look like a budding ozeki in those bouts. Sorne say Waka might have had an outside chance to be promoted to ozeki if he had won that bout, perhaps in a rematch, and ended up with an 11-4record. But in view ofhis collapse in the second week, his inability in the past to string together two performances with double-digit wins and his tendency to get injured, it would have been a bad mistake to promote him-even with Il wins. Last year he was sidelined for almost two complete basho. LS: Jinmaku Oyakata (ex-yokozuna Kitanofuji) had said that those losses to the maegashira didn't make a good impression and we're not in desperate need of another ozeki right now. It would be better to wait. AA: Takanohana had several close calls and was lucky to emerge unscathed from ail of them: Kotonishiki on the third day, Kotonowaka on the sixth day, Kotofuji on the eighth day and Daishoho on the 12th day. The only reason that Takanohana beat Daishoho was because Dai lost his balance and fell as he was pushing Taka out. KW: It's easy to see that Takanohana and Wakanohana do a lot of keiko because they've very good at hanging on at the edge just long enough for their opponents to go out or touch down first. AA:And then in his bout with Konishiki on the 13th day. The only day he looked Iike a true yokozuna was on the last day when he beat Akebono, making a fast tachi-ai, getting a morozashi (both arms inside the opponent's defenses) and blocking Akebono's counterattack. Otherwise, he looked just Iike a routine sanyaku wrestler. KW: It made me think of the hare and the tortoise. Everybody's looking at Wakanohana and he's going to do something wonderful. He tries hard and falls by the wayside. Takanohana is sort of plodding along, hanging on at the edge and in the end he lasts out to get the yusho. CN: 1 think that Akebono was as nervous as he's ever
Umenosato and Mitoizumi Are 12th Sekitori Brothers The promotion of Umenosato to Juryo marks the 12th sekitori brother combo. The younger brother of Makunouchi veteran Mitoizumi, Umenosato makes his Juryo Division debut in the upcoming Nagoya Basho. Plagued by injuries and bad luck, Umenosato spent 13 years and 80 basho c1imbing to Juryo-the fourth-slowest pace in sumo history. At 29, Umenosato is one year younger than his brother, who is known by his nickname "Big Salt." He stands 191 cm. (6-3) and weighs 175 kg. (386 Ibs.) and bears a strong physical resemblance to his more-famous sibling. They will become the third active pair of sekitori brothers after Takanohana and Wakanohana, and Oginohana and Oginishiki. Terao, the younger brother offormer sekiwake Sakahoko, is still competing in the top division. CN: He still has good fighting spirit, but he has to win very quickly. It's a pit y that he doesn't use tsuru (lifting) anymore. AA: What about Musashimaru? LS: For several basho he had double-digit wins and now he gets 9-6. The trouble is that he tries not to lose but he doesn't try hard enough to win. Before this basho, he started doing de-geiko (training at an outside heya) again, going to the other Dewanoumi Ichimon heya (Dewanoumi, Kasugano, Musashigawa, Mihogaseki, Kitanoumi and Tamanoi stables). 1 thought it would be beneficial for him, but apparently it wasn 't. But you can 't scoff at sorne one who has had 16 straight kachi-koshi. AA: Getting close to Akebono's record of 18 in a row. Musashi also has six straight basho as a sekiwake. But 1 see we're out of time. Thanks for your contributions.
been. Ijust sensed that. He really wanted to win. KW: 1 wonder why Akebono tried to do kubinage at the edge. Vou could see that his feet came together so that he couldn't keep his balance. AA: Ali the way along, it appeared that Akebono was going to win. KW: It wasn't a question ofwhether or not he was going to win, but whether he would get zensho. AA: Tochinowaka seems to have lost much of his power and it's now highly unlikely that he can ever regain sanyaku let alone make another drive for ozeki. CN: 1 think he'lI drop to Juryo within four or five basho. LS: Four of five? How about two or three? CN: 1think Terao and Tochinowaka will fall soon to Juryo, but Kirishima should be able to hang on as a low maegashira. AA: Kirishima's 8-7 record was his first kachi-koshi (majority ofwins) mark since lastJuly and showed his ability to hang in there, at least until the end of the year.
May Sansho JVtnners - From le/t to right: Seki-wake Wakanohana: Shukun-sho (Outstanding Per/or-mance A ward) , Takanonami: Kanto-sho (Fighting Spirit-Prize) and Takatoriki: Gino-sko.
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AI(EBONO SPEAI(S OUT:Z (Newly promoted yokozuna Akebono appeared at the Foreign Correspondent 's Club ofJapan onFeb. 16 and thefollowing is the second part of a transcription of the questions and his answers at the Club's professionalluncheon.)
Q: Vou have such a gentle demeanor, but when you get in the ring, you have this look that you get in your eyes. If looks could kill, 1would be dead. What is it that cornes over you when you enter the ring? What do you think about prior to the bout? A: Vou have to have a fighting face and another face when you are in front of people. Vou have to have two sides ofyourself. 1like to listen to music before 1go to the tournament such as rock. 1 just think about how hard l've worked and why should 1 lose if there's nobody who says 1 have to lose. It gets me fired up. Q: 1understand that foreigners are not being encouraged to join sumo at this point in time and there's sorne talk of limiting each stable to two foreigners. How do you feel about that? Do you feel there should be restrictions on foreigners in sumo or in a stable in order to main tain this as a Japanese sport and prevent the Japanese wrestlers from being overwhelmed by bigger, more powerful opponents? Or do you think sumo should stay open so that anybody who wants to try can cornpete? A: First of ail, my job is not to think but just to wrestle. 1 just do my job in the ring and let the Sumo Association think about stuff like that. Q: Have you been approached by any big American companies about commercial endorsements, and if so, are you allowed to accept them? A: Not yet. l've been asked by sorne places, but the Sumo Association is very strict about commercials. Q: May 1 ask who asked you? A: You'll have to ask my boss. Q: 1 understand that last night you were bowling with Konishiki and sorne ofyour colleagues-Bowling forBosnia, 1 think it was called. Do you think Japanese sports stars, and 1guess 1would have to include you since you're a sumo star, should be doing more charity work and that kind of high-profile work on behalf of larger issues? A: ln sumo, we do a lot of charity during the year. Also, as for the tournaments (hana-zumo) you see thatare not real tourna-ments (hon-basho), most ofthat is for charity. 1 think it's a good thing to work for charity. Just because you've made it to the top doesn't mean that you should turn your back on people who are not as privileged as you are. Vou should always want to help people. Q: Azumazeki Oyakata is married ta aJapanese lady. So
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(Akiko Miyake Photo) do you want to get married to aJapanese lady? A: 1 don't know. When the times cornes, l'Il think about it.
Q: What is the best thing and the worst thing that has happened to you in your life inJapan? A: There are a lot of good things that have happened to me in Japan. One of them is when 1made yokozuna. But the happiest moment in life was when 1 won my first tournament (May 1992). When 1won that last bout, 1just blacked out and didn't know what happened. The worst thing that happened to me inJapan came two basho before that Uanuary 1992)when 1lost to Takanohana byone bout. Hewas 14-1andlwas 13-2. Hewas 14-1,butlwasthe only one who beat him. Ijust couldn't han die that. Q: ln answer to the question about dignity, you sound very Japanese. Do you consider yourself, perhaps because you've immersed yourselfin this ancient tradition, a little more attuned to Japan and little more Japanese than American? A: Sumo is a sport in which you live the sport. It's not like baseball where you go to the stadium and practice and play a game, then go home and become a regular person again. Vou live sumo 24 hours a day. Vou practice in the morning. When you finish, you have to take care of the boss or the ranking wrestlers in the stable. Being in this sport for five years, 1 don't feel like l've changed, but when people look at me they say l'm more Japanese than 1am American. You're forced to change. Vou can 't stop it, it's natural. Q: Using our president Clayton Jones as Takahanada, cou Id you demonstrate once again the decisive last fight you had when you won the tournament? A: She'll (question el') have to referee. 1joined sumo five years ago and my oyakata taught me that pushing is the fastest way to win and the fastest way to move up in the ranks. No matter how good sorne body is on the belt, if you can hit them hard enough and keep them off you, you can push them right out of the ring. The first thing 1
someday? try to do is get them off me. Q: Obviously, one of the things you have to do to get this A: As 1said earlier, sumo is notjust a sport, it's a way of life. But ifyou take it outside ofjapan, 1don't think it'II far is to learn japanese. Do you feel comfortable in the work. language, do you recommend signing up at a sumo stable as a way of learning the language quickly? Did you have Q: Out of the Makunouchi rikishi, there's not one rikishi any trouble, any culture shock? who's able to win consistently against you or even very A: For the first half a year when 1 came from Hawaii, 1 often. Who is your toughest opponent? cried almost every night. 1 wanted to quit. 1wanted to A: 1 have a lot of trouble with smail wrestlers Iike Akinogo home. 1 was 18. 1 thought 1was a man, but when 1 shima and Kotonishiki. They're probably my two toughcame here, 1found out 1 was still a baby. But what kept est opponents right now. Since 1made yokozuna, one of the biggest things 1have in mind is practicing with an eye me from going back home was that if! went back home, people would laugh at my mom and dad, and say that on how 1 can strengthen thafarea. your son has a big body, but he can't do anything. So 1 Q: Because of the recent merger of Fujishima and Futastuck it out. 1got up every morning, told myselfthat to- goyama stables, Takanohana won't face nine of the top day l'm going to learn one new japanese word, one new rikishi. Do you consider this to be an unfair advantage? technique in practice. 1 got up every morning wanting A: It's not unfair or fair. It's something that happens. 1 to lean). Sumo is not Iike base bail. If you come from just have to put up and shut up and wrestle everybody America, they have an interpreter-they have every- and beat them. thing. ln sumo, you get thrown in a big room. Vou sur- Q: Vou are one of the tallest and most dignified-Iooking vive, you die or you go home. Vou have to learn almost sumo wrestlers. But at the opposite end ofyour type are very small quick wrestlers. For example, Mainoumi. everything there is. Vou are forced to. Q: The whole set of arguments about the promotion of Could you give your assessment ofthis type ofwrestler in a foreigner began when a member of the Yokozuna Pro- general and particularly the acrobatie wrestling of Maimotion Council wrote an article suggesting that foreign- noumi? ers didn 't have the hinkaku that was necessary. Arter that A: For somebody that small to get up on the dohyo and came out, how did it affect your spirit and the spirit of wrestle opponents as big as us, it takes a lot ofheart. Peothe other Hawaiian wrestlers to know that at least one ple say he's acrobatie, but that's what he has to do to stay member of the council had expressed his feelings. Did it up there. make you fight harder, did it discourage you? What was Q: Vouwere recently in sorne exhibition in Hong Kong. Is your reaction? this going to be a kind of sumo cultural diplomacy by A: Ijust didn't pay attention to it. Youjust do what you sending you to the United States, Ids say. Do you think have to do and when you wrestle, if you do what you're there's a trend toward this? Is it a good thing for sumo to supposed to do, you're going to make it someday. do these kinds of exhibitions or should they stay here Q: We didn't grow up watching sumo, but now that we injapan and just fight and do nothing? watch it, we know that the ratio between the preparation A: What was his question? Oh, yeso 1 think it's a good for the match and the actual match itself is so short. thing for sumo to go around the world. As 1 said earlier, Would you talk about the going back and forth in the sumo is not something you can explain by talking about dohyo and the niramiai. Does this make a difference in it. Vou have to take it there to show the people how we your wins? practice and fight. There's a language barrier, so we A: Actually, they don't encourage staring at your opposhould just let them see what we try to do everyday. It nent in sumo. But once you get up on that dohyo, you might not be as real as what we do back injapan, but it's change into a different person. So if somebody stares at a good thing for people to look at and learn what sumo you, you stare back at them. That's ail part of the mental is about and not just think it's two guys running into each other and the guy who runs the fastest, wins. game. If you lose that fight, you've probably lost the whole bout. So you have to win the mental game as weil Q: Do you have invitations to speak to business groups, as the physical part. especially now that you're yokozuna? Ifyou do, do they Q: Have you ever received any telephone calls or letters ask you more questions about sumo or about your life attacking you or threatening you? style and discipline and how that applies to the business A: When Takahanada won his first tournament with 14-1 world? and 1was 13-2, before 1lost my second bout 1was getting letters telling me to go home. But when you get ail this stuff, you just look at it and say 'These people have too much free time. They don't have anything else better to do." Q: Would you like to see sumo as an Olympie sport
A: l've never been asked by any business groups, but we go to a lot of parties and just stand there and look pretty. (To be continued)
Answer to Then and Now: Two concentric circles of tawara were common until April 1931, when the inner ring was removed, enlarging the ring about 60 cm.
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AI<ebono Wins San Jose Meet By Doug Larnn ln a c1imatic finish to the San Jose Tourney, Akebono defeated fellow-Hawaiian Konishiki to c1aimthe top prize in the first-ever "officiaI" sumo tourney to take place in the United States. The two-daytourney on June 6-7 drew capacity crowds of nearly 6,000 each days to the San Jose University Event Center in San Jose, California. Thirty-eight of the top rikishi arrived June 4th in unusual rainy weather and were warmly greeted in San Jose's 'Japan Town" by a large crowd of both sumo fans and interested newcomers. The tired-Iooking rikishi sat down to an outside dinner with the unfortunate feeling of having many bystanders stare in awe at every bite they took. On Friday, sorne of the rikishi spent time enjoying a popular local amusement par'k, a San Francisco Ciants baseball game and supposedly a golf course as weIl. The tourney opened the next day as spectators warmly greeted the rikishi and were entertained as Konishiki and Wakanohana battled against local children. On the first day, Akebono overpowered ail his opponents and c1aimed the first day's title by defeating Takanohana sin the final for his fifth victory of the day. Perhaps the most exciting match of the two-<laytourney was Takanohana's semifinal against his older brother, Wakanohana. With the crowd yelling on, the two brothers battled for nearly 40 seconds before Taka finally lifted out Wakanohana. ln the other semifinal, Akebono defeated Takanonami. On the second day, Akebono continued to impress the audience with victories over Takatoriki, Kotonishiki and Wakanohana. This set up a semifinal against Konishiki. ln a battle of giants, Konishiki and Akebono grabbed each other's belts and in a great demonstration of strength, Konishiki was able to slowly force Akebono out of the ring. Konishiki won the secondclay title by defeating Musashimaru and advanced to the playoff for the tourney title against Akebono, his semifinal opponent only 15 minutes earlier and the first-<lay'schampion. With the crowd excited at an all-Hawaiian rematch, Akebono was able to avoid Konishiki's initial attack and soon pushed him out of the ring for the overail championship. Crowd favorite Mainoumi walked away with the Cino-sho (Technique Prize), while Takanohana won the Kanto-sho (Fighting Spirit Prize) and Wakanohana won the Shukun-sho (Outstanding Performance Award). The tourney proved a great success: proceeds went towards a new U .S.:Japan Culture Center and sumo gained a new contingent of supporters.
9
(AP Photo)
Hanada Brothers Clash- Ozeki Takanohana hoists out his brother, sekiwake Wakanohana, in a semifinal bout on the first day of the San Jose Tourney.
(Compiled from the wire services) The biggest upset of the first night came in the second round when Konishiki was pushed out by No. 13 maegashira Naminohana. Musashimaru went out in the first round. The sekiwake lunged at his opponent, Takato-riki, who sidestepped him and sent him facedown in the middle of the dohyo. Organizers converted the basketball gym into a sumo arena by bringing the proper type of clay to build the dohyo and hung a canopy over it with huge, symbolic tassels. During the opening ceremonies, all 38 rikishi paraded onto the dohyo wearing kesho-mawashi and stood stoically during the playing of the Japanese and U.S. national anthems. Before the actual bouts began, about 20 boys took turns taking on Konishiki and Wakanohana, trying without success to pushing them around. Usually, the boys ended up by getting picked up and tossed around like dolls, as the crowd roared with laughter. The p.a. system announced: "Please remember that the dohyo is sacred. Please don't touch it or get too close." It was the first tourney in the U.S. since 1985. The tourney was held at the Event Center located on the San Jose State U. campus. Ringside tickets, costing $200 (\'21,000), were sold out. At the c10sing ceremony, the audience gave a standing ovation to the 38 Makunouchi rikishi.
Musashimaru Wins in Hawaii By Patrick Winston The favorites looked good in the beginning matches of the Hawaii Jungyo Tourney and when Mainoumi defeated Daishoyama in the second match, the dohyo action was great. Kirishima reeeived a good applause, but wasn't up to the task, as he lost to Kenko in a wellfought bout. One of my favorites, Mitoizumi, was strong against Oginohana and won, and in the next match, utiJizing a quickjump and sidestep move that resembled Mainoumi. Then Mitoizumi won over Wakanohana and then Takanohana, and finally faeed Musashimaru, who easily beat him. The second night lived up to my prediction that the Hanada brothers would avenge their 0-2 earlier record, and they performed as ail had expected. The crowd was larger, noisier and the techniques and moves improved over those on the first night. Numerous matches Jasted long lengths of time and it became better as the night went on. Naminohana was very aggressive and effective and defeated the first-night champion, Musashimaru, in the third round, but he Jost to Taka, who had just defeated Kirishima. ln the final, it was the match we ail had hoped for with Takanohana against Akebono. With Akebono's mom sitting a few feet away, it was interesting hearing her root for her son, "Come on, boy...Jet's go, Chad!" She must have been very proud, as we ail were, of his accomplishments and everyone was at the edge of their seats. When Akebono lifted Taka out of the ring, it was the height of the night. Many people left not knowing that there would be a playoff match between the first night's champion, Musashimaru, and the the second night's champion, Akebono. Mter the traditional stare-down and the tachiai, Akebono and Musashimaru were in the yotsu position for about 20 seconds before Musashi won by sukuinage (beltless armthrow) for the overall championship. Before the tourney, excitement and anticipation were in the air when it was announced that NGN would be carrying the January Basho live with EngJish commen-
Sumo Alltime Record Book
Tallest - Smallest - Oldest - Youngest Heaviest - Lightest - First - Last ONLY $15 - Y2,OOO(Postage incl.) And Adams and CI de Newton
(Sankei Sports Photo) Sumo, Hawaiian-Style - Enjoying a relaxing strol1 along Waikiki Beach are (left to right) Takanohana, Wakanohana and Kyokudozan during the June jungyo in Hawaii. tary. Later, news of the June exhibition sent the local sumo fans into ecstasy, although the high ticket priees might have led to a slightly less than capacity crowd (8,300) on opening night. Many local dignitaries, including the mayor, cur-
rent and past governors, were on hand to assist in the opening ceremonies.
SJ Fan Meets Kirishima Cynthia Shambaugh Ishimatsu My dream of attending a sumo tournament has finally come true. The San Jose Tourney has humanized the pageantry and personalized the rikishi, the oyakata, the gyoji and the yobidashi for me. On the night before the tourney, we attending the black-tie gala. While it seemed that many who attended were unaware of the greatness of the sumotori seated around them, 1 was thrilled to meet several of the rikishi. At first, we had been relegated to a (Can't. an next page)
10
table in the rear of the huge tent. Then we noticed that Kirishima-zeki had been assigned a table whose other occupants had not arrived. Changing our seats, we spent dinner with this gentle and kind man, who radiated inner strength and dignity. After having watched almost every basho for the past 13 years (faithfully videotaped by my parents-in-Iaw in Tokyo), 1 could hardly believe my good fortune. While 1 do not speak japanese weil, my husband, Hisayuki Ishimatsu, translated and engaged Kirishima in an honest and personal conversation about our families and about sumo. 1 finally understand the trhill of a true fan when meeting an idol. We later found Konishiki sitting along outside the noisyconfusion of the ,banquet. Again, we talked ofmany things, including his regret at the events oflast year which had misrepresented his true feelings about sumo. For me, Konishiki embodies what is so truly great about this sport -the uniqueness of each and every rikishi. 1 only wish 1 had time to meet and talk with more of them. Akebono, Mainoumi, Kyokudozan, Wakanohana, Takanohana, Musashimaru and many others ... Of course, 1 could do little more than smile and say "thank you" to them, but 1 do hope they understood my sincerity. 1feel most honored to have spoken with Takamiyama, Azuma zeki Oyakata, and truly meant my words when 1said how 1 respected him for all he has done in the sport. 1 can understand now why the rikishi are thought to be living gods-their clear, vibrant skin and their inner strength are so impressive. 1 never imagined how much they are a step above us all. On the first day of the tourney, we sat in the third row on the south side and were thrilled with many of the bouts, including those between Mainoumi and Kotonishiki, Takatoriki and Takamisugi, Misugisato and Kyokudozan, and finally Takanohana and Wakanohana. Watching Akebono made me realize his power and skill at thrusting more than seeing him on TV had ever done. His stature is huge, but more impressive to me is his contained and centered presence. He is,indeed, yokozuna. Many of your readers, l'm sure, have had the opportunity to attend tournaments, and so my words must appear naive. Nevertheless, 1wanted to tell you of my impressions. The reality of my dream is so much greater than 1had ever imagined. 1hope that the Sanjose Tourney has brought the excitement of sumo closer to Americans.
Photographs ofYour Favorites Anyone interested in obtaining photos or color slides of their favorite rikishi should write in care of Sumo World. Slides are $5.00 each, 5x7 color photos are $10.00 each and 8xlO color photos are $15.00 each. Priees include airmail postage. Be sure to make aU checks payable to Sumo World/Andy Adams.
11
New Books on Sumo ln J apanese Published 2
Ozumo Grafitti by Kageyama Tadahiro (Yl,600) Kageyama Tadahiro, 48, has developed a sumo-related collection that is probably second only to that of the Sumo Museum. A former career hotel manager, now operating his own computer hardware/software business, Kageyama has collected anything related to sumo for nearly 40 years, since he was an elementary schoolboy. This is the fourth book that Kageyama has published about the items in his collection, and covers con temporary sumo from the beginning of the Showa Era in late 1926 to the present Ake-Taka Era. Ozumo Grafitti is lavishly illustrated, and covers just about every possible item that could be collected, including posters, records, books, magazines, banzuke, menko, kesho-mawashi and akeni. The thousands of items reproduced in Sumo Graffiti are only a small part of Kageyama-san' s collection, which goes back to the Edo Era. rvl,ost of the pages are in full color, and since there is relatively little text, this book should be of interest even to sumo fans who have no knowledge of written japanese. Sumo Graffiti, published earlier this year, is available at most larger bookstores throughoutjapan, or directly (injapanese) from the publisher: KK Catalog House4-54-11 Chuo, Nakano-ku, Tokyo. Ozumo Omoshiro Banashi by Niiyama Zenichi (Maruzen Library) Niiyama Zenichi, born in 1927, is a noted sumojournalist who retired from the frontlines of reporting several years ago. He now contributes to sumo magazines as a senior commentator. This inexpensive paperback (\'580) is based on the author's long career as a reporter and is replete with anecdotes about the rikishi he has known in over 40 years as ajournalist. The book covers sumo from the early postwar period, when the author was beginning his career as the sumo correspondent, to the present. The book is easily read by anyone with a basic (newspa-per level) grasp of kanji. Published by Maruzen Library, and available at most larger bookstores injapan.
Technique Corner (Con't.) wake slammed into him, getting a right-hand-inside grip and driving Terao up and back to the edge. Waka then took a deep step with his left foot and pulled Terao to his right while forcing him backward. As Terao fought back toward Wakanohana's left, he used Terao's own motion to unleash a stunning right-handed sukuinage, throwing the popular Izutsu Beya rikishi clear off his feet and out of the dohyo.
The Technique Corner By David Shapiro (This is the 22nd in our series of the 70 winning techniques recognized
1Yy
the Nihon Sumo Kyokai.)
ln recent issues we've been discussing sorne of sumo's more esoteric techniques. ln this issue, we go back to the basics to take a look at one of sumo's more common winning techniques and one of the most popular throws in the sport: sukuinage, or beltless armthrow. As in al! techniques in this category, the "nage" of sukuinage literally means "to throw." "Sukui" cornes from the verb "suku"-"to scoop." The motion of the throw is such that the attacking rikishi heaves or literally "scoops" his opponent up and over his own center of gravity. We'll be looking at this technique from a right-handed attack. Sukuinage becomes possible when the two rikishi have come to grips. There are basically two situations when it can be applied: the first involves the attacking rikishi forcing his opponent forward, and, when his opponent fights back, executing the technique. ln the other situation, the rikishi to be thrown will be moving forward, forcing his opponent backwards. The rikishi using sukuinage will then tum away from his opponent, using the opponent's forward momentum as part of the throwing motion. ln either case, there are certain corn mon elements to the throw. The first is timing. The attacker wants his opponent to move forward. At the instant that forward motion begins, he will release his left-hand-outside grip and turn away from his opponent in a counter-c1ockwise motion toward his righl. This is howhe winds up in the position seen in our illustration. The second important point is the placement of the throwing arm. As you can see, the attacker's arm is located near the center of his opponent's back. That inside arm should not be in any deeper than the elbow. A very deep inside grip invites a counterthrow like kotenage (arm-lock throw) or uwatenage (over-armthrow; see SW May '91). At the stan of the throw, the right hand should be placed palm down, facing the defender's back. However, to achieve that "scoop" as the throwing motion is begun, the right elbow should be flared up and out. This twisting motion of the arm causes the right hand to tum inward with the back of the hand almost touching the opponent's back. This motion adds the "pop" to the throw that forces the defending rikishi's hips up. It's this motion that often causes him to be thrown c1ear over onto his back. The attacking rikishi can use his left hand to control his opponent's right arm, blocking any escape attempts.
SUKUINAGE He can also have a left-hand grip on the front of his opponent's mawashi. Another possible use for the left is to throw it out and away from his own body, using it to add further momentum to the technique. Unlike throws on the belt, which can be applied gradually, this technique, because of the importance of timing, is often done with a great degree of speed, adding to the spectacular nature of the finish. The legendary yokozuna Taiho (now Taiho Oyakata) often used sukuinage from a lefthand-inside grip. A superb example of this technique was seen on the fifth day of this past Natsu Basho in a match between two crowd favorites: west sekiwake Wakanohana and east No. 5 maegashira Terao. At the charge, Terao tried to open with his standard slapping attack, not wanting to fight the more versatile Wakanohana on the bell. Waka was determined to stay close, leaning into Terao while pushing him up and back, working to get his head onto Terao's chesl. Terao, seeing that he couldn't get his slapping attack going, shifted to a two-handed thrusting attack on Waka's throat. Waka instantly broke up the attack by circling away to the right and grabbing Terao's left arm, pulling it forward. Terao pulled that arm free and circled back into Wakanohana, once again attempting a slapping attack. Waka responded by pushing Terao upright and then bearing down on him, dropping his hips, staying close and working for a belt grip. Terao jumped to the left and tried to slap Waka down. The sekiwake kept his balance and responded with his own two-handed attack on Terao's throal. Terao fought back to the middle and both rikishi leaned into each other, head to head, fighting for a grip. Waka then shifted Ieft pulling Terao slightly sideways. As Terao tumed back into the Futagoyama star, the seki(Con't. on pg. 11)
12
Off the Dohyo By Lora Sharnoff Born as Tadashige Kamakiri in Kobe, Takatoriki was such a fan of ex-ozeki Takanohana 1that after finishing grammar school, he ventured to Tokyo, where he Iived with the Hanada family for a while. The Hanadas eventually convinced the boy to return to Kobe for junior high, where he practiced judo. He was allowed to join the old Fujishima Beya (now Futagoyama Beya) officialIy only after graduation. Noriko Hanada, the stable's okamisan, gave Takatoriki his shikona, and she recently commented in a magazine interview that ail rikishi with names conceived by her (including Akinoshima, for example) have become prominent. Takatoriki is the only rikishi ever to have a koenkai (support club) headed by a foreigner: Tony IIIsley, formerly president ofPepsicojapan (now in Hongkong). IlIsley was succeeded as head of Pepsico japan by Earl Shirley, who also took over as koenkai-cho. Before he left japan, IIIsley said the spunky, sometime-sekiwake was well-suited to the company's image of a challenger taking on larger opponents. Off the dohyo, Takatoriki Iikes to mimic japanese show business personalities, both in private and public. Moreover, he never hesitates to display his fine singing voice at various retirement ceremonies and charity events. He has also been known as quite a gambler and is particularly fond of going to horse races with Akinoshima. During the London koen in October 1991, he is said to have visited a casino every night. Yet Takatpriki gave up gambling recently, apparentIy in preparation for becoming a mode! husband for Mieko Naya, the youngest daughter of Taiho Oyakata. The couple originally met two years ago when Takatoriki wasgoing out to eat with sorne rikishi friends from Taiho Beya, and they have been dating ever since. A press conference was held two days after the Natsu Basho to announce their engagement. Theyare scheduled to marry after the Aki Basho and will live first in an apartment near Futagoyama Beya. However, Takatoriki has agreed to become Taiho's mukoyoshi (adopted son-in-Iaw) and will assume the Naya fami1yname. Taiho and his wife Yoshiko had long been hoping to leave the stable to the husband of one of their daughters, but the two eider girls had expressed a strong lack of interest in sumo. Since Taiho is an ichidai toshiyori (one-generation eider name) that can 't be passed on to another, Takatoriki is expected to take over the Otake toshiyori meiseki owned by Taiho (now rented by ex-sekiwake Ozutsu) and change the stable's name to Otake Beya upon Taiho's retirement or death. 13
Juryo Results juryo No. 8 Minatofuji captured the juryo Division yusho in the Natsu Basho with a strong 12-3 record. The 24year-old sekitori from Minato Beya will gain promotion to the top ofjuryo in his highest rank ever, placing himself in position for a final boost to Makunouchi in September. The secret behind his sudden spurt in May was his decision to do de-geiko (practice at outside stables) at Fujishima Beya. He stayed at a ryokan Oapanese inn) near the heya and did keiko there every day for more than a week. Popularjuryo No. 1Tomonohana, the amateur sumotori who entered the pro ranks at the rather late age of 27, narrowly made a kachi-koshi (majority ofwins) record of 8-7 and was promoted to Makunouchi for the Nagoya Basho. Although the Tatsunami Beya rikishi got off to a strong start in the first week, the c1ever technician faltered badly in the second week and bare!y squeezed out the necessary eight wins for promotion. He stands only 174 cm. (5-81/4) and weighs 112 kg. (247 Ibs.) Other juryo rikishi who will be returning to the top division include No. 2 Aogiyama of Tokitsukaze Beya, who made his Makunouchi debut in March as a No. 13 maegashira. He fell short with a 6-9 record, however, and dropped back to juryo No. 2 in May, but his 9-6 record in the Natsu Basho will give him a second chance to make good in Makunouchi. juryo No. 3 Wakanoyama of Musashigawa Beya will also be returning to Makunouchi after compiling a 9-6 record in the Natsu Basho. Heavy set at 178 cm. (510) and 151 kg. (333Ibs.), Waka made his top-division debut in May oflast year as a No. 12 maegashira and he!d on for the rest of the year, rising to No. 9 maegashira. He dropped back to juryo lastjanuary with a 5-10 record as No. 15 maegashira. Argentine rikishi Hoshiandesu of Michinoku Beya suffered make-koshi (losing record) asjuryo No. 7, ending up with 6-9 or the reverse of his March record. This means he willfall toward the bottom ofjuryo and must come through with a winning record in july to keep from falling back down to Makushita. Musoyama, the highly touted excollegian of Musashigawa Beya, sllffered his first loss in professional sumo on the opening day as jllryo No. 9 after rising throllgh the Makllshita Division with two perfect records of 7-0. The 21-year-old hopeful emerged with a 9-6 winning record, however, and will advance to the upper ranks ofjllryo injuly. The strong, 182-cm. (5-11 1/2),151kg. (333 lbs.) rikishi is regarded as the most promising of the young crop of wrestlers be!ow the top division. Among the former Makunouchi Division rikishi now injuryo, No. 1 Kototsubaki was 5-10, No. 3 Tamakairiki 9-6, No. 4 Enazakura 9-6 and Kyokugozan 8-7, No. 5 Asahizato 8-7, No. 6 Kirinishiki 7-8 and Hananokllni 8-7, No. 7 Tatsuhikari 8-7 and No. 8 Kotogallme 8-7. Ex-No. 15 maegashira Tachihikari scored 5-2 as Makushita 1 and will return to juryo in the Nagoya Basho. (A.A.)
Then: Tawara
.-' $
1t
The straw baIes used to mark off the dohyo have a history as long as the dohyo itself. And for good reason: the word "dohyo" itself means earth ("do") and straw baIe ("hyo"). The earliest reference to rings being drawn on the ground is 1576, when Oda Nobunaga, shogun in ail but name, summoned 1,500 wrestlers from ail over the country to take part in a great tourney. Until then, sumo had been unbounded and untimed. The great number of contestants, however, made sorne kiild of limitation necessary, so circles were marked in the dirt. Unfortunately, the record doesn 't tell us how the rings were marked on that occasion. Soon, however, a readily available object was used: tawara (or hyo in the Chinese reading), the bags ofwoven straw used for carrying rice. Filled with din, a few empty ones were rolled into place to keep the contestants clear of the spectators.
Foreign Rikishi Scores Here are the records of the foreign rikishi in the Natsu Basho: Makunouchi: Yokozuna Akebono-l3-2 (runner-up), ozeki Konishiki-7-8 and sekiwake Musashimaru-9-6 (ail Hawaii). Juryo:Juryo NO.Il Hoshiandesu (Argentina)-6-9. Makushita: No. 13 Ikemori (Brazil)-5-2, No. 15 Hoshitango (Argentina)-5-2, No. 16 Ozora (Hawaii)-34, No. 23 Sentoryu (Missouri, USA)-4-3, No. 26 Wakachikara (Hawaii)-2-5, No. 35 Kuniazuma (Brazil)-5-2, No. 39 Sunahama (Hawaii)-5-2, No. 41 Takamio (Hawaii)- 3-4, No. 48 Yamato (Hawaii) 2-5, No. 54 Nanpu (Hawaii)-2-5 and Tatsunohana (Taiwan)-4-3. Sandanme: No. 26 Koto-o (China) 4-3, No. 34 Kitaazuma (Brazil) 5-2, No. 41 Kyokushuzan (Mongolia) 5-2, No. 52 Wakataisei (Hawaii) 5-2 and No. 66 Kanzan (Korea)- 4-3. Jonidan: No. 1 Kyokuranzan (Mongolia) 1-6, No. 4 Maetaiko (Taiwan)-3-4, NO.8 Kyokutenho (Mon golia) 5-2, No. 28 Asahidaka (Mongolia)-l-6, No. 42Wakahigashi (Brazil) 5-2, No. 45 Azumakaze (Brazil) 2-5, No. 51 Koryu (Hawaii)-5-2, No. 52 Ryuo-(China)-5-2 and No. 106 Koto-Osaka (Brazil) 2-5.
The earliest representation, painted on a large board in the possession of the Sumo Museum and thought to date from around 1670, shows Il full-sized baIes laid endto-end in a eircle. A painted sereen ofa deeade or so later shows a variation: 16 baIes plaeed in a square, with a red post at each corner and a strip of cloth around the tops of the posts. But rice baIes are large, unwieldly things, awkward to step across and downright dangerous to fall over. First, they tried moving one baIe on each side a Iittle further out so as to leave a gap for the men to step through (to allow rainwater to drain out, sorne authorities suggest, though since the original tawara were no put together in a watertight formation, and since sumo would not go on in a thunderstorm .anyway, ifs hard to see the sense in this). So they made smaller straw bags. Soon the custommade tawara were half-sunk into the dirt and fitted together so closely that they resembled a straw rope. The ring became even more recognizable in the mid-19th Century, when it was raised on a clay mound to make it more visible to the vast crowds of spectators. ln those days, and even into this century, both the ring and its mound really were circular (unlike the boxing "ring," which has always been square). Ali the tawara for hon-basho-66 baIes, six times a year-have been made since November 1961 by Yoshinosuke Miyazaki, who lives in Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo. He was born on January 10, 1909,just five months before the first Kokugikan was opened. Since he is now 84, the Kyokai is scouting for a successor, though at present Mr. Miyazaki's craftsmanship -and health-seem as good as ever. Question: Can you spot one other difference in the old circle? Answer on page 8.
-And Now
(Doreen Simmons Photo) Ring Boundary: A youngrikishi catches his breath during keiko lJy bracing hirnseif against the tawara of the practice doyyo in his heya's kei/lOba.
14
Takanohana Upset - Kirishima stuns Takanohan a on the second day of the Natsu Basho by defeating the ozeki with an under-shoulder swing-down (katasukashi), leaving lhe lWOrivaIs with 1-1 tourney records. Af'ter II bouts, Taka is only one-up on the No. 2 maegashira. The former ozeki went on to squeeze out a kachikoshi record of 8-7. Yusho:
Classic Armthrow - Takanohana sweeps Kotonishiki off his feet, swings him through the air and slams him down onto the dohyo with a powerful uwatenage over-armthrow on the third day of action. It marked the ozeki's IOth win in 15 bouts with Koto, who suffered his third straight loss. The No. 3 maegashira was able to salvage an 8-7 record by senshuraku, however.
Takanohana Akebono 14-1 Takatoriki Wakanohana 10-5 13-2 Naminohana 11-4
NATSU
Akebono's First Defeat - Wakanohana f1attens Akebono by hatakikomi (pull-down) shortly after the tachi-ai (initial charge) on the 13th day, allowing ozeki Takanohana to tie the yokozuna for the tourney lead with a 12-1 record. It was the sekiwake's 10th win against three losses and kept him on track for possible ozeki promotion. Mer 13 bouts, the yokozuna is only one-up on Wakanohana.
15
Waka's First Loss - After ei suffers his first loss on the' nament as No. 10 maegash yorikiri in a brief, one-sida win in five bouts with the se 9-6 record. It was a disapp going allout to make ozeki i formance in March.
BASH(J
Taka Wins Again - Takanohana marches out Musashimaru on the 14th day by yorikiri for his 13th victory against one loss to set up a showdown collision for the yusho on the final day with Akebono, who also racked up his 13th win against a single setback. Taka is now 2 to 1 against Musashimaru, having won six of their nine bouts. The sekiwake was 9-5 at that point and seemed headed for another lWo-digit mark, but finished with a disappointing 9-6 mark.
Akebono ~er Koru powerful uwatenage Hawaiian Konishiki ( for first place with 0 four-up in 12 bouts 1 aged to even his toun last day. Sally ended ~ ity oflosses), however able to demotion al means that he must 1 1
onsecutivewins, Wakanohana th day of the Summer TourOginohana drives him out by ut. It was Oginohana's second ke,as he ended up with a fine 'ng defeat for Waka, who was e wake of his 14-1 yusho per-
Taka Squeaks By - Takanohana had one of his closest calls on the 12th day as Daishoho collapses at the edge of the dohyo a second or two before the ozeki steps out Taka's last-ditch hatakikomi (pull-down) technique as weil as his nimbleness at the edge prevented him from suffering his second setback and kept him one step behind unbeaten yokozuna Akebono with an 11-1 record. The two rivais are even after four bouts. Standing 7-5 at that point, No. 9 maegashira Daishoho eventually wound up with an 8-7 record.
Action Highlighls
. - The yokozuna uses a arrnthrowto down fellowe 14th day to remain tied Takanohana at 13-1. Still Akebono, Konishiki manccordat 7-7 going into the -8 for make-koshi (majorakehim kadoban (vulnerne losing record), which winsor better in July.
Timber!! - Little 95-kg. (209) Mainoumi trips up 203-kg. (448) Toyonoumi with a sotogake outside leg trip on the final day to end up with 10-5 - the first double-digit win record in the No. 15 maegashira's Makunouchi career. No. 3 Toyonoumi collapsed to a 5-10 record. Mainoumi is now one-up Toyonoumi in nine bouts.
Hawaiians Clash- Musashimaru picks up one of his rare wins over Konishiki, as he muscles out the 260-kg.(573) ozeki by yorikiri on the 12th day. It gave the sekiwake kachikoshi (majority ofwins) with an 8-4 record. It was only the second time Musashimaru defeated Konishiki, who was 6-6 on the 12th day.
(Ail photos by "Sumo" of Baseball Magazine-sha except as indicated)
Taka's 3rd Yusho - Takanohana sends Akebono crashing over backwards by yoritaoshi on senshuraku to c1inch t.he championship of the Natsu Basho with a near-perfect 14-1 record. It was the" ozeki's best effort of the tournament, as he made a fast tachi-ai, got a morozashi (both arms inside the opponent's defenses, immediately drove him to the edge, blocked his desperate head-throw counter and cru shed him out of the ring. The yokozuna had to be content with his second runnerup performance and is still looking for his first yusho as a yokozuna. The victory pushed Taka to the edge of yokozuna promotion and a 13-2 mark in July should be enough.
16
on
42 (Sekiwake Tochitsukasa) BEYA 40 46 44 47 Tochinoumi) 1958/4/25 1955/3/29 1944/5/5 1951/4/10 1934/2/23 1941/311 1949/4/23 (Komusubi 59 52 Wakanami) Sadanoumi) 1941/11/20 1948/2/4 45 51 1938/11/29 1952/9/3 1957/8/21 1939/2/7 1947/10/2 (Yokozuna 54 Kashiwado) 1935/11/29 1944/9/3 1940/7/1 1938/2/18 Asahikuni) 57 48 41 Kaiki) Fukunohana) Kitanoumi) 1960/8/8 1942/8/9 1960/7/6 1950/3/19 1947/12/5 50 61 32 1962/7/30 1935/4/8 1957/8/15 1942/7/9 1937/8/18 1954/1/1 1938/3/13 1935/5/17 1949/4/2 55 1951/5/4 1938/6/16 1948/11/12 e DEWANOUMI 49 38 36 Haguroyama) 1930/3/3 1942/2/20 1951/5/13 1930/4/28 63 Mienoumi) Wakafutase) 35 53 Tochiazuma) Tochiisami) 1950/4/3 1946/6/30 1950/11/16 1947/4/25 1953/5/16 1931/7/7 1946/1/21 1948/11/16 43 1943/9/4 1953/9/11 1958/2/15 195115/13 1946/6/8 (Maegashira 39 58 30 Dewanohana) Onishiki) Amanoyama) Tokibayama) 1956/7/19 Hachiya) Masuiyama Dairyugawa) Futatsuryu) II) 1952/6/12 1950/2/28 Washuyama) Masudayama) Sadanoyama) Aobayama) Chikubayama) (Ozeki Hokutenyu) Daiju) Banryuyama) Kitabayama) Tagaryu) Kotetsuyama) Koboyama) Kurohimeyama) Yoshinohana) Kiyonomori) Oyutaka) (Sekiwake 43 Oginohana) Haguroiwa) Wakanaruto) (Maegashira Kiyokuni) Asahifuji) Yoshinomine) Fukunoumi) Kazuhikari) Yutakayama) Tochifuji) Yoshinotani) (Komllsubi Kurosegawa) Teruzakura) (Komusubi Ryogoku) Zaonishiki) Oiteyama) Futatsuryu) ~.7 Dewanoumi Kitanoumi Tomozuna Takashima Onaruto Kise Tamanoi Oshima Tokitsukaze Tatsunami Kagamiyama Kasugano Miyagino Irumagawa Musashigawa Mihogaseki Ajigawa Kumagatani Asahiyama Isegahama
LIST OF OYAKATA AND HEYA (As of
July 4, 1993)
1948/1/4 1956/4/18 1961/6/18 1955/12/9 1940/5/29 1961/6/27 1942/6/20 1950/2/19 1940/2/26 1944/6/16 1940/11/26 1959/4/8 1961/4/17 1955/7/25 1948/2/9 1956/5/11 1942/3/28 1943/11/15 1947/10/22 1948/7/2 1962/10/9 1940/5/27 1935/11/13 1945/3/9 1948/11/14 1948/11/18 1936/1/22 1953/3/9 1943/7/8 1953/12/13 1944/7/20 1948/6/4 1957/1/12 1957/6/7 1952/9/29 1953/4/3 1937/3/18 1957/4/26 1952/10/16 1952/9/24 1929/4/26 1949/11/24 1963/6/22 1955/6/1 1943/12/25 1939/3/16 1958/6/23 1931/2/2 1948/2/16 1946/9/26 1960/11/6 1928/9/26 1956/10/29 Isenoumi Naruto Azumazeki Kokonoe Izutsu Minato Michinoku Araiso Kataonami Minezaki Nakamura Shikihide Wakamatsu Taiho Kabutoyama Tatsutagawa Futagoyama Hanaregoma Oshiogawa Saclogatake Magaki Hanakago Takadagawa Oguruma Takasago Matsugane
eTAKASAGO
SEYA
Nishiiwa 48 IZUTSU Sakahoko) SEYA Takanosato) Kaiketsu) 46 Aonosato) 44 Masurao) Wakashimazu) Ozutsu) Asashio) 36 32 38 Taiho) (Sekiwake Takanohana SADOGATAKE 51 1) SEYA 40 52 49 37 64 45 53 62 57 Wakanoumi) Daitetsu) 39 Oshio) Daikirin) (Ozeki Kotokaze) 56 34 Maenoshin) Wakanohana Kotozakura) II) 43 Kitaseumi) Hokutoumi) (Yokozuna 54 30 35 Wakachichibu) Onokuni) Kirinji) Hidanohana) (Maegashira Sashunada) Fujinokawa) Takamiyama) Maenoyama) Daihi) (Komusubi Tsurugamine) Tamanofuji) Fujizakura) Yutakayama) Futagodake) Shiratayama) Misugiiso) Aobajo) Onohana) Miyabashira) Wakajishi) Hasegawa) Kotogatake) Chiyonofuji) Hoshiiwato) Daiyu) Daimonji) (Komusubi Daijuyama) Fujinishiki) (Yokozuna Kitanofuji) Shimanishiki) Flijinoshin) Kongo) Asaarashi) Odake Onomatsu
18
Greetings, The good news is that l've been able to view and record the English-Ianguage version of NHK's sumo telecasts, starting with the january and March basho. l'm planning eventually to announce via computer bulletin boards the availability of the tapes on a lending-library basis to whomever might be interested. But on the basis of the two basho l've viewed, l've decided to hold off my project for the time being. And here's why: It came as a bit of a surprise to me that NHK had passed over the expertise Sumo World's experienced staffwould have brought to the telecasts and instead had installed as regulars on its program three people 1 had never heard of in the 16 years l've followed sumo closely and who on the basis of their performances 1would venture to say are newcomers to sumo, albeit wise enough to defer to the occasional Sumo World staffmember participant when matters requiring real knowledge of sumo turn up. A trivial example would be "Akebono's yusho debut," which a regular started to discuss, but which a Sumo Worldstaffmember tactfully turnedinto a discussion of "Akebono's yokozuna debut." Not until the panelists on the program are real sumo mavens delivering firstclassquality comments, and not trustme-types learning as they go, will 1 want to make my tapes available ta my lending library circle. Incidentally, 1 am able to record both English and japanese signais on my tapes so that 1 have access ta both the comments of NHK's experiencedjapanese sumo reporters and their oyakata guests and those ofour commentators on the regular Englishversion panel and can compare the two on a bout-bybout basis at will. 1 was also appalled by the unprofessional indifference exhibited by the present panelists to the quality of their pronounciation of shikona and sumo terms. A match's kimarite is announced over the auditorium PA system by a yobidashi who is selected for his ability to project his voice and to enunciate clearly and forcefully, but our panelists' tin ears immediately parody the yobidashi's announcement with a fractured version of it, often enough making it sound like something quite different froni the officially announced one. 1remem ber once being puzzled by a Culture Corner discussion of what sounded like tohkoo EEnagay and having to rerun my tape several times before 1 realized that what was being discussed was tokuinage. DaveyJones used to exaggerate his Pan Am hyoshojo reading because he was playing up to his audience, which over the years responded with delight and affection to his hilarious American-accented japanese. But the regulars on our panel are supposed to be perfonning as professional telecasters and not as 19
clowns mangling the japanese language for laughs. Hinkaku is a word that's been used of foreign rikishi since they began to dominate the top ranks of sumo, and 1 think ifs a word our regular panelists should look into. They might look into shokunin konjo (craftsman's pride), too. Ifs hard to believe, but it does seem to me that the English-Ianguage sumo program is being telecast by people just barely able ta get by in japanese and being overseen by an NHK superviSOl"whose command of English probably leaves much to be desired. When we need our panel to do is not to describe in excruciating, and frequently enough mistaken, detail what th~ viewer is seeing for himself right there on the screen, but to provide us with select insights into japan 's kokugi, which will introduce us to the full splendor of the universe of sumo and its action as weil as its ceremonies and rituals, its history, its organization and the men and women who people it, its place in the life and spirit of japan and the japanese. A tall order, but a reasonable one to expect of professionals. George Furiya Brooklyn, NY Dear Mr. Adams, 1look forward to receiving Sumo World, which assists me in identifying new names as 1 listened to Radio japan live broadcasts. ,By the way, earlier this month (February) the Australian Broadcasting Corp. televised two hours ofhighlights ofa two-day tournament held in Nagoya last year. This was the first time sumo had been shown on Australian TV in any form other than as a curiosity or a chance for some cheap jokes about sumo wrestlers and their weight. Unfortunately, the Australian presenter who introduced the show knew little about sumo. We were told that the tournament was "the search for yokozuna" and that as a result ofwinning on Day 2, Kirishima won the coveted yokozuna title. Sumo fans in Australia can onIy dream about the prospect of sumo being presented on a regular basis by informed commentators, as in U.K. on Channel 4. Chris Robertson North Melbourne, Australia Deal' MI'.Adams, My friends and 1 really enjoy Sumo World and look forward to NHK's coverage of each on Sumo Digest. Keep up the good work and please consider writing and faxing a sumo column for the sports section of the Honolulu Advertiser and the Herald Tribune on the Big Island. We would love to have the coverage. Arlene Buklarewicz Volcano,Hawaii Deal' Ms. Buklarewicz, Sumo Digest is presented by TV Asahi-not NHK, but NHK is now competing with Sumo Digest by offering the sumo basho in Hawaii by satellite casts with no time lag. Editor
Nagoya Basho Preview
Takanohana Favored to Win Yusho, Promotion to Yokozuna; Akebono, Waka to Vie for Second Akebono vs. Futagoyama Beya: We saw the start of what promises to be a pattern last tourney with Akebono almost beating what is beginning to be referred to as ''The Futagoyama Meat Crinder.Âť The Nagoya Basho promises to be no different, with ozeki Takanohanamaking his first attempt at yokozuna promotion-having a slight lead over Akebono in the race for the yusho. Wakanohana, taking his second shot at ozeki, has got to be a dark horse along with his rival in the race for the No. 2 rank, Musashimaru. Coing into the May Basho, Akebono had a slight lead over Takanohana due to his rank. This time around, their positions are reversed. This reversaI comes about as a direct result of their performances in that basho-Iess for what they did and more for what they didn't. For much ofthat tournament, Takanohana didn't play his brand of sumo. His tachi-ai (initial charge) was off and his sumo lacked the dynamic, powerful feel that we've come to expect from sumo's "Crown Prince." One of the basic tenets of championship sumo is that you play the game on your opponent's side of the dohyo. Taka spent more than his share of matches fightingat the edge on his side. Yet won-and won big. What this tells us is that he's developed the kind of ring sense that allows him to win even when he's off his game. When he's on, he's capable of doing to anyone exactly what he did to Akebono in that 15th-day bout that decided the outcome. There'lI be the added pressure of his first try at yokozuna promotion, but he's proven again and again that he can rise to the occasion. Look for 13 to 14 wins and his setting the last "youthÂť record left to him-the youngest yokozuna promotion in history. From Day One in May, Akebono was awesome. ln his second basho as a yokozuna, he set a personal best for consecutive wins in a single tourney. Everyone thought he had it locked up and yet he lost badly to Wakanohana on the 13th day and didn't look any better on senshuraku either. When he does his brand of sumo: keeping a close eye on his opponent while moving forward hard and fast, both feet weil balanced beneath him, he's almost unbeatable. When he gets a little tense or his charge is just slightly off, he loses fast and big. Unlike his ozeki rival, Akebono doesn't have a very good build for sumo. His legs are too long and his hips are too high. He knows this better than anyone and he knows exactly what he's got to do to cover these handicaps. The problem is that this, coupled with his more difficult draw in any given basho now, makes it even
harder for him to win the yusho consistently. However, he's got a fighting spirit second to none, so look for Hawaii's favorite son to stay in the race till the end. If he can keep the level ofhis sumo high enough and do to the Hanada brothers what he's done in the past, the Nagoya Basho will see his first yusho as a yokozuna. But more IikeIyhe 'II end up with the jun-yusho (second place) with 1213 wins. Wakanohana came up two wins short of ozeki promotion last time out, but his sumo du ring the first week gave further evidence that he's added plenty of power to that already impressive technique. A mental lapse cost him promotion more than anything else in the Natsu Basho. Waka's got an ozeki's skill, an ozeki's strength. What he's got to develop now is an ozeki's mental toughness. Like his younger brother, he's got the advantage of the Futagoyama "draw" working for him, so if the yokozuna and ozeki falter, he cou Id wind up with his second topdivision title. If he doesn't go that far, Il impressive wins and four close losses-and he's an ozeki. A lot of the comments you hear about Musashimaru these days are pretty negative, but they are always prefixed bya great respect for his accomplishments. They are also an indication of just how much everyone is expecting him to achieve. His inability to win in double figures last time out makes his chances for ozeki promotion in July very slim. Still, because of his size, strength, speed and developing technical versatility, we've got to put him one basho away from sumo's second-highest rank. His biggest handicap now is his inability to play the game on the grand scale his physical tools say he's capable of. That's a mental problem and overcoming it, in his case, isjust one basho away. The question is: Which one? Expect ozeki Konishiki and komusubi Kirishima to struggle, with Sally making eight to protect his rank and Kirishima not. Looking around for rikishi guaranteed to making it interesting, we can stop that search with the Futagoyama Beya trio ofTakanonami, Takatoriki and Wakashoyo. Ali three of them are performing great sumo, with Takanonami showing the kind of aggressive, big-scale sumo that you'd expect from a rikishi his size. Takatoriki is back in the upper ranks after that nagging shoulder injury finally healed. His recent engagement has also helped to get his fighting spirit firing on ail cylinders again. Wakashoyo has the physical tools and great mental attitude, so ifs a pretty safe bet that we'lI be seeing him back in sanyaku a lot sooner than later. (D. Shapiro.)
o - Konishiki
S - Musashimaru
K - Wakashoyo M 1 - Kotonishiki M 2 - Kotonowaka M 3 - Kyokudozan M 4 - Kitakachidoki M 5 - Mitoizumi M 6 - Mainoumi M 7 - Kushimaumi M 8 - Kotoinazuma M 9 -- Kotofuji MIO Oginishiki Mil - Higonoumi Ml2 - Kiraiho Ml3 - Tochinowaka Ml4 - Kasugafuji Ml5 - Aogiyama Ml6 - Hitachiryu
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AKEBONO Yokozuna-E S-Azumazeki H: 204 cm. (6-8%) A: 24 W: 212kg.(467) 0-4; F-2 Top Rank: Y Titles-3 Runnerup-2 K*-4 c~ May Record: 13-2(Y-R) Name: Chad Rowan Career Mark: 167- 88 Marital Status: Single * Kinboshi Prospects: Now competing in his third basho since promotion to yokozuna, Akebono must be more eager than ever to win the yusho. He will probably be the only rikishi capable of derailing Takanohana's bid for yokozuna promotion at Nagoya. 14 wins and the yusho. (C.N.)
TAKANOHANA Ozeki-E
1. ~ ,
-tG
5 - Futagoyama H: 185cm. (6-%) A: 20 W: 134 kg. (295) 0-4; F-2; T-3 Top Rank: 0 Titles-3 Runnerup-2 K-1 May Record: 14-1 (O-C) Name: Koji Hanada Career Mark: 160- 95 Marital Status: Single
Prospects: Takanohana will probably be promoted to yokozuna if he can get 13 or more wins at Nagoya and avoid losses to maegashira. Having won his third yusho in May, Taka only needs a strong jun-yusho performance. 13 or 14 wins and promotion to yokozuna.
IE., ~ ..-tG
WAKANOHANA Sekiwake-E1
5 - Futagoyama H: 179 cm. (5-10%) A: 22 W: 118 kg. (260) 0-3; T-5 Top Rank: S Titles -1 Runnerup -1 K - 2 May Record: 10- 5 (S-O) Name: Masaru Hanada Career MarK: 139 -1 09 Marital Status: Single Prospects: Wakanohana slipped to a 10-5 record in May, with three losses to maegashira. He is still too light at 118 kg. to achieve stability at ozeki, even if he is promoted. There is speculation that he will be promoted in July if he wins 12 or more bouts. But he is likely to fall short with 9 or 10 wins.
1 TAKANONAMI Sekiwake-E2
I.aIII
, 5 - Futagoyama H: 195.5cm. (6-4%) A: 21 W: 150kg.(331) F-1; Top Rank: S Juryo Makushita Sandanme Jonokuchi Jonidan Titles - 0 Runnerup - 0 Total K- 0 May Record: 10- 5 (K-F) Name: Sadahiro Namioka Career Mark: 83 - 67 MaritalStatus: Single
Makushita Division Rankings
East West Ohidake (6-1) 1 Asahiyutaka (5-2) Kiyonofuji (6-1) 2 Dairyu (6-9)* Wakatosho (4-3) 3 Godoriki (4-3) Kanesaku (4-3) 4 Ikemori (5-2) Ouchi (7-0) 5 Genkai (5-2) Haguroumi (6-1) 6 Mineyama (4-3) Kanechika (4-3) 7 Hoshitango (5-2) Asanonami (4-5-6)* 8 Daikiyama (4-3) Shigenoumi (5-2) 9 Kirinowaka (3-4) Shikishima (3-12)* 10 Owakamatsu (5-2) Mutsuhokkai (6-1) 11 Takanonada (3-4) Toyozakura (7-0)** 12 Asasoyo (2-7-6)* Kumao (3-4) 13 Goto (5-2) Hidenoumi (3-4) 14 Kurimoto (4-3) Yamanakayama (2-5) 15 Goken (4-3) * DernotedfrornJuryo Div. ** Promoted from Sandanme Div. KONISHIKI Ozeki-W 5- Takasago H: 185cm. (6-%) A: 29 W: 260 kg. (573) 0-4; F-5; T-1 Top Rank: 0 Tilles - 3 Runnerup - 8 K - 2 May Record: 7 - 8 (0) Name: Salevaa Atisanoe Career Mark: 481-259 Marital Status: Married Prospects: Konishiki is kadoban again this lime. Nearing 30, the veteran ozeki's chronically weak knees are continuing to deteriorate. He will be lucky to still be ranked at ozeki at the end of this year. However, his odds of survival this time are bet!er than even. He should be able to get 8 or 9 wins.
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MUSASHIMARU Sekiwake-W1 â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘ A S - Musashigawa H: 191cm. (6-3%) A: 22 W: 182 kg. (401) F-1; T-1 Top Rank: S Tilles - 0 Runnerup -1 K - 0 May Record: 9-6(S) Name: Fiamalu Penitani Career Mark: 96 - 54 Marital Status: Single
Prospects: Musashimaru is back to Square One in his quest for ozeki promotion, following a 9-6 record in May. He has achieved stability but at a level that is not adequate for promotion to ozeki. He should do bet!er this time, with 11 or 12 wins and one of the sansho awards.
No. of Wrestlers by Division Makunouchi
200 390 144 40 920 120 26
Prospects: Takanonami's impressive 10-5 record in his sanyaku debut in May has boosted him to sekiwake. Taka has great potential and is finally beginning to develop a sharper tachi-ai. Although his only sanyaku opponents will be the Hawaiians, Taka may have a slight letdown. 8 wins.
* AIl banzuke photos by Clyde Newton and Gerry
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22
TAKATORIKI Komusubi-E
._ •• ~
..•
S - Futagoyama H: 180cm. (5-10%) A: 25 W: 145 kg. (320) 0-1; F-3; T-1 Top Rank: S Titles - 0 Runnerup - 0 K- 2 May Record: 11- 4 (M6- Tl Name: Tadashige Kamakari Career Mark: 136-120 Marital Status: Engaged Prospects: Takatoriki made a dramatic comeback in May with an 11-4 record, coinciding with his engagement to Taiho Oyakata's youngest daughter. His chronic shoulder injury seems to have healed and his self-confidence has returned. However, he's unlikely to win more than 7-8 bouts.
KIRISHIMA
••
Maegashira 1-E S-Izutsu H: 187cm.(6-1Y2) A: 34 W: 136 kg. (300) 0-3; F-1; T-4 Top Rank: 0 Titles-1 Runnerup-7 K-2 May Record: 8-7 (M2) Name: Kazumi Yoshinaga Career Mark: 408 - 362 Marital Status: Married Prospects: Old warrior Kirishima broke out of his downward spiral in May with an 8-7 record that included upsets over both ozeki. At 34, his once-awesome tsuri is ail but gone and he can no longer resist a determined tsuppari assault. However, the former ozeki should be able to win 8.
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MISUGISATO "_ •• '-4tlG Maegashira 2-E 5 - Futagoyama H: 185cm. (6-%) A: 30 W: 151 kg. (333) F-1 Top Rank: K Tilles - 0 Runnerup - 0 K - 4 May Record: 7 - 8 (M1) Name: Koji Okamoto Career Mark: 227 - 238 Marital Status: Married
Prospects: Though he has the advantage of having to face only three sanyaku opponents, Misugisato's performance has not improved since the inauguration of the new Futagoyama Beya. At 30, he is one of the oldest rikishi in Makunouchi, and unable to go beyond komusubi. 6-7 wins.
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OGINOHANA Maegashira 3-E 5 - Dewanoumi H: 188cm.(6-1%) A: 25 W: 142 kg. (313) Prizes-O Top Rank: M2 Titles-O Runnerup-O K-O May Record: 9-6(M10) Name: Akikazu Koiwai Career Mark: 117-133 Marital Status: Single
Prospects: Oginohana's performance in May was perhaps the best of his career. He only won 9 bouts, but he defeated Wakanohana and put up a superb, though losing effort, against Takanohana. Perhaps his brother's strong debut in Makunouchi has spurred him to train harder. 4 or 5 wins. 23
WAKASHOYO
•••
Komusubi-W 5 - Futagoyama H: 181 cm.(5-11'14) A: 27 W: 161 kg. (355) F-2 Top Rank: S Titles - 0 Runnerup - 0 K - 0 May Record: 7 - 8 (S) Name: Yoichi Babaguchi Career Mark: 59 - 61 Marital Status: Single
Prospects: Wakashoyo looked like a future ozeki in March with a 10-5 record in his first basho at sekiwake. He was far less impressive in May with 7-8, but nevertheless the potential remains. He may upset one of the Hawaiians, and he has a good chance to achieve kachi-koshi. 9 or 10 wins .
A6
KOTONISHIKI ~ Maegashira 1-W 'IfS•• 5 - Sadogatake H: 176.5cm. (5-9'14) A: 25 W: 131 kg. (289) 0-4; F-3; T-3 Top Rank: S Titles-1 Runnerup-3 K-2 May Record: 8 - 7 (M3) Name: Hideyuki Matsuzawa Career Mark: 212 -163 Marital Status: Married Prospects: Koto was supposed to be in top shape in May, but he only narrowly achieved kachi-koshi. As he is increasingly unstable, the odds that he will live up to his early promise and reach ozeki have dimmed. The darkest of dark horses, but he should be able to win 10 bouts.
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KOTONOWAKA Maegashira 2-W '!iF S - Sadogatake H: 191.5cm. (6-3'14) A: 25 W: 164 kg. (362) Prizes-O Top Rank: M2 Tilles - 0 Runnerup - 0 K - 0 May Record: 8 - 7 (M7) Name: Mitsuya Konno Career Mark: 113-112 Marital Status: Single
Prospects: Kotonowaka is still very much of a question mark. With more dedication to keiko and a sharper tachi-ai, Koto could be a formidable ozeki candidate. Though he did not display much improvement in May, he put up a good effort, showing fighting spirit. Maybe 6 or 7 wins this time.
KYOKUDOZAN
111.•••
Maegashira 3-W S-Oshima H: 182cm.(5-11V2) A: 28 W: 103 kg. (227) 0-2; F-2 Top Rank: K Tilles - 0 Runnerup - 0 K-1 May Record: 4 -11 (K) Name: Kazuyasu Hata Career Mark: 194- 211 Marital Status: Single
Prospects: Kyokudozan slipped with a 4-11 record at komusubi in May. As he weighs only just over 100 kg., he must rely on superior speed and technique. At 28, he is at his peak and will undoubtedly return to sanyaku again. 8 wins and one or two major upsets in his bouts with top rankers.
TOKITSUNADA Maegashira 4-E
JI" Ii II'
S - Tokitsukaze H: 188cm.(6-1%) A: 23 W: 180 kg. (397) Prizes-O Top Rank: M4 Titles - 0 Runnerup - 0 K - 0 May Record: 10- 5 (M13) Name: Hironori Yoshioka Career Mark: 44 - 46 Marital Status: Single
Prospects: Tokitsunada has the potential to be a sanyaku rikishi. However, he will be competing against the joi-jin for the first time in July. He has a fairly well-balanced physique, but lacks the technique to upset the sanyaku. He should be able to get only 3 or 4 wins this time.
DAISHOHO Maegashira 5-E
Prospects: Daishoho has gone as far as komusubi, but is consistently strong only in the lower maegashira ranks. He has a good de-ashi and speed, but can also be clumsy. He may achieve one or two upsets of the komusubi or sekiwake, but won't threaten the yokozuna and ozeki. 5 or 6 wins.
DAISHOYAMA Maegashira 6-E
Prospects: Kitakachidoki was absent in May, but has retained his rank as he was injured on the dohyo in May. He is a fairly solid mid-maegashira, but lacks the strength to hold his own with the sanyaku. He may still not be fully recovered from the injury he sustained in March. Only 5 wins.
MITOIZUMI Maegashira 5-W
S - Tatsunami H: 187cm.(6-1V2) A: 26 W: 145 kg. (320) F-1 Top Rank: K K-O Titles - 0 Runnerup-1 May Record: 8 - 7 (M9) Name: Masami Murata Career Mark: 89 - 91 Marital Status: Single
~.~
S - Tatsunami H: 181.5cm.(5-11%) A: 27 W: 181 kg. (399) F -1 Top Rank: M2 Titles - 0 Runnerup -1 K-1 May Record: 9-6(M12) Name: Naoki Yamazaki Career Mark: 122 - 133 Marital Status: Married Prospects: With a chronic lower-back problem, Daishoyama has trouble maintaining a strong de-ashi. He has good balance for a rikishi of his weight, but he is too slow to consistently pose a threat to the sanyaku. He can easily achieve kachi-koshi as a low maegashira. 6 or 7 wins.
TAKAMISUGI Maegashira 7-E S - Futagoyama H: 179 cm. (5-10%) A: 32 W: 145 kg. (320) " Prizes-O Top Rank: K Titles - 0 Runnerup - 0 K-1 May Record: 5 -1 0 (M2) Name: Takashi Kaneo Career Mark: 382 - 447 Marital Status: Married Prospects: Takamisugi is the oldest rikishi in the new Futagoyama Beya at 32, but is not showing any signs of decline. It will not be surprising if he eventually becomes the oldest rikishi in sumo. Despite an injured hand in May, he managed to win five bouts. 8 or 9 wins if his hand is OK.
QII
KITAKACHIDOKI Maegashira 4-W
S-Isenoumi H: 183 cm. (6-0) A: 27 W: 148kg. (326) Prizes-O Top Rank: M4 Titles-O Runnerup-O K-O May Record: Ab. (M4) Name: Hayato Kuga Career Mark: 125-145 Marital Status: Single
~•••.••
S- Takasago H: 193.5cm. (6-4) A: 30 W: 180 kg. (397) 0-1; F-6 Top Rank: S Titles-1 Runnerup-2 K-O May Record: 10- 5 (M14) Name: Masahito Koizumi Career Mark: 297- 277 Marital Status: Single Prospects: It is exactly one year since Mitoizumi won the yusho at Nagoya in 1992. ln the period since, his knees have weakened, and as a result, his tachi-ai is far less sharp than it was in July 1992. Though on the brink of demotion to Juryo earlier this year, he rallied with 10 wins in May. 8 wins.
MAINOUMI Maegashira 6-W
_.I!!! •
JIIJ
S - Dewanoumi H: 171 cm. (5-7%) A: 25 W: 95 kg. (209) T-2 Top Rank: M6 Titles-O Runnerup-O K-O May Record: 10-5(M15) Name: Shuhei Nagao , Career Mark: 79 - 86 Marital Status: Single
Prospects: Mainoumi achieved his first double-digit kachikoshi in May with a 10-5 record. He will likely be at his highest rank to date in July and is certain to have a much more difficult time than in May. At 95 kg., he must rely totally on his impressive range of techniques. 4 or 5 wins.
KUSHIMAUMI Maegashira 7-W
~
f!lL~ ~P.!f
S-Dewanoumi H: 187 cm. (6-1 V2) A: 27 W: 191kg.(421) F -1 Top Rank: M1 Titles-O Runnerup-O K-2 May Record: 6 - 9 (M4) Name: Keita Kushima Career Mark: 167 -176 Marital Status: Married
Prospects: Kushimaumi has long had the potential to reach sanyaku, but injuries and bad luck have plagued him this year. At nearly 28, he must make an ali-out effort now rather than risk never going beyond No. 1 maegashira. He has good balance for a rikishi of his size. 8 wins.
24
TOMOEFUJI
f!a~
Maegashira 8-E S-Kokonoe H: 188.5cm. (6-2) A: 22 W: 147 kg. (324) F-1 Top Rank: K Titles-O Runnerup-O K-O May Record: 3-12(M1) Name: Toshihide Kurosawa Career Mark: 103- 96 Marital Status: Single
Prospects: Tomoefuji's bad knee appeared to have deteriorated in May, as he collapsed with a 3-12 record despite having achieved kachi-koshi in much the same condition in March. Tomoefuji does not do enough keiko, largely as the result of his knee injury, and it shows. 8 to 10 wins.
TOYONOUMI Maegashira 9-E S - Futagoyama H: 189 cm. (6-2%) A: 27 W: 203 kg. (448) Prizes-O Top Rank: M1 Titles-O Runnerup-O K-O May Record: 5 -1 0 (M3) Name: Shinji Hamada Career Mark: 175- 200 Marital Status: Single Prospects: Toyonoumi is the heaviest Japanese sekitori at 203 kg., but he tends to be too sluggish, with a lackluster tachi-ai.
AKINOSHIMA Maegashira 10-E
•••• lit••.•
S - Futagoyama H: 176 cm. (5-9%) A: 26 W: 144 kg. (318) 0-5; F-5; T-1 Top Rank: S Titles - 0 Runnerup -1 K -14 May Record: Ab. (M10) Name: Katsumi Yamanaka Career Mark: 230- 207 Marital Status: Single Prospects: Akinoshima, having missed the Natsu Basho, will be competing at his lowest rank since 1988. He has a tendency to lose to lower-ranked maegashira and underwent surgery lor an arm injury just two months ago. However, he should have a breeze at this low level. 11 or 12 wins.
TERAO
~
il
Maegashira 11-E S-Izutsu H: 185.5cm. (6-3;4) A: 30 W: 114kg.(251) 0-1; F-2; T-1 Top Rank: S Titles-O Runnerup-O K-5 May Record: 5-10(M5) Name: Yoshilumi Fukuzono Career Mark: 346 - 389 Marital Status: Single Prospects: Terao is still as popular as ever, and his lighting spirit is still impressive, but at 30 the power in his tsuppari has faded markedly in the last year, as has his stamina. He may have a difficult time surviving in Makunouchi to the end 01 this year. At this level, he can still get an 8-7 record.
25
.~.a T 1tq«
KOTOINAZUMA Maegashira 8-W S - Sadogatake H: 181 cm. (5-11 %) A: 31 W: 130 kg. (287) Prizes-O Top Rank: M3 Titles - 0 Runnerup - 0 K - 0 May Record: 8-7(M12) Name: Shoji Tamura Career Mark: 192- 213 Marital Status: Single
Prospects: Kotoinazuma is 31, but like Takamisugi he shows no signs of slowing down. Despite very limited technique, he has excellent lighting spirit and trains exceptionally hard for a rikishi 01 his age. Il will be more difficult lor Koto to achieve kachi-koshi this time. 6 or 7 wins.
KOTOFUJI
•
e~
Maegashira 9-W ~ •.• S - Sadogatake H: 191 cm. (6-3) A: 28 W: 141 kg.(311) F-2 Top Rank: S Tilles-1 Runnerup-O K-2 May Record: '7 - 8 (M7) Name: Takaya Kobayashi Career Mark: 206- 229 Marital Status: Married
Prospects: Kotofuji put up a line effort against the Hanada brothers in May, but could still manage only a 7-8 record at No. 7 maegashira. He is unlikely to ever again show the strength and determination of his yusho performance in July 1991, but may survive a more years. 7 or 8 wins.
OGINISHIKI Maegashira 10-W "JIMA .••• S - Dewanoumi H: 185 cm. (6-3;4) A: 22 W: 134 kg. (295) Prizes-O Top Rank: M10 Tilles - 0 Runnerup - 0 K - 0 May Record: 9-6(M16) Name: Yasutoshi Koiwai Career Mark: 9 - 6 Marital Status: Single Prospects: Oginishiki made a very impressive Makunouchi debut, winning 9 bouts and almost taki ng one 01 the sansho. He may have more promise th an his brother Oginohana, but he is still only a greenhorn in Makunouchi. With improving technique and lighting spirit, he will win 6 or 7 bouts.
HIGONOUMI
-.,.
Maegashira 11-W •• S - Mihogaseki H: 183 cm. (6-0) A: 23 W: 133 kg. (293) Prizes-O Top Rank: M9 Titles - 0 Runnerup - 0 K - 0 May Record: 7 - 8 (M9) Name: Naoto Sakamoto Career Mark: 16-14 ~ Marital Status: Single Prospects: Higonoumi is still something 01 an enigma, quielly but steadily rising on the banzuke with little ado. He had the first make-koshi of his career in May, with a respectable 7-8 record, not surprising given how far he has come in the last year. May make sekiwake in the future. 8 wins ..
KOTOBEPPU Maegashira 12-E
\I.a
KIRAIHO
5 - Sadogatake H: 178cm.(5-10) A: 27 W: 168 kg. (370) F -1 Top Rank: M5 Titles-O Runnerup-O K-O May Record: 5 -1 0 (M5) Name: Yohei Miura Career Mark: 23 - 21 Marital Status: Single Prospects: Il was not surprising that Kotobeppu collapsed with a 5-10 record at No. 5 maegashira, his highest rank to date, in May. As a typical tsuki-oshi rikishi, a leg injury weakens his tachi-ai and makes him almost a pushover lor sanyaku rikishi. However, his injury has healed. 9 wins.
Prospects: Kiraiho has been in a slump in recent basho, having lallen to the low maegashira ranks, where he has only barely broken even. He has the power and potential to go higher than his Takadagawa Beya stablemate Kenko. Il his tachi-ai is sharper, he should win 8 bouts again.
Il JI:
TOCHINOWAKA
KENKO 4d Maegashira 13-E ••• 5 - Takadagawa H: 189 cm. (6-2'14) A: 26 W: 135 kg. (298) Prizes-O Top Rank: M6 Titles - 0 Runnerup - 0 K - 0 May Record: 5-10(M6) Name: Satoshi Hoshimura Career Mark: 18- 27 Marital Status: Single
Prospects: Kenko had a poor 5-10 record in May, lollowing a 10-5 mark as a low maegashira in March. At this stage, it is still too early to determine whether or not he has longterm staying power in Makunouchi. As he is not likely to lace the sanyaku this time, he a chance to win 7 or 8 bouts.
Prospects: Tochinowaka looked washed up in May, the lirst time in recent memory that he has lailed to achieve kachi-koshi as low as No. 8 maegashira. With his hopes 01 achieving ozeki gone and starting to age at 31, he may soon be struggling to survive. He can still be expected to win 10.
--e--
KASUGAFUJ 1 ~ Maegashira 14-W
Maegashira 14-E 5 - Nishonoseki H: 189 cm. (6-2'14) A: 28 W: 145 kg. (320) Prizes - 0 Top Rank: M4 Titles-O Runnerup-O K-O May Record: 7 - 8 (M11) Name: Norio Takahashi Career Mark: 65 - 70 Marital Status: Single
MINATOFUJI
Prospects: The pre-basho keiko at the new Futagoyama Beya obviously paid off lor Minatoluji since he has linally made it to the top division alter a long struggle in Juryo. But getting kachi-koshi in Makunouchi may be even more difficult. 6-7 wins. ** Promoted from luryo Div.
S-Ajigawa H: 176 cm. (5-9'14) A: 27 W: 138 kg. (304) F -1 Top Rank: M1 Titles-O Runnerup-O K-O May Record: 5 -1 0 (M8) Name: Shoki Iwanaga Career Mark: 163- 197 Marital Status: Single Prospects: Kasugaluji has lerocious tsuki-oshi, but he is hampered by his lack 01 height and olten poor balance. He is just barely surviving in Makunouchi and is unlikely to go lurther than he has already been. However, he is still quite young at 27 and should be able to win 7 or 8 bouts.
*~~
Maegashira 15-E •••• 5- Minato H: 186cm.(6-1) A: 25 W: 152 kg. (335) Prizes-O Top Rank: M15 Titles-O Runnerup-O K-O May Record: 12- 3 (J8-C)** Name: Takayuki Miura Career Mark: 0 - 0 Marital Status: Single
..-
Maegashira 13-W 5- Kasugano H: 191 cm. (6-3'14) A: 31 W: 156 kg. (344) 0-2; F- 3; T -1 Top Rank: S Titles-O Runnerup-1 K-3 May Record: 6 - 9 (M8) Name: Kiyotaka Kaseda Career Mark: 292-274 Marital Status: Married
DAIZEN
Prospects: Daizen is an under-achiever. Basically a strong rikishi, he wou Id be able to hold his own in the upper Makunouchi ranks with a consistently strong de-ashi. Unlortunately, he largely relies on delensive sumo and cannot hold his own above this level. 7 or 8 wins.
1••
Maegashira 12-W 5- Takadagawa H: 188cm.(6-1%) A: 27 W: 151 kg. (333) Prizes-O Top Rank: M4 Titles-O Runnerup-O K-O May Record: 8 - 7 (M14) Name: Ryozo Uchima Career Mark: 73 - 77 Marital Status: Single
&
AOGIYAMA Maegashira 15-W X ••••
~
5 - Tokitsukaze H: 181 cm.(5-11) A: 23 W: 144kg.(318) Prizes-O Top Rank: M13 Titles-O Runnerup-O K-O May Record: 9 - 6 (J2)** Name: Hideki Teraki Career Mark: 6 - 9 Marital Status: Single
Prospects: Aogiyama appears to be too strong lor Juryo and too green lor Makunouchi. One 01 the more promising rikishi in Tokitsukaze Beya, he may eventually go as lar as Tokitsunada. At this stage, he will have a difficult time staying in Makunouchi. 6 wins and demotion back to Juryo.
26
TOMONOHANA Maegashira
s- Tatsunami
•
16-E
HITACHIRYU
, ••
H: 174cm.(5-8%) A: 29 W: 112 kg. (247) Prizes-O Top Rank: M16 Titles-O Runnerup-O K-O May Record: 8 - 7 (J1)** Name: Nobuya Narimatsu Career Mark: 0 - 0 Marital Status: Married Prospects: Tomonohana is only one of two shin-nyumaku this basho. Little more than a year has passed since his debut in 1992, but he is already 29. He will probably have a relatively short, but exciting Makunouchi career. He has lairly good technique, tenacity and lighting spirit. 8 wins.
Ba.
Maegashira 16-W S - Oshiogawa H: 179 cm. (5-10%) A: 23 W: 133kg. (293) Prizes-O Top Rank: M14 Titles-O Runnerup-O K-O May Record: Ab.(M16) Name: Eiichi Wakisaka Career Mark: 7 - 8 Marital Status: Single
Prospects: Hitachiryu was sidelined in the Natsu Basho with injuries to both knees sustained when he was momentarily knocked unconscious on senshuraku in the Haru Basho. He may still be in sub-par condition in July and will thus have a difficult time achieving kachi-koshi. 5-6 wins.
Basho Schedule for 1994
1993 Basho Sehedule Nagoya Basho:
July 4-18,
Nagoya
Aki Basho:
Sept. 12 - 26,
Tokyo
Kyushu Basho:
Nov. 7 - 21,
Fukuoka
Study Session for Judges The Sumo Kyokai held an extraordinary study session lor judges after the Natsu Basho in which they were urged to challenge the gyoji's decision in close bouts to avoid misjudgements. The session came in the wake of a bout on senshuraku between ozeki Konishiki and sekiwake Wakanohana where the five judges didn't question the gyoji's cali that Konishiki won by kotenage. A vedeotape replay showed Konishiki's right hand seemed to have touched down an instant before he hurled Waka down at the edge of the dohyo. The Kyokai received hundreds of telephone calls arguing that Wakanohana should have been declared the winner. With the loss, Waka dropped to a 10-5 tourney record and sumo observers said that Waka would have had a slim chance of promotion to ozeki if he had won 11 bouts. Chief judge Kagamiyama (ex-yokozuna Kashiwado) offered his resignation to Dewanoumi Rijicho (ex-yokozuna Sadanoyama) over the incident, but it was refused.
Fukunosato
Haru Basho (Osa ka) Ticket Sale: Feb. 6 Banzuke: Feb. 28 Basho: March 13 - 27
Natsu Basho (Tokyo) Ticket Sale: April 9 Banzuke: April 25 Basho: May 8 - 22
Nagoya Basho Ticket Sale: March 17 Banzuke: June 20 Basho: July 3 -17
Aki Basho (Tokyo) Ticket Sale: 'Aug. 20 Banzuke: Aug. 29 Basho: Sept. 11 - 25
Kyushu Basho Ticket Sale: Qct. 1 Banzuke: Qct. 24 Basho: Nov. 6 - 20
San Jose Jungyo Commenting on the San Jose jungyo, the San Jose Mercury-News hinted that the two-day tourney might have been rigged to guarantee a crowd-pleasing showdown between two American rikishi. Reporter Jody Meachem noted: "It was a match made in Shinto heaven, perhaps the Japanese Foreign Ministry, or at least the P.R. Department of the Sumo Association." The article quoted Asahi Shimbun sumo reporter Eiji Yoshioka: "1 don't think there were any arrangements, but the Sumo Kyokai and the rikishi were conscious of putting on a good show." But another Japanese journalist was more outspoken, claiming that the matches had been arranged to maximize the odds that Akebono and Konishiki would face each other in the grand finale. He said: "To the rikishi, this is just a circus. Wait till their basho in Hawaii. bet Konishiki will get to win that one." 1
as Wakamono-gashira
Fukunosato of Takasago Beya, who spent one basho in Juryo in 1989 and suffered a losing record of 2-5 at Makushita 3 in the Natsu Basho, is retiring to become a wakamono-gashira. The 32-year-old rikishi will receive a danpatsu-shiki retirement ceremony in the basement 01 the Kokugikan on July 24th. Another ex-Juryo rikishi, 65-year-old Tsugaru-umi of Kasugano Beya, is retiring as a wakamono-gashira, but will stay in sumo since Kasugano Oyakata has hired him to become the stable manager. He has been a wakamonogashira for the past 36 years and some say that he is the best one ever to hold that position in the Sumo Kyokai. Wakamono-gashira are sumo's handymen and are responsible for taking care of young rikishi. Jonidan 26 Kamiyama, the oldest active rikishi-38 in July, is also retiring. The Dewanoumi Beya veteran entered sumo in January 1971 and climbed as high as Makushita 17.
27
Hatsu Basho (Tokyo) Ticket Sale: Dec. 4, '93 Banzuke: Dec. 24, '93 Basho: Jan. 9 - 23
Prince Sumihito, the second son 01 Emperor Akihito, and Princess Kiko watch the sumo action during the Natsu Basho Irom the imperial box. DewanoumiRijicho is seated behind the imperial couple readyta answer any questions they might have.
** Promoted from luryo Div.
Juryo Division Rankings EAST WAKANOYAMA
WEST lo ~J3 JJ
TAMAKAIRIKI
.f:;Ji
IJ
Juryo No. 1 S - Musashigawa P- Wakayama H: 178 cm. (5-10) W: 149 kg. (329) May Record: 9 - 6 (J3) Name: Hiroshi Nishizaki A: 21 Techniques: Tsuki, oshi Sumo Entry-3/88 Top Rank: M9
Juryo No. 1 S-Kataonami P- Tokyo H: 183cm.(6-0) W: 141 kg.(311) May Record: 9 - 6 (J3) Name: Yukio Kawabe A: 27 Techniques: Tsuki, oshi Sumo Entry-3/82 Top Rank: M8
HAMANOSHIMA
ENAZAKURA ,~. Jj~ .w Juryo No. 2 S - Oshiogawa P - Gifu H: 180cm. (5-10%) W: 136 kg. (300) May Record: 9 - 6 (J4) Name: Toru Hayakawa A: 33 Techniques: Tsuki, oshi Sumo Entry-3177 Top Rank: M1
;11
.J
~~
Juryo No. 2 S-Mihogaseki P-Kumamoto H: 179 cm. (5-10%) W: 126 kg. (278) May Record: 8 - 7 (J2) Name: Keishi Hamasu A: 23 Techniques: Yorikiri, tsukiotoshi Sumo Entry -1/92 Top Rank: J2
TOCHINOFUJI
~
J3 M
KYOKUGOZAN
-JI!!
~
a.L
Juryo No. 3 S - Kasugano P - Fukuoka H: 179cm.(5-10%) W: 188kg.(415) May Record: 4-11 (M11)* Name: Tatsuyuki Kusano A: 23 Techniques: Yori, nage Sumo Entry-3/85 Top Rank: M11
Juryo No. 3 S-Oshima P-Chiba H: 180cm.(5-10%) W: 171 kg. (377) May Record: 8 - 7 (J4) Name: Taizan Kimura A: 24 Techniques: Tsuki, oshi Sumo Entry-3/84 Top Rank: M9
ASAHIZATO -JI!! 1r. Juryo No. 4 S - Oshima P - Osaka H: 188 cm. (6-2) W: 129 kg. (284) May Record: 8 - 7 (J5) Name: Kenji Masuda A: 27 Techniques: Yori, nage Sumo Entry-3/81 Top Rank: M14
Juryo No. 4 S - Hanaregoma P - Osaka H: 184.3cm. (6-Y2) W: 145 kg. (320) May Record: 8 - 7 (J6) Name: Akihiro Noguchi A: 33 Techniques: Yori, nage Sumo Entry-3175 Top Rank: M1
NAMINOHANA
;lt.J
n;
Juryo No. 5 S - Futagoyama P - Aomori H: 178 cm. (5-10) W: 131 kg. (289) May Record: 4-11 (M13)* Name: Kazuhiko Kudo A: 24 Techniques: Tsuki,oshi Sumo Entry - 5/84 Top Rank: M7
HANANOKUNI
MUSOYAMA
n;.J
~
*
00
a.L
Juryo No. 5 S - Musashigawa P -Ibaraki H: 183cm. (6-0) W: 151 kg. (333) May Record: 9 - 6 (J9) Name: Takehito Oso A: 21 Techniques: Tsuki, oshi Sumo Entry -1/93 Top Rank: J5
TATSUHIKARI
KAIO
Juryo No. 6 S - Tatsunami P - Hokkaido H: 192 cm. (6-3Y2) W: 184 kg. (406) May Record: 8 - 7 (J7) Name: Yoshimitsu Ishibashi A: 23 Techniques: Yori, nage Sumo Entry-3/85 Top Rank: M6
Juryo No. 6 S- Tomozuna P-Fukuoka H: 185cm. (6-%) W: 145 kg. (320) May Record: 4-11 (M15)* Name: Hiroyuki Koga A: 20 Techniques: Nage, yori Sumo Entry - 3/88 Top Rank: M15
* Demoted from Makunouchi Div.
28
EAST
KOTOGAUME
WEST
~
7~
KOTOTSUBAKI
Juryo No. 7 S - Sadogatake P - Okinawa H: 188.3cm. (6-2) W: 142 kg. (313) May Record: 5-10(J1) Name: Katsuyuki Togashi A: 32 Techniques: Tsuki, oshi Sumo Entry-9176 Top Rank: M3
TOCHITENKO
KIRINISHIKI ~ tlJ $* Juryo No. 8 S - Kagamiyama P - Gunma H: 188cm. (6-2) W: 170 kg. (375) May Record: 7 - 8 (J6) Name: Toshiro Yamada A: 30 Techniques: Yori, tsuri Sumo Entry-3178 Top Rank: M2
~
J;. ~
Juryo No. 8 S - Kasugano P - Gunma H: 180cm.(5-103A) w: 143kg.(315) May Record: 9-6(J11) Name: Mamoru Shimakata A: 26 Techniques: Uwatedashinage, yori Sumo Entry-3/82 Top Rank: J8
ASANOWAKA \
~!
~
Juryo No. 7 S-Sadogatake P- Toyama H: 180cm.(5-10%) W: 175kg.(386) May Record: 8 - 7 (J8) Name: Satoru Kitayama A: 29 Techniques: Tsuki, oshi Sumo Entry-3179 Top Rank: S
~
~
KOMAFUDO
~
ZENSHINYAMA
ft.ï
1!
HOSHIANDESU
J.J
Juryo No. 10 S - Takadagawa P - Yokohama H: 181 cm. (5-11 %) W: 130 kg. (287) May Record: 8 - 7 (J11) Name: Ryota Akimoto A: 27 Techniques: Tsuki, oshi Sumo Entry -11 182 Top Rank: J2
YUTAKAFUJI
J! ~
RIKIO
h
~
Juryo No. 12 S - Naruto P - Nara H: 189 cm. (6-2Y2) W: 137 kg. (302) May Record: 5 - 2 (Mak. 3)** Name: Takeshi Inoue A: 20 Techniques: Yori, nage Sumo Entry - 3/88 Top Rank: J12
DAISHI
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Juryo No. 13 S - Oshiogawa P -Ibaraki H: 182 cm. (5-11Y2) W: 150 kg. (331) May Record: 6-9(J10) Name: Nobuyuki Takano A: 24 Techniques: Yori, nage Sumo Entry - 3/84 Top Rank: J10
~
ti
ï.~ ttl Jt
Juryo No. 10 S - Michinoku P - Argentina H: 192 cm. (6-3Y2) W: 167 kg. (368) May Record: 6-9(J7) Name: Jose Flores A: 25 Techniques: Tsuki, oshi Sumo Entry-5/88 Top Rank: J7
±
Juryo No. 11 S- Tokitsukaze P- Niigata H: 186 cm. (6-1%) W: 179.5 kg. (396) May Record: 5-10(J5) Name: Osamu Suzuki A: 23 Techniques: Tsuki, oshi Sumo Entry-3/86 Top Rank: J5
~
Juryo No. 9 S - Hanaregoma P - Toyama H: 182cm.(5-11Y2) W: 147kg.(324) May Record: 8 - 7 (J10) Name: Kazuto Araki A: 27 Techniques: Yori, tsuri Sumo Entry-1/84 Top Rank: M13
Juryo No. 9 S - Wakamatsu P - Osaka H: 175.5cm. (5-9Y2) W: 134 kg. (295) May Record: 9-6(J12) Name: Takehiko Adachi A: 23 Techniques: Tsuki, oshi Sumo Entry-3/92 Top Rank: J4
TACHIHIKARI
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Juryo No. 11 S- Tomozuna P-Chiba H: 195 cm. (6-4Y2) W: 147 kg. (324) May Record: 5-2(Mak.1)** Name: Osamu Kawahara A: 29 Techniques: Yori, nage Sumo Entry-7/82 Top Rank: M15
n
CHOKAIRYU .~ :4i Juryo No. 12 S - Kagamiyama P - Yamagata H: 181cm. (5-11 %) W: 171kg. (377) May Record: 5 - 2 (Mak. 4)** Name: Hidetoshi Sato A: 28 Techniques: Tsuki, oshi Sumo Entry-3/81 Top Rank: J12 UMENOSATO
~
<J)
~
Juryo No. 13 S - Takasago P -Ibaraki H: 190.6cm. (6-3) W: 172 kg. (379) May Record: 5 - 2 (Mak.5)** Name: Shoji Koizumi A: 29 Techniques: Yori, nage Sumo Entry-3/80 Top Rank: J13
** Promoted from Makushita Div. 29
"HOSHITORI-
~
RANK
WRESTLER
HYO" Wrestlers are listed both vertically and horizontally, the latter listing serving as reference to the opponents of each horizontally-listed wrestler. A 0 means a win and • a loss. The number refers to the tournament day in which the bout was fought.
Yokozuna
Akenono
(R)
Ozeki
Takanohana Konishiki
(C)
Ozeki Sekiwake
Musashimaru
Sekiwake
Wakanohana
Sekiwake
Wakashoyo
Komusubi
Takanonami
Komusubi
Kyokudozan
Mae #1
Misugisato
Mae #1
Tomoefuji Kirishima
Mae #2 Mae #2 Mae #3 Mae #3 Mae #4
Results of 1993 Tokyo Natsu Basho
•o=win} = loss horizontally
•O=loss = win} vertically
œ
Aogiyama ® Kototsubaki • Aogiyama • Hamanoshima *3 @ Hamanoshima *4 CD Kototsubaki Aogiyama Hamanoshima Tamakairiki • Wakanoyama *5 Kototsubaki *1 *2
oo
o 0·
Kitakachidoki Terao
Mae #5 Mae #6
Kotobeppu Kenko
Mae #6
Takatoriki
Mae #7 Mae #7
Kotofuji Kotonowaka
Mae #8
Tochinowaka
Mae #8
Kasugafuji Daishoho
Mae Mae Mae Mae Mae Mae Mae Mae Mae Mae Mae Mae Mae Juryo
#10 #10 #11 #11 #12 #12 #13 #13 #14 #14 #15 #15 #16 #16
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