September 1stsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Sumo's 45th Yokozuna, Wakanohana I , passes away
Sumo's 45th Yokozuna, Wakanohana I, passed away today at the age of 82 in the Keio hospital in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward due to cancer in his kidneys. The legendary Yokozuna's death sent shock waves through the sumo world. Born Katsuji Hanada, the former Wakanohana was a powerful Yokozuna, who carried sumo's popularity on his back in the post-war days along with rival, Yokozuna Tochinishiki, in what historians dub as the Tochi-Waka era that saw it's climax come at the 1960 Haru basho when both Yokozuna entered senshuraku undefeated creating the first-ever duel between two undefeated Yokozuna fighting for the yusho on senshuraku. Wakanohana won the bout via uwate-nage giving him his first career zensho yusho.

Upon retirement, Wakanohana I became Futagoyama-oyakata and raised 19 sekitori including two Yokozuna and two Ozeki, one of which was Takanohana I making him the current uncle of Takanohana-oyakata. In 1988, he was voted in as the sport's commissioner, and when Takanohana-oyakata was asked about his fondest memory of his uncle, he quickly responded by citing his first ever yusho at the 1992 Hatsu basho where his uncle handed him the Emperor's Cup. Takanohana-oyakata also added, "I feel as if we have just lost thee Yokozuna of the Showa period and a historic icon. My uncle seemed to be someone from the heavens, and I was always nervous each New Year when I offered formal new year's greetings. I was actually like a grandson deshi to him, and he always treated my nicely as a grandfather would." Wakanohana I was the oldest of 10 children accounting for the huge age difference between him and Takanohana-oyakata.

Hanaregoma Rijicho also commented on the passing of Wakanohana saying, "I am so grateful to him for the various things he taught me including things of the mind." The commissioner also indicated that the former Yokozuna sent him a necktie upon his being chosen as the sport's next leader following the resignation of Musashigawa-oyakata on the heels of the gambling scandal. "I know that he was extremely concerned about the current situation, but as he always said, 'if you injure yourself with keiko then mend yourself with keiko. Everything is contained in the dohyo'."

Wakanohana had been hospitalized since July 13th where doctors operated on his kidneys, and when former Yokozuna Taiho visited him in August, he stated that Wakanohana kept his eyes closed and could not speak.

Details surrounding rikishi request for Kotomitsuki's danpatsu-shiki
More details have now surfaced regarding the request made to Hanaregoma Rijicho at the rikishi all-hands meeting to have the Sumo Association sanction in some form a danpatsu-shiki for former Ozeki Kotomitsuki, who was booted out of the Association for betting on baseball. Yokozuna Hakuho, the rikishi representative, made the request on behalf of his peers to which the commissioner avoided making any sort of commitment saying he couldn't act alone. Just allowing some of Kotomitsuki's former peers to attend such an event would mean the Sumo Association would have to give their sign-off in some form or another.

Shortly after the meeting began at 1 PM, Hanaregoma-oyakata delivered the obligatory message about completely disassociating themselves with organized crime groups after which Yokozuna Hakuho, who was sitting in the front row, stood up and asked, "As the body of rikishi, we would like to offer our cooperation in regards to a danpatsu-shiki for Kotomitsuki-zeki. Please consider our request."

Hanaregoma-oyakata said that he couldn't make any decisions regarding the matter, and that he would have to consult with the outside independent committee recently established to help govern the Sumo Association. Up to this point, the Sumo Association has never formally approved of such an event for a rikishi banished from the sport, but reports say that during the recent summer exhibitions, Hakuho and some of the other veteran rikishi began discussing their plans to support a danpatsu-shiki for Kotomitsuki. It was agreed that Hakuho would make the formal request at the rikishi all-hands meeting. An unnamed rikishi explained to reporters afterwards, "What he did was wrong, but there were other rikishi who were also involved in gambling on baseball. Kotomitsuki achieved the rank of Ozeki and gave his all for the Association. As his peers who fought with him atop the dohyo, we'd like to send him off (he used okuri-dashi) with some sort of positive ending.

Normally, the danpatsu-shiki planning and execution is the responsibility of the retired rikishi and his stable, but without the Sumo Association's approval, active rikishi cannot participate in the ceremony whether it's performing a dohyo-iri, participating in exhibition bouts, or snipping part of the top-knot. Kotomitsuki would first have to request a danpatsu-shiki, but the same rikishi commented, "If asked by Kotomitsuki, we would love to help with the event even if we couldn't use the Kokugikan and had to hold it at a hotel."

When approached after the meeting, Hanaregoma-oyakata continued his non-committal stance commenting, "Kotomitsuki was the instigator of this current problem, so I can't just comment lightly on the matter at this point."

There have been two prior incidents where excommunicated rikishi have held danpatsu-shiki. In 1987, former Yokozuna Futahaguro had his top-knot snipped at a ceremony held at the Teikoku Hotel with approximately 300 people in attendance. A single hair stylist was the lone representative from the Sumo Association. In 2008, Russian rikishi, Wakanoho, held a danpatsu-shiki of his own at a Tokyo hotel with about 20 friends in attendance and no one present from the Sumo Association.

Sakaigawa-beya housing 7 Juryo rikishi begins keiko
The Sakaigawa-beya began their pre-basho workouts yesterday with all seven of the stable's sekitori fighting in the Juryo ranks this basho after Goeido and Toyohibiki were demoted for betting on baseball. With Goeido sitting out the session due to an injury to his right thigh, Toyohibiki and newly-promoted sekitori Shironoryu shined at practice with no concrete results given. After the session, Toyohibiki spoke about his demotion saying, "It gives me some motivation and will likely lead to better keiko. Hopefully with seven of us here we'll have multiple rikishi in the yusho race." With 28 total members in the Juryo division, the Sakaigawa-beya will supply one fourth of the rikishi.

Former Wakayama retires, oyakata swap names
The Sumo Association announced that Yamawake-oyakata (former Komusubi Wakanoyama) has retired from the association. They also reported that the Yamawake name will be transferred to former Makuuchi rikishi, Buyuzan, who was using the name Sekinoto. It was also announced that former Komusubi Toki changed his toshi-yori name from Asakayama-oyakata to Oshiogawa-oyakata.

August 31stsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Kaio works out but can't practice with sekitori
Ozeki Kaio made his first appearance in the Tomozuna-beya practice area this morning after withdrawing from the Nagoya basho with a left shoulder injury. The Ozeki never fought in the ring limiting his workout to shiko and teppo exercises for about an hour. Kaio declined talking with reporters after the session, but Tomozuna-oyakata did shed some light on the Ozeki's situation, "We'll hold an Ichimon keiko session on the 2nd or 3rd, but I don't think he'll be ready then to practice with other sekitori. That probably won't happen until two days before the tournament."

Asashoryu returns to the Kokugikan to attend rikishi all-hands meeting
Former Yokozuna Asashoryu made his long-awaited appearance at the rikishi all-hands meeting today to formally ask for everyone's cooperation at his upcoming top-knot snipping ceremony (danpatsu-shiki) slated for October 3rd at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. Dressed in a light kimono with his hair properly tied up in a top-knot, it was the first time that Asashoryu has set foot in the Kokugikan since he announced his retirement back on February 4th of this year.

Asashoryu briefly spoke to reporters after the meeting saying, "It's been a long time since I've been here, but it does feel like the September basho." When asked about his danpatsu-shiki, he replied, "It will be my final farewell from the dohyo, so I'll do my best." According to those planning the ceremony about 70% of the tickets have already been sold. It was also reported that Ozeki Harumafuji will serve as Asashoryu's tachi-mochi (sword bearer) and Asasekiryu as the tsuyu-harai (dew sweeper) for the former Yokozuna's final dohyo-iri.

Hanaregoma Rijicho dodges difficult question regarding Kotomitsuki
Upon attending his first rikishi all-hands meeting as sumo's commissioner, Hanaregoma Rijicho promptly deflected what could have been his first controversial decision as sumo's new leader. It was reported that during the meeting several rikishi expressed their opinion that former Ozeki Kotomitsuki should get a formal retirement ceremony despite his banishment from sumo for betting on baseball. When confronted with the situation, Hanaregoma Rijicho responded, "There is no precedent where an excommunicated rikishi has had intai-zumo (retirement ceremony) held for him, and I cannot make that decision by myself."

August 31stsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Banzuke reaction from Hakuho, Aran, Tochiohzan
Yokozuna Hakuho met with reporters at the Miyagino-beya in Tokyo's Sumida area to discuss the new banzuke. When asked about the large number of rikishi demoted a division lower after betting on baseball, the Yokozuna responded, "I expected something to happen, but it's still surprising. I do hope to make a new start of those and not these latest events drag us down forever. When asked about the possibility of surpassing Chiyonofuji for most consecutive wins (Hakuho is at 47, Chiyonofuji's record is 53), Hakuho said, "There's still the matter of reaching him, but talking about it now makes me nervous. If I start worrying about the yusho or other records, I'm no longer myself, so my goal each and every basho is simply to fight hard through the end of senshuraku."

First-time Sekiwake react
Despite the irregular number of rikishi promoted to the Makuuchi division for the Aki basho (9), the two first-time Sekiwake provide a bit of fresh air to the new banzuke. Russian Aran was promoted to the East slot becoming the first Sekiwake produced by the current Mihogaseki-oyakata since he took over the stable in 1984. At a press conference held in honor of the new promotion, Aran stated, "This obviously feels really good." The Russian's stablemaster, Mihogaseki-oyakata, added, "He's been able to build on his experience and do more forward-moving sumo, and he still hasn't peaked."

Across town at the Kasugano-beya, Japan's rising star, Tochiohzan, and his stable master held a press conference of their own (pictured at right )to discuss the promotion. "I hope to do sumo where my de-ashi is second to no one's and that allows me to score a quick kachi-koshi." His stablemaster, Kasugano-oyakata, who has produced his first Sekiwake since taking over the stable in 2003 offered, "He has become very solid mentally, and I hope to see him do well as one of Japan's rising stars."

August 30thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Aki basho banzuke released
The Sumo Association released the banzuke for the Aki basho today, and due to 10 sekitori being forced to sit out the Nagoya basho for gambling on baseball, the large number of demotions resulted in a record setting nine rikishi receiving promotion to the Makuuchi division. The biggest names to fall to the Juryo ranks were Goeido and Miyabiyama with the latter becoming the first former Ozeki since Daiju in 1977 to be demoted to the Juryo ranks.

Of the nine newcomers, two will make their debut in the division beginning with Kyokunankai, who received an unheard of promotion from the J12 rank with just 10 wins. Kyokunankai required 105 basho to reach the division, which puts him in second place for all time slowest. The other newcomer is Sokokurai, the first Chinese-born rikishi to reach the division, and the first Makuuchi rikishi to hail from the Arashio-beya.

Setting another unusual record with the new banzuke was Tosanoumi, who became the oldest rikishi ever to return to the Makuuchi division at 38 years and 6 months. Tochinonada at 36 years and 6 months and Toyozakura at 36 years and 5 months also became the eighth and ninth oldest rikishi respectively to make their returns to the dance.

Yokozuna Hakuho, pictured at right, sits as the lone Yokozuna for the fourth basho in a row while the number of Ozeki are reduced to four with Kotomitsuki's excommunication from the sport. Ozeki Kaio is also kadoban for the 13th time in his career, which means he must win at least eight bouts or be demoted from the rank, a scenario that would send the veteran into instant retirement. Aran and Tochiohzan grace the Sekiwake ranks for the first time in their careers while former sanyaku rikishi, Kisenosato and Kakuryu, shore up the sanyaku from the Komusubi ranks.

The reshuffling of the banzuke also brings the number of foreign-born sekitori to 24, which surpasses the previous record of 22. The Aki basho runs from September 12th through September 26th and the full Makuuchi division rankings are as follows:

August 12thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Musashigawa-oyakata steps down, Hanaregoma-oyakata elected as new commissioner
The Sumo Association held a press conference today at the Ryogoku Kokugikan where it was announced that Musashigawa-oyakata resigned his post as the sport's commissioner (rijicho) after several months of continuous scandal from illegal gambling by rikishi and oyakata to revelations that multiple oyakata and rikishi had associations to Japan's mafia, or yakuza. Assuming the role as new commissioner is 62 year-old Hanaregoma-oyakata, who served as one of Musashigawa-oyakata's right-hand men during his term as commissioner. Musashigawa-oyakata served for just under two years assuming the position after Kitanoumi-oyakata resigned as commissioner stemming from a rikishi in his stable testing positive for marijuana.

It is reported that an emergency meeting of sumo's board of directors was called for today at 12 PM where Musashigawa-oyakata officially announced his resignation to the group after which he left the Kokugikan and returned home due to his ailing health (the commissioner was hospitalized during most of the Nagoya basho). A second meeting of the directors was held later that evening where votes were cast for the new commissioner. Hanaregoma-oyakata was voted in as Musashigawa-oyakata's replacement. At a press conference that evening, the newly-crowned Hanaregoma Rijicho stated, "I have assume the role of commissioner at an extremely difficult time. I am still not clear on some things myself, but I hope to establish a new path for the Association.

When apprised of the news, the chairman of the recently-established independent committee put in place by the Ministry of Education to govern sumo, Takayasu Okushima, stated, "We accept this decision as it has not been confirmed that sumo's next commissioner will ultimately come from this independent committee."

July 29thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Introducing the New Juryo rikishi
The new rikishi promoted to Juryo all held press conferences at their stable facilities in Nagoya, and the rikishi garnering the most attention is 23 year-old Takarafuji, who made it to the Juryo division in just 10 basho. Takarafuji was a graduate of Kinki University in the Kansai region but didn't quality for Makushita tsuke-dashi debut status. Talking to reporters from the Isegahama-beya (Harumafuji, Aminishiki, Asofuji), Takarafuji said, "It still hasn't set in, but I'm ecstatic." A year ago in Nagoya, Takarafuji took the Sandanme division yusho, and at the time stated, "My next goal is to make sekitori in a year." Standing 184 centimeters tall and weighing 157 kilograms, Takarafuji's stablemaster added, "He has a huge body and a lot of strength. I want him to aim for the very top and become a treasure for the Association just like his name ("takara" means treasure in Japanese)." Due to the speed with which Takarafuji rose through the ranks, he is still unable to have his hair tied in the full Oichou style worn by the other sekitori, but Takarafuji didn't seem to mind. "I just want to do my brand of sumo and score a kachi-koshi," he concluded. Takarafuji prefers to fight from the hidari-yotsu position and force his opponents out of the ring with the body.

Across town, Ryuho slapped together a press conference of his own at the Michinoku-beya to talk about his surprise promotion to sekitori status. Ryuho went 6-1 from the Makushita 11 rank but was promoted due to the large number of rikishi demoted after illegally betting on baseball and other lower-ranked rikishi in Juryo who failed to kachi-koshi. "It's nearly impossible to be promoted from the MS11 rank with just six wins, so this is a miracle," he stated. Ryuho becomes the first rikishi to be promoted from the MS10 rank or lower with just six wins in exactly 50 years. Ryuho last graced the Juryo ranks three years ago but has been hampered by knee problems. "This is the first time that I've ever been on the receiving end of such good luck, " he stated. "Usually I'm the one on the outside watching this happen to others." At 33 years old, the Okinawa native will need his share of luck to survive in the division come September.

At the same time, new Juryo rikishi, Tochinowaka, talked to reporters at the Kasugano-beya. Tochinowaka entered professional sumo from the college ranks three years ago and is in the same class as Aran, Kiyoseumi, and Yamamotoyama. "I'd say there was some anxiety for me about not being left behind," he said. "I thought he should have gotten here a little bit sooner, but he's the kind of kid who worries too much about the implications of losing, and it's a minus for him," Kasugano-oyakata added. Tochinowaka (who shares the same name as his oyakata phonetically although the kanji for the "waka" is different) made it to the Makushita ranks in just one year in the sport, but it took him 2 1/2 years to reach Juryo. He fought under his own name until last year's Kyushu basho when he was tagged with the new shikona. "He needed some sort of change," Kasugano-oyakata began. "I wanted him to search for some sort of fire within," he said explaining the name change. At 195 centimeters and 170 kilograms, Tochinowaka concluded his press conference by saying, "I want to do sumo like Tochiohzan and move forward as strong as I can."

Nakanokuni became the third Chinese-born rikishi to receive sekitori status and celebrated the good news with a press conference at the Minato-beya. Flanked by his stable master, Nakanokuni began, "This was a long eight years." He first set foot atop the dohyo at the 2002 Nagoya basho. The new sekitori hails from Peking and came to Japan in 2001 to learn Japanese as part of his college studies, but his teacher was an acquaintance of the former Minato-oyakata, and the rest is history. Nakanokuni hasn't seen his parents since 2004 when the sumos visited China for an exhibition, but he's considering inviting them to the Aki basho now that he will be paid a salary. "It seems like I've finally gotten some confidence in myself only recently. I hope to do sumo like the recently retired Chiyotaikai."

The final newcomer to the division is Shironoryu who held a rather gloomy press conference filled with tears at the Sakaigawa-beya. Shironoryu's two senpai, Goeido and Toyohibiki, were banned from participating in the Nagoya basho due to their betting on baseball, and then it was learned during the tournament that Sakaigawa-oyakata rented his stable facilities in Osaka from an association with the yakuza. "I regret all of my actions and apologize from the depths of my heart," the Mongolian began fighting back the tears. Shironoryu actually bet on a baseball game or two, but the Sumo Association considered his involvement inconsequential and allowed him to participate in the Nagoya basho where he went 5-2 from the Makushita 4 rank, results usually not good enough to achieve promotion. When asked about Shironoryu's involvement with gambling, Sakaigawa-oyakata responded, "I told him if he has that kind of money to spend then he needs to send it back home to Mongolia." Shironoryu first came to Japan to attend high school in Tottori Prefecture and attended the same school as former Ozeki Kotomitsuki. The Mongolian's rise didn't come without other struggles, however, as he received surgery on his left eye at last year's Natsu basho after suffering a detached retina. "I considered retirement after that, but I the oyakata and the kamisan (his wife) treated me just like one of their children no matter what. They really supported me through all of this," he said inviting more tears. "I hope to do my best and exert all of my strength," he concluded never once smiling during the press conference. Shironoryu obtained Japanese citizenship last year in November and took the name of Kobayashi, the same as his stable master.

July 28thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
New Juryo rikishi announced
The Sumo Association's banzuke reorganization committee met this morning to rearrange the Aki basho banzuke, which will be announced on August 30th. Following custom, rikishi promoted to sekitori status are announced early in order to give the stables ample time to prepare for their sekitori. A whopping 7 rikishi have been promoted to the Juryo division for the Aki basho with four of those first-timers.

The newbies include Nakanokuni, a 26 year-old rikishi from China who fights from the Minato-beya; Shironoryu, a 26 year-old Mongolian who fights from the Sakaigawa-beya; Tochinowaka, a 22 year-old Japanese rikishi from Hyogo Prefecture who fights from the Kasugano-beya; and Takarafuji, a 23 year-old Japanese rikishi from Aomori Prefecture who fights from the Isegahama-beya. Returnees to Juryo are Sadanofuji, Ryuho, and Jumonji.

Due to the number of rikishi forced to sit out the basho for gambling on baseball coupled with an inordinate number of Juryo rikishi low in the division who failed to kachi-koshi, several of the promotions this time around are quite rare. For example, Ryuho finished 6-1 from the Makushita 11 rank, territory from which a rikishi is normally promoted only with a 7-0 yusho effort.

The Sumo Association also announced the retirement of 11 rikishi, the most prominent of which was former Komusubi Kaiho, who called it quits mid-basho while fighting in the Makushita division.

July 13thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Tabloid reports that Chiyotaikai was guilty of gambling on baseball
The weekly tabloid, Shincho, that originally broke the sumo gambling scandal reported will report in its Wednesday edition that Chiyotaikai (current Sanoyama-oyakata) was also guilty of betting on baseball. In the tabloid's initial article that singled out Kotomitsuki, it was reported that Kotomitsuki confided in Chiyotaikai as how to respond to the extortion attempt against him by a person with ties to the yakuza, but now the magazine is reporting that Chiyotaikai bet on baseball and also frequented illegal casinos. Chiyotaikai spoke with Association officials and denied all allegations, but it puts the former Ozeki in a difficult spot because if he was involved in any illegal gambling activity, he could be charged by police for obstructing justice and giving a false report to them when he was interviewed by police as part of the investigation into Kotomitsuki.

The current tabloid article accusing Chiyotaikai is based on a memo produced by a go-between who brokered bets on baseball between sumo rikishi and the yakuza. The memo was from last summer when Chiyotaikai was still an active rikishi and shows that someone referred to by the characters "TAI-KAI" placed bets on three different games. Beyond the betting receipt, the article also alleges that Chiyotaikai visited illegal casinos.

When asked for comment, the leader of the Special Investigation Committee appointed by the Sumo Association explained that Chiyotaikai was summoned before the group and denied all allegations saying that the thinks the gambling receipt was fabricated. When asked for comment, Chiyotaikai said, "I have never bet on baseball. I am going to discuss my options with a lawyer and then consider filing a lawsuit or a damages claim with police."

Kensho banner numbers miniscule in Nagoya
The number of kensho banners marched around the ring for the day 3 bouts totaled a paltry 10 and were exhibited before just three bouts: Hakuho vs. Asasekiryu (6), Kotooshu vs. Aran (2), and Kotoshogiku vs. Kaio (2). Only 19 banners were seen on day 1 with 13 on day 2. Furthermore, the seven companies who had their names printed on the back of the happi worn by ring attendants at previous tournaments have all refrained from sponsorship during the Nagoya basho. Without the live television broadcast, the sponsors do not see the value of paying for advertising.

July 6thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
NHK to cancel Nagoya basho live broadcast
NHK announced today that it has cancelled its schedule live broadcasts for the upcoming Nagoya basho and will limit their coverage of the bouts to a daily 30-minute digest program that will focus only on the Makuuchi bouts. The broadcast shown on NHK's satellite channel, which also features English commentary, has also been cancelled. Speaking at a press conference where he made the formal announcement, NHK's president, Shigeo Fukuchi, cited sumo's involvement with the Japanese yakuza as the key reason for the cancellation. Recent polls of viewers conducted by the broadcast company have shown an overwhelming majority opinion that NHK should not provide its usual full coverage of the upcoming tournament. "After careful deliberation, we have reached this decision based on the lack of reform within the world of sumo and the strict opinions from our viewers. We strongly desire that sumo reform its ways without any further false starts," Fukuchi announced in his press conference. NHK stated that from a poll of 12,600 viewers, 68% supported the cancellation of the broadcast while only 13% were in favor of it.

Regarding the decision, Nishonoseki-oyakata commented, "It is unfortunate that fans won't be able to see the process of a rikishi being called to dohyo and his face getting red after going through the pre-bout routines." Nishonoseki acknowledged that it could increase actual attendance at the basho, but the satellite broadcast that normally starts at 1 PM and features bouts starting from the Sandanme division will deny fiends and family of lower-ranked rikishi the chance to follow them. This will be the first tournament that NHK has failed to broadcast live since they began their daily live broadcasts in May of 1953.

Banzuke in higher demand than normal
In less significant news, copies of the actual Nagoya basho banzuke have been in high demand due to Kotomitsuki's name appearing on it. The banzuke sells for 50 yen apiece, and the Sumo Association normally has 1,000 copies on hand at the venue for sell prior to the basho; however, the 1,000 banzuke for the Nagoya basho were snatched up in two days with about 20 fans actually lining up early in the morning to buy them the day they went on sale. "I guess some fans see value in them since there is a rikishi on the banzuke that isn't part of us anymore," Nishonoseki said referring to Kotomitsuki. During the basho, the Sumo Association readies another 1,500 copies to be sold during the tournament, but they have increased that number to 3,500 for the Nagoya basho anticipating high demand. Despite the popularity in the actual banzuke, two more sponsors announced that they have withdrawn their companies from presenting the yusho rikishi with a gift on senshuraku. The two companies are Zenno, an agricultural federation in Japan, and the Japan Coca Cola Bottling Company.

July 5thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Nagoya basho banzuke finally released
The Sumo Association finally released the Nagoya basho banzuke this morning after sumo officials met yesterday to decide the fate of the 65 association members who were involved in some sort of gambling. Ozeki Kotomitsuki and Otake-oyakata were expelled by the Association yesterday; however, the names of both men appear on the banzuke. The Sumo Association had already printed up 400,000 copies of the banzuke at a cost of 50 yen per, and the entire process of creating the banzuke takes too much time in order for a new banzuke to have been created prior to the Nagoya basho. Three days after a basho, the Banzuke Reorganization Committee convenes to create the banzuke for the next basho. Each name is written by hand by a gyoji using a brush and ink before being sent off to a printing company where the finished copy isn't ready until about three days prior to the banzuke announcement for the next basho. Due to these circumstances, the banzuke has been released as created three days after the Natsu basho; however, the 10 sekitori will be forced to go kyujo as part of their punishment for gambling on baseball through channels run by the Japanese mafia. The 10 sekitori who will be kyujo sets a new record previously established at the 2000 Natsu basho and 2002 Nagoya basho where 8 sekitori declared their kyujo status.

With 10 sekitori sitting out, the number of Makuuchi and Juryo bouts will also be reduced. Normally, there are 21 Makuuchi bouts and 14 Juryo bouts per day, but with 6 Makuuchi rikishi and 4 Juryo rikishi forced to sit out from the get-go, that reduces the number down to 18 Makuuchi bouts and 12 Juryo bouts. In order to maintain a full Makuuchi schedule, six rikishi per day will be brought up from the Juryo ranks to fight in the Makuuchi division meaning there will only be an average of 9 Juryo bouts per day (if no rikishi are brought up from the Makushita ranks).

Finally, with the new banzuke, Kaio becomes the only Japanese rikishi among the Yokozuna/Ozeki ranks. The Kitanoumi-beya also balloons to 46 rikishi after the Kise-beya was merged with the Kitanoumi-beya after it was learned that Kise-oyakata has been providing prime seating to the yakuza at the last few Nagoya basho. Also, for the first time in 112 years (since the 1898 Haru basho), the Dewanoumi-beya boasts no sekitori.

The complete Nagoya basho banzuke for the Makuuchi division is seen below. Rikishi in red will be absent for the full tournament:

July 4thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Details from emergency board of directors meeting
The Sumo Association's board of directors held an emergency meeting today at a Nagoya hotel and decided on the following courses of actions:

 * Otake-oyakata and Ozeki Kotomitsuki were expelled from the Sumo Association. Kotomitsuki will receive 260 million yen (approximately $280K US) in severance, but it's an amount 3-4 times less what a rikishi of his rank would normally receive. Otake-oyakata will receive no compensation.

 * Futagoyama-oyakata (former Juryo rikishi Dairyu) who was affiliated with the Otake-beya will now assume the name "Otake" and serve as the stable master.

* Tokitsukaze-oyakata was demoted from a status of shunin (leader) to toshi-yori and cannot be promoted back up the oyakata ranks for 5 years due to his involvement with gambling on baseball. Onomatsu-oyakata was demoted from i-in (committee member) to toshi-yori status and cannot be promoted for the next 10 years since a hair stylist and Makushita rikishi from his stable were the links between the rikishi and oyakata gambling on baseball and the yakuza.

* All 29 rikishi, oyakata, and others (like hair stylists) guilty of betting on baseball will be under house arrest at stable facilities for the duration of the Nagoya basho. The rikishi will not participate in the tournament, and the oyakata will not be allowed to perform their normal duties. Due to Miyabiyama's heavy involvement in gambling activities, Musashigawa Rijicho will also be placed under house arrest this basho. An outside director, Hiroyoshi Murayama, will fulfill Musashigawa Rijicho's normal duties such as delivering the formal day 1 greeting and presenting the emperors cup to the yusho rikishi on senshuraku.

* All officials within the Association will receive a cut in salary for July and August. Musashigawa Rijicho's pay will be cut 30%; officials guilty of some form of gambling and under house arrest will be docked 20%; all officials not guilty of gambling will have their pay cut 10%; and oyakata who are not officials within the Association but who have rikishi under house arrest for gambling will have their pay cut 20%.

* The Sumo Association will honor requests for refunds from ticket holders.

Multiple directors within the Sumo Association were strongly opposed to having an outsider assume Musashigawa Rijicho's duties during the basho and touted Hanaregoma-oyakata and Tomozuna-oyakata as replacements, but the commissioner himself used his position to declare, "We are directed by the Ministry of Education, so I am in favor of naming Murayama-san as my replacement."

Regarding the Otake-beya, there were fears that the stable founded by Taiho would be dissolved altogether, but the former Futagoyama-oyakata as the new Otake-oyakata means that the stable will be allowed to continue. Rikishi cannot fight at a hon-basho without a stable master in place, so this move allows the Otake-beya rikishi to participate in the upcoming Nagoya basho.

The Sumo Association also made public the entire list of its members who were guilty of some form of gambling. The following 11 oyakata (including 4 directors) will be under house arrest during the Nagoya basho for participating in some form of gambling themselves or harboring rikishi who were guilty of betting on baseball:

Musashigawa-oyakata
Dewanoumi-oyakata
Kokonoe-oyakata
Michinoku-oyakata
Hakkaku-oyakata
Onomatsu-oyakata
Kasugano-oyakata
Sakaigawa-oyakata
Sadogatake-oyakata
Miyagino-oyakata
Kise-oyakata

The following 18 rikishi (including 11 sekitori) will be under house arrest for the duration of the Nagoya basho for betting on baseball:

Toyonoshima
Miyabiyama
Toyohibiki
Goeido
Okinoumi
Wakakoyu
Chiyohakuho
Daido
Kasuganishiki
Kiyoseumi
Futenoh
Furuichi (Makushita)
Kobo (Makushita)
Yamatofuji (Sandanme)
Matsumidori (Sandanme)
Notozakura (Jonidan)
Ohseumi (Jonidan)
Matsunoumi (Banzuke-gai)

49 other rikishi also admitted to participating in some form of gambling but will not be punished. The Sumo Association apologized for the actions of these members and stressed that it does not condone gambling of any sort even if it doesn't involve the yakuza. Notable members from this list of 46 (3 were not announced because they are under age) include:

Michinoku-oyakata
Hakkaku-oyakata
Matsugane-oyakata
Sadogatake-oyakata
Kumegawa-oyakata
Shiratama-oyakata
Nakagawa-oyakata
Wakafuji-oyakata
Azumazeki-oyakata

Hakuho
Kisenosato
Asasekiryu
Kakizoe
Kotoshogiku
Kakuryu
Tochinonada
Kasugao
Kotokasuga
Kirinowaka
Masatsukasa
Kyokunankai

July 1stsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Kaio apologizes at Tokyo event
Ozeki Kaio took a short trip up to Tokyo today to attend the grand opening of a beer hall in Chiyoda-ku and apologized to fans for the recent scandals surrounding the Sumo Association saying, "I'm terribly sorry for all of the problems presently facing the world of sumo and would like to apologize." Kaio gave his speech after taking a small sip of beer. "There are countless young rikishi who are serious about the sport, so I ask that you don't forget them," the Ozeki continued. "I will also do my best at the Nagoya basho. There may be some rikishi who have to go kyujo, but we will all do our best to perform good sumo and please the fans." Before heading up to Tokyo, Kaio worked out at the Tomozuna-beya, and after the event returned to Nagoya in preparation for morning keiko the next day.

Sumo Association considering refunds
The Sumo Association announced today that will consider providing refunds for those fans who have already purchased tickets but now want their money back due to the recent gambling scandal. Nishonoseki-oyakata announced the proposal to be discussed and formally decided upon on July 5th when the board of directors meet to sort out the final details surrounding the Nagoya basho. The last time a refund was offered to fans was back in 1989 when the death of Emperor Showa (Hirohito) pushed back the start of the 1989 Hatsu basho.

Offering refunds is just one of the many topics that the board will finalize during their upcoming meeting. They will also discuss the excommunication of Ozeki Kotomitsuki and Otake-oyakata and the punishment for Tokitsukaze-oyakata who will likely remain with the Association but be demoted to the lowest possible level. They will also announce whether or not the 10 rikishi who bet most heavily on baseball besides Kotomitsuki will be forced to go kyujo for Nagoya. Rikishi in that group consist of Goeido, Toyonoshima, and Miyabiyama.

NHK undecided on extent of Nagoya basho broadcast
NHK announced today that it will decide on or shortly after July 6th to what extent it will broadcast the upcoming Nagoya basho. Shigeo Fukuchi, chairman of the broadcast company, explained, "Currently we are creating a white paper on the subject and will give our final decision on the 6th or shortly thereafter. Fukuchi explained that they will base their decision on the results of the special board meeting slated for July 5th where sumo officials will meet and determine the final details surrounding the Nagoya basho. "It's important to see how our viewers will accept the decisions of the Sumo Association and their efforts to prevent these problems from reoccurring. We have received more opinions from our viewers recently than at any other time, so we will consider their voices seriously. On one hand, we are obligated to provide the public broadcast, but on the other hand, we must not support anything that is detrimental to society. First and foremost, we will wait for the Sumo Association to make their decisions." As of June 30th, the broadcast company had received 8,200 calls regarding the broadcast where 67% of fans were in favor of no broadcast while only 10% supported the full broadcast.

June 30thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Otake-oyakata to divorce wife in light of scandal
It was reported today that former Yokozuna great, Taiho, has demanded that his third daughter, Mieko, divorce Otake-oyakata resulting from reports that Otake-oyakata will be expelled from the Sumo Association due to his heavy involvement in betting on baseball and his association with members of Japan's yakuza.

Otake-oyakata (former Takatoriki) married Taiho's daughter in 1993 as part of an arranged marriage where Takatoriki was adopted into Taiho's family touting Takatoriki as the successor of the Otake-beya founded by Taiho. The couple have produced four children; however, Otake-oyakata's involvement with the Japanese mafia and betting on baseball was too much for Taiho to bear, and he demanded that all familial ties be cut with Takatoriki meaning his daughter must divorce her husband. Regarding the matter, Taiho's daughter Mieko seemed resigned to her fate as she stated, "I have yet to submit divorce papers, but it seems that will be the case." It is believed that Mieko will assume custody of the children, but details of the divorce have yet to be finalized.

June 27thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Sumo Association to delay the release of the Nagoya basho banzuke
The Sumo Association announced today that it is delaying the release of the Nagoya basho banzuke, the first time in the modern era that the banzuke has not been released as planned. The reason cited was a conflict with a special meeting planned by sumo's board of directors and other officials for June 28th, the day the banzuke was supposed to be released. The underlying reason, however, is the Sumo Association has yet to decide which rikishi will be excommunicated from the sport for betting on baseball through channels run by the Japanese mafia. There is also the possibility that day 1 of the Nagoya basho may be delayed, and there is also speculation that the tournament could be cancelled altogether. Michinoku-oyakata who made the formal announcement also added, "We have never delayed a basho before, but we feel such a huge responsibility. It would be very dramatic for the entire Association."

Kotomitsuki's retirement paper remain unprocessed
It was reported today that several members of the Sadogatake-beya have indicated that Ozeki Kotomitsuki has submitted his retirement papers to the Sumo Association; however, the Association has not processed the papers nor formally recognized the Ozeki's retirement. To do so would put the Sumo Association on the hook to pay Kotomitsuki around half a million dollars US in retirement money. It is widely believed that Kotomitsuki will be formally excommunicated from the association after the June 28th meeting of the board of directors. If Kotomitsuki is booted out, his name will be removed from the Sumo Association records, and the organization will not be obligated to pay him any sort of severance. An unnamed source from the Sadogatake-beya said, "The stable has received his papers, but we have not turned them over to the Association."

According to police reports, Kotomitsuki has gambled hundreds of thousands of dollars (US) on Japanese baseball games the last few years, and the current scandal surrounding the Sumo Association began with a tabloid report that the Ozeki not only bet on baseball but was the victim of an extortion plot where a member of the yakuza who happened to be the older brother of a former rikishi threatened Kotomitsuki that he would go public with his betting habits if the Ozeki didn't pay him 5 million yen in hush money.

Goeido's fan club in Nagoya to disband
Goeido's official fan club in Nagoya is considering disbanding after revelations that the former Sekiwake is heavily involved with the current gambling scandal surrounding the Sumo Association. A spokesman from the group commented, "Most of the members of his fan club are business people, and it would reflect badly on those companies if they continued. We will decided whether or not we will disband after July 4th." The same spokesman also said that Goeido called the fan club last week where he apologized for his actions and admitted he was involved the baseball betting scandal. The fan club has already cancelled the usual pre-basho pep rally that was scheduled for July 3rd. The fan clubs for Toyonoshima and Ozeki Kotomitsuki have yet to decide their futures although all plans for Nagoya have been cancelled.

Former rikishi who facilitated betting on baseball was member of yakuza
It was reported today that former rikishi, Furuichi, who was arrested for his involvement in facilitating gambling on baseball--an illegal practice in Japan, was also a member of the Japanese yakuza affiliated with a group operating out of Kyushu. Police revealed that Kotomitsuki organized all of his bets through Furuichi, and police also believe Furuichi put considerable pressure on Kotomitsuki after indicating he was a member of the yakuza.

NHK considering cancellation of sumo broadcasts
NHK will wait for the results of the emergency board of directors meeting scheduled for June 28th before it decides how much coverage of the Nagoya basho it will provide. A special meeting was held at NHK's Niigata studios where viewers were invited to attend and express their opinions regarding NHK's involvement with sumo moving forward. Many in attendance were of the opinion that the Sumo Association would not change its ways unless NHK took serious action like refusing to broadcast the bouts altogether. Hidemi Hinata, NHK's General Director, said that a decision will be made depending on the reforms sumo puts in place aimed at cleaning up the sport.

June 20thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Hairdresser and Makushita rikishi from Onomatsu-beya acted as go-betweens
The latest revelation regarding the gambling scandal enveloping the Sumo Association is that a hairdresser and 34 year-old Makushita rikishi from the Onomatsu-beya acted as go-betweens for members of the Sumo Association who placed bets on baseball games with organizations run by the Japanese mafia (yakuza). The hairdresser in question is 29 year-old Tokoike, and the Makushita rikishi is Furuichi, a former Juryo rikishi who fought by the name Komidori in the mid 1990's.

Tokoike is ranked as a third-level hairdresser (there are five levels) and according to a person who knows him well, "When he was young, he was very dedicated, but about six or seven years ago he began hanging out with members of the yakuza. Whenever he'd go out for the evening, his clothes and overall demeanor reflected a change." Tokoike has met with police multiple times, and three rikishi already cited as betting on baseball--Goeido, Toyonoshima, and Toyohibiki--all told police that they placed their bets through Tokoike. Onomatsu-oyakata was visibly upset at the news and issued the following statement: "I apologize from the depths of my heart for all of the trouble I have caused everyone."

June 19thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Miyabiyama latest rikishi reported to have been involved in gambling
Miyabiyama was the latest rikishi to be publicly named today as being on the Sumo Association's list of members who have been involved in illegal gambling. It's being reported that Miyabiyama did not bet on baseball opting for games of Mahjong and Hana-fude. His affiliation with the Musashigawa-beya creates a new problem since the sport's commissioner, Musashigawa-oyakata, had at least one rikishi from his stable gambling on his watch. As for betting on baseball, it is being reported that for the last five years, several prominent rikishi and recently-retired rikishi now serving as oyakata were involved in betting on baseball. An unnamed source from within the Association said, "There are multiple rikishi including sanyaku rikishi who would discuss the starting pitchers in the dressing rooms before their bouts."

It is also being reported that gambling was a popular activity when the rikishi were on the road for the jungyo exhibitions. After morning keiko, the rikishi would eat lunch and then have several hours of free time before the dohyo-iri prior to the exhibition bouts. Many of the rikishi would gather in a circle sitting on cushions and play Hana-fude, a traditional Japanese card game. Reports have the pot for these games growing to as high as $10,000 US in some cases. An unidentified rikishi was quoted as saying, "Toyonoshima, Miyabiyama, and Goeido were particularly high rollers."

June 18thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Tokitsukaze-oyakata, Goeido, and Toyohibiki added to the list
It is being reported today that Tokitsukaze-oyakata, Goeido, and Toyohibiki are among the 29 members on the Sumo Association's list of its members who bet on baseball, and illegal activity in Japan. On Monday, the Association announced that a total of 65 members were guilty of different forms of illegal gambling, but those who bet on baseball are receiving the most attention beginning with Ozeki Kotomitsuki whose name was the first to surface during the Natsu basho regarding illegal activity.

That the names of Otake-oyakata and Tokitsukaze-oyakata are confirmed as being on the list are of big concern since those two stables have been involved in scandals in recent years. Nearly three years ago, members of the Tokitsukaze-beya tortured and killed a 17 year-old member of the stable in an act of severe hazing that spanned several days, and then nearly two years ago, Roho, a member of the Otake-beya, was kicked out of sumo for testing positive for marijuana.

The Sumo Association's board of directors will hold a special meeting on June 21st to address this latest scandal surrounding sumo, and it is being reported that the two stable could be dissolved altogether.

June 17thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Otake-oyakata and Toyonoshima admit gambling activity
Otake-oyakata (former Sekiwake Takatoriki) announced to the media today that he was involved in illegal betting on baseball. The confession comes on the heels of yet another report from the weekly tabloid, Shincho, which reported that Otake-oyakata and Toyonoshima were both involved in illegal gambling activities. It was also learned today that both men were interviewed by police regarding the allegations that they gambled on baseball. Otake-oyakata held a press conference at his stable where he said, "I sincerely apologize for this great disturbance. I will put my future in the hands of the Sumo Association and the police department, so I can't comment further. When the time is right, I will talk to everyone." Sumo's board of directors will hold an emergency meeting on June 21st to discuss these new allegations. It's possible that the Otake-beya could be dissolved altogether, which would eliminate the stable founded by one of the greatest of them all, former Yokozuna Taiho. As for Toyonoshima, he issued the following statement: "I offer my sincere apology to all sumo fans and those affiliated with the Association. I am leaving everything up to the Sumo Association from here and thus cannot comment further." The two become the latest names to surface after the Sumo Association announced that 65 of its members were involved in gambling activities.

Sumo's largest sponsor reconsidering
Nagatani-en, a bottling company in Japan, announced that it is considering withdrawing its kensho support for the upcoming Nagoya basho. The company usually pays for 200 advertising banners during the course of the tournament, which makes it sumo's largest sponsor. An official from the company said in a statement, "We still do not know all of the details of this latest scandal, so we will wait to hear the final results before we make a decision.

June 14thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Sumo Association learns that 65 members are guilty of illegal gambling;  Kotomitsuki named
The Sumo Association announced today that after conducting an internal investigation, they have learned that 65 members of the Association comprised of rikishi and oyakata have been involved in illegal gambling in the form of betting on baseball, playing mahjong, or playing a traditional Japanese card game called hana-fude. The Association did not release specific names, but Ozeki Kotomitsuki admitted publicly that he had indeed bet on baseball despite his prior stance that he was innocent of the allegations made by the tabloid Shincho during the Natsu basho. The Sumo Association also announced that they have turned all of their finding over to police and are cooperating in the investigation. Michinoku-oyakata, director of the Association's public affairs department, commented, "This is extremely shocking, but we need to completely rid ourselves of this infection and work together to ensure that this never occurs again. We will wait until the police investigation is completed before we determine appropriate discipline."

May 29thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Kise-beya rikishi to join the Kitanoumi-beya
Kise-oyakata and Kitanoumi-oyakata held a joint press conference today to announce that the rikishi affiliated with the recently dissolved Kise-beya will officially join the Kitanoumi-beya. Kise-oyakata stated, "I made the request of Kitanoumi-oyakata two days ago." After which, Kitanoumi-oyakata explained, "When I thought about the rikishi themselves, I realized that they needed an environment where they could develop. The move will become official on May 31st when the Sumo Association formally takes care of the paper-work. Regarding this latest development, the sport's commissioner, Musashigawa Rijicho, stated, "I'm relieved because When you consider what's best for the rikishi, this needs to be decided as soon as possible."

The merging of the two stables will bring the total number of rikishi affiliated with the Kitanoumi-beya to 47 making it the largest stable in sumo. That number easily surpasses Kitanoumi-beya's previous high of 33 at the 1989 Haru basho. In order to accommodate the large influx of rikishi, the stable will convert a storage area into new living quarters for the younger rikishi. Until then, it's being reported that the non-sekitori rikishi will continue to use the former Kise-beya facilities.

For trivia geeks, the largest number of rikishi ever to occupy a stable in the modern era of sumo was 86 affiliated with the Dewanoumi-beya at the 1965 Hatsu basho. The largest number of rikishi to occupy a stable in the Heisei era (1989 to present) was 55 affiliated with the Futagoyama-beya for the 1993 Hatsu basho. The Kitanoumi-beya will become the first stable with 40 or more rikishi since the Futagoyama-beya accomplished the feat in Aki 1998 with 41.

Dejima gets snipped at the Ryogoku Kokugikan
Former Ozeki Dejima had his top-knot snipped in a formal ceremony held today at the Ryogoku Kokugikan where approximately 340 people took turns snipping at the mage with Musashigawa-oyakata executing the final cut. As Musashigawa-oyakata removed the mage for good, Dejima (the current Onaruto-oyakata) raised a handkerchief to his face to wipe away the tears. Afterwards, Dejima commented, "I'm glad I fought under my stablemaster. Now, I hope to raise rikishi who will also become model citizens." Regarding his former apprentice, Musashigawa-oyakata said, "He employed good, forward-moving sumo. I hope he takes advantage of personal experiences to raise unique rikishi of his own." 

May 27thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Kise-beya to be dissolved, Kiyomigata-oyakata receives slap on the wrist
The Sumo Association's board of directors held a special meeting this afternoon to determine a punishment for Kise-oyakata (pictured at right) and Kiyomigata-oyakata who provided prime tickets to members of Japan's yakuza for last year's Nagoya basho. While Kiyomigata-oyakata was only reprimanded, Kise-oyakata was demoted a full two ranks from i-in status to toshi-yori status. Furthermore, in an unprecedented move, Kise-oyakata was stripped of his right to run a stable meaning the Kise-beya will be dissolved with the 27 rikishi affiliated with it merged into another stable within the Dewanoumi Ichimon. Current speculation cites the Kitanoumi-beya or the Irumagawa-beya.

Regarding the punishment, Kise-oyakata stated, "There are various accounts of what actually happened that are being reported, but there's nothing I can do about this punishment. All I want now is for the young rikishi to be given a place where they can continue doing their sumo." As an oyakata now at toshi-yori status, Kise-oyakata will be assigned to assist with another stable within the Dewanoumi Ichimon.

Both oyakata were summoned to the meeting, which began at 1 PM at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, and both oyakata denied any knowledge that the tickets would be given to members of the yakuza. However, Michinoku-oyakata stated, "Just saying you didn't know isn't acceptable." Kise-oyakata received the harsher punishment since he was the one requesting the tickets the last few years while Kiyomigata-oyakata was just assisting in the request.

The Sumo Association didn't go as far to say that Kise-oyakata would never be able to establish a stable again, but current Association rules stipulate that an oyakata must have fought in 60 Makuuchi basho while Kise-oyakata (former Higonoumi) only fought in 53. The highest-ranking rikishi in the Kise-beya is J1 Gagamaru, who will be promoted to the Makuuchi division for the Nagoya basho.

May 26thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Kise-oyakata and Kiyomigata-oyakata named as oyakata who provided tickets to yakuza
It was learned today that the two oyakata who provided prime seating to the Japanese yakuza for last year's Nagoya basho were Kise-oyakata (40 years old, former M1 Higonoumi) and Kiyomigata-oyakata (64 years old, former M1 Dairyugawa). The Sumo Association will hold a special board meeting tomorrow to consider punishment for the two oyakata. Kise-oyakata currently has three Juryo rikishi in his stable in J1 Gagamaru, J7 Tokushinho, and J10 Kiyoseumi. Kiyomigata-oyakata is affiliated with the Mihogaseki-beya and spoke briefly with NHK reporters this afternoon denying that he had any knowledge as to whom the special seats would be given.

New Juryo rikishi announced
The Sumo Association's Banzuke Reorganization Committee met this morning to rework the banzuke rankings for the Nagoya basho. Following custom, the Association announced the rikishi promoted to the Juryo division in order to give their stables sufficient time to prepare for the new sekitori. Two rikishi will make their debut in the division beginning with Kaisei, a 23 year-old Brazilian who is third generation Japanese and fights from the Tomozuna-beya. Joining Kaisei is Sadanoumi, another 23 year-old who fights from the Sakaigawa-beya and is the son of former Komusubi, Sadanoumi. Rejoining the ranks are 21 year-old Masuraumi, a 21 year-old who fights from the Onomatsu-beya and Hochiyama, a 28 year-old former Makuuchi rikishi who fights from the Sakaigawa-beya. The Nagoya basho will begin July 11th.

May 25thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Reports surface that two oyakata gave prime seating to the Japanese mafia
It was reported today the Aichi Prefectural police revealed that at least 50 members of the Japanese mafia (called yakuza) attended the Nagoya basho last year after high-ranking officials from the Yamaguchi Family--a prominent yakuza group--obtained tickets for prime seats just below the dohyo from two separate oyakata, who have yet to be identified. The police also believe that the two oyakata provided other accommodations to the yakuza on the days that they viewed sumo. Both oyakata have been questioned by police but stated, "We weren't aware that those tickets were going to members of the mafia.

Regarding the Sumo Association, they are aware of the circumstances regarding last year's Nagoya basho and are considering punishing the two oyakata in question. A special meeting of sumo's board will be held on May 27th where the two oyakata will be summoned to explain their side of the story. While the ages of the two oyakata haven't been provided, it is being reported that one is 64 years old and the other is 40 years old. One runs his own stable while the other is a stable assistant. The Kyodo News Service spoke with the 64 year old oyakata and received the following statement, "Four or five years ago, I was approached by another oyakata, so I got the tickets for him. I had no idea who they would be given to."

According to the Sumo Association, the seats--called Iji-in-seki--occupied by members of the mafia are not made available to the general public for sale; rather, they are reserved for people or organizations who donate large amounts of money to the Association. NHK reported last night that the seats in question for last year's Nagoya basho were obtained for a donation of 3 million yen. The Sumo Association also says that when guests show up with tickets for the seats surrounding the dohyo--also called suna-kaburi, the guests must provide the Iji-in-seki certificate and personal identification.

Aichi Prefecture police indicated that the two oyakata gave the tickets to a sumo information desk where the members of the mafia picked them up before attending the bouts. Due to the close proximity of the seats to the dohyo, the police believe that the mafia purchased the seats in order to allow the leader of the Yamaguchi Family, Kenichi Shibata who is currently incarcerated, to observe his staff on television by watching the daily broadcast.

It is believed that the Sumo Association was aware of the situation before the reports surfaced today as they posted a sign above the ticket windows at last year's Kyushu basho stating that they refused to sell any tickets to members of the Japanese mafia.

A mafia member who asked not to be identified, however, gave NHK news an interview on the night of May 25 and said that members of the mafia frequently go out for drinks and dinner with members of the Sumo Association and that sometimes it is members of the Association who instigate contact with the yakuza.

May 24thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Hakuho's yusho press conference
Yokozuna Hakuho held his usual morning after press conference to discuss his zensho yusho performance at the Natsu basho, the sixth 15-0 tournament of his career. "It was my first yusho in Tokyo in a year an a half, so that gives me a lot of confidence now," Hakuho began. The Yokozuna also accomplished another 30+ bout win streak in May, the third time in his career that he's done that putting him in second place all time behind Taiho's 4. Regarding the feat, Hakuho commented, "If I consciously try and do it, I can't, so this current steak is a natural consequence." Hakuho's current win streak stands at 32, one behind is career longest of 33. The Yokozuna was aware of where he stood and offered, "I want to extend this as long as I can, and I'm going to try my best in order to do so."

When asked about the lack of a rival, Hakuho answered, "On one hand, I want a rival, but I also feel as if I don't want to make anyone's rise up the ranks easy." When asked about clinching the yusho on day 13, the Yokozuna responded, "I'm just trying my best to carry the basho, so I'm not thinking at all about what anyone else is doing. During this basho, I just told myself don't lose to yourself." As for Hakuho's upcoming schedule, he will return to Mongolia in June where he will sponsor a children's sumo tournament before coming back to Japan in preparation for the Nagoya basho. "Nagoya is a good basho for me (Hakuho has won in Nagoya the last two years), so I hope to take my usual time to get ready for it."

May 19thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Tabloid alleges Kotomitsuki's involvement in gambling, ties to the yakuza
The Shincho weekly tabloid broke a story in it's May 20th edition alleging that Kotomitsuki is guilty of betting on professional baseball, a practice that's illegal in Japan. Furthermore, the magazine is reporting that a member of the Japanese yakuza attempted to extort 100 million yen (just over $1 million US) from the Ozeki as a trade-off for keeping silent about Kotomitsuki's gambling habits. Upon learning of the article, the Sumo Association indicated that it spoke to all parties mentioned in the article, and if it is determined that Kotomitsuki did indeed bet on baseball, he will be excommunicated from the Sumo Association altogether.

According to the tabloid's article, Kotomitsuki began betting on baseball over five years ago at the urging of a hair stylist affiliated with sumo and has lost what amounts to hundreds of thousand of US dollars. Adding to the problem, the article alleges Kotomitsuki's involvement with the yakuza, Japan's version of the mafia, which is extremely taboo in mainstream society. The tabloid claims that a former Onomatsu-beya rikishi introduced Kotomitsuki to members of the mafia, and it even went as far as to state Otake-oyakata (former Takatoriki) was also involved in betting on baseball. It also claims that Otake-oyakata and Tokitsukaze-oyakata (former Tokitsuumi) joined Kotomitsuki in his association with the yakuza. The final name mentioned in the article is Sanoyama-oyakata (former Chiyotaikai) where it's being reported that Kotomitsuki confided in Chiyotaikai regarding his gambling problems and ties to the yakuza.

The Sumo Association has been very clear in its stance that no members are to be involved at any level with members of the yakuza. In December 2008, Musashigawa Rijicho organized a special meeting outlining to the rikishi this stance and warning them of the consequences, which would be excommunication from sumo. It is also being reported, that the commissioner had already invited members of the police department to speak to the rikishi on May 27th after the Natsu basho regarding the dangers of being involved with people detrimental to society like the yakuza.

Dewanoumi-oyakata and Michinoku-oyakata met with all parties mentioned in the article and with Sadogatake-oyakata, and according to the Sumo Association, everyone vehemently denied the content of the tabloid's article. It is also being reported that Sadogatake-oyakata first received word of the article on the night of May 18th, and when he approached Kotomitsuki on the matter, the Ozeki strongly denied any truth to the article. After defeating Hakuba in his day 11 bout, Kotomitsuki was asked by reporters about the tabloid's allegations to which he responded, "I know nothing about any of that."

May 18thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Sumo Association scheduling move backfires
The Sumo Association broke from precedence by scheduling Yokozuna Hakuho to fight Ozeki Kaio on day 11 instead of Ozeki Baruto in an attempt to extend any sort of suspense regarding the yusho race; however, the move backfired as Baruto lost to fellow Ozeki, Kotooshu, on day 10 widening the gap between Hakuho and Baruto to two losses. Normally, the Yokozuna will fight the Ozeki in order from lowest rank to highest, which meant Hakuho would have faced Baruto on day 11, but in an effort to extend the yusho race as late as possible, the Sumo Association gave Hakuho Kaio first instead of Baruto. During the basho, Makuuchi bouts are determined one day in advance around noontime, so the Baruto - Kotooshu matchup had yet to take place when the Sumo Association decided to gamble on the schedule change. Mihogaseki-oyakata, who is in charge of determining the Makuuchi matchups, stated, "We wanted Baruto to fight like he was still in it, but he gave up the mawashi there at the tachi-ai and was too upright."

Two days, two dame-oshi from Yokozuna Hakuho
Yokozuna Hakuho committed his second dame-oshi in as many days shoving Sekiwake Kisenosato off the dohyo at the end of their bout. Hakuho was actually quite worked up after the bout upset by the face slap Kisenosato delivered during their contest. The Yokozuna was angry as he spoke to reporters commenting, "He doesn't get it either does he? That was uncalled for. He's mistaken as to which opponents he gives a hari-te. Maybe if he figures that out, he'll get stronger." Hakuho was upset the previous day as well after being henka'd at the tachi-ai by Kakuryu. The Yokozuna responded by sending Kakuryu several rows up the hana-michi after the Maegashira rikishi had clearly stepped out of the ring.

May 12thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Day 4 Quotes
Kotomitsuki on his loss to Tochinoshin, "I rushed things out there and then did myself in with that throw attempt."

Mihogaseki-oyakata on Tochinoshin's sumo, "He's so powerful from that migi-yotsu position, and Kotomitsuki was too upright."

Kaio on his four wins all by hataki-komi, "I'm getting sick of it myself."

Kisenosato on his loss to Kaio, "I just can't fall for that. It was just like his sumo yesterday...and I wasn't ready for it."

Takamisakari on winning on his 34th birthday, "I went all out, but my birthday had nothing to do with that. I just try and hit as hard as I can."

Takamisakari on his fan mail and notes from well-wishers, "I'll read all that when the basho is over. I have to bring it tomorrow too."

Hakuho on his win over Homasho despite securing the belt, "I'm not going to do the impossible to get it. If I do get it, it's my brand of sumo."

Hakuho on Kaio's fast start, "That's expected; he's an Ozeki. He also received some awards before the basho, so he's likely drawing strength from that too."

Baruto on his sumo overall after beating Tochiohzan, "My tachi-ai is always different. I'm winning, so that's good, but my footwork isn't there yet."

May 10thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Day 2 Quotes
Hakuho on his easy win over Toyonoshima, "I judged everything well out there."

Harumafuji on his 0-2 start, his first as an Ozeki since his very first basho at the rank, "I'm okay. It's not bad enough that I'll have to sit out."

Kaio on his marathon win over Miyabiyama that ended in a mono-ii with Kaio's victory being upheld, "I was so tired after that, I didn't care if they would have said I lost. I just wanted anything but a do-over."

Chiyonofuji on Kaio's sumo, "He stayed in the ring well, and you could tell he didn't want to give up."

Chiyonofuji on Kaio's creeping up on his record for all-time career wins at 1,045 (Kaio has 993 wins), "I hope he keeps going and breaks it."

Baruto on being henka'd by Homasho, "I didn't expect that and was caught off guard."

Day 2 attendance worst every recorded at Ryogoku Kokugikan
4,973 tickets went unsold for day 2 of the Natsu basho, the worst ever attendance since the Sumo Association began tracking such numbers beginning in Natsu 1997.

May 7thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Sumo Association announces first two days of Makuuchi bouts
The Sumo Association released the pairings for the first two days of Makuuchi bouts. Newly-promoted Ozeki Baruto draws M2 Tochinoshin on day 1 before facing M2 Homasho on day 2. Yokozuna Hakuho begins facing the customary West Komusubi, which means he'll battle Tochiohzan on day 1 before welcoming Toyonoshima on day 2. Ozeki Kaio who needs just nine more wins to reach 1,000 career wins gets M2 Homasho on day 1 before receiving a stiffer test in M1 Miyabiyama on day 2.  Click the following links for the complete listing of bouts:  Day 1  | Day 2

May 6thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Takanohana and his followers hold joint keiko session
The splinter group unofficially known as the Takanohana Ichimon gathered yesterday for their first dose of joint keiko at the Magaki-beya. Prior to the board elections February 1st, Takanohana left the Nishonoseki Ichimon in order to run for election to sumo's board of directors. Three other oyakata followed Takanohana and left the Ichimon as well including Magaki-oyakata, Onomatsu-oyakata, and Otake-oyakata. The biggest surprise of the day, however, was Shikoroyama-oyakata (former Terao) showing up even though he belongs to the Tokitsukaze Ichimon. No concrete results of the session were given, but Takanohana oversaw the session barking out orders to the 30 or so rikishi gathered. Afterwards, Takanohana commented, "The most important thing is to raise these rikishi. It also unifies us more. We hope to continue this in the future." As for Shikoroyama-oyakata, he explained his surprise showing saying, "I don't care what Ichimon it is, I'm going to show up. Nothing should be read into my coming today."

Noticeably absent from the session was Shikoroyama-oyakata's lone Makuuchi rikishi, Homasho.  Homasho reportedly injured his neck at a de-geiko session last week at the Kataonami-beya, but Shikoroyama-oyakata insisted that Homasho would be ready for the basho.  "He's already back and moving around inside the dohyo.  He will be ready for the basho."

May 5thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Tochiohzan and Hakuho lock horns
Komusubi Tochiohzan and the other sekitori at the Kasugano-beya welcomed Yokozuna Hakuho for de-geiko yesterday. Tochiohzan battled Hakuho 8 times winning the first bout by yori-kiri before losing the rest. Despite being dominated by the Yokozuna, the Komusubi went on to fight a total of 28 bouts finishing 16-12 overall including those seven losses to Hakuho. After the session, Tochiohzan seemed pleased with his results saying, "I hope I fight him again on day 1. That was the same situation last year too, but I was so nervous I couldn't do anything. This year I'm really looking forward to it." Tochiohzan made his Komusubi debut last year at Natsu but finished a disappointing 6-9.

As for Hakuho, he fought a total of 20 bouts finishing 19-1. The Yokozuna reportedly drank too much the previous night and was fighting a hangover, but NHK analyst and former Yokozuna, Kitanofuji, was on hand and seemed impressed by Hakuho's practice. "I was a little bit concerned watching him at the Soken keiko session, but he's really come along since then." As for Hakuho, he commented on the basho, "I'm the only one who can carry things, but I hope one of the Ozeki can keep pace." 

May 4thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Baruto practices with Yamamotoyama
Ozeki Baruto stayed at home today to battle stablemate Yamamotoyama, the former Makuuchi rikishi who weighed in pre-basho at a svelte 265 kilos. The two fought 17 times with Baruto unsurprisingly winning every bout using a combination of oshi and yori attacks. Baruto also polished his tachi-ai by ramming his right shoulder repeatedly into a sandbag. After the session, Baruto simply commented, "I'm looking good right now." The Ozeki has yet to venture out for de-geiko and indicated that he will likely continue to stay put at the Onoe-beya until the basho begins. "We have a lot of fans here, and I'm able to do some good keiko," he explained referring to the legion of fans who crowded around the stable keiko-ba to watch practice.

Harumafuji's left knee still bothering him
Ozeki Harumafuji stayed at home as well today for keiko nursing his left knee that he injured during the Soken general keiko session. The Ozeki never did enter the practice ring settling for teppo and other basic exercises. Despite hurting his knee on April 29th at the general keiko session, Harumafuji visited the Sadogatake-beya the next day to battle his fellow Ozeki and Kotoshogiku. "I think I overdid it," he explained regarding afterwards, "but I'll be ready for the basho."

May 2ndsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Kotooshu takes over at 2nd day of Nishonoseki Ichimon keiko session
The Nishonoseki Ichimon held their joint keiko session for the second day in a row that saw Ozeki Kotooshu come away as the outstanding performer. The Ozeki was criticized yesterday by Naruto-oyakata for withdrawing from the session early after taking a head-butt in the chest, but Kotooshu rebounded nicely today fighting in 42 bouts and finishing 38-4. At one point during the session, Kotooshu fought 30 consecutive times. After the session, the Ozeki commented, "I was able to face various opponents and do some good keiko."

May 1stsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Kisenosato shines at Nishonoseki Ichimon joint keiko session
The Nishonoseki Ichimon held a joint keiko session today at the Kataonami-beya with Sekiwake Kisenosato capturing the spotlight fighting in a total of 35 bouts. Kisenosato, who rarely gets out for de-geiko, stated after the session, "I feel really good and refreshed. The content of my sumo was also good." The Nishonoseki Ichimon is still in a bit of disarray after the Takanohana-beya left the Ichimon with several other stables following suit.

The Sadogatake-beya Ozeki, Kotooshu and Kotomitsuki, were also present; however, Kotooshu only fought 23 bouts while Kotomitsuki participated in only 18. Kotooshu complained of pain in his chest stating, "I took a head butt right in the chest," but Naruto-oyakata wasn't buying the excuse commenting, "He gets paid a lot of money, so he should lend that part of his chest that doesn't hurt." As for Kotomitsuki, he was out of breath midway through the session fighting only half the bouts of Kisenosato prompting Hanaregoma-oyakata to say, "The two Ozeki have to fight more. That wasn't fair to Kisenosato." The Ichimon will continue to hold joint keiko sessions through the 3rd rotating to a different stable each day.

April 29thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Baruto struggles at Soken general keiko session
The always anticipated Soken general keiko session was held today at the Ryogoku Kokugikan's main arena, which meant that the Sumo Association opened up the doors to the general public. 5,575 fans piled into the arena with all eyes on newly-promoted Ozeki, Baruto. However, the Estonian failed to shine winning only half of his bouts. At one point, Baruto suffered three straight losses to Sekiwake Kisenosato, one loss by yori-kiri and two losses where Kisenosato brushed the Ozeki's tsuppari attack aside and felled him to the dirt.

Though no concrete results were given, Kisenosato fought a total of 15 bouts and was asked by the oyakata in attendance to stay near the dohyo to practice with the rest of the Ozeki. After the session, Kisenosato commented, "I was able to live up to my expectations there today. I just have to produce results." As for Baruto, who looked tired during his 20 bouts, he stated, "I was too nervous out there, so I just didn't move well." When asked if there was any fatigue after all of the extra-curricular activities that accompany promotion to Ozeki, Baruto simply replied, "Yes." Regarding Baruto's average performance, Musashigawa Rijicho commented, "He was clearly out of breath. But I'm sure he will pick things up from here."

As for Yokozuna Hakuho, he battled the Ozeki 17 times finishing 11-6; however, it was reported that he often let his opponents gain the upper hand in their bouts. Regarding comments from the Yokozuna afterwards, Hakuho only responded, "I'll continue to improve my condition from here." The remaining Ozeki also participated with everyone's conditioning reported simply "as expected." All rikishi ranked in the sanyaku and above participated in the session, which is overseen by the Yokozuna Deliberation Council.

April 28thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Iwakiyama withdraws from the Natsu basho
M5 Iwakiyama announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Natsu basho due to an infarction in his cerebellum (don't ask us). The 34 year-old still indicated, however, that he intends to continue on fighting as an active rikishi despite this setback. Iwakiyama first visited a hospital earlier this month where he was diagnosed with the infarction, and he immediately withdrew from the spring exhibitions. After another checkup today, doctors advised Iwakiyama not to fight in the upcoming tournament. Sakaigawa-oyakata explained, "This could be a life or death situation, so we have to take it very seriously. We will do our best to have him continue as an active fighting rikishi."

Toyonoshima practices despite loose cartilage in his elbow
M1 Toyonoshima participated in the Tokitsukaze Ichimon joint keiko session today, but only fought six bouts. The former Sekiwake noticed loose cartilage in his left elbow after the Haru basho, and the joint is still reportedly bothering him. "If it gets bad, I'll have get it scoped. It makes me too timid in the keiko ring." Regarding the Soken keiko session to be held on the 29th at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, Toyonoshima indicated that he plans to attend.

Tatsunami Ichimon joint keiko session held, rogue oyakata  a no-show
The Tatsunami Ichimon held a joint keiko session of their own today that saw Ozeki Kaio fight a whopping 21 bouts. No concrete results were given, but Kaio commented afterwards, "I actually hoped to go a little bit longer, but I stopped here." When asked if he could fight for another three years, Kaio joked, "I don't think I can keep my mage that long," referring to his thinning hair.

The highlight of the keiko session was Yokozuna Hakuho who fought Harumafuji among others 28 times finishing 23-5. Mokonami also had a spirited session fighting 22 times with no results given.

Outside of the ring, Tatsunami-oyakata and Ajigawa-oyakata were noticeably absent from the session and failed to contact Ichimon officials to report their absence. Both oyakata are considered traitors within the Ichimon because they cast votes for Takanohana-oyakata during the board elections on February 1st. Ajigawa-oyakata, who is affiliated with the Miyagino-beya, was nowhere to be found today while Tatsunami-oyakata stayed at home to oversee the keiko session of the non-sekitori rikishi in his stable. "That's not something that you absolutely have to attend, and it was sufficient to just send Mokonami along." The Ichimon will reportedly hold a special meeting during the Natsu basho to decide whether or not to excommunicate the two oyakata.

April 27thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Banzuke reaction
Newly-crowned Ozeki, Baruto, held a press conference at the Onoe-beya upon the release of the Natsu basho banzuke. "My next goal is the yusho," Baruto said as he pointed to his shikona while flanked by his stablemaster. When asked about his personal best 14-1 basho in March, Baruto answered, "My thrusting sumo really gave me confidence, so I hope to continue that same form where I create space with tsuppari and then grab the mawashi." As for Baruto's stablemaster, Onoe-oyakata, he commented, "Regardless of the dialogue here, he's got to go out and give it his all. I think he's conscious of that and will get it done." When asked about de-geiko, Onoe-oyakata offered, "I think he'll get out for some."

The Onoe-beya is currently building new stable facilities in Tokyo's Ota Ward, which will bring them closer to the other stables. One of Baruto's biggest setbacks since moving to the Onoe-beya is the difficulty in getting out for de-geiko due to the stable's proximity far away from the center of sumo in Tokyo. The new stable is set to open on June 12th, so Onoe-oyakata commented, "It will be a double celebration," referring to the stable's opening and Baruto's recent promotion. "We could even make it a triple," he said referring to a Baruto yusho. "I would love to see that happen," he concluded.

Yokozuna Hakuho ready for a change?
Yokozuna Hakuho held a press conference of his own where the topic focused on a possible color change in his mawashi for the upcoming Natsu basho. If Hakuho were to take the yusho in May, he would tie former Yokozuna, Wajima, with 14 career yusho. One of Wajima's trademarks was a gold-colored mawashi, so Hakuho indicated that he is seriously considering changing the color of his belt to gold. "I don't know whether or not it would look good on me, but I'm thinking about it.

In regards to the yusho, Hakuho hasn't won an emperor's cup in Tokyo since Aki 2008, so that Yokozuna hopes to change that trend at the Natsu basho. "I have to go out there and win this tournament before people start referring to me as Hakuho, who is only strong at the regional tournaments." If Hakuho does choose to wear gold, it would be the first time that color was worn by a Yokozuna since the 2005 Haru basho where Asashoryu experimented with it.

April 26thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Sumo Association releases Natsu basho banzuke
The Sumo Association released the Natsu basho banzuke this morning in anticipation of the May tournament set to begin May 9th. The biggest change is the addition of Baruto to the Ozeki ranks bringing the number of Ozeki back up to five for the first time since the 2009 Aki basho. Baruto becomes the eighth foreign-born Ozeki and reached the prestigious rank in 36 basho, which puts him in 9th place all time in terms of speed.

Ozeki Kaio finds himself in the Makuuchi rank for a record-setting 101st basho while Kisenosato finds himself in the Sekiwake rank for the first time in four basho. Aminishiki makes his return to Sekiwake for the first time in 8 basho. Rounding out the sanyaku are Kotoshogiku who returns to the Komusubi rank for the first time in two basho and Tochiohzan who regains the rank after six basho. This also marks the first time in eleven years that no first-time rikishi have graced the sanyaku going back six basho.

There are no newcomers to the Makuuchi division for this basho, but Kimurayama, Tochinonada, Wakakoyu, and Koryu all make their returns to the division.  The complete Makuuchi rankings are as follows:

April 12thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Asashoryu returns to Japan
Former Yokozuna Asashoryu returned to Japan today for the first time in a month after spending time at home in Mongolia. He was wearing a black suit as he landed at Narita Airport and headed for the underground parking level ignoring reporters but waving to fans who called out his name. It is being reported that Asashoryu will try his hand at acting starring in a film about Genghis Khan where Asashoryu will play the main role. Shooting is scheduled to begin in July and will take place in Mongolia and overseas.

When asked why he returned to Japan, Asashoryu's personal manager, Akihiro Ichinomiya, wasn't sure stating, "I don't know what his plans are from here." Asashoryu will likely meet with his former stablemaster, Takasago-oyakata, to discuss his danpatsu-shiki scheduled for October 3rd. Tickets for Chiyotaikai's danpatsu-shiki scheduled for October 2nd have already gone on sale, so the Japanese media is making a fuss that Asashoryu hasn't even begun preparations. The event is expected to bring in about $2 million US to be split by Asashoryu and the Takasago-beya.

In other news, Asashoryu is being sued by a Tokyo Production Company for the amount of 10.5 million yen (just over $150K US) after Asashoryu failed to show up for an event sponsored by the company. A decision will be made in a Tokyo court on April 16th, but Asashoryu is not expected to testify.

April 1stsearch for cupids and Asian girls
New Juryo rikishi announced
The Sumo Association announced the rikishi who will be promoted or re-promoted to the Juryo ranks for the upcoming Natsu basho. One newcomer achieves seki-tori status for the first time in 26 year-old Matsutani, a Fukuoka native who fights from the Matsugane-beya. He will be joined be two rikishi making their returns to the ranks in 26 year-old Hoshikaze, a Mongolian who fights from the Oguruma-beya, and Kanbayashi, a 28 year-old who fights from the Hakkaku-beya.

First-timer, Matsutani, held a press conference flanked by his oyakata at their Matsugane-beya. "It still hasn't hit me," he began, "but I'm so glad this is real and not a dream." Matsutani is just the second sekitori to come from Komazawa University more commonly known as simply Koma-Dai. He was a successful rikishi coming out of university but didn't quite quality for Makushita-tsuke-dashi debut status meaning he had to work his way up from the bottom of the ranks. Matsutani stalled for some time once he reached the Makushita division, but he found himself ranked at the East MS1 slot for the Haru basho where he clinched kachi-koshi in his sixth bout. "He seemed like it took forever, but I finally got that kachi-koshi," he said of his climb through the ranks. As for his stable master, the former Ozeki Wakashimazu, he commented, "I started crying even before he came and told me he had secured kachi-koshi." Asked about his goals, Matsutani stated that he wanted to surpass his Koma-dai predecessor, Tennoyama, who first reached the Juryo ranks in Aki 1997.

March 31stsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Baruto officially promoted to the Ozeki rank
Estonian rikishi, Baruto, was officially promoted to the Ozeki rank this morning when an envoy dispatched from the Sumo Association visited the Onoe-beya and extended him promotion to the Ozeki rank. "I humbly accept," Baruto replied kneeling in front of Dewanoumi-oyakata and Kasugano-oyakata and bowing his head in a ceremony referred to as a dentatsu-shiki. After accepting the promotion, Baruto delivered his much anticipated statement saying, "I will devote myself to keiko and do my best not to defile this honorable rank." Baruto was flanked by his stable master, Onoe-oyakata, with both dressed in formal black kimono while the stable master's wife knelt slight to the side and back dressed in a white kimono.

Baruto becomes the 18th Ozeki promoted in the Heisei era (which began in January 1989) and the first to receive promotion since Harumafuji in Kyushu 2008. He is the eighth foreign-born rikishi to receive the promotion, the second Ozeki to hail from Eastern Europe behind Kotooshu, and of course the first Estonian to receive the honor.

Baruto arrived at the stable this morning at 9:27 AM dressed in his formal attire where he was met but numerous television cameras and about 100 members of the press. The representatives from the Sumo Association arrived at 9:53 AM and extended the promotion to the Estonian. Baruto reportedly sounded nervous as he spoke but was firm when making his statements. After finalizing the ceremony by taking a sip of sake, he spoke with reporters saying, "I thought I would be okay, but I was tight until the very end. My mind is still racing. I was so nervous." Regarding his official acceptance statement, he commented, "I practiced it a lot. I just thought to speak in a loud voice and really slow." When asked about attaining the rank after just 36 basho in the sport, Baruto replied, "I think it's great. I don't want to defile the rank. My next goal is the yusho.

As for Baruto's stable master, Onoe-oyakata, he also commented to reporters, "His did a wonderful job in his acceptance. I'm so relieved now, but we can't be completely satisfied with this, so I want him to now focus on his next goal."

March 30thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Sumo Association announces key dates for Natsu basho
The Sumo Association announced the key dates regarding the upcoming Natsu basho as follows:

April 26th: Banzuke released
April 27th: Physical exams held for new entrants
April 29th: Soken keiko session in front of the YDC (open to the public)
May 7th: Makuuchi Day 1 and Day 2 bouts announced
May 9th: Day 1

Baruto preparing for big day
Sekiwake Baruto is preparing to receive an official envoy from the Sumo Association tomorrow who will inform him of his promotion to the Ozeki rank. The morning will begin with the Banzuke Reorganization Committee and board of directors holding a meeting where they will officially determine that Baruto will be promoted to the Ozeki rank. Two oyakata will be dispatched to the Onoe-beya to deliver the news in a ceremony referred to as the dentatsu-shiki. As part of the ceremony, Baruto must kneel before the two oyakata flanked by his stablemaster with the kami-san (stablemaster's wife) not far behind and formally accept the promotion by making a one-sentence declaration.

The actual wording of the statement is determined by the rikishi and his oyakata, but it is carefully scrutinized in the media, so careful thought is given to what the new Ozeki will say. When asked about his statement today, Baruto declared, "I'm sure I'll be nervous, so I'll do my best not to make a mistake. I feel confident about it." Baruto and his oyakata spent the day fishing for tai, which are often used at celebratory events in Japan. The party reportedly brought home six fish, which will be served at the party celebrating Baruto's promotion. When asked what he will say when he accepts the promotion, Baruto only offered, "I always had the image that the words had to be difficult, but my statement will be simple and easy to understand. They will be strong words though and very good." When asked his opinion about Baruto's acceptance statement, Onoe-oyakata only offered, "We won't use any four character compounds. The statement will be simple enough so that Baruto can actually understand its meaning." Four-character compound words are avoided in Japan during celebratory occasions since the number four is a homonym with the word for death (shi).

March 29thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Hakuho's yusho press conference
Yokozuna Hakuho held his usual morning after press conference following his 5th career zensho yusho performance at the Haru basho. "More than anything, I am just relieved it's over," he began after a heavy night of drinking. "I didn't get drunk regardless of how much I drank. Both my body and my spirit have gotten stronger," he joked to reporters. Regarding his first basho as a lone Yokozuna, he commented, "I felt fatigue from day 1, but I didn't know what to expect beforehand. The pressure was big, but I was able to do great sumo." When asked about life without Asashoryu, Hakuho replied, "Now we have Baruto on the rise, so I'm thrilled that I was able to re-establish myself like this." When asked if he wanted to see another Yokozuna in the ranks, he said with a smile, "That's not for me to decide, but I hope to show just how difficult it is to reach the rank."

YDC has nothing but praise for Hakuho
The Yokozuna Deliberation Council met this morning at the Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan and had nothing but praise for Hakuho's 15-0 performance. The group's chairman, Sadahiko Tsuruta, stated, "His sumo was perfect." When asked about fears of a drop in attendance coming on the heels of Asashoryu's retirement, the chairman stated, "We were able to finish the basho on a high note thanks to Hakuho and Baruto's efforts."

Baruto holds a press conference after clinching promotion to Ozeki
Ozeki Baruto held a press conference Monday morning after his stunning 14-1 performance at the Haru basho that clinched his promotion to Ozeki. "My awesome record resulted in some awesome fatigue," the future Ozeki joked. "I'm looking forward to the formal communication ceremony," he said referring to the representatives the Association will dispatch to the Onoe-beya to formally apprise Baruto and his stable master of his promotion to Ozeki. When asked about his sumo, Baruto responded, "I did great each bout," but when asked about his loss to Hakuho, Baruto responded, "I put too much pressure on myself, and the result was unfortunate." When asked about his injured thumb and how it affected him, he explained, "I injured that finger and though at first that I'd be okay if I could just grab the belt, but I bagged that idea and decided it would be better to use tsuppari."

The Estonian was flanked by his stable master, Onoe-oyakata, who said, "I want him to feel as if Ozeki is just another stop along the way," to which Baruto responded, "Of course. I have bigger goals."

Makushita referee arrested for child abuse
It was reported today that Makushita gyoji (referee), Kimura Rinnosuke, who is affiliated with the Dewanoumi-beya was arrested for child abuse stemming from repeated abuse of his oldest son. The referee was taken into custody by the Inzai Police Department in Chiba Prefecture. When asked for comment, Dewanoumi-oyakata, a director on sumo's board, stated, "I can't really comment since this is a domestic issue. I'm not sure what conclusions the police will come to, so I can't force him to quit until their final judgment." Regarding the matter in general, Dewanoumi-oyakta said, "It's just unfortunate. I had heard rumors, but I didn't think it would ever come to this."

March 24thsearch for cupids and Asian girls
Day 11 Quotes
Hakuho on his win over Baruto after losing to him for the first time last basho, "I'm not going to fall for the same tactic twice."

Hakuho on his sumo today, "As long as I can get two grips on the belt, I can still hang even with Baruto. Since I lost to him last basho, I just tried not to rush anything. My persistence paid off in the end."

Baruto on the loss, "The Yokozuna's tachi-ai was fast. It's completely different."

Baruto on his mental focus heading into the bout, "I out thought myself."

Kokonoe-oyakata on the bout, "Baruto wasn't able to get off any tsuppari. The Yokozuna's tachi-ai was just too good."

Musashigawa Rijicho on Baruto's chances at Ozeki, "He's still got a difficult road ahead. He's got no choice but to reload."

Kotomitsuki on his comeback win after being driven to the edge by Harumafuji, "I thought once I stopped him that I could muster something. Now I just want to go at it my hardest these last four days."

Ross Mihara on the day 11 English broadcast before the Kisenosato - Aran bout, "Kisenosato can't afford to lose to stiffs like Aran."

March 21st search for cupids and Asian girls
Day 8 Quotes
Baruto on his day 8 kachi-koshi after a win over Kyokutenho, "I'm not too excited. I can't just stop now that I've won eight. Even I understand that."

Baruto on limiting his intake of alcohol this basho in order to focus on his Ozeki run, "I'm trying my best."

Baruto on his condition and pending bout with Kaio tomorrow, "I have a little bit of fatigue, but I just have to pump myself up and go to work out there."

Hakuho on his 12th straight 8-0 kachi-koshi that puts him in a tie with Takanohana for 7th place all time, "It's just business as usual. I guess it's okay to feel happy about my kachi-koshi though."

Hakuho on the possibility of facing Baruto as two undefeateds, "That would be the best scenario. I'm looking forward to it."

Hakuho on watching the four Ozeki lose in succession on day 8, "I felt a positive nervousness so as to not ride that same trend."

Musashigawa Rijicho on watching the four Ozeki lose and then Minanosato drop the bow during the yumi-tori-shiki following the bouts, "All of the Ozeki whimpered out there. And the that yumi-tori-shiki seemed jinxed as well. "

Minanosato on picking up the bow with his hand (touching the dohyo with one's hand is symbolic of losing, so the bow must be picked up with the toes and then retrieved by the hand) after it flew out of his hand and off the dohyo only to be placed back on the dohyo by a yobi-dashi, "I was worried that the bow had hit one of the spectators, and then my knees started shaking, so I just couldn't pick it back up with my foot."

Harumafuji on his loss to Kotoshogiku, "A loss is a loss, and there's nothing I can do about it."

Tokitenku on his next goal now that he's secured kachi-koshi due to his 8-0 start, "10 wins, then 12 wins, then 14 wins. It's too early to be thinking yusho."

March 18th search for cupids and Asian girls
Goeido withdraws from Haru basho
M3 Goeido has withdrawn from the Haru basho citing a left knee injury. In his day 5 bout against Homasho, Goeido fell to the arena floor beneath the dohyo and injured his left knee in the process. This is Goeido's first career kyujo since entering sumo in Hatsu 2005. Ozeki Kotooshu picks up the day 6 freebie.

March 17th search for cupids and Asian girls
Sadogatake Ozeki to be reprimanded for tachi-ai tactics
Tomozuna-oyakata indicated that he will deliver a formal warning tomorrow to Ozeki Kotomitsuki and Ozeki Kotooshu through their stable master for their unbecoming tactics at the tachi-ai where they intentionally try to throw their opponents' rhythm off before the charge. Both Ozeki have been singled out recently for not putting their fists to the dirt in a timely manner in an effort to throw off their opponent. The tactics have continued this basho prompting the warning from the Association. "From their positions as Ozeki, you have to question whether it's acceptable for them to act like that at the starting lines. They take too long to put their hands down after that final crouch, and their tachi-ai are unacceptable."

March 16th search for cupids and Asian girls
Day 3 Quotes
Baruto on his domination of Kisenosato, "I wanted to do quick sumo, but I didn't think I'd get the job done with just pushing."

Kisenosato on the loss, "How did I not know to watch for the thrust attack? I just walked right into him."

Kisenosato on the reason for his lack of concentration, "My ears are still ringing from some douche in the rafters whistling his ass off yesterday."

Kotoshogiku on his first ever 3-0 start since entering the division after beating Toyohibiki, "I open myself up too much if I try to neutralize my opponent's charge with sheer power, so I just wanted to have fun out there and aim for moro-zashi."

Sadogatake-oyakata performing judges duty for the first time this basho on Kotoshogiku's win today, "I tried not to let him see me, but he knew I was there. It was good that he won."

Toyonoshima on his 3-0 start after a close win over Kaio, "My de-ashi the three days has been so good even I'm surprised."

Toyonoshima on keeping his body from touching the dirt as he rode Kaio to the dohyo, "It was like slow motion. It felt like I had to hold that pose forever."

Kaio on Toyonoshima's sumo of late, "He's just getting better and better."

Toyonoshima on his future, "It's become the norm that foreigners take the yusho. I hope to change that."

Okinoumi on his first career Makuuchi win, "I was so nervous, I don't remember much. I'm thrilled to pick up my first win though."

Okinoumi on his lower back that he hurt after being yori-taoshi'ed yesterday at the hands of Takamisakari, "I thought I was done for. I couldn't even roll over in bed last night due to the pain."

Hakuho on his eighth straight win over Wakanosato after starting out 0-6 against him in his career, "I don't know why, but for some reason I used to always lose to him."

Asasekiryu on his first 3-0 start in three years, "I have to fight for my stable and the Yokozuna. He told me that I was the one who had to carry the stable now so to win for him as well."

March 15th search for cupids and Asian girls
Day 2 Quotes
Kisenosato on surviving a henka by Kotomitsuki to pick up his first win, "I was just glad to pick up that first win."

Kisenosato on facing Baruto on day 3, "Now I've got to figure something out for tomorrow."

Aminishiki on his win over Kotooshu, "That was a bit of a fluke. He is big, though, and it makes for an easy target."

Baruto on his surprise moro-te tachi-ai in a win over Goeido, "Up through that last warm-up I was thinking of going for the mawashi."

Baruto on his sumo today, "I can even say for myself that it was good."

Baruto on his pending promotion to Ozeki if he wins 13 bouts, "I'm not that worried yet because I'm so fired up right now. I am human though, and there's not a person who wouldn't be nervous."

Baruto's former stablemaster, Mihogaseki-oyakata, on the Estonian's sumo, "He's moving so well and not rushing a thing. The pressure will build each day though, so the question is can he overcome that."

Hakuho on is crushing defeat of Kakuryu, "I forced the bout to my style."

Musashigawa Rijicho on Hakuho's sumo so far, "It's fast. His footwork is good too."

Kumagatani-oyakata on his prodigy's start, "He's arriving at the venue before most of the other Makuuchi guys. Normally, he'd still be at the stable sleeping at 2:30 PM. I think it's a sign of how pumped up he is."

Kaio on his win over Kyokutenho, "I didn't hit him well at the tachi-ai, and I was too upright. My attack was also late."

Kaio on winning his first two bouts for the first time in 5 basho, "There's still a long way to go. It's tough out there."

March 12th search for cupids and Asian girls
Day 1 and Day 2 Makuuchi bouts announced
The Sumo Association released the pairings for the first two days of Makuuchi bouts. Lone Yokozuna Hakuho draws the tricky Komusubi, Aminishiki, on day 1 before facing off with fellow countryman Kakuryu on day 2. Ozeki Kotomitsuki looks to get his quest to stave off kadoban on track against Kyokutenho on day 1 although he'll face a much stiffer test against Kisenosato on day 2. In the Sekiwake ranks, Ozeki-hopeful Baruto get keiko partner, Aran, on day 1 before facing Osaka native Goeido on day 2. For a complete list of the bouts for the first two days, click the following links:  Day 1  |  Day 2

Baruto's Ozeki bar set at 13 wins or more
With the release of the first two days worth of bout in the Makuuchi division, Tomozuna-oyakata, a director on sumo's board, raised the bar regarding Baruto's promotion to Ozeki stating, "He needs at least 13 wins. He also needs to be part of the yusho race with the Yokozuna," he clarified. Baruto spent the morning working out lightly at the Onoe-beya where he did not step into the practice ring.

Hakuho announces his intentions to retire at age 30
Yokozuna Hakuho celebrated his 25th birthday yesterday and made the surprise announcement that is considering retirement when he reaches the age of 30. "I've always felt that I wanted to retire at 30," Hakuho said. When asked the reason for the so-called early retirement, he responded, "Because I want to live a long life." When asked about his goal for the next five years, he said, "I want to yusho at least three times a year," a number that would put him at 27 when he retires.

As for his pre-basho keiko, he wrapped up practice by visiting the Tokitsukaze-beya earlier that morning going 19-1 against Sekiwake Toyonoshima and others. In a bit of a rare move, Hakuho showed a tsuppari attack from the tachi-ai setting up his opponents for the eventual force-out kill. When asked after the session if he felt any pressure being the lone Yokozuna, he stated, "Not yet, but maybe I will once the basho starts."

Asashoryu holds press conference in Mongolia, vents about the Sumo Association
Asashoryu returned to Mongolia for the first time since his retirement earlier this week and held a press conference in Ulaan Bator. Surrounding by about 100 members of the press including representatives from the Japanese media, Asashoryu took a few shots at his former employer. "I don't want to just sit here and complain, but there were a lot of demands of me that I didn't like," he said. Asashoryu didn't give any specifics, but according to an unnamed source close to the Yokozuna, he was told by the Association to retire or all of his yusho would be erased from the record books. Regarding his retirement from sumo, Asashoryu said, "It is a fact that there were those within the organization that wanted to force me to quit." Regarding the strict expectations the sumo rikishi are expected to follow, Asashoryu said, "I wasn't in a position to complain, but there were some strict rules that I had to follow, but there were other times when I did what I wanted." When asked how far he could have gone in the yusho category if he were still fighting, he said, "I could have won 30." When asked about the incident that led to his retirement, Asashoryu maintained that he didn't break the nose of his drinking companion on the night of January 16th and added, "I was not guilty of anything that night."

When asked for comment, an unnamed director of sumo's board responded, "If he had something to say to us, he should have told us directly. No matter what the organization, there are rules that have to be followed. I'm sure he understood that when he first signed up. I think in the end, he didn't fully understand what sumo is all about, but there's also responsibility there for those who mentored him." When asked about the possibility of denying Asashoryu his danpatsu-shiki in October (an event that would generate about $2 million to be split by Takasago-beya and Asashoryu), the sumo official said, "We're not going to discuss that any time soon, but if he makes more statements like that, we may get together to discuss it."

Several members of the Japanese media attempted to ask Asashoryu questions in Japanese, but he rebuked them saying, "I'm sorry, but I'm limiting this press conference to Mongolian only," and didn't answer any questions from the Japanese press.

March 11th search for cupids and Asian girls
Goeido in fine form
M3 Goeido stayed at home today at the Sakaigawa-beya and welcomed a visiting Tochiohzan and Tochinoshin from the Kasugano-beya for a friendly dose of de-geiko. The Osaka native fought 31 times finishing 24-7 using a stiff tachi-ai and low attack. With Asashoryu retired, Goeido is a rikishi hoping to become a new member of sumo's main cast. Goeido became the first rikishi in seven years to win the one day Ozumo tournament held in February knocking off one Yokozuna and two Ozeki along the way. Ranked at Maegashira 3, he's looking to make a return to the sanyaku.

Takamisakari fighting knee injury
Takamisakari reportedly hasn't fully recovered from the knee injury he suffered on day 4 of the Hatsu basho. Ranked at Maegashira 12, he must win at least six bouts to stave off demotion to Juryo. After his workout today, he commented to opponents, "My knee still hurts, but I have no choice but to fight." When asked about his pending bout with newcomer, Okinoumi, who is rapidly gaining popularity in Japan due to his good looks, Takamisakari responded, "I don't think of myself as being hugely popular, but then again popularity is something that will eventually be taken away by someone else."

Baruto still unable to practice
Sekiwake Baruto is still unable to practice in the keiko ring due to a severely sprained thumb on his left hand suffered during a keiko session with Aran several days ago. The swelling in his thumb has all but subsided due to constant icing, but his hand is still to painful to practice. "There is some panic," Baruto admitted to reporters, "but this is how it's going to be. I'll find a way to cheer myself up." As for Baruto's stablemaster, Onoe-oyakata, he commented, "He was able to practice well before that injury, so I'm not worried."

March 10th search for cupids and Asian girls
Baruto's keiko limited to basic exercises sans teppo
Sekiwake Baruto visited an Osaka hospital yesterday to have his left thumb examined. The diagnosis was a severe sprain, and the swelling in the digit has not subsided. "I can't grip anything with it," Baruto explained. "And of course I can't grab a mawashi. If I try to grab it, my grip is just broken off. There's too much pain that I can't even do teppo." Despite the grim reality Baruto faces prior to the most important basho of his career to this point, his stablemaster emphasized, "He won't go kyujo."

As for keiko, Baruto limited his workouts this morning to shiko and suri-ashi exercises. He reportedly iced his thumb all day yesterday, but he still can't bend it, and taping it up doesn't help. "I'll just grab my opponent's mawashi with the rest of my fingers," Baruto quipped. "I'll be fired up for the basho, so I'll be okay." Reports have Baruto needing 12 wins to clinch promotion to Ozeki.

Kotomitsuki stifled by Kotooshu; quits after just seven bouts
Ozeki Kotomitsuki practiced yesterday at his own Sadogatake-beya, but the Ozeki only fought in seven bouts. Kotomitsuki was manhandled by stablemate Kotooshu, and it's being reported that Kotomitsuki's movement was average. "Little by little," Kotomitsuki offered after the session. "I'm just trying to not to get hurt out there." Sadogatake-oyakata blamed Kotomitsuki's faltering condition on a lack of basic exercises saying, "He's not doing enough shiko. I keep telling him that he's got to do more, but the rest is up to him." Things were much brighter for Kotooshu who finished his keiko session at 19-1 prompting him to say, "As long as I move forward..."

Hakuho beats up on Futenoh and Kasugao
Yokozuna Hakuho visited the Kasugano-beya again today for de-geiko. The Yokozuna fought the likes of Futenoh and Kasugao 21 times finishing 20-1. Sumo's best commentator, Mainoumi, was on hand to watch the session, and he declared afterwards, "His sumo is just different. Even if he's not at his best, he's gonna yusho. He fights in such a way that he disallows his opponents to exert any power."

March 9th search for cupids and Asian girls
Baruto injures left thumb
Sekiwake Baruto injured the thumb on his left hand in a keiko session yesterday with visiting Aran. During their 10th bout, Aran was able to turn Baruto to the side and push him out via okuri-dashi, but somewhere during that process, Baruto's thumb was bent completely backwards causing the Estonian to quickly leave the practice area without speaking to reporters. Affiliates of the Onoe-beya, Baruto's stable, indicated that there is significant swelling at the base of the thumb, but the Sekiwake has yet to go to the hospital to have it examined. When asked for comment regarding the injury, Onoe-oyakata explained, "It looked like his thumb was bent back. It happens to him quite a bit, but I'm sure he'll be okay. He's got to get better by time the basho starts." Another unnamed affiliate of the stable wasn't so sure indicating that Baruto's condition has not been good during pre-basho keiko. Aran also showed some concern afterwards commenting, "Baruto just doesn't seem well."

Kitazakura retires
Former Makuuchi rikishi and current East Makushita 27, Kitazakura, announced his retirement from sumo as an active rikishi this morning. Kitazakura will remain with the Association, however, and will assume the toshi-yori name Onogawa. Kitazakura entered sumo 23 years ago at the 1987 Haru basho and took 11 years to reach the Juryo ranks and three years after that to reach the Makuuchi division. He fought a total of 12 basho in the sport's highest division and was best known for throwing a huge handful of salt just prior to his bouts. In recent years, a knee injury caused Kitazakura to fall back down to the Makushita ranks, but at last year's Nagoya basho, he became just the second oldest rikishi since World War II to be promoted to Juryo at 37 years and five months. His highest ever rank was West Maegashira 9.

March 8th search for cupids and Asian girls
Kotomitsuki on track to shake kadoban status
Ozeki Kotomitsuki worked out today at the Sadogatake-beya toying with Makushita rikishi before welcoming fellow sekitori Kotooshu and Kotoshogiku into the keiko ring for 10 spirited bouts that saw Kotomitsuki finish with a 9-1 record. Kotomitsuki is kadoban for the Haru basho meaning he must win at least eight bouts or be demoted from the Ozeki rank. The Ozeki had the obligatory taping around the big toe on his left foot (he withdrew from Hatsu citing the toe injury), but after the session he indicated his foot was just fine saying, "There's no pain and no problem with it whatsoever." Kotomitsuki indicated that he will continue to prepare for the basho staying put at his own stable for keiko. Kotomitsuki's stablemaster, Sadogatake-oyakata, commented to reporter, "He's moving really well, and he'll shake his kadoban status with no problem."

Kisenosato wallops Harumafuji
Komusubi Kisenosato welcomed frequent de-geiko partner Ozeki Harumafuji to the Naruto-beya for some heated keiko that saw Kisenosato completely dominate the session going 21-7. Harumafuji focused on a low tachi-ai, but Kisenosato was able to halt the Ozeki's momentum with the left positioning on the inside setting up the force-out win from there. Both rikishi were surprised at the end of the session with Kisenosato's dominance. "I'm not really sure how well the Ozeki's condition was today," Kisenosato began, "but this is a great confidence booster for me." As for Harumafuji, he made no excuses stating, "I've never lost to him like this. I am really shocked by how strong he's become."

Hakuho spars with Mokonami in memorable practice ring
Yokozuna Hakuho visited the Asahiyama-beya for a sentimental dose of de-geiko. Exactly 10 years ago when Hakuho first came to Japan, he began his training at this very dohyo until he was officially picked up by the Miyagino-beya. With no sekitori currently fighting from the Asahiyama-beya, Hakuho was joined by a visiting Mokonami, who also came to Japan exactly 10 years ago to join professional sumo. No results of the keiko session were reported, but Hakuho talked about visiting this memorable keiko-ba for the first time since he joined the Miyagino-beya. "This brought back the memories...coming here to my starting point 10 years ago." As for Mokonami, he added, "This is a fabulous keiko-ba with a lot of memories."

March 7th search for cupids and Asian girls
Hakuho practices with Kasugao today, two Ozeki yesterday
Yokozuna Hakuho visited the Kasugano-beya today for de-geiko against Kasugao. The two fought 33 times with no concrete results given. After the session, Hakuho commented, "I need to pile up the number of practice bouts now. I enjoyed a nice sweat out there today." Former Yokozuna and current NHK analyst, Kitanofuji, watched the session and commented to reporters afterwards, "It's going to be different for him now that he doesn't have a rival right in front of him, but if he can become stronger mentally, the Hakuho era will continue for awhile."

Yesterday, Hakuho ventured out for his first does of de-geiko prior to the basho attending the Tatsunami-beya where he also met up with Ozeki Kotooshu and Ozeki Harumafuji. Hakuho battled the two Ozeki 11 times finishing 7-4. His overall record at the session was 17-4. After the session, Hakuho stated, "The Ozeki are high-spirited, but it's a Yokozuna's responsibility to suppress that and take the yusho. To that end, it's my intention to fight even harder and make up for the absence of Asashoryu."

March 6th search for cupids and Asian girls
Asashoryu makes his first public appearance since his retirement
Former Yokozuna Asashoryu made his first public appearance since his retirement as he attended a Takasago-beya pep rally held at an Osaka hotel this evening. Dressed in a navy suit and tie and with his hair tied up in the mage fashion, Asashoryu addressed the crowd of 1,300 saying, "Good evening everyone. This is Asashoryu...I mean former Asashoryu," drawing a big laugh from the crowd. "I'm thrilled to be here to see everyone in my favorite city, Osaka. I apologize for all of the trouble I caused last basho despite winning the yusho." Regarding his future, Asashoryu said, "I'm still just 29 years old, but the next stage of my life begins here, so I intend on giving it my all."

Reports are also circulating that Asashoryu plans to attend the Haru basho and sit in the masu-seki seating. Several media outlets are already criticizing the plan saying that it will cause too much of a disturbance, but an official from the Takasago-beya said, "Well, he's retired, so he free to do what he wants now." Former stablemate, Asasekiryu, said that he heard Asashoryu is planning to return to Tokyo on March 7th, and other reports have Asashoryu flying back home to Mongolia this week.

Takadagawa-beya lands prize recruit
Takadagawa-beya has landed a prize recruit in junior high school student, Ryoya Tatsu, who stands 193 centimeters and already weighs 145 kilograms. Tatsu achieved the Yokozuna rank at the junior high school level and swept the Junior High School National Championship last year in both the individual and team categories. Tatsu was among 52 other youngsters who hoped to join professional sumo at the 2010 Haru basho by passing the initial physical requirements of 173 centimeters in height and 75 kilograms in weight (44 met the requirements). He says that his goal is to reach the level of Yokozuna Hakuho who currently stands 192 centimeters and weighs 152 kilograms. "I won't lose to anyone in the height division, so I want to do a lot of keiko and gradually get stronger. I hope to become a rikishi who can continually win with stability like Hakuho. I want to reach the Yokozuna rank in 7 or 8 years. Everyone here is strong, and I'm sure it will be tougher. But I want to make up for that by getting stronger."

March 4th search for cupids and Asian girls
Baruto practices with Aran for second day in a row 
For the second day in a row, Sekiwake Baruto welcomed Aran for another dose of de-geiko. The two foreigners battled 18 times with no results given although Baruto focused on a low tachi-ai and getting his left hand at the front of his opponent's belt. After the session, Ozeki-hopeful Baruto commented, "All I was focusing on was staying low at the tachi-ai. That wasn't bad at all. I'm just trying increase my conditioning." When Baruto's stablemaster, Onoe-oyakata, was asked about Baruto's new tachi-ai tactics, he replied, "He doesn't practice that in front of me, but it looks as if he's been studying up on something. It seems that his sumo changes every basho."

March 3rd search for cupids and Asian girls
Hakuho practices with non-sekitori rikishi 
Yokozuna Hakuho stepped into the keiko ring for the first time in Osaka and battle non-sekitori rikishi in his stable spanning 30 bouts. After the session, Hakuho commented, "The keiko felt good out there." When asked if he thought he moved well, he responded, "Really well. And I hope the weather stays this warm." When asked if he felt any pressure being the sport's lone Yokozuna, he stated, "Now that keiko has begun, I'm not thinking about it. I just hope to challenge things the same why I always do at my own pace." Kumagatani-oyakata, Hakuho's mentor from the time he entered sumo, wasn't quite as optimistic saying, "He had a rival and that forced him to try harder. Now he's got go out win of his own accord."

Baruto welcomes Aran for de-geiko
Ozeki-hopeful Baruto began his official pre-basho workouts today welcoming Aran for a healthy dose of keiko. The two Eastern Europeans fought 15 times with Baruto prevailing 13-2 including a couple of tsuri-dashi wins. Baruto began the keiko with a supporter around his knee but removed is midway to test the waters without it. When speaking with reporters after the session, the Estonian commented, "That was good for my first day. I was able to move forward, and it wasn't bad at all." When asked if he was bothered by all of the reporters gathered and shooting pictures of the session, he seemed a little bit disturbed saying, "I thought what the hell when all of the flash bulbs went off. I wasn't able to concentrate as much on my sumo."

Takanohana followers planning joint activities
The oyakata who broke away from the Nishonoseki Ichimon and followed Takanohana announced that they would hold their own joint keiko session prior to the Natsu basho. Onomatsu-oyakata, one of the defectors, said, "This basho, are stable are too far apart from each other, so it'd be difficult, but we're already talking about it for the Natsu basho. The group of oyakata met in Osaka on Sunday before the release of the banzuke to discuss their future plans together as a group. When asked if the stables were talking about creating their own ichimon, Onomatsu indicated they weren't leaning in that direction saying, "If we formed our own Ichimon, it would limit our options of how we associate with everyone."

March 2nd search for cupids and Asian girls
Hakuho begins his workouts, assumes position as chief rikishi representative 
Yokozuna Hakuho began his pre-basho workouts today opting to stay at home and perform the basic shiko (leg-stomping) and suri-ashi (leg shuffling) exercises. He worked out for about an hour ringside and commented to reporters afterwards, "I'm just starting out at my pace for now."

Later in the day, Hakuho attended the all-hands rikishi meeting where he presided as the spokesman for the rikishi now that the former spokesman, Asashoryu, has retired. Hakuho briefly introduced himself and asked everyone to welcome him as the new spokesman. The main topic of the meeting was cleaning up the tachi-ai, and Tomozuna-oyakata gave a demonstration of how the rikishi need to act atop the dohyo in regards to their actions at the tachi-ai.

Introducing Okinoumi
24 year-old Okinoumi, one of the three newcomers to the Makuuchi division, is generating a great deal of hype with the release of the Haru basho banzuke. Known for his good looks, Okinoumi is the first Makuuchi rikishi to hail from Shimane Prefecture in 88 years and the first ever Makuuchi rikishi to come from the Okinoshima islands. The youngster held a press conference on Monday flanked by his stablemaster at the Hakkaku-beya in Habikino, Osaka. "I'm just now starting to feel the excitement," Okinoumi began. "I do feel some pressure, but I have to parlay that into my strength. I want to feed off of all this warm support and get off to a great start."

Okinoumi first reached the Juryo ranks at last year's Haru basho, but a dislocated right shoulder injury sent him right back to Makushita. The rookie credited his quick comeback, however, to the support of his stablemaster. "He told me to keep practicing even if it hurt. I was hesitant at first but realized that I'd never rise back up the ranks if I just sat there and said it hurts. Those words really inspired me." When asked about his sumo, Okinoumi replied, "More and more I'm moving forward in my sumo, and the content focuses on attacking."

Okinoumi stands 190 centimeters tall and favors fighting from the right inside position taking advantage of his height, and when asked about the favorable reaction Okinoumi seems to always receive because of his looks, his oyakata joked, "He gets a lot of applause for a whole lot of nothing." When asked about his goal for the Haru basho, Okinoumi stated, "First, I'd like to kachi-koshi," but Hakkaku-oyakata quickly rebuffed him saying, "You need more confidence in yourself. Aim higher." Okinoumi restated his goal after that saying, "I'll try and win in double digits and secure the Kantosho."

Introducing Sagatsukasa
Across town at the Irumagawa-beya, another Makuuchi rookie, Sagatsukasa, spoke with reporters. "I'm proof that you can do sumo even if you're small." Sagatsukasa became just the second rikishi to reach the Makuuchi division (behind Toyonoshima) who doesn't fulfill sumo's requirement of at least 167 centimeters in height. "I want to use my lack of height to my advantage and attack hard and low." Sagatsukasa indicated that he stopped growing vertically his second year in junior high school. "I drank two liters of milk a day and did a lot of pull-ups, but I guess it was all for not," he laughed

When asked if his promotion to the sport's highest division had hit him yet, he answered, "I first realized it when I saw the new banzuke and noticed how big the characters in my name had gotten. It took me awhile to get here, but I've had a great experience in rising to this point."

When asked about Asashoryu, Sagatsukasa said longingly, "I wanted to face him at least once. I thought his qualities were great." Although they didn't fight, the two actually participated in the same high school tournament back in 1998, a tournament which Sagatsukasa won and where Asashoryu came in third place.

Hakuho holds press conference, expresses sadness at Asashoryu's departure
Sumo's lone Yokozuna, Hakuho, held a press conference of his own at the Miyagino-beya facilities in Sakai, Osaka upon the release of the Haru basho banzuke. Hakuho first talked about the absence of former Yokozuna Asashoryu saying, "That target is now gone, and it feels as if there's a giant hole inside. That's probably hard for you all to understand. People tell me that you're probably the happiest of anyone now that Asashoryu is gone, but that's completely untrue. I think there's a difficult road ahead for me." Regarding the upcoming Haru basho, Hakuho said, "Osaka only comes once a year, so I want to take this all the way to senshuraku." When asked if he was tired at all after a busy February that included his formal wedding reception, Hakuho responded, "I'm a little bit tired, but I want to make it all worthwhile."

Baruto fully aware of his chance at Ozeki promotion
Ozeki hopeful, Sekiwake Baruto, briefly spoke with reporters after the release of the banzuke, and he talked about possible Ozeki promotion and even taking the yusho. "It's been a long time since people said that I'd be the next Ozeki. Even if it feels closer now, it's still far away, but I have confidence in myself. Ozeki promotion has been on my mind since the end of the Hatsu basho, and since I've come this far, it's Ozeki or bust." Early speculation among the Association has Baruto needing to win around 13 to clinch promotion, and an unnamed official from the NSK stated, "His promotion is incumbent on his being a part of the yusho race."

When asked if he would try for the yusho this basho, Baruto stated, "I try and yusho every basho but haven't been able to do it yet. Even if I lose early on, I'm still going to try and yusho." When asked about his keiko plans, he seemed unsure saying, "I don't even know what stables are nearby here." 

March 1st search for cupids and Asian girls
Haru basho banzuke released without Asashoryu
The Sumo Association released the banzuke for the Haru basho this morning and noticeably absent from the rankings was former Yokozuna Asashoryu, who retired from sumo in early February after causing a disturbance during the Hatsu basho after a night of drinking. With Asashoryu's absence, Hakuho moves into the East slot leaving sumo with just one Yokozuna for the first time in nearly three years.

In the Ozeki ranks, Kaio becomes the first ever rikishi to grace the banzuke for 100 basho while ranked in the Makuuchi division. The veteran rikishi also recently passed Chiyonofuji for most Makuuchi wins all time currently maintaining 815 wins and counting.

In the sanyaku ranks, Baruto keeps the East Sekiwake slot and is officially up for promotion to Ozeki pending his Haru basho performance. The Ozeki hopeful likely needs another 12-3 performance to clinch promotion. Baruto is joined by Toyonoshima, who returns to the sanyaku for the first time in 7 basho. Kisenosato and Aminishiki fill out the Komusubi ranks making this the fifth basho in a row without a newcomer to the sanyaku.

In the Maegashira ranks, three new rikishi will make their Makuuchi debut in Okinoumi, the first Makuuchi rikishi from Shimane Prefecture in a mere 88 years; Tokusegawa, the first Makuuchi rikishi to hail from the Kiriyama-beya since its inception in 1995; and Sagatsukasa, the second rikishi behind Toyonoshima to reach the division despite not fulfilling sumo's physical requirement to enter sumo of at least 173 centimeters in height and 75 kilograms in weight.

The Haru basho begins March 14th. The complete Makuuchi rankings are listed below:

February 10th search for cupids and Asian girls
Asashoryu's special merit bonus announced at 120 million yen
The Sumo Association's board of directors met today to determine the amount of a special merit bonus paid out to recently-retired Yokozuna Asashoryu. Speculation as to the actual amount was varied with some sources citing 200 million yen and others saying it would not be higher than the 130 million yen paid out to Takanohana in 2003. In the end, the board determined to pay Asashoryu 120 million yen, an amount that falls short of Takanohana's payout by 10 million yen. Various factors are considered when determining the amount such as number of basho served as a Yokozuna and number of yusho secured, and even though Asashoryu surpassed Takanohana on both of these counts, it is reported that his recent behavior led the directors to determine an amount lower than Takanohana.

February 9th search for cupids and Asian girls
Kaio speaks to the Japan Press Club
Ozeki Kaio spoke at the Japan Press Club today and stated that his current goal was to continue fighting as an active rikishi by the time the Kyushu basho rolls around this year. "I don't know if I can make it that far, but it's my goal, and I'll try my hardest," Kaio explained. "If I am demoted from the Ozeki rank, I will retire on the spot." Kaio, who will participate in his 100th basho in the Makuuchi division in March (a record), recently broke Chiyonofuji's record of 807 for most wins in the division. When asked if he cared about breaking the record, he responded, "I started thinking about it from last year's Kyushu basho, and then I wore myself out at the Hatsu basho because it was constantly on my mind." When asked about Asashoryu's retirement stemming from his alleged assault of a drinking buddy, Kaio said, "It's unfortunate. But I don't know what really happened, so I can't comment further." When asked about voting in the recent elections to determine the new board of directors (the rikishi get one vote and Kaio was the representative), Kaio said, "There was a lot of scrutiny, so I was quite nervous about it." When asked about Takanohana's election to the board, the Ozeki stated, "He rose up fast from the time he entered sumo. He was always straight as an arrow, so it's no wonder he was able to become a director." Kaio and Takanohana entered sumo together along with Wakanohana and Akebono.

February 7th search for cupids and Asian girls
Goeido win one-day tournament
The 34th annual Japan Ozumo Tournament was held today at the Ryogoku Kokugikan and saw Goeido pick up the surprise yusho and 2.5 million yen in prize money that went along with it. Goeido defeated Yokozuna Hakuho in the semi-finals by oshi-dashi and then defeated Ozeki Kotooshu in the final with an outside leg trip. It was the first time that a Japanese rikishi won the tournament since Musoyama in 2003. "My body reacted well out there today," Goeido commented afterwards. "This is the first time I've taken a yusho since the Makushita ranks, so I'm excited. This will provide some good momentum heading into the Haru basho." When asked about Asashoryu's surprise retirement, Goeido stated, "I'm small like he is so I learned a lot by watching him. He was someone I idolized." Goeido also pocketed another 700,000 yen after receiving a kantosho award. In the Juryo ranks, Masatsukasa took yusho honors.

Sumo Association reports initial phone sales for Haru basho going well
Ticket orders for the Haru basho were accepted by phone today, and early reports indicate that senshuraku is nearly sold out and sales for other days are going well. There were some fears that Asashoryu's retirement would reduce ticket sales, but compared to last year, the same amount of calls have been received so far. Kitanoumi-oyakata who oversees the Haru basho stated, "As we get closer to the actual basho, we still don't know what will occur, but so far the phones have been ringing the same as last year." Tickets will be available from the venue's box office beginning tomorrow.

February 6th search for cupids and Asian girls
Asashoryu arrives in Honolulu
Asashoryu departed Japan via Narita Airport today and headed for Hawaii. The former Yokozuna was traveling alone and was dressed in a t-shirt and shorts with a denim jacket and a knit cap on his head. A reporter from Fuji Television spotted Asashoryu and began asking him questions, but he responded, "Sorry, there are people all around us, and this trip is private." Asashoryu was seen shaking hands with his fellow passengers, and his mood seemed good. Upon arrival in Hawaii, he was approached by another reporter, but hopped into a waiting car without speaking to anyone. The former Yokozuna has many supporters and fans in Hawaii, and it has been a favorite destination of his the last few years. During his press conference after he announced his retirement, he mentioned to the media that "he wanted to take a little break." Now that he is no longer part of the Sumo Association, Asashoryu was able to travel to Hawaii without any attendants for the first time. It is not clear whether or not Asashoryu will return to Japan from Hawaii or head for Mongolia, but those close to him say that he hopes to be in Osaka for the start of the Haru basho, so he can watch the bouts in person.

Sumo Association announced plans for Asashoryu's formal retirement ceremony
It was learned yesterday that the Sumo Association will hold a formal retirement ceremony (called intai-zumo) for Asashoryu on October 3rd at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. According to the Takasago-beya, tickets for the even will go on sale in April; however, the stable and the Association have been flooded with calls from those interested in obtaining tickets. It is also being reported that a special Yokozuna dohyo-iri is being planned that will have Asashoryu perform his dohyo-iri for the final time flanked by Yokozuna Hakuho acting as the tachi-mochi, or swordbearer and Ozeki Harumafuji serving as the tsuyu-harai, or dew sweeper. A danpatsu-shiki, or top-knot cutting ceremony, will also be performed at that time.

Sumo's board of directors will meet to decide Asashoryu's final payout
It was learned today that a special meeting by sumo's board of directors will be held on February 10th to determine the final payout made to Asashoryu for the services he provided to the Association through the years. The actual amount is being bandied about in the press, but the two most recent Yokozuna to retire were paid as follows: Takanohana receiving 130 million yen (about $1.2 million US) and Musashimaru receiving 90 million yen (just under 1 million US). Total career yusho plays a huge factor in the final payout, and it was originally reported that the figure 150 million yen was being considered; however, Asashoryu detractors are already saying it would be a slap in the face to Takanohana if Asashoryu were to receive more money than the newly-elected director.

Asashoryu's former manager talks about weeping with his former boss
Asashoryu's former personal manager, Akihiro Ichinomiya (pictured at right), posted on his personal website today that he and Asashoryu wept for two hours straight when the former Yokozuna informed his friend of his retirement. He also indicated that Asashoryu did not want to retire from sumo. Finally, Ichinomiya revealed that Asashoryu was heading to Hawaii although that fact was already reported by the press, but Asashoryu's former manager did say that "He just wants to be by himself for awhile and think things through."

February 4th search for cupids and Asian girls
Asashoryu holds a formal press conference to announce his retirement
Yokozuna Asashoryu formally sat down with the media this evening to announce his retirement and field questions. The press conference followed the day's events that saw Asashoryu and Takasago-oyakata visit the Ryogoku Kokugikan just after 1 PM today to meet with the board of directors and the Yokozuna Deliberation Council. After giving their side of the story and discussing options with those gathered, the Yokozuna and Takasago-oyakata asked to be excused to a separate room so they could discuss the matter amongst themselves. When they returned, Asashoryu said, "Thanks for everything you have done for me. I am going to retire," and handed over his retirement papers on the spot.

Asashoryu made the following statements during his press conference:

"There was no other path for me to take. I caused problems for everyone, and I caused problems for the Sumo Association. I also stirred up the media, so I am taking responsibility for my actions and retiring."

"I always hear the term hinkaku from everyone, but to be completely honest, when I climbed on top of that dohyo, I become a monster. I just always felt that I had to go at it as hard as possible. I was the type of person that you had never seen before, and the result was a lot of controversy for everyone."

"I fulfilled my responsibility as a Yokozuna taking the yusho 25 times, and I will always be known hereafter by the name Asashoryu. I have no regrets whatsoever in regards to my sumo."

As Asashoryu left the Kokugikan, he allowed NHK to place a cameraman and reporter in his car to interview him as he headed back to the stable. The Q&A broadcast by NHK is as follows:

Reporter - It's unfortunate that it had to end this way:

"I guess you could say this was the only way it could end, but I still wanted to make that challenge."

Reporter - What challenge was that?:

"The all time record"

Reporter - Did you still want to continue fighting?

"Of course I did, but (long pause) this was the only path for me now."

Reporter - Did your life as a rikishi feel long or did it all fly by?

"Well, I'm still only in my twenties. But I have a lot to look forward to in my 30's and 40's"

Asashoryu will not remain with the Sumo Association as an oyakata; however, the Sumo Association will pay him a lump sum of retirement money. The amount has yet to be disclosed, but Musashimaru received 90 million yen (about $850K US) while Takanohana received 130 million yen (about $1.15 million US).

Generally, Asashoryu seemed calmed and relieved throughout the day although at times he did shed tears.

Hakuho emotional during his press conference
Across town at the Miyagino-beya, reporters gathered to meet with the sport's lone Yokozuna now, Hakuho.  Asashoryu's fellow countryman had difficulty in speaking to the media due to his emotions.  "I guess it's true, but I don't want to believe it.  I am honored to have been promoted to Yokozuna and shared my time with him."  When told that Asashoryu said he had no regrets, Hakuho responded, "There were still things for him to accomplish.  I don't think that reflects his true feelings."  When asked about his favorite memory when fighting against Asashoryu, he responded, "It was the first time that I beat him," after which Hakuho buried his face in his towel to hide his tears.  When asked about being the lone Yokozuna now, Hakuho responded, "I will increase my awareness of that responsibility and even try harder now so I can compensate for the him."

Asashoryu announces his retirement
Yokozuna Asashoryu announced his retirement today in a meeting with the sport's board of directors. The newly-elected board summoned the Yokozuna and his stablemaster to the Ryogoku Kokugikan today to discuss the latest controversy surrounding the Yokozuna where Asashoryu allegedly struck an acquaintance in the nose after a night of heavy drinking during the basho. Reports have Asashoryu announcing his retirement with no coercion from the board. "Thank you for all you've done for me, and I will now retire," he stated during the meeting. As Asashoryu left the Kokugikan flanked by former Ozeki Tochiazuma (current Tamanoi-oyakata), he stated to reporters, "Now I feel at peace." Sumotalk will continue to cover the events of Asashoryu's retirement as they unfold.

February 2nd search for cupids and Asian girls
Asashoryu's personal manager announces the he will step aside from his position
Asashoryu's personal manager, Akihiro Ichinomiya, announced today on his personal blog that he will resign his position as Asashoryu's personal manager. "To all sumo fans and those affiliated with the Association regarding the incident during the basho," he began his message, "I sincerely apologize for all the trouble I caused Takasago-oyakata, the Yokozuna, and sumo fans in general for my careless statement at such an important time during the basho. I was reprimanded for my carelessness by Takasago-oyakata, and I now fully realize the huge misperception that I gave to everyone. It is my intention to resign my post as Asashoryu's personal manager as soon as this latest incident can be resolved."

Sumo Association cannot confirm from witnesses that Asashoryu struck alleged victim
Tomozuna-oyakata, who was appointed to head a special committee to investigate the latest Asashoryu incident, summoned Asashoryu's personal manager and his personal driver to the Ryogoku Kokugikan today for questioning. The director talked with the two for about 90 minutes but indicated afterwards that he found no evidence that Asashoryu struck his acquaintance or that he broke his nose. "Neither of them saw Asashoryu punch the guy, and you would think that if he broke his nose there would be a lot of blood in the car, but there was no sign of any blood. I also didn't get the sense that they were trying to cover anything up." Next up, Tomozuna-oyakata indicated that he would like to speak to Takasago-oyakata about the incident, and when reporters asked him about speaking to Asashoryu directly, the director replied, "Well, he says he doesn't remember what happened, so I'm not sure what the point of that would be." Tomozuna-oyakata also said that he hopes to have things wrapped up by February 10th. He will report his initial findings on February 4th when the board of directors meets for the first time.

Ajigawa-oyakata (former Kobo) admits he voted for Takanohana
Former Makuuchi rikishi Kobo held a press conference tonight announcing his resignation from the Association and also revealing that he is one of the oyakata who voted for Takanohana instead of Oshima-oyakata from the Tatsunami Ichimon. "I caused a lot of trouble for the oyakata in my Ichimon, and I'm resigned to the fate of my actions." Kobo added his intentions of submitting his retirement papers tomorrow. The press conference was held at the Otake-beya as Otake-oyakata was one of the members who defected from the Nishonoseki Ichimon to follow Takanohana.

When asked why he voted for Takanohana-oyakata, he replied, "I just really felt like he could do something when I heard his interviews. He wanted to make changes to the Association. I understand the stance of the Ichimon, but I voted with my heart and not my head." When asked about his one vote making the difference between the fate of Takanohana-oyakata and Oshima-oyakata, he said, "I had mixed emotions when I learned what my lone vote did, but I have no regrets. My conscience is clear." Kobo reportedly admitted at a special Ichimon meeting that he was one of the oyakata who voted for Takanohana. One more vote came from the Ichimon, but that person hasn't come forward. The irony in the case of Kobo is that he was borrowing the Ajigawa name while working as an attendant with the Miyagino-beya, the stable he retired from as an active fighter in Kyushu 2007.

Takanohana-oyakata is elected to sumo's board of directors
Former Yokozuna Takanohana was elected to sumo's board of directors yesterday in a stunning turn of events that saw three unnamed oyakata turn their backs on their own Ichimon and cast their ballots for Takanohana. Elections are held every two years where each oyakata in the Association is given one vote; however, the elections rarely go to the ballot box as the Ichimon cooperate with each other and arrange their candidates so that only ten candidates make it to the ballot eliminating the need for an election. This year, however, Takanohana left the Nishonoseki Ichimon by his own volition stating his desire to enter the race for a seat on the board. Traditionally, the Nishonoseki seats three directors on the board, so there was no room for Takanohana-oyakata on the ballot had he stayed with the Ichimon since the three slots were already taken by senior oyakata.

Six other oyakata from the Nishonoseki Ichimon publicly expressed their support for Takanohana and were subsequently excommunicated from the Ichimon assuring Takanohana of seven votes (the 6 defectors + himself); however, a candidate must receive 10 votes in the election to secure a seat on the board, so the former Yokozuna's hopes were slim heading into the day's events.

Last week it was learned that the Tokitsukaze Ichimon intended to place senior officials near the ballot boxes to inspect the ballots of oyakata from its Ichimon before they placed them in the box to ensure that they were voting for candidates from within the Ichimon...a common practice for all of the Ichimon up until now when ballots were actually cast; however, the Ministry of Education, which governs sumo, stepped in and banned such observers (called tachi-ai-nin) from getting anywhere near the ballot boxes for these elections.

As a result, Takanohana picked up the three votes he needed with two votes coming from the Tatsunami Ichimon and one vote coming from the Nishonoseki Ichimon. The Tatsunami Ichimon consists of 20 oyakata, or 20 votes, and the plan was to have 10 of the oyakata vote for Tomozuna-oyakata and the other 10 to vote for Oshima-oyakata; however, the two votes from the Tatsunami Ichimon cast in favor of Takanohana were ones the Ichimon had earmarked for Oshima-oyakata, meaning Oshima-oyakata was out with just eight votes and Takanohana was now in with the necessary 10. As for the Nishonoseki Ichimon, 12 oyakata remained after Takanohana and the others left, so the one vote that went to Takanohana didn't hurt Nishonoseki-oyakata as he picked up the remaining 11.

Senior oyakata from both Ichimon who cast votes for Takanohana expressed their displeasure of having oyakata among them willing to betray the organization, and both vowed to hold emergency meetings to identify the guilty oyakata.

Once the elections were finalized, the 10 new directors met for the first time to choose the Rijicho, or chief director. Kitanoumi-oyakata motioned to have Musashigawa-oyakata re-elected to the position of Rijicho, and the voting was unanimous from the other directors meaning Musashigawa-oyakata will continue to serve as Rijicho for the next two years.

The first action carried out by Musashigawa Rijicho was to create a committee to investigate the recent controversy surrounding Asashoryu with Tomozuna-oyakata appointed as the committee chair. Musashigawa Rijicho also ordered Asashoryu from going back to Mongolia or making public appearances until the board of directors has determined their official stance on how to handle the Yokozuna. The move forced Asashoryu to cancel his plans to visit the Narita Shrine in Chiba Prefecture for the annual Setsubun festival where Asashoryu plays the part of a mean ogre and children throw beans at him as they yell, "Ogre, get out! Good luck, come in!" Asashoryu had made the appearance for nine straight years.

In other news, those close to Asashoryu have indicated that the Yokozuna will file a lawsuit against the Sumo Association if they excommunicate him.

January 31st search for cupids and Asian girls
Asashoryu scandal takes an interesting twist
The latest scandal to plague Asashoryu has taken a new twist, and the Yokozuna's camp came forward today with their side of the story in hopes that it provides sufficient defense for Asashoryu's case, which will be examined by sumo's new board of directors later this week.

The morning began with the danpatsu-shiki for former Makuuchi rikishi Ushiomaru, who assumed the Azumazeki name and stable last year when the original Azumazeki--oyakata (former Takamihana) reached the retirement age of 65. Just over 250 people attended the event including Asashoryu who performed a dohyo-iri and also took a snip of Ushiomaru's mage. After the ceremony, Asashoryu and his stablemaster, Takasago-oyakata, met with officials from the Takasago Ichimon including Nakayama-oyakata, Oyama-oyakata, and Kokonoe-oyakata who joined the meeting a few minutes late.

According to Takasago-oyakata, Asashoryu is denying that he acted violently towards the acquaintance he was drinking with in the early morning hours of January 16th. The Yokozuna claims that he was too drunk to remember what occurred that night, but he denies acting violent towards his drinking buddy. Asashoryu suggested that he could have bumped the acquaintance's nose with his shoulder in the car but that he does not remember exactly what happened.

Regarding the original story given that Asashoryu knocked his personal manager to the ground, Takasago-oyakata explained that the Yokozuna's personal manager was the one who claimed he was the victim and that the oyakata took his word for it and delivered that explanation to Musashigawa Rijicho by mistake.

It was also reported today that Asashoryu's lawyer had indeed reached a settlement with the 38 year-old man whose nose was broken while riding in the same care as Asashoryu, but it is being reported that Tokyo police would still like to hear Asashoryu's side of the story.

January 30th search for cupids and Asian girls
Board of directors discusses Asashoryu scandal
The danpatsu-shiki, or top-knot snipping ceremony, was held for former Makuuchi rikishi Otsukasa (current Wakafuji-oyakata) today at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. About 300 people showed up for the event including Yokozuna Asashoryu who performed a dohyo-iri and then fought fellow Yokozuna Hakuho losing by uwate-nage to cap off the day's events. As Asashoryu's hair was being redone in the dressing room, the Yokozuna was surrounded by reporters who badgered him with the expected questions, but the Yokozuna remained silent opting not to answer anything. Reporters also found Asashoryu's personal manager and asked him about the alleged assault by the Yokozuna to which his manager replied, "I'm sorry, but I can't say anything at this time."

As Asashoryu waited to enter the arena prior to his dohyo-iri, Musashigawa Rijicho passed him in the tunnel; however, it was reported that neither spoke to each other or made contact. Earlier in the day, Musashigawa Rijicho met with Asashoryu's stablemaster, Takasago-oyakata, and was informed that Asashoryu has reached a settlement with the 38 year-old man whom he punched in the face on the night of January 16th in a drunken stupor. It is still unclear whether or not Asashoryu will be summoned by Tokyo police as part of an investigation into the incident.

At least one member of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council has called for Asashoryu's forced retirement, but the group seems unanimous in their feeling that Asashoryu deserves some sort of punishment. Elections for sumo's board of directors will be held tomorrow with the first meeting of the new board members to come on February 4th. It is reported that Asashoryu's fate will be determined at that meeting.

January 28th search for cupids and Asian girls
Board of directors discusses Asashoryu scandal
The Sumo Association's board of directors met today with the obvious hot topic being the recent allegations that Asashoryu lied to the commissioner when summoned after the basho with his stablemaster to talk about the disturbance mid-basho where Asashoryu was involved in some sort of altercation on the night of January 16th. With his stablemaster by his side, Asashoryu explained to Musashigawa Rijicho that he shoved his personal manager to the ground in a drunken stupor. The commissioner warned the Yokozuna about his behavior off the dohyo and considered the matter closed until reports surfaced yesterday that Asashoryu had actually broken the nose of another acquaintance.

Takasago-oyakata, one of the sport's directors, came under fire from his peers for allowing his subordinate to mislead the commissioner and others. When asked about the situation, Takasago-oyakata acknowledged that Asashoryu was involved in a fracas with someone besides his personal manager, but he pointed out that Asashoryu had already settled the matter with the other party. Jun Yoshino, a former detective with the police department and one of the three outside members of the board, asked Takasago if the settlement was in writing to which Takasago replied that it wasn't. Yoshino pointed out that the matter wasn't settled then, and Musashigawa Rijicho ordered Takasago-oyakata to find out the details and report back to the board at a later date. To date, no formal complaint has been filed with police by the alleged victim.

Elections will be held on February 1st to determine the sport's new board of directors, and the first meeting following the election is scheduled for February 4th. At that time, it is being reported that the board will determine Asashoryu's punishment as well as consider a punishment for Takasago-oyakata. Worst-case scenario would be Asashoryu's excommunication from the sport and Takasago-oyakata's demotion among the oyakata ranks.

January 27th search for cupids and Asian girls
Tabloid alleges Asashoryu assaulted a man in Tokyo breaking his nose
The weekly tabloid, Shukan Shincho, reported in their issue today that Asashoryu assaulted a guest he was drinking with and not his manager on the night of January 16th when the Yokozuna was reportedly dead drunk when he knocked his manager to the street causing a disturbance in the middle of the night outside of a bar in the Arisu area of Tokyo. After the Hatsu basho, Asashoryu and his stablemaster were summoned to the Ryogoku Kokugikan by Musashigawa Rijicho where they explained that Asashoryu was drunk and pushed his personal manager to the ground in a rage. The commissioner accepted the explanation, but warned Asashoryu about his responsibility in his personal life as well as in the sumo world. When asked about the incident, Asashoryu's manager stated that the Yokozuna did indeed bump his shoulder into him knocking him to the ground.

The report in today's tabloids, however, state that Asashoryu was drinking with his manager and a 38 year-old man, who works at a Tokyo brothel, when the Yokozuna became enraged at his guest and punched him in the face breaking his nose. It was reported that the man will require a month's time to heal from his injuries. Tokyo police refused to comment on the incident as no police report has yet to be filed, but the tabloid is reporting that if the man comes forward and reports the incident to police that Asahoshoryu could recieve a formal summons from Tokyo police and may even be arrested for assault.

A more trustworthy news outlet, the Mainichi Shimbun, is reporting that Asashoryu was drinking with the man in the early morning hours of January 17th. The two were traveling by car in the Arisu area of Tokyo when the Yokozuna allegedly began assaulting the man in the car punching him in the face and breaking his nose. The man fled from the car and ran to a police officer nearby who was attending to a car accident. The alleged victim did not file a complaint with police at the time stating that he'd drop the matter if Asashoryu apologized to him, but the Yokozuna has yet to apologize to the man, so he went back to the police to discuss his options. At present, he has not filed any complaints regarding the matter.

The Sumo Association has remained quiet regarding the matter so far while Asashoryu is scheduled to attend a party this evening sponsored by the Rakuten Eagles, a professional baseball team in Japan. When Asashoryu's manager was asked for comment, he simply replied, "The Shukan Shincho is scary." Asashoryu critics and the Japanese media have been stirred up into a frenzy over the possibility that Asashoryu lied to the Sumo Association and actually assaulted a man not part of his entourage.

January 26th search for cupids and Asian girls
New Juryo rikishi for the Haru basho announced
The Banzuke Reorganization Committee met this morning at the Ryogoku Kokugikan to determine the new rankings for the Haru basho. As is customary, the committee announced the rikishi who would be promoted to the Juryo rank in order to give them and their stables sufficient time to prepare for seki-tori status. Three newcomers will join the seki-tori ranks in March beginning with Masuraumi (formerly Kurosawa), a 25 year-old who fights from the Onomatsu-beya. He is grabbing the early headlines as he becomes just the third seki-tori who did not fulfill the physical requirements of 173 centimeters tall and 75 kilograms when he entered sumo. Toyonoshima and Sagatsukasa preceded him in that category. Masuraumi is joined by stablemate Daido, a 27 year-old rikishi who formerly fought as Nakanishi. Also receiving promotion to Juryo for the first time is Sadanofuji, a 25 year-old who fights from the Sakaigawa-beya. Making his return to the division is Tokushinho, a 25 year-old from the Kise-beya.

Along with the new Juryo rikishi, the Sumo Association also announced the retirement of 22 rikishi included former Makuuchi rikishi Chiyotaikai, Tamarikido, and Daimanazuru.

January 25th search for cupids and Asian girls
Yokozuna Deliberation Council convenes, praise and criticism abound for Asashoryu
The Yokozuna Deliberation Council convened this morning as usual the day after the basho, and the committee members seemed divided on their opinions of Yokozuna Asashoryu. The committee chairman, Takuhiko Tsuruta, stated after the meeting, "There were some who thought that Asashoryu climbed a huge mountain and others who said his yusho exceeded their expectations." But others in the group led my departing member Makiko Uchidate expressed their anger towards the Yokozuna after reports surfaced that Asashoryu got dead drunk on the night of January 16th and pushed an acquaintance down in the street. Musashigawa Rijicho summoned Asashoryu and his stablemaster to the Ryogoku Kokugikan to enquire about the incident whereupon the Yokozuna apologized for his actions stating, "I got drunk and caused some trouble. I realize that I did something wrong, and I'm sorry for my actions and will take greater caution in the future." The commissioner gave Asashoryu a stern warning reminding the Yokozuna of the responsibility he has in his personal life and then dismissed the two.

YDC Chairman Tsuruta commented, "The commissioner informed me that he met with the Yokozuna and talked to him, so that was that," but Makiko Uchidate was outraged by yet another incident. "I wonder if it's okay to just give him these stern warnings," she commented to reporters afterwards. "He's like someone who repeats his crimes while on probation. I told the commissioner that they go too easy on him. It's not okay just to have him win all the time. He disrespects sumo, and I can't believe they pay him for it. He was livened up my hana-michi, and I felt that he always liked me, but unfortunately, the feeling is not mutual. As an athlete, I respect him 150%, but as a Yokozuna, I don't respect him at all." As for Asashoryu, he showed Makiko Uchidate the usual love by saying, "I'm so glad that I was able to yusho during her final basho. I'm going to send her some flowers."  Makiko Uchidate and Hideo Ishibashi's terms as members of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council have ended although Uchidate indicated she will continue to attend the basho and comment on Asashoryu.

January 18th search for cupids and Asian girls
Tokitenku withdraws after dislocating toe
M8 Tokitenku has announced his withdrawal from the Hatsu basho after suffering an injury to the big toe on his right. During his day 9 bout against Tamawashi, Tokitenku stubbed his toe on the dohyo dislocating the digit. Doctors examined his toe Tuesday morning and said that the Mongolian will need about one month to fully recovery from the injury. This is Tokitenku's first career kyujo since he entered sumo at the 2002 Nagoya basho. Mokonami picks up the day 10 freebie. Tokitenku's withdrawal follows on the heels of Ozeki Kotomitsuki who bowed out after a 1-7 start citing an injury to his pride.

Aran survived cancer scare at the end of 2008
M10 Aran revealed today that his 7-2 start is just icing on the cake after surviving cancer of the mouth discovered just over a year ago. In December of 2008, the Russian developed a tumor on the inside of his left cheek and immediately went in for surgery after doctors determined the tumor was malignant. The surgery to remove the tumor was a success, and Aran has been cancer free ever since. One of the most difficult side effects of the cancer was his inability to eat causing Aran to drop close to twenty kilos, but the Russian has put the weight back on, and it's showing atop the dohyo. Despite the cancer and subsequent surgery, Aran participated in the 2009 Hatsu basho.

Home