May 12th search for cupids and Asian girls
Day 1 Quotes; Asashoryu to receive treatment on his back
Asashoryu on his day one loss to Kisenosato, "I was lost at the tachi-ai. My sumo was half-assed. I wasn't the one attacking."

Asashoryu on a rare loss where he was knocked flat on his back, "That was strange. I don't think that's happened before."

Kisenosato on his big win, "I got my left on the inside and just went forward. I feel good."

Hakuho on whether or not he was nervous coming into day 1, "I'd be lying if I said there was no anxiety."

Hakuho on his win over Asasekiryu, "My body was working well."

Kaio on his win over Baruto, "He's huge, he's strong, and he' s a bitch to force back."

Kaio on picking up his career 900th win, "I'm not worried about that. Maybe it'll hit me when I retire. I only want to think about my sumo."

Kotooshu on his win over Wakanoho, "You just don't know what kind of sumo he'll do. The biggest thing for me though is my resolve. You can't really worry about being kadoban."

In other news, after the loss Asashoryu retreated to the bath room and soaked in the tub for about 20 minutes. He then called for his personal trainer who had already left the premises to come back. Asashoryu indicated that he was experiencing some lower back pain, and as he got out of the tub he heard his back pop. Prior to the basho, Asashoryu felt some pain in his lower back along with his left calf, but his personal trainer commented, "Even if his back and leg hurt a bit, he's strong and will be okay." As Asashoryu returned to the dressing room, he was asked if his light injuries contributed to his loss, to which the Yokozuna responded, "yes". Asashoryu remained silent for a full four minutes before suddenly offering, "I've gotta do more squats. My back is fine, but I'm still going to get acupuncture treatment on it." The Yokozuna left the Kokugikan still puzzled at the way in which he lost.

May 10th search for cupids and Asian girls
Kisenosato and Asashoryu react to their day 1 pairing
Komusubi Kisenosato practiced 39 bouts yesterday at his won Naruto-beya. No concrete details of the session were provided, but the Komusubi was asked about facing Asashoryu on day 1...for the second basho in a row. "I have to face him sometime. It doesn't matter if it's early or later; I'm gonna give it my all. The final bout of the day is different, but I don't mind the atmosphere." As for Asashoryu, he stayed at home as well and lightly practiced at the Takasago-beya breaking in the black mawashi he'll wear during the tournament. The Yokozuna received a surprise visit from Dr. Honda, the psychiatrist who treated him last August when he was diagnosed with acute depression. When the Yokozuna entered the practice area and saw his friend, he called out in English, "Hi Mister Honda!" When asked about his day 1 matchup against Kisenosato, Asashoryu responded, "So...the same as last basho. It doesn't matter to me. Regardless, I'm eating soba (noodles) tonight." The noodle reference was an inside joke with Dr. Honda whose fiancée broke of their engagement last year saying she couldn't stand how noisily the doctor slurped when he ate his soba.

May 9th search for cupids and Asian girls
Day 1 and Day 2 bouts announced
The Sumo Association released the matchups for the first two days of Makuuchi bouts this morning.  Holding true to form by pairing rivals together where possible, Yokozuna Asashoryu will get Komusubi Kisenosato in the final bout of day 1, but things could get even more interesting on day 2 when the Yokozuna gets Baruto.  The West Yokozuna, Hakuho, gets the other Komusubi, Asasekiryu, on day 1 before receiving a stiff day two test himself against Kokkai.  Ozeki Kotooshu who looks to fight off demotion from his rank gets upstart Wakanoho on day 1 before doing battle against the pesky yotsu specialist, Kyokutenho, on day 2.  For the complete listing of the early matchups, click the following links:  Day 1   |   Day 2

May 8th search for cupids and Asian girls
Hakuho wraps up de-geiko at Dewanoumi-beya
Yokozuna Hakuho visited the Dewanoumi-beya today for a final dose of de-geiko before the Natsu basho. Facing primarily Futenoh, the Yokozuna fought 20 times finishing up 18-2. No other details were provided, but Hakuho did comment afterwards, "My conditioning is good." In the non-sumo news department, Hakuho also commented that he was awakened by the earthquake before dawn that shook the Kanto region of Japan. The Yokozuna called Mokonami of the Tatsunami-beya whose stable is in Ibaragi Prefecture, the center of the quake, to see if he countryman was alright, and he also revealed that his older brother who is visiting Japan felt an earthquake for the first time. "My brother said that 40 years of his life flashed before his eyes," he quipped.

May 7th search for cupids and Asian girls
Takamisakari receives unpleasant surprise from Asashoryu
Takamisakari's worst dream came true yesterday when he visited the Kasugano-beya for de-geiko and Yokozuna Asashoryu showed up midway through the session. The Robocop fought 18 bouts total, but only faced the Yokozuna once and was launched into the chairs set up for spectators to observe practice. At the end of the session as each rikishi finishes with butsukari-geiko, Tochinonada conducted Takamisakari's session, which caused Asashoryu to shout out, "Let me do it!". Takamisakari ignored the call and wrapped up his session straightway. As for his keiko, Takamisakari practiced mostly with Tochinoshin and Tochiohzan exhibiting some impressive throws before meeting up with Asashoryu. The Cop commented afterwards with tears in his eyes, "I've practiced hard so as to live up to the expectations for me. I never thought he'd come here. Why me? I'm in pain now. He's so strong...and I'm getting to old now."

May 6th search for cupids and Asian girls
Hakuho practices under the watchful eye of Taiho
Yokozuna Hakuho visited the Otake-beya today at the invitation of former great, Taiho, and participated in the Nishonoseki Ichimon joint keiko session. Hakuho fought 30 times going 28-2, but the majority of his opponents were Juryo rikishi. The Yokozuna reportedly was a bit reactionary today opting not to blow his opponents back from the tachi-ai. After the session, Hakuho explained, "I was focusing on quantity today. I wanted to show off my strengths in front of Taiho who has given me so much advice. I realize I should be practicing against Ozeki or sanyaku rikishi, but there were only a few Makuuchi rikishi here today. There's nothing I could have done about it." Taiho also commented after the session, "He looked lively out there today. He reacted to his opponents well...and that spectacular body of his makes me envious." No further details from the session were reported, but Taiho did spend two hours talking to Hakuho after the session in a private room. In light of the rising number of demands for Hakuho's time and his appearances on television, Taiho reminded the Yokozuna, "Sumo is based solely on the work of the individual."

In the other Yokozuna camp, Asashoryu stayed home today and practiced lightly with a Makushita rikishi after performing the basic exercises such as suri-ashi. "It was okay I guess," Asashoryu commented afterwards. He also indicated that he will likely go out for de-keiko tomorrow and then call it good in terms of leaving the stable before the Natsu basho begins.

May 5th search for cupids and Asian girls
Yokozuna keiko reports
Yokozuna Asashoryu visited the Kasugano-beya for de-geiko yesterday fighting 16 bouts and finishing 15-1. Asashoryu was bested in his second bout of the day via yori-kiri at the hands of Futenoh, but he was perfect thereafter as he continued to battle Futenoh along with Tochinonada and Makuuchi rookie Tochinoshin. After the session Asashoryu commented, "My legs still aren't there although I feel as if I'm ready to start driving with my lower body."

In the other Yokozuna camp, Hakuho stayed at home and battled stablemate Ryuo 31 times finishing 29-2. Of the session which lasted over an hour, Hakuho commented, "I hadn't intended to go that long, but I felt okay throughout." His mentor, Kumagatani-oyakata, also added, "He's no longer losing his breath." The Yokozuna has also been focusing on drinking more milk. "Recently, I've only been drinking alcohol, but I'm not getting enough calcium." Several days ago, Hakuho cracked one of his molars in a keiko session, an occurrence that has led to the change in his drinking habits. In other news, Hakuho has been invited by former great Taiho to attend the Nishonoseki Ichimon joint keiko session tomorrow held at the Otake-beya.

May 3rd search for cupids and Asian girls
Goeido, Toyohibiki visit the Takasago-beya again
Yokozuna Asashoryu welcomed Goeido and Toyohibiki again for de-geiko today and together with Asasekiryu, the Yokozuna fought in 17 bouts winning them all. His session was highlighted by an uchi-muso move that the Yokozuna commented on afterwards saying, "Those work well don't they." When asked about his seemingly good condition, Asashoryu offered, "I'm not there yet. I think I strained my left lower back."

May 2nd search for cupids and Asian girls
Tatsunami Ichimon holds another joint keiko session
The Tatsunami Ichimon held a joint keiko session again today that saw the attendance of one Yokozuna and three Ozeki. Hakuho fought 14 times in some lively bouts against Kotomitsuki, Kotooshu, and Kaio finishing the day at 12-2. The Yokozuna focused on getting his right arm on the inside and attacking with the left arm in an outer belt grip. The Yokozuna has been criticized a bit for his lack of keiko, but after the session, he commented, "The number of bouts means nothing. It's all in the content."

Ozeki Kotomitsuki also reportedly looked sharp at the session although clear results weren't given. The Ozeki faced Hakuho four times beating him once by immediately forcing him back and out from the tachi-ai. Kotomitsuki has made a concerted effort to do more de-geiko prior to this basho and has reportedly been in fine form. When asked about his chances for the yusho, he quipped, "Let's wait and see where I'm at three days into the tournament."

As for Yokozuna Asashoryu, he took the day off from keiko today.

May 1st search for cupids and Asian girls
Tatsunami Ichimon holds its joint keiko session...Kaio looks good...Hakuho average
The Tatsunami Ichimon held its joint keiko session today at the Asahiyama-beya and was attended by more than 10 sekitori including Yokozuna Hakuho, Ozeki Kaio, and Sekiwake Ama. Kaio, who will turn 36 in July, made a good impression on those present as he battled the likes of Aminishiki, Takamisakari, and Kyokutenho over 15 bouts. Kaio overwhelmed his opponents once he grabbed the right outer grip, and he won a hotly contested bout over Kyokutenho dumping the Maegashira with a nifty throw in the end. "I'm going to do my best until I completely break down," Kaio said afterwards. "It's warmed up, so my condition is good." Kaio last won in double-digits at the 2007 Natsu basho.

As for Hakuho, he participated in 11 bouts against Ama and other rikishi finishing 10-1 although his performance was reported as being short and uninspired. When asked about his practice, Hakuho stated, "There really wasn't anyone there who was active, so I got in and got out just like that." Isegahama-oyakata who was on hand again for the session said, "He's not fighting enough bouts. It seems as if he's just now warming himself up."

Asashoryu welcomes Goeido, Toyohibiki
Across town, Yokozuna Asashoryu welcomed Goeido and Toyohibiki for some de-geiko at the Takasago-beya. The Yokozuna battled the youngsters in 17 bouts finishing 16-1, but the bigger news seemed to be how Asashoryu's spirits were lifted when the Sakaigawa-beya rikishi showed up. "I'm so glad they came. I feel as if I want to teach them everything. They are like little brothers to me," Asashoryu commented afterwards. During the session Asashoryu picked up a 45 kilo sandbag and showed the two how to practice suri-ashi with it, and then after practice he retrieved a hammer given to him by Koji Murofushi, the Japanese gold medallist at the Athens Olympics in the hammer throw event. Asashoryu explained that Murofushi actually used this particular hammer in his competition, and by swinging it around it would strengthen the lower back. It was the first time that rikishi have come for de-geiko at the Takasago-beya to practice with Asashoryu in over a year, which might explain why Asashoryu was in such a good mood today.

April 30th search for cupids and Asian girls
Hakuho welcomes Ama and Aminishiki...sort of
Yokozuna Hakuho stayed home at the Miyagino-beya today for keiko but didn't show up until 9:40 AM. Sekiwake Ama and stablemate Aminishiki arrived just before 9 AM with their stablemaster, former Yokozuna Asahifuji, but Isegahama had his two sekitori wait outside of the stable until Hakuho showed up. Once the keiko actually began, Hakuho had to withdraw for several minutes after his first bout complaining of numbness between his neck and right armpit. The Yokozuna did return and fought 10 total bouts going 2-2 against Ama and 4-2 against Aminishiki, but Asahifuji was critical of Hakuho's attitude towards practice. "Of course he's going to get hurt if he doesn't warm up before keiko. He is out of shape. At yesterday's YDC general keiko session, Hakuho fought 10 times but was reportedly out of breath five bouts in. His slow keiko start this basho continued today, but Hakuho was his usual casual self afterwards. "I'm just thinking about and doing things my way," he commented to reporters.

In other news, Hakuho's 15 year-old nephew is in town for a trial run at experiencing life as a sumo rikishi at the Miyagino-beya. His nephew is reportedly considering giving sumo a shot. Currently, he stands 170 centimeters tall and weighs only 60 kilos right now. When asked if he thought his nephew could become a rikishi, Hakuho stated, "I don't know. At least his hands and feet are big." Kumagatani-oyakata seemed a bit more optimistic, "His body is identical to Hakuho's when he first joined. If he can bulk up 15 kilograms or so while in Japan, he'll get really big."

April 30th search for cupids and Asian girls
Many disappointed by yesterday's Soken keiko session
The general feeling towards yesterday's Soken keiko session is that the two Yokozuna did the fans a disservice by failing to face each other.  Hakuho entered the dohyo area about 20 minutes before Asashoryu, but Asashoryu reportedly avoided his counterpart and stepped into the ring first.  After defeating Kotooshu, Asashoryu called on the younger rikishi like Kisenosato, Kotoshogiku, and Goeido finishing 9-1 with the one loss against Kisenosato.  After the session, Asashoryu didn't say much other than, "I did want to practice with him" speaking of Hakuho.  Hakuho faced all of the Ozeki going 8-2 an claimed he was looking for Asashoryu during the session.  "We practiced together in January, so I wanted to go at it again here.  I'm sure the fans wanted to see it too."  Makiko Uchidate, token female member of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council, commented, "I came because I wanted to see the two Yokozuna fight, so I was disappointed.  Hakuho did lose twice, but he looked good to me.  As for Asashoryu, he did win 9 bouts against younger rikishi, but in half of them he used hari-zashi.  That's a bit too much for me."  Kitanoumi Rijicho was more subjective as he stated, "It was good keiko for both Asashoryu and the younger rikishi."

April 29th search for cupids and Asian girls
Early Soken general keiko session report; Yokozuna fail to face each other
The Soken general keiko session was held under the watchful eyes of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council in the Ryogoku Kokugikan. Approximately 6,000 fans watched the session that saw both Yokozuna fight 10 bouts apiece although they didn't fight each other. Asashoryu had his left calf taped up but still went 9-1 commenting afterwards, "My condition is good. When I'm doing sumo, I don't notice any pain."  Hakuho went 8-2 against the four Ozeki losing once to both Kotomitsuki and Kotooshu.

April 28th search for cupids and Asian girls
Takasago, Sadogatake-beya rikishi gather at Tokitsukaze-beya
The Makuuchi rikishi from the Takasago-beya and the Sadogatake-beya gathered at the Tokitsukaze-beya yesterday morning for de-geiko. Much of the attention was on Ozeki Kotooshu who is kadoban for the tournament meaning he must win 8 bouts or lose his rank. Kotooshu withdrew from the Haru basho citing an injury to the left bicep area, and even though he had the arm taped up during the exhibition season, he went without it today testing a tsuppari attack on the likes of Asasekiryu, Tokitenku, and Toyonoshima. After 12 bouts Asashoryu stepped into the ring and asked Kotooshu if he wanted to practice, but the Ozeki turned him down. Afterwards, Kotooshu explained, "I wanted to do a little more sumo...but not with the Yokozuna."

As for Asashoryu, he participated in 21 bouts facing mostly Kotoshogiku and Toyonoshima. The Yokozuna exhibited a swift attack against his opponents focusing on the belt as he cruised to a 21-0 finish. After the session, he commented, "That was a good sweat. I wanted to get a feel for grabbing the mawashi again." When asked if he came to face Kotoshogiku and Kotomitsuki, two rikishi who beat him last basho, Asashoryu said, "I heard they were coming here, so I decided to come too." Asashoryu asked Kotomitsuki three times to fight, but he was turned down by that Ozeki as well. "I guess the Ozeki have their own agenda. I wanted to fight with them and even invited them..." Finally, Asashoryu was asked about his potential match up with Hakuho at tomorrow's Soken keiko session to which the Yokozuna answered, "If I have a chance to fight him, I will."

April 27th search for cupids and Asian girls
Hakuho won't practice until YDC General keiko session Tuesday
Yokozuna Hakuho will enter the Yokozuna Deliberation Council Soken general keiko session slated for April 29th without having performed any keiko. Yesterday Hakuho spent the morning at a golf tournament for one of his fans; today he participated in an event at a company near the stable called Arcakit; and tomorrow the rikishi from the Miyagino-beya will weave a new rope for their Yokozuna to wear during the basho in a process called tsuna-uchi. All else was quiet on the keiko front as Yokozuna Asashoryu also took a breather from keiko today.

April 26th search for cupids and Asian girls
Asashoryu invades the Tokitsukaze Ichimon joint keiko session
Yokozuna Asashoryu made an unannounced visit to the Tokitsukaze Ichimon joint keiko session held at the Izutsu-beya this morning. The Yokozuna participated in 10 consecutive bouts taking on the likes of Toyonoshima, Asasekiryu, Kakuryu, Tokitenku, and Homasho as he tested the condition of his injured left calf. Asashoryu was perfect on the day as he led off against Homasho using a hari-zashi tachi-ai to drive his opponent straight back and out. He also used the usual powerful nage throws and breezed to his 10-0 mark. The Yokozuna commented afterwards, "I want to be completely healthy for day 1. There is still some concern with the injury, but if I don't at least try I won't know how bad it is. I'm going to heal it by doing keiko. My session today was a little bit lacking, but I don't want to overdo anything." Asashoryu also spent time with the Makushita rikishi on hand and said to them, "I have something to say to any of you who want to rise through the ranks."

April 25th search for cupids and Asian girls
Introducing the three rookies for Natsu...Kotokasuga, Hakuba, and Tochinoshin
Kotokasuga, a 30 year-old rookie this basho, held a press conference at his Sadogatake-beya following the release of the banzuke rankings where he finally found himself ranked in the Makuuchi division after 91 basho in the sport, a pace tied for second slowest all time. To add to the joy, Kotokasuga was flanked by a former elementary schoolmate who also happens to be his fiancée. The two ran into each other two years ago and have been dating ever since. "My joy is doubled," Kotokasuga declared. "We were classmates in Fukuoka Prefecture's Kasuga City. In sixth grade, she changed schools and we lost touch with each other...until two years ago." Kotokasuga explained that after the 2006 Haru basho in Osaka, a mutual friend invited both of them to dinner. Neither remembered each other but when they began asking where each other was from and their names, they made the connection and began dating in May of that same year. "She was the Madonna of our class. I love everything about her from her personality to her good traits. I proposed to her that November, but my father said he wouldn't allow me to marry until I reached Makuuchi. Now we can finally be together." Kotokasuga was surpassed by both Kotomitsuki and Kotooshu, younger rikishi than him he have made it all the way to Ozeki. The veteran considered retiring after suffering injuries to both elbows but now has his double reward. "Ever since I met her again, doing sumo has gotten fun again. I'm glad now that I didn't retire. I haven't suffered make-koshi since we met." Kotokasuga's bride to be, Eri Yamaue, stated, "I respect the sekitori with all my heart." The happy couple will file their marriage papers on May 2nd and then hold a reception in September."

One of the other three Makuuchi newcomers, Hakuba, was flanked only by his stablemaster, Michinoku-oyakata (former Kirishima) at his banzuke press conference. "I am so thrilled," the Mongolian proclaimed. "I'm glad I made it this far. After I lost on senshuraku last basho, I thought it'd be hard to get promoted." Hakuba suffered a serious injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee last August and as a result hasn't been able to do much keiko. "I guess it was just luck that I made it," he said when asked how he managed the promotion. Michinoku-oyakata added, "And all this time I've been telling him you can't rise up the ranks if you don't do keiko!" Hakuba stated that his goal was to win in double-digits, and when asked how would do that, he sheepishly replied, "Of course by doing keiko." Regarding the condition of his knee, Hakuba explained, "It used to hurt so badly even to walk on it. It still hurts a bit now but not as much. I'm okay." Hakuba becomes the 10th Mongolian to reach the sport's top division, and regarding this he said, "I want to face all of the Mongolian rikishi. I'll do my best."

Rounding out the rookies, Tochinoshin of the Kasugano-beya held a press conference with his stablemaster. "I'm so happy. My diligent keiko has finally paid off," the rikishi from Georgia proclaimed. Tochinoshin has reached the division in just 13 basho, a feat that puts him in a tie for 10th place all time. "I used to watch Kokkai on television back home and longed to do what he did. I can't wait to face him. I still haven't even fought him in the keiko ring." When Tochinoshin was in the Sandanme division, Kokkai did conduct butsukari-geiko for his countryman once, but Tochinoshin said, "I couldn't even push him." The 20 year-old is a former Junior European Judo Champion, and he was once runner-up at the World Junior Sumo Championships. He waltzed through Juryo in just two basho and said, "I don't know if that was fast or slow." Kasugano-oyakata also offered, "I want him to do proper sumo even more Japanese-like the Japanese rikishi themselves."

Three Tokitsukaze-beya rikishi charged in Tokitaizan's death are bdemoted on new banzuke
With the release of the new banzuke, it was learned that the three non-sekitori rikishi from the Tokitsukaze-beya who were charged for their involvement in the death of Tokitaizan were demoted on the banzuke due to their inaction the last few basho. The three were held in place for one basho, but Kitanoumi Rijicho explained, "If you can't get up on the dohyo, it's natural that you will slide down the ranks. They are the same now as other kyujo rikishi." Akiyutaka was demoted from MS 58 to Sandanme 39; Dotoh was demoted from Jonidan 1 to Jonidan 72; and Tokiomaru was demoted from Jonidan 86 to Jonokuchi 8. The three rikishi will be ousted from the Association altogether if they are found guilty of their alleged crimes.

Asashoryu resumes keiko; says left calf is still bothering him
Yokozuna Asashoryu returned home from Mongolia yesterday and promptly resumed his pre-basho keiko this morning. Staying home at the Takasago-beya, the Yokozuna entered the practice area at 8:30 AM and performed shiko and teppo exercises as the younger rikishi in the stable practiced moshi-ai-geiko. Later on he walked around the neighborhood warming up that left calf muscle that hasn't completely healed. "It's gotten a little better," Asashoryu said of the muscle, "but I'm still too scared to go all out. I just to take it little by little."

April 24th search for cupids and Asian girls
Natsu basho banzuke
The Sumo Association released its banzuke rankings for the Natsu basho.  The new ranks are as follows:

April 22nd search for cupids and Asian girls
Hakuho screens new movie on Mongolia; wants his revenge over Asashoryu
Yokozuna Hakuho attended the showing of a new movie in Japan titled Mongolia, which depicts the latter half of Genghis Khan's life. After watching the film at a theater in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo, Hakuho commented, "That movie gave me courage and inspiration. I was so impressed." When asked about the upcoming Natsu basho, Hakuho offered, "I don't want to lose any bouts and get my revenge in another ai-boshi-kessen."

April 21st
Committee formed to prevent further rikishi deaths gives their proposals
The committee established by the Sumo Association to ensure that another rikishi isn't killed during keiko completed their visits to all 53 stable in the sport and met today to come up with their suggestions and resolutions as follows:

1) Change the format of Shisho all hands meetings. The committee suggest bringing in outsiders to lecture the stable masters at their meetings.

2) Set up an office where rikishi can receiving counseling. The office would be part of the Sumo Association's health clinic and would be available for rikishi with anxieties weighing them down.

3) Require new rikishi to submit a letter of intent. This would ensure that a rikishi was not forced into sumo against his own will.

4) Distribute a manual that guides the rikishi in moral and ethical matters. The book will also include illustrations for foreign rikishi who can't read the Japanese.

After the meeting, Mitsuru Yaku spoke to reporters and took his usual shots at Yokozuna Asashoryu. "I'd like to see punishments handed down to rikishi out of control. For example, I think rikishi should be forced to sit out basho if they use dame-oshi or raised a clenched fist after a win." When asked how the committee received his suggestions, Mitsuru Yaku admitted that they brushed him off.

April 19th
Los Angeles exhibition hyped
Musashimaru-oyakata, Tochiazuma, and Sendagawa-oyakata made a trip across the pond to Los Angeles in order to give some PR to the upcoming Los Angeles exhibition to be held June 7th and 8th at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. All of the Makuuchi rikishi will attend the event, and during a press conference, Sendagawa-oyakata explained, "The rikishi are going fight their hardest, so we want as many people as possible to come and view sumo just as if they were watching it at a hon-basho." The sport visits LA for the first time in 27 years.

April 16th search for cupids and Asian girls
Kotooshu to introduce blog
Ozeki Kotooshu announced yesterday that he will set up a personal blog. The front page is already completed, and Kotooshu hopes to begin posting to it after the Natsu basho. "I want to strengthen my ties to my fans. During the basho it will be hard to update it, but after the basho, I want to post messages in Japanese. I have a conversion tool that will also help me write in some kanji. I'm looking forward to the response," Kotooshu explained. The Ozeki is coming off of an injury to his left arm that led to his withdrawal from the Haru basho, but yesterday he enjoyed an active keiko session against fellow Ozeki Kotomitsuki. When asked about this arm he replied, "It's fine now."

Tochiohzan resumes keiko
Makuuchi rikishi, Tochiohzan, resumed keiko today after avoiding serious keiko during the Spring exhibitions due to an injury suffered to his right shoulder in the final days of the Haru basho. Tochiohzan's opponents were not reported, but when asked about his pending rise up the ranks where he'll likely face jo'i rikishi at the Natsu basho, the youngster replied, "More than focusing on that, I've got to get my form back. I'm quite impatient."

April 14th search for cupids and Asian girls
Asashoryu to return home today to Mongolia
Asashoryu will return home to Mongolia today to receive treatment for the muscle tear in his left calf. He'll also celebrate his daughter's 5th birthday. It was learned that Takasago-oyakata approved the international travel and submitted the papers yesterday to the Sumo Association. The Yokozuna will return to Japan some time just prior to the release of the Natsu basho banzuke on April 24th. Yesterday at the Fujieda exhibition in Shizuoka Prefecture, Asashoryu was asked if he would go back to Mongolia prior to the next basho to which the Yokozuna responded, "I can't tell you guys," even though his travel papers had already been submitted. As for the severity of his injury, the Yokozuna was examined at a hospital on April 4th where he was told that he needed about three weeks to heal. "It hurts whenever I squat," Asashoryu explained. "I'm not going to make it worse before the next banzuke is released. I'll have it healed up by then." At the recent exhibitions, Asashoryu has been dishing out the fan service (to the complaint of some who say he is overdoing it), but he hasn't been participating in morning practice, and when fighting in the single elimination tournaments, he has promptly been losing in the first round.

April 13th search for cupids and Asian girls
Exhibition news; Osaka Governor wants to change Haru basho venue
The Spring exhibitions rolled on to Soka City in Saitama Prefecture yesterday. Yokozuna Asashoryu sat out the morning keiko due to the muscle tear in his left calf, so fellow Yokozuna Hakuho entered the keiko ring instead. After defeating Kokkai, Hakuho called Takamisakari into the ring and roughed him up for six consecutive bouts before ending his session by conducting butsukari-geiko for Homasho. After the session, Takamisakari commented, "My right elbow is numb. It's too hard to fight a Yokozuna without warning."

In other news, Asashoryu learned that the governor of Osaka is proposing that the curent venue for the Haru basho, the Osaka Furitsu Gymnasium, be changed after 2011. The Governor cited deteriorating conditions of the structure as the reason for his proposal. When Asashoryu learned of the news, he responded, "Seriously? I debuted as a Yokozuna in Osaka, and I've gone 15-0 there. It's been the most memorable basho for me, and our stable is also close to the venue." Asashoryu has always played it up for the fans in Osaka, and he even generated headlines this year by addressing the crowed in the famed Kansai dialect. "Let's protest this," he joked to reporters. The Governor of Osaka will pay a formal visit to the Sumo Association on the 14th to discuss the change in venue.

April 11th search for cupids and Asian girls
Trial to begin in Kitanoumi yaocho allegations
The trial will begin today in a Tokyo court for the defamation lawsuit the Sumo Association and Kitanoumi Rijicho filed against the Shukan Gendai tabloid for an article that alleged Kitanoumi was involved in bout fixing during his career as a rikishi. The defense is expected to call two witnesses, Yorimasa Takeda, the freelance writer who wrote the article and Keisuke Sakai, a former Komusubi who has said that he participated in bout fixing and insists that yaocho exists in sumo. It is up to the Tokyo court to actually allow Mr. Sakai to testify, but a lawyer for the Sumo Association said, "Mr. Sakai has no relation to this case whatsoever."

Hakuho films another television show
Yokozuna Hakuho participated in the recording of the television show Sanma no Manma, a "comedy" show hosted by the fast talking Akashiya Sanma. "When I tried to answer a question from him, he was already peppering me with the next one," Hakuho explained. Akashiya Sanma got Hakuho to talk about a visit he paid to a Philippine bar in the Kinshi neighborhood of Tokyo. After the show was filmed, Hakuho said, "I always watch him on TV, so it didn't feel as if I was meeting him for the first time." The show will broadcast in the Kanto and Kansai regions on May 9th. In other news, it was learned that Hakuho's determination to build up more muscle was the result of an arm-wrestling match against Ozeki Kaio during the Haru exhibition season where the Ozeki soundly defeated the Yokozuna. "I want to be able to generate the same power as Kaio-zeki," Hakuho explained.