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Kakuryu to become sumo's 71st Yokozuna
Normally, a former Yokozuna from the Ichimon will provide the
instruction, but the Tokitsukaze Ichimon hasn't produced a Yokozuna in
53 years since Kashiwado, the 47th Yokozuna in the sport, and so
Takanohana-oyakata will assume that duty.
It was also learned that Kakuryu will borrow the three kesho mawashi
used at last year's special kanreiki dohyo-iri performed by Kitanoumi in
June as he celebrated his 60th birthday (kanreiki signifies that a
person has passed through the Zodiacal calendar five times). The media
is quick to point out that Kakuryu is receiving the "spirit" (tamashi)
of these two Yokozuna who have a combined 46 yusho between them. When
asked about his official statement of acceptance, Kakuryu said that he
will keep things simple and likely forego usage of a traditional four
kanji-character compound that makes up the heart of most acceptance
speeches.
Over the coming days, Kakuryu's schedule is as follows:
March 25th: Rikishi from the Izutsu-beya will perform asa-momi
(kneading rice chaff into the rope fibers that will become the
yoko-zuna)
March 26th: An official envoy will be dispatched for formally
announce Kakuryu's promotion
March 27th: Kakuryu will practice the Yokozuna dohyo-iri under
the watchful eyes of Takanohana
March 28th: Kakuryu will receive written confirmation of his
promotion and then will perform a dedicatory dohyo-iri at the Meiji
Shrine.
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