Senshuraku yaocho comments

Please make sure you read Mike's allegations of yaocho on senshuraku before you read this blog entry.

In a compelling and detailed analysis (complete with pretty pictures), Mike made a strong case that the bouts were thrown by the two Mongolians. Although we will probably never know the truth of the matter in terms of hard evidence (taped recordings of conversations or confessions), it is the job of a website covering sumo to bring this kind of interpretation to the attention of the fans, regardless of whether or not there is any HARD proof. In fact, this is one reason I choose to write for Sumotalk, despite offers from elsewhere, because I know that here and only here I will be able to say what the hell I want to say without being edited for reasons of political correctness, something I despise. Therefore, I applaud Mike's decision to make controversial statements that some (Harold Rosenberg called them the 'herd of independent minds') will sneer at, dismissing such allegations as 'conspiracy theories'. Well, I want to say something about conspiracy theories in general. The main problem I have with conspiracy theories is the term itself. These words are used to describe not only ridiculous theories about aliens in the Whitehouse (er, actually, hang on a minute...) but in fact any interpretation that strays from the official view. Conspiracy theorists are dismissed as losers, people with axes to grind, gullible idiots, the insane, and so on. Well, those types of people certainly exist, but there are also people who just want to know the truth and are not afraid to question the basic assumptions they were educated (translation: lied to) with. The very words, when mentioned on news or discussion shows, are usually accompanied by a knowing grin from the speaker, as if to say: those wacky conspiracy theorists, eh? Whatever will they come up with next? So, I'm not going to use the words anymore. Instead, let's just call the conspiracy theorists (who don't fall into the dodgy categories I listed above) what in fact they are: people who don't appreciate being lied to by bastards (PBs for short!). I think Mike is a sumo PB, and so am I.

Now I'm not going to repeat Mike's analysis. All I need to say is that I agree with what he said. Those two bouts were extremely suspicious. I can accept perhaps one instance of uncharacteristic behaviour on a particular day, but not two from the only two rikishi in the driving seat. It isn't too hard to imagine the following (alleged) conversation between Asashoryu and Hakuho in the dressing room (or wherever) before the big bouts:

H: Hey, Asa, I'm going to kick ass today...
A: So am I...
H: Wrong, you're dead...
A: You cannot be more wrong, muddy rim of bucket! I rule the universe etc.
H: Actually...(pause)
A: Kaio-zeki, right?
H: I will do it if you agree to lose as well.
A: And if I don't agree?
H: Then I will beat Kaio and leave you needing a win from Tochiazuma.
A: Hmmm (cue music)...so a guaranteed play-off or a possible straight win for you if I do lose. Rightio, matey...we have a deal.
H: Can I trust you?
A: Do bears crap...etc etc etc.?

Of course, Asashoryu could have double-crossed Hakuho and beaten Tochiazuma, but that would mean breaking his hypothetical word. He also said during the basho that he wanted another crack at Hakuho in a fair fight, and was no doubt confident he would win. He respects Kaio, and on top of that, he knows that letting Tochiazuma get his twelfth win would maintain a higher level of interest in the sport because the Japanese definitely want a Japanese Yokozuna (and so do the Kyokai)*** for obvious reasons. I think he would accept this alleged deal, and so would Hakuho (being from the same ichimon as Kaio) in the knowledge that Kaio (or any other rikishi in his heya/ichimon) would owe him a big favour in the future. Hakuho already had the promotion sewn up -- he had what he came to Osaka for. Hakuho also knew that even if he beat Kaio, it was highly likely that Asashoryu would kick Tochiazuma's ass, too, meaning a play-off anyway. For me, as shady and unlikely as it all sounds, something like this is the only explanation for the ways they lost, which were inexplicable. Sure, it could have been coincidence that they BOTH lost uncharacteristically, not doing what they always would do, but I see that as extremely unlikely. That hidari mae-mawashi grip was there for the taking for Hakuho, absolutely WIDE OPEN (in Mike's words), but his hand was pointing the other way. Would he really allow that to happen in such a vital bout? I'm afraid he wouldn't. And for those who think it would take a huge conspiracy among all the rikishi to accomplish all this, think again: in the version of events I put forward above, only Asashoryu, Hakuho and maybe an oyakata need to have been involved. Tochiazuma and even Kaio himself need not have known about it. This idea of scratching each others backs runs deep in Japanese society, particularly in business and politics, to the degree that some practitioners are not even aware that they are committing a crime. It's just natural for them, although attitudes have certainly been changing in recent years after a series of high-profile arrests in financial scandals etc. And no, Hakuho and Asashoryu are not Japanese, but they came through the system like everyone else and will definitely know the score.

Fixing probably goes on in all sports, usually when gambling is involved. Sadly, that's just the way it is. There have been cases in the media of fixed matches in football and horse racing, sports which are far more difficult to fix than sumo, where many of the bouts are over in less than three seconds, making wrongdoing extremely difficult to prove. My personal view is that although it is obviously regrettable, I don't mind it so much in the long run because the best rikishi always get to the top of the banzuke eventually. A couple of thrown bouts here and there don't make any difference in the grand scheme of things. As I know fixing will never be eradicated, and would probably continue even if it was proved, I can live with it as long as I believe it isn't rife, and I honestly don't think it is. I just hope we don't see a repeat of the events of last Sunday in such important bouts for a long, long time.

***Yes, the Japanese fans of sumo do want a Japanese Yokozuna. It's their national sport and the first thing I tend to hear from the Japanese fans I know (plenty of them) is an expression of regret that the Japanese rikishi are so weak in comparison to the top foreign ones. As for the sumo authorities, read this quote (thanks, Moti):

"12 wins is definitely a starting point for Ozeki Tochiazuma's Yokozuna promotion attempt next basho. If he wins the yusho, there definitely will be talk of promotion. If he gets 13 wins and no yusho, that may also meet the criteria. If Sumo will have a Japanese Yokozuna - it will be a great plus," said Chairman Ishibashi of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council.

So, if anyone tells you a Japanese Yokozuna is not desired by the Japanese, they're talking through their arses.