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f650 ($5.50 in Japah) .

Now in the 30th Year of Publication!Sumo World

ln This Issue

On the Cover - Hatsu Basho winner Tochiazuma isdepicted in this beautiful painting by LynnMatsuoka.

On the Back Cover - Two scenes from ex-yokozunaKitanofuji kanreki tsunauchi at Hakaku Beya onDecember 23, 2001 (photos by Clyde Newton). lnthe bottom photo Kitanofuji is heralded as tachimochiby ex-Yokozuna Chiyonofuji and as tsuharai by ex­Yokozuna Hokutomi.

ln This Issue:-Editor's Box (2)-Hatsu Basho Banzuke, Makunouchi Division Rankings

and Profiles (3-8)-Kitanoumi Elected Rijicho, by Clyde Newton, (9-10)-Ryo Hatano's Column (10)-Sekiwake Who Almost Reached Ozeki,

by Andy Adams (11-14)-Kitanofuji Prepares for Kanreki Dohyoiri (15)-Sumo in 1867, Meishobu Revealed (16)-Shin-Sumo for Women, by Kyoko Kawakami (17)-juryo Results, by Mark Newton (18)-Behind the Curtain, by David Meisenzahl (18)-Interview with Kuniazuma, Part II,

by Shinobu Suzuki (19)-Obituaries of Ikeda Tsuneo and Kitanonada (20)-Lynn Matsuoka Ad (21)-january 2002 Makunouchi Bouts (22)-january 2002 Results (23)-Haru Basho Preview, by Mark Newton (24)-Hatsu Basho Review, by Clyde Newton (25-27)-Then & Now, Calligraphy, by Clyde Newton (28)-Hatsu Bashojuryo Division Ranking (29-31)-Makushita Division Top 20 Ranks (31)

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Editorial Staff:Clyde Newton Editor and PublisherAndy Adams Associate EditorRyo Hatano Senior EditorShinobu Suzuki Staff ColumnistLora Sharnoff Staff ColumnistDavid Meisenzahl Staff ColumnistMark Newton Staff ColumnistMark Schreiber Guest ColumnistC. Newton PhotographerC. Newton, S. Suzuki TranslatorsAlI subscription checks should be made out to: SumoWorld/Clyde Newton.

Ali checks and correspondence should be mailed to:Clyde Newton, Editor & PublisherSumo World1-2-16 Inokashira, Mitaka-shi,Tokyo 181-0001, japanTel/Fax: 0422-47-5715e-Mail: cpnen@iac.co.jpURL: <http://www.sumoworld.com>

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" Our thanks to"Sumo" of Baseball Magazine-sha for use of photos 2

New Sumo Kyokai Rijicho Kitanoumi poses with newly-appointed members of his teamon February 4. Front row /rom left;Futagoyama (ex-ozeki Takanohana), Kitanoumi (ex-yokozuna Kitanoumi), Sadogatake (ex-yokozuna Kotozakura). Back row

/rom left; Musashigawa (ex-yokozuna Mienoumi, Isenoumi (ex-sekiwake Fujinokawa), Mihogaseki (ex-ozeki Masuiyama).

Kitanoumi Elected RijichoBy Clyde Newton

What was expected to be a close race for therijicho (chairman) post in the Sumo Kyokai turnedout to be a shoo-in. As late as December,Futagoyama Oyakata was widely viewed as being thefront-runner, given strong support from his ichimonas well as others. There was concern among support­ers of Kitanoumi, who is widely viewed as a re­former, that he would have difficulty even beingelected as a riji (director), since Dewanoumi Oyakata(ex-sekiwake Washuyama) insisted upon running fora riji post, despite the candidacy of two other menfrom the Dewanoumi Ichimon-Musashigawa (ex­yokozuna Mienoumi) and Kitanoumi. Further,Magaki Oyakata (ex-yokozuna Wakanohana II),viewed as co-reformer with Kitanoumi in the pre vi­ous Tokitsukaze "cabinet," hinted that he wouldstrongly support Futagoyama's candidacy.

Until 1994, each ichimon agreed in advance upontwo candidates for the riji positions, and from 1968onwards, no elections were necessary because every­thing had been decided in advance. However, in themid-1990s, the then rijicho, Sakaigawa (ex-yokozunaSadanoyama) angered a majority of the oyakata witha number of controversial policies, and the reformerswere so determined to oust him that the old fash­

ioned backroom deals were basically thrown out thedoor, and democratic elections among multiple can­didates became a reality, despite resistance from the

old guard.Sakaigawa tried to l'un for reelection in 1998, but

the strength of his opponents was such that not onlywas he forced to withdraw his candidacy, but also theman se en as his preferred eventual successor, thethenJinmaku Oyakata (ex-yokozuna Kitanofuji) losthis riji post and left the Sumo Kyokai in disgust. IfJinmaku had not lost his position, he would likelyhave become rijicho this time.

A compromise was reached where a moderate,Tokitsukaze Oyakata (ex-ozeki Yutakayama) waselected rijicho to replace Sakaigawa. At the time,Kitanoumi was seen as his obvious successor in 2002.

However, in the latter part of 2001, Futagoyama wasencouraged to run for rijicho by his allies in theNisho Ichimon. He appeared to have the numbers,but it was all an illusion. With sumo's popularitycontinuing to slump, much like the batteredJapaneseeconomy, even hard core conservatives began to feelthat Kitanoumi was the most appropriate successor.

By early J anllary, newspapers began to predictthat Kitanollmi's election was a certainty, save for theremote chance of an upset in the initial election forriji slots. The elections for the riji post took place onFebrllary 1. The electorate consisted of aH theoyakata (but not the jun-toshiyori with highest ranksof sekiwake and below), the two tate-gyoji, and bothyokozuna and the two senior ozeki.

9

ln the intial balloting for the riji positions, allcandidates, with exception of Minato (ex-komusubiYutakayama) and Musashigawa received 10 voteseach, and were automatically elected. Minato andMusashigawa, who had 9 votes each, had to face arunoff. Musahigawa won the runoff by a landslide,garnering 63 votes to Minato's 45. All the candidatesfor kanji were elected; Tokiwayama (ex-sekiwakeWakachichibu), Hakaku (ex-yokozuna Hokutoumi),and Mihogaseki (ex-ozeki Masuiyama). Mihogasekiwas the only non-incumbent; he replacesMusashigawa who was elected riji. Initially,Hidenoyama Oyakata (ex-sekiwake Hasegawa) de­cided to run along with Tokiwayama from NishoIchimon, however, a last-minute settlement wasreached where Hidenoyama withdrew. However, heis just about certain to replace Tokiwayama when thelatter completes his current term.

Born May 16, 1953, Kitanoumi is the youngestman to head the Sumo Kyokai since ex-yokozunaFutabayama, who was only 45 when he took over in1957. The succession this time represents a dramaticchanging of the guard, from 64 year old Tokitsukaze,born in the prewar era, to Kitanoumi, born eightyears after the end of W orld War II. All but two(Wakafuji-ex-maegashira Kazuhikari andSadogatake) of the 10 newly elected riji were born inthe postwar era.

For the first time in the history of the SumoKyokai, one current and two former rijicho are onthe payroll together. Tokitsukaze and Sakaigawawere named Sodanyaku, or senior advisors. The twoformer rijicho are walking into the sunset, as bothare 64 and will be retiring from the Sumo Kyokai(Tokitsukaze this August and Sakaigawa next Febru­ary). The two former rijicho are reaching the end oftheir sumo careers in good health. Asked what hewill do after this August, Tokitsukaze said that hisgreatest hope is to personally train children to likesumo, and that he looks forward to putting on hismawashi everyday (he still often appears on theTokitsukaze Beya keikoba in his mawashi to train hisdeshi).

Tokitsukaze did his best as rijicho. While at hearta moderate reformer, he had to reach a delicatebalance between the reformers and the conserva­tives. Kitanoumi will have an even more difficult

task, given the extent of sumo's de cline in popularityin j apan. His most immediate priorities will un­doubtedly be to increase attendance at hombashoand try to stimulate more interest in sumo on the partof the public, especially young people. At 48, hemay have a lengthy tenure, but will probably notwant to hold for as long as Kasugano (ex-yokozunaTochinishiki) who was rijicho was 14 years.

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High Expectations for new RijichoBy Ryo Hatano

Kitanoumi Oyakata's election as rijicho did notcome as a surprise, as l felt fate had ordained it longago. First, he was a yokozuna from the DewanoumiIchimon, which is the most infleuntial grouping inthe sumo world (Kitanoumi be10nged to MihogasekiBeya as an active rikishi). And he was a very strongyokozuna. There was also considerable support forKitanoumi to become rikicho the last time the posi­tion was to be filled, in 1998. There was also strongsupport for Tokitsukaze (ex-ozeki Yutakayama).Kitanoumi was interested in becoming rijicho in1998, but finally the riji (directors) of the SumoKyokai elected Tokitsukaze, who served until thisjanuary. When Tokitsukaze was elected, it becameclear that Kitanoumi was destined to be his succes­sor. And under Tokitsukaze, Kitanoumi serves inthe key position of jigyo Bucho (Business Director)of the Sumo Kyokai. The jigyo Bucho positionsdeals with the business management of sumo tourna­ments and is thus a crucial stepping stone to therijicho position.

Kitanoumi is 48 years old. He is much youngerthan his recent predecessors as rijicho. He becomesrijicho at a very difficult time, with sumo's popular­ity slumping. It is to be hoped that his youth willhelp him to successfully resolve many of the prob­lems facing the sumo world today.

It is said that "new wine should ideally be put innew bottles." ln such a vein, let us look at thecomposition of Kitanoumi's new administration.The NO.2 position ofjigyo Bucho is held by 61 yearold Sadogatake Oyakata (ex-yokozuna Kotozakura).Sadogatake has served as a riji longer than any otherincumbent (he is now starting his sixth two-yearterm). While this move reflects respect for a senior,Sadogatake will be a valuable advisor to Kitanoumi.Futagoyama Oyakata, who served for about fiveyears asjungyo Bucho Uungyo manager) in previousadministrations, has been appointed Shinpan Bucho(head of the judging Division). Futagoyama isknown for his strictness and dedication to keiko, andthere was opposition from sorne to his managementof the jungyo. But it is probably a good move to keephim in charge of the dohyo as Shimpan Bucho.

Futagoyama is the first former ozeki to head theShimpanbu. AH his pedecessors were formeryokozuna. l think it is a positive move to give aformer ozeki the chance to head judging. 46 year oldTakasago Oyakata (ex-ozeki Asashio) was reap­pointed as the head of the Kohobu (PR Division),while 55 year old Isenoumi Oyakata (ex-sekiwakeFujinokawa) was named to head a new section incharge of special projects to revive sumo's popular­ity. It is to be hoped that this team under KitanoumiRijicho will work together to help revive sumo'spopularity.

10

Sekiwake Who AlmostReaehed Ozeki

by Andy Adams

Stretching back over the past seven decades or so, therehave been at least 10 rikishi who nearly made ozeki, butended up not going beyond sekiwake. This sumo survey,of course, does not include currently active sekitori. The 10ozeki candidates who did not quite make it include thefollowing sekiwake; Dewagatake, Tenryu, TamanoumiUmekichi, Tamanoumi Daitaro, Annenyama/Haguroyama, Daigo, Hasegawa, Takamiyama,Tochinowaka, and Kotonishiki.

1. Dewagatake (1902-1950)Dewagatake was one of the biggest men in modern

sumo, standing 207 cm and weighing over 200 kg. He wasranked in Makunouchi between J anuary 1925 and J anuary1935, and was absent for four and a halfbasho during thatperiod. Despite a strong start with 8-3 and 9-2 records in1925, he was never able to surpass that, compiling a totaloHour 8-3 records and one 9-2 mark. His closest approachto ozeki promotion was in 1927, when he had a 6-3- 2 recordat komusubi followed by a 7-4 mark at the same rank.

Though continuously ranked in Sanyaku betweenJanuary 1926 and October 1928, he never rose above themaegashira ranks after he was demoted back there inJanuary 1929. A gentle giant who raised sparrows as ahobby, he was one of the most popular rikishi of his era.Slow and lumbering, he was plagued with back problemsin the latter part ofhis career. Mter falling toJuryo in May1935, he was absent for nearly three years, falling ail theway down to Sandanme. Aging and just a shadow ofhis oldself, he was still reluctant to retire. He managed to work hisway back up to Makushita, but retired there in May 1939.He became an oyakata, but left sumo altogether in the earlypostwar years and spent the last years of his life running ahumble yakitori stail near the Koiwa railway station in'Tokyo.

2. Tenryu (1903-1989)Tenryu is best remembered as being the leader of theShunjuen Strike in 1932, as a result of which his career wascut short in a rather dramatic way. He only spent four yearsin the top division, or 14 basho, but during that time he cameup with sorne fine records, including a 10-1 mark as a NO.lmaegashira. A tall rikishi at 1.88 meters, he got off to a quick

start in his first two basho, with 9-2 and 8-3 records, respec­tively. But an injury sidelined him in the next tourney inJanuary 1929.

Tenryu gotgoing again in March 1930 with a spectacular10-1 record. It earned him promotion to sekiwake and in hislast four basho before leading the stiike inJanuary 1932, hecompiled three strong 8-3 records. Under normal circum­stances, this impressive run of8-3 marks would have put himon the brink of ozeki promotion. However, his mentor,Dewanoumi Oyakata (ex-komusubi Ryogoku) is believedto have favored his other sti'ong deshi, Musashiyama, whowas promoted to ozeki directly from komusubi inJanuary1932, with records inferior to those of Tenryu.

Tenryu led the Shunjuen Strike, which nearly resulted inthe collapse ofthe Sumo Kyokai, inJanuary 1932. After hisdemands were rejected, he and his colleagues cut off theirmage and launched an independent sumo group, whicheventually became the Kansai Sumo Kyokai. Tenryu wasranked as ozeki on the Kansai Zumo banzuke, but that rankwas ne ver recognized by the Sumo Kyokai in Tokyo.

Tenryu's active career came to an end in August 1937,when Kansai Zumo disbanded after its final basho. Thoughunlucky in his sumo career, Tenryu proved to be a survivorof survivors in his post-sumo career. He sought anew careerin the puppet state of Manchukuo (Manchuria) and eventu­ally became the secretaIT of the local prime minister. Henarrowly escaped capture by the Red Army at the end ofWorld War II in 1945. He returned toJapan and became asumo commentator from the 1950s onward. He was nearly86 when he died in 1989, and unapologetic for the 1932sti'ike until the end of his life.

3. Tamanoumi 1 Umekichi (1912-1988)Tamanoumi l competed in 23 basho in

Makunouchi, betweenJanuary 1935 and November 1945.Although he didn't take the yusho, he came fairly close to

11 ..----

ozeki promotion with an 11-4 record injanuary 1941,followed by a 13-2 mark in May at komusubi and a fine 10­5 effort atsekiwakeinjanuary 1942. Alltonoavail. It was

apparently not quite good enough to warrant his promo­tion to ozeki. His last big effort was a 10-5 record in j anuary1944. But it was too little and too late. He retired in 1945

and left sumo altogether in 1951, after headingNishonoseki Beya for 13 years (the first six as an activerikishi, or nimaikansatsu). He is best remembered as anoutstanding TV and radio sumo commentator from the1950s to early 1980s.

4. Tamanoumi II Daitaro (1923-1988)Tamanoumi entered Nishonoseki Beya as a 13 year

old in 1937. He rose to Makushita while still in his

midteens, but was thrown out of sumo in disgrace in 1940after assaulting a j apanese soldier in occupied China.Army hotheads supposedly marked him for death, and hewas soon drafted and sent to Guadalcanal. He almost died

from malaria on the island, but was evacuated. Afterrecovering, he was sent to Manchukuo, and was capturedby the Russians at the end of the war. He managed toescape somewhere enroute to a Siberian forced laborcamp, and returned tojapan the following year.

Tamanoumi was allowed to resume his sumo career

after a lapse of 10 years, in 1950. He was already 27 year~old, but he rose to Makunouchi in September 1952 andachieved a sh'ong 10-5 debut at NO.18 maegashira. Hestunned the sumo world by finishing with an outstanding13-2 record in his second basho in the top division in

january 1953. Buthe was notpromoted to sanyaku, only tothe top of the maegashira ranks. A make-koshi mark in thenext basho brought the high-flying 30 year old rikishi backdown to earth. It was another three years before Tamalaunched his first bid for ozeki promotion, with two con­secutive 10-5 records in March and May 1956, and al­though he slipped to 9-6 in September as a new komusubi,it was still good enough to win promotion to sekiwake injanuary 1957.

A new sekiwake at age 34, Tama roared to consecutive11-4 records injanuary and March 1957. He was standingon the brink of ozeki promotion! But his luck suddenlychanged when he injured himself prior to the N atsu Basho,and although he decided to participate and not lose his bigchance to reach ozeki, it was hopeless as he lost his first fivebouts and withdrew on the sixth day.

Tamanoumi returned to action in N ovember 1957, afterrecovering from illness. Despite having been demoted toN 0.14 maegashira, he was determined to pick up where heleft off the previous March. November 1957, the firstpostwar tournament held in Fukuoka, was a magical mo­ment for Tamanoumi, the highlight of his career as hemowed down everyone he faced on the dohyo and pow­ered his way to zensho yusho, 15-0. But a disappointingrecord in the next basho undermined his second close

approach to ozeki promotion. Although he came up with12-3, 11-4, and two 10-5 records in the last three years ofhiscareer, they were aIl so widely separated from each otherthat he was unable to launch another drive for ozeki

promotion before retiring at 38 injanuary 1961.

5. AnnenyamalHaguroyama (1934- )

Annenyama (his shikona was changed to Haguroyamain 1961) competed in a total of 57 basho in Makunouchibetween May 1954 and March 1965. He had two opportu­nities to advance to ozeki; in May 1957 when he won thewon the yusho as a new komusubi, with a 13-2 record, andagain in November 1959, when he had a 12-3 mark atsekiwake. But he slipped to 9-6 in September 1957 after his13-2 record and could only come through 8-7 recordsbefore and after his 12-3 mark: Altogether, he had 14 bashoat sekiwake. He was never able to compile double-digits inconsecutive basho.

12

Haguroyama had a poor 2-13 record in his final bashoatkomusubiinJanuary 1963. He retiredinMarch 1965 andheaded Tatsunami Beya from 1969 to 1999, when hereached the Sumo Kyokai's retirement age of 65.

6 Daigo (1937-1983)Daigo, a tall rikishi at 1.88cm, had two golden opportu­

nities to gain promotion to ozeki during his eight and a halfyears in Makunouchi; with a yusho-winning 14-1 record inMay 1960 and a strong 12-3 performance in November1965. But both times he was ranked as a maegashira, andby the time he had reached sekiwake, the magic faded. Heslumped to 7-8 at sekiwake inJuly 1960 after his brilliantvictory in May.

He caught fire again in November 1962 with a strong 12­3 record as aNo.6 maegashira, butslipped back to 8-7 in thefollowing tournament. His last major effort was a strong 12­3 record as a NO.6 maegashira in November 1965. It washis last hurrah. ln 1966, he fell apart with four consecutivemake-koshi marks. He retired in May 1967, rather thancompete inJuryo. He was still only 29 years old.

7. Hasegawa (1944- )Hasegawa will probably go down as having been the

greatest sekiwake of the 20th century. He was born inSouthern Sakhalin, then still part ofJapan, in 1944, but waswas raised in Hokkaido after the end ofWorld War II. Heentered Sadogatake Beya in 1960 and reached theJuryo atthe early age of 18 inJanuary 1963. An injury senthim backto Makushita, but he soon returned, and reachedMakunouchi inJanuary 1965. He was first promoted tokomusubi in November of the same year, butdid notreachsekiwake untilJanuary 1969.

Hasegawa was ranked continuously at sekiwake fromJanuary 1969 to March 1970. After five consecutive 9-6records from the maegashira level, he caught fire with an11-4record inJuly 1969, but had a letdown with a mediocre8-7 mark in the following tournament. Hasegawa hadanother lengthy spell at sekiwake between May 1971 andMay 1972. He came closest to ozeki at the beginning of1972, with a 10-5 record inJanuary followed by a yusho­winning 12-3 mark in March. He defeated youngmaegashira Kaiketsu (later a two-time ozeki) in the playofffor the yusho in March. However, there was no ozekipromotion. With four ozeki at the time (even with

Maenoyama being demoted after the basho), there was agenerally feeling that there were already enough rikishi atthe second highest rank.

Hasegawa would have definitely been promoted withIl or more wins in May 1972, but instead he had adisappointing 8-7 record, and inJuly he lost his sanyakurank with a 5-10 mark. Hasegawa was to return to sanyakufour more times, but he seemed disheartened and nevercame close to ozeki promotion again. He retired in May1976 after spending a remarkable 30 basho, or five years, insanyaku, including 21 basho at sekiwake. NowHidenoyama Oyakata, he is still a member of SadogatakeBeya.

8. Takamiyama (1944- )Like Tochinowaka, a strong sekiwake of the 1990s,

Takamiyama also had only one real chance to securepromotion to ozeki. It came about four and a half years afterhe was promoted to Makunouchi. After squeezing out an8-7 mark in May 1972 at NO.7 maegashira, the Hawaiianrikishi astounded the sumo world in the following NagoyaBasho inJuly by powering his wasy to an incredible 13-2record and the first yusho by a Foreign rikishi. Unfortu­nately forJ esse, as he was affectionately known by his manyfans, he was unable to follow through with another impres­sive record in the following Aki Basho, that could well haveboosted him to ozeki. Instead, he dropped his first four

13

bouts in September and wound up with a disappointing 5­10 record. The 192cm, 205 kg foreign rikishi (he is now anaturalized Japanese citizen) still had another 12 yearsbefore he would hang up his mawashi.

Among other things, Takamiyama set a new record forconsecutive appearances of 1,271 bouts, a mark he stillholds. During his 16 years in the top division, he chalkedup three 11-4 records and six 10-5 marks in addition to his13-2 yusho. He also must have been one of the fewMakunouchi rikishi who ever had a 10-5 record sand­wiched between two 3-12 marks.

Takamiyama should also be given credit as the path­finder or ground-breaker for later foreign rikishi successes,including Konishiki's promotion to ozeki and Akebono'sand Musashimaru's promotions to yokozuna.

9. Tochinowaka (1962- )Tochinowaka, the only ex-college sumotori of the 10

near sekiwake, never took the yusho and had only onerealistic crack at making ozeki during his over 13 years inMakunouchi. Like sorne of the other 10would-be ozeki, hewas a big man at 190cm and 158kg. But unlike the othersekiwake who launched their drive for ozeki almost as soonas they entered the top division, Tochi had to wait for sixyears before the right opportunity presented itself. His onebig chance to reach ozeki came between the Aki Basho of

1991 and the HaruBasîlO ofl992. He gotgoingwith an 11­4 record in September 1991 and followed it with a 10-5 inNovember, but his momentum broke when he stumbled to8-7 inJanuary 1992. Itwas too bad, because ifhe had comeup with double figures in the win column inJanuary, hisoustanding 12-3 runnerup performance in March couldvery well have been enough to boost mm to ozeki. But thatwasjust about all she wrote because he was injured in Mayand withdrew on the Il th day and ended up with a 2-9-4record. Altogether, Tochi had one 12-3 record, one 11-4mark, and seven 10-5 records.

10. Kotonishiki (1968- )

Kotonishiki was the winner oftwo yusho separated byseven years; in September 1991 and November 1998. He

came very close to ozeki promotion with two brilliantrecords in late 1991. Despite a 13-2 yusho in September1991, as a maegashira and a 12-3jun-yusho in November,a 4-11 mark in the precedingJuly tournament underminedhis efforts. Even at that, the Sumo Kyokai seemed much toostrict in denying ozeki promotion to Kotonishiki, especiallyin view of many other subsequent ozeki promotions basedon records that were not nearly as impressive asKotonishiki's record. As happened with many otherwould­be ozeki, Koto suffered a very untimely injury before thecrucial Hatsu Basho of 1992, and struggled through with a7-8 make-koshi mark.

Amazingly, Koto had another another excellent chanceto go for ozeki exactly one year after he launched his firstozeki promotion drive-in September 1992. He camethrough with a strong 11-4 record in that Aki Basho andthen followed it up with a fine 11-4 record in N ovember1992. But worse 1uckfor Koto. History virtually repeateditself as he suffered another 7-8 make-koshi mark.

Although Koto still had eight years left before he com­pleted his remarkable career, he was never able to again puttogether two consecutive records in double figures amonghis subsequent 14-1 (1), 12-3 (1),11-4 (1),and 10-5 (4)marks.But at least he has the satisfaction of knowing that he is theonly rikishi to capture two yusho as a maegashira. He alsoholds the alltime record for holding a lower sanyaku rank(sekiwake and komusubi) for a total of 34 basho. He alsoreceived 18 sansho, one less than the alltime record of 19sansho held by Akinoshima. At Kotonishiki at 176cm and136kg was one of the smallest rikishi of the alltime gTeatsekiwake.

(Sumo World - Continued from P.2)

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14

Kitanofuji Prepares for Kanreki DohyoiriBy Clyde Newton

Eternal Youth-The correct lengthfor the tsuna is measured.The excess is then severed. Kitanofuji's physique isremarkably well-preserved, and it is hard to believe that he isnearly 60. The former yokozuna works out at a fitness clubevery day and regularly visits a tanning salon. As a yokozunain the early 1970s, he weighed 135 kilograms. Today he isdown to a lean and muscular 97 kilograms.

Former Yokozuna Kitanofuji, retired for 28 years andout of the sumo world for four, celebrates his 60thbirthday, or kanreki (five cycles of the zodiac) on March26. To prepare for the kanreki dohyoiri, scheduled forFebruary 23, a tsunauchi (making of new tsuna) rituaI washeld at Hakaku Beya on December 23,2001. After fourhours were spent making a red kanreki tsuna forKitanofuji, now an NHK sumo commentator, and for histwo yokozuna deshi, 46 year old Chiyonofuji (tachimochi)and 38 year old Hokutoumi (tsuyuharai). The actualkanreki dohyoiri was scheduled for February 23, at theHotel New Otani. Since Kitanofuji left sumo in 1998, hewas not eligible to perform his kanreki dohyo on the dohyoat the Kokugikan. He thus becomes the first formeryokozuna to perform his kanreki dohyoiri outside theKokugikan since Tachiyama in 1937.

Kitanofuji began his sumo career as a 14 year old inJanuary 1957, reached the Makunouchi inJanuary 1964and was promoted to yokozuna together with the ill-fatedTamanoumi inJanuary 1970. He retied inJuly 1974.

Beginning of Kitanofuji's Tsunauchi-Young rikishi carrythe materials for Kitanofuji's red tsuna onto the dohyo.

Tying the New Tsuna-KitanofL~ji has a tsuna tied around hiskeshomawashi for the first time since his intai-zumo inFebruary 1975.

Three Kokonoe Beya Yokozuna-Kitanofuji poses with histwo ex-yokozuna deshi, Chiyonofuji (left), now KokonoeOyakata and Hokutoumi (Ieft), now Hakaku Oyakata. It wasthe jïrst time they had worn tsuna together.

15

Frame 1-The pent-up Chiyocharges a bit too low andTochi immediately senseshis chance to sidestep.

Frame 4-Chiyo bites thedust and Tochiazuma haswon his first yusho.

Frame 2-Tochi moves asideand suddenly Chiyo findshe is charging into emptyspace.

Frame 3-Chiyo goes downail fours.

Frame 5-Chiyotaikai getsup, his face stillexpressionless. Hundredsof disappointed fans threwtheir cushions onto the

i dohyo.

Meishobu RevealedOzeki Tochiazuma vs Ozeki Chiyotaikai

(tsukiotoshi)

january 2002 (15th Day Playofj)

ment. After sorne time, another couple come on; and so itcontinues till evening. The umpire then reads the names ofthose who are going to act next day, amidst the loudapplause of the spectators; and the finale consists in wholecorps coming in, naked to the waist, but wearing magnifi­cent aprons and clapping their hands, three times as theystand in a circle."

A Japanese Wrestling Match

British Journalist'sAccountof a Day at Sumo in 1867

Our correspondent inJapan, Mr. C. Wirgman, suppliesthe sketch we have engTaved, representingthe exhibition ofa wrestling match by profession al gymnasts in the city ofOsaka, where this kind of entertainment is next in popular­ity to the clever theatrical performances which were thesubject of his last contribution:-

"The wrestling at Osakais exhibited under an enormousmat shed, filled with people. ln the centre is a raised moundof earth, fOl"minga platform under a canopy. There is abucket of water on on one side, a wooden ladle, and a littlebasket of salt. The contending performers begin the opera­tion by going to the bucket of waterr, and rinsing theirmouths; then they take a pinch of salt, and rub it under theirarms and on their chests to purify themselves. After theseceremonies, they advance and squat down opposite eachother; they take a piece of straw, grass, or twig, and breakit in two between them. They then put themselves into thepositions assumed by frogs, and with their hands givetremendous slaps on their thighs, and stretch their musclesto the utrnost; after which they pretend to wrestle. But,instead of continuing the struggle, they soon retire, and goin for water and salt. They then repeat the frog movements,and pretend to go at the wrestling again; but suddenly theywant more salt and water. Perhaps one of them manifestsa great predilection for one of the posts, and pulls at it; butsoon desists, and goes more salt and water. After a greatdeal of this work, they begin really to wrestle, and he whothrows the other outside the ring is proclaimed victor. Thepeople then go mad and throw money warpped in paper tothe hero of the encounter. This is an occasion for excite-

This account of sumo, one of the earliest to appear inEurope, ran in the February 1, 1868 edition of the Illus­trated London News. Given the transportation systems ofthe time, we can assume that the writer is describing anOsaka-Zumotournamentin 1867, the third yearofthe KeioEra. At the time, a 15 year old boy, Emperor Mutsuhito(Meiji)had just been enthroned, andJapan was in the throesof a massive upheaval, which would result in the end of theTokugawa Shogunate and the Meiji Restoration the follow­ing year.

16

Shin-Sumo for Womenby Kyoko Kawakami

ln the old]apan, there were quite a few places wherewomen were not allowed for religious reasons, such asente ring sorne mountains, tunnels, breweries and so on. Butmost allow women to enter nowadays. The dohyo is anexception. While Nihon Sumo Kyokai keeps up "tradi­tions", amateur sumo has opened a door for women to beon the same dohyo for men.

Women's sumo is called "shinsumo". The nationwideshinsumo tournament, launched in 1997,is an annual eventand the first World Shinsumo Championships was held inHirosaki, Aomori Ken last October. Women from 17countries and regions participated in the Championshipsand competed on the dohyo.

Ishigaya Satomi, the winner of the first Championshipsin the middleweight division, is a sophomore at NihonUniversity (Nichidai) and belongs to its sumo club (sumo­bu). It is the only university to have sumo club for womenand its sumo club started accepting female members in2000. Ishigaya and two other girls became the first femalemembers of the sumo club.

Nichidai's sumo-bu has a long history and a goodreputation for its through the accomplishments of its me m­bers. Many graduates succeeded in the professional sumoworld. Wajima, Mainoumi, and Kotomitsuki are famousgraduates.

Since two more girlsjoined the club last year, five femalemembers are members and practice with about 40 malemembers. Tsushima Hideto, one of the club's coaches, feltuneasy about training women and studied women's consti­tution at first. "1 train women as strictly as l do men lately,"Tsushima said. Shimizu Rika, a sophomore, feels happy topractice with male members at prestigious Nichidai's sumo­bu.

The members of the club have customarily lived to­gether in a dormitory in Tokyo adjoining the training areajust like a professional sumo beya. Female members don'tlive there, but live together in a five-bedroom house, whichis a five-minute walk from the training area.

Except for two-week summer and New Year's holidays,they practice everyday-seven days a week. They have little

time to spend on anything other than study and sumo.Their lifestyle is completely different from that of otheruniversity students. "l'm here just because l like sumo," saidfreshman Iwai Tamami. She won the bronze medal inlightweight division in the World Championships last yearand aims at the gold medal in her next chance.

The International Sumo Federation, the organizationwhich stages the World Championships, hopes that sumowill be included as a full-fledged Olympic sport and feelsthat women's sumo needs to be further developed. "1amhappy to be on the dohyo and do sumo as a woman, in anycase," smiles Shimizu. "1would like more people to knowwomen can enjoy sumo."

International Sumo Federation is planning to hold thesecond World Shinsumo Championships in Warsaw thisyear. Along with the spread of shinsumo, more womenboth in and outside of] apan are on the same dohyo as menare.

Saito Mina, a freshman, objects to the Sumo Kyokai'sattitude. "1don't think it is a good idea to bar women fromentering the dohyo of professional sumo world." Saito, whois from the same town as Mainoumi in Aomori prefecture­the birthplace of many famous rikishi- wans the SumoKyokai to change its mind.

Ex-Yokozuna Akebono has danpatsu-shiki at Tokyo'sRyogoku Kokugikan last September. Even his mother wasnot allowed to enter the dohyo to cut her son's topknot.

"1believe women will be allowed to enter the profes­sional dohyo sorne day in the future," said Asai Emi, asophomore. "Because we are now allowed to be on thedohyo here." Ishigaya and Shimizu agree with her.

A small Shinto altar is kept in Nichidai' s keikoba, justlike every sumo beya does. We might accept changeswithout breaking tradition.

17

JuryoResultsBy Mark Newton

ln the climax to an exciting tournament in which fourrikishi finished with 11-4 or 12-3 marks, Takamisakariforced out Shimotori in a playoff to take theJuryo yushoafter both rikishi finished with 12-3 records. Taka miffedhis chance to clinch the yusho on the 14'h day when he wasupset by No. 13Juryo Gojoro, who executed a kubinagethrow just as Taka seemed set to march him out with hismorozashi hold (both hands under his opponent's arms)on Gojoro. Going into the 15th day Taka led with a 12-2record, with Shimotori and kohai in Azumazeki Beya,Ushiomaru, one step behind at 11-3. On the final dayDaishi pulled Taka down by hikiotoshi, whichautomatically guaranteed a playoff as Shimotori andUshiomaru were faced off against each other. Shimodefeated Ushio by kubinage to make it to the playoffwithTakamisakari. Towanoyama finished in third place withan 11-4 record.

Robocop Takamisakari seemed headed for thesanyaku two years ago but a knee injury sent him hurtlingdown the ranks aU the way to NO.lO Makushita in May2001. ln the meantime his Azumasekijunior Ushiomaruwas gradually moving up the Makushita ranks and finallywas promoted to the Juryo inJanuary, providing sornecompetition for Taka. A lightweight at 136kg, Takadepends on a good de-ashi (initial charge) so he can get hisfavorite right hand grip on his opponent's belt, and hisperformance this tournament indicates he is close to hisform of two years ago.

With the exception of a 6-9 record in theJuly 2001basho, Shimotori has chalked up 10 kachikoshi (majorityofwins) performances since he entered sumo in May 2000at NO.60 Makushita. At 189 cm and 146km he has thepotential to make it to the sanyaku in the near future. His12-3 record at NO.3Juryo ensured his promotion to theMakunouchi for the March basho.

Ushiomaru turned in a remarkable 11-4performancein hisJuryo debut basho. Shizuoka city's firstsekitori in 60years will be promoted to the higherJuryo ranks and willhave a shot at promotion to the top division if he can winIl bouts in March.

Towanoyama won his last four bouts to finish with an11-4 at NO.3 Juryo and gained promotion to theMakunouchi for the first time. Towa mentioned that hewas careful not to 10sehis composure, and his oyakata hadtold him to stay confident. At 205kg, Towa will be thesecond heaviest Makunouchi grappler afterMusashimaru.

As usual the greatest applause was reserved for twoformer sekiwake, Takatoriki and Terao. Taka was 7-6going into the l4th day but he overcame two Makunouchirikishi, Tochisakae and Kobo, to gain promotion back tothe Makunouchi. Terao, on the other hand, didn't seem tobe in good shape, finishing with a poor 5-10 record.

ln other Juryo action No. 9 Kasuganishiki finishedwith a fine 10-5.He will have a chance at promotion to thetop division in March. Brazilian Kuniazuma onlymanaged 6 wins at No. 5. ln a match to determine whowould be in the Juryo in March, NO.5 MakushitaSenshuyama forced outJuryo No. 8 Hamanoshima for a5-2 record. Hama finished with a 4-11 and will bedemoted to the Makushita. Although he already has a

toshiyori kabu reserved, Hama has decided not to retire.No. 13 Wakatoba only won 4 bouts and will be demotedto the Makushita. Kotoryu, Higonoumi, Takanotsuru andKotokanyu were absent but as their injuries in theNovember basho were officially recognized by the SumoAssociation they will main tain their ranks in the Marchtournament.

Behind the CurtainBy David Meisenzahl

Spring is in the air, hanami is only weeks away, thatmeans that the Osaka basho is about to begin. This bashowe have two new faces stepping in front of the curtain andanother sumotori stepping up to sekitori for the fifth timein his career.

Senshuyama (No.5 Makushita) posted a respectable 5wins and 210sses at the last basho in Tokyo. These resultscombined with the fact that only one sumotori above himgot kachi-koshi, propels Senshuyama into juryo. Severalrikishi have stepped in front of the curtain five times but itis believed that only one other man has done it six times.It should not come to any surprise if Senshuyama matchesthis record and even surpasses it. Note that his stable,Takasago-beya, is merging with Wakamatsu-beya.Perhaps his new colleagues can train him into condition tohave an extended stay in the juryo ranks.

Iwakiyama (No.3 Makushita) posted a great record of6 wins and Il0ss, the best record of the three rikishi gettingpromoted to juryo this tourney. Better still, he is the firstsekitori from ex-Komusubi Ryogoku's Nakadachi-beya.At last year's Haru Basho, Iwa took the Sandanme yushoand continued to climb the ladder till now he finds himselfin front of the curtain. It is rumored that when Iwa's closefriend passed away in a traffic accident, he decided to givesumo a try. He then suffered an injury early in his career,which put him deep down into Sandanme, but hisSandanme yusho was the turning point.

Hokutoiwa (No.2 Makushita) posted a just passingrecord of 4 wins and 3 losses, letting him sneak in front ofthe curtain. He took his sweet time getting there too, takinginto consideration that back in 1997 he entered attsukedashi. He posted a losing record in his debut and thenmanaged to get an injury. He has turned things around inthe past year, but it might be hard for him to remaininglonger than one basho at juryo.

Hamanoshima (No.8Juryo) could onlypostarecord of4 wins and 1110sses, which is guaranteed to drop him likea rock into makushita. Considering that he was inmakuuchi for 9 years, peaking at komusubi, one wondersif he will retire rather than go back to a lifestyle of sumoslavery as a tsukebito (Hamanoshima has vowed to try fora comeback in Makushita-ed).

Wakatoba (No.13) also posted an awful record of 4wins and Il losses, his last win coming on day 9 againstHokutoriki. He could not get a win the final 6 days, so heearns himself a trip back behind the curtain.

Gojoro (No.13 Juryo) posted a record of 7 wins and 8losses, and had his chances of staying in juryo wiped awayby Harunoyama on senshuraku. He had spent a longstretch in makushita, nursing various injuries, and itlooked like he was back inJuryo to stay. It is quite likelyhe will return to juryo for the next Tokyo basho in May.Seems so long ago when he first became a sekitori, wayback in Nagoya 1995.

18

Interview withKuniazuma: Part Il

By Shinobu Suzuki

s: Returning to Jonidan at NO.30 for the January 1996tourney you were further promoted to sandanme No. 94for the following Haru Basho in Osaka, but you ended upwith a record of 4-1-2. What happened to you during thattournament?K: 1was in good shape in the 1996 Haru Basho, winningmy first three bouts, when 1 faced Wakakinryu ofOshiogawa-beya on the 8th day for kachi-koshi, the 4thwin. Onesidedly, 1forced him backwards straight as far asthe edge of the dohyo, and downed him, but themomentum 1gained at the jump-off was such a powerfulthat 1was not able stop myself before 1flew off the dohyoand sprained my right ankle.S: You were eligible for the public injury system, whichallowed you to sit aside the May 1996 tourney atsandanme NO.74. A 5-2 record you chalked at sandanmeNO.74 in the following Nagoya Basho boosted you up tosandanme 42 for the Aki Basho, where you won thesandanme for the second time.K: 1 achieved a 7-0 on the 13th day but another rikishiremained undefeated at 6-0. His loss on that dayautomatically made me the winner of the sandanmeyusho.S: You came back to Makushita for the 1996 KyushuBasho for the first time in two year, since November 1994tournament which you were absent at makushita NO.27due to the back trouble.S: It is said that while you were in the hospital for eightmonths you once thought of throwing in the towel, butwords from your mentor, ex-sekiwake Tochiazuma,dissuaded you from quitting. The Oyakata told yousomething like this; "almost ail rikishi face injuries at sornepoint in their career before showing their true potential asa rikishi. Overcoming hardships strengthens you as ahuman being." Did he tell you something like this?K: You are right. 1was wondering whether 1 would fullyrecover from the injury and resume my sumo career whenthe Oyakata came to talk to me. That conversationchanged things. Returning to Brazil after having a little asa rikishi inJapan would have been a disgrace for ail themembers of my family back in Sao Paulo. 1 could notstand thinking of going back home Brazil with my tailbetween my legs. 1 hate to be beaten by the rikishi 1faceon the dohyo.S: You said that when you are demoted from a high rankto a low level you only could display the power necessaryto compete with rikishi at the low rank. So, when youwere demoted from Makushita down toJ onokuchi for thelast time, you intended to forget you once had risen as highas to Makushita, didn't you?K: Most higher ranking rikishi, say, sekitori, develop theirown fighting style so that it is not so hard to imagine howa high rank rikishi moves on the dohyo in a bout with me.On the other hand, low rankers are usually totally free asto which technique they use, since in general they do notpossess finely honed skills. Therefore, it is difficult to

predict what strategy a low ranker will use. Another factorwhich made the situation harder for me was theextraordinarily aggressive fighting spirit lower rankersshow when facing a former high ranker since downing aformer high ranker is a great achievement for lowerrankers because usually rikishi coming down from a higherlevel are expected to win.S: ln November 1996, when you reached Makushita forthe second time, Tochiazuma, from your heya, waspromoted to the top Makunouchi division, only 12 bashoafter his debut. What did you think about his rise at thattime?K: Nothing, in particular.S: You saw the future Tochiazuma in Brazil before youjOined the heya. When did you see him?K: ln 1990, when Tochi came to Brazil as a member of ajunior high school sumo team and in his last year at juniorhigh school, and we became acquainted each other.S: Tell me about the results of the bouts between the twoofyou then.K: We fought no bouts with each other due to thedifference in our ages. He is one year younger than me.S: As for your language, while your command ofJ apaneseis now perfect, you encountered sorne difficulty incommunication for a few months after you came toJapanfrom Brazil along with the other three J apanese- Brazilianyouths. Realizing that you could not depend foreover onthe three youths for J apanese language translation, youbegan studyingJapanese language diligently.K: A few months after becoming members of the heya, we,Brazilians were given tasks intended to greatly reduce theamount of time we spent together. By using this strategy,the oyakata urged us to acquire conversation skills for dailylife inJapanese, implicitly discouraging us from talking toeach other in Portuguese. Okamisan, the oyakata's wife,helped me study Japanese by giving me Japanese booksdesigned for kindergarten or elementary school kids.S: What a professor do to encourage you to learn J apanese?K: A professor from Waseda University interviewedokamisan and me at the beginning ofthis year (2001) andwrote a book about how foreign rikishi develop excellentJapanese speaking ability. The book deals with rikishi ofother heya as weil.

(To be continued)

Yusho Parade-KuniaZLIl11a (Ieft) and Tochiazul17a pose at thestart of Tochiazul17a's victory parade in January.

19

Baseball Magazine ChairmanIkeda Tsuneo Dies at 90

Ikeda Tsuneo, the chairman and founder of BaseballMagazine Sha, which publishes Sumo magazine, diedfrom pneumonia in Tokyo on February 9, at th~ age of90.A sports publishing legend, he played a leadmg role mJapan's sports magazine industry for seven ~ecades. .

He was born in Kita Uonuma-gun, Nllgata Ken m1911. After graduating from Waseda University in 1933,he joined Hakubunkan, which then published Yaky~kal,the most popular baseball magazine inJapan at the tlme.Yakukai published sumo magazines before each basho. ln1937, though still only 25 years old, he was promoted toeditor-in-chief of Yakukai. His younger brother Masao(1915-1988) began writing for Yakukai's sumo magazinesin the late 1930s, and was in the postwar era to become oneof the greatest authorities on sumo's history.

Due to the deteriorating war situation, Hakubunkanwas forced to temporary cease publishing in 1945, and thefollowing year Ikeda Tsuneo established his owncompany, Baseball Magazine Sha. ln 1949, the SumoKyokai asked Baseball Magazine Sha to start pubhshmg asumo magazine, as its own organ, the monthly Sumomagazine published from 1936, was in danger ofbecoming defunct, due to lack of funds and a shortage ofpaper, among other factors. . .

Baseball Magazine's first sumo magazme, a specialissue for the October 1949 Aki Basho in Osaka, was

published. It's coyer featured ozeki Masuiyama l (thefather of the present Mihogaseki Oyakata, former ozekiMasuiyama II).

ln February 1952, Baseball Magazine's became the officiaIorgan of the Sumo Kyokai. Issues appeared before andafter each tournament, and as the number of tournaments

increased, the magazine eventually became a monthly.Ikeda launched monthly and weekly baseball magazines,and the weekly has become one of Japan's best sellingmagazines.

ln the 1980s, Ikeda Tsuneo stepped d.own as presidentof Baseball Magazine, in favor of his son Masuo, andbecame chairman of the company. Masuo died in his 50sand was replaced by Ikeda's third son, Ikeda Tetsuo, thecurrent president.

During his lifetime, Ikeda Tsuneo was given the greathonor (especially for a non-player) of being enshrined inJapan's pro baseball Hall of Fame. He was also a pion~erof Japanese friendship with Eastern European countnesduring the communist era. An avid art collector, hedonated his collection to his hometown in Niigata, whichhas constructed a museum in his honoL

Ex-Sekiwake Kitanonada Dies at 78

Former sekiwake Kitanonada, a popular sumocommentator in the 1980s and 1990s and one of theleading rikishi of the Tochi-Waka Era, died at a hotspringhospital at Nasu Shiobara in Tochigi Ken onJanuary 8,from cerebral thrombosis. He was 78. He suffered a strokein March last year and had been gradually recovering andundergoing rehabilitation when he suffered a second andfatal stroke over the New Year holidays. He was the father­in-Iaw of Takekuma Oyakata (ex-SekiwakeKurohimeyama) and the grandfather of CUITentrikishiHaguronada and Haguroshima. .

Kitanonada was born in Hokkaido on February 1,1923and entered Tatsunami Beya, then run by ex-Komusubi

Midorishima, just before the J anuary 1940 tournament.He reachedJuryo in October 1948 and Makunouchl mSeptember 1950. Standing at 180cm and weighing 120kg,he moved up to komusubi in September 1954 andsekiwake in November 1957, bywhich time he was nearly35 years old. . .. .

Nicknamed shiroi inazuma (white hghtmng) for hlsbullet-like tachi-ai and fast, furious bouts, he worked hisway back up to the sanyaku in 1960, holding a sekiwakerank for the last time inJuly of that year, at age 37. Heretired at 39 in March 1962, rather than be demoted to

Juryo. He remained with Tatsunami as !akekumaOyakata and served as ryi, or director, ofthe Nlhon SumoKyokai between 1978 and 1982. HIS eldest daughterKumiko married former sekiwake Kurohlmeyama.

Kitanonada reached the Sumo Kyokai's retirement ageof 65 in 1988 and became an NHK TV sumocommentatoL Robust and healthy into his late 70s, he lastcommentated in 2000.

20

Available for your sumo art collection: The beautifulcoyer painting of Tochiazuma-zeki by Lynn Matsuoka.The price is $4,750, and includes the special fie to the japan Sumo Association, tax, and shipping. It isunique, so order now to be the one who gets it! You can order this from the website using PAYPAL, or

through e-mail with a money order payable in US dollars.

Also available through e-mail or through the website:

This beautiful original painting of OZEKI KAIO,captures his true game face and style. Oil and graph­ite on archivaI paper, mounted on archivaI backing,signed and stamped by the artist. Priee: $4,900,including the special fee to the Japan Sumo Associa­tion, tax, and shipping.

THE RIV ALRY (from the Winners Series (pleaserefer to the website) an open edition lithograph de­picting the two Yokozuna, Takanohana and Akebonowith Musoyama as the tachimochi. Mounted on acid­free backing, and personaUy signed by the artist. AUlithos in this series are $48 each, inclusive of tax andfee and for shipping.

SEE THE WEBSITE FOR OTHER IMAGES AND OFFERS!

http://www.lynnmatsuoka.comPlease contact the studio through e-mail: artist@aloha.net

21

JANUARY 2002 MAKUNOUCHI BOUTSWi nner· Tech nici ue· Losel'Ist DaySetoryu (shitatehineri) Kilazakura

Tochisakae (tsukiotoshi)JurnonjiHamanishiki (kakenage) OginishikiWakanoyama (oshidashi) AsanowakaT okitsuumi (yorikiri) OikariAminishiki (yorikiri) Tamarikido

Tamakasuga (oshidashi) KoboBuyuzan (hatakikorni) DaizenTosanoumi (yoritaoshi) OtsukasaTochinonada (yorikiri) Kotonowaka

Takanowaka (uwatenag:e) DejimaTakanonami (isamiashi) ChiyotenzanKaiho (okuridashi) TokiAsashoryu (oshidashi) TamanoshimaTochiazuma (tsukiotoshi) AkinoshimaChiyotaikai (hikiotoshi) Kyokushuzan

Kotomitsuki (sukuinage) MusoyamaKaio (koshikudake) KyokutenhoWakanosalo (yorikiri) Musashimaru

2nd Day

Takatoriki (oshidashi) rumonjiSentoryu (lsukioloshi)HamanishikiWakanoyama (oshidashi) OginishikiTochisakae (oshidashi) Asanowaka

Tamakasuga (rorikiri) TokilsuumiKobo (yorikiri) OikariBuyuzan (yorikiri)TamarikidoAminishiki (okurinage) DaizenTakanowaka (yorikiri) OtsukasaTosanoumî (yorikiri) KotonowakaDejima (uwatedashinage) Tochinonada

Chiyolenzan (oshidashi) KyokushuzanTakanonami (kimedashi) Kyokutenho

Kotomitsuki ~YOrikiri) AkinoshimaWakanosalo yorikiri) KaioTochiazuma yoritaoshi) KaihoChiyotaikai (oshidashi) Asashoryu

Toki (hikioloshi) MusoyarnaMusashimaru (oshilaoshi) Tamanoshima

3rd Da)'Tochisakae (oshidashi) Terao

Oginishikî (yorîkirî) Senloryulumonji (yorikirî) AsanowakaHamanishiki (shilalehineri) TokitsuumiAminishiki (hikiotoshi) WakanoyamaOikari (oshitaoshî) TamakasugaTamarikido (shitalenage) DaizenOtsukasa (hatakikomi) KoboTochinonada (oshidashi) Buyuzan

Tosanoumî (uwatenage) Dejîma

Chiyotenzan (shitatenage) KotonowakaTakanonami (yorikiri) TakanowakaAsashoryu (hikiotoshi) KaihoKotomitsuki (yorikiri) Taki

Musoyama (oshidashi) AkinoshimaKaia (yorikiri) TamanoshimaTochiazuma (oshidashi) KyokutenhoChiyotaikai (hatakikomi) WakanosatoKyokushuzan (hikake) Musashimaru

4th Dayjumonji (shitatenage) SenloryuShimotori (yoritaoshi) Oginishiki

Tokitsuumi (yorikiri) AsanowakaTochisakae (hatakikomi) OikariHamanishiki (hikiotoshi) TamarikidoTamakasuga (yorikiri) WakanoyamaBuyuzan (tsukiotoshi) AminishikiTosanoumi (tsukiotoshi) KoboOtsukasa (tsukiotoshi) DaizenTochinonada (fusensho)Takanowaka

Dejima (oshidashi) KotonowakaTaki (hatakikomi) Chiyotenzan

Wakanosato (yorikiri) TamanoshimaKotomitsuki (yorikiri) KyokutenhaChiyotaikai (tsukidashi) AkinoshimaMusoyama (oshidashi) KyokushuzanTakanonami (yorikiri) KaioTochiazuma (uwatedashinage) AsashoryuKaiho (fusensho) Musashimaru

5th DaySenloryu (oshidashi) Tochisakae

Hamanishiki (yorikiri) lumonjiShimotori (oshidashi) Asanowaka

Oginishiki (yorikiri) TokitsuumiOi1.ari (oshidashi) TamarikidoV{akanoyama (yoritaoshi) Kobo

Tamakasuga (yarikiri) AminishikiBuyuzan (fiikiotoshi) OtsukasaTochinonada (tsukiotoshi) TosanoumiDauzen (yorikiri) Kotonowaka

Chiyotenzan (hikiotoshi) DejimaWakanosato (sukuinage) KaihoAsashoryu (yorikiri) Toki

Kolomitsuki (yorikiri) TakanonamiTochiazuma [oshitaoshi) KyokushuzanChiyolaikai (oshidashi) Tamanoshima

Musoyama (yorikiri) KyokutenhoKaio (uwatenage) Akinoshima

6th DayOginishiki (yorikiri) KitazakuraHamanishiki (oshidashi) Wakanoyama

Asanowaka (okuridashi) SentoryuTochisakae (tsukiotoshi) Aminishiki

Tamarikido (kakellage}JumonjiTokitsuumi (hikiotoshi) Buyuzan

Daizen (uwatedashinage) OikariTosanoumi (oshidashi) Tamakasuga

Kotonowaka (yorikiri) KoboTochinonada (oshidashi) ChiyotenzanDejima (oshidashi) Otsukasa

Kyokutenho tYOrikiri) KaihoKotomitsuki yoritaoshi) 'WakanosatoAkinoshima hatakikomi) Asashoryu

Kaio (yorikiri) KyokushuzanTochiazuma (oshidashi) TakanonamiChiyotaikai (oshidashi) TokiTamanoshima (makiotoshi) Musoyama

7th Day

jumonji (sukuinagei TowanoyamaOikari (hatakikomi Sentoryu

Tokitsuumi (yorikiri) WakanoyamaOginishiki (shilatenage) KoboDaizen (oshidashi) AsanowakaBuyuzall (oshidashi) TochisakaeHamanishiki (yoritaoshi) TosanoumiAminishiki (yorikiri) Tochinonada

Kolonowaka (yorikiri) TamarikidoTamakasu,ga (hikiotoshi) DejimaOtsukasa loshitaoshi) Chiyolenzan

Wakanosato (uwatena&e) AkinoshimaTakanonami (kotenage) AsashoryuKotomitsuki (yorilaoshi) KyokushuzanMusoyama (waridashi) KaihoKaio \oshidashi) TakiTochiazuma (yorikiri) TamanoshimaChiyotaikai (yorikiri) Kyokutenho

8th DayTakatoriki (oshidashi) Sentoryu

Tochisakae (oshidashi) HamanishikiTokitsuumi (sukuinage) lumonjiOikari (hatakikomi) Wa'kanoyamaAminishiki (yorikiri) AsallowakaOginishiki (shitatenage) TamarikidoDaizen (oshidashi) Kobo

Tosanoumi (halakikOmi\ BuyuzanTochinonada (oshidashi TamakasugaKolonowaka (hlakikomi Otsukasa

Kyokushuzan (yorikiri) Toki

Akinoshima (hatakikomi) TamanoshimaKotomitsuki (yorikiri\ ChiyotenzanAsashoryu (oshidashi KyokutenhoChiyotaikai (oshidashi) Dejima

Musoyama (oshidashi) TakanonamiKaio (yoritaoshi) KaihoTochiazuma (yorikiri) vVakanosalo

9th DaI'

Shimotori (uwatenage) Sentoryulumonji (kolenage) Oikari

Tokitsuumi (oshidashi) AminishikiAsanowaka (halakikomil KoboTamakasuga (sukuina<Te OginishikiDaizen (okUl-idashi) WakanoyamaOtsukasa (tsllkiotoshi) TamarikidoTosanoumi (tsllkidashi) Tochisakae

Hamanishiki (oshidashi) TochinonadaKolonowaka (yorikiri) BuyuzanDejirna (yoritaoshi) KaihoKyokushuzan (okurihikioloshi) TamanoshimaKyokutenho (hatakikorni) Akinoshima

Asashoryu (sotogake) WakanosatoTochiazuma (tsukidashi) TokiChiyotaikai (oshidashi) TakanonamiMusoyama (oshidashi) ChiyotenzanKotomitsuki (yorikiri) Kaio

lOth Day

Kitazakura (yorikiri) AsanowakaTokilsuumi ~yoritaoshil Tochisakae\'\Takanoyama (yorikiri TamarikidoSentoryu (yoritaoshi) KoboBuyuzall (oshidashi) HamanishikiOginishiki (okuridashi) DaizenOtsukasa (hatakikomi) OikariKotonowaka (yorikiri) AminishikiTosanoumi (tsukiotoshi) TakanonamiToki (halakikomi) Tamanoshima

Kyokushuzan (uchimuso) Akinoshima

VVakanosalo (yorikiri) KxokutenhoTochinonada (oshitaoshi) KotomitsukiKaio (fusensho) ChiyolenzanTochiazurna (yorikiri) DejimaKaiho (tsukiotoshi) ChiyotaikaiMusoyama (tsukidashi) Asashoryu

1Ith DaySentoryu (yorikiri) TowanoyamaTakaloriki (hikiotoshi) WakanoyamaOikari (hatakikomi) AsanowakaKobo (ketaaS':lri) TamarikidoHamanishiki (yoritaoshi) TamakasugaDaizen (yorikiri) Tochisakae

Buyuzan (oshidashi}.JumonjiOtsllkasa (hikiotoshiJ 0f<TiniShikiAminishiki (uchimuso) osanoumiTokitsuumi (yoritaoshi) TochinonadaTamanoshima (yorikiri) Takanonami

Akinoshima (tsukiotoshi) KaihoKyokutellho (oshidashi) Toki

Asashoryu (yorikiri) KrokushuzanMusoyama (yoritaoshi WakanosatoKaio (uwatenage) DejimaTochiazuma (oshidashi) KOlonowakaChiyotaikai (oshidashi) Kotomitsuki

12th Da)'

Shimolori (yorikiri) WakanoyamaSenoloryu (tsukitaoshi) TokilsuumiTowanoyama (oshitaoshi) OikariAminishiki (hikiotoshi) HamanishikiTamarikido (yorikiri) AsanowakaTochisakae (oshidashi) Tamakasuga

Kobo (hikiotoshi).lumonjiBuyuzan (oshidasfii) OginishikiDejima (oshidashi) DaizenOtsllkasa (halakikomi) Kaiho

Kotollowaka (yorikiri) TakanonamiToki (oshilaoshi) AkinoshimaKyokllshuzan (uwatenage) Wakanosalo

Kyoklltenho (halakikomi) TamanoshimaChiyotaikai (hikiotoshi) Tosanoumi

Musoyama (oshidashi) TochinonadaAsashoryu (sukuinage) KaioKotomilsuki (oshitaoshi) Tochiazuma

I3lh Day

lumonji (oshidashi) Kitazakura'Tochisakae (oshidashi) VVakanoyamaAminishiki (okuridashi) SentoryuTokitsuumi (isamiashi) Daizen

Buyuzan (hikiotoshi) TamakasllgaOtsukasa (uwatenage) Hamanisfliki

Kotonowaka (yorikiri) OginishikiTakanowaka (hatakikomi) Asanowaka

Toki (hatakikomi) TamarikidoOikari (oshidashi) Tamanoshima

Akinoshima (uwatenage) KoboKyokushuzan (totari) Kaiho

Kyokutenho (yorikiri) DelïmaTakanonami lhatakikomi WakanosatoAsashoryu (tsukidashi) TochinonadaKotomitsuki (katasukashi) TasanoumiChiyotaikai (oshidashi) MusoyamaKaio (oshidashi) Tochiazuma

l4th DayTakatoriki (hatakikomi) TochisakaeWakalloyama (uwatedashinage) Kitazakura

Aogiyama (tsukidashi) AsallowakaOginishiki (kolenage) OikariTamakasuga (oshidashi) SentoryuDaizen (yoritaoshi) HamanishikiTokitsuumi (yorikiri) OtsukasaKaiho (tsukiotoshi) TamarikidoTamanoshima (sotogake) KoboToki (lSukiotoshi) TakanowakaTakanonami (oshitaoshi) KyokushllzanAkinoshima (hikiotosbi) Dejima

\oVakanosato (yorilaoshi) TochinonadaKotonowaka (yorikiri) KyokulenhoBllyuzan (tsukiotoshi) KotomilsukiTosanoumi (oshidashi) Asashoryu

Chiyotaikai (oshitaoshi) KaioTochiazuma (oshidashi) Musoyama

[5th Day

Towanoyama (yorikiri) WakanoyamaOikari (oshitaoshi) HamanishikiTamarikido (yorikiri) KitazakuraTakatoriki (yoritaoshi) KoboBuyuzan (ashidashi) Sentoryu

Tochisakae (hatakikomi) OtsllkasaTokitsllumÎ (shitatenage) TosanoumiTochinonada (yarikiri) OginishikiTakanonami (tsukiotoshi) TamakasugaKaiho (hikiotoshi)JumonjiAminishiki (oshidashiJ Toki

Asanowaka (hikiotoshi) TamanoshimaAkinoshima (ashidashi) Daizen

Dejima (oshidashi) Kyokyushuzan

Kyokutenho ltsuridashi) Takanowaka

Wakanosato yorikiri) Kotonowaka

Kotomitsuki oshidashi) AsashoryuTochiazullla oshidashi) Chiyotaikai

Musoyama (oshidashi) KaioPlayoffTochiazuma (tsukiotoshi) Chiyotaikai

22

JANUARY 2002HIGASHI (EAST)

NISHI (WEST)Yokozuna Musashimaru

1-3-11Yokozuna Takanohana AbsentOzeki Kaio

9-6Ozeki Msuoyama 10-5

Ozeki Chiyotaikai

13-2Ozeki Tochiazuma 13-2*Sekiwake Kotomitsuki

12-3Sekiwake Asashoryu 8-7

Sekiwake Miyabiyama

AbsentKomusubi Wakanosato

8-7Komusubi Kyokutenho 6-9

Maegashira 1 Kyokushuzan

6-9Maegashira 1 Akinoshima 6-9

Maegashira 2 Tamanoshima

3-12Maegashira 2 Toki 6-9

Maegashira 3 Kaiho

5-10Maegashira 3 Takanonami 8-7

Maegashira 4 Chiyotenzan

3-7-5Maegashira 4 Dejima 6-9

Maegashira 5 Takanowaka

3-4-8Maegashira 5 Kotonowaka 8-7

Maegashira 6 Tochinonada

8-7Maegashira 6 Hayateumi Absent

Maegashira 7 Tosanoumi

9-6Maegashira 7 Otsukasa 8-7

Maegashira 8 Buyuzan

11-4Maegashira 8 Daizen 7-8

Maegashira 9 Tamakasuga

8-7Maegashira 9 Kobo 3-12

Maegashira 10 Aminishiki

9-6Maegashira 10 Tamarikido 4-11

Maegashira Il Tokitsuumi

11-4Maegashira Il Oikari 7-8

Maegashira 12 Wakanoyama

5-10Maegashira 12 Asanowaka 3-12

Maegashira 13 Oginishiki

7-8Maegashira 13 Hamanishiki 8-7

Maegashira 14 Tochisakae

9-6 .Maegashira 14Jumonji 6-9

Maegashira 15 Sentoryu

6-9

Juryo 1 Kitazakura

6-9Juryo 1 Kotoryu Absent

Juryo 2 Taakatoriki

9-6Juryo 2 Terao 5-10

Juryo 3 Shimotori

12-3Juryo 3 Towanoyama 11-4

Juryo 4 Aogiyama

6-9Juryo 4 Higonoumi Absent

Juryo 5 Kunizauma

6-9Juryo 5 Takamisakari 12-3*

Juryo 6 Tochinohana

9-6Juryo 6 Wakakosho 7-8

Juryo 7 Daishi

6-9Juryo 7 Harunoyama 6-9

Juryo 8 Minatofuji

7-8Juryo 8 Hamanoshima 4-11

Juryo 9 Kasuganishiki

10-5Juryo 9 Takanotsuru Absent

Juryo 10Juzan

7-8Juryo 10 Hokutoriki 10-5

Juryo 11 Ushiomaru

11-4Juryo Il Sumanofuji 7-8

Juryo 12 Wakatenro

7-8Juryo 12 Kotokanyu Absent

Juryo 13 Wakatoba

4-11Juryo 13 Gojoro 7-8

Makushita 1 Goto

2-5Makushita 1 Komahikari 3-4Makushita 2 Hokutoiwa

4-3Makushita 2 Daimanazuru 2-5

Makushita 3 Iwakiyama

6-1Makushita 3 Wakatsutomu 3-4

Makushita 4 Wakatoryu

AbsentMakushita 4 Tochinoyama 3-4

Makushita 5 Senshuyama

5-2Makushita 5 Masutsuyoshi 2-5Makushita 6 Daishodai

5-2Makushita 6 Toyozakura 3-4

Makushita 7 Toyonokuni

4-3Makushita 7 Kinkaiyama AbsentMakushita 8 Otsukasa

3-4Makushita 8 Kaio 2-5Makushita 9 Tamanokuni

5-2Makushita 9 Oga 3-4Makushita 10 Maikaze

4-3Makushita 10 Raido 2-5Makushita Il Kotonomine

5-2Makushita Il Tomikaze 4-3

Milkushita 12 Asasekiryu

5-2Makushita 12 Shinmei 3-4Makushita 13 Kotohino

3-4Makushita 13 Asofuji 1-6Makushita 14 Tochifudo

4-3Makushita 14 Otoryu 4-3

Makushita 15 Dewanofuji

1-6Makushita 15 Kotoiwakuni 4-3

* yusho 23

Haru Basho Preview

Tochiazuma Favored to Take Yusho &Clinch Promotion to Yokozuna

By Mark NewtonThe Osaka basho promises to be an exciting one as a

yusho by either Tochiazuma and Chiyotaikai could boostthem to yokozuna, and an 11-4 or 12-3 record will beenough to ensure promotion to ozeki for Kotomitsuki.The March tournament often provides more than theusual number of upsets and an occasional unlikely yushowinner, such as Takatoriki, so it is likely to be the mostexciting tournament in recent years.

The Sumo Kyokai is desperate to see a new yokozunawith Musashimaru and Takanohana in the twilight oftheir careers, and Musoyama and Kaio plagued withinjuries. The Yokozuna Promotion Council hinted that ayusho by either Tochiazuma or Chiyotaikai would besufficient for yokozuna promotion, and moreover that ayusho by Chiyo and a runner-up performance by Tochimight be enough to ensure a dua~promotion to yokozunafor the first time since Tamanoumi and Kitanofuji werepromoted together in 1970. By promoting Tochiazumafor a runner-up performance it would mean a relaxationof the stricter standards imposed by the JSA over the lastdecade or so. The last five ozeki promoted to yokozunahave each won consecutive yusho in the two basho priorto their promotion.

Tochiazuma is a very skillful rikishi and knows how toremain calm even when he is on the defensive trying tofend off slappers and thrusters like Chiyotaikai andAsashoryu. Tochi didn't lose his cool even when he lost acouple of front teeth in the midst of a vicious slappingattack by Asashoryu in January. Tochi is one of thesmaller rikishi in the top division, so he has to fight hardto win, and this boosts his popularity. He usually starts outwith otsuke to keep his opponent from getting a favorablebelt hold or to wither a slapping attack, and then goes forthe front of his opponent's mawashi. He is a skilledtechnician, and he knows how change his tactics in themiddle of a bout. Engaging in henka (sidestepping anopponent) could hurt his chances for promotion but thereare those who maintain that times have changed so henkais a perfectly acceptable technique, even for an ozeki oryokozuna. Tochi is likely to have his work cut out for himwhen he faces Kaio, Chiyotaikai and Asashoryu. Look forhim to win the yusho with 13 wins and gain promotion toyokozuna.

Chiyotaikai put in a superb performance inJanuary,and managed to do so without relying on his habit ofslapping down opponents. ln sumo, pushers such asChiyo are said to have hot and cold streaks, so it may betoo early to judge whether his 13-2 inJanuary was just afluke or whether his sumo has changed for the better.Since he only managed to complete two tournaments lastyear, promoting Chiyo if he wins the yusho might be arisky proposition, and would be a break with tradition.Since Terukuni's promotion to yokozuna in 1942, noozeki has been promoted to yokozuna withoutcompleting three basho prior to promotion. Expect aletdown. Il wins.

Kotomitsuki suffered a bitter disappointment when hisexpected promotion to ozeki was ruled out despite a 12-3record inJ anuary. His loss to maegashira Buyuzan, the factthat he was a maegashira when he won the yusho inSeptember, and his 9-6 mark in November were probablyresponsible for this. The unofficial stricter standards forozeki promotion since the late 800s (the last 12 rikishipromoted to ozeki have averaged 34 wins over the threebasho prior to promotion may have been another reasonfor putting off his promotion. Finally, Dejima andMiyabiyama's po or performances as ozeki may havemade the Sumo Kyokai determined to avoid a hast ypromotion. This extremely skillful rikishi should have noproblem getting Il or 12 wins in March and with itpromotion to ozeki.

yokozuna Musashimaru pulled out of the J anuarytournament after two losses in the first three days as hesoon discovered his wrist injury had not healed. Musashihas engaged in hardly any training since November lastyear. If he competes he will be coming into the bashowithout proper training so he is unlikely to figure in theyusho race. If he competes expect about 10 wins. He islikely to skip the tournament. As of the end of FebruaryJapan's vemacular sports papers were split on whetheryokozuna Takanohana would compete or not. If he didcompete he would be coming into the toumament withoutany keiko (training) againstJuryo or Makunouchi rikishi innearly nine months. He is unlikely to take that risk. Lookfor a comeback in May.

With Tochiazuma and Chiyotaikai in the spotlight,one-time yokozuna candidate Kaio has been forgotten. Itis too early to count him out, though. Ifhis back injuries areunder control Kaio could come back strong and take theyusho but it is unlikely. Expect about 9 or 10 wins again.Musoyama is in the same boat as Kaio, but seems to havehis injury under control to sorne extent. Although he tendsto succumb to his opponents pull-down tactics at the edgeof dohyo nowadays, perhaps due to his declining strength,Muso should win 9 or 10 bouts.

Sekiwake Asashoryu never seemed to get going in theJanuary toumament perhaps due to a shoulder problemand over-training. He is likely to coming roaring back with10 or 11 wins in March. Komusubi Wakanosato doesn'tseem ready to make his move on ozeki yet. A little moretechnique would help put his strength to better use. Expect8 or 9 wins. Ex-ozeki Takanonami will be the highestranked of the three former ozeki at komusubi but isunlikely to maintain his rank.

ln the upper maegashira ranks Buyuzan andTosanoumi are likely to provide sorne upsets.Takamisakari could be in contention for the Emperor'sCup for the first ten days or so. Shimotori andTowanoyama are promising rikishi and should makekachikoshi (a majority of wins) in their first basho in theMakunouchi.

24

.'

Hatsu Basho Roundup / Hi-lightsSummary of the Hatsu Basho

j

Ozeki Tochiazuma won his first title on the final dayof the Hatsu Basho, after defeating fellow ozekiChiyotaikai in a playoff for the championship, comingfrom behind to take the title. Tochiazuma thus became thefirst new ozeki to win the yusho in his first toumament atthe rank since Kiyokuni inJuly 1969. By winning his firstMakunouchi yusho, Tochiazuma also became the firstrikishi since World War II to win the title of ail sixdivisions. The last rikishi to achieve that feat wasyokozuna Haguroyama, who set his record when he tookhis first Makunouchi title in May 1941. Tochiazuma wasalso the first ozeki to win Il consecutive bouts from theopening day in the postwar era. Tochiazuma's father andmentor, Tamanoi Oyakata (former sekiwakeTochiazuma) won his only title exactly 30 years before hisson, inJanuary 1972. The HatsuBasho was one of the most exciting in recent years, withozeki Tochiazuma and Chiyotaikai and sekiwakeKotomitsuki also undefeated going into the lOth day.From there, possession of the lead fluctuated day-by-day,with first Kotomitsuki losing, then Chiyotaikai, and finallyTochiazuma. Chiyotaikai, who was kadoban (his rank wason the line) in the Hatsu Basho, seemed to have a strrongedge going into the final day, as he was 13-1 andTochiazuma was trailing in second place at 12-2.

After defeating Chiyotaikai in the their regularlyscheduled bout on the senshuraku, Tochiazumasidestepped Chiyotaikai at the tachi-ai in their 13-2playoff. The capacity crowd at the Kokugikan, save fordiehard Tochiazuma fans, was disappointed. Cushionswere thrown onto the dohyo.

Tochiazuma's yusho has placed him on the brink ofpromotion to yokozuna. If he wins the yusho again inMarch with 13 or more wins, or even ifhe achieves a verystrong mnner-up performance with a commensuraterecord, he is likely to become the first rikishi to bepromoted to yokozuna after only two tournaments atozeki since Temkuni in 1942. There have been hints from

sorne in the Sumo Kyokai that a double promotion ofTochiazuma and Chiyotaikai is possible after the HamBasho, if they both do extraordinarily weil.

Yokozuna Takanohana was absent for the fourthconsecutive tournament in January, and the otheryokozuna, Musashimam, dropped out with a poor 1-3-11record to a wrist injury. The domination of the HatsuBasho by a trio of25 years olds born in 1976 indicates thata changing of the guard is finally taking place. The twoyokozuna will have to go ail out to win the yusho again.

The other two ozeki, Kaio and Musoyama, managedto hold their own, but were never in the race for the title.Musoyama got off ta a poor start, but rallied after the firstfew days. Kaio, on the other hand, was obviously still notin top condition, due ta lingering back pain. Musoyamafinished with a 10-5 record, while Kaio slipped ta 9-6, thefirst time he has failed ta win in double digits since hispromotion ta other, other than in tournaments where hehas dropped out. While Kaio and Musoyama are stillstrong enough ta hold their ranks for a couple more years,it is increasingly unlikely that they will ever again beserious yokozuna candidates again.

One of the most positive developments in the HatsuBasho was ail four ozeki achieving kachi-koshi. As a result,there will be no kadoban ozeki in March, for the first timein a year.

Sekiwake Kotomitsuki finished with a fine 12-3 recordand was in the thick of the yusho race until the 14th day.There was speculation that he would be promoted ta ozekiif he won 12 or more bouts. However, he was notpromo ted, but will have a good chance to get the nod inMarch if he can win 12 or more bouts. Both strong andskillful, Kotomitsuki has superior long range potential taTochiazuma and Chiyotaikai, and the odds are thathe willbe promoted to yokozuna at sorne point in the future.

Mongolian Asashoryu, competing in his firsttournament at sekiwake, ended with a winning 8-7 record,while the third sekiwake, former ozeki Miyabiyama, wasabsent. Miyabiyama, who is still only 24, will make hiscomeback in March, probably in the lower maegashiraranks.

Komusubi Wakanosato managed to finally achievekachi-koshi on the senshuraku. ln the last fewtournaments, Wakanosato has not been very impressive,and he seems ta be falling behind the other 25 year olds insanyaku. New komusubi Asashoryu lost to every sanyakuopponent he faced, but managed ta finish with arespectable 6-9 record in his sanyaku debut. Former ozekiTakanonami surprisingly achieved kachi-koshi at NO.3maegashira, and is likely to be promoted back to komusubiin March.

NO.8maegashira Buyuzan, who had a fine 11-4 record,was awarded the Kantosho, or Fighting Spirit Prize. The27 year old Musashigawa Beya collegian has been inMakunouchi for only two basho, but has won sanshoprizes in both.

Musashimaru Loses-Komusubi Wakanosato overpoweredyokozuna Musashimaru on the opening day.

25

Power Sumo by Chiyotaikai-Ozeki Chiyotaikai easi/y droveout new sekiwake Asashoryu on the second day, by oshidashi.

Gruelling Bout-Ozeki Tochiazuma hur/s out an exhaustedsekiwake Asashoryu on the fourth day, after a grue/Lingstrugg/e that was the greatest bout of the tournament. At onepoint, the bout had to be suspended when Tochi's nose startedb/eeding profuse/y.

Takanonami No Match for Tochiazuma-Tochiazuma

needed on/y three seconds to overpower fading former ozekiTakanonami by oshidashi on the sixth day. Back up at a highmaegashira rank, Takanonami surprising/y managed to win8 bouts and return to komusubi for the Haru Bas/w.

First Loss for Kotomitsuki-Sekiwake Kotomitsuki,undefeated through the 9th day, suffered his first loss at thehands ofNo.6 maegashira Tochinonada on the lOth day.

Second Straight Loss for Kotomitsuki-/n a crucial clashbetween ozeki Chiyotaikai and sekiwake Kotomitsuki on the/ / th day, the ozeki (/ejf) prevailed by oshidashi.

26

13-212-311-412-311-4

Hatsu Basho Awards

* Yusho: Ozeki Tochiazuma

* Jun-Yusho: Ozeki Chiyotaikai'.' Kanto-sho: NO.8 Maegashira Buyuzan* Gino-sho: Sekiwake Kotomitsuki

'l' Gino-sho: NO.ll Maegashira Tokitsuumi'.' Shukun-sho: Not awarded

Struggle for Double Digits-ln a senshuraku clash betweenozeki with 9-5 records, Musoyama easily prevailed overKaio.

Tochiazuma Forces Playoff-Ozeki Tochiazuma forcedozeki Chiyotaikai into a 13-2 playojf by wi!uüng their /irstsenshuraku bout and forcing a playojf. See the playojf onp.16.

Stunning Upset by Buyuzan-No.8 maegashira Buyuzanachieved a stunning upset over Kotomitsuki on the l4th day,eliminating the sekiwake /rom the yusho race.

Chiyo Triumphs in Ozeki Clash-Chiyotaikai racked up his12th win on the 13th day by booming out fellow ozekiMusoyama.

Kotomitsuki Stuns Tochiazuma-Tochiazuma's hopes ofbecoming the first new ozeki to achieve zensho yusho sinceFutabayama inJanuary 1937, were shattered by Kotomitsuki(left) on the 12th day. Kota won by oshitaoshi.

27

Then&NowSho-Calligraphy-l

by Clyde NewtonOlder japanese invariably complain about the poorcalligraphy of the younger generation. The same holdstrue in the sumo world. Older observers often remark asto how poor the brush strokes of contemporary rikishi are,as compared with rikishi of past generations. Actually,fewer and fewer rikishi make traditional sho, orcalligraphy these days. Mass produced tegata(handprints) are far less time consuming. The finestcalligraphy in sumo has traditionally been made by thegyoji, who are expected to have good penmanship. Butsorne yokozuna have had gyoji class calligraphy,especially Hitachiyama and Onishiki in the Meiji andTaisho Eras. The samples below are representative ofcalligraphy of past generations.

Left-Ozeki A brush drawing of a man in a boat with birdsoverhead by Yokozuna Chiyonoyama (1926-1977).Right-Yokozuna Kagamisato (1923- ), "nin" orperseverance. The kanji character for "nin" has ninedifferent meanings.

Left-Meiji Era Yokozuna Hitaehiyama (1874-1922), asimple signature. Right-Yokozuna Onishiki (1891-1941),the characters are for "dan," or a clean break. Perhapsdating from the time he broke with sumo in 1923.

Left-Yokozuna Yoshibayama (1920-1977), "uma" orhorse. This was Yoshibayama's favorite character. Right­formaI calligraphy on a shikishi board by tate-gyojiKimura Shonosuke XXIV (1901-1973). He had a58 yearcareer as a gyoji, between 1908 and 1966.

Left-Yokozuna Tamanishiki (1903-1938), "kotobuki"good fortune. Tamanishiki had only a grade schooleducation, but he was a reasonably good calligrapher.Right: Yosekaki Ooint signature) of three Takasago Beyayokozuna-Maedayama (1914-1971) and his deshiAzumafuji (1921-1973) and Asashio (1929-1988).

Left-Yokozuna Tochinishiki (1925-1990). This finecalligraphy on a shikishi dates from his promotion toyokozuna in 1954. Tochinishiki was well known for hisexcellent calligraphy. Right-Sekiwake Tamanoumi II(1923-1988), "nin" or perseverence. Tamanoumi II was asurvivor of the battle of Guadacanal and the mentor ofYokozuna Tamanoumi.

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