Bugman

Homasho! That's him :) Thanks for reminding me as i'd have never got it. He was another of the first few rikishi that stood out for me.

He was one of the very first wrestlers i noticed when i started watching Sumo regularly, back in 2011 or so i think it was, and he was an old veteran even then. There's another rikishi in my mind from that time but sadly i don't remember his name, all i have to go on is that he was stoutly built rather than fat, had a strong tachi-ai, worked the belt and never used henka, he also had the most elegant bow of any rikishi i have seen.

I remembered how much i miss Takanoyama after watching that tribute video of his on youtube, and then thought that there's probably still a Harumafuji-shaped hole in Sumo today, at least for me.

That's one of the best ad-slogans i've seen :D

Cut down without thought A small branch on the tree stump Climbs toward the sky

I've heard of the hazing going in Sumo for a while, (admittedly i have never been a true follower, more of a part-time fan) but this is the first time i've ever actually seen it. That is completely shocking, there's nothing that poor recruit could ever learn from that, except to become really disheartened with Sumo. Who is the Ba****d that did that? Anyone know? So that i never mistakenly cheer for him even by accident in the future. Edit: Never mind, i just realised it's an old documentary.

A life in the ring The taste of a win or loss Is always of salt

I'm glad to hear you're improving Fujisan, time heals a lot of things and i hope you go from strength to strength.

Ha those are brilliant, i've never seen that mascot before, if it weren't for the fire-engine i'd have gone by his hair, and guessed his company made coat-racks

Ah fantastic, that's always been one of things i love about Japan, they really have an eye for detail.

Yeah i can relate

I got to level 40 last year, i think i'm in shock as it still feels kind of unreal. You're only really as old as you feel however, so i'm going to do my best to feel as young as possible

I remember the awesome photos you used to share of your travels, i especially liked (and had never known about till then) the intricate designs on the manhole covers in Japan. Best of luck, and i hope you return some day :)

1. Do you feel a basho needs a Yokozuna participating in it, for it to feel 'complete'? 2. Do you think a rikishi should become a Yokozuna based on performance against peers, or based on how good Yokozuna's of the past were? (or mixture of) 3. Is it currently too hard or to easy to become a Yokozuna in your opinion? 4. In many cultures, (including Japan as far as i'm aware), trying your best to the bitter end in a sport is the admirable thing to do, (think crossing a finishing line 10 hours after the last guy went home, cos you sprained your ankle), so why do Yokozuna's leave a tournament half-way so often, when it goes badly for them? 5. If you were charged with naming a new rank above Yokozuna, what would you call it? Thanks :)

Dropped spear, rusted shield Hollow eyes in a bronze face Time was the true foe