Ryoshishokunin

Frankly I'm surprised it's that high given Circumstances. I wonder if the university sumo scene will see higher or flat numbers this year for new freshmen.

DV definitely includes beating (etc.) of both children and elders as well as the more common spousal abuse. As long as it's 'within the family'.

I wonder if they'll just change his mizu kanji and call it good for a shikona.

It has to be a balance-of-harms argument: while it's easy to point to the injuries caused by the raised platform, the ones prevented thereby are harder to see. There's alleged data showing that they exist, but the mechanism by which the harm is prevented is unclear: @John Gunning can you explain how the raised dohyo is meant to be safer?

Yes--there used to be pillars at the corner to hold up the roof (which is still suspended above, just on wires), but those were removed for safety and sightlines.

It certainly cannot be the case that the circle-in-raised square doyho is optimal for injuries. If the raised edge is helpful for some reason, then whatever distance from the ring is the safest should be applied uniformly, i.e. a circle in a circle. I've forgotten what the safety advantage of the raised dohyo is supposed to be, though: can someone remind me? (Yes, this would be an even bigger break with tradition.)

Yes. Not close. Given that the above requires same-heya playoffs, it seems unlikely to happen.

AIUI at least some of the problem is psychological. I'm sure he's trying, even if it doesn't look like it, but I don't get it either.

No kidding. I think the only winning move was not to play...

Another famous-ish example in some circles is Chris Kluwe, former NFL punter, who happened to be good at kicking a football. I think he was originally picked up from his high school soccer team, turned out to be good, and put enough work in to reach the pros and make some dosh. He was a bit too politically active for the NFL, which cut his career short, and since retirement has written a few (fiction) books and used his platform to continue his activism.

Did the reason for Shishi's absence on day 1 ever become clear?

14. Tamawashi

They move the line for KK after the basho, so don't celebrate yet :) 13. Ryuden

In gridiron football using a larger exclusion zone definitely reduces impact speeds--having to move your feet before impact makes a big difference. Canadian rules uses a yard instead of a foot, and that's a big deal. The head-first tachiai might also be legislated out of existence, though writing the rule carefully would be challenging.

12 Tochinoshin