Kaminariyuki

No offense intended, but I think this belongs in the thread I did not create for the plethora of Hakuho detractors. Besides, you know so much more about sumo history and workings than I, that even if I'm right, I'd never match up in an argument with you on any sumo topic. My take is solely based on the performance of Enho and Ishiura, and on my own observations over a single morning in January 2020. Feel free to start a Hakuho/Miyagino good-bye and good riddance thread, though, if you like.

I thought about starting two threads, one for why we liked him, and a second for why we didn't. LOL, I suspect many folks could contribute to both, but it seems unreasonable to me that Sumo Forum should bid goodbye to the GOAT without a dedicated thread to the title above. I hope one, or more, of the stats folks will list some of the more interesting records. We all know he raised the cup 45 times, 13 more than Taiho and 14 more than Chiyonofuji. Sixteen times he went zensho yusho, twice as many as his nearest rival. Most career wins, most wins in the top division, most wins in a calendar year (86 out of a possible 90, wrestling exclusively the best 15 competitors in the sport), twice, in consecutive years. He was strong, devilish quick and cunning, reversing and dancing the tawara like no other. He possessed a single minded drive to win, something not universally appreciated, but in this sport was amazing to watch. Even the antics were entertaining. I recall a basho where a lower megashira, maybe a newer guy, ended up separating from Hakuho during a match. As they stood crouched, only slightly for Hakuho, he motioned with a hand to "come on kid, bring me your best shot." His art and execution of sumo are unmatched, but he was also a great teacher. As a single example, take Enho's tutelage, of which there is no doubt (at a scant 100 kg or so, 9 basho in makuuchi, a high rank of megashira 4, and a gino-sho). The spectacle and performance of Enho captivated even my wife! As a teacher, Oyakata Miyagino had the potential to have been among the greatest instructors of the sport in history, and that has now been denied to him and to us. A shame, IMO. Sources say he has plans and we haven't seen the last of him, but as for the NSK, it appears it is the end of the professional career of Miyagino Oyakata (ex-Hakuho). I, for one, salute you!

I do hate to see Miyagino (former Hakuho) leaving. Not only was he awesome to watch when he was a rikishi, but at that time he clearly demonstrated his extraordinary teaching and mentoring abilities. This, evidenced by the success of his heya-mates during the final years of the former Miyagino oyakata, Ishiura and Enhos' success, particularly, but others, as well. In those years that I first fell in love with sumo, there was no question that Hakuho's heart was deeply rooted in the dohyo, even if it was not classically expected yokozuna behavior on many occasions within the tawara. I fear he was drawn off track by business associates and folks of questionable influence, but that's only a guess. He might not vibe with the Japanese ideal, but he was great fun to watch. As much as Ura, he was good for surprises, and nobody was tougher at the edge of the ring. Strength and speed unequaled dexterity, cunning, usually a ruthless and brutal drive to win. Otani (different sport, sorry) knows this same drive but maybe with a little more decorum, and we'll see how the new yokozuna, a guy with the clear potential for dai-yokozuna status, will fare, record and behavior-wise. I only met Hakuho once, and was truly privileged to share a meal and conversation with the GOAT. He was engaging, humorous and fun to talk with. Not many folks from my home country don't even know who he is/was, of course, but I can't help showing the photos of us together to any Japanese folks I meet who have interest in sumo. No matter anything else, and no matter any of his flaws, I liked the guy. Well, that's not past tense, I reckon. He might not be Japanese enough, but he's still the GOAT, and sumo suffers from his departure, IMO.

There is certainly the strong potential for dai-yokozuna, regardless of his chronological number, IMO.

sumojoann and I are in!

Ah, but nothing is permanent. Alas...

One nice thing about Sekitori Punishment Sweepstakes - one doesn't carry ones' injuries and challenged spirit into the next basho.

Well written and researched, if she's not already a fan, particularly.

So, is the O the honorific o used in Japanese? And can anyone tell me what the kanji for sato, 里, means? G-translate is giving me village or sugar, depending on whether I add a u, but the kanji don't match. I like Onosato's name, because it is easy for a beginner to write and read. :)

How many does he have? Just from memory, I'd think if he stays healthy, he's got a shot.

OK, now there's an obscure new title, GOAT of non-Mongolian foreigners! As I notice that I'm responding to a thread fro about the time I started watching sumo a decade back. But, such trivia, although some of it might need updating, is still valid!

Thanks for that post! I was surprised at some f the names and numbers, eventhough I watched at least the highlights of all of those bashos. I'd forgotten that Abi had won a ysho... Gomen nasai!

Maybe a yokozuna run by sumojoann? Gambatte kudasai!

I'm in, and sumojoann, too, if she hasn't responded. We can't lose our ozeki!

Comer on, Tsurgisho, gambatte kudasai! :)