Kaminariyuki

Alright, something else to watch during the break, hopefully not a four month break...

I'd thought about something along the lines of "missing the kami," but I'm really missing the sumo... OK, I think we have a winner, but maybe "passage of thirst" should be translated into Japanese. My beginner Japanese is not up to that task. Any takers? Does that work in Japanese?

I got in trouble when discussing this video and topic on another thread last year. You'd think I'd learn. In that case, though I was intentionally taunting those who don't want to allow women to participate. I should have been a lawyer, I suppose. I really enjoyed this video, and I think the young women who participate in amateur sumo deserve our support and encouragement. If the sport develops and the top women can compete, I think they should be permitted to do so. (I do understand there are practical and religious impediments, and I'm not taunting anyone this time)

Yes, I did not mean to imply it was deliberate, although I can't say it's never been done, at least not with the certainty that you have. Of course, you are far more intimate with the sport than I, so I defer there. I think eventually it will have to be addressed, though, if not any time soon. As much as I love the sport, I couldn't encourage a young person in my own family to pursue it, even though I'd have loved to sample the sport myself if I'd have discovered it when I was young enough to give it a go. That said, I'm generally of a scientific disposition and I haven't seen any data on this subject (head trauma in sumo). I could easily be swayed by facts. Unlike the NFL.

OK, I've whined about this before, and I'm sure I'm not the only one, but now I think it's time to put a name on it. Sumo is awesome, but one of the big let downs is that after 15 consecutive days of sumo, it's cold turkey for six-seven weeks. Brutal. With or without an audience. I think there should be a name for the day after Senshuraku. What have you folks got?

Kudos to Hakuho! Now at 44 yusho with more than a third of those zensho yusho. I'm dubious of him making all the way out to 50, but he's stretching the mark for future dai-yokozuna. It was a good, if bizarre, basho. I hope to see a May tournament, although I suppose I shall refrain from purchasing tickets this next go-round.

I was getting ready to look up the name, as I know that “nan” can mean what or how many. And “kai” can mean times. I wondered what sort of gag lay in “riki”

Thanks, Kintamayama has gotten me before with his wry wit!

On that one, I thought it was close in live time, but the replay clearly showed Enho winning the first match. It was simply a bad call by the shinpan on the monoii, IMO. They usually get it right, but everyone makes mistakes and it could be the crucial person's view was blocked. and that's why it was called torinaoshi. Fortunately, he was able to beat Daiesho twice. I think Enho has adjusted to the lack of audience, which bother him early on. At M-4 and the joi-jin he may need some new weapons to survive. Clearly dropping a bit in the next banzukie, when ever that may be.

Is this more Kintamayama humor going over my head? Again? I don't see a Nankairiki in the NSK database and it doesn't look like Ura is wrestling tomorrow. Has he actually already claimed the yusho? Doesn't look like anyone else is undefeated in Sandamne.

Amazing. What were the odds before the basho began, that both Yokozuna would even still be in the basho on senshuraku, never mind in a final battle for the yusho!?

I completely agree, the practice for young rikishi needs to change, and I'd suggest that if the sport is to survive, and further, head butting must eventually be banned in competition.

I have a freebie airline ticket for the May basho, but I expect to have to cancel it, of course. Haven't even made hotel reservations. I suspect that even if Japan gets it under control, the US will not have done likewise. I suspect this is what will take out the Olympics, as well. Japan may be OK, but the rest of the world isn't. I think for the no-audience sumo, the rikishi have gotten used to it, and as a few have said, are taking advantage of the ability to concentrate and the refined flavor of a more shrine-like atmosphere.

Awesome! Has this ever happened before, a rikishi vs. his ex-tsukebito for a yusho playoff?

Thanks for this suggestion. Maybe I'll pester John after the basho is over. He seems like a nice guy, and could easily have some info.