Kaminariyuki

Enho - is he currently joijin? I notice that since the two Yokozuna are kyujo, Enho at M-5 is wrestling both of the ozeki, and he beat Goeido in an excellent display of speed. I seem to recall that joijin describes all of the top megashira who have to wrestle the sanyaku. And, the little guy has a serious shot at yet another KK. I think March last year was his first Makuuchi, and he's only had one MK, as I recall without checking. Banzai Enho!

As I posted on Kintamayama's lower division thread, thanks for these insights. I don't have the time or resources to be this involved, so I appreciate some of you folks spoon feeding me stuff that alerts me to the folks battling their way up through the lower divisions. Please post again later in the bash with further developments if you're up to it.

Takakeisho over Mr. Long Arms, and Goeido breaks Shodai's streak, because he's better than he's been looking and his back's now against the wall.

I hadn't checked this thread recently, but I was at Myagino heya on January 8, when the Oyakata, Hakuho and Enho had gone to another heya to practice. The two rikishi seemed fine with each other, and the practice proceeded without incident. I was a bit surprised that they were left to themselves, although another former rikishi was there to help guide part of the sparring matches. Seems much ado about nothing, and I suspect they will now be more careful in the future.

Kintamayama, Thanks for this thread. I seldom have the opportunity to keep up with any of the lower division action I appreciate you weeding out matches of interest. Arigatou gozaimasu.

LOL, I seriously doubt this is very likely... But, stranger things have happened.

I think others have mentioned this in earlier threads this basho, but it just so happens that I heard it from him myself last week (I can't help it, I'm telling everyone I can. It was like meeting Babe Ruth or Michael Jordan. It's not that I want to brag; it's that I absolutely can't restrain myself!) Hakuho is planning on retiring, but hasn't said when. Many folks think it will be shortly after the Olympics this summer. When I ate lunch with him last week, he invited me to visit his heya when he becomes an oyakata. I think this is one of the reasons he obtained his Japanese citizenship, as my understanding is that it is required to become an oyakata.

If we've seen one thing over the last few years, there's no "sure shot"

Really really great sumo on Day 1. The Enho match was phenomenal, and anyone suggesting he's just a flash in the pan or a sumo doll, is deluding themselves, IMO. And Hakho? Not losing to Daeisho twice in row, simply not happening. He was in the zone, and as soon as Daeisho got turned slightly, he was toast. Some other excellent bouts, as well. Takakeisho looking very strong on Day 1. As a couple of others have said, I cannot wait for Day 2!

Me too! I really enjoy sumo, but particularly if I'm in country, ant this basho I've actually met some of the top rikishi. I woke up this morning cranked, even before coffee.

OK, I enjoyed starting this thread last time, so maybe I'll throw it in as a regular post. What do you think? I just visited Miyagino beya, and I'd love to see Enho, Ishiura or Hakuho take the Emperor's Cup, but I fear my true prediction is Takakeisho this go round. I could easily see Hakuho hoisting the trophy yet again. I didn't see him practice, as he and Enho went over to another beya that morning, but he looked healthy and was vivacious when we ate lunch with him. Banzai Enho! Banzai Hakuho! Banzai Ishiura!

Super thanks. You folks really helped me out on this one. I'd gladly buy either of you a drink, and show you photos of my beya visit. I'll be at the Takiokla sports bar in Ueno today and tomorrow from 4:00 to 6:00, if you care to take me up on it. I'm easy to spot in this country with my white hair and white beard, and I'm a regular at this establishment. If they try to refuse you entry, just point at me and tell them you are meeting Mark sensei.

Any suggestions for something I might add to the Nagasaki treats?

I have read that one should bring a gift of food for the Rikishi. I purchased a couple of bags of ryori-ryori yesterday in Nagasaki, a traditional local snack. Is this appropriate or should I get something else? Should I have a furoshiki to wrap them in? Amazingly, given the recent story, we are going to Miyagino. If I can take a few photos, I’ll try to post something afterwards. Thanks for any advice.