cyclonicleo

I hate to say it, but I think he's starting down the barrel of retirement.

This is really hard to hear. I've given Snorlax a hard time about his wavering form, but this would likely be the root cause. Alcoholism, caused by severe back pain and poor relations with his own stable, being disgraced on the dohyo, being denied winnings, having to support his family back in Mongolia, with a father who is in poor health....no wonder he is drinking to erase the pain. Not to mention that alcoholism is a big problem in Japan, along with stimulant (methamphetamine) use, no wonder the NSK wanted to keep it quiet. Sadly, I can see Ichinojo being hung out to dry, unless the NSK wants to avoid further scandal by getting him into rehab, facilitating a move to a new heya, and forcing his current stable to pay up monies owed. Doubt that'll happen though.

Pretty awesome article, that one. Cheers!

Working in Social Media for a telco, this isn't surprising. As long as the message is the same, you'll be golden.

Well, there goes the last of my tissues....

Off to MMA with him. If he tried his attitude in puroresu (pro-wrestling), I can guarantee there would be a few old hands that would beat the seven shades out of him pretty quickly (depending on the promotion, of course). There is little no tolerance for stupidity or arrogance in a pro-wrestling ring.

Personally, I kinda think its this. No matter, how he runs the heya is what matters.

I'm just glad to see coming to pass for Araiso.

Its an interesting train ride though, if its on the Tskuba Express line.

Is that Marty Friedman era Megadeth?

Regarding Ryunden's alleged behaviour: that's just....horrid. I'm no reliable moral compass but whilst he's been suspended for the multiple COVID breaches (the amount alone is nuts!), the conduct of Ryuden here is beyond reprehensible. I mean, have people been kicked out of sumo for less?

I wonder how the powers that be will look upon Teru going to a playoff to win the cup? Would it count against him if he won the next tournament in less than dominant fashion (remembering the 2 wins by an Ozeki rule)?

People consistently forget that the technology they love to use can also be turned against them. Location history is a great tool for investigations; no wonder the NSK's lawyer went down that path (if presumably to be absolutely sure of where Asanoyama was, if they decided to take legal action against Bunshun). If you really don't care about your privacy, by all means, leave location history on, but know that your phone will give up a lot of information about you, should it be needed to.

I am hoping it'll only be a suspension for Asanoyama, only because I want to see him use this as an opportunity to improve himself, his sumo and his mental fortitude.

Sounds like the beya has a bit of an interest in preserving their rikishi's career's, in that case? Good for Chiyonokuni to go kyujo and heal up. I wish Tochinoshin would do the same...

Honestly, I think he's about to acquire one very, very soon. Will be sad to see but at least he'll get more time to work on his golf game!

Nah, its not worth the anger.

Is it me, or is Ishiura really jacked this basho? I mean, he's bulked up muscle for sure!

Not all of us grasp the English language as well as others, even when a native speaker. I'll take this as just..some playful imagination.

Gutted for Yoshikaze and even more so for his daughter. Clearly his soon to be ex-wife harbors some resentment and is taking it out on the family. I hope Yoshikaze gets custody of his children and is able to be the father they need.

Sad to see him retire but i'm glad that he has his Japanese citizenship and can continue as an oyakata. Yes, maybe he should've gone sooner, but the mental desire to compete was there as was his sincerity, however his body was having none of it. I am glad that he's listened to his body and can now finally have the well earned rest he so richly deserves.

Well, if they're high enough to fly..... ;) Then again, if you're that baked, in a society like Japan, don't risk it! Get a taxi instead.

I get the feeling that he was done with sumo a long time ago and was just going through the motions, almost trying to get kicked out so he wouldn't have to live a lie anymore. Well, he finally got his wish in that case.

I want to look at Mitakeumi and tell him to watch the needle as it goes in. Why? It helps give you a sense of control over the process. It still hurts, but if you can mentally own it by seeing what is happening, it'll go much smoother. Oh and make sure to drink lots of water the night before and the day of the tests so that you're well hydrated, as it makes getting a vein much easier for the staff taking blood from you. It won't hurt as much either - having blood taken with a needle being wiggled around in your arm trying to get the vein is no fun at all.

You're spot on, IMHO. Japan lives and breathes by its societal norms, its intrinsic values that underpin its very essence. For Japanese that I have met, its almost a comfort blanket, a secure form of direction that gives them some reassurance. For someone to reject those norms, even in the slightest, is a shocking occurrence though that is changing as older Japanese realise that their values no longer work and that the world around them is changing. Still, things like celebrities getting busted for their indiscretions and going persona non grata is an interesting one. Its more overt in Japan (other countries like Korea take a less obvious line but its still there) and certain makes for some salacious news. As for the NZ Minister in question, that will be interesting to see what happens. I think the Japanese will accept it, though they will be somewhat uncomfortable, which could trigger accusations of (covert) racism as well....but I digress. Anyway, Wakakirin gets busted with a grinder and a little bit of pot. Simply put, don't take that on the train.