Morning

If Hanakaze stays till 65, will be be force-retired?

They are speaking a lot more clearly and at a more comfortable pace than many native English speakers. Since English is not my first language, that is appreciated since I can concentrate on the content instead of having to try to decipher what they are saying.

I would like another Thermae Romae movie, maybe they could have Hakuho in it this time, although I guess he'd need to retire first. Wasn't there at least on other documentary some time ago about two new guys who struggled (and seemingly only joined because they saw no other prospects)?

Congratulations to Shodai. I wish him the best for the final basho of the year.

I'm happy about the decision to settle them at status quo..

Is it possible that he has already obtained Japanese citizenship and it just slipped under radar? It kind feels like he's more private than Hakuho.

Tobizaru looks like a case of nerves.

I'd say for Hakuho the big question is still the Olympics. We do know that is his goal. The question is whether that'll happen next year or not. I think that's what's going to decided how long he'll stay around.

Add to it that we are not only lacking two yokozuna but there's also a few fusensho for Asanoyama in that number.

Thank you. That's indeed a bit past after what I'd usually consider. Would be exciting to see, but I don't think it's going to happen this basho.

Has there ever been a makuuchi debutant winning the yusho in his first basho?

I would like nibble some sumo cookies.

Sounds like a new merchandising idea. Rikishi masks, straight from the souvenir stands at the Kokugikan.

I hope we see it returning. I found it a very good shade of pink and enjoyed the NHK's clip on its creation.

They shut the spectator thing down till the final two days, the tournament otherwise progress mostly normal. Difference was that every player got their own support thingies instead of sharing and the abominable clap from tape. Regardless of sumo or snooker or everything else, I really dislike the artificial audience sounds some venues and broadcasters inflict on us.