Latest stock exchange news - kabu, Oyakata transfers, etc.

[Yubinhaad 11,969]

And Isenoumi turns 65 on the Monday after next year's Aki basho, which could provide for the most convenient succession ever. No banzuke mess, no interim kabu, no mid-basho retirement, just Tosanoumi being a rikishi on senshuraku Sunday and a shisho the next day.

Then you think Tosanoumi is the direct heir to the heya? I was wondering whether Katsunoura (ex-Kitakachidoki) might get a look in. After all he's been an oyakata for ten years now, so he would be the experienced candidate, albeit obviously with less time in the job than Tosanoumi would have.

The next heya to need a new shisho will be Oshima in April 2012, and I assume Kyokutenho will be conveniently ready to retire around then. After that it's Shikihide which has no affiliated oyakata and no sekitori, so I won't even take a wild stab in the dark at trying to predict the future of that one.

There's no massive emergency to sort out the future of Mihogaseki-beya. Affiliated oyakata Matsuchiyama could always step out of the shadows and fill in for a couple of years if needed, until a more suitable long-term candidate emerges from somewhere.

Two days after Mihogaseki comes the retirement of Donkey Kongo, Nishonoseki-oyakata. There are three in-house oyakata, of whom the youngest by far is Fujigane (ex-Daizen). I think the older hands, Kitajin and Minatogawa, could be bypassed in favour of Fujigane, as happened with the Kasugano handover a few years back.

Going back to the borrowers for a moment, another perhaps in need of luck is Araiso (ex-Tamarikido). In his worst case scenario, Wakanosato retires soon and takes up his Nishiiwa toshiyori. That will push Takanotsuru over to Araiso, and push Tamarikido towards the exit. If Wakanosato can stay active until 2014, Tamarikido could then get Tateyama from his old shisho (and that's assuming that Tamanoshima does indeed end up with Oshiogawa, as Jonosuke suggested earlier).

[Asashosakari 20,250]

Then you think Tosanoumi is the direct heir to the heya? I was wondering whether Katsunoura (ex-Kitakachidoki) might get a look in. After all he's been an oyakata for ten years now, so he would be the experienced candidate, albeit obviously with less time in the job than Tosanoumi would have.

From what little I recall reading Isenoumi considers Tosanoumi his heir apparent, but I wouldn't exactly bet money or it or anything.

There's no massive emergency to sort out the future of Mihogaseki-beya. Affiliated oyakata Matsuchiyama could always step out of the shadows and fill in for a couple of years if needed, until a more suitable long-term candidate emerges from somewhere.

Mihogaseki strikes me as the type of guy who would like to hand-pick his successor at all costs, not least because he himself received it from his father. If they actually have to go with Matsuchiyama as a 2 1/2 year interim choice because no better solution could be turned up the stable is probably doomed anyway. It's not like the stable has a promising candidate who will simply need a couple of years to finish out his career first. (Okay, Aran technically qualifies, but there's no chance in hell he stays in sumo IMO.) And in overall talent the stable is already nearly a non-entity, something I don't expect Mihogaseki-oyakata to change in his remaining couple of years, and adding on a Matsuchiyama caretaker phase would likely get the stable to the point that it's nothing but a name and a building. Maybe somebody wouldn't mind to take over such an empty shell, but it's not something I'd bet on.

Going back to the borrowers for a moment, another perhaps in need of luck is Araiso (ex-Tamarikido). In his worst case scenario, Wakanosato retires soon and takes up his Nishiiwa toshiyori. That will push Takanotsuru over to Araiso, and push Tamarikido towards the exit. If Wakanosato can stay active until 2014, Tamarikido could then get Tateyama from his old shisho (and that's assuming that Tamanoshima does indeed end up with Oshiogawa, as Jonosuke suggested earlier).

FWIW, I was at a bit of a loss about Jonosuke's linking of Tamanoshima to the Oshiogawa share. (Unless he was talking only about a lending, but "destiny" made it sound permanent.) The only kabu I recall ever being talked about in relation to Tamanoshima was Isegahama due to his family relation with ex-Kiyokuni, but that door obviously closed when the share went into Asahifuji's hands.

Since we're already pushing the discussion out to 2013, something of interest should also be the Dewanoumi succession in 2014. Maybe Orion has heard something? ;-)

[Asashosakari 20,250]

In one of the hairiest moves ever recorded in Sumo, Ex-Wakanoyama also known as Ohairyone and current Yamawake oyakata has left the Kyokai today.

Moto-Wakanoyama made the customary visit to his hometown Gobo in Wakayama prefecture last Friday, meeting with the mayor to express his gratitude for the city's support over the years. Asked about his reasons for leaving the Kyokai, he responded somewhat evasively: "While I'm indebted to the sumo world for taking care of me all this time, I've felt a growing desire to seek new challenges." Well, okay. He's down about 50 kg from his former fighting weight these days, prompting the mayor to quip that he almost didn't recognize him.

[Orion 431]

Since we're already pushing the discussion out to 2013, something of interest should also be the Dewanoumi succession in 2014. Maybe Orion has heard something? (Holiday feeling...)

Dekiyama is the heir-apparent, but very frustrating for him, as there's only a couple of years difference in age between him and the current shisho. And in the meantime the heya has gone down and down -- at least sekitori-wise. FWIW, Orion

[Kintamayama 47,230]

Tatekawa assumes the Asakayama name.

[Chiyozakura 163]

Tatekawa assumes the Asakayama name.

Sounds like Tosanoumi as the owner of the Tatekawa kabu will retire tomorrow and Kaio will carry on.

[Jonosuke 28]

Tatekawa assumes the Asakayama name.

Sounds like Tosanoumi as the owner of the Tatekawa kabu will retire tomorrow and Kaio will carry on.

Obviously no brainer if he falls down to Makushita. He is really on the borderline but then again he may have come to realize he has indeed reached the end of long road.

I still remember a time when he came in charging into Ozumo with Musoyama. Musoyama has been long gone but Kaio is still around and what will become of Jumonji. But I suppose old relics never die, they just fade away.

[shumitto 419]

Former maegashira 1 Dairyugawa, current oyakata Kiyomigata is nearing his retirement (on January 21st he hits the 65 mark). Who is going to get his kabu ?

Kinkaiyama, who then vacates his slot to likely retiring Futen'o ? Or the veteran Jumonji going 0-4 in Makushita ? Inside the heya there are no apparent candidates.

Edit: TYPO

Edited January 16, 2011 by shumitto

[Asashosakari 20,250]

Former maegashira 1 Dairyugawa, current oyakata Kiyomigata is nearing his retirement (on January 21st he hit the 65 mark). Who is going to get his kabu ?

Kinkaiyama, who then vacates his slot to likely retiring Futen'o ? Or the veteran Jumonji going 0-4 in Makushita ? Inside the heya there are no apparent candidates.

For sure not Jumonji, not with Dewanoumi-ichimon being short of kabu for all its own candidates anyway (Kinkaiyama/Futeno, Kasuganishiki, perhaps soon Kakizoe).

[Raishu 219]

For sure not Jumonji, not with Dewanoumi-ichimon being short of kabu for all its own candidates anyway (Kinkaiyama/Futeno, Kasuganishiki, perhaps soon Kakizoe).

I agree.

And let's not forget about Musashimaru. A Takasago-Ichimon kabu might not be the safest one for him ATM - especially after Hokutoriki's serious injury and Kaiho's potential need for a new loan.

This will be a hot dance...

Edited January 15, 2011 by Raishu

[Asashosakari 20,250]

And let's not forget about Musashimaru.

I did forget about him! ;-)

To take the inquiry in a slightly different direction: Back when Wakanoho was ousted from Ozumo, he made the allegation that Kasuganishiki forced him to trade wins. No, I'm not going to suggest that Kasuganishiki will be blackballed from owning a kabu because of it, I'm after something different: As part of that story, Wakanoho mentioned that Kasuganishiki and his wife were having quite a side-business selling homemade (?) clothing and accessories to other rikishi. Something I've always wondered about, and this does pertain to his likelihood of getting a kabu: Were we supposed to take away from that that he's a really thrifty guy who might have stashed away a lot of money in his career (-> now available to buy or rent a share), or that he's a "living large" kinda guy who needed the additional income?

Perhaps a bit of an indiscreet question, and I'm surely not asking for details, but I'm guessing that rumours are in circulation among the better-connected (or better-read) folks. :-) So, how about it - should we expect Kasuganishiki to be in kabu contention?

Edited January 15, 2011 by Asashosakari

[shumitto 419]

And let's not forget about Musashimaru.

Musashimaru's "problem" may well be adressed when current Musashigawa retires in 2013 when Takamisakari will prolly be thinking about his own oyakata career if not earlier. There are also Kakizoe on a six make-koshi streak and not looking good in lower Juryo and veteran Bushuyama who soon will be kabu eligible to add more competition.

[Kintamayama 47,230]

Major news-the talk of the Kyokai acquiring all the toshiyori miyoseki is getting louder. Wanting to become a "public service corporation" by the end of 2013, this is one of the first things they have to fix in the current system. "Oh, right-let's see how the Kyokai comes up with these gigantic sums to buy the miyoseki.." said one angry Oyakata. Sakaigawa suggested that the heyas have a two year period in which to come up with a viable candidate, and only if they can't will the Kyokai buy it, but this was met with stiff resistance causing him to withdraw his suggestion. One plan is to pay the kabu owner a sum after his retirement on top of the usual severance pay. As for who the Kyokai will be entrusting the various miyoseki they acquire to - there is even talk of foregoing the condition that the candidates for acquiring miyoseki should have at least Juryo/Makuuchi experience- they are even hinting that compatible outside people should be allowed to be given these miyoseki. All these ideas (for now) are mostly met with negative responses.

Next in line-reforms in the heya system and ticket-selling system.

This is an interesting issue that has been around for a while but no one has mentioned it. I suggest someone with better Japanese capabilities than me help us understand more clearly what is happening..

One very thorough article is here.

Edited January 16, 2011 by Kintamayama

[Asashosakari 20,250]

Indeed, pretty much the first really thorough article to come down the pike in the ~6 months or so since the reform talk started in earnest.

Can't speak for anyone else, but I've shied away from mentioning it because so far everything reported seemed to be either random ideas or reports of monthly meetings at which no progress was made. (Okay, and my insufficent ability to figure out what various aspects were talked about exactly.)

Quick'n'dirty background: Back in 2008, the laws governing non-profit organizations and various related company forms were revised substantially. Organizations covered by the existing laws were given a 5-year grace period which runs out in November 2013, by which time all organizations desiring a continued status under the revised laws must have implemented all required structural changes and applied for certification. If not done, poof goes the tax exemption, and probably other perks currently enjoyed by the Kyokai. Beyond that, I second the call for more informed/more capable observers...

I suspect this is going to be a major issue in next year's rijicho election. I haven't seen any articles come right out and say it, but my impression is that it's not nearly settled just how far-reaching the Kyokai's reforms will have to be to satisfy the new laws, so there's likely to be major disagreement between oyakata who want to get by with the bare minimum of changes (once they've figured out what that minimum actually is) and those who will want to take the opportunity to go all-in on reforming the place. Sadanoyama redux, just with additional issues beyond the toshiyori system to increase the intrigue factor even further.

Edited January 16, 2011 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 20,250]

Copying this in whole from the Honbasho section as it'll probably be easier to find again here. Many thanks to Jonosuke!

It's reported that as a part of complying with non profit organization act reforms, the Kyokai is considering a drastic reform on the way they deal with Toshiyori Myoseki. Unlike the current practice of private selling by the right holder to a prospective qualifed Kyokai member, the Kyokai will be buying the share and will be managing them so that they can hand it out to their member they deem to be well qualified with no cost.

At the moment their bylaw only stipulates that the holder submits an exchange of right request to the Kyokai and receives the Kyokai's acknowledgment while the right is traded around hundred millions of yen.

Currently there are 105 Toshiyori Myoseki registered with the Sumo Kyokai excluding one generation honorary Myoseki of Kitanoumi and Takanohana. It's

mandated that any active rikishi wishing to remain with the Kyokai, will require to hold a Toshiyori Myoseki but once in possession, they are guaranteed to receive a monthly salary until Kyokai's retirement age of 65 years old. It has been often pointed out that the high price of acquiring a Myoseki is forcing a prospective holder to borrow money sometimes from less than legitimate sources and heavy dependence on their supporters club members.

A recommendation is being discussed within the Kyokai's directors including Hanaregoma oyakata, Kyokai Chairman, and Kyokai's Governance Committee

members headed by Takayasu Okushima, head of Japan High School Baseball Association. On preparing sufficient funds to buy the shares, the Kyokai is considering an idea around the Kyokai adding appropriate amount to retiring oyakata's retirement payment. They are also considering changing the current qualification base of only allowing those with substantial Makuuchi and Juryo experiences to acquire the Myoseki.

The Kyokai is required to submit their reform plans to the government's Cabinet Office to re-apply for their charter to stay as a non profit organization by November 2013. Along with Toshiyori Myoseki issue, the Kyokai is being asked for more transparancy on their dealing with their ticket agency Chaya as well as substantial reforms on Heya based organization they are structured.

Hanaregoma oyakata indicated he has set up a committee within the Kyokai to further clarify the issues and propose recommendations but they are far from coming to resolution on any issues. Meanwhile there are a variety of reactions from oyakata. While some oyakata expresss a certain degree of understanding as they see no other way out but some others are asking for the previous holder to be able to name his successor. Others believe the Kyokai would go bankrupt before they can buy off any Toshiyori share as they doubt the Kyokai has no ability to buy back any share.

Former Kyokai Chairman Sakaigawa oyakata (former Yokozuna Sadanoyama) once proposed that the Kyokai should control any share without any clear successor after two years of the previous holder's retirement or death but needed to retract as there were fierce oppositions from oyakata. "If the Kyokai once takes control of the share, there is no way to recover the money paid to gain the share," protested one oyakata. "As well many feel the Kyokai has no business interfering with a Toshiyori Myoseki, which is a part of private asset of individual."

At the following board of directors election, seeing anti-Sakaigawa candidates specifically running against him, Sakaigawa oyakata withdrew from the race and ever since the Kyokai never raised any hint of reforms on the Toshiyori Myoseki.

But controversies surrounding Toshiyori Myoseki transfer never die down. One that is most recent in memory is a story of transfer at Hakuho's Miyagino Beya that occurred last month. The story begun with the death of former Komusubi Hirokawa in 1989. The heya was then carried on by former Maegashira Chikubayama, oyakata associated with the heya. However in 2004, former Juryo Kanechika married to former HIrokawa's second daughter. As the share was still owned by the family of Hirokawa, Kanechika took over the heya and became its shisho. Former Chikubyama arranged to inherit Kumagatani share so that he could stay with the Kyokai and to continue develop Hakuho, his direct recruit, at the heya.

But then Kanechika was involved in a less than savory incident and the Kyokai forced the Myoseki change which made Kumagatani became the heya's leading oyakata, Miyagino oyakata. In this case the Myoseki transfer meant more than swapping of Toshiyori name as it also implied the heya transfer with all trimmings like the building as the heya building is owned by the Hirokawa family. Kanechika brought in a lawyer to the Kyokai to ask for an explanation as his relationship with the Hirokawa family entails his right to the building as well as other assets owned by the heya holder, the family of Hirokawa including him.

It's clear that the Kyokai will need to follow a path of another similar organization and learn from their experience. For instamce Japan Volleball Association received their new certificate as a non profit organization from the government last December. "Often what is accepted normally in sports world is not so in the general society at large. The reason is that we have not been explaining ourselves fully to all. It is crucial that we should build an organization that can be understood by the general public," said Mitsuo Igarashi, the association chairman.

(New non profit organization reform legislation was enacted in December 2008. Any organization which considers at least 50% of their activities to be non-profit purposes will need to acquire the certificate from the Non Profit Certification Committee by November 2013. An organization who does not meet the conditions set forth by the act can opt for profit status without any restrictions but will lose preferential tax treatment.)

[Kintamayama 47,230]

Mainichi article translated

[Chiyozakura 163]

:-) Happy Birthday! Former Dairyugawa is now a pensioneer, the Kiyomigata kabu is available again and Futeno has had his seventh bout. Any news already?

[shumitto 419]

Tochiozan has bought the share. Now it remains to be seen who is going to borrow it.

[Chiyozakura 163]

Tochiozan has bought the share. Now it remains to be seen who is going to borrow it.

Is it already known whether Kasuganishiki leaves the NSK? He would be a logical choice as he is Tochiozan's sempai.

[shumitto 419]

Is it already known whether Kasuganishiki leaves the NSK? He would be a logical choice as he is Tochiozan's sempai.

According to the online papers, Kasuganishiki is history.

[Raishu 219]

Tochiozan has bought the share. Now it remains to be seen who is going to borrow it.

According to the online papers, Kasuganishiki is history.

Interesting move. Especially because I always expected Kasuganishiki to be able to hang on in Juryo until mid-2011 and then going intai in 2012 to pick up the Iwatomo share.

But borrowing a kabu from a heya mate who has a long career in front of him is even better than walking the tough path through Makushita for a very long time.

[shumitto 419]

My uneducated guess is Futeno is about to retire and maybe Kinkaiyama will take Kiyomigata borrowed. But then again Tochiozan is so young so maybe someone will grab it and Kinkaiyama will have to settle for, let's say, Takenawa or Furiwake in their musical chairs game.

Edited January 21, 2011 by shumitto

[Kotoviki 16]

Today the photographers came to the Kasuganishiki vs. Futeno match. It was hard to decide who was retiring or if they both were. Half photographers on each side. Then some photographers chased after each of them... while the rest stayed in place for the yusho match!

[Asashosakari 20,250]

According to the online papers, Kasuganishiki is history.

Interesting move. Especially because I always expected Kasuganishiki to be able to hang on in Juryo until mid-2011 and then going intai in 2012 to pick up the Iwatomo share.

But borrowing a kabu from a heya mate who has a long career in front of him is even better than walking the tough path through Makushita for a very long time.

This succession of posts is deeply confusing to me...

[Raishu 219]

This succession of posts is deeply confusing to me...

I'm sorry.

You're right, my post is not well-structured.

I wanted to express my astonishment about Tochiozan's purchase of Kiyomigata kabu, since there are so many older candidates who might need a share in the near future.

Additionally, I always connected Kasuganishiki's potential future carrer within the Kyokai with Iwatomo kabu (kabu within his own heya), but I never thought he would have to borrow his way to the aforementioned kabu (expected him to be active in Juryo until 2011 or so -> 1 year in Makushita -> Iwatomo, but after the gambling demotion, that thought was history).

That's all. :-)

EDIT: I forgot. I assume that 03's purchase and Kasuga's retirement are not just a coincidence.

Or do I misunderstand any of shumitto's news reports?

Edited January 21, 2011 by Raishu