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

[Kintamayama 44,639]

Job changes:

Izutsu- returns after being kyujo with eye problems and will be head shinpan.

Kise- back to being an iin, after being demoted for the gangster scandal.

Fujishima- deputy chief of the Judging Department

Shikihide and Otowayama (who has prior experience calling for a monoii while active and sitting ringside back in 1996)- new shinpans.

[Akinomaki 40,037]

Job changes:

Izutsu- returns after being kyujo with eye problems and will be head shinpan.

That could be misleading when listed under job changes: he returns to his duties as deputy head of the shimpan department, as such being one of the head shimpan at the next one-day tournament on the 8th.

http://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2015/01/29/kiji/K20150129009716230.html

[Yubinhaad 11,591]

Fujishima- deputy chief of the Judging Department

Shikihide and Otowayama (who has prior experience calling for a monoii while active and sitting ringside back in 1996)- new shinpans.

Fujishima takes over the deputy head position from soon-to-retire Asahiyama, while Oitekaze (former Maegashira Daishoyama) has left the group entirely, hence the two new regular shimpan.

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Full list of job changes:

Asahiyama (ex-Daiju) has been given the pro-forma title of deputy director of the lifestyle guidance department for his final seven weeks in the Kyokai.

Shimpan department: As mentioned, Asahiyama out as deputy head shimpan, with Fujishima (ex-Musoyama) moving up from regular shimpan to replace him. Oitekaze (ex-Daishoyama) also out, Otowayama (ex-Takanonami) and Shikihide (ex-Kitazakura) in. Takanohana-ichimon has gained its first shimpan position with that, at the expense of Isegahama-ichimon.

Press club: Replacing Otowayama here is Futagoyama (ex-Miyabiyama).

Inspection committee: Tamagaki (ex-Tomonohana) out, Tagonoura (ex-Takanotsuru) in.

In addition, Oyama (ex-Daihi) has been added as a 5th kimarite official. That's a bit unusual as he's part of the jungyo department, and normally the kimarite guys are the oyakata assigned to the sumo school.

Promotions:

From toshiyori to shunin: Matsugane (ex-Tamarikido), Mihogaseki (ex-Tochisakae), Shikihide (ex-Kitazakura), Takasaki (ex-Kinkaiyama), Takenawa (ex-Tochinonada).

From shunin to iin: Azumazeki (ex-Ushiomaru), Katsunoura (ex-Kirinishiki), Kise (ex-Higonoumi), Musashigawa (ex-Musashimaru), Takekuma (ex-Zaonishiki), Tokitsukaze (ex-Tokitsuumi), Wakafuji (ex-Otsukasa).

Edited February 2, 2015 by Asashosakari

[Orion 431]

"In addition, Oyama (ex-Daihi) has been added as a 5th kimarite official. That's a bit unusual as he's part of the jungyo department, and normally the kimarite guys are the oyakata assigned to the sumo school."

Actually he has been head coach of the sumo school for most of his oyakata life; nobody knows more about kimarite.

Orion

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Actually he has been head coach of the sumo school for most of his oyakata life; nobody knows more about kimarite.[/color]

Fair enough, it's just an unusual combination with his current position, I do realize he was previously at the school. While we're on the subject - what exactly do the 4 (now 5) oyakata assigned as "in charge of kimarite" do as part of that role? Is it a coaching thing or does it refer to clerical work during the basho (recording bout results)? Or something yet different? Edited February 3, 2015 by Asashosakari

[Yubinhaad 11,591]

Actually he has been head coach of the sumo school for most of his oyakata life; nobody knows more about kimarite.[/color]

Fair enough, it's just an unusual combination with his current position, I do realize he was previously at the school. While we're on the subject - what exactly do the 4 (now 5) oyakata assigned as "in charge of kimarite" do as part of that role? Is it a coaching thing or does it refer to clerical work during the basho (recording bout results)? Or something yet different?

I don't know about other stuff, but as I understand it they take turns in the video room during each day of a basho, alongside one shimpan. Sometimes the announcer gyoji in the arena isn't sure which kimarite to call for a bout, so he gets on his batphone to the video room where the kimarite oyakata should hopefully be able to figure it out (or throw his hands up and call it a tsukiotoshi).

During the Hatsu basho, Inagawa on kimarite duty and Kataonami as shimpan mono-ii consultant:

[Hakuhonofan 334]

JSA announced that Kotooshu has acquired Naruto toshiyori myoseki. The last Naruto oyakata (ex yokozuna Takanosato ) died suddenly in 2011, and Takanotsuru who inherited the stable changed its name to Tagonoura-beya after he acquired Tagonoura myoseki.

Moto Kotooshu becomes the 4th foreign-born oyakata to acquire toshiyori myoseki after Takamiyama, Konishiki and Musashimaru.

Edited February 12, 2015 by Hakuhonofan

[Jakusotsu 5,871]

JSA announced that Kotooshu has acquired Naruto toshiyori myoseki. The last Naruto oyakata (ex yokozuna Takanosato ) died suddenly in 2011, and Takanosato who inherited the stable changed its name to Tagonoura-beya after he acquired Tagonoura myoseki.

You mean Takanotsuru.

[Asameshimae 220]

I don't know if it's an oversight or my mistake, or what but on the toshiyori/kabu list Minatogawa (former Daitetsu) is not listed. I hadn't heard of any changes. He is still on the database's kabu list. Weird. I saw him walking around Osaka basho too, so he is still on the planet. Hmm..

http://www.sumo.or.jp/en/sumo_data/kyokai_member/oyakata

He is not listed in the Japanese version of the list either if you are wondering.

[Asameshimae 220]

Also no Ganyu / Yamahibiki

Hadn't heard about this if there has been a change

No Otake either, the head of Osuna's Otake stable

Edited April 2, 2015 by Asameshimae

[Asashosakari 18,959]

http://www.sumoforum.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=29809#entry255004

[Asameshimae 220]

thanks.

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Catching up this thread for reference...

As mentioned elsewhere, as of today Kyokutenho has taken on the Oshima kabu, while ex-Kobo has switched from Nishiiwa to Otowayama, previously held by the late ex-Takanonami. In accordance with the recent rule changes, the latter is treated as permanent share ownership by Kobo now. (Three kabu remain on loan, Nakamura/ex-Kotonishiki, Onogawa/ex-Bushuyama and Kimigahama/ex-Hochiyama.)

Incidentally, Tatsunami-oyakata serving as shimpan replacement for the previous Otowayama still isn't reflected on the jobs listing, so this may have been only a temporary appointment for Nagoya basho.

[Orion 431]

Catching up this thread for reference...

As mentioned elsewhere, as of today Kyokutenho has taken on the Oshima kabu, while ex-Kobo has switched from Nishiiwa to Otowayama, previously held by the late ex-Takanonami. In accordance with the recent rule changes, the latter is treated as permanent share ownership by Kobo now. (Three kabu remain on loan, Nakamura/ex-Kotonishiki, Onogawa/ex-Bushuyama and Kimigahama/ex-Hochiyama.)

Incidentally, Tatsunami-oyakata serving as shimpan replacement for the previous Otowayama still isn't reflected on the jobs listing, so this may have been only a temporary appointment for Nagoya basho.

A little bird told me that Tatsunami isn't very happy about serving as a judge.

Orion

[Pikenoyama 27]

....Three kabu remain on loan, Nakamura/ex-Kotonishiki, Onogawa/ex-Bushuyama and Kimigahama/ex-Hochiyama...

And what about Bushuyama´s Onogama kabu which I thought belonged to Kitanoumi?

[Asashosakari 18,959]

....Three kabu remain on loan, Nakamura/ex-Kotonishiki, Onogawa/ex-Bushuyama and Kimigahama/ex-Hochiyama...

And what about Bushuyama´s Onogama kabu which I thought belonged to Kitanoumi?

What's your question? :-)

---

I didn't realize it last week when I speculated how long Tosayutaka and Daido might stick around considering they're kabu-eligible, but the Kyokai is actually faced with a severe kabu crunch again all of a sudden, caused mainly by the loan prohibition. There are 8 free kabu now assuming Wakanosato takes up Nishiiwa soon, but only one of them is held by a retired oyakata (Asahiyama, ex-Daiju) - the other 7 are effectively off-limits. It would be two without the re-employment rule they added on top of it, which Tateyama (ex-Tamanofuji) has taken advantage of.

Four oyakata will turn 65 in quick succession next April/May, but it's anyone's guess how many of them will actually retire - optimistically, I'll say three. (Chiganoura is the one who I suspect may stick around for a few more years.) After several years where rikishi were able to retire pretty much when they wanted, we may be headed for another phase where some will have to hang around unsalaried for a while if they want to remain in the Kyokai.

[shumitto 418]

kabu crunch again all of a sudden, caused mainly by the loan prohibition.

Add to that the abolishment of the jun-toshiyori back in December, 2006, too. The kyokai has made it much harder to get a kabu or to stay in the kyokai in any capacity, however it gave nothing back to make up for it. Sagatsukasa is already there, where Tosayutaka and Daido are heading to; fighting a 'deadend' career in the hopes something will turn up.

[Gurowake 4,012]

Will we presumably at least see fewer active rikishi holding kabu (as the current active ones retire) with all the changes that have been made, or will they still be interested in getting them sooner rather than later once they qualify for one?

Edited July 31, 2015 by Gurowake

[krindel 671]

Not sure if under the current system active wrestlers are still allowed to buy kabu, but if so, I would presume no active rikishi who wants one will pass the opportunity to acquire one if the opportunity presents itself. After all, he would have legitimate reasons to worry he might not have the same opportunity when he needs to retire.

[Asashosakari 18,959]

kabu crunch again all of a sudden, caused mainly by the loan prohibition.

Add to that the abolishment of the jun-toshiyori back in December, 2006, too. The kyokai has made it much harder to get a kabu or to stay in the kyokai in any capacity, however it gave nothing back to make up for it. Sagatsukasa is already there, where Tosayutaka and Daido are heading to; fighting a 'deadend' career in the hopes something will turn up.

I'm actually surprised how quickly they managed to squander the surplus again. First they eased the pressure on the available shares by dumping a bunch of Sagatsukasa/Daido types (Toyozakura, Kyokunankai and so on) in the 2011 yaocho purge, and then we had 2013 which saw almost 10 oyakata turn 65 in a very short time. Add in that we see more and more retiring veterans who aren't eligible (as unnaturalized foreigners), and it should have been easy for the others to get a share for years to come. Hasn't worked out that way at all.

I dunno what they would have done with Kobo without Takanonami's untimely death...

Not sure if under the current system active wrestlers are still allowed to buy kabu, but if so, I would presume no active rikishi who wants one will pass the opportunity to acquire one if the opportunity presents itself. After all, he would have legitimate reasons to worry he might not have the same opportunity when he needs to retire.

"Buy" doesn't really figure into it anymore. But I guess we might get situations where a retired oyakata's share goes unused for years because everyone knows it's ultimately promised to some guy who's still active, which would be a throwback to the time before around 1980 when the shares weren't yet valuables to be traded around and personal relations played a large role in getting one. What we have now is a more explicit version of that, since we already know that 7 kabu are "promised" to certain rikishi.

Maybe they'll strictly enforce the three-year grace period in the future, and force retired oyakata to find a successor in those three years or forfeit the right to name their own choice. If they can just squat on the share while their hand-picked successor pulls a Kyokutenho and stays active for another decade, the whole setup is headed for disaster.

Edit: I wouldn't be surprised if we see some odd share movements in the future where retiring oyakata are trading "future considerations" around, i.e. oyakata A needs to get rid of his share, but his picked successor X doesn't need it yet, so instead it goes to rikishi Y - who was actually the intended successor of oyakata B who still has a couple of years left and then offers his share to X as quid pro quo.

Edited July 31, 2015 by Asashosakari

[shumitto 418]

Edit: I wouldn't be surprised if we see some odd share movements in the future where retiring oyakata are trading "future considerations" around, i.e. oyakata A needs to get rid of his share, but his picked successor X doesn't need it yet, so instead it goes to rikishi Y - who was actually the intended successor of oyakata B who still has a couple of years left and then offers his share to X as quid pro quo.

And then oyakata B dies unexpectedly and rikishi X is still young, or worse, wife or okamisan B doesn't know about anything, or maybe she changes her mind, who knows ? It is bound to create some (more) problems.

On a side note, is Wakanosato's delay in officially announcing his retirement anything kabu- or salary-related ? I can't think of a good reason why he wouldn't announce it, given he has already made his mind.

Edited July 31, 2015 by shumitto

[Asojima 2,873]

On a side note, is Wakanosato's delay in officially announcing his retirement anything kabu- or salary-related ? I can't think of a good reason why he wouldn't announce it, given he has already made his mind.

There is some kabu juggling going on. There is a jungyo scheduled for his home turf which gives him a goodbye opportunity. There may be some heya shifts in the works. The banzuke committee has already met, so his demotion is already cast in stone. He will remain a salaried sekitori until the next banzuke announcement. What is the rush? Edited July 31, 2015 by Asojima

[Asashosakari 18,959]

And then oyakata B dies unexpectedly and rikishi X is still young, or worse, wife or okamisan B doesn't know about anything, or maybe she changes her mind, who knows ? It is bound to create some (more) problems.

I was thinking more about cases where both A and B are already retired (or nearly so in B's case) and it's just used to wring 2 or 3 more years out of the system for rikishi X, not cases with a large age disparity between A and B. And sure, there's potential for lots of problems, but when has that ever stopped people from trying to game a system?

[krindel 671]

My biggest concern is that with the prevalence of foreigners in the high ranks of sumo, sumo is slowly bleeding oyakata that used to be formidable rikishi. I have written elsewhere about the sharp decline in the number of former Yokozuna that the Kyokai is facing (when Kitanoumi and Kokonoe retire, there will be only 5 left, unless someone manages to convince one of the current ones to stick around, which frankly doesn't seem all that likely).

Keeping the likes of Daido and Sagatsukasa as oyakata is fine, and keeping Kyokutenho and Wakanosato is essential, but for me, the focus should be on making sure at least some of the foreign Ozeki / Yokozuna stick around. And if there's a kabu shortage, I somehow think it might end up detrimental to any such effort.