Asafan 0 Posted April 17, 2008 (edited) In a two dozen years or so from now we should be greeting him as the President of Mongolia. That's what I've always been predicting, but it should happen a little earlier :-) Edited April 17, 2008 by Asafan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dagvaa 0 Posted April 17, 2008 "Mongol Shuudan" (Mongolian Post) honored the achievement of Asashoryu by issuing 2 postage stamp with his image. Asashoryu attended the ceremony of first sale of his stamp. He came late and left early due to chaos caused by people who wanted to take picture with him or touch him. Post stamp cost 2100 tugrug (approx US$2 ). One is iwth Asa in baseball outfit, other is he is on dohyo. This is second time that "Mongol Shuudan" issued post stamp about sumo. http://www.sonin.mn/2008/04/17/1021/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Babaryutaikai 1 Posted April 17, 2008 In a two dozen years or so from now we should be greeting him as the President of Mongolia. That's what I've always been predicting, but it should happen a little earlier (Laughing...) My son. the President! ;-) Seriously, though, I don't see how Asa is not doing anything to promote sumo. He was/is the driving force in having the Mongolian koen actually come to fruition and he has borne a significant expense in this effort. As he said " I think , soon they will more information to press (sic). Then more can be said. Wonderful to be home." As for 60 days "off" from "work" in a year - what's so bad about that? Just because the average Japanese salaryman thinks he has to be at work 18 hours a day - without accomplishing anything, I might say; just for show - doesn't mean that sports stars and other celebrities have to do the same. Kotoku has it expressed very succinctly: "This overarching push for subservience, and submission to dithering elders, whether at work, at home or in sumo has got to stop. It totally screws up much of Japanese society; that's why the kids flock to J-League. It's not that they truly embrace the sport, but the freedom it represents is a HUGE tonic for the day-to-day drudgery of life in Edo." How can one say that Asa should be responsible for the continuation of his high school sumo club after the Kyokai's Tokitaizan fiasco? Do these kids want to go into a sport knowing that they can be irreparably harmed? Introducing his high school sumo coach and encouraging a young kid to join his heya? Where has the tongue-in-cheek humor gone in Japan? Oh, sorry - never was any. One always has to say "joku-desu" when one is speaking in jest. Introducing a kid as the next rikishi, American or British idol, Babe Ruth, or take-your-pick person/profession is done all the time in other countries, usually making the young person feel very good and flattered. This sort of comment is usually taken with a grain of salt. But, of course, if the boy WANTS to join, the oyakata has to be involved. Don't you think Asa knew that his oyakata would see the comments he made about "inside recuit"? He's not dumb. Uchidate ? Lame duck. Inflexible and insensitive. I'm going to get my hands on those stamps, too! That's my two yen and I'm certainly sticking to it. Go Dorj!!!! You rock!!!! :-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aderechelsea 125 Posted April 17, 2008 "Mongol Shuudan" (Mongolian Post) honored the achievement of Asashoryu by issuing 2 postage stamp with his image.Asashoryu attended the ceremony of first sale of his stamp. He came late and left early due to chaos caused by people who wanted to take picture with him or touch him. Post stamp cost 2100 tugrug (approx US$2 ). One is iwth Asa in baseball outfit, other is he is on dohyo. This is second time that "Mongol Shuudan" issued post stamp about sumo. http://www.sonin.mn/2008/04/17/1021/ you mean these? these have been out for some time now ... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dagvaa 0 Posted April 17, 2008 (edited) yes I think so. I am not familiar with this post stamp. I just translated above link sonin.mn. Seems like there are some minor mistakes. these have been out for some time now ... yes . I am reading now another Mongolian news web link . http://www.mongolnews.mn/unuudur.php?n=26603 http://www.mongolia-web.com/content/view/1715/2/ Here it says. It is really some new stamp issuing ceremony. There are 3 post stamps which is made in 2005. Maybe it is new in Mongolia, I guess. He signed and took pictures of those who bought the stamps. During the event. Asashoryu told the crowd :- I am thankful that my sumo achievement put me on the post stamp. And I am blessed by well wish of my people who support and encourage me. Year 2007 was hard year for me. Although thg sumo world was difficult, I won myself. . hope he really won his own "I" Edited April 17, 2008 by Dagvaa Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
philafuji 1 Posted April 17, 2008 In a two dozen years or so from now we should be greeting him as the President of Mongolia. That's what I've always been predicting, but it should happen a little earlier (Laughing...) My son. the President! ;-) Seriously, though, I don't see how Asa is not doing anything to promote sumo. He was/is the driving force in having the Mongolian koen actually come to fruition and he has borne a significant expense in this effort. As he said " I think , soon they will more information to press (sic). Then more can be said. Wonderful to be home." As for 60 days "off" from "work" in a year - what's so bad about that? Just because the average Japanese salaryman thinks he has to be at work 18 hours a day - without accomplishing anything, I might say; just for show - doesn't mean that sports stars and other celebrities have to do the same. Kotoku has it expressed very succinctly: "This overarching push for subservience, and submission to dithering elders, whether at work, at home or in sumo has got to stop. It totally screws up much of Japanese society; that's why the kids flock to J-League. It's not that they truly embrace the sport, but the freedom it represents is a HUGE tonic for the day-to-day drudgery of life in Edo." How can one say that Asa should be responsible for the continuation of his high school sumo club after the Kyokai's Tokitaizan fiasco? Do these kids want to go into a sport knowing that they can be irreparably harmed? Introducing his high school sumo coach and encouraging a young kid to join his heya? Where has the tongue-in-cheek humor gone in Japan? Oh, sorry - never was any. One always has to say "joku-desu" when one is speaking in jest. Introducing a kid as the next rikishi, American or British idol, Babe Ruth, or take-your-pick person/profession is done all the time in other countries, usually making the young person feel very good and flattered. This sort of comment is usually taken with a grain of salt. But, of course, if the boy WANTS to join, the oyakata has to be involved. Don't you think Asa knew that his oyakata would see the comments he made about "inside recuit"? He's not dumb. Uchidate ? Lame duck. Inflexible and insensitive. I'm going to get my hands on those stamps, too! That's my two yen and I'm certainly sticking to it. Go Dorj!!!! You rock!!!! :-) Barbara, could you send me a personal e mail regarding the stamps. It would be much appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asafan 0 Posted April 17, 2008 (edited) I was lucky enough to buy these stamps at the Post Office in Ulaanbaatar in 2006 (or was it last summer? I can't remember). I have them in front of me right now. I didn't know they were so hard to find. But I won't sell them even for 1000$ ! :-) Edited April 17, 2008 by Asafan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sasanishiki 57 Posted April 17, 2008 As for 60 days "off" from "work" in a year - what's so bad about that? Just because the average Japanese salaryman thinks he has to be at work 18 hours a day - without accomplishing anything, I might say; just for show - doesn't mean that sports stars and other celebrities have to do the same. 8 or 9 weeks holiday a year is extraordinary unless one controls the means of their employment (meaning a temp/contract worker, or someone who is self-employed). Anyway, comparing sumo and other jobs is not really the point. The rikishi go into the sport knowing what the "work" conditions are like: keiko everyday, except for a few days off at the end of the basho; "work" on behalf of the heya, such as chores in the heya or as a representative of the heya or ichimon; self improvement through keiko, but also to participate for others in the keiko-ba; obeying the commands of those senior to you; asking permission to conduct your actions in the public realm, etc. I don't see how 60 days a year (and let's admit this this is an abitrary figure that we've pulled out of the air, not gospel) fully allows those things to happen. Barbara, as you have inside knowledge, does Asa's family visit regularly or is it always Asa who visits them in Mongolia? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Babaryutaikai 1 Posted April 18, 2008 As for 60 days "off" from "work" in a year - what's so bad about that? Just because the average Japanese salaryman thinks he has to be at work 18 hours a day - without accomplishing anything, I might say; just for show - doesn't mean that sports stars and other celebrities have to do the same. 8 or 9 weeks holiday a year is extraordinary unless one controls the means of their employment (meaning a temp/contract worker, or someone who is self-employed). Anyway, comparing sumo and other jobs is not really the point. The rikishi go into the sport knowing what the "work" conditions are like: keiko everyday, except for a few days off at the end of the basho; "work" on behalf of the heya, such as chores in the heya or as a representative of the heya or ichimon; self improvement through keiko, but also to participate for others in the keiko-ba; obeying the commands of those senior to you; asking permission to conduct your actions in the public realm, etc. I don't see how 60 days a year (and let's admit this this is an abitrary figure that we've pulled out of the air, not gospel) fully allows those things to happen. Barbara, as you have inside knowledge, does Asa's family visit regularly or is it always Asa who visits them in Mongolia? No, sometimes he visits his American Mama in New York. I am really sorry, but because I am so close, I don't feel comfortable speaking about his and their preferences or anything that I am privy to personally, but the short answer is his family does visit him in Japan on occasion. But you must remember that many of his days in Mongolia are also filled with duties as a Mongolian hero. Lately, that has extended to his role as the principal organizer of the Mongolia koen. Then, of course, when he is in Tokyo, he has so many responsibilties to supporters, added to the jungyos, that he probably has more time to spend with them in the clear, beautiful air of Mongolia, notwithstanding his public responsibilities, than in Japan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Babaryutaikai 1 Posted April 18, 2008 I was lucky enough to buy these stamps at the Post Office in Ulaanbaatar in 2006 (or was it last summer? I can't remember). I have them in front of me right now. I didn't know they were so hard to find. But I won't sell them even for 1000$ ! :-) Ah, yes. I actually received them also a couple/three years ago. They were given to me as part of a Dreamland thingy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nanami 0 Posted April 18, 2008 No, sometimes he visits his American Mama in New York. I am really sorry, but because I am so close, I don't feel comfortable speaking about his and their preferences or anything that I am privy to personally, but the short answer is his family does visit him in Japan on occasion. But you must remember that many of his days in Mongolia are also filled with duties as a Mongolian hero. Lately, that has extended to his role as the principal organizer of the Mongolia koen. Then, of course, when he is in Tokyo, he has so many responsibilties to supporters, added to the jungyos, that he probably has more time to spend with them in the clear, beautiful air of Mongolia, notwithstanding his public responsibilities, than in Japan. He is fortunate to have a supporter such as yourself, willing to keep his private life, private. :-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 45,132 Posted April 23, 2008 Asashouryuu is scheduled to leave for Mongolia today. Probably gone by now. He is off to treat his leg injury and will be back before the Banzuke announcement on April 24th. He's back. Last time he returned he had that altercation with the press. This time he returned with his eldest daughter and was seen walking hand in hand with her, with the "gentle papa" look, as the press put it, although he did dish out a few "dirty looks" to the members of the press. She is planning to stay in Japan for a while. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 45,132 Posted April 25, 2008 (edited) Asashouryuu was up at 8:30 am and joined the heya keiko. He is still injured, so he did some teppo and shiko. "I'm still afraid to go all out, although it has gotten a bit better. I'll take it slowly..", he said. The people around him say his recovery is slower than expected, and he may turn up for the YDC soken next week, but judging from his present situation there is little chance of any lending of anything to anyone. Edited April 25, 2008 by Kintamayama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonosuke 28 Posted April 25, 2008 He did intimate with a knowing look that his wife and son may join later as the son has a cold. Hope Asashoryu doesn't catch one but then he is injured so he won't be doing any serious keiko anytime soon. I guess he couldn't get to his favorite hot spring to get it healed completely. Incidentally he did not come back directly again from Mongolia but instead via Seoul. The last time he did it to avoid reporters. But since he was discovered at Narita, reporters must be checking both flights these days. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HenryK 38 Posted April 25, 2008 Asashouryuu is scheduled to leave for Mongolia today. Probably gone by now. He is off to treat his leg injury and will be back before the Banzuke announcement on April 24th. He's back. Last time he returned he had that altercation with the press. This time he returned with his eldest daughter and was seen walking hand in hand with her, with the "gentle papa" look Not that I would love gossip (Showing respect...), but are there any pictures of this? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 45,132 Posted April 25, 2008 After doing teppo and suriashi, Asashouryuu suddenly left the heya and took a 30 minute stroll in the Takasago beya neighborhood where he encountered some astonished residents plus a dog that barked at him. There were even some who called out to him to gambarize, to which he countered with some hand clapping. In the afternoon, he participated at the rikishi-kai and had his say concerning the Olympic torch relay protests of late. "Sports are the symbol of peace. I don't want too much fussing about it..", he said. In Mongolia, there are 95% Tibet Buddhists, but Asa seems to be all for toning down the problems. Neighborhood stroll: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 45,132 Posted April 25, 2008 (edited) Not that I would love gossip :-), but are there any pictures of this? Haven't found anything-maybe the paparazzi decided that this was too private.. Found this though-Asa after or before the rijikai at the KKan Wazakan: At the heya leading the young ones: Edited April 25, 2008 by Kintamayama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 45,132 Posted April 25, 2008 Incidentally, at the weigh in today, Asashouryuu was found to be 152 kilos, the heaviest he ever weighed in at. That's 5 kilos more than his last weigh-in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 45,132 Posted April 26, 2008 (edited) Asashouryuu went to Izutsu beya today for degeiko-his first real keiko session since Haru Basho. The Tokitsukaze Ichimon rengo keiko was being held there and he had 10 bouts against Kakuryuu, Houmashou and Toyonoshima and won them all. The reporter said there was no visible sign of the calf injury, as he was showing a lot of strength. "My foot isn't going forward as it should yet, but I was able to move better than I thought. My object is to bring myself to be in the best shape for opening day", said Asa later. Edited April 26, 2008 by Kintamayama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Harry 67 Posted April 26, 2008 Kakuryuu and Asa keiko: The injury is still obvious with the wrap on his left calf. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asashosakari 19,331 Posted April 27, 2008 Another pic from the Yaku Mitsuru Reeducation Class rikishi-kai meeting: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Harry 67 Posted April 27, 2008 (edited) More Keiko, larger version of above too: Edited April 27, 2008 by Harry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonosuke 28 Posted April 27, 2008 (edited) In case some people are wondering what it is Asashoryu is reading (in the photo above), my educated guess id Ozumo magazine (by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper). They normally have (like the current month issue) a full page ad by the Ginza Chosuya, rather exclusive Japanese sword store and that bluish color on the backcover (Japanese magazines have the front cover on the right side) is definitely theirs. Baseball Sha's Sumo magazine on the other hand has a full page ad by a pharmaceutical company Kowa displaying their products for muscle aches. I know I know it's a slow news day. Edited April 27, 2008 by Jonosuke Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaiguma 0 Posted April 27, 2008 In case some people are wondering what it is Asashoryu is reading (in the photo above), my educated guess id Ozumo magazine (by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper). They normally have (like the current month issue) a full page ad by the Ginza Chosuya, rather exclusive Japanese sword store and that bluish color on the backcover (Japanese magazines have the front cover on the right side) is definitely theirs. Baseball Sha's Sumo magazine on the other hand has a full page ad by a pharmaceutical company Kowa displaying their products for muscle aches. I know I know it's a slow news day. Yes, but which nationality of Penthouse is Kokkai reading? Answer that and I'll be impressed :-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 45,132 Posted April 27, 2008 (edited) April 30th 2007. Asashouryuu destroys Toyonoshima during keiko, sending him to a hospital and injuring him. April 26th, 2008. Izutsu. In strolls Asa. Everyone cringes. He calls out for Houmashou. Shoves him out with a tsukidashi. Who's next? "Toyonoshima!!", he calls out. All the nightmares Toyonoshima had and didn't have for the last year are suddenly becoming daytime reality. Boom, bang, right, left hand pull and Asa has him at the edge of the dohyo. Toyo stands his ground for a very short time. A powerful nodowa hits his neck, an after- push (dame-oshi, named after the Japanese Agricultural Minister's concubine Dame Margaret Oshi the opera singer who was knighted in 1922) similar to the one that sent him to the hospital last year, and the 146 kilo Toyonoshima goes flying out of the dohyo like a toy-o, into the agarizashiki elevated cheaper seats, coloring his buttocks red. Then two more bouts, both end with a left shitatenage. So, what's changed from last year? Then Tokitsukaze Oyakata who indignantly banned Asa from coming to degeiko after the incident is awaiting trial after batting in the clean-up spot. Toyonoshima is not injured, and Asa is still Asa, the "Abarenbou Yokozuna" (rowdy) as he is affectionately called on Houchi. Asa throws Toyonoshima (rash and all..), tsukebito stands with contents of can of whoop -ass recently opened: Edited April 27, 2008 by Kintamayama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites