Foreign Rikishi - Yaku Mitsuru suggests..

[Kintamayama 45,565]

Yaku Mitsuru, artist and member of the Prevention Convention, is going to suggest that all foreign recruits undergo a trial period, where their behavior will be scrutinized, and only then will their recruitment become final. He intends to introduce this at today's meeting, which will probably center around the last scandal. "We have to check if the new recruit's personality is suited to the ways of Sumo BEFORE we recruit them (how in heck are they supposed to do THAT??). At that time, we have to keep them away from the community of other rikishi from the same country", he said. Additionally - "If a heya with only one Oyakata loses him to illness, all the deshi should be under the supervision of another heya from the same ichimon until said Oyakata is healthy enough to resume his duties!", he suggested.

Now, we wait to see what actually did come out of that meeting.

Edited August 29, 2008 by Kintamayama

[ilovesumo 12]

Sad...

well, just make the "no gaijin anymore" -rule...

gdh

[Asashosakari 19,691]

"We have to check if the new recruit's personality is suited to the ways of Sumo BEFORE we recruit them" (how in heck are they supposed to do THAT??).

I had exactly the opposite reaction: Isn't that what most stables have already done with their foreign rikishi? I seem to recall tons of stories where the guy would be training and/or living in the heya for up to half a year before his official debut.

At that time, we have to keep them away from the community of other rikishi from the same country", he said.

Uh-oh!

Additionally - "If a heya with only one Oyakata loses him to illness, all the deshi should be under the supervision of another heya from the same ichimon until said Oyakata is healthy enough to resume his duties!", he suggested.

FWIW, a day or two before Taiho/Otake volunteered to take in the Magaki-beya rikishi for keiko, one news story (either Nikkan or Hochi, can't remember) briefly mentioned a similar idea, not attributed to anybody in particular within the Kyokai; namely that in such situations other (affiliated) oyakata from the same ichimon should be loaned out to the short-staffed stable to oversee practice sessions.

[Jonosuke 28]

we have to keep them away from the community of other rikishi from the same country"

Actually this idea is nothing new.

When waves of college grad rikishi came about, they instituted a policy not too have the rikishi from the same university socializing together, fearing somehow the senpai-kohan relationship of the old college days would creep into their bouts.

After finding out their fear was baseless, the rule was loosened as they now have a party of all Nichi-dai grad rikshi annually.

As for Mitsuru Yaku or Ms Uchidate, what they often say in public is what many people are saying privately. Sumo fans are generally tired of worsening misbehavior of foreign born as well as Japanese rikishi and they want the Kyokai to restore its true traditions and customs as well as the Kyokai to clean up its acts. It's all related. You really cannot look at one piece in isolation but view the whole in a more holistic way.

[Kintamayama 45,565]

The Prevention Convention convened today and like Yaku promised, talked about how to treat new foreigners in the future so that there won't be another Wakanohou case. Additionally, they are getting the new "conduct manual" ready.

Regarding the foreigners, the idea is to have a three month Kyokai -monitored "trial period". It will include Japanese language studies and stricter teaching of the ways of Sumo. If needed, this trial period can be made longer.

As for the proposal that an oyakata-less heya be taken over temporarily by another heya from the same ichimon, it became a moot subject for now, as Otake beya is taking care of the Magaki rikishi.

Another subject raised by Yaku Mitsuru was the conduct of Asashouryuu. He has seen the new Asashouryuu picture book slated to be released soon and had issues with some of the pictures. "At this time when we are toiling over the new rikishi manual (on do's and dont's of a rikishi) there are pictures of the Yokozuna without his mage. How can we try to emphasize how a rikishi conducts himself in public when the Yokozuna himself is not following these guidelines??", he wondered. Other Oyakata were irritated by Asashouryuu's keiko attitude at the summer jungyo. "At the meeting we demanded Ooshima Jungyo Chairman keep an eye on Asa!", added Yaku Mitsuru

[Kintamayama 45,565]

There was also a concrete proposal for spot urine checks at the heya, brought up by Onishi-san, member of the Anti-doping committee. It now seems that after the Wakanohou scandal, the whole doping thing will be brought to the forefront, after some foot-dragging on the Kyokai's part.

[ilovesumo 12]

As for Mitsuru Yaku or Ms Uchidate, what they often say in public is what many people are saying privately. Sumo fans are generally tired of worsening misbehavior of foreign born as well as Japanese rikishi and they want the Kyokai to restore its true traditions and customs as well as the Kyokai to clean up its acts. It's all related. You really cannot look at one piece in isolation but view the whole in a more holistic way.

so it's gaijin Shindeshi to fear when things are wrong now?

If they want the gaijin to fit in, the gaijin also need some lessons in their own language to understand what they should do and what is a no go...

Edited August 29, 2008 by ilovesumo

[Mark Buckton 1]

As for Mitsuru Yaku or Ms Uchidate, what they often say in public is what many people are saying privately. Sumo fans are generally tired of worsening misbehavior of foreign born as well as Japanese rikishi and they want the Kyokai to restore its true traditions and customs as well as the Kyokai to clean up its acts. It's all related. You really cannot look at one piece in isolation but view the whole in a more holistic way.

so it's gaijin Shindeshi to fear when things are wrong now?

If they want the gaijin to fit in, the gaijin also need some lessons in their own language to understand what they should do and what is a no go...

I know you mean well here but this seems more like western mollycoddling than anything else.

Yaku is, as Jonosuke says, merely stating what many people think privately. I have long heard Japanese people I know well, and (folk who know my interest in sumo) stating the same.

Hell, I agree with it - especially in the case of the Russians and Mongolians. Get rikishi together, and too often they stand together in their national(ity) groups which hardly gives the image of fitting in.

Of all the foreign rikishi I have personally met and had a chance to talk to on repeated occasions - I would say the 'best' two in terms of fitting in are Masutoo and Tochinoshin. Kokkai not far behind.

Heya situation helps of course - particularly with the relatice isolation of Oitekaze and Chiganoura but when it comes down to it, it is about the individual. These guys cannot really be judged prior to joining the sport - which as we know is more than a sport - so this idea is not such a bad thing at all.

This one though:

Yaku Mitsuru is an attention seeking clown, who has used his appointment to this position solely for the purpose of self-promotion.

Why do you think so?

[Sasanishiki 57]

Of all the foreign rikishi I have personally met and had a chance to talk to on repeated occasions - I would say the 'best' two in terms of fitting in are Masutoo and Tochinoshin. Kokkai not far behind.

Heya situation helps of course - particularly with the relatice isolation of Oitekaze and Chiganoura but when it comes down to it, it is about the individual.

I get the same sense with Takanoyama at Naruto. He has worked hard to fit in at the heya because of the isolation of Naruto-beya. From what I've seen he is liked and interacts freely with his heya-mates both in terms of language and demeanour. His Japanese is good (that is the only language we've spoken in) and he is polite in public but relaxed with his heya-mates during keiko.

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

Now if we could just get Takanoyama to start drinking those weight gain shakes Nish raves about from noon to night, he might bulk up enough to have a shot at making juryo...

[Kintamayama 45,565]

Another subject raised by Yaku Mitsuru was the conduct of Asashouryuu. He has seen the new Asashouryuu picture book slated to be released soon and had issues with some of the pictures. "At this time when we are toiling over the new rikishi manual (on do's and dont's of a rikishi) there are pictures of the Yokozuna without his mage. "

Here he is, the Mage-less Man!!:

[Kintamayama 45,565]

The photographer Mr. Nomura (I hope) has issued a statement that "the hairstyle and clothes were solely for the purpose of the photographs", rebutting Y. Mitsuru's allegations that they "set a bad example " for the other rikishi.

Edited August 31, 2008 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 45,565]

Yaku Mitsuru sent out a warning to Asashouryuu today at Futenou's wedding. "As long as he is active, he will be on probation!!", he said. As for the photographer's explanation that Asa was mage-less just for the photos he said: "Asashouryuu should have refused, explaining that as a Yokozuna, he cannot have these kinds of pictures taken !! I wonder how the Kyokai will treat this.."

Yaku Mitsuru at the wedding:

Edited September 1, 2008 by Kintamayama

[Jonosuke 28]

Actually the photographer's explanation does not wash as he obviously has no idea whatsover about Ozumo's protocols.

It's NOT how far away the yokozuna was from wherever he was supposed to be. It's abou how visible to the public. If he needs to publish Asashoryu's photos without a mage, then he should have done so after he retires. Allowing it to happen, Asashoryu himself has no idea how the yokozuna should conduct himself.

For all those who accuse Yaku Mitsuru of unfairly treating Asashoryu, they must look back how critical he was of Yokozuna Takanohana was. Yaku was pretty lenient of Asashoryu's conduct until the soccer incident. Then when he saw how undecisive the Kyokai's responses especially Kitanoumi's reaction he felt he needed to speak up against the Kyokai's business as usual approach.

If the chairman's position is not held by Kitanoumi, Asahoryu is in a far dire situation as Kitanoumi's attitude towards Asashoryu is mysteriously more generous considering all the media hoopla and complaints the kyokia has been getting on their head office lines against Asashoryu's conduct.

This is also the case with all the YDC and Prevention Committee members as they are receiving messages from Sumo fans asking why they are so lenient against Asashoryu.

If Asashoryu does badly this Aki Basho, you can bet your house that his future with Ozumo is in a real jeopardy. One can be antagnostic to the hand that feeds for so long.

Edited September 1, 2008 by Jonosuke

[Sasanishiki 57]

Actually, if we are getting into decorum and deportment, Yaku should not be wearing a hat indoors either.

[Kintamayama 45,565]

Asashouryuu's explanation after his de-plane-ation today: "There are no tokoyamas in Mongolia. I didn't think I did anything wrong, but I did ask my manager and he said it was OK. What's all this talk about??"

[Mark Buckton 1]

Actually the photographer's explanation does not wash as he obviously has no idea whatsover about Ozumo's protocols.

It's NOT how far away the yokozuna was from wherever he was supposed to be. It's abou how visible to the public. If he needs to publish Asashoryu's photos without a mage, then he should have done so after he retires. Allowing it to happen, Asashoryu himself has no idea how the yokozuna should conduct himself.

For all those who accuse Yaku Mitsuru of unfairly treating Asashoryu, they must look back how critical he was of Yokozuna Takanohana was. Yaku was pretty leninient of Asashoryu's conduct until the soccer incident. Then when he saw how undecisive the Kyokai's responses especially Kitanoumi's reaction he felt he needed to speak up against the Kyokai's business as usual approach.

If the chairman's position is not held by Kitanoumi, Asahoryu is in a far dire situation as Kitanoumi's attitude towards Asashoryu is mysteriously more generous considering all the media hoopla and complaints the kyokia has been getting on their head office lines against Asashoryu's conduct.

This is also the case with all the YDC and Prevention Committee members as they are receiving messages from Sumo fans asking why they are so leninent against Asashoryu.

If Asashoryu does badly this Aki Basho, you can bet your house that his future with Ozumo is in a real jeopardy. One can be antagnostic to the hand that feeds for so long.

every word, every letter deserves quoting here ten times over.

Were there a nail to be hit on the head - JK just has. Underlinings my own

(Nish - still wondering why you maade those claims against Yaku (again) but won't say why?)

Edited September 1, 2008 by Mark Buckton

[Kotoviki 16]

Actually the photographer's explanation does not wash as he obviously has no idea whatsover about Ozumo's protocols.

It's NOT how far away the yokozuna was from wherever he was supposed to be. It's abou how visible to the public. If he needs to publish Asashoryu's photos without a mage, then he should have done so after he retires. Allowing it to happen, Asashoryu himself has no idea how the yokozuna should conduct himself.

For all those who accuse Yaku Mitsuru of unfairly treating Asashoryu, they must look back how critical he was of Yokozuna Takanohana was. Yaku was pretty lenient of Asashoryu's conduct until the soccer incident. Then when he saw how undecisive the Kyokai's responses especially Kitanoumi's reaction he felt he needed to speak up against the Kyokai's business as usual approach.

If the chairman's position is not held by Kitanoumi, Asahoryu is in a far dire situation as Kitanoumi's attitude towards Asashoryu is mysteriously more generous considering all the media hoopla and complaints the kyokia has been getting on their head office lines against Asashoryu's conduct.

This is also the case with all the YDC and Prevention Committee members as they are receiving messages from Sumo fans asking why they are so lenient against Asashoryu.

If Asashoryu does badly this Aki Basho, you can bet your house that his future with Ozumo is in a real jeopardy. One can be antagnostic to the hand that feeds for so long.

Thanks Jonosuke for saying this. You saved me a lot of time!!

I'd like to second what you've said!

[Xris 2]

If the chairman's position is not held by Kitanoumi, Asahoryu is in a far dire situation as Kitanoumi's attitude towards Asashoryu is mysteriously more generous considering all the media hoopla and complaints the kyokia has been getting on their head office lines against Asashoryu's conduct.

I always felt that all yokozunas, not only Kitanoumi, are less virulent than other people against Asashoryu (this includes even Kokonoe) and I would think that it is because there were in the same situation and probably understand somewhat what it is to be always under scrutiny as a yokozuna, or just a yokozuna friendship or respect.

But well, this is just an idea, I'm not any kind of authority in the matter.

[ilovesumo 12]

Of all the foreign rikishi I have personally met and had a chance to talk to on repeated occasions - I would say the 'best' two in terms of fitting in are Masutoo and Tochinoshin. Kokkai not far behind.

Heya situation helps of course - particularly with the relatice isolation of Oitekaze and Chiganoura but when it comes down to it, it is about the individual. These guys cannot really be judged prior to joining the sport - which as we know is more than a sport - so this idea is not such a bad thing at all.

You personally met Kazafuzan as well? I'd like to add him to the best-fitting-ins and Nishikido is not isolated at all, wall on wall with Hakkaku.

[Mark Buckton 1]

Of all the foreign rikishi I have personally met and had a chance to talk to on repeated occasions - I would say the 'best' two in terms of fitting in are Masutoo and Tochinoshin. Kokkai not far behind.

Heya situation helps of course - particularly with the relatice isolation of Oitekaze and Chiganoura but when it comes down to it, it is about the individual. These guys cannot really be judged prior to joining the sport - which as we know is more than a sport - so this idea is not such a bad thing at all.

You personally met Kazafuzan as well? I'd like to add him to the best-fitting-ins and Nishikido is not isolated at all, wall on wall with Hakkaku.

not for more than 10 seconds - but no worries 'adding' him if you known him. I don't sadly.