Featured rijicho - Musashigawa!

[Maguroyama 27]

To turn attention, if possible, to the future, does anyone know what kind of leader Musashigawa is? What kind of reputation does he have? All I know is his success in bringing up one yokozuna and three ozeki in the beginning of this decade. What has his role in the kyokai been? His cooperation with Kitanoumi?

FWIW, I actually feel a bit sorry for Kita. He may not have been the best leader, but no-one deserves this kind of disgrace. But after the Mongolian Soccer Incident and the Tokitsukaze Scandal and now this, he may actually be relieved to step out of the spotlight.

I feel even more sorry for ex-Taiho. The man was never a star recruiter, bringing up a total of only 4 makunouchi rikishi in his many years as shisho. And then his final recruit, who at times seemed quite promising and quickly rose to komusubi, turned out to be such a bad seed. Curse on those three idiots and what they've done to sumo.

[Kotoku 0]

Musashigawa always runs a class act during Tokyo asa geiko. And he is terrific at raising deshi with a minimum of ijime. With all of the Korean money at his disposal, he has an unbeatable weight room in the basement and a beautiful building.

I think he will make a fine Riji until the next big man decides it is his turn...

[Asashosakari 18,783]

To turn attention, if possible, to the future, does anyone know what kind of leader Musashigawa is? What kind of reputation does he have? All I know is his success in bringing up one yokozuna and three ozeki in the beginning of this decade. What has his role in the kyokai been? His cooperation with Kitanoumi?

You can see his previous responsibilities here. (Not updated for 2008, but I don't think there were many assignment changes at the top after the January elections.) As far as I've been able to glean from the recent articles, he was probably something of Kitanoumi's right-hand man on the business side of the Kyokai activities. Unlike some other positions such as PR manager (previously Takasago, now Kokonoe) and jungyo director (Oshima), his position wasn't really one that required him to be in the public spotlight - I honestly have trouble recalling his name from any sumo news of the last year. So it's somewhat difficult to know what type of attitude he will bring to the rijicho post. If I had to guess (based partially on how his stable has run), "quiet and efficient" might be it. I wouldn't be surprised to see him give more leeway to the Prevention and Anti-Doping committees to fulfill their stated missions, as I suspect he might be a bit less stubborn than Kitanoumi and realizes that the old ways aren't cutting it anymore.

But I could be totally wrong here, who knows.

[Kintamayama 44,345]

Musashigawa oyakata intends to "remind " all the Oyakata and rikishi as to what the sumo ways are. The new rijicho says he will be taking a firm stand against any irregular behavior by the rikishi, and used Asashouryuu as an example. "Regarding the latest scandals the Kyokai has gone through, I would like to apologize to all the fans for causing them trouble and worry", he said today. It's probably the first time ever that a new rijicho in his inaugural speech bows his head in apology, before anything else. That was the first vision of a Kyokai going in the direction of change.

So, how did things pan out in the rijikai assembly? It commenced at 11:06. Kitanoumi announced his intention to resign, and then the decision to dismiss the brothers was reached. At 12:05, the election of the new rijicho began. Only the riji have a vote, so the 5 yakuin left their seats. 4 were nominated-Hanaregoma, Isenoumi, Kokonoe, and Musashigawa. At 13:00, the elections were interrupted because the hyogiin-kai was to be held. At this time, Hanaregoma and Isenoumi withdrew their candidacy citing health reasons. Musashigawa was chosen (what happened to Kokonoe??). "I look forward to working with you", he said, and immediately "jumped into the deep end" by demanding that the riji cooperate with him in rejuvenating the Kyokai. He has declared he will mobilize all the oyakata and rikishi in bringing back the fans' trust in sumo by holding a short course to remind them what's what. He intends to do it during Aki basho. "I will assemble all Kyokai members and ask them what we can do so that this will never happen again. I'd like to hold a frank discussion with everyone", he said. This being said, he could not escape the fact that most of the problems caused these past years were caused by foreign rikishi." I'd like the new rijicho to implement my idea of putting all new foreign rikishi through a crash course in the ways of sumo before they enter formally", repeated Tomozuna Oyakata. Regarding Asashouryuu : "He should not be allowed to go to Mongolia as much as he has in the past. Musashigawa will be very strict with that", Tomozuna warned . Musashigawa was the most vocal critic of Takasago Oyakata's leadership during last year's Asashouryuu story. "I'll be keeping a closer eye on all the rikishi", confirmed Musashigawa rijicho. No more disobedience - the new rijicho intends to get tough with the "rowdy Yokozuna", sums the article.

PS-Maybe a mod can create a new thread-"Musashigawa-who are you?" Or something, as the last few posts are more about that..

Edited September 8, 2008 by Kintamayama

[skycruiser 0]

No more disobedience - the new rijicho intends to get tough with the "rowdy Yokozuna", sums the article.

I hope Musashigawa has the "kintamayama" to follow through with his words.

I am sure Asashoryu will provide a new opportunity soon, to test the rijicho tough stance.

Chiyonotora

Edited September 8, 2008 by Exil
Fixed quote tag.

[Exil 301]

To turn attention, if possible, to the future, does anyone know what kind of leader Musashigawa is? What kind of reputation does he have? All I know is his success in bringing up one yokozuna and three ozeki in the beginning of this decade. What has his role in the kyokai been? His cooperation with Kitanoumi?

As far as I can remember, Musashigawa oyakata was first elected riji in 2002 and appointed jungyo manager. In 2006 he was promoted senior executive manager, the number two post in the Kyokai. He is serving his fourth term as a riji, and he is (was?) number two in the Dewanoumi ichimon, after Kitanoumi and before Dewanoumi oyakata.

Edit: Remembered wrong, naturally.

Edited September 9, 2008 by Exil

[Jonosuke 28]

Chairman Musashigawa - Q & A

------------------------------------

Q: What will be the first item in your agenda?

M: Simply, it's prevention of re-occurrence of controversies and scandals we have been experiencing. We need to throw out all that have gone bad. I want to revitalize ourselves. After all we have talked and done (like setting up Prevention Committee), if anyone is still not catching on, he is not qualified to be in Ozumo. Certainly there will be pains accompanying doing what must be done, but you can be assured that I will handle things firmly and be tough minded.

Q: Why do we keep witnessing one scandal after another in Ozumo?

M: Granted that we cannot deny we clearly have problems of properly coaching and guiding our rikishi but I believe there is a definite lack of self-awareness within each individual rikish as well. Like if they ever allow themselves to take things lightly by smoking marijuana even once, I want them to know in their heart that they are out of Ozumo.

Q: Any specific plans you have in your mind?

M: I will get all members of the Kyokai together in one place and hold an in-house training course. I want this meeting to take place as soon as possible.

Q: We are seeing more incidents involving foreign born rikishi.

M: I believe we need to set up a probation period for them to learn our way of life and acceptable conduct prior to their joining Ozumo. I feel it may take a year or so before they can fully understand the customs and traditions. If they want to join Ozumo, I want them to know they must follow the rules of Ozumo. We must ensure that they really fit into our culture.

Q: There are so many complaints about Asashoryu's conduct.

M: I definitely want him to behave and conduct himself properly. I do have a problem with him going back to Mongolia after every basho. I can understand him wanting to relax after each basho but still. Anyway if I ever see a problem with him, you can be sure I will call him in here myself.

Q: What is your thought on introducing external directors and doping tests?

M: I am favor of them. Not only these, we must make sure to move more aggressively to reform the ogranization.

Q: What will you include in your chairman's address to the fans on the first day of Aki Basho?

M: First I have to apologize to them. I understand it has to be more than a simply business as usual type of speech.

Edited September 9, 2008 by Jonosuke

[Kintamayama 44,345]

Musashigawa presided over his first meeting today. "These are really difficult times. I intend to tackle the problems one by one. From appropriate clothing to whatever, I've got to make everyone conscious.", he said, hinting at sumo etiquette and daily sumo life. As he already said, he intends to assemble the whole of the Kyokai and give them a crash course on these subjects. Regarding the two dismissed rikishi - "I can't let anyone cause this type of commotion in the world of Sumo. People who do this kind of thing (smoke pot) are not qualified to do sumo! ", he said. The intention is to prolong all new foreigners' "getting accustomed " time with wider Japanese studies and etiquette.

Regarding the addition of an outsider to the riji - "I'd like him to be someone who understands sumo, and I will be looking at it positively".

He intends to add some words of apology during the "Welcome ye fans" ceremony on day 1 on the dohyo. "I have to apologize. I have got to add a few words somehow", he said.

Edited September 9, 2008 by Kintamayama

[Jonosuke 28]

The new chairman of Sumo Kyokai Musashigawa oyakata paid a visit to the Ministry of Education and Science which has jurisdiction over the Kyokai on Setember 8.

Minister Tsuneo Suzuki requested to the oyakata to bring in external directors as quickly and as many as possible in no uncertain term.

"I expect you to lead the rebirth of Sumo-doh and boldly initiate much needed radical reforms," Minister Suzuki told the oyakata.

"I'd like them to find the directors who not only have thorough understanding of Japanese traditional cultures but also not afraid to speak their mind. I actually recommended a few people myself," Suzuki added. "I expect to hear their response back within this month."

Meanwhile at a government press office, Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura expressed a view that the Kyokai should institute a new system to allow even people without any Ozumo experience to occupy their management posts.

"First I'd like them to be more aware of their standing and behave like a great rikishi. They have been receiving so many criticisms lately."

"We know of many companies that successfully rebuilt their business after bringing in external resources. I am hoping the Kyokai can follow their examples as well," Machimura said.

It appears that everyone including Moti's uncle and cat has an opinion.

[Kintamayama 44,345]

It appears that everyone including Moti's uncle and cat has an opinion.

Dog.

[Kintamayama 44,345]

No smiles-yesterday morning:

[Kintamayama 44,345]

And was at the keiko ba as usual, regardless of his new job:

"T'ain't no desk job!!"

Edited September 9, 2008 by Kintamayama

[ilovesumo 12]

Remember the Kanreki Dohyo Iri story?

[Jonosuke 28]

Now that Musashigawa will be likely spending in his Rijicho office most mornings, this will be the time for Fujishima to show his mettle. He can get Miyabi, Deji and Kaki back into shape both mentally and physically.

[James H 0]

It appears that everyone including Moti's uncle and cat has an opinion.

Me too!

[James H 0]

Now that Musashigawa will be likely spending in his Rijicho office most mornings, this will be the time for Fujishima to show his mettle. He can get Miyabi, Deji and Kaki back into shape both mentally and physically.

Is he in charge of training? I was over there as few months back and it seemed to me that Onaruto (former Buyuzan) was in charge of the training. That said, it was only one day and sekitori seemed to be doing their own thing.

[ilovesumo 12]

Now that Musashigawa will be likely spending in his Rijicho office most mornings, this will be the time for Fujishima to show his mettle. He can get Miyabi, Deji and Kaki back into shape both mentally and physically.

Is he in charge of training? I was over there as few months back and it seemed to me that Onaruto (former Buyuzan) was in charge of the training. That said, it was only one day and sekitori seemed to be doing their own thing.

I have been there 3 times, Buyuzan was still active and was in charge each time, with Yamawake sitting there, commanding the youngsters.

He was and is a hard-working man who truly loves Sumo.

Edited September 10, 2008 by ilovesumo

[Kintamayama 44,345]

Musashigawa is wasting no time. He let reporters into his room and immediately started talking about what he intends to do.

Asashouryuu: No more nonsense. "If he doesn't do everything the right way, I'll have no choice but to make him retire". He maintains that everything started falling apart after Asa's soccer scandal and the handling of it. He is also critical of the way Asa treats some Oyakata with disrespect and arrogance, and of his frequent flier status on Mongolian Airways. "What do you think about his going to Mongolia every basho? I heard he has a photo-book out. Past Yokozunas would never even think of doing such a thing..", he said. "I'll invite him here and directly caution and lead him, if he does something wrong!", he added.

Deteriorating Tachiai- "I will instruct all Oyakata to tell their deshi to make a point of putting their hands down at the tachi-ai.

Foreigners- "I would like new foreign recruits to study about a year until they are allowed to enter", he proposed. "They should speak Japanese well!"

[Kintamayama 44,345]

Musashigawa assembled all his heya people (rikishi, oyakata, sewanin, tokoyama) for a talk after yesterday's keiko. "Now that I've become Rijicho, all eyes will be on this heya. I want each and every one of you to be aware and careful, more than before", he said. Bushuuyama who won last basho's Juryo yusho : "As rikishi of the rijicho's heya, we have to set an example for others". Musashigawa leads the heya keiko sessions every day. "It's going to be difficult sometimes for me to be here , so I have appointed Fujishima Oyakata as my stand-in when I'm not ", he added.

The rules on the wall:

Edited September 10, 2008 by Kintamayama

[Peeter 15]

Are these white peaces of paper ( right ) taxi call phone numbers & club adresses, where smoking is allowed? (On cloud nine...)

[Kotoku 0]

Funny, whenever the sh*t hits the fan, they always bring up the friggin tachiai. Check out how the old farts did it when the were on the dohyo. They just ran at each other. Result? MUCH better sumo, and way less noggin-to-noggin smackdowns.

Want reform? Treat the deshi with basic human respect. Cut the hanazumo tourneys by half. Make jungyo as it once was, and reduce the amount of time away from Tokyo. Get real on basic sports training. And give season passes to any and all on this illustrious Site... -L-

[Sakana 46]

Are these white peaces of paper ( right ) taxi call phone numbers & club adresses, where smoking is allowed? (Sign of approval...)

I know it's a joke, but there are gohei 御幣 (symbols of sacred area in shint

[Asashosakari 18,783]

Musashigawa assembled all his heya people (rikishi, oyakata, sewanin, tokoyama) for a talk after yesterday's keiko. "Now that I've become Rijicho, all eyes will be on this heya. I want each and every one of you to be aware and careful, more than before", he said.

Let's not forget that Musashigawa-beya had its own mini-scandal in the wake of the Tokitsukaze disaster, when ex-Wakanoyama roughed up a veteran rikishi who had continuously bullied the youngsters at the stable. Nothing came of that (and nothing should have, IMO), but if your shisho is the rijicho...well. Good idea to caution everyone ahead of time.

And I'm loving the hard line taken about Asashoryu's antics, primarily for the benefit of that small handful of people who actually believed that things would be getting easier for Asa if only that meanie Kitanoumi was out of the picture. Congrats guys, you got what you wished for. (On cloud nine...)

[Mark Buckton 1]

Now that Musashigawa will be likely spending in his Rijicho office most mornings, this will be the time for Fujishima to show his mettle. He can get Miyabi, Deji and Kaki back into shape both mentally and physically.

Is he in charge of training? I was over there as few months back and it seemed to me that Onaruto (former Buyuzan) was in charge of the training. That said, it was only one day and sekitori seemed to be doing their own thing.

without a doubt - I have cycled down there more times than I can remember and he is often there - leaning on his stick.

Excellent heya in terms of work rate.

Moti - Kokonoe said he wasn't ready - not enough experience.

[ilovesumo 12]

Foreigners- "I would like new foreign recruits to study about a year until they are allowed to enter", he proposed. "They should speak Japanese well!"

Sure...in one year :-P

Edited September 10, 2008 by ilovesumo