Hakuhou preparations Haru 2010

[Kintamayama 47,401]

Hakuhou has started training with his usual "my pace" declarations, 30 bouts plus. "We're in Osaka once a year so I'd like the fans to be happy!", he said. One hour of shiko and suriashi. "I did it myyyyyy pace!", he did not sing.

Training with the All- Blacks?;

Edited March 4, 2010 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 47,401]

Hakuhou went for his first degeiko today to the Tatsunami Ichimon rengo keiko, meeting Ozeki Harumafuji and Kotooushuu there. He had the most bouts among the sekitori- 21, going 7-4 against the Ozekis. "That's because the Ozekis are in great shape. Stopping them and winning the yusho is a Yokozuna's responsibility. I'll take on Asashouryuu's share as well!", he declared.

[Treblemaker 254]

Hakuhou went for his first degeiko today to the Tatsunami Ichimon rengo keiko, meeting Ozeki Harumafuji and Kotooushuu there. He had the most bouts among the sekitori- 21, going 7-4 against the Ozekis. "That's because the Ozekis are in great shape. Stopping them and winning the yusho is a Yokozuna's responsibility. I'll take on Asashouryuu's share as well!", he declared.

So, does this mean he wants to win 30 bouts this basho?

Oh, wait.. that means he wins his obligatory 3 annual yusho, and Asa's 2 as well - that leaves one yusho for someone else. Considerate of him, I think.

[Kintamayama 47,401]

Degeiko at Kasugayama today-33 bouts against Kasugaou. "I've got to immediately start off with many training bouts, as there is not much time.. I did sweat well," he said.

[Treblemaker 254]

Hakuhou has started training with his usual "my pace" declarations, 30 bouts plus. "We're in Osaka once a year so I'd like the fans to be happy!", he said. One hour of shiko and suriashi. "I did it myyyyyy pace!", he did not sing.

Training with the All- Blacks?;

The Hak doing the Haka.... very funny...

Well, it's similar....

[Takamizawa 0]

Well, it's similar....

Hah I love it!! When I was a kid in NZ these guys used to scare the crap outta me when I saw them on TV! Rugby is indeed badass.

Edited March 8, 2010 by Takamizawa

[Kintamayama 47,401]

"Everyone is expecting me to take the yusho, but I'll be under all kinds of pressure, and a perilous road lies ahead..", said Hakuhou, vowing to walk the thorny road of hardships with gusto. There have been 8 single Yokozunas in the past, and only 2-Kitanofuji and Asashouryuu, won the yusho in their first basho as sole Yokozuna. OTOH, when he was the lone Yokozuna for three bashos when Asashouryuu was out for whatever reason, he won all three yushos. On Asashouryuu's leaving: "It's like I lost my objective.. He was very supportive mentally, so it's left a big hole."

[Treblemaker 254]

"Everyone is expecting me to take the yusho, but I'll be under all kinds of pressure, and a perilous road lies ahead..", said Hakuhou, vowing to walk the thorny road of hardships with gusto. There have been 8 single Yokozunas in the past, and only 2-Kitanofuji and Asashouryuu, won the yusho in their first basho as sole Yokozuna. OTOH, when he was the lone Yokozuna for three bashos when Asashouryuu was out for whatever reason, he won all three yushos. On Asashouryuu's leaving: "It's like I lost my objective.. He was very supportive mentally, so it's left a big hole."

What remains to be seen is how he adapts to the realization that he is the only Yok In the previous bashos where he was "it", there was the knowledge that Asa was coming back at some point... and that his presence was still kicking around. This time, the pressure is solely on him. And frankly, with Asa gone, I'm sure the remaining Ozeki are quite happy and eager to take him on. There will be no dismantling of the entire Ozeki group as Asa did last basho. Not only the Ozekis but Baruto as well. That second week should make a statement as to whether Hak has the mental cred to survive.

He might do his thing and run the table, as he's done most of last year, and I know last basho was unusual because of his alleged lack of focus, but this time (if he suffers from the same problem, and the Ozekis now know what it takes to push him off his game), losses to Baruto, Osh and HF are a significant possibility. This basho might actually be up for grabs.

I could be totally wrong, and Hak comes out with the dominance he's shown with the knowledge that he's the Boss... Or, the scenario outlined above might happen. He's either going to go 15-0, or 12-3. The latter might not constitute a yusho.

[wanderer 159]

"Everyone is expecting me to take the yusho, but I'll be under all kinds of pressure, and a perilous road lies ahead..", said Hakuhou, vowing to walk the thorny road of hardships with gusto. There have been 8 single Yokozunas in the past, and only 2-Kitanofuji and Asashouryuu, won the yusho in their first basho as sole Yokozuna. OTOH, when he was the lone Yokozuna for three bashos when Asashouryuu was out for whatever reason, he won all three yushos. On Asashouryuu's leaving: "It's like I lost my objective.. He was very supportive mentally, so it's left a big hole."

What remains to be seen is how he adapts to the realization that he is the only Yok In the previous bashos where he was "it", there was the knowledge that Asa was coming back at some point... and that his presence was still kicking around. This time, the pressure is solely on him. And frankly, with Asa gone, I'm sure the remaining Ozeki are quite happy and eager to take him on. There will be no dismantling of the entire Ozeki group as Asa did last basho. Not only the Ozekis but Baruto as well. That second week should make a statement as to whether Hak has the mental cred to survive.

He might do his thing and run the table, as he's done most of last year, and I know last basho was unusual because of his alleged lack of focus, but this time (if he suffers from the same problem, and the Ozekis now know what it takes to push him off his game), losses to Baruto, Osh and HF are a significant possibility. This basho might actually be up for grabs.

I could be totally wrong, and Hak comes out with the dominance he's shown with the knowledge that he's the Boss... Or, the scenario outlined above might happen. He's either going to go 15-0, or 12-3. The latter might not constitute a yusho.

Knowledge of Asa's departure might give a mental boost to guys like Harumafuji, Baruto, Kisenosato, and Kotomitsuki. Not only the knowledge of almost certain defeat has gone, but Asa's overwhelming aura is gone too. Yusho might not seem too daring for them. I expect Harumafuji to step up significantly.

[Asashosakari 20,310]

What remains to be seen is how he adapts to the realization that he is the only Yok In the previous bashos where he was "it", there was the knowledge that Asa was coming back at some point...

Of course, Hakuho also won both yusho during Asashoryu's soccer suspension, when it was far from clear (thanks to his mental breakdown episode) that he would return in strong fashion.

It wouldn't be too surprising if Hakuho doesn't show the same single-minded focus this year now that his major competitor is gone, but there's a wide gulf between 86-4 and "yusho up for grabs". He could likely collect 10 more losses this year and still find himself at least in a yusho playoff in all five remaining basho.

[Kintamayama 47,401]

Hakuhou had 20 bouts today (with Moukonami and others) at Asahiyama beya, where he trained on the first dohyo he trained on back when he arrived in Japan all those years ago. It's the fist time he has trained there since entering sumo. Last night he went out drinking with some Mongolian rikishi. "I had a few too many..", admitted Hakuhou.

[ryafuji 825]

Last night he went out drinking with some Mongolian rikishi. "I had a few too many..", admitted Hakuhou.

"But at least I didn't punch anyone in the face", he didn't add.

[Treblemaker 254]

I would approach this basho as a transitional basho. This might be the one where the hard-core sumo gamers go out and collectively buy tons of headache pills. Anything can happen this time. Be on the lookout for flying pigs and talking dogs...

[Harry 67]

I would approach this basho as a transitional basho. This might be the one where the hard-core sumo gamers go out and collectively buy tons of headache pills. Anything can happen this time. Be on the lookout for flying pigs and talking dogs...

I'm not sure if you intended it this way but gaijin speaking Japanese have been referred to as talking dogs.

[Treblemaker 254]

I would approach this basho as a transitional basho. This might be the one where the hard-core sumo gamers go out and collectively buy tons of headache pills. Anything can happen this time. Be on the lookout for flying pigs and talking dogs...

I'm not sure if you intended it this way but gaijin speaking Japanese have been referred to as talking dogs.

Oh. Cool... I didn't know that.

So it's even more appropriate... (Happy goodbyes...)

[Kintamayama 47,401]

Yesterday and today Hakuhou could be found training at Dewanoumi. Yesterday, 21 bouts against the likes of Futenou, today with Futenou, no numbers yet. TV announcer Mainoumi said outright yesterday that Hakuhou was leagues above any other contender and that he would be surprised if Hakuhou didn't win the yusho easily, even if he wasn't in perfect condition.

[Kintamayama 47,401]

Today-Tokitsukaze beya. Trained with three Makuuchi rikishi-20 bouts, 19 wins. The only loss was against Toyonoshima. Migi yotsu, sharp attack, even tsuppari were all part of his arsenal today, causing Toyonoshima a nose-bleed. Today is his 25th birthday. "I'm getting old.. Time flies since I became Yokozuna..", he said. He has been going for degeiko daily. "I did what I could..," said the lone Yokozuna

Edited March 11, 2010 by Kintamayama

[Terarno 47]

Last night he went out drinking with some Mongolian rikishi. "I had a few too many..", admitted Hakuhou.

"But at least I didn't punch anyone in the face", he didn't add.

(Showing respect...)

Good stuff.