Haru basho IS canceled!

[Jonosuke 28]

This time it's not about having anyone viewing a basho, it's about whether they are in any condition to even hold a basho. And the answer is NOT, with or without spectators. Even before they postponed the Haru Basho ticket sales, Chaya have been receiving a whole lot of cancellation as well as their kensho sponsors were under serious consideration to withdraw their support. NHK has been said to be considering not covering the basho live again. The Kyokai officials were "strongly advised" by government people not to hold the basho.

What does the bolded part have to do with their ability to hold a basho without spectators? (In a state of confusion...)

Because without general public support, the Kyokai cannot hold a basho with or without spectators. If they decide to hold a basho under the current climate, they would lose even a modicum of integrity they may even possess. They would need to come clean first before they can hold any basho behind the scene or otherwise. All that bold part says is a reflection of public anger and sentiment held by the Japanese public. They had no choice but to cancel the basho, even hinting they could hold a basho without spectators speaks loudly of how some in the Kyokai are out of touch with those who are out of their closed world. It only helps to erode t whatever little support they have now. They will need to get real.

[Kintamayama 44,354]

Because without general public support, the Kyokai cannot hold a basho with or without spectators.

I read there is a clause in the Kyokai's contract as a public funded body that they HAVE to hold a basho, in some form or shape.

財団法人の協会は規約で「力士の技量を審査するための相撲競技およびその他の事業を実施する」という寄付行為施行細則がある。

So, we shall see..

Edited February 6, 2011 by Kintamayama

[badboy27 0]

I just saw on the news (6pm, Japan time) that all of the jungyou (巡業 - Provincial Tours) will all be cancelled for this year as well. Wow... (In a state of confusion...)

[Peterao 3]

I think that's just speculation right now. No story that I can find on the web as of now says anything about ALL jungyo being cancelled.

[Kotoviki 16]

The lower division boys will of course be hit hardest! Their basho bonuses from the kyokai are gone as well as all the money from Kyokai members and tanimachi who give them money in Osaka.. the ones who would get kachikoshi would also get bonuses... not to mention the lucky four who would get the yusho...

The lowest unpaid rikishi will be hit the hardest!!!!!!! And still have to do the most work... (in the heya...) cleaning, cooking and all the rest!!! (In a state of confusion...)

[Peterao 3]

The lower division boys will of course be hit hardest! Their basho bonuses from the kyokai are gone as well as all the money from Kyokai members and tanimachi who give them money in Osaka.. the ones who would get kachikoshi would also get bonuses... not to mention the lucky four who would get the yusho...

The lowest unpaid rikishi will be hit the hardest!!!!!!! And still have to do the most work... (in the heya...) cleaning, cooking and all the rest!!! (In a state of confusion...)

Then now would be a good time to get out of Ozumo, wouldn't it?

[Kotoviki 16]

The lower division boys will of course be hit hardest! Their basho bonuses from the kyokai are gone as well as all the money from Kyokai members and tanimachi who give them money in Osaka.. the ones who would get kachikoshi would also get bonuses... not to mention the lucky four who would get the yusho...

The lowest unpaid rikishi will be hit the hardest!!!!!!! And still have to do the most work... (in the heya...) cleaning, cooking and all the rest!!! (In a state of confusion...)

Then now would be a good time to get out of Ozumo, wouldn't it?

And do what? There aren't any other jobs anyway, not in this economy.. Maybe the ones who were going to join in March could go on to high school but there is actually a problem with that anyway... since the entrance exams are over for high school and university and they probably have a hard time to get into school either..

That leaves gas station attendants or fast food workers.

The ones already in... again no jobs for those who are unemployed already. They at least have food and shelter for free in the heya. I'm not saying they should quit unless they were hoping to do that anyway, I'm just saying they will be hurt the most with no basho being held financially!

[Peterao 3]

The lower division boys will of course be hit hardest! Their basho bonuses from the kyokai are gone as well as all the money from Kyokai members and tanimachi who give them money in Osaka.. the ones who would get kachikoshi would also get bonuses... not to mention the lucky four who would get the yusho...

The lowest unpaid rikishi will be hit the hardest!!!!!!! And still have to do the most work... (in the heya...) cleaning, cooking and all the rest!!! (In a state of confusion...)

Then now would be a good time to get out of Ozumo, wouldn't it?

And do what? There aren't any other jobs anyway, not in this economy.. Maybe the ones who were going to join in March could go on to high school but there is actually a problem with that anyway... since the entrance exams are over for high school and university and they probably have a hard time to get into school either..

That leaves gas station attendants or fast food workers.

Construction orders rose in 2010, so there's work to be had there.

The bad timing of missing the exams is a bummer (or a lucky break for Ozumo that their recruits remain trapped, depending on how you look at it) It would be nice if the government could help provide placement for the youngest people who wish to rethink their choice.

But I'd be lying if I said that I really felt sorry for the recent recruits stuck in this situation. In this age of the Internet, it is easy enough for anybody to research the Ozumo world enough to have an idea of what they would be getting into. You can't believe every rumor out there, but even so, there's enough to go on that anyone thinking of joining or allowing their son to join the Ozumo cult should ultimately come to the conclusion that the answer is not "No.", but an emphatic "HELL NO!!"

[ilovesumo 12]

The whole thing might be WORSE -

I got mail from a heya today, " we are so sorry for what pain we are to the Sumo-loving humans - we must cancel all appointments"

HECK.

[Peterao 3]

I just saw on the news (6pm, Japan time) that all of the jungyou (巡業 - Provincial Tours) will all be cancelled for this year as well. Wow... (In a state of confusion...)

I think that's just speculation right now. No story that I can find on the web as of now says anything about ALL jungyo being cancelled.

Sorry, you are correct. Found confirmation that, indeed, all jungyo for the year have been cancelled. Wow indeed... (Cold...)

[Kotoviki 16]

The whole thing might be WORSE -

I got mail from a heya today, " we are so sorry for what pain we are to the Sumo-loving humans - we must cancel all appointments"

HECK.

What kind of appointments are they cancelling?

[Flohru 176]

It's now even on top of news section of English Wikipedia (can't remember seeing anything Sumo-related on the front page of English Wikipedia ever before!):

"The Japan Sumo Association cancels a Grand Tournament for the first time in 65 years after a match-fixing controversy."

[Asashosakari 18,786]

Because without general public support, the Kyokai cannot hold a basho with or without spectators.

I read there is a clause in the Kyokai's contract as a public funded body that they HAVE to hold a basho, in some form or shape.

財団法人の協会は規約で「力士の技量を審査するための相撲競技およびその他の事業を実施する」という寄付行為施行細則がある。

So, we shall see..

In fact, I'm pretty sure that during the gambling scandal last year Jonosuke himself pointed out that they can't/won't cancel Nagoya for that reason.

[Jan 0]

Even the BBc has the news now, I can't ever remember seeing Sumo news on the BBC before!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12375649

[sekihiryu 51]

Even the BBc has the news now, I can't ever remember seeing Sumo news on the BBC before!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12375649

Hi Jan long time no see.

The above story is currently the fifth most read story on the BBC website. NSK sure are getting publicity they never dreamed about - shame its all the wrong sort!

[Washuyama 635]

I've decided to be an optimist and look at this as a time for everybody to let those nagging injuries heal... (In a state of confusion...)

[Jonosuke 28]

Because without general public support, the Kyokai cannot hold a basho with or without spectators.

I read there is a clause in the Kyokai's contract as a public funded body that they HAVE to hold a basho, in some form or shape.

財団法人の協会は規約で「力士の技量を審査するための相撲競技およびその他の事業を実施する」という寄付行為施行細則がある。

So, we shall see..

In fact, I'm pretty sure that during the gambling scandal last year Jonosuke himself pointed out that they can't/won't cancel Nagoya for that reason.

I don't remember saying this but there is no where in their bylaw that states they have to have six basho a year. There were times they only had two basho a year or three or four. At the same time if they do not hold a basho ever then there is no point in having the organization as it's like a charity that does not collect money and distribute it for a cause.

Of course there is no specific clause for having a jungyo but this really hurts as a lot of seniors who can never make it a basho but can travel shorter distance will definitely miss it. With no BS-TV coverage of up to five hours daily from now on and no visibility to those lower than Juryo will mean fewer and fewer people will know younger rikishi and less and less support for them, which is a real shame.

Considering all the things that could happen short of losing their non-profit charter, this is the worst possible outcome for them and the fans, so everyone realizing all this and they can only take one step backward before their dissolution as an organization, maybe this time they can garner enough determination to clean the whole house. Hopefully they can come back by the May Basho Soken or they will start losing lower rank guys as some of them like those close to 30 years old will likely feel they will need to find another line of work and be gainfully employed.

[sekihiryu 51]

I've decided to be an optimist and look at this as a time for everybody to let those nagging injuries heal... (Lifting weights...)

I was thinking the same thing, they finally get an "off season" - an across the board Kosho,

[Jan 0]

Hi, emerging from lurkdom briefly! The wrong reason for getting the publicity, but maybe someone from eurosport will take notice and realise that Ukers are interested still and bring it back!

Even the BBc has the news now, I can't ever remember seeing Sumo news on the BBC before!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12375649

Hi Jan long time no see.

The above story is currently the fifth most read story on the BBC website. NSK sure are getting publicity they never dreamed about - shame its all the wrong sort!

[Jonosuke 28]

Here's the Sankei Shimbun newspaper Extra published today, reporting the Kyokai's announcement of Haru Basho cancellation:

Sankei Paper Extra

As this is something unprecedented in Sumo History (not counting their building not completed to hold a basho), we can all print it and frame it somewhere.

[Ruziklao 34]

In my outsider view there is a big difference between gambling and yaocho scandals, implying the possibility/need to cancel the basho. Gambling scandal was about something external, not affecting the integrity of the competition, no matter how important it is. The bouts were believed to be fair. Now the yaocho scandal directly jeopardizes integrity of the competition, it is more-or-less proved that some results are plainly rigged. And this means any basho, whether public or private, would be meaningless at least in some respects. It is necessary to investigate the extent of cancer and find the right cure and that needs more than a few weeks remaining.

Then, the point about cooperativeness of rikishi made by someone is so witty and bitter at the same time...

[shumitto 418]

maybe this time they can garner enough determination to clean the whole house.

You really are an optimist. The albatross has been around their necks for long enough and their best answer has been promises, promises.

Edited February 6, 2011 by shumitto

[ilovesumo 12]

The whole thing might be WORSE -

I got mail from a heya today, " we are so sorry for what pain we are to the Sumo-loving humans - we must cancel all appointments"

HECK.

What kind of appointments are they cancelling?

Special thing, research project etc.

(April)

[Kotoviki 16]

The whole thing might be WORSE -

I got mail from a heya today, " we are so sorry for what pain we are to the Sumo-loving humans - we must cancel all appointments"

HECK.

What kind of appointments are they cancelling?

Special thing, research project etc.

(April)

I see!!! But I thought you get your diploma, aren't you through??

Is it about the Egyptian boy?

Anyway you never know, by April things may calm down!!! Tonight I got phone calls non-stop from the boys. Most of them so depressed... but ever so hopeful that some normalcy will return to their lives now that the basho is cancelled and they are not the focus of the investigations, that they can go forward with keiko.. albeit with no site of any money until end of May... (well except for the sekitori I talked with who will go forward with keiko and pay!)

IF there is anyone thinking this doesn't affect the boys that much let me tell you that a few boys on the phone tonight were in tears!!!! And I don't accuse them of being weak, just heart broken. Some of them hometown basho, the only time their parents see them...

AND they are MAD at those involved in the scandal!!!!

Hmmm me too!!

[Flohru 176]

I simply can't believe that it looks like if the sekitori will continue to get their salaries while the lower division guys are cut off the little they receive. Imagine you are stuck in top makushita for years with the Juryo guys cheating and now you are the one who is punished... (Lifting weights...)

Maybe they do this in the hope to get some of the lower divisions to talk? Surely they must know something, at least the tsukebito...