Yokozuna-kai convenes

[Kintamayama 47,179]

18 of the 21 ex-Yokozuna still with us participated in a get-together today. From Wakanohana I to Asashouryuu, they all met in a friendly atmosphere. Even members of the YDC were there. 3 Yokozuna who left the Kyokai, 2 of them not in a friendly way, were there as well- Wajima, Futahaguro and Wakanohana III ("Our" Wakanohana..)

Taiho Oyakata, who organized the event, said that the intention of the meeting was to exchange views in a friendly atmosphere, and to try to solve various problems that have risen lately. Asashouryuu was seen helping him around in his wheelchair. "It was great to see the other Yokozuna of my time and chat. We all want the same thing in the end- the growth and development of the Sumo world", said Kitao (ex-Futahaguro) who left sumo 16 years ago very abruptly as a reigning Yokozuna, and returned recently to be a trainer at Tatsunami beya, the same heya he hurriedly left back then. Mr. Ishibashi, the YDC chairman, said " It was a great opportunity to better understand each other".

Oh, what a pic..

Edited April 21, 2004 by Kintamayama

[Yubiquitoyama 4]

Hm, wasn't it the snooker player Dennis Taylor who used to style that kind of glasses Wakanohana-1 uses? :-D

Btw, is it Naruto-oyakata (ex-Takanosato) who looks to be broader than he is tall, second from the left? :-)

And to be somewhat more on-topic, does it say anywhere which yokozunas were not present and why (Akebono is one I assume)? (Laughing...)

Edited April 21, 2004 by Yubiquitoyama

[Manekineko 200]

Wow. I wanna a bigger version of that pic. :-D

This is as good opportunity as any to say (Laughing...) Thanks! Kintamayama. :-)

[Kintamayama 47,179]

Better and bigger pictures may come out in a couple of hours. In the meantime some more details-

Yokozuna kai was established in 1954. It usually convenes before the Kyushu basho, but they decided on doing it now this year. YDC members and "Administration Inquiry Commision" (what is THAT??) members were invited for the first time this year.

Wajima: "How many centuries has it been?? It was interesting to meet so many people from the past".

"Having a heya is a big headache. Good thing I quit", added Kitao (ex- Futahaguro), joking perhaps.

[Kintamayama 47,179]

Another small anecdote- Asashouryuu was late for the picture, and went around apologizing personally to everyone for keeping them waiting. Watanabe-san, a member of the YDC- "He went and apogized personally to everyone. It is clear he has been learning well. He did the right thing, and proved he is worthy".