Hagiwara interview on Naruto site

[Kintamayama 47,178]

Here is an interview I happened upon totally by mistake, with the new Juryo Naruto youngster (17) who is said to be a great future star.

As many Naruto-beya supporters have asked about the new Juryo Hagiwara, here is an interview with him:

Q: How old were you when you seriously started doing sports?

A: Around the time I finished third grade, I started playing baseball. I played catcher.When I moved to Junior High, we were missing a pitcher, so I started pitching. Ever since, I was a pitcher.

Q:When did you think for the first time of becoming a Sumotori, and what brought it about?

A: My father loves Sumo, so we used to watch it together on TV. Ever since I was in elementary school I though to myself, "How about if I become a Sumotori??", but I reached the decision to join Sumo after my second year in Junior High.

Q: What is the single thing that made you the most happy since you joined the Sumo world?

A: Well, it has to be my Makushita yusho for sure..

Q: What do you yourself think of the fact that it took you only two years to get to Juryo?

A: I was quite surprised myself of my achievements..

Q: How did you feel when you first held the Banzuke with your Juryo ranking?

A: My name was written in bigger letters, so I was really thrilled.

Q: What is the most important thing you want to keep in mind now that you have achieved Sekitori status?

A: I've heard that as you climb the Banzuke, your eating habits become a total mess..I'd like my diet to be centered around proteins and vegetables. I love to eat, and I'd like to keep it in mind to eat healthy. I'll go by my Oyakata's advice on this, and that will be my main objective.

Q: When you do keiko, what do you focus on?

A: Not getting injured.

Q: Does the massive media attention put pressure on you, or is it a driving force that encourages you?

A: I am grateful for it, but I myself have not changed at all because of it.

Q: When you're conditioning your body, do you have any special system?

A: Hmm.. Yes. when there is no Basho, after keiko I give my body a good rest, since I have to go out the next day and practice from the start, and don't want to carry this day's fatigue into the next day.. Also, after a Basho, I make a point of letting my body rest a while.

Q: Now that you are a Sekitori, you'll be fighting every day..

A: Yes.. right. 15 days instead of 7.. I have no idea how that will be..

Q: What do you do on your days off?

A: I really don't have any hobbies- I sleep a lot, and watch sports on TV.

Q: Naruto Beya's chanko is famous for it's great taste-which type of chanko do you prefer?

A: Sanratan-nabe is my favorite. (Vinegar and oil based--anyone know more?)

Q: I know you have experience with chanko, but can you cook?

A: Actually all the cooking here has been done by my seniors. I do the serving and washing up and stuff. So I'm not much of a cook..

Q: What will you do with your first salary as a Sekitori?

A: I'd like to but my parents something, to show my respect.

Q: How would you describe your character in a nutshell ?

A: It's hard to describe oneself, but I guess I would say I hate losing.

Q: To what animal can you compare yourself?

A: That's a difficult question..(Laughs..) A tiger probably..That is the year I was born in according to the Chinese calendar.

Q: Who is your best friend in the heya?

A: The rikishi that entered with me, Sasaki (Sandanme 67).

Q: Who is the rikishi you see as your objective?

A: I'd like to be able to do really strong sumo like Wakanosato-zeki.

It always seems to me these interviews end rather abruptly, no?

Edited May 6, 2004 by Kintamayama

[Yoavoshimaru 0]

They probably don't bother to transcribe the final thank you / goodbye sentences.

I like Hagiwara's habits with regards to resting his body. That may ease his transition from a 7- to a 15-fight basho.

[Sasanishiki 57]

I like Hagiwara's habits with regards to resting his body. That may ease his transition from a 7- to a 15-fight basho.

But will he be able to get enough rest during the basho? He will no doubt have some media attention, not to mention the interst of fans and koen-kai members etc. He might find having to front up everyday on the dohyo and the increased awareness of him off it a little hard to adjust to.

[hoshidango 0]

Q: Who is your best friend in the heya?

A: The rikishi that entered with me, Sasaki (Sandanme 67).

Such is life for fast risers like him hah?