Haru jungyo 2014 (pics)

[Benevolance 2,534]

Is Kakuryu left handed?

[Yubinhaad 11,975]

Some more pictures from the yesterday's event at the Yasukuni shrine.

Kimura Yasutaka and Kimura Soichiro, two of the younger gyoji.

And three of their senior colleagues - Kimura Shotaro, Shikimori Inosuke and Kimura Mitsunosuke. They were the gyoji on the dohyo for the dohyo-matsuri ceremony here. Instead of a gunbai, they are holding a shaku in their right hands, a flat wooden baton used for such ceremonies.

Sanoyama-oyakata (former Ozeki Chiyotaikai) and Urakaze-oyakata (former Maegashira Shikishima).

Onaruto-oyakata (former Ozeki Dejima), Minezaki-oyakata (former Maegashira Misugiiso) and Takashima-oyakata (former Sekiwake Koboyama).

First look at the newest gyoji, Kimura Haruhiko, who officially joined Kasugano-beya as of April 1st.

Shikimori Kinosuke was manning the public address system for this event.

Kimura Satoshi does the announcing for the dohyo-iri. To the left, yobidashi Kohei and Shigeo.

High five for shokkiri, with Onomatsu-beya's Wakayama and Shinohara and Kimura Satoshi again, this time in uniform.

Jinku.

Yobidashi Goro on the taiko drum.

The three Yokozuna with the two tate-gyoji, Kimura Shonosuke and Shikimori Inosuke.

Harumafuji.

Takayasu drops in to observe Shikimori Kinosuke on the PA system.

Kimura Tamajiro and Kimura Hisanosuke, in the sunshine beneath the cherry blossom trees.

Kimura Tamamitsu.

Tamaasuka and Akiseyama.

Takanoiwa.

Tochimaru carrying the akeni of Kimura Shotaro.

Chiyotairyu. The Kyokai helpfully notes that his setta are 30cm long.

Tochiozan heading back to the shitaku-beya following the end of the day's sumo.

Kisenosato also heading back.

Jokoryu and Takayasu on the bus to the next event, in Fujisawa.

[Yubinhaad 11,975]

And the Kyokai already posted some pictures from the Fujisawa event, so here we go.

Yobidashi Hiromasa on the taiko drum outside the venue.

Jungyo department chief Oguruma-oyakata (former Ozeki Kotokaze) gives a pep talk to the sekitori ahead of the event.

A number of sekitori were stationed around the venue to meet the fans, giving autographs and posing for pictures. First, Takayasu and Asahisho.

Okinoumi and Takekaze.

Shohozan and Yoshikaze.

Aminishiki and Kyokutenho.

Endo and Goeido.

Toyonoshima and Tochiozan.

Wakakoyu and Amuru.

Shikoroyama-beya duo Homasho and Seiro.

Gagamaru and Aoiyama.

Kakuryu does some outdoor keiko.

Homarefuji and Akiseyama prepare for a practice bout.

Six experienced sekitori are tasked with giving advice to younger rikishi and setting a good example in terms of behaviour. On this jungyo they are Wakanosato, Aminishiki, Okinoumi, Toyonoshima, Kitataiki and Takekaze.

Kotoshogiku.

Chiyootori and Terunofuji prepare for a practice bout.

Kisenosato warming up.

Endo.

Kakuryu.

Gagamaru gives Kotoshogiku a hand with his stretches.

Aminishiki takes on some local kids, along with Endo, Satoyama, Homasho and Gagamaru.

Oyama-oyakata conducts his sumo basics class.

[Akinomaki 41,849]

Fujisawa
Endo doing keiko with Takanoiwa
Nikkan

Kakuryu and Tamawashi. Kak after resting several days did his first keiko on the dohyo after promotion, 13 bouts with Azumaryu, the other 2 yokozuna did none.

http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/f-sp-tp3-20140405-1281010.html

Yasukuni
tomorrow, April 6th, JST 21:00-, Yasukuni-shrine hōnō ōzumō broadcast on niconico
in todays papers
Tospo

Daily


Yomiuri


Endo failed in an attempt to get a top-knot (planned for the Natsu-basho)
Nikkan

Shohozan & son


Tamawashi-Endo
Hochi

Sponichi

Hokkuku


Kakuryu reading in a pause: "Only a few kanji I can't read"
Chuspo


dohyo-iri
Sankei


Minato-oyakata (Minatofuji, Gunma shusshin) on PR tour for the Gunma jungyo on the 12th, which is also held as an event commemorating his hatsu-dohyo 30 year ago.

http://www.jomo-news.co.jp/ns/4913966242098252/news.html

[Yubinhaad 11,975]

More pictures from today's jungyo event in Fujisawa. Also includes a video of the new shokkiri combination.

Kimura Yasutaka and Kimura Kintaro.

Chiyonokuni, pointing out his appearance in "Anan", a fashion magazine I believe.

Aoiyama has his mage prepared by Kasugano-beya's Tokomatsu, who has been doing the job for over four decades.

The new shokkiri combination, Takamisato and Shobushi, carry out a final rehearsal ahead of their debut performance.

And here they are on the dohyo, joined by gyoji Kimura Chishu.

Video:

Shikimori Kinosuke was again in charge of the PA system at this event. Sitting next to him is sanyaku gyoji Shikimori Kandayu.

Yobidashi Shigeo on the taiko drum.

Tokoyama demonstration - Okinoumi's mage prepared by Tokomichi, Ikioi's mage prepared by Tokofumi.

Now that both types of Yokozuna dohyo-iri are in use, both types of tsunashime can be carried out. Kakuryu of course was the Unryu model, while Harumafuji was the Shiranui model here.

The Yokozuna then went outside for some commemorative photographs.

With the event's important people, organisers and local dignitaries etc.

The three Yokozuna.

My favourite - the Yokozuna with their dohyo-iri attendants, the tate gyoji and tate yobidashi.

Juryo dohyo-iri.

Rikinojo on the hyoshigi, as Kimura Mitsunosuke heads to the dohyo followed by Kitaharima.

Kisenosato signs autographs on his way to the dohyo-iri.

In the Juryo bouts, Asahisho performs his salt throw.

Makuuchi dohyo-iri - Kisenosato and Kyokutenho carried some small guests.

Kakuryu in the shitaku-beya, waiting for the Yokozuna dohyo-iri to begin.

Hakuho's dohyo-iri.

Harumafuji's dohyo-iri.

Kakuryu's dohyo-iri.

Goeido and Endo prepare for their bout.

Waiting for their turn on the dohyo, Tamawashi, Kaisei and Ikioi pose for a picture.

Asahisho bought a souvenir for stablemate Kaiho.

Harumafuji leaving after the end of the day's events.

Takekaze and Akiseyama.

Endo and masked Okinoumi.

Kisenosato and Kotoshogiku wave goodbye as the jungyo rolls out of Fujisawa and on to Fuji.

[Akinomaki 41,849]

6th: Fuji
Goeido turned 28
Nikkan

HF instructing Arawashi


Fujisawa - about 5100 spectators
Kakuryu (13-0 with Azumaryu) was praised by YDC head Uchiyama, who came for the first time to the jungyo: "You won't think that he's new to the rank. I guess he'll continue for a long time."
http://www.hochi.co.jp/sports/sumo/20140405-OHT1T50390.html
Hochi


Sponichi

Endo got his first "kinboshi" against Harumafuji by utchari in the first round of the makuuchi tournament. Kakuryu won it.
http://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/20140406/sum14040604310000-n1.html

Endo had won against Goeido before also by utchari in one of some extra bouts, but lost in the 2nd round to Kaisei by yorikiri.
http://www.hokkoku.co.jp/subpage/H20140406102.htm

and the fans love him

[Itachiyama 121]

Does anybody know the Sponsor "Platina" of Hakuho's new Kesho-Mawashi (set)?

[Yubinhaad 11,975]

Some more pictures from today's event in Fuji.

The nobori flutter in front of the venue, while Mount Fuji looms behind.

Takayasu and Shohozan pose for pictures and sign autographs on arrival.

Some rikishi-branded drinks on sale at this event.

Rikishi check out the food stalls.

Higonojo and Shohozan in this one.

The day's torikumi notices.

Yobidashi Yuto on the taiko drum.

Makushita keiko session.

Chiyoshoma and Tomisakae prepare for a practice bout.

Meeting the fans - Osunaarashi and Takayasu.

Shohozan and Tochiozan.

Akiseyama and Shizuoka prefecture native Sagatsukasa.

As reported above, April 6th was Goeido's 28th birthday.

It was also Tochinowaka's 26th birthday.

Juryo keiko session - Sadanoumi and Arawashi prepare for a bout.

Chiyoo vs. Akiseyama.

Osunaarashi and Asasekiryu on the sidelines.

Yobidashi Hiromasa did the announcing during the keiko sessions.

Tokitenku.

Shibatayama-oyakata (former Yokozuna Onokuni), newly appointed deputy director of the jungyo department.

Birthday boy Goeido on the dohyo.

And the other birthday boy Tochinowaka watches from the side, along with Endo and Shohozan.

Kakuryu warming up again with the salt bag.

Terunofuji takes on some local kids.

A shot of the shitaku-beya.

Tochinowaka gets a birthday handshake from Tokitenku.

Myogiryu tucks into some food.

Commemorative picture of the Minezaki-beya part of the jungyo - Kimura Kenjiro, the shisho (former Maegashira Misugiiso), Arawashi, and Kimura Mitsunosuke.

Unryu-gata tsunashime with Kakuryu.

Wakanosato.

Makuuchi dohyo-iri, featuring some small guests.

Yokozuna Harumafuji's dohyo-iri.

Following the event, Kisenosato poses for a picture with politician Goshi Hosono, who represents a Shizuoka district in the House of Representatives.

Yobidashi Kokichi and Goro waiting to board the bus.

The jungyo resumes on April 12th in Maebashi.

[Akinomaki 41,849]

Fuji on the 6th - 4300 spectators
Kakuryu dohyo-iri
Yomiuri


Goeido on his birthday 12-0 in keiko against Takayasu, Chiyootori etc.
http://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/20140407/sum14040704350000-n1.html

Sponichi

in the evening Hakuho visited the family of the late Taiho and prepared Mongolian food for them
http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/p-sp-tp3-20140407-1281885.html

also because of the injured right hand he did no keiko at the jungyo so far, still planned to resume for the 12th.

[yorikiried by fate 2,038]

I hope his cake says: "Get a f*cking grip!"

[Couginishiki 33]

I hope his cake says: "Get a f*cking grip!"

He does OK on the belt. He's definitely not an oshi guy but is an artist with the kubinage... ;)

[kuroimori 1,634]

I hope his cake says: "Get a f*cking grip!"

that would have been quite some unorthodox encouragement cake.

All I can decipher are the last two kanji which read (surprise! surprise!)

Ozeki

Well, we've been there before but maybe he realizes the "vacancy" in the O-ranks and tries to string together consecutive double digit performance in May and July. I am sure he'll get some support if necessary.

That would be - pun intended - the real icing on the cake (not the b-day cake)

Edited April 9, 2014 by kuroimori

[Yubinhaad 11,975]

A few more pictures from the jungyo. First, a close-up look at Kakuryu's Unryu tsuna from the opening event at the Ise shrine.

A closer look at Goeido's birthday cake, it simply says aim for Ozeki.

And now a handful from the Yasukuni shrine.

Rijicho Kitanoumi leads the way into the shrine. Following him is Shibatayama-oyakata, deputy director of the jungyo department.

Yoshikaze ahead of Ikioi.

Takekaze leads in Chiyotairyu, Takarafuji and Kyokutenho.

The rikishi line up in front of the shrine.

Heading back to the shitaku-beya to prepare for the event proper. Toyonoshima, Shohozan, Endo, Tamawashi, Okinoumi etc.

Even the Kyokai says Chiyomaru has a magnificent pot-belly!

Myogiryu waits for the event to start. Behind him is stablemate (and I assume tsukebito) Okoryu.

Takarafuji. You can see a lump on his shoulder, the result of repeated impacts of other rikishi's heads during keiko.

[Akinomaki 41,849]

UK Daily Mail "article" with many many pics from Yasukuni
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2597138/Theyre-big-softies-Sumo-wrestlers-proud-dads-ga-ga-adorable-babies-stepping-battle-ring.html

I noticed the pics first on these much nicer pages: http://japanese.china.org.cn/jp/txt/2014-04/11/content_32066459.htm

Edited April 11, 2014 by Akinomaki

[Akinomaki 41,849]

Fujisawa - about 5100 spectators

Endo got his first "kinboshi" against Harumafuji by utchari in the first round of the makuuchi tournament. Kakuryu won it.

Endo had won against Goeido before also by utchari in one of some extra bouts, but lost in the 2nd round to Kaisei by yorikiri.

It was a tournament of the makuuchi top 16. Kakuryu won in round 1 against Tamawashi and in the final against Yoshikaze.

http://www.townnews.co.jp/0601/2014/04/11/232654.html

Kakuryu at the Shikoroyama-beya encouragement party today in Fujisawa, where the jungyo will be on the 5th. About 120 supporters.

Kakuryu at the party - Shikoroyama-oyakata was the responsible jungyo-man for Fujisawa

http://www.townnews.co.jp/0601/2014/04/11/232631.html

[Akinomaki 41,849]

Maebashi
Hakuho was 15-0 in keiko against Endo, including a yobi-modoshi, but praises him: "He's grown in mind and body."
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2014/04/12/kiji/K20140412007961300.html
http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/f-sp-tp3-20140412-1284558.html


HF gave a lesson to Takanoiwa and
as soon as the jungyo finished (past 15:00) rushed back to Tokyo for his first day at graduate school
http://mainichi.jp/sports/news/20140413k0000m050071000c.html

Nikkan

Sponichi

Hochi


Kakuryu got a promotion congratulation visit from VIP pro-wrestler Keiji Mutō
http://www.daily.co.jp/newsflash/general/2014/04/12/0006859543.shtml

Sankei (there seem to be some problems with displaying the pic)

Sanspo

[Yubinhaad 11,975]

Some more pictures from yesterday's jungyo event in Maebashi.

Yobidashi Shin on the taiko drum outside the venue.

Osunaarashi and Endo wait to meet the fans, along with prefecture mascot Gunma-chan.

Takekaze and Okinoumi.

Kakuryu's dohyo-iri attendants, Kagamio and Ikioi.

Onomatsu-beya stablemates Daido and Amuru.

Makushita keiko.

Juryo rikishi arrive for their keiko session, and Wakakoyu lends his chest to the Makushita rikishi.

Homasho warming up with the rubber tubing.

Homarefuji pushes Wakakoyu out during a practice bout.

Tokitenku shares a joke with Onaruto-oyakata (former Ozeki Dejima).

Kimura Mitsunosuke did the announcing at this event.

Sekiwake Goeido lends his chest to Chiyomaru. Watching on are Chiyoo and Takayasu.

Shohozan gives Takanoiwa a workout.

Hakuho and Tamawashi share a joke.

Endo offers some water to the Yokozuna.

Isegahama-beya stablemates Terunofuji and Takarafuji have a practice bout.

Harumafuji lends his chest to Takanoiwa.

Watching on is Oguruma-oyakata (former Ozeki Kotokaze), director of the jungyo department.

Hakuho gives Endo a workout.

Aminishiki takes on some smaller opponents.

Takekaze.

Terunofuji.

Oyama-oyakata (former Maegashira Daihi) conducts his sumo basics lecture.

Lower division rikishi had some bouts at this event. Here, Sandanme-ranked Ikinoshima and Kakehashi prepare for a bout, officiated by Kimura Yasutaka.

Shitaku-beya.

Takanoiwa has his oicho-mage prepared by Tokonao.

Back in the arena, time for some jinku.

Shokkiri, performed by Onomatsu-beya's Wakayama and Shinohara.

Tokoyama demonstration, featuring Okinoumi and Tokomichi.

Chiyoshoma and Myogiryu with the basho poster. They entered ozumo together in mid-2009.

Ikioi and Shohozan. Shohozan's cellphone case features a picture of his son.

Takekaze with a small friend.

Harumafuji's dohyo-iri.

Kakuryu's dohyo-iri.

Speech from former pro-wrestler Keiji Muto.

Another shot of Kakuryu with Muto.

The full house banners were unfurled for this successful event.

Takarafuji waits for the bus following the conclusion of the day's events.

Time to head back to Ryogoku. We have a week's break now until the jungyo resumes on April 19th in Tateyama, Chiba prefecture.

[Akinomaki 41,849]

About 3400 spectators in Maebashi - HF-Hakuho:
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/local/gunma/news/20140412-OYTNT50533.html


Daily - Endō with Hakuhō

HF after jungyo duty as the first active yokozuna who made it into graduate school
Sankei

[Akinomaki 41,849]

Chokaigi-basho: The new clip
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm23283717
Both days net-wanpaku representatives face the rikishi - apparently not only kids, since also Horiemon (41, slim after jail) is one

Day 1 - opens 9:50 JST, 26th
http://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv174990893

Day 2 - opens 9:50 JST, 27th
http://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv174991284

old:
Kadoma: HF leaving

[wanderer 159]

6th: Fuji

Goeido turned 28

Nikkan

HF instructing Arawashi

Fujisawa - about 5100 spectators

Kakuryu (13-0 with Azumaryu) was praised by YDC head Uchiyama, who came for the first time to the jungyo: "You won't think that he's new to the rank. I guess he'll continue for a long time."

http://www.hochi.co.jp/sports/sumo/20140405-OHT1T50390.html

Hochi

Sponichi

Endo got his first "kinboshi" against Harumafuji by utchari in the first round of the makuuchi tournament. Kakuryu won it.

http://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/20140406/sum14040604310000-n1.html

Endo had won against Goeido before also by utchari in one of some extra bouts, but lost in the 2nd round to Kaisei by yorikiri.

http://www.hokkoku.co.jp/subpage/H20140406102.htm

and the fans love him

Is it me or Hakuho lost quite a bit of muscle mass lately?

[yorikiried by fate 2,038]

I think it's you. They just didn't pump iron before the photo-op.

[Akinomaki 41,849]

Tateyama today
Endo did 25 bouts and HF lent him his chest in 8 min. of butsukari-geiko.The 2 (remaining) ozeki Giku and Kise did no keiko bouts and Hakuho didn't even show up at the keiko-ba, only doing the dohyo-iri and the torikumi in the afternoon.

Nikkan

[Yubinhaad 11,975]

Some more pictures from yesterday's event in Tateyama.

Rikishi checking out the bus assignments ahead of the departure.

Osunaarashi.

Isegahama-beya trio Takarafuji, Terunofuji and yobidashi Teruya.

Tokushoryu and Daikiho.

Onomatsu-beya duo Amuru and Daido.

Haruminato and Itadaki.

Kimura Masatoshi, who celebrated his 19th birthday on departure day (April 18th).

Kasugano-beya trio Aoiyama, Tochinowaka and Tochiozan.

Wakanosato.

Kisenosato.

And on to the event itself. Nobori outside the venue.

Yobidashi Shuntaro on the taiko drum.

Preparing to meet the fans, Chiba prefecture natives Asahisho and Wakakoyu.

Yoshikaze and Ikioi.

Tochiozan and Toyonoshima.

Tamaasuka and Wakanosato.

Aoiyama, Kaiho and Tochinowaka in the arena.

Tamawashi.

Handshake from Gagamaru.

Yobidashi Hiromasa and Urakaze-oyakata (former Maegashira Shikishima) at the dohyo during the keiko session.

Terutsuyoshi practices an ashitori leg grab.

Arawashi and Daikiho during the Juryo session.

Homarefuji and Sadanoumi.

Sekiwake Goeido lends his chest to Akiseyama.

Endo and Kaisei during a practice bout.

Harumafuji and Myogiryu at the side of the dohyo.

Terunofuji warming up by lifting the salt bag.

Yokozuna Kakuryu and attendant Ikioi chat with jungyo department head Oguruma-oyakata (former Ozeki Kotokaze) and Urakaze.

Chiyootori and Kakuryu.

Endo and Takarafuji during a practice bout.

Shohozan, Myogiryu and Takekaze.

Satoyama, Kisenosato and Aoiyama.

Kakuryu gives Ikioi a working over.

Ozeki Kotoshogiku, who remained on the sidelines during this session.

Takekaze and Shohozan. Warming up? Or perhaps it's a Robocop Revival.

Terunofuji and Aminishiki do some push-ups against the dohyo.

Harumafuji waits to receive Endo during their butsugari-keiko session.

Six sekitori took on some local children - Aminishiki, Wakakoyu, Toyonoshima, Okinoumi, Endo and Asahisho.

Endo signs an autograph.

Harumafuji has his oicho-mage prepared by Tokojin.

And Sotairyu has his prepared by Tokodai.

Back in the arena, Kimura Mitsunosuke poses for a picture. On his gunbai is the 'ken-katabami' mon, a crest which was also used by 36th Yokozuna Haguroyama.

Yokozuna Hakuho's dohyo-iri.

Following his dohyo-iri, Harumafuji offers a prayer as his tsuna is removed.

[yorikiried by fate 2,038]

I'm still processing having read "Yokozuna Kakuryu". Still strange, isn't it?

[Akinomaki 41,849]

Kasama today
Kakuryu did keiko with the young hopes: Endo, Chiyootori, Takayasu - 13-1, especially praising Chiyootori for being massive and the stable movements. Endo got a butsukari-geiko lesson from him as well.
http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/f-sp-tp3-20140420-1288369.html
Kisenosato was 9-0 with Chiyootori and borrowed the chest of Hakuho in butsukari-geiko
http://www.47news.jp/CN/201404/CN2014042001001610.html

Tateyama - full house with about 2600 spectators
http://www.chibanippo.co.jp/news/local/189565.html
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/local/ishikawa/news/20140419-OYTNT50132.html
Endo was 13-12
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2014/04/20/kiji/K20140420008007430.html
butsukari-geiko with HF

Hochi

Nikkan

the challenging kids

Endo challenged

last bout: Hakuho wins against HF

Aminishiki with heart-pose (Nikkan)