mt fuji 976 Posted March 1, 2020 Feel free to move this to a more relevant thread, but Byamba’s website says that he has passed away. https://www.sumobyamba.com/ I haven’t seen any other reports about this, but his personal website seems reputable. Very sad to hear. 12 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kirinoumi 14 Posted March 1, 2020 (edited) Very sad news indeed. He was a great ambassador for sumo and only in his mid-30s. This is a big loss for the international sumo community. I imagine some on here may have known him personally as well. If so, my condolences. Edited March 1, 2020 by Kirinoumi Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Taikoubana 143 Posted March 1, 2020 This is such heartbreaking news. I remember first seeing him with his appearance on Whose Line Is It Anyway, and I saw him on many entertainment shows while watching Japanese variety TV growing up. Seemed like such a chill guy. Such a big man leaves such a big hole in life. May he watch over the dohyo and all who wrestle on it. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sumojoann 1,256 Posted March 1, 2020 This is so sad to hear. It's hard to believe . He was such a vibrant personality. RIP, Byamba. The following was posted on his website. (Mods --- I hope it's okay to post this. Please remove if not). >>> Breaking News: 4-time World Sumo Champion BYAMBA . . RIP <<< Sumo Legend Byambajav Ulambayar passed away in a Los Angeles hospital on February 28, 2020, after a protracted illness. His presence is sorely missed by all his family, friends, and millions of fans around the world. He's been referred to as a Global Ambassador for Sumo, performing 1,000+ live sumo exhibitions, shows, competitions, TV appearances, film shoots, and much more. Many have called him the most prolific sumo entertainer in history. In the next few days, we will be posting additional information about his passing, as well as how you can make a donation to his family. There will also be a blog for all of you to share your memories, stories, and more, about Byamba and the impact that he has made on your lives. We Love You, Byamba (1984 - 2020). SUMO BYAMBA TRIBUTE BLOG will be launching soon. 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yamanashi 3,724 Posted March 2, 2020 In its astonishingly mysterious way, Wikipedia already has his death date, and has changed all the "is" to "was". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Godango 956 Posted March 2, 2020 Very sad, the first flames of my sumo fandom were fanned by Byamba-featured YouTube videos. He always came across as humble, like-able and of course extremely passionate about sumo. He's a great ambassador lost. Condolences to his friend and family, including those here who knew him. I hope when/if someone finds the donation details someone shares the link here so that I may contribute. Forgive me if this isn't appropriate, but seems a good time to celebrate the mans work. I'm sure this isn't news to anyone here but this was one of my favourite cross-overs of all time - Conan O'Brien, Kevin Hart and Sumo (ft. Byamba and others): 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sumojoann 1,256 Posted March 2, 2020 (edited) https://www.kcet.org/history-society/byambajav-ulambayar-how-a-mongolian-sumo-star-came-to-los-angeles For those who might be interested, here is an old interview (from 2012) of Byamba about his experiences living in 3 very different countries during the course of his life --- Mongolia, Japan and the US (Los Angeles). Edited March 2, 2020 by sumojoann 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sumojoann 1,256 Posted March 2, 2020 This is pretty silly but I couldn't help laughing. Byamba was such a character. Sure going to miss him........ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
code_number3 694 Posted March 2, 2020 The first video I watched about chanko nabe 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Taikoubana 143 Posted March 2, 2020 I hope the pro sumo scene honors Byamba in some way. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sumojoann 1,256 Posted March 3, 2020 https://tachiai.org/2020/03/02/byamba-rip/ Here is a very interesting article about Byamba on Tachiai.org. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhyen 1,808 Posted March 3, 2020 13 hours ago, Taikoubana said: I hope the pro sumo scene honors Byamba in some way. Nope, he already had his danpatsushiki ceremony and has no more connection to the ozumo after that. some former sekitori like Asashoryu will tweet about it, but nothing from the Kyokai. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
code_number3 694 Posted March 3, 2020 8 hours ago, rhyen said: but nothing from the Kyokai He was not a sekitori, I don’t think NSK will have commemorative tweet or something (unless the non-sekitori guys were wakaimonogashira or sewanin, as they were NSK employee). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Benevolance 2,478 Posted March 3, 2020 On 01/03/2020 at 12:49, Taikoubana said: his appearance on Whose Line Is It Anyway !! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Otokonoyama 2,735 Posted March 5, 2020 Legend Byamba deserves lot of credit for raising global profile of sumo Quote The sumo world lost a legend on Feb. 28 with the passing of Byambajav Ulambayaryn. A former makushita division rikishi who left the professional game at age 20, Byamba, as he was commonly known, went on to become arguably the most high-profile sumo wrestler in the world... https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/03/05/sumo/legend-byamba-deserves-lot-credit-raising-global-profile-sumo/ 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
I am the Yokozuna 186 Posted March 5, 2020 Is it me or does John really make each of his articles for any, active or deceased, sumotori read like a hagiography? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yamanashi 3,724 Posted March 5, 2020 Can't it be both? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryafuji 807 Posted March 5, 2020 1 hour ago, I am the Yokozuna said: Is it me or does John really make each of his articles for any, active or deceased, sumotori read like a hagiography? I don't think that's true. I recall he was quite critical of the way Osunaarashi threw away his career. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Otokonoyama 2,735 Posted March 5, 2020 1 hour ago, I am the Yokozuna said: Is it me or does John really make each of his articles for any, active or deceased, sumotori read like a hagiography? 10 minutes ago, Yamanashi said: Can't it be both? 1 minute ago, ryafuji said: I don't think that's true. I recall he was quite critical of the way Osunaarashi threw away his career. In my opinion, he has been extremely fair, both rallying for and against Kyokai practices. As he sees fit. What more can one expect from a journalist? 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
I am the Yokozuna 186 Posted March 5, 2020 I am yet to read anything controversial or critical of anyone from him. Oosunaarashi was quite low-hanging fruit. His recent articles on sumotoris of the past reads like obituaries on NY Times at best. Comes here claims he knows something(Kinta kind of crossed him to back up on Harumafuji's role), then disappears, never says anything after that. I see him as the English-speaking PR guy of NSK. He is not a Mark Buckton. I hope his varied stories make it a good book. But who would be interested in 50 years to read about some long forgotten not so successful rikishi. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tsuchinoninjin 1,244 Posted March 5, 2020 1 hour ago, I am the Yokozuna said: He is not a Mark Buckton. I am very thankful for that. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chanko Thief 67 Posted May 7, 2020 Just heard of his passing 5 minutes ago, not sure how I missed this. Very sad to hear, he will be missed. Rip Byamba. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
