Azumaryū Intai

[code_number3 694]

https://x.com/sumokyokai/status/1739200160293646530?s=61&t=hhFOKIdNXKa7cWf3ca_4lw
Posted by the NSK

Edited December 25, 2023 by code_number3

[Asashosakari 18,786]

So no attempt to return to the paid ranks after all, just waited to pick up the last paycheck for December, fair enough. I suppose it's weird to say that a 36-year-old rikishi's retirement is untimely, but it all fell apart awfully quickly for him at the end, considering we're less than a year removed from the time that he scored that long-awaited first top division KK... Still, over 10 years as sekitori and most of that as heya-gashira of a stable that usually had at least one more sekitori, that's a fine career. I'll miss his varied style of sumo - straight-forward as the default but always with the ability to dig into the bag of tricks when needed.

I wonder if he's going to stay in Japan?

Trivia notes: Azumaryu was the first non-Japanese recruit who had to undergo the now-customary one basho waiting period after his shindeshi examination due to changes to the applicable visa rules. He finishes his career as only the 7th rikishi to spend 50+ tournaments in the juryo division.

Edited December 25, 2023 by Asashosakari

[Akinomaki 39,797]

Intai press conference today - Azumaryu has no plans for the future yet - he'd like to become a bridge between Mongolia and Japan. The danpatsushiki is planned for Sep. 28th in the kokugikan, after the Aki basho.

o ooo

with Tamanoi-oyakata

o oo

and wife and kids (6, 16, 12 - Azumaryu II?)

o o o o

Edited December 27, 2023 by Akinomaki

[Akinomaki 39,797]

No career pics in the papers - only this

oo o o

his final win, and last bout in the kokugikan - Aki day 15 vs. Akua - one last bout in Kyushu after this

[just_some_guy 256]

Along with Mitoryu (til recently) he was a fixture in Juryo. One day he'd be unceremoniously bumped out like he forgot where he was, the next he'd pull off a slick throw for the win. Always kind of looked like he had an injury bugging him (knees?).

Glad he got a Makuuchi KK before he packed it in though. He outperformed my expectations for him and I hope retirement treats him well.

[Tigerboy1966 1,376]

He had the size, the strength and the skills but as Chris pointed out in an excellent assessment, he fought for a decade with one completely knackered knee. And if you have to fight on one leg then, sooner or later, the good leg is going to give way.

[Akinomaki 39,797]

With the intai officially announced, Azumaryu appears on Gaga's channel today

[Akinomaki 39,797]

On 27/12/2023 at 12:31, Akinomaki said:

The danpatsushiki is planned for Sep. 28th in the kokugikan, after the Aki basho.

As PR for the danpatsushiki after the basho, Tamanoi-beya posted a video with Azumaryu talking about his sumo life

 

[Akinomaki 39,797]

On 27/12/2023 at 12:31, Akinomaki said:

Intai press conference today - Azumaryu has no plans for the future yet - he'd like to become a bridge between Mongolia and Japan. The danpatsushiki is planned for Sep. 28th in the kokugikan, after the Aki basho.

wife and kids (6, 16, 12 - Azumaryu II?)

 o

 

The danpatsushiki of Azumaryu was today in the kokugikan, with about 250 cutters, many from Mongolia

Terunofuji cutting

oo

the former Tamanoi

o

final cut by Tamanoi

oo  o

his wife with a hint at fixing the tie

o o

he wants to go into the trading business now, bringing the good things of Japan to Mongolia - and hopes it will be a bridge between Mongolia and Japan

As usual, his last bout was against his son

o

and I guess (one of) the daughters read a letter

Edited September 28 by Akinomaki

[Akinomaki 39,797]

 @MyJetSetLife has started a playlist from Azumaryu's danpatsushiki