madorosumaru 7 Posted May 9, 2008 From the Tashiro Blog: 05/08/08 It's Been a While Hello. I am sorry for not updating for such a long time. Things have finally settled down a bit. Bit by bit, I have received some of the wedding photos, so I am going to present a few of Amanowaka's bridal pictures. Apparently, during the reception, Amanowaka slipped out to make a "bridal costume change." I didn't notice at all [that he was missing]. I understand that he had the wedding dress made to order. It must have cost a pretty penny. All the guests loved it, so I appreciate [his gesture]. Amanowaka's background dancers, Ikeda and Isoazuma, were sweating up a storm singing and dancing. With so many people helping me celebrate, I was able to have the best possible wedding. Many of those who attended also read this blog, so I would like to use this space to once again convey my feelings of gratitude. Thank you very, very much. Visit Tashi's Blog and Boost his Ratings ---------------------------------------------------- 「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、 これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山 "Sumo fans from around the world, I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted June 2, 2008 From the Tashiro Blog: 05/2708 I'm Doing Fine Hello. It's been a long while. I am sorry for neglecting the blog. When I ignore the blog, people around me get concerned and wonder, "What happened?" or "Were you sick?" They would get worried and call me. (I really appreciate that.) I heard there were even some rumors about Divorce Crisis! As for me, I am super, ultra genki! I am enjoying my life as a newlywed. I digress, but I have been using the term, "Honeymoon," without even knowing its proper meaning. I thought it meant the trip one takes after the wedding but, apparently, honeymoon means the month following the marriage. In English, it would be "Honeymoon." It sounds awfully sweet. Two Sundays ago, I went to help out at the Tamanoi Senshuraku Party. There were 12 guys from the heya that achieved kachi-koshi. We can all look forward to more success next basho. New makushita Karatsuumi got kachi-koshi. In addition, Ikinoshima, who suffered a mild case of cerebral infarction a few years ago, performed brilliantly and won six bouts, making it very likely that he would be promoted for the first time to sandanme next basho. He had spent a long time in the hospital and, at one point, we were concerned for his future, but through hard work, he has inspired us all by gradually creeping up the banzuke ladder. I, too, better get serious about losing some weight. Recently, I think I have been putting on some poundage. I need to get some exercise. Maybe, I should start to do some sumo. Or, perhaps, I should write a blog on dieting! Well, see ya later. Visit Tashi's Blog and Boost his Ratings Note: A little while ago, the Tashiro blog zoomed past the 300,000-hit milestone. Congratulations. Tash went fishing and caught this sea bass. He said it pulled pretty hard for its size. ---------------------------------------------------- 「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、 これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山 "Sumo fans from around the world, I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted June 16, 2008 From the Tashiro Blog: 06/01/08 Gyoza . . . Good evening! Today, I went out to dinner with some of the sumo-san from Tamanoi Beya. Since there was no chanko for dinner due to the break in keiko, the boys said, "Let's go out and get something to eat." I served as the driver and off we went in a somewhat overloaded vehicle. They agreed unanimously to the suggestion to go for gyoza, so that's where we headed . . . to the dinner hour madness of the "King of Gyoza." There were six of us that went, but since the place was jam-packed, we all squeezed into one booth. As soon as we sat down, we ordered. "Ah, waiter. Bring us 10 portions of pot stickers for starters." We kept ordering more food, which soon covered the entire table. And the food kept disappearing into our stomachs. In no time at all, mounds of empty plates were piled on top of the table. We ate quite a bit but the cost was surprisingly reasonable. The "King" is indeed a champion of the common people. When you eat with osumo-san, you are amazed by the grandiose scale of food consumption. You will get bloated just watching them eat. Well, let's all start gambarizing again tomorrow. Visit Tashi's Blog and Boost his Ratings ---------------------------------------------------- 「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、 これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山 "Sumo fans from around the world, I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted June 23, 2008 Azuma in LA From the Tochiazuma Blog. Tochiazuma Oyakata was a member of the "Jungyo Advance Party" that was in Los Angeles. He wrote a bit about his experiences and posted a few pictures. "The weather in Los Angeles was great--sunny with nary any humidity. The only [problem] was that our hotel was right smack in middle of downtown. The neighborhood was not safe at all, so whenever we went out, we took taxis. It made me realize that Japan is indeed the best place to be." Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, where the Beautiful People shop. Azuma's mom is well-known for her exquisite taste in designer products. Azuma at the front entrance of the Sports Arena with sumo nobori fluttering in the background. The dohyo at the Sports Arena. Azuma in front of the sign of the Advance Party Headquarters office. Azuma in an Advance Party meeting with Sendagawa Oyakata, gyoji and yobidashi. Azuma with Sendagawa Oyakata at the LAX departure terminal. ---------------------------------------------------- 「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、 これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山 "Sumo fans from around the world, I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaiguma 0 Posted June 24, 2008 Azuma in front of the sign of the Advance Party Headquarters office. He looks so slight here I can hardly recognize him but for the perennial babyface. Doesn't look too big next to Sendagawa either... I guess it has been awhile already, though it seems like only yesterday :-D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted July 4, 2008 From the Tashiro Blog: 07/02/08 A Rare Update Hello! I'm sorry it's been such a long time. June has been a hectic month, what with moving and other things. But, I am finally able to get used to the rhythm of the new lifestyle and am enjoying the life of a newly-wed. I was off from work yesterday, so I went with my wife to the Edo Museum for the first time. I have been to Ryogoku hundreds of times but I had never been there before. It's a rather interesting place! I am truly sorry that I've neglected the blog. I am in middle of a project and will announce it when it becomes official. Now, I need to get back to work! Visit Tashi's Blog and Boost his Ratings Note: A reader found out about the project. Tash's book on heya life will be released sometime in July. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted July 12, 2008 07/09/08 From the Nagoya Lodgings Good evening! This is Tashiro, the webmeister. It's been a while since the last update. I just received a photograph from T-san, who has been sending us pictures regularly, so I posted it right away. It is from keiko between Karatsuumi and Takaazuma. It looks like they are all doing vigorous keiko. I hope they all gambarize in Nagaoya Basho. I'll be posting some more pictures. Tamanoi Beya --------------------- 「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、 これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山 "Sumo fans from around the world, I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted September 10, 2008 A blog entry by the oyakata--or at least one attributed to him. 09/10/08 Regarding the Recent Unfortunate Incident I would first like to thank you for your continued support of Tamanoi Beya. This is Tamanoi [Oyakata] of Tamanoi Beya. I apologize for all the trouble we caused in the recent incident. To come up with this kind of an incident at such a critical time for Ozumo is tantamount to a betrayal of all the fans' trust. I apologize deeply and sincerely. I will redouble my efforts in leadership so that something like this would never occur again. As the shisho, I will reflect on the errors of my ways and will do my best to rebuild, bit by bit, your trust. Once again, my most profound apologies. Tamanoi Tomoyori 9/10/08 Tamanoi Beya Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted September 13, 2008 From the Tashiro Blog: 09/13/08 The Incident at Tamanoi Beya Good evening I would like to apologize for all the worries and concern caused by the recent incident at Tamanoi Beya. When this report first came out, I was honestly quite surprised, even shocked. It is going to be extremely difficult to regain all the trust that the heya has lost. In my limited way, I would like to cooperate in that effort. Aki Basho begins tomorrow! I would like everyone to gambarize and achieve kachi-koshi. Visit Tashi's Blog and Boost his Ratings Note: You may wonder why a former rikishi would have to apologize for the incident. That is the Japanese way. The former Tooyama is associated with the heya. His reputation was made during the time he spent at the heya and his blog exists only because he was a Tamanoi rikishi. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Buckton 1 Posted September 14, 2008 a very nice example of just how to behave in sumo. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted September 14, 2008 According to a news report, the unnamed 34-year-old sandanme rikishi, assumed to be Toshinyama, who was the culprit in the taxi incident, has been put under "kinshin" restrictions and will miss the entire Aki Basho. "Kinshin," as many will recall from the Asashoryu Affair of last year, subjects a wrongdoer to reflect upon his misdeeds. In short, Toshinyama has been "grounded" and sent to his room. Tochiazuma Oyakata was quoted as saying, "A settlement has been worked out [with the driver and the taxi company]. We will be even more strict in our leadership [at the heya] so something like this will never happen again." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted October 1, 2008 From the Tashiro Blog: 09/29/08 This is Sudden, but . . . Good Evening It's been a while. I went to help out at the Tamanoi Senshuraku Party yesterday. You may be surprised when you look at this picture. Tokiryu and Takaazuma both decided to retire after the basho. Yesterday, a dampatsu-shiki was held at the Senshuraku Party. Both of them were plagued with injuries and endured a lot of suffering over their dohyo lives. It is tough to see those that one had done keiko with end their careers. But, as one who had retired before them, I hope I can help them with advice. The two of them in suit and tie after the dampatsu-shiki. They look good, don't they? I've updated some comments from them at the Tamanoi Blog, so please take a look. It's gotten cold all of a sudden. Please take care of your health. Well, see ya. Visit Tashi's Blog and Boost his Ratings ---------------------------------------------------- 「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、 これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山 "Sumo fans from around the world, I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted October 1, 2008 09/29/08 Some Words from Takaazuma Takaazuma is retiring as of this basho. Here is a message from him: Thank you for supporting me for all this time. I will be retiring as of this basho. I plan to work at a company owned by an acquaintance. I will gambarize in my new environment. Thank you again for everything. Chris * * * * * Chris will not be returning to Brazil. He is going to be working in Japan. The picture is of Chris after the dampatsu-shiki. Tamanoi Beya --------------------- 「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、 これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山 "Sumo fans from around the world, I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted October 1, 2008 09/29/08 Some Words from Tokiryu Tokiryu is retiring as of this basho. Here is a message from him: Thank you, everyone, for supporting me for all this time. Your messages encouraged me greatly when I was in the hospital. I went through treatment for my injury but I decided to retire. In the future, I will continue to gambarize with all that I learned in sumo in my heart. Thank you for your cheers. I will be returning to my hometown in Aichi to embark on my new career. Former Tokiryu Yujiro Kaji Tamanoi Beya --------------------- 「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、 これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山 "Sumo fans from around the world, I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ilovesumo 12 Posted October 2, 2008 (edited) John saw Takaazuma with a girl on his arm- nice... so he stays in Japan. nice... but it's still bad to see him go...Tamanoi is not that interesting... Edited October 2, 2008 by ilovesumo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonosuke 28 Posted October 2, 2008 But I do think it's great that they get an opportunity to say a good bye to their fans. Most guys leave without not even getting recognized that they left, let alone their accomplishments in the sumo world. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted November 11, 2008 Tochiazuma Oyakata announced his intention to marry Yuki Morita (31), a former office worker. They will register the marriage in December and hold the reception on February 11 at a Tokyo hotel. Friends introduced the happy couple and they began a formal relationship two years ago. "She was there to encourage me when I retired," said the former ozeki. "She was helpful in many ways." As for the timing of the marriage, Azuma said, "My old man (Tamanoi Oyakata) is going to retire next September, so I felt it was about time to settle down. [Yuki] knows absolutely nothing about the sumo world, so I want to assist her in her learning of the okami-san role." A somewhat embarrassed Azuma meets the press. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted November 11, 2008 From the Tochiazuma Blog: 11/11/08 Some of you may already be aware from media reports but I, Tochiazuma, am going to get married. We plan to hold the wedding ceremony next February. I hope all of you will continue to support me in the future. * * * * * The announcement garnered considerable response from fans. The following messages are typical. "Congratulations. You were the reason I started watching sumo again after being away for a period." "Once the basho is over, I will visit the heya with [a lot of goodies]." "I am so happy, tears are welling in my eyes. I don't know how long it has been since I cried out of happiness." "Congrats on your engagement. As a devoted Azuma fan, I have mixed feelings. But, I guess I am glad that you have found happiness. Please gambarize with your bride to make Tamanoi Beya a even better heya than it is now." "Congratulations on your engagement. Your parents, the oyakata and okami-san, must be very pleased. There have been many dark topics surrounding ozumo this year, but I think there have also been many auspicious events like engagements and marriages. Thank you for putting a happy finish to the year." "Congratulations, Ozeki. Everyone at our local koenkai would like to wish you all the happiness. We wonder what kind of wonderful person you have chosen for your bride. We are all incredibly excited and happy. To come to grips with the decision to become an okami-san must require determination far beyond our imagination. We are sure a kind and gentle person like yourself would show consideration and support for her during the most trying times." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted November 29, 2008 It's been over a year since Tooyama retired from ozumo. At that time, he promised to continue with both the Tamanoi Blog and his own personal blog. However, as the months passed, the updates have become infrequent until there were precious few. Nevertheless, his fans persisted in accessing the blogs and pleaded with him to not forsake them. In fact, even without much fresh entries, the access total to the Tashiro Blog surpassed 400,000 a little while ago. From the Tashiro Blog: 11/24/08 It's Been A While Good Morning! The other day, I went to Fuku-zushi for the first time in a long, long time. It's been about half a year . . . I have been totally ungrateful. (showing repentence) For a change, I was able to eat some really delicious sushi. When sushi gets displayed like this, it is an awesome sight. Today is a holiday so I am going on an outing with my wife. See ya again soon. Visit Tashi's Blog and Boost his Ratings ---------------------------------------------------- 「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、 これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山 "Sumo fans from around the world, I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted November 29, 2008 From the Tashiro Blog: 11/27/08 Pizza Good evening! It's going to be December soon. Time sure flies. It's been cold as the dickens lately. I really can't stand the cold anymore. In the past, I had absolutely no problem going around naked, but now I am wearing layers and layers of clothes and looking rotund. The photo shows dinner at home. The other day, they were selling pizza crusts at the supermarket, and my wife made us some mini-pizzas. Since they were mini-sized, I kept on eating them. I haven't been writing my blog at all recently, so it's pretty apparent I am losing my writer's touch. But, still, I have managed somehow to complete the manuscript for my book. Please be a little more patient regarding its publication. Once the publication date has been determined, I will announce it. There is just a little bit left of this year. I am going to burst through the year end with gusto! I'll be updating the blog from time to time so please visit again. See ya. Visit Tashi's Blog and Boost his Ratings ---------------------------------------------------- 「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、 これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山 "Sumo fans from around the world, I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted December 23, 2008 From the Tashiro Blog: 12/09/08 A Photograph Good Evening! There is only a little bit left of this year. I haven't even started writing the New Year's greeting cards. The other day, I bought a camera. Since I also use one for work, I purchased a digital SLR camera that I had my eyes on from before. Of course, it was on credit using my charge card. I've been taking all sorts of pictures with it, but when I took a shot of my living room, it came out really nicely . . . like an ad for a luxury apartment. Photography is quite interesting. I'll be taking more pictures and posting them, so please look forward to them. Visit Tashi's Blog and Boost his Ratings Ed. - A rather nice pad for a guy who never received a salary in his sumo career. ---------------------------------------------------- 「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、 これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山 "Sumo fans from around the world, I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted December 23, 2008 From the Tashiro Blog 12/23/08 Wakamiume Good evening. Umebayashi-kun, aka Wakamiume, whom I had talked about on the blog in the past, passed away the other day. I was shocked by the sudden news. I couldn't quite believe it. What should I write? It's not something that someone like me can say in a word or two, but he was truly a nice guy. We belonged to different heya and we were not the same age, but whenever we ran into each other, he would call out to me, "Tashiro-san!" We would often chat together in places like the dressing room. During Kyushu Basho, our lodgings were close together, so we would frequently chew the fat at the coin laundry. He was such a great kid. Ya just had to love the guy. I'm sure it was tough for him. He must have suffered a lot. Now, I just hope that he has found eternal rest. I pray from my heart that his soul will rest in peace. Visit Tashi's Blog and Boost his Ratings ---------------------------------------------------- 「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、 これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山 "Sumo fans from around the world, I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted December 29, 2008 Former Tooyama has come out with a book. "Ozumo for Everyone" (Minna no Ozumo) By Yoshinori Tashiro Published by Best Books Co. 191 pages Price: 1365 yen (tax included) Contents: What kind of place is a sumo heya? How do you tie a mage? What is chanko? How do you become a rikishi? Etc. Available at bookstores everywhere. The official publication date is in January 2009 but some early-bird stores already have the book in stock. It can also be ordered on the internet (Amazon Japan, Rakuten Books, etc.). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ilovesumo 12 Posted December 29, 2008 (edited) That's great news. He is well known, people can mail him, he might answer, - touchable Sumo-insider. Great idea to publish a book. I hope it'll be sold out soon. ;-) Bought my copy already, now waiting for the postman... :-) Edited January 3, 2009 by ilovesumo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madorosumaru 7 Posted January 3, 2009 12/31/08 New Year's Eve Hello. This is Ikeda. It's been a while. There is only one day left for this year. What kind of year was it for you all? As for myself, I was injured and my record was not very good, so I would like to increase the number of victories next year by as many as possible. From this point forward, I plan to [take over from Tashiro-san and] write this blog in my own style and pace. I still don't even know how to post a picture. My writing is lousy and I am sure there are other things I am lacking so please bear with me. Well, in any case, have a great new year! Tamanoi Beya --------------------- 「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、 これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山 "Sumo fans from around the world, I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites