Bilu

I was wandering about this jacket - is this an advertisment?

I can't see him competing for 6 more years - he seems to have lost some of his former passion for sumo. I also believe he wants the 33rd, but this may prove to be too much. Winning 25 is the next best thing, then. Places him 3rd all-time, and given his other records (7 conseutive, 6 in a calendar year, 84 wins a year) his place will be pretty much secure as an "outsider all-time great".

Well, I've finally found uglier glasses than my wife's (In a state of confusion...)

As long as Asa and Hak are around - I don't see any chance (barring their injuries, etc). Actually, when Asa is OK Harumik chances against him are not too good. His record vs. Asashoryu (as Ama) is 2-13. He was lucky to have Asa out during his Ozeki run..

Baruto

I agree he was a great Ozeki once. Arguably the best Ozeki in the modern era. However, aren't Ozeki supposed to embody hinkaku, similar to a yokozuna (though possibly to a lessr extent)? If Chiyonofuji had allowed himself the levels of hinkaku Kaio displayed the last couple of bashos - he could easily win 907. And, I don't think anybody in Sumo 'earns his right' to perform badly. Knowing when to step down seems to me to be an Ozumo virtue, and when your time comes - you should do it with style... Kaio just hangs in there, with back-scratching-back-pedaling (BSBP (In a state of confusion...) ) sumo. He's no yusho contender the last 4 years. The yokozunas are manhandling him like he's a Juryo. Even Chiyotaikai wins against him regularly.. Time to throw the towel.

With the current Ozeki back-scratching club - he could go on forever!!! Actually, I feel it will be highly undignified for this prominent record to be held by Kaio (if and when), given his poor performances in the last 3-4 years. By keep hangning on there - Kaio is just tarnishing his legacy. If he stays long enough to break the record - he will be degrading Ozumo. For me this would mean I could never see him in a positive light again.

Are you saying he'll retire soon becuase he will be demoted from Ozeki? If so, this will take at least two more bashos..

Kaio update: Kaio has escaped Kadoban in January, finishing with an 8-7 record. His current Makuuchi wins total stand at 766 - 3rd all-time after Chiyonofuji (807) and Kitanoumi (804). He needs only 42 more wins to break the record. He won 43 in the last 6 bashos: March 08: 8-7 May: 8-7 July: 9-6 Sep: 9-6 Nov: 1-3-11 Jan. 09: 8-7 Will he break the record?

Got it, thanks!

Can anybody explain how to change the title/sub-title of a message that was posted previously by myself? I couldn't find it in the 'Help'...

A well writtem article indeed.. Sums it up nicely:

But can you at least agree that Asa expects the respect due of a yokozuna, but sometimes falls short of the behaviour the rank requires? Addition: My Exhibit C: Day 7 against Yoshikaze - he gets angry about a harite from Yoshikaze, does a dame oshi and then stares at Yoshikaze for the remainder of his time in the arena. This from the man who played pattercake on the faces of his opponents at the tachiai for years... To this I agree. Asa is definitely trying to intimidate his opponents.. I think the Yoshikaze stare is one example out of many. So, are you going to publish an apology, or should I contact Kinta's lawyers? ;-)

Exhibit B: The filthy look he gave Kaio after he koto-nage'd Toyonoshima... who was seriously injured by Asashoryu in keiko before his sanyaku promotion a few years back. James - sorry to disagree again.. (I am not worthy...) I saw the aforementioned clip, and though some people were suggesting a harsh stare by Asa towards Kaio... Well, I didn't see it. Interpreting this 'look' is highly subjective, anyway. I think this is one time Asa is being over-criticized...

I don't think this is a fair description of what happened on the kettei-sen. Though I - like many others - twitched when Asashoryu raised his hands and waved to the crowd, this by no means was directed toward Hakuho. It wasn't offensive or degrading to Hakuho personally, as he wasn't on the dohyo when this has happened. In addition, it was pretty clear the gesture was a token of Asa's jubilation at ending a long dark period and not related to any personal rivalry with Hakuho. This is why I assume Asa wouldn't mind should Hakuho act the same way, in similar circumstances. Still, this behaviour is disrespectful in the broader sumo perspective, and should be avoided.

Reminds me of this great classic:

This topic was discussed extensively when Wakanoho was caught.. You can read about it here. As far as I can recall from the discussion - this is just an issue of breaking the Japanease low. The NSK is not too keen on checking rikishi substance intake.

In all this long debate about Asashoryu's behaviour, I still couldn't find an answer to a pretty basic question: - Why is he doing it? I mean, so many words written... But do we have a clue as to the arguably most important factor - Asa's motivation? - Did he raise his hands because his emotions overtook him? - Did he raise his hands becuase he feels that's better for Ozumo (better for the fans, etc). - Did he raise his hands because he just wants to show the NSK (and everyone) he's doing it HIS way. - [Your speculation here..] The question of motivation is crucial and until we get an answer - this argument, in my view, is a bit crippled.

Indeed... I wonder WHY is Asa doing it... - Is it just a burst of emotions or a conscious decision to 'transform' sumo? - If the former - can't he restrain his conduct? I cannot recall having read anything suggesting an answer to these questions..

High Makushita, IIRC. Check this... (On the banzuke...)

Though I was thrilled watching Asa beat Hakuho in the kettei-sen, I must admit I felt uneasy seeing him waving as he did, while standing on the dohyo. A talk from the Rijicho might be in place...

Judging by your sniping posts the last few days at all and sundry I'm guessing it's your time of the month? Unfortunately his time of the month lasts and lasts and lasts ....... (Neener, neener...)

People tend to forget that Asashoryu, when up-and-coming, used to work VERY hard at training sessions. So hard, that Kintamayama (IIRC) upon watching him at keiko when he was merely in Makushita, predicted that he'll go all the way to Yokozuna. He got to where he is through hard work. Some of this hard work will always be deposited in his 'bank'. In addition, carrying a somewhat injured body (after a long tenure as Yokozuna) really makes it all the more reasonable to train appropriately.

Jonosuke - thanks. The Rikishi Talks are absolutely magnificent! (Sign of approval...) One small correction, if I may (I am not worthy...)

I dunnow... But I'd like to see him compete and receive a cup from a 3rd PM. What do you say, Barbara - what are the chances?