Nanami

Thank you!!! (Neener, neener...) (Laughing...)

Thank you - these translations have been wonderful!! (Sign of approval...)

Your pictures are wonderful! What a treat. Thank you sooo much for sharing them. :-P

I thank you!! :-) What is wrong with Harumafuji/Ama?! In the bout against Kisenosato, it looked like he just fell over. :-)

Thank you so much for translations, they are the highlight of my day during the basho. (Sigh...) :-(

In my experience, whether it is accurate or not, the idea that beer is a regular part of the sumo diet, is often put forth as the actual practice in "informational" TV shows, articles, etc.. about sumo (at least in the US). I have watched several programs, including a 2008 National Geographic special, that spoke of beer as a regular part of the sumo diet. If it is not accurate, then these types of programs are much to blame for spreading the "myth."

This bout definetly gets my vote. (Detective...)

Really nice pictures! Thank you. (Shaking head...)

Agreed.

I had hoped that Kisenosato and Kotoshogiku would be able to KK and move back toward Sanyaku after their MKs last basho. Any thoughts on why they weren't able to move back to Sanyaku? Are they injured? If I missed this discussion on another thread, please direct me there. :-P

Thank you so much for providing these translations. :-) I am happy the basho has started.

I voted for the one year option and then for him to be allowed back with a shikona change. It would really depend on how well the Kyokai as a whole stayed away from scandal. I do feel bad for him - his misstep came right as the Kyokai couldn't absorb anymore scandals involving sekitori. It will be interesting to watch how it is handled. Good luck to him!

;-) The timing of this is not the greatest... even if he gets a pass from the Kyokai.

Wow! That was a really good and informative interview. I thought his idea of some sort of high school equivalency for rikishi was a good one - worth being explored. Thanks for sharing the interview! (I am not worthy...)

1. A 2. A 3. A 4. B 5. A 6. A 7. B 8. A 9. B 10. B 11. A 12. B 13. X 14. B 15. A 16. B 17. A 18. A 19. B 20. A 21. A

Wow!! What a treat. Thank you soo much for sharing. (Beaten...) ;-)

The non-profit status of an organization is usually granted because of its charitable mission/main purpose - meaning it's main purpose is not to make a profit, but to serve some greater good. The fact that a non-profit makes a profit is ok (at least in the US), because many do. However, red flags can be raised when a non-profit begins to have "excessive" reserves, high salaried executives, make political statements (in the US), etc... IMO there is usually no problem with any of these things unless there is something going on in the political climate that causes people to look at an organization for some reason..

Ok, this helps me better understand the why there is such an emphasis on not showing emotion. I also appreciate how sumo appears to be more of a cultural expression rather than a "pure sport." (Annoyed...)

Isn't there a Mongolian jungyo coming up soon? If so, perhaps he is assisting with that endeavor.

Thank you! (Sign of disapproval...)

Why was/is Hawaii off limits? :-)

0. The rikishi of the basho - Ama 1. Rikishi Most Improved over the Haru basho - Kotooshu 2. Rikishi with Most disappointing basho - Kokkai 3. Most promising rikishi - Kisenosato 4. Least promising rikishi - Roho 5. Most pleasant/enjoyable/fun to watch rikishi - Asashoryu 6. Most unpleasant/despicable to watch rikshi - Hakurozan 7. Rikishi with Least presence (i.e. was this guy still around?) - Takekaze 8. Rikishi with Most boring techniques or pedestrian moves - Iwakiyama 9. Best bout of the basho - Ama/Wakanoho 10. Worst bout of the basho - Kasugao/Hokutoriki (painful to see) 11. Best mannered rikishi (on the dohyo) - Goeido 12. Worst mannered rikishi (on the dohyo) - Roho 13 . Rikishi with best tachiai - Hakuho 14 . Rikishi with worst tachiai - Baruto 15. Most likely to have the golden bow rikishi - Chiyotaikai I had two answers for most of the questions, so I just went with one of them.

I have looked forward to your pictures everyday on your wonderful website! Thank you soo much for sharing the experience. (Laughing...) (I am not worthy...)

I think much of this statement applies to several other Sanyaku as well, but Asa and Kise in particular. (Not so much the henka for Asa, but in reference to his "strategy" in the match with Kotooshu.) And it doesn't make Kotooshu stronger or elevate his sumo; which is what he will need to string together two yusho for a promotion. Given that, I think Kotooshu is doing very well; I am not so sure I would call him dominating, though. I even hope he takes the yusho, as he is the only Ozeki without one under his belt. Asa and Hakuho can spare one. :-)

I had begun to think that something was not quite right with Asa. To my "new sumo eyes" he has been excellent the last two days, but not quite himself. I appreciate seeing that others have similar thoughts. I hope he makes it through without causing any major injury to himself.