Swami

Looks fantastic! Well done indeed! Swami

There is a certain irony in that Kisenosato performed very consistently for so long, had a two-basho stumble, in the meantime Kakuryu pops in with two zensho and gets promoted. Swami

Happy birthday and hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Other examples would be as happened in 1985 when Hanakago Beya was forced to close due to Wajima resigning from the Kyokai, all their rikishi were transferred to Hanaregoma. Or in the event of the death of an oyakata (recently when Tagonoura Oyakata ex Kushimaumi died - all the rikishi there moved to Kasugano). Swami

Happy birthday and hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Wonder if Wajima turned up, considering they were stablemates? Swami

Very shocking news. Swami

I remember itamiwake being mentioned during March 1987 when then Kasugano Rijicho suggested that Hokutenyu should have invoked this ruling (after being injured when Konishiki fell on him) rather than going ahead with the rematch. Swami

Ah, good examples. Again they still don't sound as common as Endo and unsumo-y to me as Endo, but good ones to mention. Also, former sekiwake Tochihikari - started his career as Kaneshiro, changed to Tochihikari and ultimately ended his career as Kaneshiro. Swami

Kitao kept his as well until yokozuna promotion when he reluctantly took on the shikona of Futahaguro. Former sekiwake Kurama was another example. Swami

I should clarify that they were ranked Hokutoumi (Yokozuna-East), Onokuni (Yokozuna-West), Chiyonofuji (Yokozuna-East). Swami

If memory serves me right, a similar occurrence happened in Nagoya 1989 - three yokozuna Hokutoumi, Onokuni, Chiyonofuji - Onokuni withdrew on day 4, thereafter Chiyonofuji fought from the west side. Swami

Happy birthday and hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Well done that man for doing his bit for justice! Swami

We used to get TWS on Channel 4 in the UK, don't know what channel screens it now. It was always useful for basho updates. Swami

Happy birthday and hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Back in the 90s a few retired rikishi used to take part in bouts in the February two-day tournament that tended to coincide with danpatsu-shiki. Chiyonofuji, Kitanoumi, Hokutoumi, Takanosato, Hokutenyu and Asashio all took part. Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

He's the first since Onokuni to be promoted without consecutive yusho. Swami

Great photos! Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Other factors to consider would be if they have got kabu and can retire before they run the risk of demotion etc. Swami

Happy birthday and hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Wajima rose very quickly also, before he got a chon-mage, so he might be one to consider. Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami