Dwale

I really hope so, on all counts!

Wow, an unusually heated day one with some excellent matches. Always enjoy Terunofuji and Tochinoshin, even if it's a bit predictable. Tochinoshin is one hell of an appetizer, boy, phew. Daishomaru launching his opponent was super cool, I want to see some more of that. Amuuru is really growing on me lately. I wonder if he wouldn't do better packing on a few kilos? Ichinojo...I remember when he was new to makuuchi, I was like, "Oh my God, this kid is going to own the division!" Now he's desperate enough to change his mawashi color. Well, let's see if it helps! He still looked sluggish, even though he won. Ah, my favorite kind of Gagamaru win, kaplow! <3 I feel like he could win more than he does, but there are obviously some holes in his game. Still, I enjoy the wins he does get and that was a nice one. Shoudai has good balance! o.o; He looks agile in there, quick and springy. Ikioi serves Aminishiki a great big bowl of "Not today, old man." Takayasu's at a good rank for him, I think. Let's see how he does, he didn't look too bad in there, despite eating a loss. Aoiyama with a weird, floaty victory, actually beautiful in its way, even if Aoiyama's one of the goofier-lookin' guys. How about Toyonoshima! Wow. An unusually heated day one. I think now that Kotoshogiku's dispelled the illusion of Mongolian invincibility, it's got everyone's fighting spirit going full blast. Not only that, but two yokozuna losses! Can't wait for day two. Kanpai! EDIT: I keep forgetting to ask, is there somewhere you can go to post questions and discuss particular rikishi?

Do you think Onosho is tired of "I can't believe you're here!" jokes from his English-speaking friends? I do foresee some challenging matches for Osunaarashi in juryo, but I'm hoping that he's recovered enough, and that his fighting spirit is such that he goes through these guys like a wood-chipper. Wishful thinking? Quite possibly. Would that be fun to watch? Definitely.

(Would just like to add that I'm pumped at the prospect of seeing my favorite rikishi back in action!)

In instances such as this, do they cremate the rikishi with his chonmage, or do they cut it post-mortem?

I see. Thank you.

It's so nice to see all those smiling faces. Thank you. May I ask what the deal with the fish is? I don't speak Japanese, but is this one of those instances where the name of that fish is a homophone for a phrase ("In your FACE, Mongolia!" for example)?

Lots of talk about Ichinojo having physical issues that hamper his performance, and while I'm sure that's a factor, it looks like he's simply lost his will to fight. I wonder if he isn't depressed. Homesickness, maybe?

Congratulations to Kotoshogiku. I'm sorry I said he looks like an amorous potato when he has someone against the bales (although it is true). Just wonderful for the Japanese fans, and hopefully inspiration for all the young, up-and-coming Japanese rikishi to get out there and bring that cup home more than once a decade.

On the subject of Takarafuji's alleged neck, until we have medical confirmation (an x-ray would do), it's more sensible to trust the evidence of our senses and assume he doesn't have one.

Hakuho being absolutely mortified by Kakuryu's new butt tattoo.

Well, it's been an odd basho. I'm already looking ahead to March, and hopefully the return of Terunofuji and Osunaarashi. But first, Kotoshogiku's impending win. It does appear he's going to take it, I hope he does. Still, there's just enough uncertainty to keep it interesting. Can't wait to see.

I don't even know what to say about that Ichinojo vs Ikioi match. It was...and then...and they...! Well, it's been a weird basho, not sure why I would expect that to change on day 13. Kotoshogiku better have a strong mental game or he's going to be defeated by his own doubt before he gets anywhere near a dohyo. What enormous pressure he must feel.

I'm still trying to find video. @.@

Couldn't believe the way Shodai handled Takayasu. I very much could believe the way Aminishiki took care of Yoshikaze, though! lol Looks like Kotoshogiku's over the bump, so to speak. Holding my breath, hoping he doesn't choke... also, taking a shot. Kanpai!

Now we've got ourselves a basho! Does Kotoshogiku have what it takes to get a zensho yusho? I'm expecting him to get at least one loss, but we'll see. We shall see. *squee* I'd love to see him take the cup for Japan, so I'll be cheering him even though he's not my favorite. Ganbatte, Kotoshogiku!

Liked Shoudai's win, really interested to see if Kotoshogiku can defeat Hakuho tomorrow. Okinoumi still looking strong, is it too early to say he seems fit for another shot at sanyaku? Well, there are still five days to go, so I'll try not to get carried away. Another odd thought: while I haven't enjoyed Goeido's time as an ozeki, I think as a maegashira wrestler I would adore him. Well, he'd be an underdog then, trying to fight his way back up the ranks. The drama!

Don't feel too bad for Kagayaki since you know that if he's got the heart of a fighter, this experience won't be wasted on him and he'll come out stronger for it. Mitakeumi? Aww. He's really got his work cut out for him when he gets back. An unfortunate turn of fate. I loved that little nod Takayasu gave Kotoyuki just before the tachiai. Did he see some hesitancy or uncertainty there? Aminishiki seems to have been "pwned" pretty thoroughly, there. lol Aoiyama: "Not today, old-timer." Kotoshogiku. I don't like him, not because I think he's bad, but because I don't like the aesthetics of his sumo. That said, for the sake of the Japanese fans (and hence, for sumo as a whole), I would /love/ to see him win this basho. Do I think it'll happen? Nuuuuupe!

Oh, wow, I never even thought of that, but you're absolutely right, they need to be careful!

Sorry that he has to have it, but glad he's getting it done. He's still a vigorous young man, and strong as a horse. He'll bounce back like it ain't no thang.

Its getting to me too. He seems to have no intention to even try. Which is odd because, isn't he sometimes complimented for his form when bowing?

Good morning, I trust some of you are battling hangover? One good thing about having so many kyujo is that it's forcing me to take a closer look at the other guys and really get to appreciate their brand of sumo. Favorite wins today were: Kotoyuki, Shohozan, Kakuryu. Gonna be a fan of half the division at this rate.

Well, thank you kindly. ^.^ I had hunted a bit for one, but didn't have much luck.

Are there any English-language sumo twitter accounts you would recommend?

So many absences. Too many. Yoshikaze vs. Ikioi was a hell of a bout. So good...having to resist the urge to re-watch. Takarafuji surprised me there, I didn't realize he had that kind of power. Was also surprised it took Kisenosato as long as it did to put away Ichinojo. Glad Takayasu won, but I wanted to see a little more fight out of Amuuru. Ah, well. Kakuryu vs. Aoiyama. Gee, I wonder who's going to win. Ah, yes...shocking. I hope they get Aminishiki back in there, as it's going to throw off my whole "Aminishiki better watch the hell out for Shohozan" prediction if they don't, you know, face each other. (Though the best possible outcome would be Aminishiki wins via henka. I would laugh for days.) EDIT: Failed to resist that urge, I had to watch that match over again before I could finish the post. XP