Jojo

It is a giant macaron!! Part of the France-Japan friendship prize I believe, guessing it's a styrofoam replica representing a certain amount of regular macarons (made by Pierre Hermé)... But Orion or John might know more about it!?? And just because it's a great thread I'll link it here again, explanation on the various prizes presented (from a few years back...)

This little gem of a thread from way back is a fantastic source of information on the trophies and prizes, obviously a few of them have changed over time, but the informations and stories are priceless. (Thanks a lot to those who contributed back then, Orion and Fay notably)

Thanks a lot for all the work!! Truly appreciated and very grateful!! All the best in your new home!

Here you go.... Ooops the link in the thread is dead (should've known not to trust Kintamayama :-D), here is a working one.... http://web.archive.org/web/20151018075149/http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002157910

I'm guessing you're saying that because you watched yesterday and heard John riveting insight and sharp wit??!! nudge, nudge, wink, wink

These numbers only tell part of the story in my opinion. Harumafuji gets, at least on paper (Terunofuji, Takarafuji, Aminishiki...), an easier schedule, if you check these completed bashos (so 10 for Harumafuji and 9 for Kakuryu) Harumafuji fought 71 Maegashira and gave away 14 kinboshi Kakuryu fought 51 Maegashira and gave away 3 (He even managed a 9-6 without giving away one) Obviously there are some explanations for these... For sure the YDC is not just one voice, but I think there are some reasons for concern over Harumafuji's performances, more than over Kakuryu at this stage...

Thank you, I gathered your sarcasm, obvious as it was, I simply disagree with your assessment that the number is meaningless. It matters financially, it matters to the reputation and status of Yokozuna...

No ranking per se but he gives away a kinboshi per 5 bouts (counting only maegashira opposition), and around 1 in 10 altogether. Bold claim ryafuji, considering Kitanoumi, as a Yokozuna, competed in well over twice as many bashos as Harumafuji has so far... Moreover, and maybe to the point of YDC Chairman Moriya, he gave plenty away by extending his career maybe just a bit too long. Case in point, his only fought 10 bouts total in his 3 last basho, giving away 4 kinboshi out of 5 possible.

Mostly agree with everything said, I believe his tachiai should be more forward and a bit less upward, because when he is stood up, he's fairly helpless... Clearly injuries have hampered him, but I recall a YT video, I believe the first one of him ever uploaded (at least under his shikona), where is is given a serious work session by ex-Tokitenku who seems to insist heavily on him going lower and staying lower, including making him crouch-walk as low as possible around the dohyo (also include Harumafuji slapping his ass with a broomstick, as a very special bonus), so it might be an issue rooted in his morphology too. Either way, it's a bit sad to see him struggle like that, his emergence made those bashos very exciting!! Let's hope he finds his groove soon!

He, Terunofuji, needs to sort out his ta tachiai, he clearly made the adjustment to stay lower today, which is a good idea, but got caught the other way... At least, I believe, he's going in the right direction; better that than seeing him powerlessly try to swing-dangle opponent out with that double arm lock he has to do when he's too upright...

That is quite, quite nice! Well done Kirinofuji...

Let's hope he make a full and speedy recovery!

Fantastic, thanks a lot!!

Here is a link to the thread on this board, with some pictures , including the visit to the Prime Minister...

I'd trust you over many (if not all) to deliver quality and can't wait for it, genuinely... I was tickled by the launch (waaahhheeeee) part and the switch from I to we... Alone?? Please!! Am sure your dog helps, maybe just for the kimarite, (it's more than that I believe), but I trust he knows that was a utchari from Hakuho on Asa in 06!! He told me!