since_94

Ticket sales for January seem to be rather sluggish. More than 48 hours after the public onsale started, there are still plenty available for all days, at least as far as chair seats go. Is the apparent lack of interest owing to the state of Terunofuji's knees and his possible (probable?) lack of participation, the generally lackluster performance the depleted Ozeki corps, or some other factor(s)? I wonder if sales will pick up as the tournament approaches.

Does anyone anticipate hassles picking up sumo tickets (ordered online through the JSA website) at 7-11s? It’s always been a simple matter of printing them out from the ticket issuing machine at the Kokugikan box office, but now it seems for January it will be necessary to get them at a convenience store. As a non Japanese speaker and without any form of Japanese I.D. , I just worry a bit since this is a new system. I can use phone translation to communicate what I want to do with clerk, assuming there is no problem. Will it be sufficient to bring the credit card used to purchase, printouts of order numbers and receipts, and a passport? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Surly Tipples and the Innocent Bystanders

Yes, it seems his left arm is basically useless to him at this point. It was evident in the bout everyone’s talking about

I found day 6 to be the most entertaining so far, by a wide margin. A few bouts that stood out: Mitoryu up from Juryo with an absolutely smokin kotenage against Ichiyamamoto. Okinoumi showing great nimbleness and balance against powerful Azamaryu. Oho with an impressive uwatenage to dispatch Terutsuyoshi. Koteoko showed his formidable muscle to force huge Aoiyama out by yorikiri, but he’s not gonna want to do that too often as it looked like it would take a toll on the ‘ol back, at least when shoving from that kind of awkward angle. Wakatakakage earned his blood patch with that hard fought shitatenage win over the giant lumbering drunk, er, I mean Ichinojo. I think Takarafuji was robbed, but so be it.

Chiyonokuni. That tachiaii. And the shoves that followed. Holy @&$!. Talk about resounding. A highlight of the basho so far, (but I’m sure I’m forgetting some bouts)

Anybody notice his cheeky smile, either to a judge or a ringside well wisher, after his day 1 win in jonokuchi? He knows what’s ahead and looks eager to take on the challenge

OK, I'm gonna predict Wakatakakage 12-3 after beating Hoshoryu in a playoff. Wish him the best. I've liked him since watching "An Ordinary Life" Can we hurry up and start this thing already?

I hope he’s back in January but agree it is doubtful. March more likely.

I’m absolutely loving the episodes. Really hoping the January basho will be back to normal in terms of easy access to rikishi exiting the venue. Is there still a no approach / photos/ autographs policy at bashos now?

This event looks like so much fun! So happy to see it’s happening for the lucky fans

A collapsed cardboard box scavenged from the recycling pile at the nearby family mart can be a game changer, too. A double layer of cardboard keeps the cold from transferring from the freezing pavement to the soles of your shoes or your butt. Indispensable, really. And some calisthenics at intervals, as needed. Really.

I’ve done it before, it’s not so bad if you’re a morning person and enjoy cold. It’s dark, to start at least, and the temperature is usually hovering around zero. There can be a biting wind. The key is to keep your body moving and have a supply of coffee and those pocket hand warmers

Does anyone know if same-day tickets are being sold for 2200 yen currently? They suspended those ticket sales due to COVID but I’m curious what the situation was in September and what people think the situation will be for Hatsu. Fortunately, visa free entry resumes and no quarantine or package tour nonsense are required as Japan reopens after Oct 11, 2022. My flight ticket and hotel are already booked for January 2023. I usually like to buy a few days sumo tickets in advance and line up early mornings for other days. Please, anyone who knows the score, let us all know. Thanks in advance.

I bet a lot of us will be happy regardless of who wins, as long as it’s not a cheap shot or a controversial call that decides it. I just want to do other things outside instead of watching live, but that means no electronic devices until after I’ve caught up.

I suspect a lot of fans take into account what it takes—commitment and dedication and skill-wise—to rise to the top of such a brutal sport. That earns a lot of respect and “street cred”, for want of a better word, amongst fans. Even when a veteran is down on his luck or on the downward slide of a waning career, there is still that enduring recognition and a sense of great appreciation for the entertainment a fighter has brought to millions by his efforts during his better days. I know I feel that way. I agree with your point. It would be very un-Japanese for someone to be screaming “You’re a washed up bum!” at a rikishi during a sumo tournament. I can’t even imagine the censuring such boorish behavior would attract.

Asanoyama rock solid on day 7 picks up his kachi-koshi. Can’t wait till he’s back in Juryo fighting 15 day tournaments again

Some very enjoyable sumo on display on day 1. Standouts: Wakamotoharu, Kotonowaka, Ichiyamamoto, Tamawashi, the Oho/Chiyoshoma bout, the mosubi no ichiban where Kiribayama really put the Yokozuna to the test, Shodai actually looking somewhat determined and aggressive, the list goes on… Wow! What a great day in Makuuchi! Can’t believe I fell asleep during the latter half before the Ozeki bouts! Thank the gods for YouTube and those who shall not be named!

No, that’s a screenshot. Possibly one of the best sumo candids ever

Don’t remember but I thought his expression was priceless. As I recall, it had been a long and obviously exhausting bout. The guy is just so unpretentious and eminently likable. Always exhibits good sportsmanship, win or lose. I’m sure he’ll make a great oyakata.

And off, too. I met him very briefly a couple of times. He was very friendly, asked me where I was from, signed cards for me.

Wish one of the shimpan had called Mitakeumi back to perform at least a semblance of a bow after his day 5 loss. Second time he’s pulled that stunt this tournament. Hope he loses his rank, honestly, whereas I was indifferent before.

I am definitely not alone in welcoming his long awaited return. Suspension was way too long, imo

IMO we saw 2 botched calls in makuuchi day 1: Kotoeko benefited from the first when torinaoshi was awarded against Chiyotairyu. Second benefited Mitakeumi through the absence of a torinaoshi call against Takanosho

I think this may explain the lack of overall enthusiasm expressed by a number of posters. While I watched everyday, I likewise didn’t feel emotionally invested in the outcome. As soon as the final bout ended on Day 15, I turned the broadcast off instead of watching all the awards being presented. There were some entertaining bouts throughout the tournament though, to be fair.