Asa in hot water again?

[madorosumaru]

Speaking on behalf of the YDC, the former chairman of the committee, Yoshio Ishibashi, told the NSK to come up with a punishment that would be satisfactory to the fans. "I was extremely disappointed when I saw him cheerfully playing soccer," he said. "The yokozuna holds the highest rank and he should be the model for other rikishi's behavior. He must not [besmirch] that exalted position. I expect you to deal with this matter in a way that would satisfy the fans."

So, how do the fans feel? On this day, the NSK received over a thousand calls, which overwhelmed the bank of nine phone lines in the morning. Over 90% were highly critical of the yokozuna with a majority calling for him to be "fired" or "forced to retire." There were a few calls that were sympathetic to Asashoryu, saying "He did it at the behest of the Mongolian government." However, it was clear that the vox populi was to "punish the yokozuna."

We all know how the jungyo department feels. There are plenty of other oyakata within the association that are clamoring for a suspension. The way it looks, the fans, the YDC and a large number of oyakata are all for some kind of severe punishment. According to insiders, if the board feels strongly about it, Kitanoumi Rijicho would likely lean towards a suspension from Aki Basho. Takasago Oyakata is also facing a reprimand. His penalty is rumored to be six-months reduction in pay.

Meanwhile, Sankei Sports held a poll of 100 fans. The result was approximately 80% wanted some punishment. Seven said he should retire and 45 said he should be "restricted to quarters."

[Guest Mulan]

Speaking on behalf of the YDC, the former chairman of the committee, Yoshio Ishibashi, told the NSK to come up with a punishment that would be satisfactory to the fans. "I was extremely disappointed when I saw him cheerfully playing soccer," he said. "The yokozuna holds the highest rank and he should be the model for other rikishi's behavior. He must not [besmirch] that exalted position. I expect you to deal with this matter in a way that would satisfy the fans."

So, how do the fans feel? On this day, the NSK received over a thousand calls, which overwhelmed the bank of nine phone lines in the morning. Over 90% were highly critical of the yokozuna with a majority calling for him to be "fired" or "forced to retire." There were a few calls that were sympathetic to Asashoryu, saying "He did it at the behest of the Mongolian government." However, it was clear that the vox populi was to "punish the yokozuna."

We all know how the jungyo department feels. There are plenty of other oyakata within the association that are clamoring for a suspension. The way it looks, the fans, the YDC and a large number of oyakata are all for some kind of severe punishment. According to insiders, if the board feels strongly about it, Kitanoumi Rijicho would likely lean towards a suspension from Aki Basho. Takasago Oyakata is also facing a reprimand. His penalty is rumored to be six-months reduction in pay.

Meanwhile, Sankei Sports held a poll of 100 fans. The result was approximately 80% wanted some punishment. Seven said he should retire and 45 said he should be "restricted to quarters."

I guess majority of Japanese sumo fans would be highly satisfied if Asa will be forced to retire. He won 21 times already and 22 would be quite 'uncomfortable" for sumo world because he will reach the level of 5 great yokozunas. It really looks like everybody just waiting for Asa to make the "wrong move" to accuse him in all possible sins and make a big scandal out of nothing.

[Gochisozan]

Not retirement...Just announced: 2 basho suspension (Aki and Kyushu) and 30% cut in pay for 4 months.

Kyodo News (in Japanese)

Edited August 1, 2007 by Gochisozan

[madorosumaru]

The NSK board met in an emergency session and decided on the punishment for Yokozuna Asashoryu: two-basho suspension (Aki and Kyushu); 30% reduction in pay for four months; and kinshin shobun 謹慎処分 until senshuraku of Kyushu Basho.

At the same time a penalty of 30% pay reduction for four months was also meted out to Takasago Oyakata, Asashoryu's shisho, for failing to supervise his deshi properly.

Kinshin shobun 謹慎処分 is similar to "house arrest" or "confinement to quarters." The guilty party is expected show proper remorse and penitence through restricted activities. Asashoryu will be limited to movement only from his home to heya and hospital except for special circumstances until the end of the Kyushu Basho.

This is the first time a yokozuna has been suspended from a honbasho due to improper behavior or malfeasance.

[yamaneko]

what does this mean for upcoming banzuke?

[Asashosakari]

Colour me surprised at the severity, too...I figured one basho suspension was possible, though I didn't think they'd actually do it.

So let's see...that's about 3.4m yen in docked wages, about 7.9m in lost basho bonuses (at least I'm assuming he won't be getting those), perhaps 9m in missed kensho take-home money (an estimated 300 kensho at 30,000 yen each), and maybe another 0.5m in various basho allowances paid to sekitori and/or sanyaku. And of course 10m for each yusho he is now unable to win; let's conservatively assume he was going to win one of the two. All in all, that's around 30 million yen in "official" money...ouch.

what does this mean for upcoming banzuke?

Nada for Aki, and Yokozuna West Asashoryu in Kyushu and Hatsu unless Hakuho also goes full kyujo for Aki.

And Hakuho might be fighting out of the East side in Aki even as the West Yokozuna...that's what they had Asashoryu do in his debut basho (from Day 2, anyway) with the East Yokozuna Musashimaru kyujo.

Edited August 1, 2007 by Asashosakari

[Asojima]

Colour me surprised at the severity, too...

The Kyokai is sending a very loud and clear message to the Oyakatas and the Rikishi to get their act together. Roho - 3 days. Tenho - 1 Basho. Asa - 2 Basho. These incidents plus the yaocho kerfuffle are doing severe damage to sumo's public image.

I expected a well-deserved one basho suspension, a fine and a strong admonition. They hit him over the head with a hammer.

On the plus side, he should be well healed for Hatsu, and really pissed off.

Edited August 1, 2007 by Asojima

[Otokonoyama]

Takasago Stable elder Takasago looks nervous as he waits for a decision to be taken by the Japan Sumo Association on yokouzna Asashoryu on August 1st.

Japan Sumo Association Chairman Toshimitsu Kitanoumi walks into a room to attend an emergency meeting of the board of directors at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on August 1st.

Edited August 1, 2007 by Otokonoyama

[Peterao]

Last week was the House of Councilors election in Japan. One of the candidates for a Senate seat was a former TV announcer, chosen more for her good looks and bubbly personality than anything else. Anyway, she caused a stir when she went to her ward office to register for an absentee ballot, only to find that she couldn't because when she lived in New York for a year and returned to Japan three years ago, she didn't update her family registry with the information, and thus wasn't eligible. And from that, it was obvious that she hadn't voted in any election in at least three years.

The backlash was harsh and immediate. Though she had not broken any laws, a politician who does not vote in elections is considered a hypocrite not worthy of being a public servant. Though the LDP considered pulling her from the election, they ended up punishing her behind closed doors, and she spent the rest of the campaign in "reflection mode", bowing in apology for nearly a full minute at a time and tearfully expressing her remorse (proving former Prime Minister Koizumi's remark that "tears are a woman's ultimate weapon")

Most likely by the grace of her cuteness she did win a spot in the House, but just barely, and another LDP member in the same block ended up falling by the wayside. Despite winning, she did not have a traditional "banzai" cry of celebration, and she remained glum and non-smiling on all the TV shows in the days following as well. She will probably remain in apology and reflection mode for several months to come.

The point of saying all this is to show that Asashoryu's gaffe was an assault on the respect of the Japanese people. Like the politician who's actions affected the entire LDP party, Asashoryu's show of disrespect reflects badly on the entire NSK. And it also shows that Asashoryu's nationality is not an issue; I believe that the Japanese public would have been just as harsh if Kotomitsuki had been found doing the same thing.

The only way possible for Asashoryu to get back into the good graces of the fans and the NSK is to go into full blown "reflection mode" He should go to all the jungyo on his own accord (ie, he pays for it himself), stand outside the entrance and personally bow and apologize to every fan who asks for an apology. If he makes the "easy choice" and quits, then he does not deserve to ever be thought of as a great yokozuna.

[Jakusotsu]

The only way possible for Asashoryu to get back into the good graces of the fans and the NSK is to go into full blown "reflection mode" He should go to all the jungyo on his own accord (ie, he pays for it himself), stand outside the entrance and personally bow and apologize to every fan who asks for an apology. If he makes the "easy choice" and quits, then he does not deserve to ever be thought of as a great yokozuna.

Any way to convey that idea to him? That would be an excellent move.

[Hananotaka]

I agree with Peterao. The people calling this a witch hunt and saying the Kyokai is just trying to get Asashoryu for xenophobic reasons obviously have no experience with Japanese culture and the extreme pressure placed on public figures.

I've mentioned this before, but Japanese baseball pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka is a perfect example. Here's a Japanese Golden Boy, nationally famous and liked, trend-setter and all around spectator draw for baseball. From a public relations standpoint he was for baseball everything Asashoryu has not been for sumo. Popular, respected, cheered for, a pure Japanese star that brought new fans to the game.

In 2000, Matsuzaka's drivers license was suspended after a speeding violation. Still, he drove to his then girlfriend's house, and parked illegally, when this was found out one member of the organization tried to take the blame, but this was quickly shot to pieces by the paparazzi that had camped outside, hoping for a shot of the lovebirds.

When it came out that he'd driven with his license suspended, the reaction was swift and immediate. The courts let him off with a 195,000 yen fine (roughly $1,800) for driving without a license and parking illegally. A hefty fine, but then Matsuzaka was making plenty of money, and it didn't really hurt him. But then the baseball team stepped in. They confined him to his house for the remainder of the baseball season (about a month). He had to cancel his trip to the U.S. to see the World Series, and did not participate in that year's all-star series between Japanese baseball and Major League Baseball, despite his appearance being much anticipated. His endorsement contracts were cancelled, costing him millions of dollars. The president of the team, the manager, and other executives publicly apologized at a press conference, with the obligatory deep bow for the cameras.

I don't know about other countries, but I think this reaction would be far out of proportion with what would happen if an American athlete did the same thing. They'd get fined by the courts, it'd make a small story in the papers, and then it would blow over pretty quickly. Not in Japan, though. Not for Matsuzaka.

So while this punishment may seem incredibly harsh to those outside Japan, it's fairly par for the course in these kinds of situations.

Edited August 1, 2007 by Hananotaka

[Ruziklao]

So while this punishment may seem incredibly harsh to those outside Japan, it's fairly par for the course in these kinds of situations.

... or as is expressed in the other topic (Asa in hot water again), it is considered too lax by about 2/3 of voters in the poll ... :-S

Edited August 1, 2007 by Ruziklao

[Kaioshoryu]

The story is actually being reported on the website of Norway's biggest newspaper VG, the first time I have ever seen anything about sumo in there.

http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=199856

[nirumaruyama]

I agree with Peterao. The people calling this a witch hunt and saying the Kyokai is just trying to get Asashoryu for xenophobic reasons obviously have no experience with Japanese culture and the extreme pressure placed on public figures.

I agree with what you are saying Hananotaka except on two points which I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) relate to my first post on this topic.

1) I never mentioned race/ xenophobia or anything to do with this being a Japan vs. foreign rikishi issue. I don't believe xenophobia has anythign to do with this. However, Asashoryu is an unpopular yokozuna within the sumo world and the media have not been slow to pick up and build on this. That's why I refer to this being a witch hunt. Nothing to do with race.

2) I have quite a lot of experience with Japanese culture having lived and worked in Japan, having worked with the Japanese embassy in Ireland and I have a Japanese fiancee, who has worked in the Japanese public sector. I am well acquainted with Japanese public figures and their pressure. My first post may have been written quickly but not in ignorance.

[Asashosakari]

I never mentioned race/ xenophobia or anything to do with this being a Japan vs. foreign rikishi issue. ... I have quite a lot of experience with Japanese culture having lived and worked in Japan, having worked with the Japanese embassy in Ireland and I have a Japanese fiancee, who has worked in the Japanese public sector. I am well acquainted with Japanese public figures and their pressure. My first post may have been written quickly but not in ignorance.

Hananotaka was likely referring to a bunch of posters in the other thread, not you. Incidentally, this thread really ought to be merged into that other one since the discussion is getting splintered quite a bit right now, leading to such misunderstandings as this one, when people are making references across threads...

Edited August 1, 2007 by Asashosakari

[Randomitsuki]

Incidentally, this thread really ought to be merged into that other one since the discussion is getting splintered quite a bit right now, leading to such misunderstandings as this one, when people are making references across threads...

Topics were merged with the surgical precision of a blind butcher.

[Peterao]

The only way possible for Asashoryu to get back into the good graces of the fans and the NSK is to go into full blown "reflection mode" He should go to all the jungyo on his own accord (ie, he pays for it himself), stand outside the entrance and personally bow and apologize to every fan who asks for an apology. If he makes the "easy choice" and quits, then he does not deserve to ever be thought of as a great yokozuna.

Any way to convey that idea to him? That would be an excellent move.

Alas, for it to be proper reflection, it can't be something he's told to do. He needs to think this out for himself.

[madorosumaru]

Jiji Press reported that the "grounded" yokozuna received a house call from the doctor for treatment for his injuries.

Asashoryu did not respond to media requests for comment, but reporters got this from the doctor as he left Ryu's residence: "[The yokozuna told me that] 'I want to do sumo. I like Japan and I like the Japanese people. I love sumo, so I will continue to gambarize.'"

[Ikh Mongol Dagvadorj]

[The yokozuna told me that] 'I want to do sumo. I like Japan and I like the Japanese people. I love sumo, so I will continue to gambarize.'"

awesome.

daravch daldaina, bulavch bultaina daa

Edited August 1, 2007 by Ikh Mongol Dagvadorj

[ilovesumo]

Jiji Press reported that the "grounded" yokozuna received a house call from the doctor for treatment for his injuries.

Asashoryu did not respond to media requests for comment, but reporters got this from the doctor as he left Ryu's residence: "[The yokozuna told me that] 'I want to do sumo. I like Japan and I like the Japanese people. I love sumo, so I will continue to gambarize.'"

Good! (Tears forming...)

[Kintamayama]

"Should I stay or should I go?'

[madorosumaru]

As mentioned in an earlier post, there were conflicting views within the Kyokai. According to inside sources, Kitanoumi Riicho was livid when he first heard about the soccer incident, but he was intent on taking a prudent tack in the matter and was thinking in terms of an one-month "kinshin shobun" (confinement to quarters) and/or a fine. However, the anger toward the yokozuna kept growing by the day, stirred up by the jungyo department and the people at the tour venues.

The Rijicho knows Asashoryu well, "Despite his appearances, he is in reality a [sensitive wimp] 気が小さい." The head honcho was afraid the yokozuna would be pushed to the edge and leave ozumo. However, he just could not hold back the tidal wave of criticism.

Takasago Oyakata and Asashoryu, through the oyakata, have made statements to the effect that they humbly accept the punishment and that the yokozuna will continue with his treatments in order to be ready for the Winter Jungyo in December and Hatsu Basho.

The doctor that was quoted earlier also had this to say, "[The yokozuna looked a bit dejected but said he would gambarize and show everyone some good sumo at Hatsu Basho."

Many observers are concerned for Ryu's mental state. Those that know him feel it would be difficult for an active guy like the yokozuna to sit still at home for four months. They are afraid he might one day just bolt and head for Mongolia. "Those that are close to him must keep him calm and collected." Takasago Oyakata said, "If there is even an attempt at going back to Mongolia, I will personally go to Narita and grab him by his neck and drag him back."

Everyone knows this is Ryu's last chance. Kokonoe Oyakata (former yokozuna Chiyonofuji) put it simply: "There will be no next time."

[Kintamayama]

More related stuff:

Takasago Oyakata , who is the PR chief of the Kyokai, was not even allowed to participate in the press conference that dished out the sentence. He was also not allowed to participate in the proceedings which led to the punishment.

Tanigawa K1 honcho guy has already sent feelers. "I'd be daft not to look into this possibility", he explained. Asa in K-1? Definitely won't repeat Akebono's "success'.

Takasago Oyakata has been "punished" once before, for participating in a golf competition run by a gangster organization.

Running in the KK hall to hear the verdict:

Edited August 1, 2007 by Kintamayama

[yamaneko]

im remembering now my previous thread a couple weeks ago talking about how for the first time in a while it seemed like for the upcoming basho there werent any real interesting storylines. Wow how fast that can change!

[Ikh Mongol Dagvadorj]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=yyyorbDbJCc

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=o1Calwm2rn8

Edited August 2, 2007 by Ikh Mongol Dagvadorj