Asashouryuu return preparations

[Jakusotsu]

Instead, he will just return home and become a Yokozuna in Mongolian wrestling.

I doubt that would be as easy as You make it sound. Those guys are no pushovers, and Asashoryu will be far beyond his pinnacle when he starts at Naadam from scratch.

[paolo]

I think Kintamayama is right and wrong at the same time. Kintamayama is right: if Asashoryu is as proud as he seems to be, he could have said "f..k off" to all of them, and many people would have agreed with him. Kintamayama is wrong: the above would have given his "enemies" a great satisfaction that Asashoryu did not want to give them, and he wants at least to try to come back and break everyone and everything. Kintamayama is right: Asashoryu will be asked to do a lot of apologies and different actions that many people could find unbearable. Kintamayama may be right or wrong: if Asashoryu is fiercely determined to come back, he will be able to bear everything: after all, as many members of this forum have pointed out many times, Japanese apologies are formal... When you have "apologized" once, then doing it again and again can be easier (you can just consider it a formality). And anyway, if you get fed up about it, you will have many opportunities to send everybody to the hell in every moment ! The points are: a) is Asashoryu strong and determined enough to resist the pressure ? After all he is only 26 years old. b) what are his physical/athletic/technical conditions now ? The only thing that he cannot afford at all is to come back, to accept all, and not to be a winner any more.

[Kintamayama]

"I'd like the journalists to prepare well and ask Asashouryuu difficult questions-ones he can't skate around and answer vaguely. Don't fall into the Kameda trap!!", demanded Ms. Uchidate of the journalists. Kameda Kouki is the boxer who had a similar apology interview a while back, but evidently the questions asked were insufficient, albeit Ms. Uchidate. OTOH, she is demanding a "Kameda style press conference", insomuch as it had no time limit.

Edited December 2, 2007 by Kintamayama

[paolo]

"I'd like the journalists to prepare well and ask Asashouryuu difficult questions-ones he can't skate around and answer vaguely. Don't fall into the Kameda trap!!", demanded Ms. Uchidate of the journalists. Kameda Kouki is the boxer who had a similar apology interview a while back, but evidently the questions asked were insufficient, albeit Ms. Uchidate. OTOH, she is demanding a "Kameda style press conference", insomuch as it had no time limit.

Something I did not find in previous posts: has any journalist ever asked the extraordinary and fantastic Ms. Uchidate what she exactly expects and requires Asashoryu to do ? I suggest for instance some possible actions: kneeling down, crying a lot, keeping his head very low, kissing Ms. Uchidate's feet, repeating ten times "forgive me, forgive me" .... Otherwise how can Asashoryu know if his apologies will be accepted ?

[Kintamayama]

I suggest for instance some possible actions: kneeling down, crying a lot, keeping his head very low, kissing Ms. Uchidate's feet, repeating ten times "forgive me, forgive me" .... Otherwise how can Asashoryu know if his apologies will be accepted ?

Interestingly, this: "He knows how to use his tears well.. He also knows how to change his heart, Asashouryuu.. He'll get by this skillfully..", said an unnamed Ichimon Oyakata. The quote is from Yuukan Fuji, as was the above quote from Ms.

[Kintamayama]

I think Kintamayama is right and wrong at the same time. Kintamayama is right: if Asashoryu is as proud as he seems to be, he could have said "f..k off" to all of them, and many people would have agreed with him.

Just to clarify-initially, I think he should have done as he did, i.e. take the punishment that was dished out. The finger should be flashed now, when it seems like he is going to be subjected to a seemingly endless parade of apologies.. There is a limit to everything.

[Shomishuu]

I was always under the impression that his pride is what leads him in his deeds. Hence the various problems. His pride will be hurt in a very grave way if he goes along with this full circus. OTOH, if he manages to rebound and be dominating like in the past, all this is moot.

Looking at all that has happened, I come to the acrid opinion that Asashoryu has always exhibited an appearance of pride, and not pride as most of us think of it. After he was suspended, a prideful man would have stepped up, faced up and spoken out in some manner. Instead, he hid out. He many have taken internal pride in his own abilities on the dohyo, even in his practice regimen, etc. But a willingness to work hard at being dominant is not pride. It simply means he likes to kick arse so much he'll do whatever is necessary to make it happen. I wouldn't call that pride.

I have written several times over the past two years that it was easy for Asashoryu (or for anyone) to be magnanimous when everything was going his way, but the real test would come when things went south. The test results are in.

He's had four months to show some pride. Why would he start now?

[Kintamayama]

Looking at all that has happened, I come to the acrid opinion that Asashoryu has always exhibited an appearance of pride, and not pride as most of us think of it. After he was suspended, a prideful man would have stepped up, faced up and spoken out in some manner. Instead, he hid out. He many have taken internal pride in his own abilities on the dohyo, even in his practice regimen, etc. But a willingness to work hard at being dominant is not pride. It simply means he likes to kick arse so much he'll do whatever is necessary to make it happen. I wouldn't call that pride.

I have written several times over the past two years that it was easy for Asashoryu (or for anyone) to be magnanimous when everything was going his way, but the real test would come when things went south. The test results are in.

He's had four months to show some pride. Why would he start now?

So you are saying that Asashouryuu is actually a totally prideless guy who would do anything for a win? You better duck- the Mongolian fans will go after you..

[Ikh Mongol Dagvadorj]

He's had four months to show some pride. Why would he start now?

How he supposed to show some pride ( the pride of your understanding) ?

Seems like we have different thinking and thought process about "pride"?

[HenryK]

"I'd like the journalists to prepare well and ask Asashouryuu difficult questions-ones he can't skate around and answer vaguely. Don't fall into the Kameda trap!!", demanded Ms. Uchidate of the journalists. Kameda Kouki is the boxer who had a similar apology interview a while back, but evidently the questions asked were insufficient, albeit Ms. Uchidate. OTOH, she is demanding a "Kameda style press conference", insomuch as it had no time limit.

I guess "witch hunt" is the common word to describe the behavior of the beautiful and impartial Ms. Uchidate.

All of course perfectly acceptabe within the honorable and competent NSK. (Typing at computer...)

[HenryK]

I was always under the impression that his pride is what leads him in his deeds. Hence the various problems. His pride will be hurt in a very grave way if he goes along with this full circus. OTOH, if he manages to rebound and be dominating like in the past, all this is moot.

Looking at all that has happened, I come to the acrid opinion that Asashoryu has always exhibited an appearance of pride, and not pride as most of us think of it. After he was suspended, a prideful man would have stepped up, faced up and spoken out in some manner. Instead, he hid out. He many have taken internal pride in his own abilities on the dohyo, even in his practice regimen, etc. But a willingness to work hard at being dominant is not pride. It simply means he likes to kick arse so much he'll do whatever is necessary to make it happen. I wouldn't call that pride.

I have written several times over the past two years that it was easy for Asashoryu (or for anyone) to be magnanimous when everything was going his way, but the real test would come when things went south. The test results are in.

He's had four months to show some pride. Why would he start now?

(Typing at computer...) (Whistling...)

My goodness to what lenghts some folks go to absolutely detect alledged character flaws in Asashoryu that are supposed to become apparent while he is witchhunted by the NSK and its honorable YDC ("when things go south"). And not only do they try hard to convince themselves, they seriously expect adult persons would share their obsession.

Who cares whether Asashoryu "apologizes" or not. By itself this is as important as whether a bicycle falls over in Beijing. What matters is: the best rikishi needs to come back, and quickly so. Otherwise the next basho will again be a lame fake show dominated by beyond-their-due-date Ozekis. The rest is screen smoke.

Edited November 30, 2007 by HenryK

[Shomishuu]

Looking at all that has happened, I come to the acrid opinion that Asashoryu has always exhibited an appearance of pride, and not pride as most of us think of it. After he was suspended, a prideful man would have stepped up, faced up and spoken out in some manner. Instead, he hid out. He many have taken internal pride in his own abilities on the dohyo, even in his practice regimen, etc. But a willingness to work hard at being dominant is not pride. It simply means he likes to kick arse so much he'll do whatever is necessary to make it happen. I wouldn't call that pride.

I have written several times over the past two years that it was easy for Asashoryu (or for anyone) to be magnanimous when everything was going his way, but the real test would come when things went south. The test results are in.

He's had four months to show some pride. Why would he start now?

o you are saying that Asashouryuu is actually a totally prideless guy who would do anything for a win? You better duck- the Mongolian fans will go after you..

I'm glad they're not alone, because it has nothing to do with where he comes from, but everything to do with his actions. I supported him in the past when others wanted his scalp, for all kinds of reasons - many of them quite flimsy. But I was always waiting for some adversity to come along, just to see how he'd deal with it. When it showed up and he went underground, I was disillusioned and almost felt betrayed. I say "almost" because after all, sumo is still a diversion...it's not my life.

Totally prideless? Do anything? These are fuzzy impressions of degree...sorry, I'll pass. I'll just go back to what happened right after he was suspended. I was waiting for him to to speak up and say something - anything. "What the *&^# are they doing?" or "I screwed up, but so did they!" or "What in blazes?" or something. Instead, he wrapped himself in a blanket and disappeared - for four months!

So pride means different things to different people...that's hardly a surprise.

Regardless, I hope Asashoryu somehow comes back strong because I think that would be good for sumo, and because it would afford him a chance to finally figure things out. The argument over who needs who the most - ozumo or Asashoryu - is ridiculous because it all depends on what's in the minds of those directly affected, and we don't really know what they are thinking anyway (well, I guess we do know where Oshima oyakata stands. (Typing at computer...) ).

[yoda]

YDC and likes of Uchidate, and Japanese public at large are not witch hunting, in my opinion. They have legit concern, and responsibility to act tough. That is their job and they have to do it, not because they want it so badly. I don't like their decision and proceedings from the begining. But what can I do? I will have to live with it. Imagine, if someone of foreign origin comes to Mongolia and acts deplorably against their traditions, the same thing will happen.

I also understand why Asashoryu acted the way he acted. He never faced a real defeat in his life, so he never developed a sense of guilt. He just couldn't take this punishment, and rebels in a way he could only do it. He is smart enough not to say fuck you guys and leave the arena, or oops I did it because I didn't know the rules.

I've been told that his brother is actually very critical of him, not the NSK decisions, comparing the incident with breaching his company contract.

I think Asa is coming back with clear plan in mind, not just to show up and see what happens.

In the end, no one is deliberately playing evil here. It is just such an unfortunate incident, and everybody will have to get over it one or the other way.

[paolo]

Just to know, where is the man now ? On the plane ? At what time is he arriving ? At what time is his first visit to YDC scheduled ? I hope these are not too many stupid questions... Thanks.

[Cassia]

Just to know, where is the man now ? On the plane ? At what time is he arriving ? At what time is his first visit to YDC scheduled ? I hope these are not too many stupid questions... Thanks.

SFM has a man in the bushes next to the Kokugikan and this is what we've got so far. There are 27 TV trucks, 8 satellite dishes and about 50 media. We just heard (at 16:24 Japan time) that he's in the car and just got off the motorway on the way to the Kokugikan. I saw him on the 4 o'clock news arriving at the airport and he was in kimono but with a ponytail. You'd think they could've fixed his hair before the Press saw him...

[Cassia]

Asashoryu just arrived at the Kokugikan (for those who can't see it).

The sign says, "Asashoryu, Welcome Back"

[Washuyama]

He's (and Takasago) live on Japanese TV right now, answering questions from the press. Unfortunately I have no idea what they're saying. But, from the looks of things, he's patiently answering all their questions.

Edited November 30, 2007 by Washuyama

[paolo]

Asashoryu just arrived at the Kokugikan (for those who can't see it).

The sign says, "Asashoryu, Welcome Back"

Thank you for your information. As far as you know, are there any signs which say "Asashoryu go home" or "Asashoryu you are a shame to sumo" or similar ? If something like that had happened in Italy for a soccer player, there would certainly be a mix of signs in favour and against .....

Thanks.

[Cassia]

Asashoryu just arrived at the Kokugikan (for those who can't see it).

The sign says, "Asashoryu, Welcome Back"

Thank you for your information. As far as you know, are there any signs which say "Asashoryu go home" or "Asashoryu you are a shame to sumo" or similar ? If something like that had happened in Italy for a soccer player, there would certainly be a mix of signs in favour and against .....

Thanks.

Hehehe - not that we've seen. Maybe Ms Uchidate is out there with one..

Someone just wondered if he was fingerprinted at the airport. Talk about letting dodgy characters into the country...

[Otokonoyama]

Foreign celebrities are routinely fingerprinted upon entering the US, and I imagine it is no different with the new law in Japan. Naturally, VIP facilities are available, but the immigration procedures apply to all.

[Cassia]

Foreign celebrities are routinely fingerprinted upon entering the US, and I imagine it is no different with the new law in Japan. Naturally, VIP facilities are available, but the immigration procedures apply to all.

I was being facetious...

[Kintamayama]

Asa went to the special YDC meeting to apologize. "I profoundly apologize. From now on, I will return to my initial intentions and will make a great effort", he said, with his Oyakata standing by him. The YDC seems to have been totally appeased by this apology. "He apologized well at the KKan. The cloudy skies have become sunny", said former chairman Ishibashi. It lasted 20 minutes and 3-4 members asked him various questions. "His attitude was positive and he was meek and bowed his head. It seemed as if he truly has been reflecting upon his deeds", said a satisfied Ms. Uchidate. Chairman Ebisawa did add, however, that any sort of repetition of this kind of conduct would be met more harshly the next time, but added, " Let's leave this all behind. We shall be watching carefully in the future.."

At the party:

Edited December 2, 2007 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama]

Asashouryuu first apologized at a press conference at the Kkan today. "I've caused a lot of trouble for everyone for a long time, and for that I apologize from the bottom of my heart..", he said. He added that for a while he had gotten out of shape but he has returned in good shape. He also admitted he had a hard time seeing anyone for a while, but after returning to his homeland he has recuperated mentally as well. "I shall gambarize", he promised.

[Kintamayama]

Asashouryuu left a -17 degrees Mongolia and landed at Narita at 14: 35 wearing a deep blue kimono and a hurriedly done-up impromptu hairstyle. He was seen smiling from time to time and seemed at ease. After finishing the formalities, he got into a car at 15:35 and left the airport, arriving at the KKan at 17:19. 19 minutes later than scheduled. At the press club, he arrived with Takasago Oyakata to a waiting crowd of 100 journalists and 10 TV cameras. His mage was in order and he changed into a hakama. Expecting a lot of hostile questions, he answered the questions calmly. "I was asked, and I agreed..It's my own doing..", he said of the soccer game, using the "shimatta" ending that has a connotation of making a mistake. (Yatteshimatta..). asked about the story in a Mongolian paper about him getting drunk in a bar and causing trouble, he said, "It's a good newspaper with good intentions..". He denied the story. Asked about the dignity of a Yokozuna, he answered: " I did a terrible thing and I feel the responsibility. I will gambarize and will not lose my way". Takasago was asked questions too. "I shall try my best and do a better job of teaching my deshi", he said. When pressed by the press on how exactly he meant to do this, he answered "I'll take it step by step", visibly annoyed.

Kitanoumi rijicho was nowhere to be seen. He had business to attend to at Fukuoka. Not bothering to be around when sumo's current number one scandal was being addressed raised many questions among the assembled people.

49 minutes, and Asa was off to the YDC for the next party.

Edited December 2, 2007 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama]

You are saying that Asashouryuu is actually a totally prideless guy who would do anything for a win? You better duck- the Mongolian fans will go after you..

I'm glad they're not alone, because it has nothing to do with where he comes from, but everything to do with his actions. I supported him in the past when others wanted his scalp, for all kinds of reasons - many of them quite flimsy. But I was always waiting for some adversity to come along, just to see how he'd deal with it. When it showed up and he went underground, I was disillusioned and almost felt betrayed. I say "almost" because after all, sumo is still a diversion...it's not my life.

Totally prideless? Do anything? These are fuzzy impressions of degree...sorry, I'll pass. I'll just go back to what happened right after he was suspended. I was waiting for him to to speak up and say something - anything. "What the *&^# are they doing?" or "I screwed up, but so did they!" or "What in blazes?" or something. Instead, he wrapped himself in a blanket and disappeared - for four months!

So pride means different things to different people...that's hardly a surprise.

Regardless, I hope Asashoryu somehow comes back strong because I think that would be good for sumo, and because it would afford him a chance to finally figure things out. The argument over who needs who the most - ozumo or Asashoryu - is ridiculous because it all depends on what's in the minds of those directly affected, and we don't really know what they are thinking anyway (well, I guess we do know where Oshima oyakata stands. (Sigh...) ).

Yes, I have to agree with everything you wrote. I just can't seem to treat this as objectively as I thought I could..