Ryu and His Barber

[madorosumaru]

They say one's barber and bartender are two guys that a person would confide to. Such also is the case of Yokozuna Asashoryu, who genuinely respects senior tokoyama Tokoju.

Here are snippets from an interview of the two during the recent jungyo.

(Upon Tokoju's entrance into the room, Asashoryu points at his injured calf)

Y[okozuna]: Hey, take a look. I'm still young. It hurt so much that I was worried, but it healed really quickly. It still hurts a bit deep inside but I can press it with my finger and it doesn't hurt. [Earlier] it was so painful that I could scream.

M[agazine]: After the yokozuna won yusho in Haru Basho, there was an image of the two of you shaking hands on television. Tokoju-san, did you also feel something special?

T[okoju]: It was something that was different from before. I had my own, my very personal feelings. You know, there was that matter from last year and the yokozuna got flipped over on senshuraku in January. I thought it was all over for him. It was quite an achievement to have come back that far but, still, if he had lost in Osaka, people would have given up on him. So, there was something that affected me deep inside. Well, it was a great sense of relief. Now, he can probably go on for another two years. [laugh]

Y: Ha ha ha. [weak smile]

T: How old will you be in two years? 29? That's about it. You won't last till 30.

Y: Nah, I plan to gambarize until I'm 36. [laugh]

T: Really? Thirty-something, huh? You're going to continue with sumo for eight more years? [laugh]

Y: Chiyonofuji-san became a yokozuna at age 26.

T: That's right. Kokonoe-san got promoted when he was 26.

Y: And he kept going until he was 36.

T: Yep. And he won 31 yusho.

M: So, yokozuna, how many yusho do you think you can achieve?

Y: Well, there is always the question of one's physical shape.

T: You have 22 currently. I think, maybe, 25 or 26? How many did Kitanoumi Rijicho have?

Y: He had 24. I sure would like to surpass the rijicho's record.

T: Taiho-san had 33, didn't he?

Y: No, Taiho-san had 32 and Chiyonofuji-san 31. Next comes Kitanoumi-san with 24.

T: Uh huh. 25 or 26, for sure. No mistake about that. You'll be third in history. That should be enough. The youngsters will be coming up the ranks. You shouldn't be all that greedy. [laugh]

M: Yokozuna, it seems like Tokoju-san is someone who would say a few appropriate words to you when you are going through worries or difficult times. Is that correct?

Y: He is a very important existence to me. It's not that he advises me on sumo per se but when I am at sea, he is a constant source of power. I am very grateful to him.

T: I don't want to toot my own horn, but I have been in the sumo world for 49, 50 years. I am like a living encyclopedia of sumo. From time to time, when we have shared a few drinks, I would tell a thing or two to the yokozuna about sumodo or how things are in the world of sumo.

M: Tokoju-san's oicho mage is known for its aesthetic beauty. Yokozuna, how is it different from the others?

Y: It has the essense of stability. There are many rikishi but he makes sure mine is just right for me. He always does my hair during honbashi. I am sorry to say but with some of the other tokoyama at jungyo, it is just not the same. Lot of small details would bother me.

T: The yokozuna is a very earnest, straight-forward fellow. He really looks good with an oicho. Chiyonofuji-san was also well-suited for the oicho.

Y: It doesn't get mussed during a bout. When I flip it like this (demonstrates), it will fall right back in place.

T: It makes me very happy when you say that.

M: Do you do anything special? Any special technique?

T: The yokozuna works twice--no, three or four times--as hard as others in preparing for bouts. If I tied the topknot in a normal manner, it would not last. In my 50 years, I have not seen a rikishi do so much prep work in the dressing room. [laugh] I think that's the way it should be. He gets his body warmed up and his spirits on a high and goes on the dohyo ready and eager.

Y: That's all true. But the aesthetics is different. He really works at getting the mage to match the shape of the rikishi's head. After he does my hair, I'll check the mirror in the bathroom and realize once again it's well-done and beautiful. Everyday, when he coifs my hair, I would get into the proper spirit to go onto the dohyo.

T: Yeah, that's what he would say in the early days. These days, he takes me for granted. He just glances at me and says, "The usual."

Y: Ha ha ha. I am truly appreciative for what you do for me.

T: I've done the hair of [many other top rikishi in history]. And I have been doing the yokozuna's hair for about five years. He has changed a lot over that time. The thing that I like the most is that he has a true sense of the family--a virtue that the [modern] Japanese seem to be in process of forgetting. There are people who bad-mouth him for one thing or another but he is not that kind of man. I have been around him and that's what I believe. He takes good care of the young guys of the heya. He can, of course, be strict at times but that's okay. You need both the strictness and the gentleness. Without the strictness, the appeal for sumo would be zero.

M: Yokozuna, you call Tokoju-san "Sensei." That's not just because he is a "teacher of tokoyama skills."

Y: That's right. It emcompasses all the [respectful] feelings I have for him.

T: I think he calls me that because I was born first. [laugh] (ed. The characters 先生 can mean just that)

Y: No. Because you are the Grand Master. The Great Teacher. You are the inspiration to my heart in the dressing room. No, not just the dressing room. At the keiko-ba, you would yell at me to "Do more keiko." You would taunt me, "How many did you win last basho? 12? If you did more keiko, you would have won 13." [laugh] He would say things to me that really hurt but I know are true. [laugh]

T: Well, I am older than his father. So, he actually listens to what I have to say. Of course, most of the time, he would not comply immediately but he would mend his ways later on. [laugh]

Y: That's right. I can't argue that. That's why I call him "Sensei." [laugh]

M: Haru Basho also ended with a yokozuna confrontation for yusho. What do you think of Natsu Basho?

Y: I think the fans really enjoyed the Duel of the Yokozuna. I was the Solo Yokozuna for about four years. I am really glad there is a new yokozuna.

T: The "SRO" banner was displayed about 10 times. I think ticket sales should be good for Natsu.

M: The rijicho said a yusho would signfy a comeback. But, you, yokozuna, may not consider a 13-2 yusho to be a fulfilling return.

Y: Yeah, there is still the matter of injuries. To tell the truth, I did think about zensho in Haru. Then, I lost like that (injuring leg against Kotomitsuki). When you start getting dinged up over minor things, you begin to think that you're getting old. However, I am still able to recover quickly. [laugh]

T: Yes. He really surprises me. the other day at Yasukuni, his calf was all black-and-blue. Now, it's already healed. [laugh]

Y: It was so painful I needed an injection. I couldn't even go out. I finally went out drinking last night. Hey, I am still young.

M: How about a few final words?

T: The yokozuna won in Osaka. If he can keep this state of mind, he can go for at least another three years. He should win 25 or 26 yusho, no problema. Of course, there won't be any more seven straight yusho like before. [laugh] The opponents have all gotten stronger. Umm, 25 or 26 means three more? Maybe, that's a bit pessimistic.

Y: Hey, I'd like to win a few more than that. [laugh]

T: Well, let's say one more this year and three next year . . . Yep, I guess you can reach 30. It's one thing to say 30, but life is not that easy. When you get hurt at around age 30, it is really difficult to recover and come back.

Y: I am 28 this year. I am still young.

T: OK. You can win some more before 30, and after you turn 31, you can pick up one a year [for a few more years]. Then, you can give thought to hanging them up. [laugh] That's enough.

Y: Tokoju-san, it looks like you'll be gone before me. [laugh] You'll be retiring this year. Who's going to be doing my hair? I am really concerned. Well, since this is your last year, I will do my very best not to shame your beautiful oicho.

T: He he. Thanks for saying that. The yokozuna is one that walks his own path. Things are not always good. There are bad times. People will always give him grief. But, lately, he has been a fine yokozuna--one that does the rank proud.

[Babaryutaikai]

Thank you so much for this translation. The Yokozuna really loves his tokoyama and it will be a sad day when Tokoju-sensei has to retire.I've always seen the yokozuna relax and gain an aura of serenity during his oicho making.

[Umigame]

This was fascinating. I had no idea the tokoyama would so playfully disrespectful to a yokozuna. I guess that's possible because he is high-ranked as a tokoyama, and is older than Ryu(?).

Thanks for the translation!

(Being unsure...)

Edited May 18, 2008 by Umigame

[ilovesumo]

Great one. Thank you very much. (Being unsure...)

The irony of both is priceless...

[Naganoyama]

Great piece of work! Thanks. (Laughing...)

[Blue_Wolf]

Absolutely fascinating. Thanks a lot.

[Kintamayama]

(Applauding...) (Laughing...)

[Sasanishiki]

Tokoju-san of course retired at the conclusion of the Kyushu basho. Here is a story that was carried in yesterday's Yuukan Fuji:

"Singing at former komusubi Fujinishiki's casket - Tokoju's karaoke of tears"

Now is the time of end of year parties and the season of karaoke. No doubt this year with the financial crisis there will be people reluctant to grasp the microphone, but there is someone related to ozumo who five years ago sang with a choked voice and sad tears. It is the famous top class tokoyama Tokoju (real name - Hinahata Takatoshi), who is better known as the person who used to fix yokozuna Asashoryu's oicho, who retired at the conclusion of the Kyushu basho.

Tokoju will receive the Japan Professional Sport Services to Sport Award on the 25th of this month, showing the respect with which he is held for his 50 years behind the scenes in ozumo.

It was on Dec 17, 2003 that the previous Takasago, Ichimiya Akira (former komusubi Fujinishiki), also lovingly known as Heiwa-chan during his active career, passed away due to chronic renal failure, aged 66. He collapsed at home in the morning and died suddenly that day. Ichimiya-san had reached the mandatory retirement age a year before and left the Kyokai, but he appeared unexpectedly at the Kyushu basho only a month before his death. He went on a drinking session with Tokoju, former deshi Nishikido oyakata (former sekiwake Mitoizumi) and others.

Ichimiya-san loved enka (Japanese folk ballads), but for whatever reason he only ever sang two songs: Ookawa Eisaku's "Sazanka no yado" and Itsuki Hiroshi's "Nagaragawa-enka". On this occasion Tokoju asked "Oyakata, which one will it be tonight" and with a beaming smile he replied "It's Nagaragawa-enka". Ichimiya-san's funeral was a solemn affair five days after his death. However, two nights beforehand, with drunken vigour, Tokoju turned up at the oyakata's house with a karaoke set and in front of the casket he sang the oyakata's two favourite songs.

Originally Tokoju had held hopes of being a singer, and he was good enough to have a song released by Victor Records. This time, as might be expected, his singing was full of sorrow nad he had a heavy heart. "But you know, the okamisan was really pleased and said my singing was the best memorial for the oyakata" Tokoju said at a later date.

On receiving the Japan Professional Sport Services to Sport Award, "I can't believe I'm winning such an award. It's thanks to all the people who have helped me develop over my career" Tokoju said reservedly. On the night of the award, without doubt Tokoju will be grabbing a mike somewhere.

Edited December 18, 2008 by Sasanishiki

[Orion]

Tokoju-san of course retired at the conclusion of the Kyushu basho. Here is a story that was carried in yesterday's Yuukan Fuji:

...the famous top class tokoyama Tokoju (real name - Hinahata Takatoshi), who is better known as the person who used to fix yokozuna Asashoryu's oicho, who retired at the conclusion of the Kyushu basho.

Tokoju will receive the Japan Professional Sport Services to Sport Award on the 25th of this month, showing the respect with which he is held for his 50 years behind the scenes in ozumo."

In the September basho Tokuju also had an honor I think is unique for a tokoyama: his name was on one of the nobori (banners) put up in front of the Kokugikan.

Orion

[shimodahito]

wow! what a great translation! very insightful....

i am awed by they great contributers that the forum has....

-shimodahito

[madorosumaru]

Asashoryu had promised Tokoju a ride on the yusho parade vehicle to commemorate his barber's retirement last November. Ryu couldn't fulfill it in Kyushu but he was able to honor the older man yesterday after winning the yusho for Hatsu Basho.

As you can discern from earlier in the thread, Ryu is very close to his former barber. In fact, he had dinner twice with him recently--once the day before Shonichi and then again on Day 7. Mr. Hinahata (real name for Tokuju) told the press: "He didn't drink any alcohol and he went home by 9 p.m. I think he had a lot riding on this basho."

As for the yokozuna's future, the former-Tokoju opined, "He should be good for two or three more years."

[Beisaikyou]

First I've read this thread. What a fascinating relationship. Tokoju sounds like a stand-up guy. :D

[madorosumaru]

Tokoju was clearly moved by the yokozuna's gesture. After the ride on the triumphant Yusho-Mobile, the retired tokoyama could not hold back his emotions. "This has been the best day of my life," he said, misty-eyed.

For his part, Asashoryu did not forget to make a reference to his favorite barber in his press conference. Asked about his feelings after winning yusho, he quipped, "There sure is a lot of TV coverage. When I saw Tokoju Sensei [on all the screens], I knew then that I must have won the championship."

As for the yokozuna's future, the former-Tokoju opined, "He should be good for two or three more years."

The reporters should have been satisfied with this expert assessment. Instead, here is an exchange from the press conference.

Reporter: How many more years can you keep going?

Asashoryu: Haven't the foggiest.

Reporter: How about five years?

Asashoryu: Ha ha ha.

Reporter: Three years?

Asashoryu: You sure are a tenacious one, ain't ya?

[madorosumaru]

The retired Tokoju was recently a featured speaker at a lecture in Yokohama. In front of a large audience, the former top-ranked hairdresser of Ozumo reminisced about "My Years With the Oicho" and his relationship with Yokozuna Asashoryu.

The 65-year-old Tokoju said he arrived in Tokyo in 1959 from Aomori as a 15-year-old, hoping for "any job at all in Ozumo." He found a home at Takasago Beya, and while doing odd jobs, learned the tokoyama trade by observing the work of seniors. In his 50 years in the world of sumo, he had worked on countless oicho for a number of famous sekitori, but he has a special fondness for Asashoryu, for whom he was the personal stylist for the last six years.

He said of the troubled yokozuna: "He has the understanding of giri-ninjo that is rare among modern Japanese."

The tokoyama also recalled fondly of his ride on the yusho-mobile in January, which Ryu promised him as a "retirement gift." "I felt like I was on top of the world."

As for the state of Ozumo, he said categorically, "There will not be any Japanese yokozuna in the near future. The Japanese rikishi have lost the 'Hungry Spirit.' In order to succeed, a rikishi would have to rise before everyone else in the morning to engage in keiko."

[Jakusotsu]

"In order to succeed, a rikishi would have to rise before everyone else in the morning to engage in keiko."

And who would that be if not the plethora of low-ranked Japanese rikishi? (In a state of confusion...)

[Chisaiyama]

"In order to succeed, a rikishi would have to rise before everyone else in the morning to engage in keiko."

And who would that be if not the plethora of low-ranked Japanese rikishi? (In a state of confusion...)

Unfortunately that would be the non-sekitori, low-ranked Japanese rikishi thus not the current crop of Yokozuna wannabees. Therefore the "not in the near future" statement.

[Jakusotsu]

"In order to succeed, a rikishi would have to rise before everyone else in the morning to engage in keiko."

And who would that be if not the plethora of low-ranked Japanese rikishi? (In a state of confusion...)

Unfortunately that would be the non-sekitori, low-ranked Japanese rikishi thus not the current crop of Yokozuna wannabees. Therefore the "not in the near future" statement.

Doesn't make any more sense either.

[Asashosakari]

Doesn't make any more sense either.

Surely it was simply meant to imply that a rising star would have to keep showing up early for keiko, even once his status doesn't require it any longer?

[Jakusotsu]

Surely it was simply meant to imply that a rising star would have to keep showing up early for keiko, even once his status doesn't require it any longer?

Yes, I guessed so, but if that was to be true, no yokozuna would have ever emerged.

[Asafan]

He said of the troubled yokozuna: "He has the understanding of giri-ninjo that is rare among modern Japanese."

Would somebody be kind enough to explain this term ?

Thanks (In a state of confusion...)

[Otokonoyama]

He said of the troubled yokozuna: "He has the understanding of giri-ninjo that is rare among modern Japanese."

Would somebody be kind enough to explain this term ?

Thanks (In a state of confusion...)

I guess Madorosumaru-san or another veteran observer could express it more clearly, but in very basic terms it is one's social obligations versus one's own feelings & emotions.

[madorosumaru]

Tokoju loved Ryu like a son and he knew him better than almost anyone else. When interviewed by the media after the yokozuna's intai announcement, this is what the old man had to say:

"Violence is never good, but since he has already announced his retirement, there is no point in my saying this or that. At this time, all I want to say to him is 'You've had a great career.' I feel like I am going to cry."

"He came from Mongolia and reached the pinnacle of the sumo world. He is a man who worked hard at keiko to win all those yusho to accomplish that. At the same time, he is a man who possesses a strong sense of giri-ninjo towards all those around him."

Looking back at the exchange he had with Ryu a year and half ago, we can see that Tokoju knew the yokozuna even better than Ryu himself.

While Ryu said he wanted to continue until he was 36, Tokoju said,

Tokoju: How old will you be in two years? 29? That's about it. You won't last till 30.

As for the number of yusho Ryu would end up with,

Tokoju: Uh huh. 25 or 26, for sure. No mistake about that. You'll be third in history. That should be enough. The youngsters will be coming up the ranks. You shouldn't be all that greedy. [laugh]

As we all know, Asashoryu retired four months after his 29th birthday with a total of 25 yusho.

Note: Giri-ninjo is an uniquely Japanese concept that is the basis of all Japanese relationships. A Japanese child is taught from the beginning of his or her existence about the importance of living in harmony with others. Non-Japanese, who are serious students of Japan, learn about it in the first day of class. To put it very, very simply (and nothing about Japan is simple), giri has to do with one's obligations to others and to society. Ninjo has to do with emotions such as sympathy, compassion, friendship, love and much, much more. These emotions are entwined with the aforementioned giri/obligations so that the Japanese can come up with the proper attitude and behavior for each and every occasion and relationship. Tokoju was giving Ryu the ultimate compliment when he said the yokozuna, a foreigner, possessed a genuine understanding of giri-ninjo. Even after having lived in Japan during my adolescent years and having studied its language, culture and history for decades since then, I have not even come close.