Kotooushuu and chicken

[ryafuji]

Is there a limit to how many Yokozuna their can be at one time?

Thanks

Jake (I dunno...)

In theory no, but in practice there have never been more than four. Two to three is thought of as the "ideal", I think.

[Jakusotsu]

Is there a limit to how many Yokozuna their can be at one time?

The more I think about it, the less trivial this question actually is. Of course there's an absolute limit of 42, but we can be pretty sure that can never happen technically. So, what is the maximum number of the best case scenario? (including longtime absences like Takanohana's)

I fully expect Asashosakari to give a comprehensive analysis.

(just kidding, pal) (I dunno...)

[sekitori]

Is there a limit to how many Yokozuna their can be at one time?

Thanks

Jake (I dunno...)

In theory no, but in practice there have never been more than four. Two to three is thought of as the "ideal", I think.

I remember seeing a photo in Sumo World of five yokozunas together. I found it in the July, 1990 issue. It was taken in January, 1953 after the Hatsu basho and consisted of Kagamisato, Haguroyama, Terukuni, Azumafuji, and Chiyonoyama. Actually that's a misconception. There were really only four active yokozunas at the time. Kagamisato won the Hatsu basho yusho as an ozeki and was promoted to yokozuna. Terukuni announced his retirement on the 13th day of the basho and because he didn't have his dampatsu-shiki until after the 1953 Natsu basho, he was still included as one of the yokozunas.

Ryafuji is correct. In theory, there were five yokozunas at one time but in practice, never more than four.

By the way, Chiyonoyama, who founded Kokonoe beya, had a muscular body similar to that of a future Koknoe yokozuna whom he recruited, Chiyonofuji. He was a bit taller than Chiyonofuji (190 cm.) and he weighted about the same (122 kg). Unfortunately, he died in 1977 and never saw Chiyonofuji achieve his amazing success.

[JAB]

Thanks guys. I start to drown in the wash of names you all throw around, but I appreciate the insight into Sumo.

Thanks for your patience answering my basic questions. Warning: more to come!

Cheers

Jake (In a state of confusion...)