Asashouryuu considering intai

[Treblemaker]

In a sport where big things happen in the blink of an eye, and anything can (and will) happen, so much depends on the little things. And to paraphrase Yogi Berra, it ain't over till the fat guy gets a fork in the road.

Asa has hit that fork.

Yes, he might have all 11 of those issues to deal with, and a gimpy ankle and a bum elbow. But the last two bouts have shown this much: He's still incredibly fast and incredibly strong, in spite of his injuries. He shows no fear and is still quite capable of taking down anyone he's facing.

I'm betting on him improving as this basho goes along and he faces more and more tougher challenges, because the bigger the challenge to him, the nastier he gets. For the good ones, all the problems in the world vanish when they step on the playing field.

He might end up 11-4, or even 10-5, but that would still be an acceptable blip on the radar of such an athelete.

[Kintamayama]

Yesterday after the bout he met some reporters. "What's this nonsense you've been writing?? Why don't you go (retire) before me??", he said, half joking.

As for the seriousness of this piece of news, I can only attest to the online papers, but ALL of them are picking this up and the headlines are more or less "Asashouryuu in intai bind!!" or something along those lines. They are also stressing the fact that the main reason for his win yesterday is his "illegal" tachiai , and that it's the second time this basho that coming off a loss, he does an incomplete tachiai and head shinpan Takanohana looks the other way.

[ilovesumo]

That's it now? (Pulling hair...)

[Babaryutaikai]

Being pretty close to the situation, I feel that I should respond to some of these allegations, without revealing any very personal details about what I am saying:

1. His personal life is in shambles.

a) His wife and kids are gone for starters.

Afraid not, or I should say, HAPPILY not. I was just in Mongolia with the whole family, and I do mean the ENTIRE family - all together - all having a wonderful time. His family sees him more when he is in Mongolia than they would ever while all together in Japan, with all of his responsibilities there. Please don't believe the idle, unsubstantiated gossip form the trash tabloids or statements alleged "friends" and "associates" who do not really know them. It is the trash tabloids in which I have even been mentioned in a total false report, not to mention one such reporter that chased me through Narita airport the day the yokozuna returned from Mongolia, with an elderly blonde woman by his side.

2. He is being plagued by chronic injuries.

It's basically his elbow that's the problem. He has very little strength there.

3. His physical and mental condition has deteriorated.

Perhaps physically, but he is exceptionally strong mentally. Remember, he was just about single-handedly responsible for the organization and success of the Mongolian jungyo, including massive pre-jungyo publicity - something the Kyokai couldn't do for most of its self-organized tours.

4. The kyokai is on the verge of a roids witchhunt.

Yes. and that will not affect Asashoryu at all. He does NOT take performance enhancers of any kind, unless you consider multi-vitamins. I think it is more accurate to say that the Kyokai is always on an Asashoryu witchhunt.

5. He is being overshadowed by a rival yokozuna.

Include the two basho suspension in that equation, and the "overshadowing" does not seem that much of a big thing. "Rival yokozuna", of course, but that rivalry was never as hostile as the media made it out to be. In fact, there was very little true hostility, but much more of a rivalry. The Japanese press love Hakuho because he has "turned Japanese", Japanese wife and all. I believe he would give up his Mongolian citizenship to become a Japanese citizen. Nothing wrong with that, but it certainly must endear him to the Japanese public more than an Asashoryu who is a fiercely proud Mongolian and would never give up that citizenship.

6. His primary life interests seem to lie outside sumo.

Shouldn't they? Does one give up one's life and home and country? Especially the way he's been treated?

7. There is a new rijicho who obviously has a strong dislike for him.

And who spends more public time bashing Asashoryu than looking inward at himself and his own organization. During keiko, he wields the big stick and makes Musashimaru and the former Wakanoyama do so, as well. Talk about hazing!

8. He is being verbally savaged by most of the other oyakata

Try the YDC and Mrs. Big Mouth, as well as Mr. Toilet Paper cartoonist.

9. He is being hounded by a hostile press.

See my response to #1 above. They know nothing about his or his wife's or both of them together's trips out of Japan. But they will make up stories and include me in them, too. In May, when he stood for reporters and photographers after the dohyo matsuri for the yusho portraits presentation, and brought me up to take a photo, with his daughter holding my hand, one of the sports papers just had to make a nasty comment when publishing that photo. What a bunch of jerks. But that sells papers (particularly trash tabloids and the Shukan Gendai), doesn't it?

He also does not give the press carte blanche for access to other events. We had a huge family celebration in the ger outside the Mongol Basho stadium on the last days. Reporters were barred from this party, while all family members in attendance and some much less fortunate nomad and country Mongolians were invited to partake in the celebratory feast. (As an aside - as soon as I am over my present ordeal, I will be posting a number of photos, along with commentary, on my blog.)

10. He is financially well off with many business interests.

Yes. More than you know.

11. He longs for Mongolia where he is most comfortable (and widely accepted).

Yes. He is a hero on a scale that people cannot fathom. He is revered and idolized more than Kyokushuzan ever was or Hakuho ever will be. Not for becoming the first Mongolian Yokozuna, but for his goodness, generosity, accessibility to his people and general philanthropic nature there.

He loves the Mongolian countryside as everyone knows and anyone could tell from the sheer joy in his face in the photos published in the recently-released book about himself. I want him to go back and enjoy his home country and get away from the stress of sumo. He has done his part.

Just think what will happen to the attendance, not to mention the excitement factor of sumo when he does leave.

Should he retire this basho, which is a possibility - for all I know, he may be doing it as I am writing, given the events of today's bout -I believe he will be at peace, being able to go home to his wife and children, travel and act on behalf of his fellow Mongolians to better their situations and the Mongol nation.

Parting comment from me - Unlike most Japanese, Mongolians are very affectionate - not afraid to greet others with a hug and a kiss, have a very deep sense of family and responsibility as well as pride in their just being Mongolian. The bottom line is that despite his bravado on and off the dohyo, he is a very sensitive person with fierce loyalties. He is very well aware of his responsibilities as a yokozuna. He earned his title with hard work.

I hope he continues, at least to become in the top 5 greatest ever yokozunas and get that into the Kyokai's, YDC's and other detractors' faces. This can only start with a kyujo now and a healing process from now up to Fukuoka. I am biased, but to know him is to love him. I just want the best for him, that's all, and freedom to pursue his life as he so desires. Heck, if he does retire, at least I'll see him and his family here in NY more often.

[Jonosuke]

Up to now I was thinking Asashoryu shouldn't even have considered resigning but after reading the close and personal dissertation, objectively thinking I now am convinced he is better off getting out of Ozumo and leaving Japan.

He appears to only see unfair criticisms harpooned against him and he feels so comfortable and be loved in his homeland. Why insist on staying in Japan after all when he sounds he feels so unappreciated in Japan? It's not just worth it, psychologically. And we know about his psychologist too.

The biggest fact number one is that no one, not even Kyokai rijicho or his shisho is forcing him to stay and compete. He is perfectly free to leave and makes something of himself elsewhere and be perfectly content. Rather than keep harboring disgust to the Kyokai and Japan and constantly complaining about unfair treatment, he feels mentally better. And I am sure it will be far less acrimonious for all concerned.

Frankly more and more Ozumo fans are saying, either conduct himself like a real yokozuna or take his act elsewhere and be happy.

However one thing I noticed about Asashoryu is that he is more sensitive to criticisms than most other rikishi. Just like the other day when he first said, it would be OK if both rikishi had their breathing match, the next day he showed he put both hands down properly (of course it only lasted a day).

Anyway no one needs another ugly outburst like he had today but he will come back being a good boy tomorrow because despite all what has been said subjectively thinking I have a feeling he loves being a yokozuna and loves being Japan more than anything.

Edited September 21, 2008 by Jonosuke

[Babaryutaikai]

Up to now I was thinking Asashoryu shouldn't even have considered resigning but after reading the close and personal dissertation, ...........etc. SNIP

I apologize for the length reply - should have written LONG at the beginning, but it was not a dissertation, just my personal informal response to the 11 points. (dis

[Arslan]

Up to now I was thinking Asashoryu shouldn't even have considered resigning but after reading the close and personal dissertation, ...........etc. SNIP

I apologize for the length reply - should have written LONG at the beginning, but it was not a dissertation, just my personal informal response to the 11 points. (dis

[Blue_Wolf]

Thank you Babaryutaikai for your wonderful comment.

[JariM]

What an impressive win by Ama today. It seemed Asashoryu never had chance.

[Musashoryu]

Ama certainly looks the goods.....Ozeki promotion in the offing?.....Im tipping him to be the next Yokozuna.....Asa didnt look real flash today, as much of a fan as I am I can see Intai coming, I hope not becasue i think if he gets his head in the right space he could be a force for many years to come......

[Blue_Wolf]

It will be saddest day for me if Asashoryu retires under these circumstances as a sumo fan. Because he still so joung and a lot has offer in the future. It's not the right time for him to quit.

[skycruiser]

Being pretty close to the situation, I feel that I should respond to some of these allegations, without revealing any very personal details about what I am saying:

9. He is being hounded by a hostile press.

As a Yokozuna calling a shobu shimpan "bastard", what was he expecting from the press?

Maybe my memory fails me but,

I can't recall any great Yokozuna, like Taiho, Chiyonofuji ..., making so many derogatory statements in public!

I used to enjoy Asa's win in previous years, but was always uncomfortable with his lack of "hinkaku".

As I see it, he was never into "Ozumo", but considers "sumo" as a sport, rather than a "way" and Babaryutakai reenforces that feeling.

Now that he can't get his way, looks like it's the highway. Sayonara...

Chiyonotora

[Bealzbob]

Thanks Babaryutaikai for your informed opinions. I'm a big Asashoryu fan and I know that at times he has not done himself any favours but I think it would be the culmination of a very concerted effort on behalf of a lot of the sumo establishment if Asashoryu was to finally go intai. I reckon they'd probably throw a party. They don't like him, they've made it clear and at every opportunity they've made his life as difficult as possible. I believe now that even decisions on the dohyo are going against (a mono-ii a few days ago that never was..). From the top down, the perception is that Asa is bad and a lot of people's lives would be easier within the sumo world if he wasn't around. It's a pity because at his peak he is arguably one of the greatest yokozuna ever. I hope he can turn it around and come back as strong as he used to be, but somehow I don't think it will happen and if current quotes are accurate then he probably already IS intai inside his own mind.

[JariM]

It will be saddest day for me if Asashoryu retires under these circumstances as a sumo fan. Because he still so joung and a lot has offer in the future. It's not the right time for him to quit.

Lets look at some other Yokozuna and how old they were when the retired:

Wakanohana 29 (sixth youngest yokozuna to retire)

Takanohana 30

Akebono 31

Musashimaru 32

Kitanoumi 32

Taihō 31

Chiyonofuji 35 (almost 36)

Asashoryu is 28 in few days. So it would be one of the earliest retirements ever. But it wouldn't be unheard of (I guess).

Of course one should also look at other things than age. Like the durations of careers and recurring injuries.

Asashoryu has burnt very brightly. Brighter than many others. Maybe his fuel is simply running out?

Edited September 22, 2008 by JariM

[Bealzbob]

Maybe his fuel is simply running out?

Or being quenched by others.

[JariM]

Maybe his fuel is simply running out?

Or being quenched by others.

Quenched by the officials or by other sekitori? Maybe both?

As others have said he hasn't really been making friends with the people in high places.

Anyway he is not winning the way he used to. Right now he might to be having his worst basho since september 2004.

(I'm excluding may 2006 and july 2008). To me it seems he's clearly passed his prime.

[Peterao]

If not intai, surely Asashoryu has gotta be thinking about kyujo by now?

[Guest drifter]

If not intai, surely Asashoryu has gotta be thinking about kyujo by now?

Sumo, Japan's national sport with hundreds of years tradition will go on and thrive without Dagvadorj, as colorful as ever, conquering more audience both at home and abroad. There is no question about it. Sumo, and its reputation will not be dented slightest by forcing Dagva to go intai.

The same is for Dagva, an able athlete who has accomplished one of the greatest feats in Sumo history. He will achieve, and be happy as ever elsewhere, be it in business, politics, or even pro-wrestling. Unlike Akebono, and Musashimaru, who were very insignificant figures in their home country when their career ended, Asashoryu is a national hero in Mongolia, and commands enormous respect. If he starts competing in Mongolian National wrestling now, he will be competing for the title in no time.

It will be a win win situation for Sumo and Dagva to depart right now. Mongolians respect Japanese culture and have no ill feelings about their treatment of Asashoryu. Because it is not our business. But everyone understands that things gotten sour, and even painful. Mongolians are no strangers to controversy at home. We had problems and turmoils of our own from time to time. Such is a life.

To be honest, Dagva becoming Yokozuna was neither an accident, nor a surprise for Mongolians. We have thousands of years of wrestling history of our own, and Sumo is, for Mongolians, just one of the many forms of wrestling. Wrestling is intertwined in our culture, that is why we respect Sumo no less than Japanese themselves. This culture goes back centuries, with a documented case of the Great Khaan's personal invitation of Persian (Iranian) wrestlers in 13th century. There are subtle differences though. We also see the wrestlers as humans, vulnerable, emotional, and imperfect. They are neither gods, nor wooden roosters. They leave a legacy to talk about for generations, and build families to take care of.

Dagva was a first mongolian born Yokozuna. He will not be the last (quite obviously). Mongolians will enjoy Sumo for generations to come, and build friendship with Japanese. Mongolian women will continue to adore such unique personalities as Kaio, and Takamasakari. We will welcome our new Yokozuna from time to time. In the end, mongolians already embraced Sumo as their own.

As of Dagva, we will welcome him as hero and care him as we please. Japanese do things differently, and we do things differently too. We will soon welcome back another Yokozuna in Hakuho, and possibly Ozeki in Ama etc.

As of now, it looks better to leave the Sumo authorities alone with their trouble. They have enough to handle. So Dagva, come home.

[Jakusotsu]

The most sensible post I've ever read from a new member. Welcome aboard! (In jonokuchi...)

[Jonosuke]

Since I have met you in person and know you to be generous and intelligent person, I promise to keep this in a civilized mode. Obviously I have nothing against fans who defend their favorite rikishi, this is basically what we all are about. What I find exceptionally distasteful is that rather than accentuating the positives and their accomplishments, more Asashoryu defenders are more set to simply making derogatory comments about those who criticized them. Whether justified or not, there is no point in blaming the Kyokai or media for Asashoryu's ill fortune. It won't help his cause.

Being pretty close to the situation, I feel that I should respond to some of these allegations, without revealing any very personal details about what I am saying:

Afraid not, or I should say, HAPPILY not. I was just in Mongolia with the whole family, and I do mean the ENTIRE family - all together - all having a wonderful time.

Since you know the real story whether Asashoryu and his wife have separated, I will leave it to that. As often in a case like this, eventually the full story will come out and it will be a matter of credibility on your part or media.

[/b]6. His primary life interests seem to lie outside sumo.

Shouldn't they? Does one give up one's life and home and country? Especially the way he's been treated?

Didn't he come to Japan and join Ozumo? I believe Ozumo has been very good to him. Or why did he want to quit Meitoku Gijuku High badly enough to join Ozumo? He could have left Japan at that time or any other time since he became a sekitori.

7. There is a new rijicho who obviously has a strong dislike for him.

And who spends more public time bashing Asashoryu than looking inward at himself and his own organization. During keiko, he wields the big stick and makes Musashimaru and the former Wakanoyama do so, as well. Talk about hazing!

Asashoryu is a yokozuna. It comes with the territory. He is at the top with privileges. With them, he has responsibility to be a model of all. There is no need to bad mouth the head of Kyokai. Even if he did all that, it doesn't help Asashoryu's cause one bit. It appears to me that Asashoryu himself is not looking inward at himself. As far back as I can recall, Asashoryu is the only yokozuna who keeps shouting at reporters and using rough words.

8. He is being verbally savaged by most of the other oyakata

Try the YDC and Mrs. Big Mouth, as well as Mr. Toilet Paper cartoonist.

I believe this is not "you" speaking but echoing the sentiment of the others. As much as those people who constantly complaining racism is rampant in the Kyokai and Japanese society, this is an indication of as much prejudice they have against on others based on their occupation. Makiko Uchidate has lived in a sumo beya. She wanted know enough about the roots of Ozumo to go back to Tohoku Unversity Graduate School. She is in YDC and they were appointed to provide counsel, advice, cautions to yokozuna as well as promoting a yokozuna and asking him to retire when the time comes. It's why they are there. No point in dismissing her by calling her a name just because she put forth her view on yokozuna.

As for Yaku Mitsuru, if he is a cartoonist or designs toilet papers, he should not be allowed to discuss Ozumo issues? Despite the fact he has been talking and commenting about Ozumo for more years than this Forum was around. Are we saying one has no right to comment and be a part of Ozumo if he or she has no Ph.D or board members of major corporations? One's profession has no bearing whatsoever on the love of Ozumo. Why do we need to discriminate against others because one may be a part time worker, cleaning or designing toilets or sweeping streets?

Parting comment from me - Unlike most Japanese, Mongolians are very affectionate - not afraid to greet others with a hug and a kiss, have a very deep sense of family and responsibility as well as pride in their just being Mongolian. The bottom line is that despite his bravado on and off the dohyo, he is a very sensitive person with fierce loyalties. He is very well aware of his responsibilities as a yokozuna. He earned his title with hard work.

And I presume that being in such an unaffectionate country for some time now with all unaffectionate people drove him to be in so much of foul mood to cause so much problems. I am sorry but he is not an immature child. He has a free will of his own. Rather than blaming all his problems to external forces, he could initiate a solution on his own. Why is it that every problem he encounters must be caused by others?

If he reached a point where he can no longer find it conducive to be in Ozumo or in Japan, then be a man and cut the cord and try something else to make himself and his family happy. It will be so much better for himself and the Kyokai or conduct himself like an esteemed member of the Kyokai and make all of us proud to be a fan of Ozumo. He has certainly earned and deserves the title of yokozuna but it isn't the end of it all He needs to keep earning the respect if not for Ozumo but for his own legacy.

he Kyokai has to wake up to the fact that Sumo is no longer as homogeneous as Japan has been, and, to an extent, still is, excluding foreigners at many turns.

I think they already has waken up to the fact the Ozumo is not homogeneous in ethnicity. However if anyone is hoping for the Kyokai to be homogeneous in culture, it will not happen in a short term. Musashigawa oyakata already stated that they would provide a probationary period of at least six months at a heya before they will even accept a foreign born rikishi. Almost all oyakata acknowledges that the problems they have had with foreign born rikishi were a result of them not understanding sufficient Japanese to understand the customs, manners and traditions of Ozumo.

Some oyakata like Oshima oyakata really were stern with all his recruits including Mongolian rikishi. What became more apparent between him and Takasago oyakata was Oshima oyakata's handling of Kyokutenho's suspension. During his suspension Kyokutenho worked at his heya and did not overtly go out. We all knew what happened to Takasago oyakata and Asashoryu when Asashoryu was suspended. Takasago oyakata is personable and friendly to anyone who has come contact with him. But unfortunately his handling of Asashoryu has reduced respect he had among his peers to almost null. He has been a part of the most influential group in Ozumo but he is now barely holding on his own.

Asashoryu has made it certain that the Kyokai would never have another Asashoryu. From now on, they only accept a recruit, any recruit whom they feel fit to the Ozumo life and before their ranke gets high enough, they will make hard decisions. They will not have another rikishi with total disregard to Ozumo customs, manners and traditions.

Will the Kyokai miss Asashoryu when he leaves? Certainly. But they will live. Just like they did after every yokozuna's reign.

Do Ozumo fans miss him? Certainly. But I think since they already know Asashoryu doesn't love or care enough about Ozumo or Japan to stay around and contribute further, they will have no trouble letting him go either.

[Peterao]

Not much to add here, except to say that the Babaryutaikai post and above response are the two most impressive commentaries I have read on the Sumo Forum, perhaps anywhere else online for that matter.

I wonder if sumo would really have been better off if Asashoryu had been more like Princess Masako. When she married into the royal family, the outside world thought she would smash through the rigid hierarchy of Japanese royalty to become somewhat of an Asian Princess Di. But she would simply bend, then break, totally to the will of her keepers, much to her personal detriment.

It's getting harder to see what Japanese royalty, or Ozumo, have to offer society in the 21st century.

[sashimaru]

Since ...

Thanks, you hit the nail on the head. (Sign of disapproval...)

[Peterao]

It's official: Asashoryu will take a fusenpai and go kyujo from today, earning the rare 15-day symmetrical record of 5-5-5.

[Asashosakari]

8. He is being verbally savaged by most of the other oyakata

Try the YDC and Mrs. Big Mouth, as well as Mr. Toilet Paper cartoonist.

I believe this is not "you" speaking but echoing the sentiment of the others. As much as those people who constantly complaining racism is rampant in the Kyokai and Japanese society, this is an indication of as much prejudice they have against on others based on their occupation. Makiko Uchidate has lived in a sumo beya. She wanted know enough about the roots of Ozumo to go back to Tohoku Unversity Graduate School. She is in YDC and they were appointed to provide counsel, advice, cautions to yokozuna as well as promoting a yokozuna and asking him to retire when the time comes. It's why they are there. No point in dismissing her by calling her a name just because she put forth her view on yokozuna.

As for Yaku Mitsuru, if he is a cartoonist or designs toilet papers, he should not be allowed to discuss Ozumo issues? Despite the fact he has been talking and commenting about Ozumo for more years than this Forum was around. Are we saying one has no right to comment and be a part of Ozumo if he or she has no Ph.D or board members of major corporations? One's profession has no bearing whatsoever on the love of Ozumo. Why do we need to discriminate against others because one may be a part time worker, cleaning or designing toilets or sweeping streets?

Ironically enough, a certain columnist is just as dismissive of people who don't have "the right credentials" to be discussing sumo, but his opinion on Asashoryu is the polar opposite of Barbara's.

Once again I have to wonder what the people so emotionally invested in Asashoryu will find more difficult to accept after he retires: that he won't be active anymore, or that the majority of people won't care all that much that he won't be active anymore. It'll be interesting to observe.

Edited September 23, 2008 by Asashosakari

[Kirinoumi]

Asashoryu is a yokozuna. It comes with the territory. He is at the top with privileges. With them, he has responsibility to be a model of all. There is no need to bad mouth the head of Kyokai.

. . . I am sorry but he is not an immature child. He has a free will of his own. Rather than blaming all his problems to external forces, he could initiate a solution on his own. Why is it that every problem he encounters must be caused by others?

. . . If he reached a point where he can no longer find it conducive to be in Ozumo or in Japan, then be a man and cut the cord and try something else to make himself and his family happy.

. . . I think they already has waken up to the fact the Ozumo is not homogeneous in ethnicity. However if anyone is hoping for the Kyokai to be homogeneous in culture, it will not happen in a short term. Musashigawa oyakata already stated that they would provide a probationary period of at least six months at a heya before they will even accept a foreign born rikishi. Almost all oyakata acknowledges that the problems they have had with foreign born rikishi were a result of them not understanding sufficient Japanese to understand the customs, manners and traditions of Ozumo.

. . . Asashoryu has made it certain that the Kyokai would never have another Asashoryu. From now on, they only accept a recruit, any recruit whom they feel fit to the Ozumo life and before their ranke gets high enough, they will make hard decisions. They will not have another rikishi with total disregard to Ozumo customs, manners and traditions.

. . . Do Ozumo fans miss him? Certainly. But I think since they already know Asashoryu doesn't love or care enough about Ozumo or Japan to stay around and contribute further, they will have no trouble letting him go either.

Wow, I have to say that I am somewhat stunned by your very negative post that betrayed a radically conservative view on sumo. I have always respected your wealth of knowledge and experience regarding sumo, but I'm really taken aback by this sudden venomous attack on Asashoryu and progressivism in sumo. Do you really think that the Sumo Kyokai is beyond reproach and that Asashoryu should have jettisoned his whole personality and transformed himself to fit some generic yokozuna mold? I love sumo and value it's history and traditions, but I don't believe that the integrity of sumo in incompatible with foreigners or with adopting certain organizational reforms that can bring sumo in line with 21st century morality and practicality.

The Sumo Kyokai has obviously done a terrible job adjusting to the challenges of the modern age. Just look at three issues: the influx of foreign rikishi, the rise of the Internet, and drugs. The organization's policy on foreign rikishi has varied from an open-door policy to zero-tolerance in a seemingly arbitrary fashion, making it impossible for the heya to set up a sensible recruiting and training system. The Kyokai's use of the Internet to reach out to fans has also been laughable. Why is it that we dedicated fans have to scramble around making illegal video clips in order to see the highlights of the days' matches? Why do we go to Bazuke.com or Kintamayama's or Doitsuyama's sites for our sumo stats? Why do we create this very forum to discuss all things sumo? Because the Kyokai missed the boat and didn't create any of these services. The recent scandal with the Russian rikishi illustrates just how backward the Kyokai is in developing important new policies. How is it possible that an organization with as much manpower and as many resources as the Sumo Kyokai has could wait until after they decide to enforce a drug policy to discover that they didn't have a drug policy? So, certainly the Kyokai is not beyond reproach, and I don't think it is unreasonable to suggest that they bungled their reaction to the rise of Asashoryu, just as they did the other challenges.

As for Asashoryu himself, I agree that he has sometimes done and said things that appeared brash and insensitive. However, I certainly don't think that he had "total disregard for Ozumo customs, manners and traditions." I don't think a person could spend as many years as he has in the stifling, hierarchical society of sumo and rise to the top without some understanding and appreciation of sumo culture. And if he is to be required to make such an immense effort to assimilate to sumo culture, is it too much to ask the sumo elders to attempt a modicum of understanding of his culture when they deal with problems that arise from his maladjustment? And just as in the case of young Wakanoho, are they not somewhat responsible for his upbringing? In the end, if this is indeed the end, I think that Asashoryu gave much more to the sport than he detracted from it. He should be remembered as a dai-yokozuna and a pioneer, and the Kyokai should jump at the opportunity to use him as an ambassador for the sport rather than rejecting him as a bad apple that failed to "fit to the Ozumo life."

Respectfully,

Kirinoumi (Genji Bunch)