More on Maru's retirement...

[Zentoryu]

Posted to SML by Joe Kuroda:

The Nihon Sumo Kyokai announced that the Directors

have accepted the retirement of Yokozuna Musashimaru

and approved Toshiyori name of "Musashimaru" as of

November 16.

Musashimaru has not acquired a Toshiyori Meiseki yet

but he will be able to continue with the Kyokai for

the next five years using the current shikona.

They  will provide him a sum of 90 Million yen for his

past contribution to the Kyokai.

------------------------------

Musashigawa oyakata Q&A Session

==================================

- What have you talked about?

M: He has been doing his best but we judged he could

not perform at the level deserving of Yokozuna.  After

completing today's bout he decided it himself.

- How was Yokozuna's demeanor?

M: He looked serene.

- This was the basho of decision...

M: He has worked out hard during the Jyungyo tour and

I was hoping he could overcome all the adversity.

- Was there any other reason than the injury to his

left wrist?

M: I was concerned about the sumo sense.

- He accomplished a great deal over the past ten years

in Japan...

M: He possesses a very sincere personality. He worked

so hard and did his best for all of us.

- What about his future?

M: We will discuss it in due course.

=====

.....Jonosuke

So Akebono got 100 million yen, Musashimaru 90 million, and Wakanohana 70 million (with Taka presumably getting more than any one of them). Wonder why he got less than Akebono... (Applauding...) ;-)

[Zentoryu]

And a little rikishi talk from the day of Maru's final bout:

Musashimaru (vs Tosanoumi)

------------------------

(Right after the bout...dropping a hint.)

"I did not lose by backing down. But I just cannot

move forward when it really counts.  Mentally I am

still OK but I am not sure how far I can go on....."

Tosanoumi (vs Musashimaru)

---------------------------

(His 11th kinboth, now the third most in the sumo

history)

"I believe the winning factor was I was able to push

him off once. While I was in there I was more or less

desparate all throughout."

As well as a funny quote from Iwakiyama when he was still winless:

Iwakiyama (vs Musoyama)

-----------------------

(The only Makuuchi with no win)

"I don't think I am that bad....well..come to think of

it...I am THAT bad."

(Applauding...)

[Fujisan]

Who where the top 2 kinboshi winners,is Akinoshima one? He must be close.

[Zentoryu]

And more reactions just posted by Joe:

Reactions after the announcement

================================

Kitanoumi oyakata, chair of the Kyokai

--------------------------------------

"I heard from Musashigawa oyakata that after

discussing with him, Musashimaru himself decided to

retire. I understand it was very difficult decision

for him but I believe he really did his best. He

probably made up his mind after the today's bout.

Edited November 16, 2003 by Zentoryu

[Yubiquitoyama]

Who where the top 2 kinboshi winners,is Akinoshima one? He must be close.

Akinoshima 16 and Takamiyama 12

[Fujisan]

Yes I thought so,thanks Yubi-

[Yoavoshimaru]

Azumazeki oyakata

------------------

"I am sorry to hear the news. I guess missing one year

was a little too long. Ever since I stepped on the

dohyo on 1964, we always had Hawaiian rikishis. But

that age has come to pass.

1. Who were active Hawaiian rikishi in 1964?

2. Who are the up-and-coming Hawaiian rikishi?

[Naifuzan]

1. Who were active Hawaiian rikishi in 1964?

Azumazeki Oyakata himself, then known as Takamiyama.

2. Who are the up-and-coming Hawaiian rikishi?

Since he said "that day has come to pass" I guess... none

I'm not 100% sure so please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Takanobaka]

1. Who were active Hawaiian rikishi in 1964?

Azumazeki Oyakata himself, then known as Takamiyama.

2. Who are the up-and-coming Hawaiian rikishi?

Since he said "that day has come to pass" I guess... none

I'm not 100% sure so please correct me if I'm wrong.

Yes...

Takamiyama had just started in 1964, however, and didn't reach the salaried ranks until a few years later...

[Yoavoshimaru]

Thanks (Showing respect...)