Hakuho Receives a Special Message from the Emperor

[Jonosuke]

The tears shed over the Emperor's Cup, not given to him despite winning three straight all win yusho for the first time since the 15 day basho was instituted in the summer of 1949, turned out to be the tears of joy and rewarded in the end.

Yokozuna Hakuho were all smiles today at the Kokugikan after the Emperor himself personally sending him a congratulatory message for his achievement.

The letter was carried by a special envoy of the Imperial Household Agency to the Ryogoku Kokugikan today and handed over to Acting Chairman Murayama who met Hakuho in his office subsequently. Murayama said Hakuho appeared to be visibly moved when told of the consideration extended by the emperor.

According to the Kyokai Public Relations Department, it was so unusual for the emperor to personally send a message of appreciation to a single rikishi that they have no such precedence.

[alpineviolet]

I saw this on the news on NHK yesterday, but I couldn't understand very much. Thank you for explaining it. :)

[Kaji]

An article about this in the Japan Times.

It is a pity that such a feat (3 yusho without defeat and 47 victories in a row --and still counting) has been overlooked by the recent scandals.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100804a7.html

[Borislav]

It is a pity that such a feat (3 yusho without defeat and 47 victories in a row --and still counting) has been overlooked by the recent scandals.

Indeed, after such events like Asa's retirement and the gambling scandal, Hakuho's achievements are somehow overlooked. So many people think of him as the asshole that spoils all the fun of sumo by just beating everyone.

And to stay on-topic: can somebody please tell me why they didn't award him the cup? I missed the last news...

[ilovesumo]

Great one! Big symbol of the Emperor, helping Sumo I guess. If the Emperor want's it, NHK might go on with the broadcast....

(Dancing of joy...)

[ryafuji]

And to stay on-topic: can somebody please tell me why they didn't award him the cup? I missed the last news...

The Sumo Association decided before the tournament started that it would be inappropriate to present the usual awards in the light of so many rikishi being caught up in the gambling scandal.