Tamanoi Blog

[madorosumaru]

04/19/07

April 19

Hello. This is Tooyama.

The day before yesterday, we did the dismantling of the dohyo at the heya after we finished keiko.

Three times a year, before each Tokyo basho, we always reconstruct the dohyo.

It is rather heavy labor. The dohyo is packed solid and is very hard.

We completed the rebuilding of the dohyo yesterday.

Do you know what day is today, April 19???

It's Shibuya's 20th Birthday!

* The picture shows him with a giant Baumkuchen that he received as a gift from a fan.

Geez, Shibuya is now 20!

He is looking forward to voting for the first time on the 22nd.

Tamanoi Beya

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「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、

これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山

"Sumo fans from around the world,

I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama

[ilovesumo]

I wonder how often they rebuilt it. I noticed that in August and now, so twice a year? And now he says 3 times...How did I happen to miss it before Hatsubasho...

Edited April 19, 2007 by ilovesumo

[madorosumaru]

04/21/07

Checking Out Other Sports

Hello. This is Tooyama.

Yesterday, Yukio, the gyoji, took me to watch some boxing.

I was quite impressed by my first time at Korakuen Hall as I watched the entire slate of bouts from the early four-rounders.

There were slugfests with both combatants covered with blood; close, nip and tuck decisions; and some exquisitely executed KO victories.

The ring and the dohyo have different shapes but they both are mano a mano battles between two men.

I ended up watching engrossed by all the similarities with sumo.

The day before, I was invited to a Sendoff Party for a person that I had known since my student days and spent some more time with people from other professions.

A description of the goings-on is posted on former pro wrestler Suwa-san's blog.

One learns a lot by interacting with all sorts of different people.

But, I was really moved by the boxing matches of yesterday . . .

There were so many things that I could learn from the world of boxing.

Tamanoi Beya

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

「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、

これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山

"Sumo fans from around the world,

I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama

[madorosumaru]

04/24/07

Training??

Hello. This is Tooyama.

The other day, I heard some noises that sounded like screams along with yells in partial English coming from the training room. I took a look inside and found

a bunch of guys dancing(?) as in the picture above.

I went forward for a closer look

and saw that they were dancing to the images on the monitor of a personal computer.

Oh, my! It's . . .

the current rage

It looks like the boys had worked out a good sweat.

I also gave it a try, but it was really tough.

It's physically taxing because you use muscles that are not normally used.

Isoazuma posing with a DVD of "Boot Camp."

The guys at Tamanoi will try anything that is trendy.

Tamanoi Beya

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

「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、

これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山

"Sumo fans from around the world,

I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama

[kaiguma]

The Tamanoi boys auditioning for parts in "The Missing Flag Brigade."

[madorosumaru]

04/25/07

Natsu Basho Banzuke Announcement

Hello. This is Tooyama.

The Natsu Basho banzuke was announced today.

Tochiazuma-zeki - West Ozeki

Yoshiazuma - Ms5W

Tooyama - Ms23E

Shibuya - Ms31W

Tokiryu - Ms39W

Teruazuma - Ms50E

Toshinyama - Sd25W

Isoazuma - Sd27E

Takaazuma - Sd28W

Karatsuumi - Sd61E

Daiseiko - Sd64W

Ikeda - Sd78E

Hoshiazuma - Jn17E

Azumaoshu - Jn41E

Oazuma - Jn47W

Nishitani - Jn63E

Amanowaka - Jn66E

Hamaazuma - Jn75W

Ikinoshima - Jn100E

Mise - Jk13W

Takahashi - Jk28W

Fujiazuma - Banzuke-gai (Expected to return this basho)

Mise and Takahashi, who joined the heya last basho, are listed on the banzuke starting this basho.

Please continue to cheer for us this basho!

Tamanoi Beya

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

「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、

これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山

"Sumo fans from around the world,

I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama

[Gusoyama]

If Tooyama does well, Yoshiazuma does poorly, and Tochiazuma retires, blog-boy could be heyagashira! Gambatte, Tooyama!

[madorosumaru]

05/05/07

Tango no Sekku (Boy's Day)

Hello. This is Tooyama.

Wasn't it a nice day again in Tokyo today?

How are you folks spending your Golden Week?

GW for sumo heya still are days of keiko.

Today, May 5th, is Children's Day!

It's Tango no Sekku!

The bath today is filled with irises.

After our post-bath chanko, we had

Kashiwa-mochi.

Here is Mise eating one--leaf and all.

The other day, on April 29, we participated in a fire-walking festival at Hoshoji in Hachioji.

Teruazuma-san and I walked around the rousing bonfire, holding bamboo rakes with divine representations attached on the ends.

It was really, really hot!

Later, we followed the monks and walked on the fire (to be accurate, it was between the flames).

It's true with all professions, but the sumo world is full of superstitions.

Soon, it will be Natsu Basho!

I'd like to gambarize by doing plenty of keiko and blessed with good fortune.

Tamanoi Beya

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

「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、

これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山

"Sumo fans from around the world,

I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama

[ilovesumo]

Almost the same pictures as last year.

They all must be worried...ganbare guys...

[madorosumaru]

05/07/07 From the Tochiazuma Blog

To All My Fans

Good morning.

I have a press conference scheduled today, but I am writing this blog because I really want to report first to all the fans that read my blog.

From the time I went kyujo in Haru Basho, I have consulted a number of doctors. However, I could not get a go ahead from any one of them to continue doing sumo. I have been torn between their advice and my personal desire to stay active as a rikishi, but one's health is the most important thing so I made my decision to retire from the dohyo.

I sincerely apologize for causing the concern and worry for all of you. Henceforth, I would like to dedicate my efforts in providing leadership to the next generation of sumotori while further developing the world of sumo.

Please continue to support me and Tamanoi Beya.

Thank you for cheering for me for all these long years.

Well, now, I am headed for the press conference.

[madorosumaru]

05/08/07

Tochiazuma-zeki Intai

Hello. This is Tooyama.

Yesterday, Tochiazuma-zeki's intai press conference was held at the heya.

We were all totally shocked when we were told the news several days ago.

It was for a few years, but I had the opportunity to be his tsukebito. I learned a lot of things by his side.

I have been able to have many experiences that a lowly rikishi would normally not have. It was not only about sumo but all sorts of things.

In the future, we would like to do more keiko so that as many of us as possible could become sekitori.

We will become stronger under the guidance of Tochiazuma-zeki and, of course, the oyakata.

Last night, the supporters of the heya held an encouragement party for us.

Tochiazuma-zeki thanked everyone in his speech.

Takaazuma sang karaoke of [classic enka] "Yokohama Tasogare" (Twilight in Yokohama). His off-key warbling had everyone roaring with laughter.

Still, it seems his Japanese has gotten much better.

After that, it was the customary karaoke performance by Yukinosuke, the gyoji.

He sang two songs and really had it going. (Laugh)

Tamanoi Beya

A rendition of "Yokohama Tasogare" by Itsuki Hiroshi. http://youtube.com/watch?v=xv0kN09r_L0

No, that is NOT Takanohana making a cameo appearance towards the end.

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

「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、

これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山

"Sumo fans from around the world,

I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama

[madorosumaru]

From April 4, 2007 entry:

. . . this notebook is used to keep track of the number of bouts during keiko.

How many bouts each rikishi had is written in the book, using the character 「正」 (which has five strokes).

Tochiazuma in his new job as the "Tally Man" during keiko the other day.

[madorosumaru]

05/10/07

Oazuma's Birthday!

Hello. This is Tooyama.

It was Oazuma's birthday today.

He was overjoyed after receiving birthday cake(s) from Okami-san!

The guy is 196 cm tall!

We asked him, "How old are you today? 20?"

His reply: "I am 17!"

Just a kid . . .

Tamanoi Beya

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

「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、

これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山

"Sumo fans from around the world,

I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama

[Umut66]

Great Blog, Great Work !!! Thanks (Sign of approval...) (Clapping wildly...)

[madorosumaru]

Something from the Tochiazuma Blog:

Azuma thanked his fans for all the supportive comments sent to the blog. He has been busy as a beaver recently, so he hasn't had time to respond to all the messages.

Starting from Natsu Basho, he is assigned as an newbie oyakata to guard duty at the Kokugikan. The picture shows him trying out his new oyakata guard outfit. "I'm not used to wearing things like a necktie, so it's a bit of a hardship for me."

"If you see me at the KK, feel free to say 'Hi.'"

[madorosumaru]

05/20/07

Natsu Basho - Nakabi

Hello. This is Tooyama.

Sorry for neglecting the blog.

Today, we are at nakabi--the midpoint--of Natsu Basho.

Thank you again this basho for all the cheer at the Kokugikan.

On the way back after my bout of the day, people are calling out, "We read your blog." I really appreciate that.

Recently, I also hear these words quite a lot:

"It's about time you update the blog!" (Sweat)

It is my intention to start doing some updating from time to time. Please forgive me.

The picture above shows a chanko scene during the basho.

That's the twosome of Nishitani and Oazuma.

The other day, we recieved a large box from XYZ Hotel for Tochiazuma Oyakata.

This was what we found inside.

A kesho-mawashi made from candy on top of a cake/bread.

When we lifted the mawashi, lo and behold!

Inside, it was chockful of delicious-looking sandwiches.

Gotchan (thanks) very much!

To change the story a bit, recently, there is sort of a fad among the rikishi.

As I wrote before on the blog, there is a sudden surge of rikishi owning PCs, who are surfing the net and managing music on their iPods.

Amidst all of that, what is unusually popular is mixi.

We all sleep in the same Big Room with our futon next to each other, but the guys are chatting via mixi.

There are some that are writing rather interesting diaries, so if you are interested, you can look for them.

By the way, some of the rikishi on mixi are Ikeda, Nishitani, Amanowaka, Shibuya, Tokiryu, Azumaoshu, Takaazuma and Tooyama.

And joining the group recently is . . . Toshinyama-san!

We even found some former Tamanoi guys.

Go and take a look!

Seven days left in Natsu Basho!

We shall gambarize!

Tamanoi Beya

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

「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、

これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山

"Sumo fans from around the world,

I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama

[madorosumaru]

05/25/07

Natsu Basho - Day 13

Hello. This is Tooyama.

Thank you again this basho for all your support.

Here is the Tamanoi Scoreboard as of Day 13.

Yoshiazuma 3-3

Tooyama 1-5

Shibuya 3-4

Tokiryu 1-5

Teruazuma 3-4

Toshinyama 3-3

Isoazuma 1-6

Takaazuma 5-1 Kachi-koshi

Karatsuumi 2-4

Daiseiko 4-3 Kachi-koshi

Ikeda 4-2 Kachi-koshi

Hoshiazuma 3-4

Azumaoshu 0-5-2Y (Pneumonia)

Oazuma 4-3 Kachi-koshi

Nishitani 3-3

Amanowaka 2-4

Hamaazuma 1-5

Ikinoshima 3-3

Mise 4-2 Kachi-koshi

Takahashi 5-2 Kachi-koshi

Fujiazuma Return from banzuke-gai

There are two days left in this basho!

We shall gambarize!

Tamanoi Beya

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

[madorosumaru]

05/28/07

Thank you very much!

Good evening. This is Tooyama.

We appreciate all your cheers this basho.

Thanks to your support, there were 10 from Tamanoi Beya that achieved kachi-koshi.

As for me . . . I had bitterly disappointing results.

With the 15 days of honbasho ended, we start from today a week break from keiko.

All the rikshi look forward to this respite.

Normally, we are sleepy because of the early morning keiko, but during the rest period, we can relax and sleep in.

In the afternoon, some of the rikishi would go out to town.

Some would go shopping or karaoke. Others to movies or fishing. I'm sure there are even a few that go to play pachinko.

Everyone is enjoying the long-awaited holiday.

Time passes quickly when you're having fun, so if you're not careful,

it's already the weekend. Sometimes, before you realize it, the vacation is over--

without your having done anything.

Well, we should keep the fun and games to a reasonable level and take care of our fatigued body, so that we can be prepared for Nagoya.

Yesterday, a Senshuraku Wrap-Up Party was held at the heya.

Once again, Ogasawara Announcer from TBS did the emceeing and

we all had a very enjoyable party at our home site.

Thank you to all those that participated.

To change the subject completely, we had a "Join the Tamanoi Rikishi at the Snowball Fight Tour" in February this year at Uonuma City in Niigata. It was an extremely fun tour, and I recently got the information that as a follow-up, another event, "Tamanoi Beya Soma Camp Tour" (tentative name), is being planned.

Every year in August, we hold a three-week summer camp in Oyakata's hometown of Soma City in Fukushima.

This year, a three-day, two-night bus tour is being arranged for people to observe the camp activities.

Those of you who participated in the snowball fight tour, in particular, and anyone else who is free around that time, please join us!

I will post more details as they become available.

Tamanoi Beya

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

「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、

これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山

"Sumo fans from around the world,

I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama

[madorosumaru]

06/01/07

Okonomiyaki

Hello, everyone ♪

This is Fujiazuma, writing my first blog. (^O^)

Taking advantange of the post-basho holiday, three of us, ani-deshi Teruazuma-san, yobidashi Shigeru and I, went to a nearby okonomiyaki restaurant. (≧▽≦)

The photo shows Teruazuma-san cooking okonomiyaki with practiced hands.

In addition!

I ate my belly full of monja-yaki and soba-meshi! (*＾ω＾*)

It was so delicious ♪

that I am looking forward to going there again ☆

Teruazuma-san,

Thank you very, very much!

(*＾ー＾*)ゞ

Tamanoi Beya

***************

FUJIAZUMA

Family name: Sato

Given name: Masayuki

Birthdate: December 28, 1988

Bithplace: Minami Soma City, Fukushima-ken

Height/weight: 178.5 cm 109 kg

Highest rank: Jonidan

Debut Basho: Haru 2004

Favorite waza: Yori

Nickname: Kin-kotsu-man

Blood type/Zodiac sign: A & Capricorn

Hobbies: Karaoke and joint-flexing tricks

Favorite food: Melon

Ideal girl: Inner beauty over outward appearances

Current Hang-Up: Watching scary videos late at night.

Words to the fans: I will gambarize so that I can make sekitori ASAP.

(Biographical information from Tamanoi Beya Official Website)

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

「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、

これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山

"Sumo fans from around the world,

I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama

[madorosumaru]

06/05/07

Karaoke ♪

Hello, everyone! (^O^)

This is Fujiazuma. (*＾ー＾*)ゞ

I think I'm going to write another blog today. ♪

The day before yesterday was the last day of our post-basho break.

The three of us--anideshi Shibuya-san, my contemporary Daiseiko and I--went to a karaoke place in the neighborhood. ♪(o≧▽≦)o

Both Shibuya-san and Daiseiko seem to be quite used to singing karaoke and are very good! ♪

As for me . . .

Well, I'd say I am so-so . . . (*＾皿＾*)

Will someone go to karaoke with me? (Laugh)

To change the subject a bit . . .

Keiko started again at Tamanoi Beya yesterday.

We are all gung-ho and ready to go for Nagoya Basho! ♪

With the week off, our bodies are all charged up again.

Everyone at the heya is going to gambarize!

So, please keep up your support! (*＾▽＾*)

Tamanoi Beya

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

「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、

これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山

"Sumo fans from around the world,

I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama

[ilovesumo]

Was it the first time he wrote the blog? Guess not, but it seemes like that to me. His knee and balance looked still bad at the Basho. His smiley use make me believe he is a sunshine. :-)

[madorosumaru]

Was it the first time he wrote the blog? Guess not, but it seemes like that to me. His knee and balance looked still bad at the Basho. His smiley use make me believe he is a sunshine. :-)

Hello, everyone ♪

This is Fujiazuma, writing my first blog. (^O^)

It looks like he is coming back too soon.

[madorosumaru]

06/10/07

Watching Gakusei Sumo

Hello! This is Tooyama.

I am writing the blog after a long break.

Today, I went to the Kokugikan to watch and cheer at the East Japan University Sumo Championship.

It's been quite a while since I watched collegiate sumo, so I felt a sense of nostalgia.

My alma mater, Meiji University, was entered in the tournament but, unfortunately, we didn't make it to the finals. Everyone put out his very best effort. Even though we lost, there is still next time.

There were many rikishi at the venue and they were cheering for their schools and their sempai/kohai.

I had a rare opportunity to meet some of my sempai, who gave me a lot of encouragement.

Nihon University won the group championship of the tournament, but there was enough of a battle so that several schools had a chance to win. It looks like the future tournaments are going to be very interesting.

If I have the opportunity, I would like to go again to watch another tournament.

It was a day that reminded me of my good old college years.

Tamanoi Beya

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

「世界の相撲ファンのみなさん、

これからも宜しくお願いします!」- 東桜山

"Sumo fans from around the world,

I hope for continued good relationship in the future." - Tooyama

[Umut66]

Great Blog with Great Pictures...After reading this long blog I looked at tamanoi.com and saw a great t-shirt. "No Chanko No Life" Is there any way to get that t-shirt for myself. I am in Ankara/TURKEY and I would appreciate any help....I want that t-shirt for myself....Pls Help !!!

[Gusoyama]

I believe I remember it being mentioned before by someone else that the shirts are not available to the public, and are actually no longer even being printed. So no luck for us. (In a state of confusion...)