Tamanoi Blog

[Jonosuke]

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.

Currently we have Tochinohana, Miyabiyama, Buyuzan and Tamarikido in Ozumo along with Toouyama. Ever since Tashiro (Toouyama) left 8 years ago, no one has updated the Meiji University Sumo Club web site!

Since those glory days, nothing has been the same. I don't see anyone there right now even close to joining Ozumo.

[philafuji]

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 !!!

Umut66,

I agree with you. I would buy one of those T shirts in a minute. I wonder if enough of us got together and notified the company who made them, would maybe do special orders for us.

[kaiguma]

I wouldn't waste your time. I know someone who has a connection to Tamanoi (can't name names) and I am fairly certain that the licensing to produce the tees lies solely with Tamanoi beya. So no matter how much demand you bring to the company, only Tamanoi can authorize even a limited production.

[Umut66]

Hmmm then i am thinking of doing my own unofficial t-shirt. I did that many times like this "unfinding t-shirts" Photoshop and a high tech press machine works good on this. I will send pics here when i do it. Lets see if you like it i will do more and send them to ones here who wants.

[madorosumaru]

06/15/07

Amanowaka Mid-Term Exam

Hello! This is Tooyama.

For the first time in a long time, I am going to write about an Amanowaka Legend today!!!

The other day, we held a periodic(?) Amanowaka Academic Achievement Test in the Big Room.

A certain, nameless ani-deshi asked him "Can you recite all of the 23 wards (ku) in Tokyo?"

and received a very Amanowaka-esque response!!!

Well, here is the give-and-take that took place.

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

Ani-deshi: "Recite all of the 23 wards!"

Amanowaka: "Umm. There is Adachi-ku, right? There is Arakawa-ku . . . and . . ."

Ani-deshi: "Are you giving up already?"

Amanowaka: "Ahh!! Akasaka!!"

Ani-deshi: "Akasaka??? What else?"

Amanowaka: "There are also . . . Oh, yeah. Shinjuku, Mishuku and Harajuku!"

Ani-deshi: "You got one right. I suppose they all have 'ku' (ward) at the end . . ."

Amanowaka: "Yep. I got one more!! Katsushinomiya-ku!"

Ani-deshi: "I guess you mean Katsushika-ku."

Such was the test result.

According to Amanowaka, the 23 wards of Tokyo are

limited to the following 7:

Adachi-ku

Arakawa-ku

Akasaka-ku

Shinjuku-ku

Harajuku-ku

Mishuku-ku

Katsushinomiya-ku

The above are the results of the Amanowaka Mid-Term Exam.

Tamanoi Beya

Note: Adachi-ku is, of course, where Tamanoi Beya is located. Arakawa-ku and Katsushika-ku (which he butchered) are neighboring wards. Those three (two and half?) and Shinjuku-ku are the only ones he had correct. A blog reader wrote in and admonished him (gently) for forgetting Shibuya-ku: "Shame on you for leaving out your ototo-deshi (junior colleague)!"

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

「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]

Ahhm...I would have had the same result I guess, adding Taito-ku (I live there) (Whatever above, it is funny...)

Nice, that Tooyama wrote again. Hope he won't retire too soon. I would miss his blogging a lot.

[Sasanishiki]

And of course we can't forget bunkyo-ku because they have that really fun sumo tournament each year!

[kaiguma]

Kinda funny seeing as how it's a rip-off of Tower Records.

That might be the deeper explanation. Tower (which goes by a slightly different name in Japan IIRC) may have actually given a limited permission for them to do a single run of the shirts, and not for commercial use. That or their friends at T-shirt-ya designed it without permission and will not sell them commercially for fear of the big Tower.

Of course this is just speculation, but I would bet it plays a role.

[madorosumaru]

06/20/07

Advance Party in Nagoya

Hello!

This is Tokiryu!!! (^0^)/

I have been here in Nagoya as part of the Advance Party since three days ago.

Today, I went with Isoazuma, Ikeda and Takaazuma to a kindergarten that we go to every year during the preparation period.

The kindergarten is located on top of a hill, surrounded by residential neighborhoods, so it is

hot!

Very hot!!

Much too hot!!!

Under the broiling sun, anxious children were waiting for us at the playing field. There must have been 400-500 people, including family members.

First, we had a sumosan Q&A.

Why are sumosan so big?

Why do sumosan eat chanko?

Why don't sumosan wear shoes? etc.

They were asking some pretty tough questions.

Then, the children sang songs for us

and presented us with drawings of sumosan and necklaces that they made.

After that, we did sumo with the kids!!

There were some that came at us full of spirit

and others that started crying.

We were all covered with perspiration

but managed somehow to complete our bouts with the children.

Then, it was time for the souvenir photographs.

During the session, a father came up to me and said, "When my daughter was a baby, Tokiryu-san was kind enough to hold her in the arms for a picture. Now, she is already in her second year of kindergarten."

I really got the sense that time does fly!

After the children returned to their respective classrooms,

we made our rounds distributing the chanko lunch.

That completed our assignment. (^_^;)

Finally, all the children came out for a send-off.

We were exhausted but

we were soothed by the sweet smiles of the cute kindergartners. o(^-^)o

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]

That is very nice. That's not the stupiud publicity thing for being in the news to earn money...just nice. ;-)

[madorosumaru]

06/23/07

Savior?!

Hello! This is Tooyama!

What nice weather even though it's the rainy season (tsuyu).

Now, I'm concerned about the water shortage this summer . . .

As for the pitcture above, Mr. and Mrs. T, who are always kind to us, invited us to an Encouragement Luncheon prior to our leaving for Nagoya.

The restaurant was our usual hangout, Fuku-sushi.

Before a basho, we are always treated to "Katsu-don" (pork cutlet bowl since "katsu" means "to win) for good luck. It really brings good luck--this katsu-don!

We'd all like to gambarize so that I can submit a good report from Nagoya Basho!

To change the subject, the title of the blog today is "Savior."

At the present time in the world of sports, there are college baseball's "Hankachi Oji." (The Handkerchief Prince)

and the savior of men's golf! "Hanikami Oji." (The Bashful Prince)

The above two are currently the heroes of the sports world

and the objects of tremendous spectator appeal.

Although our own sumo world is little-by-little regaining popularity,

there are only a few days during the week that the Kokugikan is full.

We need the birth of a new star!

The sumo world needs to discover a Prince of its own!!!

But, we don't use handkerchiefs on the dohyo . . .

And, one can't be bashful on the dohyo . . .

Just as I was wondering whether there could be a new prince

There is one!

A spectacular one!!!

In the guise of "Baka-tono" (Lord Fool)

And his name is

"Hamidashi Oji" (The Protruding Prince)

(*I really can't say what is protruding)

In any case, this picture shows Amanowaka at the year-end mochi-pounding event.

We are anxiously awaiting your attendance at the Nagoya 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

[Manekineko]

A spectacular one!!!

(Blinking...) (Eek...) (Dripping sweat...)

[madorosumaru]

06/27/07

Nagoya Basho Banzuke Announcement

Hello! This is Tooyama!

I am updating the blog from our Nagoya lodgings in Kasugai City, Aichi-ken.

The banzuke for Tamanoi rikishi is as below:

Yoshiazuma . . . . . makushita 4w

Tooyama . . . . . . . makushita 36w

Shibuya . . . . . . . . makushita 38w

Tokiryu . . . . . . . . . makushita 55w

Teruazuma . . . . . . sandanme 1e

Takaazuma . . . . . . sandanme 3w

Toshinyama . . . . . sandanme 14e

Ikeda . . . . . . . . . . sandanme 41e

Daiseiko . . . . . . . . sandanme 44e

Isoazuma . . . . . . . sandanme 58w

Karatsuumi . . . . . . sandanme 81w

Oazuma . . . . . . . . . jonidan 23e

Nishitani . . . . . . . . . jonidan 34w

Hoshiazuma . . . . . . jonidan 35e

Ikinoshima . . . . . . . jonidan 70e

Amanowaka . . . . . . jonidan 85w (The Protruding Prince)

Mise . . . . . . . . . . . . jonidan 92w

Azumaoshu . . . . . .. jonidan 101w

Hamaazuma . . . . . . jonidan 105w

Takahashi . . . . . . . . jonidan 107e

Fujiazuma . . . . . . . . jonokuchi 37e

21 rikishi in total!

We shall gambarize again this basho!

As for keiko, we work out everyday from 7 a.m. to around 10 a.m.

Anyone can come to observe the sessions.

*During the basho, from July 8 to July 22, keiko will be from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Keiko will be held in the confines of Jizoji [Temple] in Kasugai City.

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]

07/05/07

Keiko at the Nagoya lodgings

Hello! This is Tooyama!

Now that it's July, the Opening Day of Nagoya Basho is fast approaching.

The rikishi are working hard everyday in keiko.

The above picture was taken from outside the practice area.

The keiko-ba is outdoors, surrounded by trees which protect it from the intense Nagoya sun.

In addition, there are bamboo blinds, which provide us with shade as we work out.

Still, when it's hot, it's hot!!!

It is somwhat cooler this year than in previous years, but

once the basho starts, I'm sure it's going to get meltingly hot.

The lodging where we stay at every year in Nagoya

is at a temple called Jizo-ji. It is the place

where our oyakata had practiced in his active years.

Adjacent to the temple is a nursery school and we use part of that facility for our lodging.

As such, there are a whole bunch of cute little nursery school kids watching us during keiko.

The children are extremely well-mannered and watch the work-outs silently, but

once keiko is over ↓↓↓↓↓

They have great fun doing sumo with the sumo-san.

Tokiryu and Nishitani waving "Bye bye" to the children.

I wanted to show you some serene moments with the kids at Tamanoi Beya, which contrast

with the intense atmosphere of the keiko-ba.

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]

Nagoya Basho Day 13

Hello! This is Tooyama!

It's been a while since I last updated the blog.

Today is already Day 13 of Nagoya Basho.

About the picture above, Shigeru, the yobidashi, took that photo of Nagoya Castle from atop the Drum Tower (Taiko Yagura).

Shigeru is responsible for beating the opening drum just about everyday.

You don't get to see a view like that very often.

Well, here is the current scoreboard of Tamanoi rikishi:

Yoshiazuma . . . . . 4W 2L Kachi-koshi

Tooyama . . . . . . . 1W 5L

Shibuya . . . . . . . . 4W 3L Kachi-koshi

Tokiryu . . . . . . . . 4W 2L Kachi-koshi

Teruazuma . . . . . . 2W 4L

Takaazuma . . . . . . 4W 3L Kachi-koshi

Toshinyama . . . . . . 4W 2L Kachi-koshi

Ikeda . . . . . . . . . . .2W 4L

Daiseiko . . . . . . . . Kyujo

Isoazuma . . . . . . . 1W 5L

Karatsuumi . . . . . . 2W 4L

Oazuma . . . . . . . . .3W 3L

Nishitani . . . . . . . . 3W 4L

Hoshiazuma . . . . . . 2W 4L

Ikinoshima . . . . . . .3W 3L

Amanowaka . . . . . .2W 4L

Mise . . . . . . . . . . . 5W 1L Kachi-koshi

Azumaoshu . . . . . . 2W 4L

Hamaazuma . . . . . .2W 4L

Takahashi . . . . . . . 3W 3L

Fujiazuma . . . . . . . 5W 2L Kachi-koshi

Currently, there are seven with Kachi-koshi.

Thank you for your support again this basho.

We will continue to gambarize for the remaining two day!

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]

07/23/07

Thank you for your support

Hello! This is Tooyama!

Yesterday was the Final Day of Nagoya Basho.

Thank you for all your cheers again this basho.

This basho's result of seven kachi-koshi out of the 21 rikishi of Tamanoi Beya left something to be desired. I believe each one of us realize that he has some problem area to work on. We would like to dedicate ourselves to keiko in preparation for Aki Basho that is coming up.

This week is our post-basho hiatus.

From August 1, we will hold summer camp at Soma City in Fukushima Prefecture.

We will be there for about three weeks. Soma, with the ocean and the mounains, is a spectacular setting for camp. We plan to work extra hard and return to Tokyo a size or two larger.

There is still room for the Camp Tour, so those of you who have the time, please take advantage of this opportunity to join us.

Soma Camp Tour

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

[Jakusotsu]

Soma Camp Tour

Pardon my ignorance, but is "Soma Camp" supposed to mean "Summer Camp"?

[madorosumaru]

Soma Camp Tour

Pardon my ignorance, but is "Soma Camp" supposed to mean "Summer Camp"?

Soma Camp [August] in Soma City [Gumma] for Soma Rikishi [Tamanoi]

[madorosumaru]

07/29/07

Going Home to Tokyo

Hello! This is Tooyama!

After about a month of living in Nagoya,

we are now on our way back to Tokyo!

Although it was not that hot in Nagoya during the basho,

the moment it was over, it got really hot

and the last two or three days we were in a super heat wave. (>_<)

It was unbelievably hot!

To the people of Nagoya, thank you for your wonderful hospitality

during our stay.

Well, we're on our way home to Tokyo!

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]

07/31/07

Soma Camp

Hello! This is Tooyama!

Right now, we are in Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture.

The picture above was taken just before the Encouragement Party that was held for us.

From tomorrow to August 19, we will be having summer camp at our oyakata's hometown of Soma.

There will be a hiatus from Aug. 14 to 16 for obon, but otherwise we will be doing keiko from 7 a.m. to around 10 a.m.

For those of you who live close by, there is free access to keiko, so do drop by.

The address is:

Tamanoi Beya Soma Camp Facilities

Iwanoko, Soma, Fukushima

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

[madorosumaru]

08/01/07

Soma Camp - Part 2

Hello! This is Tooyama!

This is our second day in Soma.

I am posting some scenes from the Encouragement Party that was held last night.

Last night, we received the warmest welcome and encouragement from the members of the Soma Koenkai.

It is now already the 18th Soma Summer Camp.

The ohotograph above is of Amanowaka and me.

We've had a few beers and are a bit tipsy.

Tamanoi Oyakata and Tochiazuma Oyakata standing on the stage.

Tochiazuma Oyakata with members of the Soma Koenkai.

Amanowaka, Isoazuma and Karatsuumi with "The Chef" that always helps us with chanko.

Keiko at summer camp started today. We see the back of Tochiazuma Oyakata.

Tamanoi Oyakata was absent, having to go to Tokyo for an emergency board meeting.

In the evening, we each went on walks or did training.

In the foreground is Tokiryu and Yoshiazuma is in the background. All around are rice paddies.

Compared to Tokyo, Soma is not as hot and the breeze is cool. The air is fresh

and everything tastes so good.

We'd like to do some good keiko in Soma and try our best to get a bit larger.

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]

08/16/07

Soma Camp - Part 3

Hello! This is Tooyama!

Sorry for the delay in updating.

Today is the 17th day of the summer camp in Soma, Fukushima.

It has been broilingly hot in Soma City day after day. If you're outdoors for a while, you'd get groggy from the heat.

The picture above shows Karatsuumi banging against Shibuya during butsukari keiko.

They are having a nice workout.

This picture shows keiko between Tokiryu and Ikeda.

When keiko is done, we go to the nearby beach for a swim.

Photo: From the left, Shibuya, Nishitani, Ikinoshima, Ikeda, Fujiazuma

Tochiazuma Oyakata and Hamaazuma are there too.

We heard that when Hamaazuma was swimming off the shore after keiko the other day,

he got cramps in both his legs. "A life buoy is an absolute necessity!" he warned.

Here is a picture of that fellow, Hamaazuma, swimming. ↓↓↓

He looks like a beached seal. Hmm. It doesn't appear like he needs a lifesaver, though. (Laugh)

However, upon closer look, could this be a ghost photograph?

Enlarge a portion

In the expert opionion of our resident spiritualist(?), Isoazuma . . .

"That's someone holding a deep-seated grudge--shindeshi Takahashi."

The next photo is a lengthy one. ↓↓↓

1. When it comes to the beach, it's gotta be "Seafood Shack."

Zoom in.

2. Zoom in some more!

3. Hey, there's Shibuya, Ikinoshima, Mise and Takahashi.

Everything you eat at a "Seafood Shack" tastes awfully good.

Well, something for me, too. ↓↓

Tochiazuma Oyakata treated me to some tsubo-dai. (a kind of sea bream that is a local delicacy)

We're going to have a barbeque later today.

See ya.

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]

08/18/07

Soma Camp - The Festival

Hello! This is Tooyama!

Keiko at Soma Camp ended today.

Tomorrow, we will be returning to Tokyo.

Today's blog is about The Festival.

The picture above shows a scene from the chanko concession at the local Melon Fair.

At 200 Yen a bowl, there was a long line.

On this day, it was Karatsuumi and Ikeda on nabe-serving duty.

We used a giant pot to cook so there was plenty of food.

After that, since it was a Melon Fair, where other items like watermelon were sold.

*The sales at the fair was for a local volunteer group,

and Tamanoi Beya had nothing to do with the proceeds.

Next,

The Bon-Odori

We participated in the Soma Bon-Odori Contest as Team Tamanoi Beya.

This year, there were 900 participants in this bon-odori contest.

It is the premier social event of the summer in Soma.

We participate in it every year.

For about 90 minutes, everyone paraded down Baryo Street and ended up at the main venue for the dance.

We were all pumped up even before the start.

At the bon-odori, . . . Not unexpectedly . . . ↓↓

1. Look over here!

A strange guy in red . . .

2. He's coming closer and closer!

3. Oh my. Could it be!?

4. It's "Shuppai-derman-Amano!"

* Why "Shuppai?" (Sour) Well, it's because it looks like it's hot as heck in this costume.

As a result, he is going to be all sweaty and sour-smelling. . .

From left: Hoshiazuma, Teruazuma, Amanowaka, Yoshiazuma, Tokiryu

Amanowaka, in the middle, is showing a face from between his legs . . .

1. In a flash, he had made a costume change. (laugh)

Into a white swan and he was at the head of the Tamanoi Beya Bon-Odori Team.

2. Swan Lake? He had some fine dance moves.

3. "Yep, that was a nice piece of work!" said Amanowaka.

He was resting like a prima donna on the sidewalk.

4. The folks of Soma were laughing uncontrollably. (Laugh)

Amanowaka got carried away . . . [with his success?] ↓↓

5. "Just a little bit of . . ." he sang as

he lifted his leg.

* Sorry, the photo is out of focus.

He appeared several more times on the stage to do his self-proclaimed "Sexy Dance."

The people of Soma, we are very sorry for the "repulsive" sight.

Then, the "White Swan" Amanowaka went to the judges' table where the oyakata was evaluating the dancers.

And pleaded with the mayor and the other judges to "add points for the Tamanoi Team."

The Oyakata's answer was "Point Deduction!" (Anger)

However, out of the kindness of the judges, we received The Special Award!

I guess you can't have a festival without Amanowaka.

*********

To change the subject completely,

we understand that the outfit that is producing the Tamanoi Beya T-shirts in Okinawa

is coming out with another outrageous project.

That project is: "Can love save even Shota?"

For personal reasons, [shota] plans to run across 101 kilometers of the island of Okinawa from Nakijin to Naha in 24 hours.

For details, please check the blog below.

Gambare, Shota!

* Shota was getting a keiko workout at Soma Camp the other day from Tochiazuma Oyakata.

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

[Kintamayama]

A question- were Tamanoi not at the jungyo, or because they have no sekitori they are exempt?

[madorosumaru]

A question- were Tamanoi not at the jungyo, or because they have no sekitori they are exempt?

The non-sekitori that are with the jungyo troupe are on tsukebito or other duties. At some venues, local toriteki are also included as hometown favorites. For example, Kihonoumi, who reached sandanme ketteisen in Nagoya, was an attraction at the Niigata venue to help raise the spirits of the earthquake victims.

Tamanoi Beya and other heya hold summer camps every year for the "Young Guys," who do not participate in the jungyo. As you may have noticed in some of the pictures, Tochiazuma Oyakata was also at the camp and not on jungyo duty.

Here is a post about Kazafuzan while on tsukebito duty during a jungyo trip.