Keiko news March 2006- Hakuhou

[Kintamayama]

Hakuhou has been suffering from a bad cold these last few days. "I had a fever of 39 C. I couldn't do anything", he said. At the weigh-in, he weighed 148 kilos, down 6 kilos from Hatsu's 154.

[Koriyama]

At the weigh-in, he weighed 148 kilos, down 6 kilos from Hatsu's 154.

Caused by illness or reversed yoyo effect, eating notwithstanding (Kate Moss is going to kill him for that). (Laughing...)

[Kintamayama]

Hakuhou has started serious keiko today. 30 bouts against Ryuuou and other Makushita and under. "Well, I'm just starting, but it wasn't bad", he said, satisfied. Miyagino-beya was very cheerful with the birth of Juryo Koubo's first son two days ago, and the mood at keiko was in accordance. " Man, he looks just like me.. Coool..", mused Koubo. "That's good. I want one too.. ", answered Hakuhou enviously. Miyagino-beya is looking for a double promotion: Hakuhou to Ozeki and Makushita Ryuuou ( a 5-2 at Makushita east 9 last basho should put him way up there..) to Juryo for the first time. "Promotion together?? I shall gambarize!", said Ryuuou.

[Kintamayama]

Hakuhou has left for Mongolia- he will stay there a week or so. His heya has wrapped up their pre-Osaka keiko, and will be preparing their departure to Osaka for about a week. "I'll rest and accumulate some power and be back soon", he said. He will be staying at his father's house in their village in a large dome -shaped tent. (Gel?)

He's got a ticket to ride:

Edited February 17, 2006 by Kintamayama

[Jonosuke]

Does he get a hero's welcome like Asashoryu does once he is home?

I was reading a story about Daisougen of Shikihide Beya the other day and it said he came to Japan with Hakuho and others. Obviously Hakuho must be the most talented of them all but does anyone know who else came to Japan with Hakuho and Daisougen and stilll around in Ozumo?

Incidentally how do you say "Gambaru" in Mongolian?

[madorosumaru]

I was reading a story about Daisougen of Shikihide Beya the other day and it said he came to Japan with Hakuho and others. Obviously Hakuho must be the most talented of them all but does anyone know who else came to Japan with Hakuho and Daisougen and stilll around in Ozumo?

Mokonami and Taika. Seven youngsters came from Mongolia and trained at Settsu Warehouse in Osaka. Four of the aspirants found heya to join. The story that Hakuho had no takers until the very last moment is well-known. Kyokushuzan was instrumental in arranging the trip and also made a last-minute phone call to convince Miyagino (current Kumagatani) Oyakata to accept him as a deshi.

Edited February 18, 2006 by madorosumaru

[Kintamayama]

(Gel?)

GER

spending so much time on japanese sumo that you are developing the L/R difficulty moti? (Hugging...)

No. Reading katakana that says "geru" and not really being deeply knowledgable in Mongolian rural lifestyles, regretfully.

One thing you got right - I am definitely spending too much time on "japanese sumo".

[Kintamayama]

Incidentally how do you say "Gambaru" in Mongolian?

Gambalu?

[Kintamayama]

I was reading a story about Daisougen of Shikihide Beya the other day and it said he came to Japan with Hakuho and others. Obviously Hakuho must be the most talented of them all but does anyone know who else came to Japan with Hakuho and Daisougen and stilll around in Ozumo?

Mokonami and Daitensho.

Plus Taika, Daiyuuchi, and Musashiryuu. The two Tongans as well, but that's just showing off. And two closet foreigners, Kanaya (South Korean) and Hokuryouyama the Brazilian. That is chest beating.

I guess you people never visit my foreigners' site, huh?

[Otokonoyama]

I guess you people never visit my foreigners' site, huh?

I guess nobody visits this site either (Hugging...)

[Jonosuke]

Mokonami and Taika. Seven youngsters came from Mongolia and trained at Settsu Warehouse in Osaka. Four of the aspirants found heya to join.

Thanks, I vaguely remember Mokonami was Hakuho's "douki" as well as Kyokushuzan's role. I'd sure like to know more about this story like:

- How did the seven get selected (I imagine most if not all had judo, wrestling or Mongolian sumo background)

- Hakuho's father was an ex-Mongolian sumo yokozuna or ozeki. Did he go along with his son's decision to go alone to Japan at the time or did anyone else convince him? (I am asking this as more than Asashoryu's father, Hakuho's father looked more like a wooden rooster in Las Vegas, totally remaining calm and stoic throughout the bouts while all around him, Mongolian contingent was going crazy)

- Obviously the Settsu Warehouse was used for a training ground (as Settsu has a strong presence in amateur sumo), but who trained the Mongolians? Any Ozumo rikishi (I'd doubt Kyokushuzan did)? Or just Settsu amateur rikishis? Did they come for training alone or did all expected to join Ozumo?

- Who arranged the meeting with oyakatas...we know about Kyokushuzan's role but who else. Hakuho was picked last but who got picked first.

- So far we know Kumagatani oyakata was contacted by Kyokushuzan. The other two oyakatas - Tatsunami picking Mokonami and Shikihide picking both Taika and Daishogen, must have been there but who contacted ttem. How did they know the Mongolians were there and looking for a heya to join?

- Did Kyokushusan try to interest the other three not picked to any other oyakata? Or only Miyagino was interested? If I recall he wasn't even sure about Hakuho when he first met him as he thought Hakuho was just a tall and lanky kid, more suited for basketball.

- Why did they go back to Mongolia so quickly (like they've been around only for a couple of weeks or so)? Who paid for their expense?

- If they really wanted to join a heya, why didn't they all come to Tokyo and do the training somewhere close to Ryogoku?

Lot of questions but not enough answers...

[madorosumaru]

- How did the seven get selected (I imagine most if not all had judo, wrestling or Mongolian sumo background)

My understanding is that Kyokushuzan arranged a series of interviews/tryouts in Mongolia. In Mokonami's case, a relative knew Kyokushuzan.

- Hakuho's father was an ex-Mongolian sumo yokozuna or ozeki. Did he go along with his son's decision to go alone to Japan at the time or did anyone else convince him? (I am asking this as more than Asashoryu's father, Hakuho's father looked more like a wooden rooster in Las Vegas, totally remaining calm and stoic throughout the bouts while all around him, Mongolian contingent was going crazy)

Hakuho's father was a great yokozuna and probably an epitome of a "wooden rooster." Asashoryu's father was not nearly his peer.

- Obviously the Settsu Warehouse was used for a training ground (as Settsu has a strong presence in amateur sumo), but who trained the Mongolians? Any Ozumo rikishi (I'd doubt Kyokushuzan did)? Or just Settsu amateur rikishis? Did they come for training alone or did all expected to join Ozumo?

They came with the expectation of joining a heya. The two months they spent training at Settsu was in prep as well as an "audition." These were kids, 15 to 18, with limited sumo experience so jitsugyodan rikishi would more than suffice.

- Who arranged the meeting with oyakatas...we know about Kyokushuzan's role but who else. Hakuho was picked last but who got picked first.

- So far we know Kumagatani oyakata was contacted by Kyokushuzan. The other two oyakatas - Tatsunami picking Mokonami and Shikihide picking both Taika and Daishogen, must have been there but who contacted ttem. How did they know the Mongolians were there and looking for a heya to join?

As far as I know, word was spread that a group of Mongolian kids were looking for heya to join. The owner of Settsu is quite influential in the Ozumo circles also. I suppose interested oyakata dropped by or sent representatives to check out the "hopefuls." Tatsunami Beya alredy had Daionami so the oyakata was familiar with Mongolian deshi. Three of them were picked along the way, but Hakuho was left to the last moment before he was scheduled to return home.

Kyokushizan called Kumagatani on Christmas Eve. He also had Oshima Oyakata talk to Kumagatani to help convince the reluctant oyakata. Hakuho has been quoted as saying he was "saved" on that fateful night.

- Did Kyokushusan try to interest the other three not picked to any other oyakata? Or only Miyagino was interested? If I recall he wasn't even sure about Hakuho when he first met him as he thought Hakuho was just a tall and lanky kid, more suited for basketball.

I have not read anything specific about the remaining three. I guess they were "looked over" just like the others but no one was interested. Kyokushuzan had enough trouble convincing Kumagatani to take Hakuho as it were. Hakuho was only 68 kg at that time. For two months after he joined the heya, oyakata did not let him do any keiko. Hakuho didn't know why, but found out later that the oyakata was "fattening him up." By the shindeshi test, he weighed 80 kg.

- Why did they go back to Mongolia so quickly (like they've been around only for a couple of weeks or so)? Who paid for their expense?

- If they really wanted to join a heya, why didn't they all come to Tokyo and do the training somewhere close to Ryogoku?

They were at Settsu for two months. I think both visa restrictions and expenses were factors in determining the length of stay. They were in Osaka because Settsu (or somebody there) probably took care of room and board. If there were an equivalent benefactor in Tokyo, I am sure they would have been there instead. From all that I've read, this was a Kyokushuzan venture where he used his "connections" in Japan and Mongolia to give these kids an opportunity to join sumo. He raised the funds and probably "kicked in" some of his own.

OK, the simplest (or at least the most wholesome) analogy I can use would be an orphanage. Prospective parents would come to look at all the little tykes. If they see one that they liked, they would arrange for an adoption. Some got picked right away, a few very reluctantly, and others remained just "unwanted" . . .

The parents have their own reasons for picking. Tatsunami already had Daionami back at the heya so he knew what a Mongolian deshi would be like. Shikihide, who had a small heya, decided to take two--as adopting parents often take siblings. The head of the orphanage begs a couple to take a little runt of a kid, "He may cry a lot and look a little funny, but you never know--sometimes they grow up into handsome, young men . . ." That was Hakuho. (Hugging...)

[madorosumaru]

- Did Kyokushusan try to interest the other three not picked to any other oyakata? Or only Miyagino was interested? If I recall he wasn't even sure about Hakuho when he first met him as he thought Hakuho was just a tall and lanky kid, more suited for basketball.

There are many versions of the story. Some have Kyokushuzan pushing Hakuho to Miyagino/Kumagatani, including using the reinforcement of Oshima Oyakata. However, in an article about Hakuho (Sumo mag, Sept. 2004), Kyokushuzan called Kumagatani and asked him to please take one of the remaining boys.

Miyagino/Kumagatani, after much hesitation, finally relented and specified "the youngest and tallest one of the boys--the graceful-looking kid." He then sent a mskushita deshi, Asai, to fetch him back to Tokyo the next morning. The oyakata was hardly convinced. "I looked at him and said 'My, he's skinny.' I wasn't at all sure that he would ever get big enough."

I am sure Miyagino/Kumagatani wasn't the only oyakata called during those last few days. Kyokushuzan was probably as much a pest on the phone as he is on the dohyo. When he retires, he will have ample experience to show on his resume to become one of those ubiquitous tele-marketers. (Hugging...)

[Sasanishiki]

I wonder what is in it for Kyokushuzan? Does he look after relatives? Possibly. Or does he gain kudos from all of this? possible also. I wonder if the obligation that he gains and stores from his actions is reepaid to him in any way, monetary or otherwise... He obviously has to use his connections and the goodwill of those that know him. He may even contribute his own money, as has been mentioned. Certainly others are contributing money or services on his behalf, so I wonder if there is benefit to him apart from having a warm, fuzzy feeling (just musing aloud and not implying anything sinister)?

[Manekineko]

Well, he's probably considering his future career. We've not heard anything about him becoming an oyakata, so what makes more sense than career in sports politics, as an official in some high Mongolian sports organisation, or charged with Mongolian-Japanese relations, maybe a minister of sports, blah-blah. I guess Mongolian members have more educated guesses on this. (In a state of confusion...)

[madorosumaru]

Manekineko-san, as usual, you are right on top of things.

As Dylan sang, you don't have to be a weatherman to know which way the wind is blowing. You don't have to be a Mongolian to know what a "ger" is.

[ilovesumo]

Maybe Shuzan is just a nice guy, helping kids from his home country. Not possible? (Annoyed...)

[Jonosuke]

I really believe Kyokushuzan has a good heart that he truly wants to help those less fortunate in Mongolia to have a chance to receive a good education and better life.

Shoe has his own charitable foundation that collected donation in Japan and used it to provide facilities when they had a deep freeze there a couple of years ago. I recall Doreen S. telling me she helps the foundation through her church and she in fact has travelled there to help out as well.

Edited February 20, 2006 by Jonosuke

[BuBa]

Well, he's probably considering his future career. We've not heard anything about him becoming an oyakata, so what makes more sense than career in sports politics, as an official in some high Mongolian sports organisation, or charged with Mongolian-Japanese relations, maybe a minister of sports, blah-blah. I guess Mongolian members have more educated guesses on this. (Annoyed...)

Nothing official, but I remember him talking about running for a parliament ( Ih Hural) sit in 2008. But I don't think this has anything to do with him helping young wrestlers to join ozumo. Just an old goodwill me thinks. By the way Asashoryu had helped to several young Mongolian rikishis to come to Japan too.

[BuBa]

Incidentally how do you say "Gambaru" in Mongolian?

If you would tell me in English in one word the meaning of it I'll try to find the most closest in Mongolian if you wish.

Edited February 21, 2006 by BuBa

[ilovesumo]

By the way Asashoryu had helped to several young Mongolian rikishis to come to Japan too.

There aren't to many voices calling for young mongolian Rikishi, so, who else shall help them?

[Erkhembulgan]

Mokonami and Taika. Seven youngsters came from Mongolia and trained at Settsu Warehouse in Osaka. Four of the aspirants found heya to join.

- Hakuho's father was an ex-Mongolian sumo yokozuna or ozeki. Did he go along with his son's decision to go alone to Japan at the time or did anyone else convince him? (I am asking this as more than Asashoryu's father, Hakuho's father looked more like a wooden rooster in Las Vegas, totally remaining calm and stoic throughout the bouts while all around him, Mongolian contingent was going crazy)

Hakuho's father was not happy that Asashoryu's father sent his son to Japan. He asked "Are you starving? (Censored) Why did you send the furure "yokozuna" of mongolian wrestling to Japan?" But later Hakuho's father decided that his son can also join sumo... (Blushing...) Maybe he regrets sometimes about the decision he made.

[Jonosuke]

Hakuho's father was not happy that Asashoryu's father sent his son to Japan. He asked "Are you starving? (Censored) Why did you send the furure "yokozuna" of mongolian wrestling to Japan?" But later Hakuho's father decided that his son can also join sumo... (Blushing...) Maybe he regrets sometimes about the decision he made.

OK I am more confused than ever about this whole thing now. Hakuho and six other Mongolians who initially came to Japan to train at Settsu Soko in Osaka, hoping to join an Ozumo heya, how did they get selected and who paid for their expenses to travel to Japan? Up to now the information I have is that this has all came about due to Kyokushuzan's involvement.

My understanding was that most, if not all, came through because they had some connection with Kyokushuzan. For instance I read that Daisougen's uncle is (was?) a yokozuna in Mongoian sumo and Kyokushuzan was told about him though the uncle which led him to be included in the group.

You seem to be saying at least Hakuho was selected and his expenses were paid by Asashoryu's father but how did you find about this as this is the first I heard of it. There was no mention previously of any involvement by Asashoryu's father on this.

Can someone get more detail information about this?

[Doitsuyama]

Hakuho's father was not happy that Asashoryu's father sent his son to Japan. ...

You seem to be saying at least Hakuho was selected and his expenses were paid by Asashoryu's father but how did you find about this as this is the first I heard of it. There was no mention previously of any involvement by Asashoryu's father on this.

I think you are interpreting Erkhembulgan wrongly. The "his son" part refers to Asashoryu, not Hakuho. Makes a lot more sense this way.

[madorosumaru]

Hakuho's father was not happy that Asashoryu's father sent his son to Japan. He asked "Are you starving? Why did you send the furure "yokozuna" of mongolian wrestling to Japan?" But later Hakuho's father decided that his son can also join sumo... Maybe he regrets sometimes about the decision he made.

You seem to be saying at least Hakuho was selected and his expenses were paid by Asashoryu's father but how did you find about this as this is the first I heard of it. There was no mention previously of any involvement by Asashoryu's father on this.

Can someone get more detail information about this?

I think Erkhembulgan meant Hakuho's father was unhappy about Asashoryu's father sending Asashoryu to Japan and made those disparaging remarks. Ironically, he did the same thing later by allowing his own son to join sumo.

As for details on Hakuho, gacktoh-san is an acknowledged expert on Hakuho's career. Maybe, she will be kind enough to enlighten all of us.

Edited February 22, 2006 by madorosumaru