Month: October 2016

Sumo Kyokai Executive Officers

Andy Fukuoka Basho 2016

The Sumo Kyokai is in charge of professional sumo so it’s probably a good idea to understand more about the organization and the people. While there are some members who were not wrestlers, the executive officers were all successful in the top division. With Kitanoumi’s death a year ago this month and Chiyonofuji’s death over the summer, there’s been quite a bit of change…which we kind of get to ignore. The other day the Kyokai listed the whole group on the website. In Japanese. It’s taking me a while to get through the whole bunch so I’m going to start with the Executives. This will also give a glimpse into some of the more important committees and roles which I hope to feature in future posts. I have a feeling the Lifestyle Guidance Manager role will be particularly interesting to research. I mentioned that to my wife and it evoked memories of little rule books carried by middle schoolers, bans on ear piercings and strict dress codes.

Elder Name Highest Rank Shikona Role
Hakkaku 61st Yokozuna Hokutoumi Chairman
Oguruma Ozeki Kotokaze Senior Executive Manager
Nationwide Preservation Committee
Museum Steering Committee
Kyokai HQ
Takanohana 65th Yokozuna Takanohana Jungyo Manager
Kagamiyama Sekiwake Tagaryu Planning Manager
Publicity Manager
Lifestyle Guidance Manager
Supervisory Committee
Crisis Management
Museum Steering Committee
Kyokai HQ
Isegahama 63rd Yokozuna Asahifuji Local Manager (Osaka)
Nishonoseki Ozeki Wakashimazu Referee Director
Anti-Doping Committee Chairman
New Apprentice Inspection
Sakaigawa Komusubi Ryogoku Local Manager (Fukuoka)
Kasugano Sekiwake Tochinowaka Chief of Public Relations
Chief of Security
Museum Steering Committee
Kyokai HQ
Dewanoumi Maegashira 2 Oginohana Local Manager (Nagoya)
Yamahibiki Maegashira 1 Ganyu Teaching Director

Fukuoka Basho: Upcoming Events

Andy Fukuoka Basho 2016
20161028_dohyo1
Burying of salt and other tokens of good luck under the surface of the dohyo

If you are lucky enough to be in Japan and are looking for something to do or somewhere to go over the next month, I would encourage a serious look at Fukuoka for the sumo tournament.

Obviously, the action starts on November 13th and runs through the 27th. However, there are a few events beforehand that would be great to watch:

番付! – November Banzuke Published!

Bruce H Banzuke (番付), Kyushu Basho 2016 ,

banzuke

The banzuke for the November tournament in Kyushu was released today by the Japan Sumo Association.

http://www.sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoBanzuke

Notable elements:

Hakuho – Yokozuna 2E: Having missed the prior basho due to injury, the 69th Yokozuna starts in the bottom slot.  Don’t expect this to be an indicator of his performance, if he is healthy I am sure he will lay waste to everyone he faces.

Goeido – Ozeki 1E:  As the undefeated champion of Aki, he enters the Kyushu basho as the top Ozeki.  Keep in mind, it’s been discussed by the Yokozuna council that should he repeat in Kyushu, he will earn his rope.

Okinoumi – Sekiwake 1W: He moves up 2 slots event with a 8-7 record.  This is an result of brutal and punishing outcome of the Aki basho.  Okinoumi started strong and finished weak. Let’s hope he can excel in one of Sumo’s toughest slots

Mitakeumi – Komusubi 1E: Big move higher for the young Sumotori.  These lower Sanyaku ranks are tough to hold. But he has been looking strong on the Aki Jungyo

Tochiozan – Maegashira #1E: As a fan of Tochiozan, I am very happy to see him get the top Maegashira slot.  Best of luck against all of the big men of sumo.

Gagamaru – Maegashira #16E: Somehow, Gagamaru stayed in Makuuchi.  I wish him good fortune, and better comportment than his Aki performance.

 

Harumafuji Makes Appearance In Support of Charity HSP

Bruce H Harumafuji (日馬富士), Japanese Society ,

hsp1

70th Yokozuna Visits Sick Children in Ehime

Taking a break from the Aki Jungyo, Harumafuji payed a personal visit to some very sick children at Ehime University Hospital on the island of Shikoku across the Seto inland sea. As part of his cooperation with the Heart Saving Project, he spent time speaking with and encouraging the pediatric patients.

hsp2

The HSP charity is dedicated to treating and preventing the high prevalence of juvenile heart disease among Mongolian children, and we salute Ama / Harumafuji for taking time to brighten these young patient’s hospital stay.

As an additional note – the bumblebee Yukata is awesome.