Month: January 2017

Hatsu Recap 1 – The Return of Osunaarashi (大砂嵐)

Bruce H Hatsubasho 2017, Juryo (十両), Osunaarashi (大砂嵐)

osunaarashi

A Fighting Spirit In A Damaged Body.

Story line 1 for Hatsu was the celebration of Egyptian sumotori Osunaarashi’s return to the top division. Osunaarashi had a sponsor arrangement that only really paid out when he was competing in top division matches, so he had a substantial financial incentive to return to Makuuchi. During the Kyushu basho, Osunaarashi drove himself relentlessly to compete in spite of obvious personal injuries and great physical pain. No one could question his devotion to sumo or his fighting spirt. But his injuries overcame him, and on day 13 of Kyushu, he withdrew from the tournament.

In spite of this withdrawal, the Japan Sumo Association gave him a chance for Hatsu basho. It was with great joy that his followers and fans noted that he had made the very last spot: Maegashira 16 East, on the Makuuchi banzuke. Everyone hoped that Osunaarashi would arrive day 1 in good physical condition and ready to compete and hopefully secure a winning record.

Sadly, after a fairly strong start where he defeated a trio of Kokonoe rikishi (M15e Chiyoo, M14e Chiyootori and M14w Chiyotairyu), he proceeded to grow progressively weaker, and more injured day after day. His finishing record was 4 wins, 11 losses: an ugly make-koshi.

This means that Osunaarashi will be deep in the Juryo pack for Osaka, and once again out of the top division. Osunaarashi needs time to heal and recover, or he is likely never to be a serious competitor again. Each basho he seems a bit more damaged, and his performance is declining.

Tachiai hopes that Osunaarashi will find the time to have his injuries addressed, and can return to fighting form.

Goeido (豪栄道) Cancels Personal Appearance In Nara

Bruce H Gōeidō (豪栄道), Harubasho 2017 (Osaka), Injuries, injury

goeido-meal

Possible Major Right Ankle Injury.

News and details of injuries to sumotori are always hard to come by. For a variety of reasons the actual physical condition of sumo’s top stars are a closely guarded secret. But now word comes that Ozeki mainstay, and Aki Zensho champion Goeido may be facing a significant injury, suffered on Hatsu day 12 in his bout against Endo.

In the web article published here (in Kanji), it would seem to indicate that Goeido will miss a scheduled public appearance February 3rd at the Kasuga Shrine in the city of Nara. As Goeido is a “hometown boy” from that region, his appearance is a significant event, and his withdrawal is noteworthy.

The article also states he is continuing treatment to his right ankle, including screws to keep things in place. If true (and translated correctly by myself), this could indicate a significant injury that may limit his participation in the upcoming Osaka tournament, or worse yet end his career.

Tachiai wishes Goeido good fortune in recovery, and we dearly hope to see his Aki fighting form back again soon.

Kisenosato’s Meiji Shrine Dohyo-iri

Bruce H Debut, Kisenosato (稀勢の里), Takayasu (高安), Yokozuna (横綱) , ,

kisenosato-meiji

Massive Crowd Welcomes New Yokozuna

Tokyo – In the overnight hours US / EU time, Kisenosato performed his first public dohyo-iri on the grounds of the Meiji shrine, in front of sumo officials and a crowd estimated to be over 20,000. It is customary for a new Yokozuna to perform this ceremony two days after his elevation to sumo’s highest rank. His attendants were (as expected), Takayasu as sword bearer and Shohozan as dew sweeper.

As there has only been two days to prepare, Kisenosato’s dohyo-iri was a bit rough, and lacked many of the polished, fluid qualities seen in, for example, Hakuho’s dohyo-iri. For this debut dohyo-iri, Kisenosato and his retainers do not yet have their own sword, or their matching Keshō-mawashi (long aprons), so the shin-yokozuna customarily borrows them from a predecessor. In this case it was the great Wakanohana I.

Kisenosato Prepares For Meiji

Bruce H Kisenosato (稀勢の里), Kotoshogiku (琴奨菊), Takayasu (高安), Yokozuna (横綱), Yoshikaze (嘉風) , ,

Rikishi From Oguruma, Sadogatake and Nishonoseki Help Weave The Rope

A pair of great videos showing the team work between multiple sumo stables to craft and fit the ceremonial rope or tsuna for new-Yokozuna, a day prior to his debut at the Meiji Jingu Shrine.

There are several notable rikishi present assisting with the weaving of the tsuna, of course we knew that Yoshikaze was present from his Instagram photos, but it seems almost all of Nishonoseki-Ichimon group of stables pitched in. Notables from Oguruma heya showed up, including Amakaze and Takekaze.  Shohozan is clearly designated as Kisenosato’s tsuyuharai (dew sweeper / herald) in their practice sessions for the dohyo-iri tomorrow.  It’s also notable that long time Kisenosato competitor and recently demoted Ozeki Kotoshogiku is there as well.

Somewhat longer video below with more details, and plenty of footage of retired Yokozuna Ōnokuni instructing Kisenosato on the mechanics of the Unryu style ritual.

 

The Meiji Shrine ceremony will take place at 15:00 Japan Standard Time on Friday, January 27th.  As always, Tachiai will work to bring you video of this historic event.