It’s become a fixture of the sumo calendar for the English speaking world. With the opening day of the Aki basho just a few days away, NHK World brings us another preview of the tournament, along with highlights and features about sumo and rikishi. Fans are eager to see if Raja is back to being tortured by rikishi, what kind of discussion breaks out between Murray and John, and which days they will broadcast live (pretty sure its day 1 and 8).
Make sure to tune in and enjoy it as its broadcast, or visit the NHK World web site to watch it via video on demand (works great on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and other streaming platforms).
Schedule (All Times US Eastern)
Friday September 7th @ 12:30 AM
Friday September 7th @ 04:30 AM
Friday September 7th @ 12:30 PM
Friday September 7th @ 06:30 PM
Is it really a Grand Sumo Preview if Raja doesn’t wind up wearing clay? ;p
This was a very good preview program. Maybe the reason I think so is because they expressed opinions which are much the same as mine. :-)
Both Murray and John were skeptical of Mitakeumi’s transformation.
The coverage of the Jungyo suggested that it was important for the rikishi’s training and that they get to train with rikishi they wouldn’t normally train with. I’m not so sure about that – when there is no Jungyo, the rikishi do not settle for training in their heya. There are joint training camps and joint ichimon practices and rikishi going on degeiko.
The guys also seemed to agree that the Jungyo is too long and is actually encroaching on the wrestlers’ training plan.
This was not the only point in which the filmed story implied one thing while the analysts in the studio (well, the restaurant next to the Kokugikan, isn’t it?) implied something else. Kisenosato’s chances are another example. The Jungyo bout with Kakuryu was brought as evidence that the Yokozuna is ready to return to the dohyo, and implied that his upper body was on the mend because he was exercising his left arm. The commentators were skeptical. Even Hiro Morita agreed that the Yokozuna should work on his basics and his lower body if he wants to salvage his career.
I found it amusing that this time everybody was very careful about their predictions, offering alternatives in case the leading figures do not show up. Eventually, everybody showed up (which doesn’t exclude kyujos pretty early in the basho. I don’t have much confidence in Hakuho’s legs).
The Kisenosato footage wrecked my nerves. The spirit is willing but that arm is never not going to be a factor. (Agree entirely with the assessment of his lower-body strength, BTW, if for no other reason than compensation forwhat has been lost.)