Author: Herouth

COVID-19 outbreak in Tatsunami beya

Herouth Akua, COVID-19

Yesterday I reported about three new cases of COVID-19 in an undisclosed heya.

Today, results came in of the tests of 17 heya contacts of those three. And 7 of them tested positive. So the number of infected rikishi has increased to 10, including Akua. So now we know the cluster outbreak is at Tatsunami beya.

Of the three rikishi who tested positive yesterday, one is hospitalized, and the other two are isolating at a designated hotel. The additional 7 have mild or no symptoms, and will also be isolating at hotels.

We will keep updating as news come in, and again we wish everybody a speedy recovery.

Three new cases of COVID-19 in Grand Sumo

Herouth COVID-19

The NSK announced today that three new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed. The three rikishi are ranked below sekitori, and therefore their names and the heya to which they belong have not been disclosed.

The three complained yesterday of fever and cough, and have therefore been given a test, which came back positive. They have been hospitalized as required by local protocol, and their close contacts are being tested. In addition, the NSK will give PCR tests to heya relations who don’t fall under the official “direct contact” definition.

We wish all involved a speedy recovery and no lasting complications.

Kakuryu Acquires Japanese Citizenship

Herouth Tokyo November Basho ,

Here is a clip from Japan’s Official Gazette.

Kakuryu is officially a citizen of Japan.

A lot has been riding on this citizenship. With his physical fitness deteriorating, there was a real danger he would be forced to retire without a citizenship. This would have meant he could not stay as an oyakata, as the rules of the NSK only allow Japanese citizens to be toshiyori (oyakata).

This would have been regrettable even without the background noise, as Kakuryu has a good reputation for leadership by example, and his presence in the sumo world would have been missed. But in his case, there was also the issue of the dying wish of his master, the late Izutsu oyakata, who wanted him to take over the heya.

The heya no longer exists as such, and even the building where it was located is currently being demolished. But now that he has earned his citizenship, he will be able to take the Izutsu name (there is some evidence that the former Toyonoshima is only holding it temporarily), and establish the heya again – as has already happened in the history of that heya. I’m sure this will make the Widow Fukuzono happy, and probably the late master’s brother, Shikoroyama oyakata, as well.

And of course, every sumo fan who has come to love and respect Kakuryu.