Kotokanyuu retires

[Kintamayama 45,142]

Makushita 42 Kotokanyuu, 40 who was involved in yesterday's scuffle in the dressing room, has announced his retirement from Sumo. Kotokanyuu is the second oldest active rikishi in Sumo, and was a mid-Makushita fixture these last few years. He spent 12 bashos in Juryo and his highest rank was Juryo 7.

This is what happened:

In Makushita on day 8, there was a backstage fight after a bout. A 40 year old rikishi (no name given, but it can only be Kotokanyuu..) who just lost a fierce match riddled with massive harites to a 19 year old opponent (I'd say it was Ikioi, both were unbeaten going into day 8..) came into the shitakubeya, ired by the fact that someone 20 years his junior came after him with fierce harites, wrapped a towel around his hand and let loose at the young guy. "This is the Oyakatas' problem. I'd like them to renew their efforts in leadership..", said head of Educational Guidance Isegahama Oyakata. In the end, the Oyakatas sorted it out amongst themselves with apologies all around. It seems Sadogatake Oyakata has his hands full these days..

This is a totally tragic turn of events, as I became chummy with him during the Sadogatake trip to Israel and he is truly a wonderful, intelligent and caring person. "He did something that should not be done, and made his decision", said Sadogatake Oyakata. His danpatsushiki will be on October 7th.

[Manekineko 200]

Oh. :'-(

[Asashosakari 19,340]

Well, damn.

[Peterao 3]

Well, it was a deliberate, premeditated assault, so I have no sympathy for Kotokanyu. He got what he deserved.

[Onnagumo 4]

........ :-O

[aderechelsea 125]

pitty to end his career like that...

[ilovesumo 12]

At Sadogatake's keiko this morning, after singing the keiko-finish-song, Kotonowaka/Sadogatake Oyakata held a speech. We thought it was about Kotooshu, but I guess now it was about Kanyu....

oh dear...

I was sure I made a video of him....but I cant find it.....

Edited September 19, 2006 by ilovesumo

[Naganoyama 5,911]

...

"He did something that should not be done, and made his decision", said Sadogatake Oyakata.

...

Do you think he offered his resignation or that he was asked to?

:'-(

[SalParadise 0]

Officially he was likely not asked for his resignation.

Unofficially, he was probably told behind closed doors that he would be sent packing if he didn't.

[madorosumaru 7]

According to Jiji Press, Kotokanyu was "urged" to retire by his shisho, Sadogatake Oyakata.

[Fukurou 534]

While Kotokanyuu seems to be getting what he deserves, I can only think that he's also being made an example of in an attempt to rein in some of the other "wayward rikishi". Roho's 3-day benching doesn't seem to have worked, so they're upping the ante.

[Peterao 3]

With all due respect, Roho attacked an inanimate object, not a fellow rikishi. Both punishments fit the respective crimes IMHO.

Of course, Ikioi is still well within his rights to press criminal charges if he so desires...

Edited September 19, 2006 by Peterao

[aderechelsea 125]

Of course, Ikioi is still well within his rights to press criminal charges if he so desires...

(Nodding yes...) ....

i am sure he is more rational than you in this case ...

[Shibouyama 1]

With all due respect, Roho attacked an inanimate object, not a fellow rikishi. Both punishments fit the respective crimes IMHO.

Of course, Ikioi is still well within his rights to press criminal charges if he so desires...

With all due respect, Roho assaulted two cameramen (or were they reporters?). People, certainly not inanimate objects, and certainly not as used to being hit as a rikishi.

(Nodding yes...)

[Shibouyama 1]

It's also interesting to note Kintamayama's difference in reaction between this event and Roho's violent outburst.

Roho's episode - "Shameful." "He should be severly punished."

Kotokanyuu's episode - "This is a totally tragic turn of events, as I became chummy with him during the Sadogatake trip to Israel and he is truly a wonderful, intelligent and caring person.

(Nodding yes...)

[Jonosuke 28]

One does not willingly leave a quarter century of sumo life with such a suddeness. He had some sekitori experience and coupled with his longevity, he could have remained with the Kyokai in some capacity such as a Sewanin or even with the heya as a manager. That could have assured him with some stability for the rest of his life. Now that possibility is remote. As Moti says, considering his long rikishi life, it is truly tragic as he will be always remembered for this, not for his long distingushed active career.

We all know this lesson was dished out and intended by the Kyokai for all other rikishis. A bad misconduct and you could be gone. This is especially true to those sekitoris coming from outside of Japan. All except Kyokutenho do not possess Japaense citizenship. If they are out of Ozumo, they cannot stay in Japan. And going back home, what else can they do to earn a comparable living? What skills do they possess to make a reasonable living for themselve?

Kotooshu and Roho being already branded with a disorderly conduct reputation must be taking this to their heart, if not they should. One more mishap they should know they could face a similar predicament.

[Hananotaka 8]

It's also interesting to note Kintamayama's difference in reaction between this event and Roho's violent outburst.

Roho's episode - "Shameful." "He should be severly punished."

Kotokanyuu's episode - "This is a totally tragic turn of events, as I became chummy with him during the Sadogatake trip to Israel and he is truly a wonderful, intelligent and caring person.

(Nodding yes...)

Um, Kotokanyuu is no longer in sumo. He paid the ultimate price for his actions. I don't see Kintamayama saying the end result was wrong, only that it was tragic. In other words, it's tragic that Kotokanyuu chose to pursue a course of action that led to this result.

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

If they are out of Ozumo, they cannot stay in Japan. And going back home, what else can they do to earn a comparable living? What skills do they possess to make a reasonable living for themselve?

I don't think that's accurate. They would lose their NSK sponsorship, and need to find new sponsorship when the time came to renew their visa. Unless they commit a crime, even withdrawn sponsorship cannot force them to leave Japan before their visa expires. They would most likely become tv "tarento", or go into MMA like Akebono and other retired rikishi. Even those guilty of the worst crimes find ways to make a living...

[Bishonohana 0]

....Kotooshu and Roho being already branded with a disorderly conduct reputation must be taking this to their heart, if not they should. One more mishap they should know they could face a similar predicament.

Jonosuke-san, can you refresh my memory as to what Kotooshu did to be branded with a disorderly conduct reputation?? The only incident that I can recall is when he was upset with the call of a match and was yelling in the shitakubeya/ofuro... Is that considered as such an act? (Nodding yes...)

[Jonosuke 28]

About not able to stay in Japan, obvously they won't get kicked out of Japan immediately however I am sure their residency permit may contain under what capacity they could stay in Japan. Anyway to renew the visa they willl need a new one.

As for becoming a tarento, a "name" can get a foot in the industry but once out of their profession, the name alone won't do it. It isn't that easy world to be in when your only asset is a name you established elesewhere. Examples of Konishiki and Akebono won't apply as they both hold the citizenship, they can do anything they want.

MMA is always an option but again it isn't such an easy alternative as we have seen with Akebono and Sentoryu.

As for Kotooshu's transgression, the fact that his oyakata gets called in by the Judges group speaks a volume. Kokonoe oyakata was especially upset with him and with his position and influence with other directors, this would not bode well for Kotooshu. He will need to conduct himself with more maturity. He already has a reputation among reporters and even though they have no direct influence in the way the Kyokai operates but they do to the public. And public perception is important as far as sponsors are concerned.

I have not heard Kotooshu received any "punishment" but I have no doubt in my mind that his shisho demanded some self-restraining acts such as giving back some privileges for a short time.

[Fukurou 534]

Here's a link to an article from the Mainichi Daily News website, in English, and in Japanese.

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

About not able to stay in Japan, obvously they won't get kicked out of Japan immediately however I am sure their residency permit may contain under what capacity they could stay in Japan. Anyway to renew the visa they willl need a new one.

Visas are not withdrawn once they are issued, unless the holder is convicted of a crime. Even when sponsorship is lost, the holder of the visa may remain in the country. New sponsorship will depend on the popularity of the rikishi in question. In Kotooshu's case, he is extremely popular with the public, especially young ladies. He gets loud cheers from the crowd at each basho, is sought after for commecial endorsements, and seems to be considered a pin-up boy as the "Beckham of Sumo". With his looks and obvious sumo talent, he has already assured himself a future in Japan, should he want it.

As for becoming a tarento, a "name" can get a foot in the industry but once out of their profession, the name alone won't do it. It isn't that easy world to be in when your only asset is a name you established elesewhere. Examples of Konishiki and Akebono won't apply as they both hold the citizenship, they can do anything they want.

If even a convicted cannibal can get continued TV gigs, I question the choosiness of the business. Using 'Osh as an example, he's made a name for himself. A little bad-boy image will only add to his strong, masuculine image. Violence may not help his case, but a few verbal outbursts will have little effect on his popularity.

MMA is always an option but again it isn't such an easy alternative as we have seen with Akebono and Sentoryu.

As for Kotooshu's transgression, the fact that his oyakata gets called in by the Judges group speaks a volume. Kokonoe oyakata was especially upset with him and with his position and influence with other directors, this would not bode well for Kotooshu. He will need to conduct himself with more maturity. He already has a reputation among reporters and even though they have no direct influence in the way the Kyokai operates but they do to the public. And public perception is important as far as sponsors are concerned.

I have not heard Kotooshu received any "punishment" but I have no doubt in my mind that his shisho demanded some self-restraining acts such as giving back some privileges for a short time.

As seen with Akebono, name recognition is far more important than skill in MMA. Add to that the scripted nature of many of these events, and already famous participants will have no problem. Bobby would be another example of a fighter with little talent and a poor attitude, yet the fans eat it up. The public seems to want more of his trash talking. This doesn't hurt ones ability to get product endorsements, it enhances it (regardless of whether I like it, or feel it's right or wrong).

[Kintamayama 45,142]

One report is saying that Kotokanyuu planned to retire after Aki.

I personally think he will stay on at Sadogatake as an Oyakata or heya manager or something. Does he have the minimum Juryo bashos to get stock?

[Manekineko 200]

MMA discussion between Nishinoshima and Otokonoyama moved to Off-topic. (Laughing...)

[Jonosuke 28]

Kotokanyu only has a total of 12 Juryo bashos.

The minimum required is 30 Juryo and/or Makuuchi bashos.

Sadogatake Beya already has four heya managers (I believe one of them being the current oyakata's brother) so I am not sure if they need any more but then again what's one more in the scheme of things.

Somone could alway offer a revisionist view of the event but it's hard to fathom he wanted to leave in the middle of basho and with a fusen.

Edited September 20, 2006 by Jonosuke