Local Heroes

[madorosumaru 7]

It is well-known that the Japanese prefer "Hometown Sandanme over Edo's Ozeki." To counterpoint all the stories about gaijin rikishi, here we will have some tales of home-grown rikishi enjoying the accolades from the folks back home.

Isobe's 4-3 record at makushita 3 last basho was enough to get him a promotion to juryo for Kyushu Basho. As many rikishi are wont to do, the 25-year-old from Irumagawa Beya took the opportunity of the occasion to change his shikona to Sagatsukasa.

Sagatsukasa started sumo as a fourth grader in Mishima City, his hometown. As a six-grader, he won his division at the national pee-wee tournament. In middle school, he was an individual champion of a scholastic sumo tournament, and his crowning glory was becoming the high school yokozuna in his senior year in high school by winning the prestigious Inter-High Tournament. In the finals, he defeated a highly-touted fellow named Uchida, better known now as Futeno, who had won over a skinny Mongolian kid from Meitoku Gijuku in the semis. Asashoryu has been heard to mutter on more than one occasion, "I came in third that tournament and Futeno was second. And, guess what, the winner was Isobe who is still in makushita." After graduation, Isobe went on to Toyo University, where he was a classmate and teammate of Kimurayama.

He joined Irumagawa Beya in 2004. Though physically small at 167 cm, he was strong enough to zip up to makushita in one year. After another year, he was at sekitori doorsteps (m6), but an elbow injury caused him to miss a basho and sent him way back down the makushita ranks. It would take another year and half for him to get another shot at sekitorihood with the main impetus coming when he won makushita yusho in Nagoya this year.

The other day, the shin-juryo went Shizuoka to report the good news to his family and supporters from his home prefecture. Accompanied by the head of the Mishima City Sumo Association, he visited the Shizuoka governor's office to pay his respects.

Sagatsukasa with Mr. Suzuki, head of the Sumo Association, at the governor's office.

The diminutive Saga told the governor, "[because of my size] I like to get deep inside in yotsu and do the [pain-in-the-butt] kind of sumo that opponents dislike."

The governor, on his part, congratulated the young rikishi and said, "They tell me there aren't many sumotori from Shizuoka, so I am very pleased by your emergence. I think you will be a good influence on the children."

It was reported in the local press that Sagatsukasa went home happy with a goodie bag full of local products--tea, rice and seafood.

Note: Sagatsukasa is the third sekitori from Shizuoka currently active in ozumo. The other two are Ushiomaru and Katayama.

[madorosumaru 7]

Former Sekiwake Takanowaka, who announced his retirement at the conclusion of Aki Basho, visited the governor of Nagasaki to say his good-bye. The 31-year-old veteran rikishi joined sumo in 1992 and reached his personal high rank of sekiwake in Hatsu 2003. He spent a total of 34 basho in makuuchi and won the Kanto-Sho three times. At one point, he was considered, along with heya-mate Wakanosato, as ozeki hopes.

Injuries were his downfall. Just as he reached his career pinnacle, in an unforgettable battle between sekiwake, Kotomitsuki smacked Takanowaka in the left eye and fractured his eye socket. Taka missed the next basho and when he came back in Natsu Basho, he hurt his knee and fractured a rib. Years of undistinguished sumo followed and the final straw was the meniscus injury in his right knee two years ago. He fell to juryo never to make it back to makuuchi despite an yusho in 2006 Aki.

In July this year, he suffered the ignominy of dropping to makushita. He vowed to try one more time for a sekitori comeback but when it became apparent with four consecutive losses to open Aki Basho that his efforts were futile, he decided to leave the dohyo. At that time, he said, "I did it all. I have no regrets." His shisho, Naruto Oyakata, on the other hand, felt that "he might have been able to make a comeback if he was willing to spend a little more time to heal his injuries . . ."

The governor, who is from the same hometown as Taka and who had a friendship with the rikishi, was emotional, "I expected great things from you so I am very disappointed. I sincerely hope you do well in your future endeavors." He shook Taka's hand and offered him a bouquet of flowers.

Taka thanked Governor Kaneko. "During my active career, you and my supporters from Nagasaki have encouraged me enthusiastically. I am truly grateful," he said. "After my retirement, I will continue to gambarize so that I can repay all of you for your kindness."

Takanowaka's dampatsushiki is scheduled to be held on February 16, 2008, at the Kokugikan. As for what he intends to do, Taka was not sure. "First, I would like to dedicate myself to getting healed from my injuries. Then I would give my future some thought." There is no rush. According to Naruto Oyakata, "He has some interest in starting a business. He also is considering doing some writing."

Edited October 18, 2007 by madorosumaru

[Jakusotsu 5,969]

Naruto Oyakata, on the other hand, felt that "he might have been able to make a comeback if he was willing to spend a little more time to heal his injuries . . ."

So it was T'waka's "choice" to not sit out and heal? Hypocrisy much?

[Zentoryu 154]

Naruto Oyakata, on the other hand, felt that "he might have been able to make a comeback if he was willing to spend a little more time to heal his injuries . . ."

So it was T'waka's "choice" to not sit out and heal? Hypocrisy much?

Well Naruto has always struck me as being one of the few Oyakata with a modern sensibility when it comes to injuries. IIRC, Naruto was one of the voices encouraging Wakanosato to take the time necessary to heel his various injuries.

Edited October 18, 2007 by Zentoryu

[madorosumaru 7]

Upon the dismissal of the former Tokitsukaze Oyakata (Futatsuryu), veteran maegashira Tokitsuumi was persuaded to take over the prestigious heya under crisis. When the news reached Goto City in Nagasaki Prefecture, Tokitsuumi's family and neighbors, given the circumstances, did not show any overt signs of jubilations, but offered quiet voices of hope and encouragement.

The new oyakata's parents, Kenichi and Hisako Sakamoto, are involved in farming. On the day of their son's assumption of the Tokitsukaze myoseki, they were out in the pouring rain, harvesting "daikon" radishes. His father took a brief break from his work and said with paternal concern, "This is an important turn of event that he did not even imagine in his dreams. Only someone who has gone through something similar could fully understand the difficulties involved."

When Tokitsuumi was a child, he would do sumo with his elder brother and other local kids on a dohyo built by Mr. Sakamoto. He was a low-maintenance boy with a nice disposition. However, even then, he hated to lose, and when he lost to a seemingly weaker opponent in a local tournament, he laughed it off in front of others but shed tears of anger and frustration in private.

Knowing the road ahead for her son would be tough, his mother commented, "He has always been strong in adversity. All he can do is try his best." Mr. Tamura, who taught the young boy sumo when he was in school, said, "Truthfully, I wanted to see him active on the dohyo for a few more basho. But, he is a man with a strong sense of responsibility. I would like him to become the kind of shisho that all the deshi would respect."

At the local chamber of commerce, Mr. Saitsu, a regional cable TV bigwig and chairman of the 532-member Tokitsuumi Goto Koenkai, said, "With his retirement, the koenkai will be disbanded. However, we would like to discuss our future support with the appropriate heya people. As an oyakata, we would like him to run the heya in a way that would be admired by all concerned."

Mayor Nakao of Goto City, who has known Tokitsuumi since his middle school days, showed his support, "He is solid to the core, so he should be able to overcome the current problems and reestablish the heya. I am going to cheer him on even more than I did before."

[madorosumaru 7]

On Monday, Sagatsukasa received a new kesho mawashi from his alma mater, Toyo University, to commemorate his promotion to juryo. In a ceremony held at the Tokyo campus of the university, President Tomonori Matsuo presented the new sekitori with a mawashi that prominently displayed the gold emblem of the institution on a purple background.

In his speech, President Matsuo said, "Ozumo is currently facing a variety of problems. I hope you will be able to avoid injury and bring about positive developments in the coming years." Junichi Tabuchi, his coach at the university, said, "[saga] is way ahead of the pack as far as sumo technique is concerned. He has plenty of potential to go far [up the ranks]." A beaming Sagatsukasa responded, "I am grateful for all the support. I will achieve kachi-koshi in Kyushu."

Two days earlier, the young sekitori was feted at a Juryo Promotion Celebration Party held in his hometown of Mishima City in Shizuoka Prefecture. Approximately 600 people attended the affair, which was organized jointly by the mayor of Mishima City, the headmaster of his high school and the president of the local sumo association. As part of the proceedings, Sagatsukasa received a catalog for a new kesho mawashi, which will be custom made to celebrate his promotion.

[madorosumaru 7]

New makuuchi rikishi Sakaizawa is going to be honored with the inauguration of a hometown koenkai. The Onoe Beya wrestler is the first one to reach the top division from Saitama City, which was incorporated in 2001.

Sakaizawa, who was born and raised in what is now Saitama City, is a giant at over 160 kg. His favorite move is yori from the migi-yotsu position. Despite his immense size, he is known to be rather supple. In Hatsu Basho, he won nine bouts and was promoted to maegashira 15 west. The 12 basho he needed for shin-nyumaku is the 12th fastest in history, excluding tsukedashi.

The koenkai is going to be full of local political and business bigwigs. The city council president will be the chairman and the mayor is the honorary chair. They are expecting 150 to 200 people at the inaugural encouragement party scheduled on April 22 at the local landmark Urawa Royal Pines Hotel.

Presented to Sakaizawa at that event will be a brand new kesho mawashi--a colorful one with the city flower, primrose, as its motif. Estimated cost is from ￥1,200,000 ($11,600) to￥1,500,000 ($14,500).

The vice chairman of the local sumo association, who, of course, is a member of the koenkai, wishes Sakaizawa the best: "We hope he will find a permanent spot in makuuchi and keep the interest in sumo high in Saitama."

As for the young rikishi, "What can I say. I am truly blessed."

[madorosumaru 7]

Just as a shin-deshi would visit the city hall to announce his joining ozumo, rikishi who retire also bid adieu to the local dignitaries. The other day, Ichinotani of Nakamura Beya went to the say good-bye to the mayor of his hometown, Owani-machi in Aomori. Mayor Kazuo Nikawahara was also the former chairman of his koenkai.

Ichinotani (31) joined ozumo upon graduation from junior high school at the urging of his uncle, who had been a juryo rikishi. He was a baseball player in junior high and had no experience at all in sumo. However, he worked hard and slowly but steadily rose up the ranks to reach juryo in 2004 at the age of 27. Sadly, he lasted only two basho as sekitori.

The rikishi still considers his promotion to juryo as the fondest memory of his career. He was accompanied to the city hall by his father and there he told the mayor, "My right knee is chronically injured and I felt the limits of my physical ability. I am extremely grateful to all the people who cheered for me over the years."

Mayor Nikawahara wished him well, "You've truly done a great job. Please gambarize in your new endeavors."

Ichinotani plans to work at a yakiniku restaurant in Tokyo. There will be a dampatsushiki on April 27, also in Tokyo.

The intai rikishi with the mayor (right).

[madorosumaru 7]

Couple of weeks ago, a congratulations party was held for Takekaze in his hometown of Akita City. Over 160 supporters, including alumni from his alma mater, Kanaashi Agricultural High School, attended the party to celebrate his first sansho. At that time, his promotion to komusubi was not yet official.

Representing the supporters, the president of the alumni association said,

[madorosumaru 7]

Once a Hero, Always a Hero

The Noto Peninsula off the Sea of Japan in Ishikawa Prefecture was hit particularly hard by the earthquake last year. In an effort to encourage the local populace, an exhibit of sumo memorabilia, "Footsteps of Glory," has been put on display in the lobby of a bank. Featured are the prized possessions of favorite son, former maegashira Amatsukaze, who had thrilled his hometown fans in the late '50s and early 60's.

Amatsukaze, born Masao Miyanaga, starred in sumo at Monzen High School in Wajima City and participated in the National Games. He then joined the elite Tokitsukaze Beya and had a 12-year career that included two juryo yusho. He reached a high of maegashira 3 before he retired in 1967. Sadly. he is currently hospitalized in Shiga City.

The bank manager came up with the idea of consoling the quake victims and also remembering a local hero at the same time. With the cooperation of Amatsukaze's elder brother, the project came to fruition. Among the items on display at the exhibit are a kesho mawashi presented to the rikishi by his hometown supporters, a tegata from his active days, and the trophy from his juryo yusho in 1965. The earthquake had heavily damaged Mr. Miyanaga's home, where the memorabilia were stored,, but fortunately, they were packed well and undamaged. "The younger folks may not have heard of him but my brother is our pride and joy," said the older sibling. "I would be pleased as heck if the exhibit rekindled some memories."

[madorosumaru 7]

A retirement party was held for former Takanowaka (corrected, thanks to Doitsu) in his hometown of Hirado, Nagasaki. Approximately 200 friends, classmates and neighbors attended the event, which celebrated his 16-year rikishi career and provided encouragement for his future endeavors. Many of the people were koenkai members. Others had sent e-mail and faxes regularly over the years to their hero.

Mr. Mori, the koenkai chairman, praised Taka in front of the gathered crowd, "I would like to thank you for giving hope, dreams and courage to our youngsters and good spirit and enjoyment to the townsfolks. I sincerely wish you the best in your second life."

Taka, now back to his given name of Yuki Ozaki, has signed up with an agency and intends to pursue a career as a "tarento." The women of the Forum are well aware of his good looks and considerable talent as a piano player. Since he had his dampatsushiki in February, he appeared on the dais in a natty suit and sporting a fashionbable, short hair-do. "Your cheers over the years have been a real encouragement to me," he said. "I am embarking on a new career. I want to use the experience I gained in sumo and do my very best to become the kind person that can contribute to the welfare of our town. Gambarimasu!"

Hometown hero looking rather debonair at the party.

Edited March 27, 2008 by madorosumaru

[_the_mind_ 0]

i have a question, after reading the takekaze post, i am wondering of the "envelopes" he receives on a trip like that(home), does any of that go to the oyakata? or is that actually just for him? more like, will the oyakata feel that some of that SHOULD be his? without the discretion of takekaze just being nice and giving some to the heya.

Edited March 27, 2008 by _the_mind_

[Doitsuyama 1,185]

A retirement party was held for former Takanosato in his hometown of Hirado, Nagasaki.

Takanowaka. More importantly, thanks again for those translations. (Sign of approval...)

[madorosumaru 7]

A retirement party was held for former Takanosato in his hometown of Hirado, Nagasaki.

Takanowaka. More importantly, thanks again for those translations. (Sign of approval...)

Robo (After his first victory in six bouts against nemesis Takanosato:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Should read Takanowaka.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

(Oops! ) Thanks, Kintamayama for your sharp eyes [aka Golden Orbs].

Thanks, Doitsu. After three years, I still refer to him as Takanosato. I guess, now that he has retired, he will always remain "Takanosato" to me. (Clapping wildly...)

[madorosumaru 7]

It Sure Took a Long Time, But We're Glad He Made It

Sadogatake Beya's Kotokuni finally made his way to juryo at age 30. To celebrate his promotion to sekitorihood, his old classmates from school are forming a koenkai (support group) with fund-raising for a kesho-mawashi as its initial project.

Thirty charter members of the support group, the aforementioned classmates and officers of the local athletic association, are calling for the local citizenry to join and cheer for the first sekitori from northern Okayama. They are planning an elaborate congratulations party, where they will present the kesho mawashi to their local hero.

The mawashi (design shown below) will have a silver background with the official crest of Maniwa City, the rikishi's hometown, in the center. The crest, a stylized hiragana character ま "ma," is in green representing the verdant forests and blue symbolizing Asahikawa and other water resources of the region. The kesho mawashi, estimated to cost ￥2,000,000 ($21,600), has already been ordered and is being prepared at a specialty store in Tokyo.

They are asking for donations starting from ￥1,000. The koenkai has distributed 2,000 pamphlets all over town. Donors will receive a Kotokuni calendar with photos from the Maniwa Basho that took place in October during the Aki Jungyo.

Edited December 9, 2008 by madorosumaru

[madorosumaru 7]

We Love Ya, Shogun

It's not all receptions and parties for the rikishi. To retain support from the hometown folks, they often have to do their share of PR. After the Kyushu Basho, local hero, Kotoshogiku, visited a senior citizen's facility in Yanagawa City, where he was warmly welcomed by approximately 70 elderly fans.

The sekitori ate chanko with the mostly female residents of the home. He chatted with them, shook their hands and posed for pictures. Shogun, who was 9-6 in Kyushu, told crowd, "Thank you very much for your support. With the strength you have given me, I will gambarize again in Hatsu Basho."

One 88-year-old lady, who had long awaited the opportunity to meet the rikishi, said, "I am so happy to see him close by my side. Now, I feel it was worth while to have lived this long."

I love having dinner with my female fans.

[madorosumaru 7]

Yotsuguruma: It Has Been a Long and Winding Road

190 Iwate residents gathered at Hotel Hanamaki, a famed local hotsprings resort, for an encouragement party in honor of favorite son Yotsuguruma, who was promoted to the rank of juryo after Aki Basho.

The president of his support group, Mr. Fujiwara introduced the beaming sekitori, "It took 13 difficult years, but he persevered and made it to juryo. Next basho, we have arranged a tour to cheer him on in Tokyo." Mr. Oishi, the mayor of Hanamaki City, and other dignitaries congratulated the rikishi and called for the entire city to get behind him in his pursuit of his next goal of makuuchi.

The hall was filled to capacity with his former teachers, classmates and local folks. Among them was Mr. Sato, the former Isenoumi rikishi who discovered Yotsuguruma when he was in junior high school. He had, quite by chance, met the well-built young man at the onsen and suggested that he join ozumo. "I have scouted 7 or 8 boys over the years, but he is the first to become sekitori. I am pleased as can be."

Mr. Ogasawara, his former teacher at Yumoto Jr. Hi, recalled fondly, "He was such a nice boy and he still seems to be that way."

As for the guest of honor, he had this to say: "I made it this far because of your support. I managed to reach juryo but I feel a bit ashamed that I haven't yet achieved kachi-koshi. I am going to work doubly hard so that I can fulfill everyone's expectations. For next basho, my goal is to do better than reverse my 6-9 record [of Kyushu]."

Local hero surrounded by well-wishers