Sumo World Magazine

[Washuyama 635]

I just finished re-re-rereading all of my issues (11/74-3/86) of SW magazine and was wondering if if there was a way to acquire any/all the issues since? Has anyone scanned them? There used to be the SW website where you could see all the covers of past issues, but that has since gone. Is anyone willing to part or even share their treasure??

Those non-japanese speakers of you who have been following sumo longer than the past 10 or so years can probably remember, like I do, the joy of reading them cover-to cover.

While the internet, especially the Sumo Forum and, more recently, the Sumo Reference database helps "scratch the itch," it isn't the same. Since I've been back in Japan, I've tried to locate back issues, but have been unsuccessful.

While I'm rambling, as usual, I have a special place in my heart for Andy Adams and SW. They stoked the fire of that young 7 year-old, those many years ago. In fact, I have been very impressed with the knowledge of you all and if these conversations were held in the late 70s, there was a young child living on Yokota Air Base who could have held his own with you.

[Info-Sumo 0]

I tried to order old issues a few years ago. I paid with my Amex card and there was never any answer or delivery. I phoned from Japan (as I was most of the time in Tokyo), sent fax.. with no answer.

I had to cancell from Amex giving all kinds of details (proofs that I tried to get the issues and copies of my mails).

Money was refund. No excuse was ever given...

Sumo World has been a good source of information in the past, but I'm afraid it's no longer true (to me).

Forget about ordering old issues! If you can get scanned ones, it could be a solution if you really want to get them. There are other sources now.

[wanchanyama 0]

I just finished re-re-rereading all of my issues (11/74-3/86) of SW magazine and was wondering if if there was a way to acquire any/all the issues since? Has anyone scanned them? There used to be the SW website where you could see all the covers of past issues, but that has since gone. Is anyone willing to part or even share their treasure??

The following web links are of the old Sumo World websites:

Original site:

http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.iac.co.jp/~sumowrld

If you look under the 1998 link, then you can access back issue page you talk about.

new site:

http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.sumoworld.com

You can find a download copy of the January 2002 edition on any date after January 2002 under downloads.

As for obtaining back issues, try the following.

www.ebay.com - pot luck but sometimes they have old issues there.

www.abebooks.com - once again pot luck, but they also have many books stores linked on their searches. Might find some there.

maybe even the yahoo auction site in in Japan might have some issues.

While the internet, especially the Sumo Forum and, more recently, the Sumo Reference database helps "scratch the itch," it isn't the same. Since I've been back in Japan, I've tried to locate back issues, but have been unsuccessful.

While I'm rambling, as usual, I have a special place in my heart for Andy Adams and SW. They stoked the fire of that young 7 year-old, those many years ago. In fact, I have been very impressed with the knowledge of you all and if these conversations were held in the late 70s, there was a young child living on Yokota Air Base who could have held his own with you.

As for other itch scratchers, you might know of the following.

www.banzuke.com which has the archives of all the sumo mailing list posts from 1993 to 2005.

www.juryo.net which has a vast collection of newspaper articles from the past, mostly prior to your late 70's period. Some of Andy's early work from 1962 from the Japan Times is on the site.

[Kotoku 0]

"Rikishi of the Showa Era," or some title like that was an 850-page tome written by a teenage Clyde Newton. It is extremely rare, but if you find it, it is pure gold. NHK kept one in their sports section library.

Sumo World seems to have risen from the ashes. There are still the typos and etc, but the last issue was loaded with great historical info. No one, and I mean Japanese or gaijin, approaches the level of historical and obbscure knowledge of Clyde.

You can mention the name of virtually any rikishi of the 20th Century, and a particular basho, and he'll tell you the record and some amazing obscure factoids... A wonderful and very eccentric man, Clyde-san.

Edited August 16, 2007 by Kotoku

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

"Rikishi of the Showa Era," or some title like that was an 850-page tome written by a teenage Clyde Newton. It is extremely rare, but if you find it, it is pure gold. NHK kept one in their sports section library.

Sumo World seems to have risen from the ashes. There are still the typos and etc, but the last issue was loaded with great historical info. No one, and I mean Japanese or gaijin, approaches the level of historical and obbscure knowledge of Clyde.

You can mention the name of virtually any rikishi of the 20th Century, and a particular basho, and he'll tell you the record and some amazing obscure factoids... A wonderful and very eccentric man, Clyde-san.

Sounds brilliant. Any answers as to his integrity and trustworthiness?

[Kotoku 0]

If you are an American, you might remember the cartoon character "Mr. Magoo." That's Clyde. He is really eccentric, doesn't have much in the material world. I cannot imagine him taking $$ for the hell of it, more like being unable to deliver and not knowing how to deal with it.

The old sumo crowd was full of eccentrics. Andy, Gerry, D. Shapiro, lovable D. Simmons, Lynn and the crazy red-headed lady who carried parts of her dead cat around with her -- all sorts of interesting folks.

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

...more like being unable to deliver and not knowing how to deal with it.

The old sumo crowd was full of eccentrics.

Eccentricity is no excuse for dishonesty. 'Nuff said.

[Kotonosato 1]

The old sumo crowd was full of eccentrics. Andy, Gerry, D. Shapiro, lovable D. Simmons, Lynn and the crazy red-headed lady who carried parts of her dead cat around with her -- all sorts of interesting folks.

I'd love to hear about the cat lady.

[Torabayama 51]

Is Sumo World still in print? And is it still possible to subscribe? If so, how?

[Orion 431]

Is Sumo World still in print? And is it still possible to subscribe? If so, how?

It's in print but AFAIK only on sale in the Kokugikan, presumably to keep Clyde's informal status as a sumo writer alive. Don't attempt to subscribe. Clyde is simply not equipped to handle the business side.

Incidentally, as I was looking back at this thread, which was new to me, I noticed reference to his huge book "Makuuchi Rikishi of the Showa Period", self-published in 1982. It was based on a Japanese book by Hatano and Mizuno, "Dohyo no Hana Goju-nen" (Flowers of the Dohyo 50 years), using the same photographs with permission, though Clyde added a lot of his own material. I have a 1976 copy of the Hatano-Mizuno book, subtitled "51-year version".

Orion

[Torabayama 51]

Is Sumo World still in print? And is it still possible to subscribe? If so, how?

It's in print but AFAIK only on sale in the Kokugikan, presumably to keep Clyde's informal status as a sumo writer alive. Don't attempt to subscribe. Clyde is simply not equipped to handle the business side.

Incidentally, as I was looking back at this thread, which was new to me, I noticed reference to his huge book "Makuuchi Rikishi of the Showa Period", self-published in 1982. It was based on a Japanese book by Hatano and Mizuno, "Dohyo no Hana Goju-nen" (Flowers of the Dohyo 50 years), using the same photographs with permission, though Clyde added a lot of his own material. I have a 1976 copy of the Hatano-Mizuno book, subtitled "51-year version".

Orion

After reading on a bit more I did get the impression that it wasn't a good idea to attempt to subscribe. What was the most current issue out? Does anyone have scans?

Interesting about the book, I'll have to check around.

[Yubiquitoyama 4]

Interesting about the book, I'll have to check around.

It is not an easy one to find. I have (ever) seen two items for sale somewhere on the web, and both have been very expensive.

[Mark Buckton 1]

there are a few around in Tokyo that I have seen over the past few years.

Also, a few years ago I sent one over to the EU to a member - forgot who...adere? Someone in Austria/Eastern Europe? A N Other.

Not cheap though and heavy so quite a lot on postage.

On the subject of books, I was reading something on the FEW last night Doreen and your name came up - speech you gave a few years ago. Said you have been working on a book for some years now with a Japanese gentleman. Did you ever complete, put it out? ;-)

[Orion 431]

On the subject of books, I was reading something on the FEW last night Doreen and your name came up - speech you gave a few years ago. Said you have been working on a book for some years now with a Japanese gentleman. Did you ever complete, put it out? ;-)

As I said to you (I think in a private mail) some time ago, Mark, the English-language book was indeed finished, but at that time (or since!) no publisher wanted to touch a large information-type sumo book; the main market has only ever been for introductions or, occasionally, personality-based ones. But I use the information a lot, and whenever I do that I also update the chapter. It's also a time-saver that I can use when asked for instant information -- often paid work. Once, for instance, I was approached by a woman working for an American film company for help in applying for a working visa for a retired gyoji to take part in a film. (She had to prove that the job couldn't be done by an American citizen.) I simply sent her the relevant chapter with a warning that this was a "one-off" use.

But the publishing business these days is precarious even for "successful" books -- several of my friends and acquaintances have had books that sold well when they came out, but were shocked at the short run. Self-publishing (and print-as-needed) seems to be the way to go, but that takes know-how, commitment, and time.

Doreen Simmons

[Jejima 1,333]

But the publishing business these days is precarious even for "successful" books -- several of my friends and acquaintances have had books that sold well when they came out, but were shocked at the short run. Self-publishing (and print-as-needed) seems to be the way to go, but that takes know-how, commitment, and time.

Doreen Simmons

What is the minimum number of books that would have to be sold for you to end up with at least some profit (I.e. Make it worth your while)?

You can put me down for one ;-) I have enough 'introduction to sumo books' and would welcome something a bit 'deeper'. :-)

[Kuroyama 715]

But the publishing business these days is precarious even for "successful" books -- several of my friends and acquaintances have had books that sold well when they came out, but were shocked at the short run. Self-publishing (and print-as-needed) seems to be the way to go, but that takes know-how, commitment, and time.

And money. Print-on-demand and other vanity press services are in the business of getting money from writers, not readers.

Still, if you ever went that route, I'd buy it.

[Torabayama 51]

Just some news about Sumo World....

I sent an email to Clyde recently and this was the reponse:

"Thanks for inquiring. Sumo World is still available for

subscription. The rate for one year is 3,500 yen, and

includes postage within Japan or to anywhere in the world.

I publish six issues a year, before each hombasho."

What do you guys think?

;-)

[Jakusotsu 5,838]

What do you guys think?

;-)

That this guy would get arrested in an ideal world.

Edited March 3, 2009 by Jakusotsu

[Orion 431]

Just some news about Sumo World....

I sent an email to Clyde recently and this was the reponse:

"Thanks for inquiring. Sumo World is still available for

subscription. The rate for one year is 3,500 yen, and

includes postage within Japan or to anywhere in the world.

I publish six issues a year, before each hombasho."

What do you guys think?

It's life, Jim, but not as we know it. (Trekkie joke)

[Washuyama 635]

Just info on my original post.. I actually found somene living in Texas who was willing to part with his collection. I bought about 90 issues that went to 2003 (minus an issue here and there.)

[Washuyama 635]

I actually found somene living in Texas

Don't know why you are so surprised. I know loads of people living there. Some are even semi-civilized.

I lived there for a year; that's not civilization! (On the banzuke...)

[Torabayama 51]

Has anyone read "Sumo", by Andy Adams and Clyde Newton - Introductions by Tomotaka Dewanoumi and Ozeki Konishiki?

Saw this online the other day and was wondering if it was worth picking up.

[Orion 431]

Saw this online the other day and was wondering if it was worth picking up.

It's an introduction for people with little or no knowledge of sumo. Even the updated edition is well out of date now as regards rikishi.

It was one of the big fancy books that came out to take advantage of the popularity of the UK Channel 4 coverage. (Didn't know about an updated edition.Mine is 1988.) The late and much-lamented Gerry Toff's photos are nice, but as Nishi says, the book is well out of date.

Orion

[Shomishuu 0]

Just some news about Sumo World....

I sent an email to Clyde recently and this was the reponse:

"Thanks for inquiring. Sumo World is still available for

subscription. The rate for one year is 3,500 yen, and

includes postage within Japan or to anywhere in the world.

I publish six issues a year, before each hombasho."

What do you guys think?

(Sign of approval...)

Clyde also sent me an email about six years ago, replying to mine when I asked him when I'd get the issues I'd paid for. He said the magazine was "alive and well," all was ok, etc. I sent another email months later, but never heard anything after that. I'm sure you're aware that many others have the same tale to tell.

I think Orion has nailed it, and you just have to listen to Clyde when he's on the English language side of the telecast to appreciate it: He's a genuine genius when it comes to accumulating and retaining knowledge of a subject he is passionate about. But he is also a genuine eccentric who doesn't connect with the world and other people a way that would be considered normal. His values are loose and not rooted, changing with the situation. The fact that he did actually respond to my first mail at a time when he was trying to figure out what to do means that he was at least concerned about a solution at that time. Months later, he had already decided on a solution which was to simply walk away from his obligations and not talk to anyone about it. Because - as Orion also mentioned, he is incapable of actually managing much of anything. I think he decided that - as I mentioned to him directly in my last communication to him years ago - no one was going to sue him over $35.00, so ignoring everyone was the most painless way to go.

So these are just my opinions, and it may sound like I'm advising you to forget the whole thing. But then again, it's only going to cost you a maximum of 3,500 yen to find out, so if that's not a great deal to you, you can take a shot, I guess. Good luck if you do! (Holiday feeling...)

[Gary 0]

Just seen this thread, I'm going to be selling my collection of Sumo World that date from 1990 to 1996. If anyone's interested let me know.

Edited March 19, 2010 by Gary