D-chan

Per this pdf, sounds like it: http://www.google.com/url?url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/pr/english/press/pdf/20140522.pdf&rct=j&frm=1&q=&esrc=s&sa=U&ei=xhKSU5jpDdDooATa3oLYCg&ved=0CEEQFjAH&usg=AFQjCNEx09mdHFTw8vmYfHSPvVVFDpRqiQ Don't know if that link will work or not but it's about it being a joint production between NHK and Filipino network. Part of the text says "This program was co-produced by the popular NHK variety shows, Totsugeki! At Home! Now I know when to set the DVR.

I saw the clip they showed on senshuraku. It looked very sweet. I'm hoping they might show it on TV Japan or NHK World, but I kind of doubt it. Maybe it will show up on Youtube at some point.

It may have been when Harumafuji described how, when he realized Hakuho stopped battling, he thought that he (Harumafuji) must have stepped out.

Looks like the Charity Tournament will be on TV Japan this Saturday, Feb. 23, 2:30 pm Eastern, 11:30 am Pacific (US).

I saw this when I received my program guide for November, and thought I'd post it since the first five days of the Nagoya basho will be in that time frame (well, at least West Coast & Hawaii; maybe only four days for everyone else -- although, come to think of it, on the 15th, it might cut off after the first hour for the West Coast!). The list of cable providers, cities and channels are at the link below. Apparently it's nationwide if you have AT&T U-Verse, Dish Network, or Verizon FiOS. To access the English-language track, going through the audio settings on your cable box to change the language setting should take care of it (for instance, on Comcast, I change from English to Spanish). Note that the programming that has a second audio track (of which sumo is one) is limited. See the schedule link and look for J/E. http://tvjapan.net/cam/free_preview_tvj.html http://www.tvjapan.n...ov_schedule.pdf

The reboot of Iron Chef will be premiering on Oct. 26 on Fuji TV in Japan (the original Japanese version was far superior to the US Food Network remake). Per this clip, where they interview Harumafuji in the Kitchen Stadium, it looks like he might appear as a judge. That would be exciting (although it would be more exciting if I was actually able to see the new series -- maybe TV Japan will pick it up for broadcast in the U.S.). If anyone watches it, report back, please! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft-xYHNvEVk&feature=channel&list=UL

Did Pierre Herme sponsor a yusho prize? A year's worth of free macarons? http://www.pierreherme.co.jp/item/

Fukurou is on the right track. To get the English language commentary for TV Japan through Comcast, go to "Menu" on the cable box, choose "Setup", then "Audio Setup," then switch "Language" from English to Spanish. Speaking of TV Japan, I'll have to remember to send them an email complaining about the delayed start time. I used to really look forward to winter month bashos, where I only have to stay up until 1:00 am instead of 2:00. Plus it's now rendered useless my efforts to send good vibes to my favored rikishis!

Aww, poor Gori-chan. I hate to see it because he's become a favorite. That really was brutal -- like Kotooshu was making him pay for every short rikishi who's brought him down.

Has there been yet a decision on whether NHK will broadcast aki basho? I received my September program guide from TV Japan yesterday, and next to the listings for "Grand Sumo Autumn Tournament" it says "Program may change." There's also language that says NHK hasn't decided on whether to broadcast live coverage, but once they do TV Japan "will inform you immediately through spot announcements, website and our mail magazine." Maybe they just hadn't decided before the printing deadline for the program guide.

I've watched the NHK charity tournament on TV Japan for the past three years, and quite enjoy them. Toyonoshima, who's a favorite anyway (despite his unfortunate gambling lapse), performing with Morning Musume was definitely the best! And during childrens' sumo, I loved when that little guy ran straight past Kotooshu to Baruto, and started pushing on his leg with all his might, with Baruto trying to explain he wasn't his opponent. I hope by the time January rolls around it's worth everyone's while to continue with it. Seems like a win-win situation. If I was able to stick around Japan long enough (I can usually do the last week of hatsu basho and a few days after that), I'd love to attend in person.

I always appreciate and enjoy Rikishi Talk (as well as Rikishi Talkishi!), but even more so since it's the only "color commentary" I'll get this basho. So, for this basho, and others past and future, thanks so much!

You beat me to it, Sekitori -- I was just thinking about emailing TV Japan. That leaves quite a hole in their schedule, as well. Maybe I'll email them, anyway. Glad we'll get the digests, and I won't be burned out after 15 days of staying up to 2:00 am, but it's not the same as watching live. And I will miss the valuable insights of Doreen, et al.

I haven't watched this special yet, so I can't compare, but a couple of years ago Hiro Morita had a special shown on TV Japan called "Yokozuna, Life at the Top," featuring Asa and Hakuho, that was pretty good.

For North American subscribers to TV Japan, there's a program on tomorrow (12/29), 4:00 pm PT/7:00 pm ET, "Looking Back At This Year's Sumo." From the guide, looks like no English or subtitles.

Looks like you're right. I bought tickets for both Hawaii and Los Angeles through Dormtech, the company mentioned in that article. When I was looking at tickets for Vegas, I think it was directly through the hotel/resort. I do remember with the flight, a few nights in the hotel and a ticket for both days, Vegas seemed way too expensive to me (I spent the week in Hawaii during that jungyo for less than it would have cost me for the weekend in Vegas). But, if Vegas does go forward, I'll probably make the effort to attend.

I see Harumafuji switched back to the good (or at least better) luck black mawashi. I guess even winning a yusho in it hasn't quite broken in the silver one yet.

Just wanted to add my "all hail"! I like both Ross and Hiro, but I really like when Doreen is on. She has an intimate knowledge of the personalities, customs and history that's so impressive (I loved the close-up on rikishi zabuton that she narrated last basho!). (In a state of confusion...)

I noticed that, too. Very intense.

Delurking briefly to let North American subscribers to TV Japan know that they will be running the Harumafuji documentary on Monday, May 4, at 6:00 pm PT, 9:00 pm ET.