Kintamayama

Takanohana , Akebono and KaioU had a mini-class reunion on a TV talkshow in Nagoya, Japan on July 3rd. Both ex-Yokozunas spoke of how strong Kaiou is, and said other nice things about him...They both said how they'd like to see him attain the Yokozuna rank, and how much he deserved it. Also, between the four (Wakanohana included) who started out in 1988, they have 41 Yushos, and the ex-Yokozunas expressed their wish to see the number increased by the only one of them who is still active. Picture?? Here..

All the papers-Musashimaru. This sums it up quite nicely in English: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getsp....s20030703a1.htm

After joining the local fire brigade for one day a few days ago, Takamisakari joined the police force for one day today. Azumazeki-beya volunteered for a day of traffic safety duty(including Oyakata and Akebono Oyakata), by handing out leaflets and such. Sakari was mobbed by 2000 screaming fans. He was calling out stuff like "If you are drinking sake, for Heaven's sake (hehehe) don't drive", etc. I wonder if this is part of the community service promised after Touki ran over that woman a few years back. It says this is the third year, so I may have a point here..

Is the GISP website down? I can't reach it. Yes, it seems to be the case.

Musouyama has announced full recovery from his injury. All shoulder dislocations and stuff are things of the past. Last basho, he was unconsciously favoring his injured shoulder, and couldn't do his normal Sumo. This time around, he will be going all out. He had 11 keiko matches today and went 10-1 (why does all this sound so familiar to me??) "I am not thinking about the shoulder. I will be kicking butt from day 1. My aim is to obliterate my opponent at the tachi-ai!!!", he said, humbly. He's been going out to movies and generally relaxing. He is in an excellent and positive frame of mind. (Last time we heard this description of Musouyama, he went 0-7 or so..) (Nikkan) Seems that Kotomitsuki, completely diregarding doctors and Oyakata, still wishes to enter Nagoya. "If I go kyujo, I will drop to the bottom of Juuryou. I don't like that. I don't like that at all. On the other hand, I may aggravate my injury further by entering, and risk my career." He had only ten matches with Makushita yesterday, results unknown. "What should I do? I must give this a lot of thought", he said, knowing a decision must be reached soon. (Sankei) Asashouryuu had twelve bouts (some against visiting Aminishiki) and won them all. He met with the holder of the Japanese record for hammer-throwing (whose name I will attempt to try to translate, something like Kouji Murofuji), who came to watch keiko at Takasago. They met last year when Hammer-man came to visit. After the keiko, Asashouryuu invited him for chanko at the stable (cooked, of course, by Ichinoya-san) and gave him some words of encouragement for the forthcoming World Championships in August in Paris. "The use of legs and loins in Sumo is unique, and it doesn't exist in other sports. I would like to implement this in my training", said MC Hammer. (Houchi) Kaiou had chanko at Wakanohana's chanko restaurant. They entered Sumo together in 1988. He pledged to be healthy and go all out in Nagoya. "My physical condition is good. I just hope the rainy season won't bring my chronic hip pain back", he joked. (Ouchi) (Houchi) -

Kotimitsuki passed checkups on his injuries at a hospital in Nagoya, and has received a green light to enter Nagoya. Biiig surprise, especially for us gamers, if he does enter.. --

Internet server now charges by word, so: Kyokutenhou degeiko at Michinoku. Stopped in middle. Oh oh..right elbow pain! "First time this happens to me". Worried. "I was just getting used to hard hitting high-rankers.. I'll be Ok, don't worry!!", added, looked very worried. Still, no question of kyujo. Musashimaru-yes no yes no etc. Decision by Thursday. Left wrist improving. If can hold opponents' mawashi- will enter. No keiko today. "Resting", says he. "Madamadamada" says Oyakata. Takamisakari fireman for day. Went to local fire station with heya mate Ushiomaru and others at behest of Oyakata. Trained with firemen, joked that ladder will not hold him. It did. Picture: Asashouryuu not training much- visiting schools and old peoples' homes. No keiko yesterday. Instead, light training, then local volleyball game - participated. "He's busy with a lot of events, you know.." said Oyakata. Only 4 new recruits in entrance exams, two Mongolians. Kagamiou,( not Kagamiyama as was wrongfully reported yesterday)15, Kagamiyama beya, wrestling experience. "His Sumo is like Kyokushuuzan's", said former Juryou/now Oyakata Hakuryuu. Second recruit- 1.88 meter 19 year old Kiriyama- "I want to be like Asashouryuu", says, eyes shining. They will know if they passed on Saturday.

Probably-Remember-I am a known "all-stuff-that-has- to- do-with-toshiyori-and-stuff" denier!!

Musashimaru had 12 bouts yesterday at keiko. Still, not much use of the injured left. "Thursday is the day for the final decision. I will confer with musashimaru, and we will decide", Said Musashigawa Oyakata. "My left hand is not a problem. Participation? No question about it!!", he said, surprising even Oyakata , who was quick to add," We'll have to see for a couple of more days."(Yomiuri) Kyokutenhou came to Isenoumi for de-geiko today, and had some energetic matches against Tosanoumi, Kyokushuuzan, Kokkai , Hamanishiki and others. He had six bouts agains Tosanoumi, and beat him in 5, "overwhelmingly", it says. "I wanted a guy wih a strong tachi-ai (Tosa) so I could get the feel of being hit hard. I'm satisfied with my Sumo today.", he said, satisfied. It seems that today, we have seen a real candidate for a future Oozeki who is embarking on this endeavour,says the reporter. (Nikkan) Chiyotaukai says he is fully geared towards a new Yokozuna challenge."I know that last basho I was a let -down ("My name was sold", was the colorful expression he used) but I'll be going all out. His romance with Hikaru- chan is in full swing, and he has been seen with her here and there in public, but he says he is all Sumo now, as he plans for another assault on the highest rank in Sumo.(Sponichi) Kotomitsuki, who was thougt to be certain to go kyujo, may enter yet!! Sadogatake Oyakata, who was quick to suggest that he would go kyujo said, " He seems to be much better now. Participation? That's what keiko is for-to see if he can". He has a checkup for his elbow today, and if he doesn't feel any pain, he is cleared for Nagoya!! He has had keiko with Makushita and lower rikishi, and says he is feeling good. If all goes well, he plans to start keiko with Sekitori as as soon as possible.(Houchi)

Dejima is now doubtful for Nagoya after undergoing surgery after Natsu. He has not been able to do any real keiko yet. "I haven't decided if I'm in or out", he said. He had virtually no keiko before Natsu too, but still managed a 7-8. This time, he may opt to go kyujo, but he surely won't get kosho, so it's a big problem. Two new Mongolian recruits -15 year old Kagamiyama and 19 year old Kiriyama, which will bring the grand total of Mongolian rikishi to 35.

Hi! This is to announce the existence of the extremely popular and veteran game, the ISP, the Internet Sumo Pool. You can find the rules/login/sign up at: http://isp.sumogames.com YOU HAVE TO REGISTER!!When you do, don't forget to use the tie-breaker thingy on the entrance page. People have lost yushos because they didn't pick a tie-breaker!! ALL players must register for the Basho so they can enter their daily guesses. Unregisterd players will not be ranked, even if they used to play!! In a nutshell- a single bout will be chosen from the following day's bouts- you have to guess who's the winner. You will find all the relevant statistics (past meetings, etc..)when you enter your daily guess. Guess right -it's a win -guess wrong-it's a loss. The player with the best score after 15 days gets the Yusho. There is a formula page, where you can chose any or all of the 9 different formulas for when you will be absent from certain days (or just forget to send a pick..) The heavier rikishi to win, the older, the hairier, etc.. DEFAULTS-may be used five times during a basho, and on not more than three consecutive days. During the basho, you can see the various picks for that day, and see who the favorite one is. As for the game Banzuke, it has been posted on the site. Check out the game-it's great!! And remember, you are only what you is.. Good luck!! -- Kintamayama and Kofuji Guessbusters Inc.

KaioU says he will continue his career till he is 35. Most of the guys he came in with in 1988 have already retired. Wakanoyama is the only one left in Makuuchi other than him. "But, I'll be going on for five more years. I've still got things that need to be done.", he said, hinting at his wish to tie the knot. Not THAT knot. The Yokozuna knot. He's been plagued with injuries, chronic and otherwise, these last bashos, but "This time I'm completely healthy and ready to go", he said. "The last Bashos, I was looking for the easy wins that would not aggravate my injuries, and that has caused me to lose at times. Last Basho, I was too careful, and that is not good. This time, having nothing to worry about, I'll do well", he said. He is definitely going for the Cup. Musashimaru's participation is still uncertain. He did a dohyo-iro today with Asashouryuu at a shrine in Nagoya. 2700 fans were yelling out his name. His wrist has still not healed. He had ten bouts at keiko, and barely used his left wrist again. "Health? So-so", he said, still on the long and winding road to his return.

Turned out he threw a feeble 56 mph (90 kph) one bounder to the left of the catcher.

Musashimaru has resumed full keiko in Nagoya- 11 bouts against the heya Sekitori, who are hairier than average..Score? 10-1, with a hand tied behind his back, as we say in France. Hardly using his left to thrust, not using his left to grasp opponents' mawashi at all. So, he's thrusting with his right, not getting close to his rivals, and praying, I guess."I will be using it more from now on", he said. "I don't know pain", he said, puzzling even the veteran journalists. Musashigawa Oyakata: "Of course we want to participate in Nagoya, but beyond our wishes, lies the need to be able to do reasonable Sumo. Without that, we have a problem." With two weeks to go, the pain in Muashimaru's left wrist is obviously still very much there. There still is a real chance he may go kyujo yet again. (Nikkan Sports ,Yomiuri, Hochi) Kyokushuuzan resumed keiko as well, and had 40 (!!) matches against Makushita rikishi. "First time I've done this many. Kyokutenhou is now Sekiwake, and that has kindled my fighting spirit", he said. But, it seems, that is not his only motivation: After defeating Asashouryuu last Basho and the ensuing saga, Shoes-on wants more. "I know how strong he is. I've beaten him once, no way it won't happen again." His pride as the "elder" of Mongolian Sumo was hurt, and even though there was a reconciliation, Shoes-on is not hiding his fervent wish to kick Shouryuu's butt again, now even more than before. A week ago, he had some sort of fat, or a mole , or whatever , removed from his chest by light surgery. "I'm fine now. My weight has risen to 146 kilos, and I'm feeling great!!", he said. (Sponichi) Asashouryuu has resumed keiko as well at Takasago. 17 bouts against Touki , Senshuuyama and others- won them all. "Trying to get back into rhythm. From tomorrow, I'll get really serious", he said. On Friday, he will be throwing out the first pitch for the first time, at the Giants-Chunichi baseball game at the Nagoya Dome. "I'm practicing so I can deliver a 110 kph (70 mph) fastball..", he joked. More like a slow ball.. (Hochi) At a press conference, Takasago Oyakata has promised that Asashouryuu will not repeat his shameful behavior ever again."As a Yokozuna, he represents all of Sumo. As such, he is a role model, and will be very careful not to repeat his mistake." Asashouryy himself seemed to have matured a bit, according to reporters. He answered all questions politely and with a lot of confidence (" I am not worried about any specific opponent") and with "humility", meaning he was trying to make a good impression on his teachers, I mean the reporters, and Sumo fans ( a lot who have taken a dislike to him in the wake of day 9 last Basho..) in general. "I am aiming for a consecutive Yusho. I will be going all out in keiko", said the "Mongolian Blue Wolf. (Chunichi)

Oozeki Chiyotaikai had 24 keiko bouts with Chiyotenzan and others. Instead of using his trademark oshi and tsuki, he used migi-yotsu most of the time. After failing in his bid for Yokozuna last basho, he has decided to widen his technique range. "It's still mediocre yotsu, but I aim to polish it up in the near future." From the 27th (today) and onwards, "I would like to push some big opponents", he said. He plans to go a-keikoing to Tomozuna-beya, straight to the waiting arms of KaioU.(Sanspo) New Sekiwake Kyokutenhou is in top shape. He had 17 bouts with Kyokushuuzan and Makushita- and -under rikishi and showed overpowering strength against them all, including Shoes-on. Sharp first step and quick seizing of mawashi are the main points he is working on. He is shouting a lot these days as well at keiko. "That's the way it is. I hadn't done that much before", he said, probably loudly. After keiko, he spoke to toddlers who came by to visit the heya, and was very friendly and smiling radiantly. (Sanspo)

Yes, it is strange. They always have the exact number of bouts, sometimes the results of one rikishi, but never how the results are divided, like when Musashimaru is 10-1, who he fought and what was the outcome.

The right guy looks like Tamakasuga, but is it the right guy?

Tochiazuma is in good form as well. He went to Kasugano for degeiko against Tochinohana and others -26 bouts, results unknown." I had a lot of bouts today. The more I do, the better I'll be prepared", he reasoned. Last Basho when he was kadoban, he was very reserved and worried before the Basho. This time he is optimistic and looking to the future. He received a new keshomawashi from baseball league-leading Hanshin Tigers'(of whom he is a great fan) manager Hoshino. He hopes to shine like his favorite Tigers at the moment. "I haven't decided if I will wear it from day 1, but I do intend to wear it and do my best", he said. (Nikkan)

Oozeki Chiyotaikai went to degeiko at Tomozuna like I promised yesterday. There to greet him was none other than his fellow Oozeki KaioU who then proceeded to go 13-8 against him. "The three most likely rikishi I can lose to are the two Yokozunas and KaioU", he said. Chiyotaikai ws reportedly not looking good, having lost 14 kilos since last basho. Still, he is out to overcome his current problems and go for the Tsuna again. (Sanspo) New singer and ex-Sumotori/Oyakata Daishi had his debut live gig yesterday at the "Livehouse" in Saitama. The venue was sold out (100 people..). he opened with some Sumo Jinku, tried some Enka, and sang some pop songs, 11 songs altogether. "I was thrilled that so many people came out to see me on my first-ever live gig", he said, thrilled. "From here on, I will do my best (Ganbarimasu) in the entertainment world", he said, easily substituting the word "Sumo" for "entertainment". (Sanspo)

Tokitsukaze Ichimon took a bus to degeiko. Great opening sentence.They took a bus to sekitori-less heya like Minato and Shikihide bringing with them Tosanoumi and Juumonji for degeiko. Isenoumi Oyakata had the idea of strengthening the ties with the smaller heyas, and after Nagoya, there are plans for further strengthening. "If the sekitori come for degeiko, there will be more general interest around the smaller stables, generating more Heya activities, and maybe bringing in new rikishi. We are still in the planning stage, and after this Basho, we plan to make it an yearly event", he said. (Nikkan) Asashouryuu has a fan club in Nagoya. 50 people so far, headed by Diet member Enzaburou Wakao. He is a close friend of Meitoku Junior High's (Asashouryuu's alma mater) Principal. After asageiko, Asashouryuu visited three primary schools and an old people's home. He donated books at the schools. "It's very warm in Nagoya, but I ask everyone to contribute as warmly as they can to the Nagoya people", he said. No butts were kicked in the making of this post.

And, after getting bumped, Asashouryuu pulled out his sagari very violently and menacingly. I agree with QTTP that it was totally blown out of proportion. You can see it here if you have Realaudio: http://banzuke.com/sumomovies/natsu2003/da...hor_kyokushu.rm (long version) http://banzuke.com/sumomovies/natsu2003/da...or_kyokushu2.rm (short virgin)

Hi Gamers!! (deepest apologies again to non-gamers..) This one is the CHAIN GANG. What is the "Chain Gang"? It's a Sumo-related game, based on a day by day entry. This means you have to follow the ongoing tournament. The good news is that all you have to do is guess one (1) winner of your choice from all the bouts on a given day, Juryo and Makuuchi. Only one, any one. You got it right? You advance to day 2 and pick again. It could be the same rikishi, or anyone else. You got it wrong? Well, that was the shortest game you ever played, because yer OUT!! No three strikes, no yellow card, no "one more chance".. It's the end of the road. Last human being standing wins. This means the game could theoretically end on day 6. So what? The prize? A key-chain, of course... IMPORTANT!!IMPORTANT!! YOU HAVE TO REGISTER TO PLAY, even if you've played before!! You will need to pick TWO default guys before the basho starts for the days you don't/can't play, who cannot be changed. ((((((RULE CHANGE!!!))))))The defaults DO NOT include any Yokozunas or Oozekis!! There is a 5-TIME USE LIMIT PER BASHO for using a default, and you can use him for three straight days only, though we don't think you'll get very far using a default in this particular game. The reason for two defaults is this: KYUJO - When your default pick goes Kyujo, your second default pick kicks in.. IMPORTANT!! You cannot win OR lose by fusen. If your picked rikishi is involved in a fusen match, the default kicks in automatically. This is so no player will have any advantage/disadvantage due to time zone differences, as we have happening in other games. In the highly unlikely event that your default is also involved in the fusen match, you're toast..The best thing to do is keep an eye out for possible kyujos, and stay away from that rikishi!! IMPORTANT!!IMPORTANT!! YOU HAVE TO REGISTER TO PLAY, even if you've played before!! (take two) IMPORTANT!! When your default kicks in for a kyujo rikishi, he doesn't count as one of the 5-per-basho you are allowed. The tie-breaker- the player who used the lowest ranked rikishi on average wins. There will be no mail sent out during the Basho - you'll have to visit us to see who's still standing. Good luck!! http://chaingang.sumogames.com/chaingang.html Thanks!! Kintamayama and Kofuji IMPORTANT!!IMPORTANT!! YOU HAVE TO REGISTER TO PLAY, even if you've played before!!(take three)

RANK EAST WEST Y Asashoryu (Y, 13-2) Musashimaru (Y, 0-0-15) O Kaio (O, 11-4) Chiyotaikai (O, 10-5) O Musoyama (O, 8-7) Tochiazuma (O, 8-7) S Wakanosato (S, 9-6) Kyokutenho (K, 10-5) K Dejima (S, 7-8) Tochinonada (M1, 8-7) M1 Miyabiyama (M5, 10-5) Aminishiki (M7, 11-4) M2 Kyokushuzan (M3, 8-7) Kotonowaka (M4, 8-7) M3 Takanonami (M2, 7-8) Takamisakari (M1, 6-9) M4 Tamanoshima (M3, 7-8) Toki (M11, 10-5) M5 Tosanoumi (K, 4-11) Kotoryu (M10, 9-6) M6 Jumonji (M9, 8-7) Buyuzan (M12, 9-6) M7 Tokitsuumi (M7, 0-0-15) Hokutoriki (M5, 6-9) M8 Kaiho (M4, 5-10) Tamarikido (M8, 7-8) M9 Gojoro (M8, 7-8) Asasekiryu (M13, 8-7) M10 Iwakiyama (M9, 7-8) Otsukasa (M14, 8-7) M11 Asanowaka (M15, 8-7) Tochisakae (J3, 10-4-1) M12 Kasuganishiki (J1, 9-6) Kasugao (M6, 4-11) M13 Kotomitsuki (M2, 0-5-10) Wakanoyama (M10, 6-9) M14 Ushiomaru (J2, 9-6) Aogiyama (M12, 7-8) M15 Tamakasuga (J7, 12-3) Kinkaiyama (J2, 8-7) Rijicho: I added the PRE tags to make the table align.

Musashimaru's hopes of returning in Nagoya are getting dimmer by the minute. Although he has resumed training these last three days with Miyabiyama and Buyuuzan among others, he has hardly been able to use his left hand at all. Oyakata: " Condition? Not even 50% yet. We haven't decided if he will participate in Nagoya", he said, hinting towards kyujo possibility. Musa: "We'll go to Nagoya and see," he said humbly.

New Sekiwake Kyokutenhou held a press conference today at the Ooshima beya camp in Nagoya, in lieu of said achievement. "Now that I've reached this plateau, I feel it is but a station on my way up", he colorfully opted. "My aim is to increase my Kinboshi numbers and do as well as last time". Oooshima Oyakata said much the same. It took him 33 Bashos to reach this plateau, since becoming shin-nyuumaku. It is the fifth slowest ascension to Sekiwake in modern history. "I thought he would do it earlier, but till lately, he didn't have the urge to do it, it seems. If he keeps up his aggressive Sumo of last Basho, the future looks bright", explained Oyakata.