Shikona

Odd that they have the guys face off and stare at each other several times before tachiai and the fans seem to love it, especially in the important bouts, isn't it? I haven't noticed any of the rikishi blowing kisses during the preliminaries, but maybe that's just me.

I have seen these. You need to watch them slowly and especially the feet. A big step to the left, leaving only the opposite shoulder behind to take a marginal amount of contact. Move, then meet. If he was "fully taking the tachiai head on" people would not go flying past him, unless you believe he is made of air. I'm not saying this isn't skillful or that his wins aren't fully deserved. I just think credit should be given where due to the best henka artist of all time. I understand but won't go along with the cognitive dissonance affecting those who believe that they can't stand a henka, but love Ama, and therefore have to make up a new category for his henka. Just accept it for what it is. Perfectly legal and often effective. And he made it look cool. The only reason I like the move but not the artist is his hypocrisy, as noted above.

Strange comment, forgetting about the henka machine Harumafuji, who would would rant about how a henka attempt against HIM was an insult to ozeki dignity, then go out and pull henka on Asashoryu.

They are all henka; the ridiculous distinction for the former yokozuna in this forum is just a fanboi thing, nothing you can rationally analyze.

Does a yusho-doten call for a round of parties with the supporters? Oho and Kinbozan both looking hung over.

Looking forward to some intensive travel reporting. Especially love the restaurant features and recipes.

I know the fans are always impressed by shiko, but isn't this getting a little too up-close and personal?

It actually looked like the elbow was hurt early on in the match with Atamifuji, another reason I found his yusho amazing.

Yes, but not since 1959. In those earlier years there were more than 42 wrestlers in Makuuchi. Since it is required to have at least six in sanyaku, adhering to the limit of 42 means the lowest rank than can appear is M18w.

Unless you consider that in order to win in regulation with the same record means that that the opposition was not putting up strong competition. And consider some other sports--would it be more impressive to give the NFL championship to the team with the best regular season record without having to go through the playoffs and super bowl?

What I think you are missing is that he could just as easily have lost those fights, but he won, and won impressively. Why would the committee need to pretend those fights never happened? Unless you go zensho, you are always benefitting in some way by someone else's efforts, aren't you?

Chiyonofuji's record probably more impressive even than Hakuho, given the late start. I was thinking Hak, also Asashoryu and Takanohana in making my remark. Didn't want to set the expectation too high.

Keep your friends close and your rivals closer.

I believe he has a good disposition and appreciation of the position. I believe he works hard in practice and has shown the ability to learn and adapt. He is older compared to the fellows who racked up 20 yusho, but I think he should be able to collect more than 10 yusho and be a good example for other wrestlers, so I look forward to his reign.

One more thought on how strong Hoshoryu's performance was despite losing three. Look at everyone who got double digit wins. Hoshoryu was matched with six out of seven and his result was 6 wins. And of course the dominant three bouts on the last day. Yes, it's a 12-3 yusho, but as good a 12-3 yusho as could possibly be.