Asa in hot water-thread 2

[Kaikitsune Makoto 209]

yup, It is indeed scary to be in such place- full of intrigue, hostility. Not knowing turn of tide, not knowing whoom to trust.

Only way out is to come back home-Mongolia.

I have a question for you sir. Are you sure Asashoryu's behaviour and weakness he shows is welcomed in your Mongolia? Are you sure there aren't a mass of Mongolians thinking "What a wimp our champion turned out to be..he is a disgrace to Mongolian warriors"? Mongolia doesn't even have psychiatrists really ( at least so was commented in one post) so they probably consider head cases just in need to "get a hold of themselves". Are you saying that Mongolian press and people welcome him home with open arms and say "Oh the bad JApanese treated you so badly! Here you are loved unconditionally. Now here is a surprise...your mom made you a meal!! Come eat Dorj!!!!!"?

I wonder about that. He must be popular in Mongolia but according to rumours he is not nearly as popular as Shuzan for example. He must have done good for economically poor Mongolia by donating horses and whatever so lot of gratitude there too but still, is it really so that Asashoryu's behaviour hasn't made him lose a lot of fans in Mongolia?

[Kintamayama 45,527]

Takadagawa Oyakata, one of Asashouryuu's biggest critics, came to visit him at his hotel place today. It is the second time he meets him during this crisis, surprisingly. The first time was when he visited Asa at his house. "He seems genki, no?", said Takadagawa. As a member of the jungyo affairs department, he was one of the most vocal voices calling for severe punishment. He was also vehemently opposed to allowing Asa to return to Mongolia, but seems to have softened his stance, together with Kitanoumi rijicho who now says it is a real possibility. "I'm not the head of the department so I don't know. I will not comment on this", said Takadagawa as he got into his car. Paper says although his visits were few, this visit is an important turning point between the Kyokai and Asa, and a Mongolian recovery trip is very close to happening.

Takadagawa visiting:

Edited August 23, 2007 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 45,527]

Asasekiryuu visited Asa at his house on the 21st. They spoke for 10 minutes and the Yokozuna asked him about the jungyo. "He is definitely not genki! It would be better if he went home, I reckon", said a worried Sekiryuu. Hakuhou was also worried about the Yokozuna. The rikishi had their usual weigh-in today. Regarding the possibility of Asa's going to Mongolia, he said, "I am surrounded by my 'gang ' so I'm not homesick", highlighting the difference in their situation at the moment. He has been following the situation on TV and reading the papers. "Isn't it good that he left his house??" he ventured.

Edited August 23, 2007 by Kintamayama

[Arslan 0]

Takadagawa Oyakata, one of Asashouryuu's biggest critics, came to visit him at his hotel place today. It is the second time he meets him during this crisis, surprisingly. The first time was when he visited Asa at his house. "He seems genki, no?", said Takadagawa. As a member of the jungyo affairs department, he was one of the most vocal voices calling for severe punishment. He was also vehemently opposed to allowing Asa to return to Mongolia, but seems to have softened his stance, together with Kitanoumi rijicho who now says it is a real possibility. "I'm not the head of the department so I don't know. I will not comment on this", said Takadagawa as he got into his car. Paper says although his visits were few, this visit is an important turning point between the Kyokai and Asa, and a Mongolian recovery trip is very close to happening.

Oh really, is he softened? (No, no, no...) I am sure now when they made Asa to have a nervous breakdown and when it is under question whether he will be able to return and demonstrate perfect sumo he did for all these years Takadagawa came personally to check if Asa is completely broken or just pretending. If he really is they can let him go not only to mental house in Mongolia but even straight to hell. Takadagawa visiting Asa or Kitanoumi saying that he is not against of Asa

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

I read Mike's blog over at SumoTalk just now. I am neither endorsing nor criticizing it, but I did most certainly find it interesting and thought-provoking. While there are a few errors, they don't detract from the main point. I recommend folks give it a read.

[Kintamayama 45,527]

I read Mike's blog over at SumoTalk just now. I am neither endorsing nor criticizing it, but I did most certainly find it interesting and thought-provoking. While there are a few errors, they don't detract from the main point. I recommend folks give it a read.

Mike is a really nice person, but he is also missing the point. To compare the Kyokai's general problems to what Asa did in the past is irrelevant. Does that mean that because the NSK is allegedly running a scandalous, shoddy ship they don't have to address their top man's behaviour? I disagree. He's a Yokozuna, the others are not. And for instance, giving as an example Miyagino's transgression and comparing his standing in Sumo to Asa's is throwing sand in the eyes of the beholder.

As for the part about how the jungyo was hardly mentioned in the press - that is not the point either. I believe Mike knows the importance of Jungyo for the masses, . It has absolutely nothing to do with how many times it is mentioned a day in the papers. And in any case what is more "interesting" news? A jungyo in the heat or a seemingly deranged yokozuna sitting at home sulking?? If Asa were to join the jungyo from the start, the interest of the papers would have been the same- jungyo, for the reporters, simply is not that interesting. But it is for the people who get to see their idols up close.

The only thing I agree to is the opening paragraph where he says everyone who screwed up is expected to publicly apologize, real apology or not. So why didn't Asa? It would all have gone away, I promise you, or at least not been so "bad".

Edited August 24, 2007 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 45,527]

Asashouryuu is booked on the August 25th flight to Mongolia. The gist of today's news is how it would be convenient for everyone concerned if Asa in his present state would disappear from the limelight as the Banzuke is announced next Monday. The doctor is adamant he leave for his own good and even stated his situation is getting worse, and the Kyokai bigwigs have reluctantly agreed.

In any case, he must observe the Triple H (Home, heya hospital) in Mongolia as well, although the heya part would be hard to fulfill.

Edited August 24, 2007 by Kintamayama

[Hananotaka 8]

As a foreigner in Japan, it is hard not to have at least a little sympathy for Asashoryu. Though he, as do many of us, brings about many of his own troubles, he is a stranger in a strange land. He has been a workhorse for many a year, assimilated and adapted as best he can, yet will never be fully accepted no matter what he does or says. Not much of any excuse, as he knew it would be an uphill battle from the day he set foot on the sacred soil, but who among us really knows what they are getting into when they arrive? Sure, we all have some knowledge, and perhaps advice, but what can we do with it until we've lived it for ourselves? Absolutely, the yokozuna messed up, and he may be playing a high-stakes game of chicken with the NSK. Still, he is human, and one with a predominantly Mongolian viewpoint. As someone eloquently wrote earlier, no matter the result it's a lose/lose situation. Kitanofuji understood what needed to be done naturally way back when, as a native Japanese caught in a scandal. He did it automatically and no-one analyzed his motives. Asashoryu has never, and will never be free of the second-guessing that comes with his foreignness.

I can't say I totally agree.

I mentioned this in the German sumo forum, but as a foreigner in Japan I've sympathetic towards Asashoryu, then frustrated, and finally, now, mind-boggled.

One of the toughest things about living in Japan, for foreigners and Japanese folk alike, is the move to kaizen - that is, when something is not broken, looking for and nitpicking little things to improve, usually just to make whoever's doing the nitpicking feel like they're doing their job.

For example, my old job required that I wear a suit at work. In order to save both my feet and my dress shoes, I kept my dress shoes at work and wore sneakers to and from. I kept my sneakers in the empty bottom drawer of my desk. I took pains never to open that drawer when students were in my room, and to close the door and be out of the sight of students when changing shoes. I knew that image and appearances are of great importance in Japan. I was not the only one who did this. Our school manager, a stickler for image and appearance, said nothing. And things went on. Then the area manager came in one day. Our classrooms were clean, our lobby impeccable. Our ship running tightly. With nothing to really criticize or improve, the area manager focused on the shoes. No shoes in the desks! was his decree. And so, instead of having shoes out of the way, out of sight and mind of the students, we had to pile them near the coat rack. No doubt in the future, having shoes in view of the students will be considered unsightly, the future teachers will have to put them in their desks.

So, when the YDC gave Asashoryu crap for his pony-tail, and using his left hand for the kensho, man I could really relate. Here you have the mage in sumo. It's not required -- it's worn only by tradition. Young bucks who can't make a mage slick it straight back. So Asashoryu puts it in a pony-tail, and gets nailed for it. He goes his whole career picking up the kensho with his left hand and no one says a damn word, and then suddenly, *bam*. I knew exactly how he felt. Where'd this come from? And the thing was, he was winning, dominating. There were no major scandals in his life. With nothing to really focus on, the YDC had to justify its existence by focusing on minutiae. Hence, the pony-tail and left-handedness.

But this. I just don't get it. I don't see how Asashoryu could have ever assumed it would be okay. Dropping out of the jungyou for an injury, he risked criticism and censure just for showing up at the soccer game. I can't for the life of me understand how he looked at the situation, saw all the television cameras, saw freakin' Hidetoshi Nakata on the pitch, and decided it would be a good idea to take some shots.

Okay, so he screwed up. Happens to the best of us. The Japanese people are perfectly willing to forgive those who take responsibility and apologize. (Incidently, the next time you read about Japan not apologizing about WWII because they only expressed "remorse" and "reflection", understand that that is an apology. That is how any public figure takes responsibility and apologizes for mistakes.) This could have gone over so easily and gently, as Kintamayama suggested. Asa could have had a press conference wherein he said in full view of TV cameras, "I went to Mongolia with only the intention to rest and recuperate. However, I was asked by the government and Mr. Nakata to participate in a short soccer exhibition for children. Given the stature of the people involved, and the fact that it was to help children, I found it difficult to refuse, and dangerously pushed myself in order to participate. I realize that, despite my intentions to help, this offended many Japanese fans looking forward to the jungyou. I humbly reflect on/apologize for that."

Had he done that he could have gotten the public on his side, his image would still be intact, and he and Takasago could have worked behind the scenes to get his punishment reduced. Instead, a train wreck. And I think, I understood this aspect of Japanese culture after just a few years here. How is it that Asashoryu hasn't picked up on this, on what would be egregiously wrong to do, and how to fix it once he did that? He's been here since he was in high school. His Japanese is very good. He's had a tremendous support system in place. His oyakata and ani-deshi, Mongolian predecessors, foreign Yokozuna predecessors, foreign oyakata in his very ichimon. I find it difficult to believe even with all that that he failed to basic Japanese 常識 ("common sense").

What makes me sad is when I think of Andy Hug. Andy Hug was a Swiss K-1 fighter who practiced Kyokushin and (later) Seidokaikan karate. Despite proudly displaying pride in his Swiss nationality and speaking only but a little Japanese, you could easily say he was a national hero in Japan. When he died suddenly in 2000 due to acute leukemia, the whole nation mourned. It was front page on all the sports magazines. One of the TV stations (Fuji, I think) pre-empted their regular scheduled program for a memorial program either the day he died or the next day. Mention Andy Hug to Japanese people even today, and you'll get a warm reaction.

I think, damn, Asashoryu could have had that! Despite cries of "xenophobic Japan" in these forums, many (if not most) Japanese heroes have been of mixed or foreign birth. Taiho, Sadaharu Oh, Rikidozan, Mas Oyama. Asashoryu could have had that. He could have had the lesser light of Akebono and Musashimaru, or foreign celebrities like Agnes Chan, Dave Spector, or Andy Hug -- all certainly distinguished by their foreignness, but nonetheless part of Japanese culture. Instead, this. It's incredibly frustrating. People talk about the Kyokai's responsibility for "education", but the man's 26 years old and has spent a long time in Japan, longer than me, even. He should simply know better.

[paolo 0]

.... He goes his whole career picking up the kensho with his left hand and no one says a damn word, and then suddenly, *bam*. ....

..... One samll thing I would disagree on though is the part about the kensho. It is part of the job of the YDC to constantly demand perfection and Asashoryu should have been using his right hand. ......

I am very curious about this, and may be one of you or somebody else can answer. This story of the left hand to pick up the kensho came out just because Mrs. Uchidate on that very day had not found anything better to criticize Asashoryu. My questions:

1. had there not been any other left handed rikishi who took the envelopes with his left hand ? Had he been scolded and/or warned ?

2. is it true that the "triple movement" or whatever it is called is recent, it is not part of sumo tradition, and nobody worried too much about it before Asashoryu gave an opportunity to say something?

..... The problem was that when it was mentioned he didn't switch. He stubbornly continued using his left until the fuss died down and then he switched to his right. I guess he didn't want to appear as if he was forced to do anything against his will, but that just shows that he didn't get it.......

Are you sure about that ? I had an impression that in the first following basho he occasionally switched from one hand to the other, as if he could not always remember that he had to use his "wrong hand". From the second (or maybe the third) basho he consistently used his right.... By the way, if i remember correctly, Mrs. Uchidate even praised the beauty and the nobility of his new gesture... Am I wrong ? You say "against his will", but I am trying to figure how long it would take me ( I am right handed) to remember that I have to pickup things with my left if I had to.... The man has made some mistakes in the past; is there a need to find something more to blame him ?

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

Okay, so he screwed up. Happens to the best of us. The Japanese people are perfectly willing to forgive those who take responsibility and apologize. (Incidently, the next time you read about Japan not apologizing about WWII because they only expressed "remorse" and "reflection", understand that that is an apology. That is how any public figure takes responsibility and apologizes for mistakes.) This could have gone over so easily and gently, as Kintamayama suggested. Asa could have had a press conference wherein he said in full view of TV cameras, "I went to Mongolia with only the intention to rest and recuperate. However, I was asked by the government and Mr. Nakata to participate in a short soccer exhibition for children. Given the stature of the people involved, and the fact that it was to help children, I found it difficult to refuse, and dangerously pushed myself in order to participate. I realize that, despite my intentions to help, this offended many Japanese fans looking forward to the jungyou. I humbly reflect on/apologize for that."

Had he done that he could have gotten the public on his side, his image would still be intact, and he and Takasago could have worked behind the scenes to get his punishment reduced. Instead, a train wreck. And I think, I understood this aspect of Japanese culture after just a few years here. How is it that Asashoryu hasn't picked up on this, on what would be egregiously wrong to do, and how to fix it once he did that? He's been here since he was in high school. His Japanese is very good. He's had a tremendous support system in place. His oyakata and ani-deshi, Mongolian predecessors, foreign Yokozuna predecessors, foreign oyakata in his very ichimon. I find it difficult to believe even with all that that he failed to basic Japanese 常識 ("common sense").

I get the feeling that Asashoryu finds it very hard to apologise for anything, under any conditions. I don't know much about Mongolia or Mongolians other that what I get from sumo, but in some countries an apology is seen as an admission of guilt. It really appears that Asashoryu does not feel guilty whatsoever, and has no intention of admitting guilt about anything. The apology in Japan need not necessarily be sincere, but needs to follow proper form and timing, and give all appearances of sincerity. It may be tough for Asashoryu to wrap his head around the idea that he must take responsibility for what happened and follow established protocol to enter the road to forgiveness, he is not admitting to any deliberate misbehaviour. He is acting in good faith to clear up a misunderstanding.

[Jonosuke 28]

Asashouryuu is booked on the August 25th flight to Mongolia.

I think that's a "guesstimate" by Nikkan Sports. They could be right or wrong but I think they are not far off.

In the same article they say Asashoryu has been booking a flight every day and then cancelling it, hoping that it could be the day he could leave.

Suc expectation may not go well with certain oyakata but the top brass is now inclined to go along with the doctor's orders.

[Jonosuke 28]

I am very curious about this, and may be one of you or somebody else can answer. This story of the left hand to pick up the kensho came out just because Mrs. Uchidate on that very day had not found anything better to criticize Asashoryu.

You keep mentioning others on the list are putting you down and dismissing you as a newbie of sort. Well if you write a post like this, you deserve it.

As for your other questions, you will find them in this Forum. I just advise you to use Search function. This is irrelevant to what we are discussing here.

[paolo 0]

I am very curious about this, and may be one of you or somebody else can answer. This story of the left hand to pick up the kensho came out just because Mrs. Uchidate on that very day had not found anything better to criticize Asashoryu.

You keep mentioning others on the list are putting you down and dismissing you as a newbie of sort. Well if you write a post like this, you deserve it.

As for your other questions, you will find them in this Forum. I just advise you to use Search function. This is irrelevant to what we are discussing here.

Once more, I take a point about which others have said something; I ask some questions (sincerely, not in a polemic mood) because I remember something different; and somebody else finds that my questions were not worth asking and are not even worth an answer. You must be right, I am wasting my time.

[Jonosuke 28]

The current turmoils are making it clear to everyone that the Kyokai has many voices and many factions within its hollow halls. They are certainly not sounding like they are a dictatorship of one or even few autocrats.

Chairman Kitanoumi oyakata still maintains what has been decided upon at a Directors meeting must only be reversed or revised by holding another Directors meeting. He has also instructed Kyokai officials to ascertain medical facilitiies and secure specialists in Mongolia for Asashoryu's likely return there in a short time.

Kitanoumi oyakata received a medical report from Dr. Takagi, Kyokai's appointed psychiatrist today. In it, Dr. Takagi has reportedly indicated Asashoryu's condition has not changed or was even getting worse. Asashoryu is currently staying in a hotel in Tokyo but he is apparently sleeping most of the time, possibly the afffects of eceiving a large quantity of sleeping pills and tranqualizer.

"I have the doctor's report. I will be considering our response by seriously taking account of his opinion. At this point I believe we must do all we can to follow the medical assessment and recommendation," Kitanoumi oyakata said.

Meanwhile their number two man Musashigawa oyakata felt there was no additional Directors meeting required to proceed with the next step as the matter should be best handled by the shisho and the yokozuna.

However Takasago oyakata himself has expressed that he would let Kitanoumi oyakata and Directors reach the final decision. "I understand the yokozuna would be seen by Dr. Takagi tomorrow. But as far as the future plans are concerned, that is not something I alone can respond and decide," Takasago oyakata said.

Other oyakata are expressing their view through media but by remaining anonymous - "If the yokozuna is returning to Mongolia, detailed treatment methods, conditions, facilities and environment should be specified ahead", "Takasago oyakata should accompany Asashoryu to ensure the proper medical facility and enviroment be prepared in Mongolia", and "Asashoryu should come forward and explain himself at the Directors meeting" etc etc.

And as more reporters waite in front of Mongolian Airline counters at Narita Airport, reports indicate Asashoryu's manager has been cancelling and booking new seats for every flight out to Mongolia since last week for the next couple of weeks.

[Shomishuu 0]

I get the feeling that Asashoryu finds it very hard to apologise for anything, under any conditions. I don't know much about Mongolia or Mongolians other that what I get from sumo, but in some countries an apology is seen as an admission of guilt. It really appears that Asashoryu does not feel guilty whatsoever, and has no intention of admitting guilt about anything. The apology in Japan need not necessarily be sincere, but needs to follow proper form and timing, and give all appearances of sincerity. It may be tough for Asashoryu to wrap his head around the idea that he must take responsibility for what happened and follow established protocol to enter the road to forgiveness, he is not admitting to any deliberate misbehaviour. He is acting in good faith to clear up a misunderstanding.

FWIW, I have felt this from about four or five days after the suspension. I don't think there is a single person in the world who is in a position to influence Asashoryu, in the sense that a long-time trusted friend or advisor can. No family members, no one in the sumo world, no personal heroes - nobody. I think that at some time in the past, he arrived at a point where he assumed he was all-knowing and all-powerful, much like a dictator, and that he no longer needed to answer to anyone. I wouldn't go so far as to say that this proves that he is not mentally ill in any way...but I do think that he has looked at himself in this way for some time now.

[Hananotaka 8]

FWIW, I have felt this from about four or five days after the suspension. I don't think there is a single person in the world who is in a position to influence Asashoryu, in the sense that a long-time trusted friend or advisor can. No family members, no one in the sumo world, no personal heroes - nobody. I think that at some time in the past, he arrived at a point where he assumed he was all-knowing and all-powerful, much like a dictator, and that he no longer needed to answer to anyone. I wouldn't go so far as to say that this proves that he is not mentally ill in any way...but I do think that he has looked at himself in this way for some time now.

Another possibility is that he just decided to say "Screw it," and take a stand. There have been times when I've found myself drawn into an argument or confrontation with someone of higher status than me. I know I should just say, "Yes, I understand," or "Yes, I'm sorry," but I just can't do it (or I do do it, but they press the issue), and though I know no good will come of it, it's like I have a psychological need to take a stand and fight it out.

I imagine Asashoryu doesn't think he did anything wrong, or at least not enough to warrant the kind of punishment he got. And maybe now he's like "Screw it. I've tried fitting in, and I'm [bleep]ing tired of it all," and has just gone into an apathetic state. Like I said, the idea that Asa may not realize or know what he has to do here boggles my mind. Maybe he does realize it, but he's just made a decision to tough it out, just because he actually gets more peace of mind that way.

Consider the social obligations of a Yokozuna. Appearance, courtesy, dignity. I don't doubt that being Yokozuna has been stressful for Asa, just as working in a Japanese company was stressful for me. And now he's free, for the moment, unbound (in his mind) by Yokozunic expectations and obligations. Mage? Pshaw! Humble apology in front of the wide show cameras, the same bastards that asked him snarky questions at the airport? Bah! I'm a 31 year old schoolteacher. From the moment I get off at my school's station until the time I'm back at my home station, I'm "on". So when the weekend comes, sometimes I just like to forget showering, forget shaving, just hang out in my underwear watching TV/DVDs, and munching on whatever food is in the house. Asashoryu may have said, "Screw this. I'm kicking Yokozuna Asashoryu to the curb for a while, and taking up the mantle of Dorj The Sloppy Bachelor."

Edited August 24, 2007 by Hananotaka

[Asashosakari 19,657]

Once more, I take a point about which others have said something; I ask some questions (sincerely, not in a polemic mood) because I remember something different; and somebody else finds that my questions were not worth asking and are not even worth an answer. You must be right, I am wasting my time.

No, you're wasting everybody else's time. Do you never notice that you're always "sincerely asking questions" about topics that literally every other member of the forum seems to have figured out on their own and/or that have been answered/corrected dozens of times before? It's really quite inconceivable that you're suffering from such an enormous, perpetual lack of understanding as you keep demonstrating.

For sure, it doesn't mean much that I've been annoyed by you for I-don't-even-remember-how-long, but if even Jonosuke has tired of you, it might be seriously time for you to consider the possibility that the problem is on your end. And then you're apparently whining about it on the SML when people here insinuate as much? Sheesh. (I wouldn't know; I finally unsubbed a few weeks ago, hallelujah. Best of luck getting your barrage of obtuse questions answered over there, BTW.)

/soapbox

[Jonosuke 28]

Once more, I take a point about which others have said something; I ask some questions (sincerely, not in a polemic mood) because I remember something different; and somebody else finds that my questions were not worth asking and are not even worth an answer. You must be right, I am wasting my time.

Don't keep making yourself a victim, amigo.

Life's rewards come in seeking and discovering its abundant treasures, especially when you can search your answers by yourself so easily.

Our time is all ours to readily waste whether here or at a maid cafe but take a moment to ponder before you readily waste others and have your mobile phone on the manner mode.

[paolo 0]

I give up. Thank you all.

[obinishiki 0]

No more questions? (No, no, no...)

[Hananotaka 8]

Our time is all ours to readily waste whether here or at a maid cafe

Well, now we know what Joe does in his free time between basho...

[Kintamayama 45,527]

"Under these circumstances, I am not able to be in touch with him", said Takasago Oyakata regarding Asashouryuu. "At this point, he won't be leaving for Mongolia on the 25th (today). If he does, it will be a serious matter..", he added. Asked about the news that Kitanoumi has actually agreed for Asa to return to Mongolia for treatment- "That is the Rijicho's comment..", he said.

Regarding the Mongolian treatment, Kitanoumi said: "What was decided at the rijikai can only be altered at the rijikai", saying effectively that he thinks a formal change of the decision has to be made at a rijikai meeting. Other Oyakat feel another meeting is unnecessary.

[madorosumaru 7]

Slowly, but inexorably, steps are taken to allow Asashoryu to return to Mongolia. His leaving is a foregone conclusion. As reported many times, banzuke announcement is on Monday, the 27th. That sets off all the pre-basho goings-on which lead to Shonichi on September 9. The yokozuna's presence in town during those two weeks would be, shall we say, most inconvenient.

The rijicho has already agreed to the trip, saying he will abide by the doctor's orders. Takasago Oyakata has for political reasons stated his opposition to Ryu's trip but he also would accede to the decision of the doctor and the Kyokai board. Most of the members of the board have shown a softened postion in recent days. There are, however, a few that insist upon a personal request by Asashoryu in front of the board before giving their approval. Even then, the hardliners are willing to approve the trip if the doctor would testify in his stead and explain the yokozuna's deteriorated condition which would preclude such an appearance.

Dr. Yoshida and/or Dr. Takagi would be the one(s) to appear at the meeting with the board members. "If it were to take place, it would be the first part of next week," said an influential oyakata. Since Monday is banzuke announcement day, the likelihood would be Tuesday. If all goes according to plan (scenario), the trip would be approved at that meeting and Asashoryu would be allowed to take off for Mongolia on the 29th. MIAT Mongolian Airlines has three flights from Narita to Ulaanbaatar each week--on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Next Wednesday is, of course, August 29.

[Afrozuna 8]

I think it's quite clear now that Asa is just trying to get his way and really can't be bothered by the opinions of others. His sympathy act has really paid dividends. Asa was not really devastated by the ban he was really just pissed off coz it puts a bit of an obstacle to his yusho record goal. There is no doubt in my mind that Asa will come back strong. If anyone thinks he's been doing nothing but watching telly all this time I think is wrong. He will just continue to train like crazy in Mongolia. Many a Yokozuna would have really appreciated a 2 basho break to allow their bodies to recover properly. I think it is best for Sumo if Asa goes back to mongolia even during the Honbasho. The media is far more interested in seeing mage-less Asa strutting down the streets than Hakuho winning his first yusho as Yokozuna. At this point I must say the thread title which was sounding very ironic is now about to be fulfilled. Asa has finally won this affair and will get his "hot water" in Mongolia.

[Kintamayama 45,527]

Now we have the Income Tax bearing down on Asa. They are saying he owes them 100 million yen in back taxes for money he made from commercials and from the broadcast of his wedding. The fine is around 30 million yen. A revised report has been sent. This is for the years 2002-2005, and does not include salaries and bonuses paid by the Kyokai, only the extra-curricular stuff.

Who else thinks that this could finally break the Yokozuna and make him want to retire? Why would this be made public now? Coincidence?