Will the Ossetians' cannabis issues stop recruitment?

[Gusoyama 104]

Quite simply, will the actions and subsequent dismissal of Wakanotoke curb or even stop recruitment from the area? There's already been a crackdown on the other foreigners, and casting of suspicious eyes toward their way, will heyas even bother to bring that kind of headache upon themselves going forward?

[Asojima 2,874]

The combined on and off dohyo antics of the Ho-Ro-Ko-Zan quartet have got to put a heavy damper on recruiting incentives for the area. Noshin, Aran, Amuru, Orora and Gagamaru seem to be adapting well, but the senior members of the group have been a thorn in the side of the NSK.

[Asashosakari 19,648]

The combined on and off dohyo antics of the Ho-Ro-Ko-Zan quartet have got to put a heavy damper on recruiting incentives for the area. Noshin, Aran, Amuru, Orora and Gagamaru seem to be adapting well, but the senior members of the group have been a thorn in the side of the NSK.

Why put Kokkai in the first group? I don't recall anything that ever rose above "tempest in a teacup" status with him...extravagant sideburns during a jungyo, the silly demonstration thing now, and...uh, that's already it, I think.

Anyway, if anything I think we're not going to see another non-Mongolian foreigner recruited at younger than high-school graduation age after this. I'm not going to blame his young age when he joined for what has happened now, but I can see the Kyokai establishment doing it. Not that it matters much, probably...there are so few foreigner spots left right now that it'll be hard to spot any kind of trend changes anyway.

[Jakusotsu 6,049]

"Will Wakanoho's actions stop recruitment?"

and

"Will recruiting in Russia/Georgia/Ossetia/etc go down?"

are two different questions to me. I would have answered 'yes' to the latter even a week ago.

[Mark Buckton 1]

why lump in the Georgians. (and Ossetia isn't a nation)

[Kintamayama 45,512]

Recruitment of any and all European-shusshin rikishi will be zero zero zero in the near future, not many open spots notwithstanding. I'm pretty sure that coupled with the "let's drag our feet and do nothing even though we are under heavy pressure from the Ministry" present policy, there already is a quiet decision to totally suspend all foreign recruitment for now. It's always easier to look for the coin under the lamppost, I hear.

This reminds me of an old joke. Two policemen are called to a murder scene. They see the body, he is pronounced dead. They start writing a report. "What's the name of this street?" asks one of them. "Singledermstuberdreidlestrasse", says the other.

So they dragged the body to Hess street.

Edited August 22, 2008 by Kintamayama

[Doyobi 0]

why lump in the Georgians. (and Ossetia isn't a nation)

Yes, why lump in the Georgians? And Ossetia is a nation, you're confusing nation with independent state and risk drawing some indignation towards that comment . Navajo is a nation too, or Innuit, or Basque.

[Kintamayama 45,512]

Yes, why lump in the Georgians? And Ossetia is a nation, you're confusing nation with independent state and risk drawing some indignation towards that comment .

Ahh, my favorite nation...

[aderechelsea 125]

my answer to this poll is ... "i hope" (Sign of approval...)

[Gusoyama 104]

why lump in the Georgians. (and Ossetia isn't a nation)

Let me put it this way: Will they still go after whiteys? Thats why i lumped Georgia in, and why I mentioned Ossetia. All of the eastern european rikishi might as well be from the same place. They're westerners in the eyes of the kyokai, and I'm sure most of the public.

[ryafuji 815]

why lump in the Georgians. (and Ossetia isn't a nation)

Let me put it this way: Will they still go after whiteys? Thats why i lumped Georgia in, and why I mentioned Ossetia. All of the eastern european rikishi might as well be from the same place. They're westerners in the eyes of the kyokai, and I'm sure most of the public.

I find it quite amusing that people from Russia could be considered "Westerners." It's like the Cold War never existed...

[Manekineko 200]

I find it quite amusing that people from Russia could be considered "Westerners." It's like the Cold War never existed...

There's an "old" (80s? 70s?) pop song... "Vi

[That-Satsu-Guy 1]

Sigh...

Not to pull an imitation of you-know-who's "Where's your proof?" line, but on what evidence are you basing your belief in sumo's sudden Russophobia?

When I saw the breaking news on the TV, I rushed to find out more from Japanese sources and most Japanese bloggers' reactions were "Wakano-Who?"

Do the actions of this newcomer really reflect on well established household named foreign rikishi?

[Mark Buckton 1]

Sigh...

Not to pull an imitation of you-know-who's "Where's your proof?" line, but on what evidence are you basing your belief in sumo's sudden Russophobia?

When I saw the breaking news on the TV, I rushed to find out more from Japanese sources and most Japanese bloggers' reactions were "Wakano-Who?"

Do the actions of this newcomer really reflect on well established household named foreign rikishi?

Looks like That Silly Guy has slipped thru the wormhole separating humanity with the dark side, reliable sumo info and opinions from gossip worshipping and name calling on That So Grand scale over at the sumo site for kindergarteners?

Of course, if still here bleeding like a girl in our slice of the WWW, the question must be asked - what kind of bloggers did you ask? Sumo (related) bloggers? Those based in Inakabikoville with little more to focus on than the daikon harvest?

If sumo related - and they don't know Wakanho - (Blinking...)

If daikon diggers - and they don't know Wakanoho - what's the big deal? Were you to come here and ask about issues going on in your ALT slot, last week's ID checking tiff at the kabakura you 'heard' about, or the utter stench on the Joban and Chiyoda Lines when they come in from Chiba each morn, (*) do you think anyone here would know - or care.

Tata now.

* an odd survey 10 years back finding the Joban and Chiyoda Lines running in from Chiba to be the strongest smelling in the nation!!! S&S - Squid and Sake it was nicknamed.

[That-Satsu-Guy 1]

Sigh...

Not to pull an imitation of you-know-who's "Where's your proof?" line, but on what evidence are you basing your belief in sumo's sudden Russophobia?

When I saw the breaking news on the TV, I rushed to find out more from Japanese sources and most Japanese bloggers' reactions were "Wakano-Who?"

Do the actions of this newcomer really reflect on well established household named foreign rikishi?

Looks like That Silly Guy has slipped thru the wormhole separating humanity with the dark side, reliable sumo info and opinions from gossip worshipping and name calling on That So Grand scale over at the sumo site for kindergarteners?

Of course, if still here bleeding like a girl in our slice of the WWW, the question must be asked - what kind of bloggers did you ask? Sumo (related) bloggers? Those based in Inakabikoville with little more to focus on than the daikon harvest?

If sumo related - and they don't know Wakanho - (Blinking...)

If daikon diggers - and they don't know Wakanoho - what's the big deal? Were you to come here and ask about issues going on in your ALT slot, last week's ID checking tiff at the kabakura you 'heard' about, or the utter stench on the Joban and Chiyoda Lines when they come in from Chiba each morn, (*) do you think anyone here would know - or care.

Tata now.

* an odd survey 10 years back finding the Joban and Chiyoda Lines running in from Chiba to be the strongest smelling in the nation!!! S&S - Squid and Sake it was nicknamed.

Is that all you got Bucky?

I asked where's your proof first! Where's your links?

Who are these reputable folks screaming for Russian blood?

When you tell me that I'll be more than happy to provide the links to the blogs I read. OK?

[Mark Buckton 1]

why ask me? - show me where I referred to a phobia on Russians, then 'Log Out' and hang around reading SF as I imagine you do daily prior to heading back through the hole to post what you have 'heard'? ね？

actually - TSG, you seem to have something 'for me' - why? I was asked last week about Silly Talk, and was told I am mentioned there quite often.

Then discovered you were behind some of those posts. Usual name calling and the like even when I am not involved in or connected to a thread. Of course - pretend disinterest or dislike of someone or something is oftentimes an attempt to disguise reality. (oh no - I must be a Liverpool and Chelsea fan!!)

What's the deal - you want an autograph? Want your pic taken with me? Arm round the shoulder as the shutter snaps? Shake your hand? Nod at you as I pass at the Kokugikan?

No worries - make yourself known and don't be afraid - I'll be gentle.

Edited August 24, 2008 by Mark Buckton

[Mark Buckton 1]

why lump in the Georgians. (and Ossetia isn't a nation)

Yes, why lump in the Georgians? And Ossetia is a nation, you're confusing nation with independent state and risk drawing some indignation towards that comment . Navajo is a nation too, or Innuit, or Basque.

You are right - my mistake there - apologies. I should have used the word 'country'

[Kintamayama 45,512]

Sigh...

Not to pull an imitation of you-know-who's "Where's your proof?" line, but on what evidence are you basing your belief in sumo's sudden Russophobia?

When I saw the breaking news on the TV, I rushed to find out more from Japanese sources and most Japanese bloggers' reactions were "Wakano-Who?"

Do the actions of this newcomer really reflect on well established household named foreign rikishi?

No one is basing anything on anything-it's a poll, where members of this forum are speculating. And based on the past, I think the voting results so far will pretty much become reality. It's not Russo-phobia (all foreigners are put in one pot in Japan, as you probably know)- it's the notion that the Kyokai, as always, instead of tackling the problem, will take the easy way out and blame it on the foreigners' not learning the customs (which of course is partly true..). As for Japanese sources and bloggers, they are irrelevant to this discussion because in the end, 12 or so Kyokai members will decide (and often not officially..) the future of sumo. As for "well established household named foreign rikishi".. Asashouryuu, Rohou, --well established foreign names that cause many a Sumo fan household to shudder.

Additionally, the question here regards future recruits, so the well established thingy is moot.

Edited August 24, 2008 by Kintamayama

[Manekineko 200]

That Silly Guy

Silly Talk

Moderator Notice

Please refrain from name calling, and please use PM for more private communications and disagreements with That Satsu guy and other Forum members. I believe they are of no general interest to the rest of the Forum.

Edited August 24, 2008 by Manekineko

[Takanobaka 0]

I would think that the fact that a war is being fought in that part of the world would hinder recruitment more than one or two bad apples. Honestly, I didn't realize they were so keen on actually recruiting from that part of the world anyway, and that the flow of fighters is moving the other direction.

As for the 'lump' question, probably has something to do with most of the Georgian/Russian fighters being ethnically and culturally Ossetian, rather than Russian or Georgian, and that Ossetia crosses between both countries.

[Asashosakari 19,648]

As for the 'lump' question, probably has something to do with most of the Georgian/Russian fighters being ethnically and culturally Ossetian, rather than Russian or Georgian, and that Ossetia crosses between both countries.

Actually, that's the point. While there are Russian rikishi from North Ossetia, none of the four Georgians is from South Ossetia.

[Takanobaka 0]

As for the 'lump' question, probably has something to do with most of the Georgian/Russian fighters being ethnically and culturally Ossetian, rather than Russian or Georgian, and that Ossetia crosses between both countries.

Actually, that's the point. While there are Russian rikishi from North Ossetia, none of the four Georgians is from South Ossetia.

But, if I remember correctly, they are Abkhaz (at the very least Kokkai is), which is another seccessionist area of Georgia that is part of this war.

[Mark Buckton 1]

Abkhazia (sp?) is an area where recent movements of people have left the ethnic make-up as it is today I understand. In the not too distant past, the reverse were true.

Kokkai himself had to flee fighting as a youngster but I think he was from an area just south of the main 'Abkhaz' are IIRC?

Having spoken in depth and at length with him and Tochinoshin - on politics as well as other areas, I can tell you they are Georgian and Georgian throughout.

Edited August 25, 2008 by Mark Buckton

[That-Satsu-Guy 1]

What's with all the hostility? The reason my posts seem so contrarian is that I refrain from posting unless I have something to add. When I see something odd, I chime in.

If you look at recent headlines Wakanoho has dropped completely off the radar. It seems to me this is more about Magaki oyakata than Wakanonho. They only keep mentioning that he's Russian because most Japanese have never heard of him and need some kind of identifier beyond his shikona to distinguish him from the mass of constantly fluctuating sekitori.

No one is basing anything on anything-it's a poll, where members of this forum are speculating. And based on the past, I think the voting results so far will pretty much become reality.

I know it's only a poll, but you could have a poll about life on Neptune it wouldn't amount to much without some kind of a basis in reality.

As for accuracy of polls, there was a poll on Wakanoho's future progress. That didn't pan out so well, did it? But that at least was based on reasonable evidence.

As for Japanese sources and bloggers, they are irrelevant to this discussion because in the end, 12 or so Kyokai members will decide (and often not officially..) the future of sumo. As for "well established household named foreign rikishi".. Asashouryuu, Rohou, --well established foreign names that cause many a Sumo fan household to shudder.

Additionally, the question here regards future recruits, so the well established thingy is moot.

I disagree. There are no Yaku Mitsuru-s and such crying foul. That means a lot.

And if you ask any oyakata today would they rather recruit a Hakuho or a Kotomitsuki, they'll pick a Hakuho every time. Everyone seems to be focusing on improving the education of foreigners, not on scraping the valuable resource that they are.

There is a long history of successful and popular foreign wresters. There's Takamiyama, Konishiki, Musashimaru and that yogurt salesman par excellence Kotooshu. One leap frogging kid who nobody had any hopes for (sorry, no Japanese folks had any hopes for) gets caught smoking pot and the finger pointing goes to the heya for not disciplining, Asashoryu for his bad example, and to a much smaller degree to the other Russians for not watching out for the new kid.

I don't see this having a real impact on recruitment, if you do, then beat my guest.

[Kintamayama 45,512]

I disagree. There are no Yaku Mitsuru-s and such crying foul. That means a lot.

A.They haven't convened yet. They will on the 29th.

B. Yaku Mitsurus are not part of the Kyokai. They are part of an investigation committee made up of Oyakata and external people. When I said 12 Kyokai men, I meant the rijikai.

C. What had to be done was done, so why cry foul? And you bet your pants they will demand a more "appropriate" punishment for the Oyakata.

And if you ask any oyakata today would they rather recruit a Hakuho or a Kotomitsuki, they'll pick a Hakuho every time. Everyone seems to be focusing on improving the education of foreigners, not on scraping the valuable resource that they are.

Go ask and see if you are even remotely right. No oyakata will touch any foreigner from the "West" with a 20 foot pole at this time. And who is "everyone"? The Kyokai? The fans? The forum members here? Who the heck is "everyone"?

I don't see this having a real impact on recruitment, if you do, then beat my guest.

Is he that annoying?

We shall see, now won't we? In any case, there isn't much place for recruitment in the present, so we'll never know.

Edited August 26, 2008 by Kintamayama