Foreigner update

[Muhomatsu 229]

Kokonoe-beya wrestler Chiyohakuryu (from China) is getting his Japanese citizenship (or so I heard/read/etc.)

Not that it is particulary an interesting bit of news, he is a quite unlikely future Oyakata anyway (at least according to his current career progress!).

An open foreigner slot at Kokonoe?

[Sumo Menko Man 13]

How many Chinese rikishi are there in sumo right now?

[Golynohana 320]

check HERE

[Peeter 15]

.. or here http://www.dichne.com/tForeigners.htm B-)

[Barang 0]

An open foreigner slot at Kokonoe?

There should be open gaijin position. It is interesting to see where the next one comes. My guess is that he will be from Mongolia.

[Asashosakari 19,320]

Kokonoe-beya wrestler Chiyohakuryu (from China) is getting his Japanese citizenship (or so I heard/read/etc.)

For the obsessive-compulsive ones among us - he received the citizenship on March 12th.

Edited April 17, 2009 by Asashosakari

[Kintamayama 45,116]

Sure enough- a new foreigner in Kokonoe, a Mongolian who was recommended by Asashouryuu himself. He went to Meitoku high (Asashouryuu's high school) for two years. 17 years old, 1.83/91, yotsu sumoist and I won't attempt to transliterate, but the paper has him as ガンバータル・ムンクサイハン. He will undergo the shindeshi tests on May 1st. His father was a Mongolian sumo Ozeki. "My aim is to be like Asashouryuu-zeki and Harumafuji-zeki!", he declared. "He's a good, honest kid and I shall be guiding him sternly and hopefully he will become a solid rikishi!", said Kokonoe Oyakata who will be coaching his first Mongolian rikishi.

Edited May 10, 2009 by Kintamayama

[Sasanishiki 57]

I say this with no offence intended to Mongolians or the rikishi, but I'm a little tired of most of the new foreign recruits being from Mongolia. (Ok, I know we've just had a Bulgarian.) I think it would be nice to have a new country represented so that we might have a broadening of the internaitonal ozumo fan base. For those Mongolians on the forum, do people actually follow a lot of the Mongolians in ozumo, or are most casual observers and want to know how Asa, Hakuho and Harumafuji are going (or that a Mongolian has won the yusho, regardless of who it is)?

[wanderer 159]

I say this with no offence intended to Mongolians or the rikishi, but I'm a little tired of most of the new foreign recruits being from Mongolia. (Ok, I know we've just had a Bulgarian.) I think it would be nice to have a new country represented so that we might have a broadening of the internaitonal ozumo fan base. For those Mongolians on the forum, do people actually follow a lot of the Mongolians in ozumo, or are most casual observers and want to know how Asa, Hakuho and Harumafuji are going (or that a Mongolian has won the yusho, regardless of who it is)?

No offense taken at all. Mongolians do hope to see more international rikishi coming to sumo and fight against our wrestlers, and of course great Japanese Yokozuna too. The fact that so many mongolians are competing in sumo will help sumo become more diversified, I guess. One thing that distinguishes Mongolians is, I guess, their balance, which is result of their training in Mongolian wrestling. Wrestling is like baseball in USA or swimming in Australia. Like it or not, every boy has to wrestle to certain degrees. Imagine you have a friendly argument over mundane things like who is going to clean the room or who is going to catch the horse. Wrestling is the most likely way to settle the issue.

Yes Mongolians follow each and every Mongolian in sumo just as same as in Mongolian National wrestling. Not unlike in Japanese sumo, every wrestler comes from certain province, so that they always have their own fan base.

When it comes to yusho, it doesn't really matter who wins. Wrestling is such a sport that only the strongest wins, and Mongolians are quite accustomed to it. It is nice that two Mongolians are winning at the moment, but it would still be nice to see someone else taking the yusho.

[Orion 431]

No offense taken at all. Mongolians do hope to see more international rikishi coming to sumo and fight against our wrestlers, and of course great Japanese Yokozuna too. The fact that so many mongolians are competing in sumo will help sumo become more diversified, I guess. One thing that distinguishes Mongolians is, I guess, their balance, which is result of their training in Mongolian wrestling.

This whole post is right in line wiith what I observed on my three visits to Mongolia with Habitat for Humanity in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

May I just hijack this thread slightly to inform people in the Tokyo area that the annual Mongolian students' Spring Festival (Havriin Bayar, in one of its spellings) will be taking place this coming Sunday and Monday in Hikarigaoka Park. Sunday May 3, noon to five and Monday May 4, ten till four. A stage featuring Mongolian music and dance, various tents (ger) featuring Mongolian calligraphy and other cultural aspects, information stalls with travel details, CDs and packs of rock salt, and food stalls selling Mongolian food -- personally I always go for the meat dumplings. Pretty well all the Mongolian rikishi will be there (naturally!), with the yokozuna taking a day each. There is usually a demonstration of Mongolian wrestling, and if I recall correctly, some sumo as well. It's not always completely the same every year.

If you want to go and don't know how to get to Hikarigaoka, Google it -- or use Hyperdia.

I hope to be there on Monday.

Orion

[Sashohitowa 6]

My impression from observing the Mongolians on the forum (at least those who I know to be Mongolians) is that Asashoryu is their primary focus. Sure, this is more valid for those users that spend just few posts before disappear, and also there are some long-time forumers who are not engaged in the "Asa against the world" battle, but I personally I still don't remember any Mongolian to support Hakuho.

[Doitsuyama 1,185]

My impression from observing the Mongolians on the forum (at least those who I know to be Mongolians) is that Asashoryu is their primary focus. Sure, this is more valid for those users that spend just few posts before disappear, and also there are some long-time forumers who are not engaged in the "Asa against the world" battle, but I personally I still don't remember any Mongolian to support Hakuho.

Well, Asashoryu is very present in Mongolia with business ventures while Hakuho already is married with a Japanese. Also it's already pretty clear that Asashoryu's future after Ozumo will be in Mongolia while Hakuho intends to take up Japanese citizenship and stay with the kyokai. In addition with Asashoryu huge lead before Hakuho came onto the stage it's no wonder to me that Mongolians tend to support Asashoryu.

[wanderer 159]

My impression from observing the Mongolians on the forum (at least those who I know to be Mongolians) is that Asashoryu is their primary focus. Sure, this is more valid for those users that spend just few posts before disappear, and also there are some long-time forumers who are not engaged in the "Asa against the world" battle, but I personally I still don't remember any Mongolian to support Hakuho.

I've started watching sumo thanks to Kyukushuzan, then rooted for Asa's rise and eventually decided to collect sumo DVD's when Hakuho first appeared in Juryo. Now I am still big fan of Hakuho. However, everybody in Mongolia knew about Hakuho's greatness, and this seamingly tempered support of him could be a sign that people expect from him even greater achievements. Myself, as a supporter of Hakuho, was disappointed by his tsunatori saga, in which Asashoryu had to use every possible tricks, including throwing couple bouts, and going kyujo etc. to make Hakuho Yokozuna. Hakuho did not need these and could not have allowed these to happen. And many mongolians share this opinion.

On the other hand, Asashoryu enjoys being the first Mongolian Yokozuna, no arguing with this, and Mongolians do credit him for his achievements. Now, there is only one thing Mongolians wish from Asashoryu, break some more records, and transfer the power peacefully to Hakuho. So, everybody in Mongolia is cheering for him to lift up his spirit. Asashoryu is also very charismatic person not only to Mongolians. The secret is in his dazzlingly brilliant sumo, which never let us stop amazing.

Cheers.

[Randomitsuki 2,826]

A couple of years ago there was a guy on the German forum who posted links to Mongolian basho coverage on TV. I remember being surprised that they also did daily reports about the records of Mongolians in Makushita and Sandanme.

[madorosumaru 7]

There is going to be one less Mongolian. It has been reported that juryo Mokonami intends to obtain Japanese citizenship. He submitted his application last January and received approval from the Japanese government in December. Now, he is awaiting the response from Mongolia. "I have also filed the required documents in Mongolia," he said. "I just need the president's okay [sic]. I expect that during this year."

He added, "I made the decision with my future in mind. I want to do my best and remain with the Kyokai [after my active career]." He already has his Japanese name picked out. He will use his oyakata's surname of Ichikawa and the second part of his shikona, Sakae. As for his Mongolian wife and one-year-old daughter, their application will be filed after he completes his process.

[BuBa 76]

Myself, as a supporter of Hakuho, was disappointed by his tsunatori saga, in which Asashoryu had to use every possible tricks, including throwing couple bouts, and going kyujo etc. to make Hakuho Yokozuna. Hakuho did not need these and could not have allowed these to happen. And many mongolians share this opinion.

Sayn bayna uu Wanderer, appreciate you fill in the Mongolian "voice" in this great forum? Regards to above, are these rumors circulating back home? I don't think this has any truth to it. As I recall Hakuho became a Yokozuna fair and square, that little henka notwithstanding, no doubt about it. As to the Sashohitowa's question I think too that while Hakuho has his own fan base in Mongolia, Asa is more appealing to majority of people, myself included, because of his dazzling wrestling style and that charisma. Hakuho is just too mellow for Mongolian taste.

[BuBa 76]

Sure enough- a new foreigner in Kokonoe,a Mongolian who was recommended by Asashouryuu himself. He went to Meitoku high (Asashouryuu's high school) for two years. 17 years old, 1.83/91, yotsu sumoist and I won't attempt to transliterate, but the paper has him as ガンバータル・ムンクサイハン. He will undergo the shindeshi tests on May 1st. His father was a Mongolian sumo Ozeki. "My aim is to be like Asashouryuu-zeki and Harumafuji-zeki!", he declared. "He's a good, honest kid and i shall be guiding him sternly and hopefully he will become a solid rikishi!", said Kokonoe Oyakata who will be coaching his first Mongolian rikishi.

Fwiw, I guess the name is Ganbaatar Monhsaihan. Is there any pictures of him? I do recall the 1985 Naadam when his father became an Arslan/Ozeki. It was quite a spectacular tournament when Ganbaatar as low ranked Nachin/Maegashira defeated all the big boys and won the title, just like Takatoriki. This was his only title too.

[wanderer 159]

Myself, as a supporter of Hakuho, was disappointed by his tsunatori saga, in which Asashoryu had to use every possible tricks, including throwing couple bouts, and going kyujo etc. to make Hakuho Yokozuna. Hakuho did not need these and could not have allowed these to happen. And many mongolians share this opinion.

Sayn bayna uu Wanderer, appreciate you fill in the Mongolian "voice" in this great forum? Regards to above, are these rumors circulating back home? I don't think this has any truth to it. As I recall Hakuho became a Yokozuna fair and square, that little henka notwithstanding, no doubt about it. As to the Sashohitowa's question I think too that while Hakuho has his own fan base in Mongolia, Asa is more appealing to majority of people, myself included, because of his dazzling wrestling style and that charisma. Hakuho is just too mellow for Mongolian taste.

Sain bna uu BuBa,

Well, Hakuho's first run for Yokozuna was pretty much a show, and YDC seemed to know it. That is why the sumo elders did not grant him the immortal status. Many Mongolians I've talked to also were enjoying the show. Meantime, Hakuho was defeating Asa fair and square here and there, and eventually made it to Yokozuna with zensho. I wouldn't go off topic too quickly, but Asa is far from over, and he had to be "considerate" with Hakuho's intentions.

[Asafan 0]

Fwiw, I guess the name is Ganbaatar Monhsaihan. Is there any pictures of him? I do recall the 1985 Naadam when his father became an Arslan/Ozeki. It was quite a spectacular tournament when Ganbaatar as low ranked Nachin/Maegashira defeated all the big boys and won the title, just like Takatoriki. This was his only title too.

What is his shikona, please ? I can't find him on the banzuke... :-(

[Fay 1,677]

Fwiw, I guess the name is Ganbaatar Monhsaihan. Is there any pictures of him? I do recall the 1985 Naadam when his father became an Arslan/Ozeki. It was quite a spectacular tournament when Ganbaatar as low ranked Nachin/Maegashira defeated all the big boys and won the title, just like Takatoriki. This was his only title too.

wait a bit and you will see him in my next upload

[Kintamayama 45,116]

Fwiw, I guess the name is Ganbaatar Monhsaihan. Is there any pictures of him? I do recall the 1985 Naadam when his father became an Arslan/Ozeki. It was quite a spectacular tournament when Ganbaatar as low ranked Nachin/Maegashira defeated all the big boys and won the title, just like Takatoriki. This was his only title too.

What is his shikona, please ? I can't find him on the banzuke... (In a state of confusion...)

He's a shindeshi so you won't see him on this banzuke or the next one, as he has a one basho "cooling down" period (visa, language etc.). He'll enter Maezumo in July, and will be on the banzuke in September, if all goes well.

[Kotoviki 16]

Fwiw, I guess the name is Ganbaatar Monhsaihan. Is there any pictures of him? I do recall the 1985 Naadam when his father became an Arslan/Ozeki. It was quite a spectacular tournament when Ganbaatar as low ranked Nachin/Maegashira defeated all the big boys and won the title, just like Takatoriki. This was his only title too.

What is his shikona, please ? I can't find him on the banzuke... (In a state of confusion...)

He's a shindeshi so you won't see him on this banzuke or the next one, as he has a one basho "cooling down" period (visa, language etc.). He'll enter Maezumo in July, and will be on the banzuke in September, if all goes well.

Are you sure he isn't doing Maezumo this basho? He was on the list today that the sewanin gave me of maezumo guys.....???

[Kintamayama 45,116]

Are you sure he isn't doing Maezumo this basho? He was on the list today that the sewanin gave me of maezumo guys.....???

Going by the new rules, he shouldn't be, but maybe he was already signed up last basho- who knows..

[Kintamayama 45,116]

Are you sure he isn't doing Maezumo this basho? He was on the list today that the sewanin gave me of maezumo guys.....???

Going by the new rules, he shouldn't be, but maybe he was already signed up last basho- who knows..

Nikkan is backing me up on this-no maezumo for the foreigners.