Which Ozeki do you like the most?

[Yubiquitoyama 4]

Well, I hope the topic title is self-explanatory, but I'll still elaborate:

I don't mean "who is the best rikishi", unless of course that is what makes you like a rikishi. I mean who do you like the most, for whatever reason you tend to like a rikishi. I assume that there are as many reasons to like or not like a rikishi as there are pollsters.

I encourage people to vote because I think it could be an interesting poll to see the outcome of (rather than just trying to guess what people think). I chose the Ozeki because they have all now been there for a while and I think most sumo fans will have formed some sort of opinion on all of them, especially in this time when the question of potential Yokozunas is so important.

I also encourage everyone, especially those who have voted "two or more" or "none", or those who suspect they base their decisions on more unusual criteria than most, to make a post about how their thinking/feelings led to their vote.

Personally I like all four of them (although in the case of Musoyama, this has only been true for about a year) for different reasons, but I still voted on my alltime favorite to this day, Tochiazuma, whom I have followed since day one as a sumo fan. There are several different reasons for that, but I won't elaborate now, but rather would like to see whatever the other of you think.

(Hugging...)

PS. I chose alphabetical order of the candidates so there should be no wondering about whether there was any deliberate intent in the ordering. B-)

Edited January 3, 2004 by Yubiquitoyama

[Asashosakari 19,331]

My vote goes to Kaio. When he's healthy (yeah, more the exception than the rule nowadays), his sumo is an absolute joy to watch. Plus, he's making less waves behind the scenes, and while I enjoy gossip as much as the next guy, I find myself more disposed towards rikishi who don't cause headlines with their extra-curricular activities all the time.

[Takanobaka 0]

I went with Kaio as well...he shows a consistent level of grit which seems to be lacking occasionally (Taikai, Tochiazuma) or always (Musoyama) from the other Ozeki...

[Tony 16]

Kaiou! He's so wonderful!

[Zenjimoto 40]

I find Kaio and Tochiazuma equally likeable and could not decide between them. Taikai has his moments on the dohyo, but I find him to be a dud personality-wise. He seems mean and lacks charisma. Musoyama is just too blah - I dare say that if a tourney started without him it may take me a few moments to notice he's gone! (Hugging...)

Cheers

Zenjimoto

[Kaikitsune Makoto 209]

KaioU

Reasons:

-First rikishi I recognized and started to follow long before internet and enlightment

-Best package of immense strength, size, agility and overall athlesism

-Very pure tachi-ai stance

-Can do all sorts of sumo. While the best in yotsu-sumo, he is capable of beating the best oshi-rikishi without any belt grip. Defense at tawara is strong

-Healthy henka is extremely rare for him

-He radiates everything a rikishi should radiate on the dohyo during shikiri

-Brilliant dohyo sense

-Some wonderfully skillful techniques in grip pursuing and oshi-breaking (more details if wanted...)

-His dominating wins over Takanohana even at Taka's prime. After watching all Takanohana-KaioU bouts it became clear that Takanohana lost every time KaioU got a good grip on the belt. Taka often kept KaioU off the belt with his unmatched technique

-Because he is a rikishi that could promote sumo to anyone. Show KaioU and you see sumo prototype at its best

-His uwatenage launch

-His kotenage

-His hip twist defense is damn well executed

-His slump in 1998 due to injury and ascension to strongest ozeki despite lack of belief by most of sumo society at that point

-His way of training KaidoU

-His sumo dignity

-His judo moves that come into play on the dohyo every now and then! (indeed!)

-His shiko is exemplary

-His perseverance

+ other things

Nobody is even close to KaioU in my opinion but I like all ozeki more or less.

Tochiazuma

Reasons:

-Best condensed package sumo on earth

-His lateral movement and timings in pushes

-His attitude and training diligence

-He is a good example for younger rikishi in work ethics and body composure

-He is the most interest rival to Shoryu (KaioU is too good for Shoryu and before wolves attack I will elaborate that it means Shoryu needs morozashi against him and Chiyotaikai is too everywhere against Shoryu)

-Training diversity

-He is all SUMO.

Chiyotaikai

Reasons:

-Poetically poignant attack when timing is right. The most explosive throat attack I have ever seen anywhere except when I saw a gepard jumping directly to deer's throat in 60km speed.

-Gotta like rikishi who gives appreciation to fellow rikishi when they deserve it

-Viciousness in his sumo is very refreshing

-His mental growth

Musoyama

Reasons:

-Compact double timing attack

-Hmmm...

Nice poll!!!

[Jesinofuji 11]

This one was difficult. I like Chiyotaikai and Kaio almost the same, and I almost voted the two or more the same choice. But lately I have liked Taikai slightly more than Kaio. Kaio deserves the tsuna, but I' getting ready to say his time has passed. Though health, not quality of Sumo will be the cause, I think his days as an Ozeki are numbered. There's something I like about Taikai's powerful charging no-mercy style. The way he impressively blasts opponents out! I hope someday he becomes a Yokozuna*

*Thought I hope Chiyotaikai becomes a Yokozuna, it would mean his winning two more championships, which would have to be two more championships not won by Asashoryu so I cannot hope for Chiyotaikai to become a Yokozuna even though I want him to be a Yokozuna, but really cant want him to...

[Kintamayama 45,132]

Tochiazuma. I have no idea what his favorite grip is and I couldn't care less. I just like him, and if that is not a good enough reason for someone, tough!!

U has injured many people. Thousands. I do not like him. Never did. I do, however, respect him for not actually killing someone, although he could do so at any given moment.

Taikai? Nice guy, I met him. Lacks.

Musoyama? Avid porn magazine reader, but that's OK with me, since I publish them.

Azuma has always been Yubi's and my favorite, through thick and thin.

Hmm... Actually, he shouldn't be included in this poll at all, since he's Yokozuna already.

Edited January 3, 2004 by Kintamayama

[Manekineko 200]

Well, I voted two or more... I really, really never can decide when it comes to "pick your favourite" polls. My first thought was: KaioU. But then I remembered Azuma. And even Chiyo is such a nice one to despise, sumo would be bleaker without him. So: I like KaioU and Azuma about equally, KaioU for being cuddly, Azuma for his hairy legs. B-) And I like hating Chiyo... This leaves Musoyama, who will win Hatsu yusho as stated in the other poll. (Hugging...)

[Kashunowaka 300]

Well, I voted two or more... I really, really never can decide when it comes to "pick your favourite" polls. My first thought was: KaioU. But then I remembered Azuma. And even Chiyo is such a nice one to despise, sumo would be bleaker without him. So: I like KaioU and Azuma about equally, KaioU for being cuddly, Azuma for his hairy legs. :-) And I like hating Chiyo... This leaves Musoyama, who will win Hatsu yusho as stated in the other poll.  (Whistling...)

I think it's obvious that Musoyama needs supporters much more than Kaio do, so I wen't with Muso in this poll. :-S

[Naifuzan 1]

I don't know really... Probably KaioU (Whistling...)

[Fujisan 533]

Im a Chiyotaikai man and always have been-

His power is just amazing and very little can stop him when in full flight.

Also he is the protege of the greatest rikishi I have ever watched in action-The great Chiyonofuji.

The fact that he is such a nice bloke,surprises me I must admit but is another reason for me to love the guy.

[Mark Buckton 1]

Tochiazuma for me. Makes no effort to be nice as it comes naturally and no hazing under him. (Whistling...)

Kaio - what's with that constant smirk? And, with a nickname like the elbow breaker - as used on NHK, does he even want to be liked?

Taikai - ditto Kinta-san. Lacks BIG.

Musoyama - man, is he still an Ozeki?

ANR

[Zentoryu 154]

I'm not a real big fan of any of the current Ozeki, but I voted for Tochiazuma. I just like his work ethic and determination. He's constantly looking for ways to improve himself in training and I gotta respect that.

[Fujisan 533]

To be totally honest Im split down the middle-

Like Chiyotaikai and Kaio

Dislike Tochiazuma and Musoyama

My attitude may change on Tochiazuma though if last basho doesnt prove to be flash in the pan.

[Naifuzan 1]

I wonder if the results would have been different 2 bashos ago. (Whistling...)

EDIT: Corrected my poor grammar :-)

Edited January 4, 2004 by Naifuzan

[Mark Buckton 1]

I wonder if the results would have been different 2 bashos ago. :-)

EDIT: Corrected my poor grammar :-S

Wouldn't think so - the posters abover may be many things but I would definitely say they are not as fickle as to let a couple of basho change them.

To back that - in my time watching sumo I've always disliked Kaio (Sign of disapproval) and have always liked Tochi (Sign of approval) - can't say whay but can we determine everything in words alone? (Whistling...)

Could be true on 'who IS the best' Ozeki rather than like the most - that always brings changes in opinion and naturally so.

ANR

[Kotoseiya Yuichi 3]

I voted none of them although I don't actively dislike any of them. No current ozeki is able to persuade me to hope for their yusho. I just hope I pick the right one in my game teams.

Come to think of it, I don't actually have any favourites in traditional sense, I guess. I'm collectively pleased for Sadogatake's success (or slightly annoyed by the lack thereof) but even so I can't really say I have a favourite even among the Koto. Hmm... dull me...

[Zentoryu 154]

so I can't really say I have a favourite even among the Koto. Hmm... dull me...

You're not alone in your dullness (Whistling...) I don't really have a favorite amongst the current crop of sekitori either. There are certain rikishi I like, but no real favorite.

[Zuikakuyama 1]

Kaio, because of his unassuming personality and determination in the ring.

[tominishiki 0]

I picked Azuma because he his the rikishi that work the hardest from all the other ozekis

[Kashunowaka 300]

I wonder if the results would have been different 2 bashos ago.  :-)

EDIT: Corrected my poor grammar  :-(

Wouldn't think so - the posters abover may be many things but I would definitely say they are not as fickle as to let a couple of basho change them.

I am quite sure that the result would have been different 2 basho ago.

[Yubiquitoyama 4]

I wonder if the results would have been different 2 bashos ago.

[Fujisan 533]

The last time support for Tochiazuma was this strong was in the poll following his previous Yusho-

Fickle? Not all of us anyway.

[Yubiquitoyama 4]

Wouldn't think so - the posters abover may be many things but I would definitely say they are not as fickle as to let a couple of basho change them.

Well, nothing necessarily wrong with being fickle (which word I btw looked up for the first time ever finding it meant something completely different than I thought...). It really just comes down to what is the most important criteria for someone to like or dislike a rikishi. If I dislike someone for being a bad rikishi, I might soon start to like him if he's good. The same that if I like someone for being a good guy, only a single event when he clearly shows he's not, might be enough. :-)

Edited January 4, 2004 by Yubiquitoyama