Asashosakari 19,637 Posted June 20, 2011 (edited) The plot thickens...the previously rumoured notion that Kasuganishiki and Enatsukasa didn't actually accuse Sokokurai appears to be true in some way; Sokokurai's lawyer claims that both "key witnesses" were unwilling to sign their names to affidavits that included Sokokurai's name among those they admitted doing yaocho with. (I'm not sure if this means they were initially unwilling and later did so, or that they never did.) In addition the Kyokai side appears to have handed over incomplete documents relating to their investigation. In particular parts of Kasuganishiki's testimony were mysteriously missing, which Sokokurai's defense team claims was done to hide the fact that he had commented in the negative about Sokokurai's supposed involvement. The document snafu has been corrected by now, but the Kyokai isn't looking good in this so far. Edited June 20, 2011 by Asashosakari Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sashohitowa 6 Posted June 20, 2011 Why did the Kyokai push then for his dismissal? Why would they want to fire somebody who they do not have enough evidences against, even by their own vague measurement standards in this case? Too much pressure from the public? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ilovesumo 12 Posted June 27, 2011 The plot thickens...the previously rumoured notion that Kasuganishiki and Enatsukasa didn't actually accuse Sokokurai appears to be true in some way; Sokokurai's lawyer claims that both "key witnesses" were unwilling to sign their names to affidavits that included Sokokurai's name among those they admitted doing yaocho with. (I'm not sure if this means they were initially unwilling and later did so, or that they never did.) In addition the Kyokai side appears to have handed over incomplete documents relating to their investigation. In particular parts of Kasuganishiki's testimony were mysteriously missing, which Sokokurai's defense team claims was done to hide the fact that he had commented in the negative about Sokokurai's supposed involvement. The document snafu has been corrected by now, but the Kyokai isn't looking good in this so far. As I said - seems quite a big bunch of gaijin...perfect way to get em unwanted guys out...but what do I know... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asashosakari 19,637 Posted July 1, 2011 (edited) Hoshikaze's suit against the Kyokai has been amended to call not only for his reinstatement, but additionally 20 million yen in damages. Meanwhile, Sokokurai's trial will proceed on July 14. Edited July 1, 2011 by Asashosakari Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asashosakari 19,637 Posted October 14, 2011 The Mainichi Shimbun has received an award by the NSK* for breaking the yaocho by mobile story earlier this year, being lauded for the societal impact in general and clean-up of the national sport in particular that its reporting effected. * The Nihon Shimbun Kyokai, of course. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Orion 431 Posted October 15, 2011 The Mainichi Shimbun has received an award by the NSK* for breaking the yaocho by mobile story earlier this year, being lauded for the societal impact in general and clean-up of the national sport in particular that its reporting effected.* The Nihon Shimbun Kyokai, of course. Ah, the good folks upstairs, when I'm at the office (and not at home, as now). [OT by now] The building also houses the Japan National Press Club with the big hall where visiting dignitaries give press conferences against the backdrop that will be familiar to anyone who watches Japanese TV current events. Doreen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oshirokita 192 Posted October 15, 2011 Hoshikaze's suit against the Kyokai has been amended to call not only for his reinstatement, but additionally 20 million yen in damages.Meanwhile, Sokokurai's trial will proceed on July 14. My understanding is that both Hoshikaze & Sokokurai were eventually conceded the equivalent of 1 year salary and are allowed to continue to train in their heyas? Does this mean they are merely suspended pending the result of trial, or actually (forcibly) retired, but hoping to be reinstated? If they are allowed back into sumo, are they asking to come back at their old rank or would they be considered banzuke-gai and re-enter mae-zumo? As Sokokurai's trial is more than a year after dismissal, has their been any word whether they will continue to be paid salary after the one-year amount previously granted? In any event, I bet the NSK is squirming as the yaocho issue continues to be in the spotlight, and not buried and forgotten already. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asashosakari 19,637 Posted October 15, 2011 I think I confused you by dragging up an old thread. :-) The July 14 in the message was the one this year. The two trials haven't made much headway yet; the oral hearing part of Sokokurai's just opened on Oct 6. My understanding is that both Hoshikaze & Sokokurai were eventually conceded the equivalent of 1 year salary and are allowed to continue to train in their heyas? Salary yes, heya residence technically no. Sokokurai does still live and train at his stable, and at the end of September the Kyokai board tried to put the screws on Arashio-oyakata again to finally get him to dismiss Sokokurai from the premises, but he just said "fuhgeddaboutit" as he (to his credit, IMO) has done ever since this thing started. Sokokurai's lawyer lodged an official protest about the NSK's behaviour during last week's proceedings. Not sure about Hoshikaze nowadays. I vaguely remember reading a while ago that he's been keeping fit at regular gyms and is occasionally seen at Oguruma-beya, but I don't recall where I got that from or how accurate it is. Does this mean they are merely suspended pending the result of trial, or actually (forcibly) retired, but hoping to be reinstated? If they are allowed back into sumo, are they asking to come back at their old rank or would they be considered banzuke-gai and re-enter mae-zumo? They're officially dismissed, and while I don't know the exact details of their lawsuits I'm fairly sure they're asking for reinstatement into their old status, last banzuke rank included. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Naganoyama 5,945 Posted October 16, 2011 I often wonder what's going on with this - in fact whenever I wear my 'Sokokurai is innocent' T-shirt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oshirokita 192 Posted October 16, 2011 Great, thanks for clearing that up for me. Very curious to see how this plays out if Sokokurai wins his case. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fujisan 533 Posted October 16, 2011 I dont know if anyone has already asked this but- Has anyone ever been reinstated after a forced intai? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Manekineko 200 Posted October 21, 2011 Very interesting and tangential discussion on returnees after voluntary intai (spawned by Fujisan's question) now has its own thread. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 45,495 Posted December 7, 2011 ex-Hoshikaze was in court today to begin contesting his case to be reinstated in sumo. His lawyer said that in the next court session on the 26th, he will be calling ex-Chiyohakuhou and Enatsukasa to testify. Both alleged Hoshikaze was throwing matches and he was thrown out of sumo based on these allegations. He plans to prove they lied. "I'm fine. I'm training and keeping in shape. Nothing has changed," said ex-Hoshikaze. "It's possible we may have a decision as early as December, or maybe January.." said his optimistic lawyer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 45,495 Posted December 26, 2011 (edited) Ex-Hoshikaze was in court today and reiterated that he never did any yaocho. 4 days ago, ex-Enatsukasa who was the one who blew the whistle on Hoshikaze testified that he saw him giving eye-signals to another rikishi at the entrance of the shitakubeya and was convinced they were yaocho-related. OTOH, Hienriki, ex-Hoshikaze's tsukebito at the time, testified that Hoshikaze never had any interaction with ex-Enatsukasa whatsoever. He was then cross-examined and admitted he heard rumors of Hoshikaze's involvement in yaocho. "There was nothing specific or concrete in that testimony. Well of course there were rumors, otherwise why the heck are we here??", countered Hoshikaze's lawyer. And so it goes. Edited December 26, 2011 by Kintamayama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ilovesumo 12 Posted December 26, 2011 Oh boy...How many fans will get into that....even I got winks from Ozeki during Dohyo Iri... I'd say looks good for Hoshikaze - what a lame stuff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Harry 67 Posted December 26, 2011 (edited) Chiyotaikaizeki winked at him? That's all they have? Wonder what rank he would get if reinstated??? Edited December 26, 2011 by Harry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 45,495 Posted December 26, 2011 Hoshikaze will never be re-instated. If he will, everything comes crashing down. He won't. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ilovesumo 12 Posted December 27, 2011 Well, never say never. :-) If that is what he wants, no compensation or anything... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kotoviki 16 Posted December 28, 2011 Hoshikaze will never be re-instated. If he will, everything comes crashing down. He won't. I agree, the kyokai will never let them be reinstated... at least not as rikishi.. maybe as an oyakata but yes, everything would come crashing down... Kintamayama is right!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asashosakari 19,637 Posted March 1, 2012 (edited) At long last Sokokurai's trial is going somewhere - ex-Enatsukasa was called for his testimony today. He testified that he had no recollection of being involved in a fix for the Natsu 2010 bout between Sokokurai and Kasuganishiki, which is the one that convinced the Kyokai to oust him, but that he go-betweened for at least five other Sokokurai bouts, adding that he wouldn't reveal the names of the opponents as some of them had evaded the Kyokai's investigation. (Uh-oh.) The arrangements were supposedly concluded sometimes in the back of the dressing room, sometimes by phone. Sokokurai for his part maintains that he never spoke to Enatsukasa at all. Ex-Kasuganishiki was absent for medical reasons today and will now be called to testify on May 10. Edited March 1, 2012 by Asashosakari Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 45,495 Posted March 5, 2012 (edited) Ex-Hoshikaze is still contesting his firing as well. Today was the last day of his trial. He is demanding re-reinstatement as a rikishi and ¥24,000,000 in restitution. Final verdict-May 24th. Today, another banned Mongolian, Kouryuu, gave evidence in Hoshikaze's defense. "Just by watching how earnest he was on the dohyo, you can tell he could never participate in such actions." he said. Hoshikaze's Benny says he is 99% sure they will win. Edited March 5, 2012 by Kintamayama Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pandaazuma 1,310 Posted March 6, 2012 May 24th is just after Natsu Basho, so that will mean no negative publicity during the tournament. I wonder if they would have to reinstate these lads if they win. I can see the court ordering the kyokai to pay damages, but ultimately, reinstatement would be a kyokai decision, wouldn't it? The court can't force the kyokai to take a rikishi back on, no? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 45,495 Posted May 2, 2012 8 Oyakata who were demoted from iin to shunin after the Yaocho scandal have been re-promoted. Magaki, Kiriyama, Arashio, Isegahama, Hanakago, Irumagawa, Tatsunami,and Kasugano. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yorikiried by fate 2,029 Posted May 2, 2012 ...and all is well... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fukurou 534 Posted May 2, 2012 8 Oyakata who were demoted from iin to shunin after the Yaocho scandal have been re-promoted. Magaki, Kiriyama, Arashio, Isegahama, Hanakago, Irumagawa, Tatsunami,and Kasugano. That's rather unusual, isn't it? IIRC there wasn't a time element to their demotions, so I wonder what's going on behind the scenes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
