Sumo News - Translations of Japanese Articles

[Gottsueekaze 7]

Thought I would translate some Japanese news articles for practice, since I'm watching the tournament this year more intently then usual. I'm trying to do these fast, so there may be some mistakes. If people want the Japanese inline I can provide that instead.

http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/p-sp-tp3-20130118-1073525.html

Hakuhou Passes Akebone, 6th best in history with 433 Wins

Yokozuna Hakuhou (27, Miyagino beya) defeats Tochiouzan, number of wins as Yokozuna reaches 433, surpassing Akebono with 6th most in history. Smiling he said: "To pass someone who led the Waka-Taka era makes me happy. There sure are a bunch of different records, aren't there?"

Facing the same opponent he lost to by dodge and slap down (hatakikomi) at last year's fall tournement, today's juking (inashi) was cooly delt with. "My body reacted and stuck with him" he said, and forced him out (yorikiri) with composure.

[Gottsueekaze 7]

http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/p-sp-tp3-20130118-1073524.html

Goueidou come from behind to 7 Win Ozeki Streak

Sekiwake Goueidou (26, Sakaigawa) showed some brilliant come-from-behind technique. Attacked by Kotooushu, at the edge of the ring hooked his right foot on the thigh of his opponent, winning by beltless arm throw (sukuinage).

"I thought, I'll go as hard as I can and try whatever it takes. It was nice to have somehow won". In this step-up tournament on his way to Oozeki promotion, keeping his record at one loss is a relief. "Hmm, well, my luck continues" he said with a reserved laugh on his streak of beating 7 Oozeki in a row since last tournament.

The standard of promotion is 33 wins in 3 tournaments Last tournament for the first time as Sekiwake he put up 11 wins, if in this tournament he wins in double digits, in the spring tournament at his hometown Osaka expectations will be high. Focusing his energies, Goueidou replied "I'm not even going to think about that, only tomorrow for now"

[Gottsueekaze 7]

A little rough, but a nice long article on one of my favorite rikishi. Japanese link at the bottom.

Harumafuji stands alone! Straight wins on way to first Yokozuna "V"

Yokozuna Harumafuji (28 - Isegahama) forced new Komisumi Shuhouzan (28) out of the ring. Protecting his all-win streak, as quickly as the 6th day, is alone at the top of the championship race. From Isegahama Oyakata (52 - retired Yokozuna Asahifuji), suggesting a way to reduce the burden on his ankle at the Yokozuna's entrance ceremony, his injury also healed. The lifeline of his quick initial charge has revived as well, building momentum to his first championship since promotion to Yokozuna. Yokozuna Hakuhou (27) is at one loss, 5 others in chase spread out after him.

His opponent was unable to do anything. Getting hit with the head of his rival, Harumafuji choked with his right, while unleashing a slap with his left. As if burrowing in from underneath when he gets both hands on the belt, the game is on. With a flawless approach he drove away the newly promoted Sanyaku wrestler. "He was ridiculously fast. Up until today, this was the fastest." said an astonished Shouhouzan. And from opening day he keeps winning. Harumafuji standing at the top alone on the 6th day will be the first time in 7 years, ever since the 2006 fall tournament.

"I only wanted to do my own sumo", according to the Yokozuna, lightest member of the Makuuchi at 133kg (293lbs), the speed of his initial charge is his greatest weapon. "I continue winning so, I think I'm getting better day by day." he said, talking about how he feels about his improving condition. The cause of his Kyuushuu tournament slump, the rehabilitation for the pain in both ankles also main cause behind his good shape this tournament.

Coming into this year, he went to 3 temples to offer an entrance ceremony - Izumo Temple, Meiji Shrine, Nominosukune Shrine. Every one, on top of stone pavement, would be hard on his feet. To Harumaji worrying "Why do [my ankles] hurt this bad?", Isegahama okayata gave this instruction. "Because you're hurting your feet on the stone paving, [when you stomp you leg] step down from you toe, I told him".

On stone pavement, stomping down on you foot with all of your body weight at once is bad for your ankle. The way he was instructed was to touch down on your toe and land as if scrubbing the sole of the foot. This also became the main cause of his recovery, and connected to the revival of his quick initial charge. Asking about Shouhouzan's gold mawashi, he answered "Isn't it a nice color?", his easy-going attitude reemerging as well.

Within the Sanyaku, only Hakuhou has just 1 loss. On his awareness of the lead of the championship race line, he said: "If I said none, it'd be a lie, you know". "1 day, 1 bout at a time. Just concentrate and try hard." This script, on this one day said 4 times since the morning, repeated like a magic charm. In a tournament to regain his honor, his sumo up to the 6th day is cast-iron.

http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/p-sp-tp3-20130119-1073871.html

[Gottsueekaze 7]

Short one on Takamisakari, took me a bit to pick the right phrase to translate ボロ負け. :)

http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/f-sp-tp3-20130120-1074508.html

Takamisakari loss: "It was a shellacking"

East Juryo 12th position Takamisakari (36 - Azumazeki) losing to Houchiyama (30), fell to 3 wins and 5 loses.

From the initial charge giving away a double-handed grip on the front of his mawashi, is forced out in one go. "When I went for the mawashi, I lifted up my chin, sadly. I can't even think of being worn out after coming this far, nor do I even want to. It's regrettable, because it was a shellacking." he said letting out a large sigh.

On the passing of Mr. Naya, former Yokozuna Taihou, on the previous day the 19th, he said "It was in the middle of the Juryou bouts, wasn't it. Hearing the news, I'm speechless."

[Gottsueekaze 7]

http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/f-sp-tp3-20130120-1074550.html

Baruto, 10 Wins to Return to Ozeki, 5 Wins Left

West Sekiwake Baruto (28 Onoe) with a powerful pushing technique, has netted 5 wins back-to-back. From the hit of the initial charge, forces east Maegashira leader Aminishiki (34 Isegahama) low, afterward pushing with both hands 2 times to force him out.

On the satisfactory sumo of the previous 7th day bout with Tochiouzan, saying "I looked well to make sure I didn't fall during the initial attack". A diverse opponent but "It was good he came straight on" he smiled. Still only halfway to the 10 wins required to return to Ozeki. As yet an unforgiving situation but, "I'm getting a little better each time. It's tiring to think too much about it. One day, one match." said Baruto, the 9th day he will challenge Hakuhou.

[Akinomaki 40,414]

In the daily Takamisakari coverage of the Daily Sports, Takamisakari after the day 8 bout for the first time this basho mentions plans for after intai:

"If I can remain in the sumo kyokai, with this body I want to to instruct sumo, do scouting, take part in events: I want to teach the tradition and the good parts of sumo."

[Gottsueekaze 7]

Great little spot on Miyabiyama. Osumo-sans are people too!

http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/p-sp-tp3-20130122-1075153.html

Miyabiyama Weeps at 9th contest 1st Win

On his 9th bout, 35 yr old veteran Maegashira 16th position, Miyabiyama (Fujishima) cried at finally picking up this year's first win. After defeating Tamawashi by pull down, leaving through the hanamichi he was unable to hold back the tears. "Because I'm starting a family, all kinds of people are worried about me every day. The applause at the moment I won was warm and loud, so.."　

Having a losing record would certainly drop him to the Juyro rank but, "my resolve is unbroken". With a tearful win, his bad luck is also washed away, showing his former Ozeki spirit.

[Gottsueekaze 7]

Juryo Shironoryu Withdraws

On January 23rd, 11th day of the New Year's Tournament, west Juryo 13 position Shironoryu (29 - Sakaigawa) has withdrawn, filing medical papers to the Japan Sumo Association that read: "with a central spinal cord injury it is expected that around 1 month of quiet outpatient treatment is needed." Shironoryuu has been absent 4 days since the 2011 New Year's Tournament. His 11th day bout opponent, Homarefuji, gets an automatic win.

http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/f-sp-tp3-20130123-1075590.html

[Gottsueekaze 7]

http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/f-sp-tp3-20130123-1075672.html

Takamisakari Loss - Fall to Juryo "Matta Nashi"

East Juryo 12 position Takamisakari (36 - Azumazeki) losing to East Makushita 2nd position Senshou (29 - Shikihide) falls to 3 wins 8 loses and clinches his losing record.

In the initial charge getting his left arm under but unable to overcome his opponent's pressure, smashed into the dohyou. A win-or-lose tournament, resolves to retire if demoted to Makushita. 7 wins is behind the quota - 4 days are left. At last, with no way out, Takamisakari as if talking to himself explained: "So, I still have some sumo left. I have to compete."