Pictures from the Kyokai - 2014 Hatsu, Shonichi

[Yubinhaad 11,761]

Futagoyama-oyakata (former Ozeki Miyabiyama) meeting the fans with Akawashi and Hiyonoyama. One of the things he's holding is the poster for his danpatsu-shiki, which will be held next month.

The first group of shinpan arrive for the opening day's action.

In the first bout, newcomer Yasui starts his career with a win against Ito, who has lost eight bouts in a row.

A distant view of the dohyo.

Yobidashi Shuntaro and Kimura Soichiro.

Kaikoki and Momochizakura (formerly Shikinokawa) prepare for their bout. The last time Momochizakura won on Shonichi, three years ago, was also the last time he finished kachi-koshi. Fate!

Shikimori Kinosuke has joined the announcing team this basho. On the left is Kimura Ryosuke.

Chiganoura-beya's Masaya, who lost his opening bout against Ichifuji.

Itakozakura and Hokuto prepare to start their bout. The gyoji is Kimura Yasutaka.

Yobidashi Mikio and Kimura Kintaro.

Itadaki vs. Daishowaka. The gyoji is Kimura Shoichi.

Takatenshu and Kai prepare for their bout.

With his shift on the PA system done, Shikimori Kinosuke changes into his gyoji attire for his shift on the dohyo.

Yobidashi Setsuo.

Juryo returnee Sadanoumi arrives at the Kokugikan.

Daioko vs. Kotokino. The gyoji is Kimura Ryosuke, another of the announcing team and co-writer of this basho's itabanzuke.

Kimura Shoji, the other writer of the itabanzuke.

Gochozan vs. Higoarashi. The gyoji is Kimura Kankuro.

Musashiumi and Mitoyutaka prepare for their bout. The gyoji is Kimura Kichijiro, who is now a Juryo gyoji but continues to officiate Makushita bouts for now.

Ozeki Kakuryu arrives at the Kokugikan.

Kimura Kichijiro takes part in the Juryo dohyo-iri for the first time.

Kokonoe-beya duo Chiyonokuni and Chiyomaru, from the Juryo East dohyo-iri.

Announcers Kimura Satoshi and Kimura Ryosuke.

Shikimori Shinnosuke (formerly Shikimori Tamasaburo) leads in Seiro and Sadanoumi for the Juryo West dohyo-iri. On the hyoshigi is yobidashi Rokuro.

Shin-Juryo Sakigake and returnee Sadanoumi, from the Juryo West dohyo-iri.

Daido vs. Asasekiryu.

Chiyomaru vs. Tamaasuka.

Acting Rijicho Kokonoe-oyakata gives his opening address.

Both men are standing in for others here - on behalf of injured Yokozuna Harumafuji, Isegahama-oyakata hands the yusho trophy back to Kokonoe-oyakata, who receives it on behalf of unwell Rijicho Kitanoumi.

Isegahama also hands back the yusho flag to Asahiyama-oyakata.

Hakuho and some other guy watch as his 2013 Aki basho yusho portrait is announced to the arena.

Isegahama receives a certificate in place of Harumafuji.

Hakuho receives his Hochi Shimbun Rikishi of the Year award, which he won for the 7th consecutive year. He gets a prize of 500,000 yen along with the trophy.

Endo receives his Chunichi Shimbun Rookie of the Year award. I don't know if there's a monetary prize with that one.

Kaisei vs. Tamawashi.

Kisenosato vs. Toyonoshima.

Hakuho and Tochiozan prepare for their bout.

Full house for Shonichi.

Popularity Poll Results for Day 1.

Makuuchi 1-2-3: Toyonoshima / Okinoumi / Aoiyama.

Juryo 1-2-3: Takanoyama / Tokushinho / Sokokurai.

[Bugman 384]

Fantastic pictures, thank you Yubinhaad. :-)

Edited January 13, 2014 by Bugman

[Torabayama 51]

How nice, Kyokai pictures aren't pay-per-view...yet. ;-)