Asakayama-beya dohyo-matsuri and asageiko

[Yubinhaad 11,622]

Asakayama-beya held a dohyo-matsuri earlier today, marking the first anniversary of the heya's opening. Here are some pictures from the Kyokai.

The four-storey heya building is located in the Midori area of southern Sumida, Tokyo. Isegahama-beya's yobidashi Teruya was on hand outside to greet and guide guests. [2]

As of today, yobidashi Koji is officially a member of Asakayama-beya with the closure of Asahiyama-beya. He heralded the start of the dohyo-matsuri with the hyoshigi.

The participating gyoji are Kimura Shonosuke, Kimura Hisanosuke and Kimura Kiichiro. In the second picture Kimura Shonosuke is reading out the norito sojo. [2]

Asakayama-oyakata (former Ozeki Kaio, centre) watches as Kimura Shonosuke brings the dohyo-matsuri to a conclusion. On the left is his own former shisho, Tomozuna-oyakata (former Sekiwake Kaiki). On the right, Isegahama-oyakata (former Yokozuna Asahifuji). [2]

Following the dohyo-matsuri a keiko session was held, with the heya's own rikishi joined by those from Tomozuna-beya and Isegahama-beya. In these two, Isegahama's Terutsuyoshi (on the right) does some butsugari-keiko with Asakayama's own Yamazaki and Nakatsuji. [2]

Kaiseio now gets the chance for some butsugari-keiko with the visiting sekitori - Aminishiki, Asahisho, Takarafuji, Homarefuji, Terunofuji and Kaisei. [6]

Terunofuji, Asahisho and Tsubakifuji take a break and observe the keiko.

Moshiai keiko for the sekitori now. Asahisho pushes out Homarefuji, Terunofuji lifts out Asahisho, and Takarafuji forces out stablemate Homarefuji. [4]

The indefatigable Kaiseio returns once more for some final butsugari-keiko with Aminishiki, as the keiko session comes to an end. [2]

The shisho and his wife pose for a picture at the entrance to the heya.

Joined by the heya's four rikishi - Kaito (standing), Nakatsuji, Yamazaki and Kaiseio.

And finally, the shisho talks to the attending press men.

[Swami 245]

Excellent photos!

Swami

[Jakusotsu 5,900]

Is the okamisan left-handed, or is it customary for Japanese (ladies?) to wear the watch on the right?

[ALAKTORN 346]

Is the okamisan left-handed, or is it customary for Japanese (ladies?) to wear the watch on the right?

I’m right-handed and the few times I’ve put on a wristwatch it was on my right wrist. Is that supposed to be wrong?

[kuroimori 1,634]

Is the okamisan left-handed, or is it customary for Japanese (ladies?) to wear the watch on the right?

I’m right-handed and the few times I’ve put on a wristwatch it was on my right wrist. Is that supposed to be wrong?

then you might be one of those exceptional beings who are somewhat ambidextrous!

I also wear my wristwatch on my right, it doesn't feel right on the left (right?) but I write with the left hand, can't read what I write with the right at all.

While it is confusing at times - see above - the good thing is I can switch hands when using tools like hammer, screwdriver, etc.

[Asojima 2,873]

I'm a leftie. Watch goes on the right. It's more convenient for time checks when I am busy, and it saves wear and tear on the watch.

[Jakusotsu 5,900]

Well, I just noticed she's wearing the wedding ring on the left - guess that explains it all. B-)

(and for the record: I'm a leftie, too)