Yet more answers...

[Jezz <jezz@urban.ne.jp>]

More *opinions* not facts, from Jejima....

jkleader wrote:

> Do hot prospects flock to a stable on the rise or will they stay away
> thinking they will not receive sufficient attention or support?  For
> example, in American sports a prospect will often be very concerned over the
> amount of playing time he will receive and how fast he can become the star
> on the team.
>

As Sumo is an individual sport, there is no chance that a rikishi will be 'left
off a team'.  New Rikishi like to join heyas with a good oyakatta, and good
rikishi, in order to get the practice, and the best chance of making it to the
high echelons themselves.  Also, a successful heya will have more supporters,
and more money coming in, making it a more pleasanter place to live in, than say
a heya with no sekitori which is struggling to make ends meet.

>
> Can one (OK, can I) join a koenkai from the USA?

Probably - ask Kawika ;-)

> How would one (I) do so?

Send them a lot of money!  On the Wakamatsu Web-Page, they give a detailed price
break-down of what you get for your cash.  Josh, if you're reading this, please
can you translate and print for the list, what the web-page says on this
respect... ;-)

> I've read that rikishi are considered good luck charms or bring good
> fortune.  They kiss babies, attend the opening of businesses, etc.  Is this
> true?  If so, why?

Yes.  Although, I think they hold the babies, rather than kiss them (although
you never know with Kotonowaka ;-)  Rikishi are strong, and people want some of
that strength to rub off onto their off-spring / businesses.

> I've also read allusions to rikishi being party boys, pub crawlers, and
> womanizers?

Yes.  Although, not pub-crawlers (kind of difficult to do a pub-crawl in Japan -
you tend to stay in one bar, and pay the privilege for doing so!).  Often they
have to socialise with their supporters clubs, or are just having a fun time.
In Hiroshima, I've heard from a reliable authority, when the boys come here on
Sumo jungyo, a lot of them go to a female-impersonator hostess bar!  Make what
you will of that ;-)

> Is this true?

Yes.

> Generally true?

Yes.

> Even during a basho?

Yes.

> Who is
> know for partying or for abstaining?
>

Takanonami is meant to be a great socialiser.  Kaio isn't, but he is meant to be
the heaviest drinker (3 bottles of whiskey in one evening - even during a
basho!), with Zentoryu (Kaio's former sukebito), not far off!  Musashimaru of
course abstained for a bit during his push for Yokozuna promotion.  I doubt if
he is abstaining now!

- Jejima