Re: Questions from a new(ish) fan...

[BAVK@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/1/99 11:05:59 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
smesser@hiddenmind.com writes:

> 
> Regarding Takatoriki - I think if he was as handsome as Terao, he would 
> probably be well-liked on this list just as Terao is.  If Terao were
> ugly,
> he would probably be generally disliked on this list and more comments
>  would be made about his slapping.  Takatoriki is not generally spoken
>  well
>  of on this list, and it seems to be mostly due to the way he looks.
>  


I don't believe that to be true.  You may have been thinking of one misguided 
ML member who made unfortunate remarks about Takatoriki's wife's looks.  Many 
came to Takatoriki's AND his wife's defense.  

Takatoriki has been discussed on this list for his heretofore vast technical 
skills and his rivalries.  He has always been quick to analyze the bouts 
fought and to give credit where credit was due, even when he lost.  None of 
the "I will do/was doing/am doing my best.  True, a few bashos ago, he gave 
his opponent an extra shove after winning the match, but I have a tape of the 
great and beloved Chiyonofuji somewhat viciously shoving his opponent for 
doing a matta.

I was fortunate enough to see Takatoriki and take a photo with him in 
Vancouver last year.  He was gracious to all I saw hum encounter, unlike one 
other now-retired but very handsome rikishi who did his best to avoid the 
fans. 

I think if Takatoriki were to retire, it would be a heavy (no pun intended) 
loss for sumo. 

And who said Takatoriki is not good looking?  He may not have classic 
handsome good looks, but beauty IS, after all, in the eye of the 
beholder..............

Babanoshuzan