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In a message dated 2/2/00 11:32:26 PM Pacific Standard Time,
dakinesumo@hotmail.com writes:
<< If you had any of the "Irrelevant" experiences I listed you might
understand
that yaocho is an agreement between two sumo wrestlers, for the benefit of
keeping or gaining rank, exchanging favors, or exchanging cash. >>
If you define yaocho as one rikishi not giving his full effort, It seems to
me that their are probably many kinds of yaocho:
1. Curtesy Yaocho: One Rikishi who is already make-koshi lets another win
so he can get his 8. It might be because he thinks his opponant is a good
guy and deserves a break or perhaps it is what he is expected to do by his
colleages. But, in any case, there is no agreement and his opponant may have
had no clue although he may have an expectation. (only one need know)
2. Yaocho for Profit: One Rikishi approaches another and a contract is
formed to exchange benefits. Future yaocho, cash, furtive caresses, etc.
(Two to tango)
3. Mob Yaocho: A third party approaches one or both of the rikishi usually
for an illegal purpose. (Only one need know)
4. "Wuse" Yoacho: One Rikishi says I am make-koshi (or even kachi-koshi?)
already one more loss won't change anything why should I risk injury? and
puts up no real resistance either from the very beginning or as soon as it is
clear that they are likely to lose. (Only one need know)
5. Command Yoacho: One or more of the Rikishi is asked (ordered) by his
Oyakatta to yoaocho for the benefit of the Oyakatta or the stable as a whole.
The benefits would be the same as #2 but would go to the Oyakatta directly
or indirectly by benifiting the Stable This is a high stakes game as an
Oyakatta needs a rikishi in the show (Makanouchi?) to attract quality
recruits and pay the bills.
I think each of these types cheat the fans and should be discouraged if not
prosecuted for the good of sumo. My suspicion is that Curtesy and "Wuse"
Yaocho are quite common with the latter more obvious than the former. I
don't like it but I don't think anything more than official discouragement
should be done about it. In the long run these Rikishi will not be the crowd
favorites anyway.
I think the other three types are far less common and are much more serious
because they strike at the integrity of the game. Yaocho for profit should
lead to expulsion of the involved Rikishi. Command Yaocho expulsion of the
Oyakatta (but not the Rikishi given the unequal power relationship) and Mob
yaocho is a matter for the police I would presume.
In sum, what is needed is for the sumo community to realize that the whole
community suffers even if they are not individually involved because doubts
among the fans puts their individual reputations in question and lessens fan
interest in the sport as a whole. They can't be defensive about this. They
have to take active steps.
Finally, I would suggest that the stable system is part of the problem.
Would free agents who shared in a greater share of the profits be as willing
to do any of the above? Would the establishment in turn be as willing to
protect them? I don't think so. Keep the Salt - Loose the involuntary
servitude! What Sumo needs is a chubbie Curt Flood.
Ken McKibben
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