Oshi-dashi'd message

[Basten <cbasten@statgen.ncsu.edu>]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <etseqq@hotmail.com>

This is my first message to this ML, so Hajimemashite!

I watched Maru's interview during the Yusho ceremony and on tonight's
sports news on NHK.

He said that, after his loss to Taka at the Natsu basho last year, people criticized
that he wasn't strong or he hadn't done enough practice.  He said he got hurt and
depressed.  That's why he has been waiting for Taka's comeback (to prove that
he is the best) and this is the best yusho he's ever won.

As for today's strategy, Kitanofuji-san pointed out (and Maru agreed) that he could
prevent Taka from grabbing his mawashi by going head first (which is quite rare for him).

I think Maru understands and speaks Japanese quite well though he may not be as
fluent as Akebono oyakata or Mongolian sekitoris are.  His sentences are usually short
and sometimes incomplete.  And as Jonosuke-san mentioned he responses half in jest.
Some people take it as a sign of his not being serious, but others love it and are looking
forward to his Yusho interview.  Today's interview was very sincere and showed his
personality.  I think more people come to like him after this interview.

So while I don't expect that he will be a main commentator for the Japanese
Sumo broadcast when he retires, I think his Japanese is better than what
many people give him credit for.

I hope next Kyushu will be as exciting as this basho!

Hakusan (Mt. White)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Lukas Grossmann" <lukas.grossmann.1@student.unibe.ch>
To: "Sumo" <sumo@statgen.ncsu.edu>
Sent: Saturday, September 21, 2002 6:30 PM
Subject: Maru's japanese


We just had a discussion in the German Sumo Forum about
Musashimaru's ability to speak japanese - what do those
of you in Japan think about it? Does he speak fluent or
just a little?

Thanks,

Lukas