Re: Day 6

["Douglass Scott" <dscott@trillium.soe.umich.edu>]

In message <9403220206.AA06346@hachi.hi-tech.ac.jp>  writes:
> >For the traditional sumo, it will be a big change for Sumo Kyoukai to make
> >an ozeki of losing record in one of last three basho to be a yokozuna.
>  
> It has gone political, basically, and wants to promote Takanohana just
> because 95% of the public wants him to be Yokozuna.  They're catering
> to the public because they've encountered a huge increase in popularity
> since Taka/Waka hit the scene and want to cash in on a good thing.  The
> promotion could be a bit of reward to someone who has helped make the
> sport so profitable of late, also.
>  

I've been a bit out of touch since leaving Japan in June, but it sounds like 
Taka is still inconsistent and may not have earned the customary 35+ (?) wins in
his last 3 basho. Granted the Kyokai is political but can they afford to have an
up and down yokozuna particularly one as popular as Taka? Especially with 'Bono 
performing so well (or could it be >because< he is doing so well and some folks 
want to see a home grown yokozuna???) there doesn't seem to be any reason to 
force a promotion. 

The last few years have seen some weak (i.e. Onokuni & Asahifuji) and one really
embarrassing yokozuna, Futahagaro. There has been pressure on both the Kyokai 
and Takanohana for promotion since some thought he could become the youngest 
yokozuna ever a few years back. For Taka's and sumo's sake, I hope they give the
kid time and promote him when he's ready. My 2 yen's worth.  


from: douglass.scott@umich.edu