Re: Conditions for promotion

[Shoujirou Mizutori <MIZUTORI@shogun.matfys.lth.se>]

Thank you very much for quite informative article. I really appreciate to
Abe-san's effort, not only to this article but also other numerous posts.

But I'm a little bit confused at one point, on the reason why Konishiki
couldn't become a Yokozuna.
Abe-san stated 
>The reason why Konishiki was not promoted to yokozuna is that his "respect
>organization" was hurt when he commented that Sumo-Kyokai discriminate him,
                             ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>and his "sumo attitude" when he commented that "sumo is a fight" and
>staring opponents so long time that shows luck of "respect". As of winning
>record, he was strong enough to be promoted to yokozuna at his peak.

If I remember correctly, Konishiki had only one chance when he might have
been promoted to Yokozuna, when Rijikai required on more Basho and didn't
even asked to Yokozuna Shingikai. ( I don't remember when it was.)
And his "discrimination" comment to some American journal (which I don't 
remember) was after that incident. After that comment, Konishiki didn't 
really have any chance. 
Was there any "discrimination" comment before he had chance?
Or am I wrong?

Well, of course it would have been one of issues. if he could have chance 
after that comment. But I think the most important factors by which 
Konishiki might have been discriminated whan he had a chance are  
"sumo is a fight" comment and "staring opponents". And former wimpy Yokozunas 
might have been also important factor. Many peaple (including myself) were 
afraid he wouldn't be a good Yokozuna, considereing his week knee and 
increasing weight.

And I believe, when Rijikai told Konishiki to do well one more Basho, they 
made up their mind to accept foreigner as a Yokozuna, if he really did well.
I also believe now being foreign born is not problem anymore. I don't think
there was any objection when Akebono was promoted, or at least I didn't 
notice any report. And contrary to Konishiki who was willing to get Japanese 
citizenship and has already got, it is not clear (at least for me) 
Akebono is willing to get Japanese citizenship. I think it is unlikely 
because of his great love to his family.

So, Aki-basho will be quite interesting. I think 12-3 is enough for
Musashimaru. 

                                              Shoujirou Mizutori
                                              Dept. of Math. Phys.
                                              Lund Inst. of Tech., Sweden. 

PS. Is anyone compiling articles by Abe-san? They are too precious to
bury in sumo.archive. Now it is easy to dig out, but....