Ake's comeback, Taka's wedding

[t.poza@genie.geis.com]

I too expect a better performance from Akebono this time, largely
because his two scores since coming back have been 10-5 and 12-3,
indicating improvement; there's still a ways to go before he gets back
to where he was.  I'd say 13-14 wins and a yusho, though he may have to
beat Taka in a playoff to do it.  Also, I think he'll finally beat
Musashimaru this time.
 
>Does it seem to anyone else that the Japanese press reacts a lot
>like the US press did in the 1950s and before?
 
Yes, I've definitely noticed that, Matt.  In fact, it seems to me that a
lot of aspects of Japanese society are not so different from the '50s
U.S.  The press can be critical of the government, but they practice a
lot of self-censorship.
 
>The current Japanese press is handling the Taka marriage in the
>same way (the main stream press I mean).  They are not publishing
>any stories until they hear it from an official source.  I wonder
>if this is some sign of the two cultures and how far each has
>travelled down its path to complete cynicism.
 
Yes, another area in which America is the clear leader...<g>  However,
the Asahi Shimbun did actually print a story the day before yesterday,
which surprised me.  A few quotes from the Asahi Evening News
translation:  "Sumo star Takanohana...is planning to marry a former TV
announcer, possibly in June, sources close to his stable said Tuesday."
These "sources" also said that the oyakata and his wife have aproved of
Taka's plans, and that they have met Kono's family.  Both Kono and Taka
are publicly denying marraige plans, but both admit to friendship and
karaoke outings, and Kono was quoted as saying "I won't say there is no
possibility" of marraige in the future, when pressed.
 
This has to mean it's a done deal; I'd love to know who these "sources"
are.  Must be koenkai members.
 
---Tito