[sumo] Asashoryu applies to change shikona

[Achim Pawelczyk]

Joe Petrow schrieb:
> The yokozuna is no stranger to breaking tradition.  He has donned a
> golden mawashi on the advice of a well known astronomer, trates
> injuries with Mongolian remedies such as mouse droppings, and employs
> "yokozuna controversial" techniques suchs as henka and ketaguri.  But
> in perhaps the greatest slap-in-the-face to the staid world of sumo,
> Asashoryu has applied to change his shikona...to "Asayushoryu".


> There is of course precident to what Asayushoryu (Morning Championship
> Dragon) is trying to do.  In Hatsu 2005, demoted sekiwake Tochiazuma
> applied to change his shikona to "Tochiozeki" in an attempt to inspire
> himself to re-promotion.  The Kyokai's response was to flat out deny
> the request, the first time a rikishi's name change request was denied
> since Konishiki attempted to change his shikona to "Kuishinbo".  But
> the yokozuna hopefully soon to be formerly known as Asashoryu has made
> it known that he will leave sumo if his request is not granted.

The background for his threat to leave is reported in todays obscure 
Tokyo sports tabloid "Jikan Nashi". The article by Matt A. Desu explains 
that in fact the other wrestlers are forced to pay Asashoryu to be 
allowed to lose decently. Otherwise they are to be humiliated on the 
dohyo each time. Apparently Kisenosato refuses to pay.

Asashoryu used the money to build a yogurt company by the name of 
"Mongolia" and will become managing director when he leaves sumo. They 
will start to sell the brand "Yoguzuna" this year.
It is an open secret that "Bulgaria" had planned to launch a yogurt by 
the same name as soon as Kotooshu had made it to the top.

Happy 1st of April


Akinomaki