[sumo] asashoryu and SUMO reality

[Lon Howard]

On Aug 1, 2007, at 4:46 PM, Jeanne Hedge wrote:

> Scott Kahn <smk1 at columbia.edu> wrote:
>> Takanomizu wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> If Sumo became a free-for-all, like other sports, would it still be
>>> the Sumo we love?
>>>
>>> Irene
>>> Takanomizu
>>
>> Free-for-all is a bit dramatic, but that raises an interesting
>> question.  Why is Takamisakari so adored and promoted?  Would such
>> antics be accepted, were Takamisakari ever to rise to Yokozuna?   
>> If not,
>> wouldn't that be hypocritical?
>
> Let me say upfront, I don't research sumo. But I did remember this  
> comment from the chairman of the Kyokai, after the Takamisakari- 
> Asashoryu match on day 8 (from the Rikishi Talk posting):
>
> Kitanoumi oyakata, chairman of the Kyokai
> ---------------------------------------------------
> (On Takamisakari-Asashoryu bout)
> "If I were going against a yokozuna, I would never
> attempt the gesture (Takamisakari's performance) like
> that against the yokozuna. It's really insulting to
> the yokozuna. If I were the yokozuna, indeed I would
> have been really angry."
>
>
> I guess he's not a Takamisakari fan.

I would call this excellent research, since it provides a firm answer  
to the question asked here about Takamisakari.  That answer being:   
NOT A CHANCE!

Lon Howard
Shomishuu