[sumo] Man in the street-Views on Jungyo and Asa

[Moti]

Only one of many articles-what is the man on the street's view?
On August 4th, the Jungyo will be at Sendai after 6 years of absence. 
Many fans were looking forward to this. Many tickets were already sold 
when the Asa thing exploded. Since then, many irritated voices were 
heard, along with people voicing their surprise. I used "many' many 
times in the first paragraph.

64 year old big fan of Sumo:" It is very regretful that Asashouryuu will 
not be participating. It's not easy to do the speedy sumo he does.. It's 
nothing to do with his being a foreigner or not-it's just bad 
sportsmanship".
67 year old pensioner: "Asashouryuu's power is greatly appreciated, and 
he certainly is as good as Takanohana. But his not participating in the 
most important Jungyo proves he has no understanding of Japanese culture."
Source close to the local organizers: "Asashouryuu has always been the 
"bad guy". Nowadays, Hakuhou is the popular one, not to mention the new 
Ozeki. I'm pretty sure that it will have 99.9% no influence whatsoever 
on the ticket sales. When Musashimaru was injured, he participated in 
the jungyo with a cast. I guess they have different views regarding the 
feelings of responsibility towards their workplace.."
On the third, the jungyo will be in Tomiokashi, Gunmaken for the first 
time in 50 years. Many disappointed fans phoned in their complaints."We 
were really looking forward to see 2 Yokozunas and the Ozekis.. Jungyos 
are an excellent opportunity to learn more about Japan's culture and 
traditions. In order to popularize Sumo, the local fans are extremely 
important", said the head of the local Jungyo Executive committee. "I 
can sum this up in one word- regrettable..", expressed the same person. 
"We're in the middle of the summer holidays, and two Yokozunas would 
have brought in the crowd in droves, so his non-participation is 
regrettable", added another important local figure.
-- 
Kintamayama
Visit "The Sixties" Myspace at  http://www.myspace.com/sixtiesband
Download my Sumo  toolbar at http://dichne.ourtoolbar.com/