[sumo] [spoilers]Asashoryu's open armed and beloved return.

[Scott M. Kahn]

Thank you for the overall view, Moti.  Perhaps you and others can
temper the tone of the reports that you generously forward and
translate by offering more of these same overviews.  It would also
be nice if the regulars who have dropped from the mailing list,
would be enticed to return.  A good, provocative, and respectful
discussion might help.

The impression that I received from what had been posted on the
mailing list was that, although there was an appreciation for
Asashoryu's fighting through injury, that there was still a large
push for him to be forced to retire due to nonsensical issues. 
During my recent trip to Japan, everyone, yes everyone who I spoke
with thought that the suspension of Asashoryu was ridiculous and
overly harsh and embarrassing for the Kyokai.  From Tokyo down to
Kobe.  Perhaps I travel in different circles, but it sounds like
after some reflection, the average person in Japan wasn't going to
be forced to swallow the nonsense being proffered by the tabloid
and mainstream press.

As for being wrong on my call for Kyokai reform, I think not, and I
beg to respectfully disagree with you.  I've been outspoken for the
need for Kyokai reform, and for an investigation into the
manslaughter, before it was labeled as such.  With the latter, I
was right, and you will see that if the Kyokai adopts more
constructive reforms, it will regain the trust of the public.

As for Asashoryu's impact, if, as you say he was the reason for
large turnouts, that only goes to show how the public would respond
to him if the Kyokai promoted him in a positive manner.  This may go
against your traditionalist beliefs, but tradition is such only
until new tradition takes over.  And, again, in no way does sumo
need to lose its heritage to embrace the new world.

As for Takanohana, I also disagree with you.  He missed tournaments
and Jungyo because of the effects of steroid abuse, selfish. 
Asashoryu transgressed by participating in a charity soccer game
and missing a Jungyo.  I agree that there is no comparison.  If you
state that Asashoryu is being welcomed back with the same enthusiasm
as Takanohana, the annointed prince of sumo at that time, then I am
impressed at how the public has changed.  Somehow, I doubt this is
the case.

Sukubidubidu