[sumo] Kitanoumi: "Considering" vs. enacting

[Lynn Matsuoka]

> Perhaps it is due to being exposed only to the english language
> press, but I have yet to read that the Kyokai is doing anything
> other than "considering" this or that to avoid rikishi hazings in
> the future.  Is there anything in Japan other than token pressure
> on Kitanoumi and other Kyokai members to come clean about what they
> knew and when they knew it, and on acting on measures they are
> "considering"?


The Japanese generally  would not think of telling the JSA what to do- the
Kyokai has always been totally unapproachable to the outside world and,
generally speaking, Japanese normally would rather 'not get involved'.

> "Considering", with respect to the Kyokai, translates as maintaining
> the status quo unless pressure from the outside (financial, shame)
> warrants otherwise.
>
> Is Kitanoumi so protective of Kyokai tradition and power that he is
> willing to risk the huge public and governmental backlash when a
> guilty verdict is officially reached?


Backlash? in Japan?

 Goodness knows, he and
> current senior Kyokai members have proven without a doubt that they
> lack a proper sense of foresight or taking proactive measures.
>
> Speaking of such, how long is it estimated to take before drug and
> steroid testing is enacted?  I sincerely hope that all rikishi
> prove themselves to be clean,

nah. not today.

And, for such an old, traditional world ( steeped also in  the traditional
behaviour of keeping outsiders OUT of your family business) Taking
measures to please outside critics is not an easy change to make. Lip
service reigns.

Ahh... there are so many facets to this - more than we can address here,
going beyond the world of sumo, plunging deeply into the unseen mores and
perspectives of the culture. There is no simple, no 'logical' answer. And
don't think that  those outside will make much of a difference.


Lynn Matsuoka
the Sumo Artist
www.traditions.jp

>
> Sukubidubidu
>
> -snip
>>
>> Of one thing I am reasonably certain, Japanese prosecutors'
>> do not file a case until they are 99% certain of conviction.
>> Therefore, even if slowly, justice should be served ultimately.
>> Of a certainty a tremendous amount of "shame" has been devolved
>> upon the "Tokitsukaze Four" (or possibly more) and their careers
>> have all been ended such they will be starting over at the bottom
>> of the hill after their trials and subsequent punishment.
>>
> snip-
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>


**********************
Lynn Matsuoka , called the "DEGAS of Japanese Sumo and Kabuki", has also 
won awards for her hula reportage paintings in Hawaii. Her Sumo artwork is
in collections around the world, as well as the Morikami Museum of Art.
Other action  clients include   Football,  Baseball and  International
horse shows.
Please contact the artist for  portrait, sports and corporate commissions.

Web  sites :   http:// www.traditions.jp & www.hamptonsartist.com

Tel USA 808-479-5966
In Tokyo 080-3278-0780
**********************