[sumo] Fwd: [Sumo news] - Spectator etiquette

[Jeff A]

Moti

Best regards,
Jeffrey Anderson
Gaijingai

For of all sad words of tongue or pen,
The saddest are these:
It might have been.
- John Greenleaf Whittier


---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Moti Dichne <niramiai at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Nov 15, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Subject: [Sumo news] - Spectator etiquette
To: Sumo Newsletter2 <sumo-newsletter2 at googlegroups.com>


Lately as the bouts grow more and more intense, some problems have arisen
regarding rude spectators. Having suffered a painful second loss on the
sixth day, Yokozuna Houshouryuu stepped onto the dohyo, determined not to
lose. His face was filled with determination, and the arena was filled with
tension before the bout, but before the start of the match, heckling from
male spectators echoed, throwing a damper on the seriousness of the match.
Former NHK Grand Sumo announcer Yasuo Fujii, well-known for his live
commentary, was unable to contain himself and voiced his disapproval. The
scene in question occurred before the start of the match between
Houshouryuu and Maegashira 4 Tamawashi. East Yokozuna Oonosato is on a
winning streak. As the other Yokozuna, Houshouryuu cannot afford to lose
any more. Perhaps due to the fighting spirit radiating from his entire
body, a unique sense of tension filled the arena.. As the time was up and
both wrestlers stood up facing each other, the arena became heated. The
proceedings continued solemnly until finally, with the gyoji Shikimori
Inosuke shouting "Matta nashi," the sign was given. Just as both rikishi
tried to kneel, heckling from male spectators echoed throughout the arena.
"Please be quiet here," said announcer Fujii, who has long called for
understanding regarding spectator etiquette before a  bout, and he couldn't
help but criticize the loud spectators. Viewers also criticized the
unfortunate behavior, saying things like, "Be quiet!", "We want to
concentrate," and "When the gunbai is turned, be quiet" The Yokozuna was
full of energy, and Tamawashi will be turning 41 tomorrow, the 16th. It's
no wonder that excitement was building ahead of the showdown between these
two rikishi.

Meanwhile, the Japan Sumo Association website's "Sumo Tournament Spectator
Agreement" clearly states in Chapter 3, "Spectators," Article 8,
"Prohibited Acts," that "excessive cheering and other acts that may cause
harm to other spectators, regardless of the reason," and "any other acts
that are deemed to interfere with the progress of the sumo tournament or
the operation of the facilities, or to be a nuisance to other customers are
not allowed." Consideration is required to ensure that everyone can enjoy
the tournament. The match between Houshouryuu and Tamawashi was an intense
one, worthy of sumo . Houshouryuu beat Tamawashi by yorikiri, keeping his
record at two losses. Tamawashi is 4-3. As the final day approaches, the
sumo is expected to get even more exciting. For this reason, it's a good
idea to check the spectator etiquette to avoid disturbing the rikishi'
matches and not to cause any inconvenience to spectators around you. (Abema)

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