[sumo] Fwd: [Sumo news] - New Sumo documentary on Netflix- Takasago beys

[Jeff A]

Moti

Old, but excellent!

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: Sun, Nov 1, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Subject: [Sumo news] - New Sumo documentary on Netflix- Takasago beys
To: Sumo Newsletter2 <sumo-newsletter2 at googlegroups.com>


A documentary titled "Dohyo-giwa" ("At the Edge of the Ring"), which
focuses on Takasago beya, will begin streaming on Netflix on November 1.
The production’s official X account made its first post on October 24 and
has since been sharing promotional content, including daily teaser clips.
The account describes the documentary as an in-depth look at the
recruitment of new deshi into a sumo heya. It highlights key themes—the
responsibilities of the Oyakata, the comeback of Asanoyama, and the
life-altering decisions made by 18-year-olds—framing the work as a story
about family and life that unfolds beyond what is visible on the dohyo.
A post on October 25, accompanied by an image from the documentary, states:
"Everyone faces their own 'edge of the ring' in life," and notes that the
film follows individuals in the world of Japan’s national sport as they
navigate dreams, family, and the weight of responsibility. Takasago beya’s
official website also confirms the November 1 release. According to a
rikishi from the heya, filming took place over the course of about a year;
he encouraged people to watch the documentary.
The 74-minute film follows the 8th Takasago Oyakata (former Sekiwake
Asasekiryuu) as he scouts for new recruits, and delves into the comeback
and inner thoughts of former Ozeki Asanoyama, who has climbed back up to
the rank of Maegashira 1E for the upcoming Kyushu Basho. It has been 101
years since the establishment of the Kyokai  In the long history of
professional sumo, Asanoyama is the only rikishi to have fallen as far as
Sandanme twice, only to return to the Makuuchi. He has staged a remarkable
comeback from his lowest point—following surgery for an anterior cruciate
ligament (ACL) injury in his left knee, sustained during the Nagoya Basho
two years ago. "I couldn't have made it back here on my own. My Oyakata,
everyone in the heya, my koenkai.. I am who I am today because of the
people who look after me. I want to become stronger and repay their
kindness." The camera captures the former Ozeki as he offers a small,
gentle nod.
The documentary also follows two prospective recruits scouted by Takasago
Oyakata. One is Asasubaru <https://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=12972>,
a 21-year-old from Aomori who made his professional debut at this year's
Hatsu Basho. After four consecutive basho with a kachikoshi , he has
rapidly reached Sandanme. Having previously worked as a company employee
after graduating from high school, he decided to take the plunge and join
the heya. Upon spotting his shikona printed in small type in the corner of
the banzuke, he tells the cameraman with simple, earnest sincerity, "I
didn't want to live with the regret of never having tried sumo. I’ll work
hard so that my name appears in larger print." The other recruit is a high
school senior from Toyama who visited the heya to experience a training
session. It is truly endearing to see the young rikishi’s sheer delight -
his excitement practically touchable - during a meal with Takasago Oyakata
(who even traveled to the national high school championships to scout him)
and his idol, Asanoyama, who hails from the same hometown. The scene at the
Shinkansen platform, where he parts ways with his mother, who sheds tears
as he leaves his home, is the kind of raw, authentic moment that only a
non-fiction work can capture.

When it comes to sumo on Netflix, the hit drama "Sanctuary", which was
recently renewed for a second season on October 26, is perhaps the most
well-known title. In contrast, this documentary offers a genuine,
behind-the-scenes look at Takasago beya, a prestigious institution with a
148-year history. Through the sincerity and warmth of Takasago and
Asanoyama, the film provides a thoughtful exploration of why sumo has
regained its popularity in the Reiwa era. Takasago beya, which has produced
seven Yokozuna (including Asashouryuu) and nine Ozeki (including Konishiki)
over the years, is currently home to four Sekitori, signaling a potential
resurgence for this storied heya This documentary captures the full, raw
truth of that journey.

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