SUMO, THE MOST MEMORABLE MATCH

Takanohana (the first) vs. Kitanoumi
Apr. 1975 Osaka, The Spring Tournament

I often think what match is the most memorable for Japanese in the history of sumo. This play-off of the spring tournament '75 was truly one of them. At that time I was a student of a elementary school, I remember that most of Japanese people was watching this match on TV in excitement.

Takanohana was a younger brother of Wakanohana, the great Yokozuna in the 50's. He was a lean and handsome rikishi (sumo wrestler), and very popular with sumo fan as the Prince of sumo world. But because of his lightweight, he had not be able to win a championship. This match was the biggest chance for him.

Kitanoumi was a genius rikishi, became Yokozuna when he was 21 years old, and that is the record of the youngest Yokozuna in the history of sumo. He was very heavy and strong, and a natural result, almost of sumo fan wished Takanohana's victory.

Kitanoumi's Uwatenage (throwing with his arm) was an impossible trick, and it made Takanohana turn to his advantage. When Takanohana pushed Kitanoumi out of the ring, spectators threw cushions, the whole hall was in a uproar. At last, Takanohana got a championship !!

SUMO, A HISTORY-MAKING MATCH

HAKUHOU vs. KISENOSATO

Nov. 15 2010 The Kyushu Tournament


Hakuhou is the top-ranker of the sumo world. He won 63 successive victories, that was the second record in the history of sumo. The best record is 69 by Futabayama, the god of sumo in the 40's. This was a noteworthy match that a young star Kisenosato challenged the strongest man.

Hakuhou is good at a right hold, in short he wanted to put in his right arm into Kisenosato's armpit. And at first it succeeded. But when Kisenosato slapped, Hakuhou lost his head, and he grappled with a left hold. It was Kisenosato's favorite style.

Kisenosato continued to attack Hakuhou, and at last he pushed the opponent out of the ring. This amazing result was reported in a news program. In those days, sumo was an unpopular sport because of some troubles, and spectators were very few. It was regrettable for me.

SUMO THE SUMMER TOURNAMENT

 The other day Sumo The Summer Tournament finished. Kyokutenhou, a veteran rikishi (wrestler) won the championship, and it was very unusual that a common rikishi (a wrestler who doesn't have a degree) became a winner. Kyokutenhou was born in Mongolia, and some years before he was naturalized in Japan. Now many Mongolian rikishi are active in the sumo world, he is a pioneer of them.

In the sumo world, a severe ranking is formed, about a thousand rikishi are belonging it. The first degree is Yokozuna, the master of sumo. Yokozuna and Ozeki the second degree are special rank, only a great rikishi who is recommended can become them. The present top-ranker is Yokozuna Hakuhou (this picture), he is a Mongolian, too.

In the year before last, Hakuhou was in the best condition. He won 63 successive victories, that was the second record in the history of sumo. Kisenosato (the left upper of this picture) stopped this great record, he is a very expected Japanese rikishi. Last year he rose in Ozeki, and he is my favorite rikishi.

In The Summer Tournament, Kisenosato contested the title to the end. But he lost at the closing day, and he could not advanced to play off. His nickname is a betrayer, because he often lose important matches. And that is his fascination, too !!