Spring Sumo

Can a new generation fill the gap left by Asashoryu at the Osaka spring basho?

Sumo, the national sport of Japan, has too often made headlines for the wrong reasons recently. Most of its troubles have surrounded opinion-dividing yokozuna (grand champion) Asashoryu, the culmination being his resignation from the sport in February in light of reports of a drunken brawl and a man being left with a broken nose. The Mongolian was undoubtedly talented–he retired ranked third highest in the all-time list of yokozuna, with 25 Emperor’s Cups–yet the task of dovetailing him with sumo’s strict code of laws was, evidently, too difficult for the Japan Sumo Association.

Asashoryu’s trademark mawashi (sumo belt) slap and fiery spirit will be seen no more on the sacred dohyo (traditional sumo ring), and his shoes are big ones to fill. Heading into the Osaka Spring tournament in March and with compatriot Hakuho (whose fierce rivalry with Asashoryu was a guaranteed ticket-seller) the only remaining yokozuna, the onus is placed on other wrestlers to stand up and be counted. There is an array of foreign and local talent in the ozeki and sekiwake ranks (second and third highest ranks respectively) that is about to blossom, making the Osaka basho in March one of the most hotly contested in years. Here’s the lowdown on who’s who…

Estonian wrestler Baruto, the 198cm, 180kg giant, will be anxious to become only the second European to reach ozeki status. Eleven victories from 15 matches will put him there and, having posted 12 wins in the January basho in Tokyo, he will be confident. Look out for his tsuri-dashi (lifting technique), often raising lighter opponents up in the air with a single hand.

Out to stop Baruto’s progress will be formidable Mongolian Hakuho, who stands 194cm and weighs 155kg. He is renowned for his yotsu-sumo (grappling) and uwate-nage (outer-arm throw) techniques, and occupies sumo’s uppermost rank of yokozuna He is a two-time winner of the Osaka tournament, one of which was last year with a perfect 15-win record. He is every inch capable of repeating this feat in March. Overall, 2009 was a very good year for Hakuho, posting an unprecedented 86 wins from 90 calendar matches and firmly establishing himself as the man to beat. Victory next month would seal his 13th Emperor’s Cup from the last 24.

Asashoryu, Yokozuna (retired), Mongolia	Kotooshu, Ozeki, Bulgaria

Ranked just below the yokozuna is towering Bulgarian Kotooshu. In 2006, he was the first European to become an ozeki and win the Emperor’s Cup, repeating the feat in 2008. In Osaka in 2006 he sustained a knee injury during a spectacular contest with Japanese wrestler Aminishiki; since then, it has hampered his performances and consistency. That said, his power-lifter physique is built upon a 202cm, 150kg frame, which is capable of overpowering the very best. He approaches next month’s tournament with realistic hopes of becoming the first European yokozuna.

Another foreign ozeki with lofty ambitions is 25-year-old Mongolian Harumafuji. Although considerably lighter than his rivals at a mere 126kg (the lightest in the top division), his well-toned frame and lightning-quick movement have earned him several memorable victories against Asashoryu and Hakuho. Having secured 11 wins in the January basho, the exciting wrestler will see Osaka as the perfect chance to launch a bid for yokozuna status. Be sure to look out for his blistering tachi-ai (initial charge).

Japanese wrestlers Kaio and Kotomitsuki complete the ozeki quartet, and are still battling away at the ages of 37 and 33 respectively. However, both are in huge danger of retirement, especially veteran Kaio who, at 175kg, is a shadow of the force that captured the Osaka title in 2001. His raw strength and crafty, often injury-inducing kotenage (arm-lock throw) technique still make him a match for most, while he presently holds the record (815) for top-division career wins in sumo’s long history. He even managed to topple the nigh-invincible Hakuho in January.
Smiley-faced Kotomitsuki, meanwhile, faces a dramatic fight to keep his rank after suffering an injury in the last tourney. Expect this often overzealous but gifted wrestler to call upon all his wily tricks, including the uchi-muso (thigh-tap, to throw an opponent’s balance), to secure the eight wins needed to stave off demotion.

A big name not competing this March is Chiyotaikai, the winner of Osaka 2003. The pugnacious fighter, famous for his blistering tsuppari arm thrust attacks, retired in January after a record 65 consecutive tournaments as an ozeki. His significant absence sweeps the path clear for the next generation of Japanese wrestlers.

The hopes of Kansai locals will be pinned on 23-year-old Goeido, whose vast technical repertoire overwhelmed Asashoryu for the first time in January. Osaka born and bred, he wowed the home fans last year by lifting, pivoting and throwing Baruto out of the dohyo and then storming on to nine victories. He certainly has the acumen to go further this time around. Alongside him will be the imposing, 190cm, 165kg Kisenosato, a fellow youngster widely tipped to be the next Japanese sensation. He’s been growing stronger every year since 2006, demonstrating amazing ability to take punishments yet still win.

Professional sumo boasts six divisions and over 700 professional wrestlers, with a great deal of the entertaining action unfolding below the elite makuuchi level. Yamamotoyama, whose name somewhat revealingly translates as “Mountain book mountain”, of the juryo (second division) for instance, weighs a stupendous 264kg yet is regularly beaten by opponents half his size.

Sumo has no weight divisions–it is the ‘size isn’t everything’ concept that makes for engaging viewing.

Ticket info:
Tickets for chairs, which are a little further away from the action, are available from ¥3,600, while the famous masu-seki (four-person, floor-cushioned boxes) will get you closer and can be reserved for ¥39,000 and upwards. Tickets are on sale now.

Text & Photos: Chris Gould