So close for poor Papa Bear! I thought he was going to drag Big O across the rice ropes, but the ozeki hit the brakes and that left Taka turned too far, almost facing away. The NHK Channel announcer said his heart was with Taka, but his head was saying Ono, and that's how I felt. Sad for Taka, but Tim, you're right, with Onosato we're seeing sumo history here.
I know this wasn’t the greatest tournament, but seeing the finale today was incredibly exciting. Sumo, as always, is a deeply inspiring and exciting sport. My favourite part of this basho was seeing Ichiyamanoto grinning ear to ear after victories against the big guns in Sanyaku. Seems like such a lovely guy.
Yes! Ichiyamamoto was a lot of fun this tournament. His interview after the Hoshoryu match was especially memorable. I was hoping he would get a kachi-koshi. Even so, he'll still get a good grade in my report card!
What grade would you give him this this tournament?
He’d still get a 7 from me, it’s tough at that level in the rankings, and maybe he’s not quite there, but he’s shown enough to suggest he still has another level!
I find Ichiyamamoto's personality to be so joyful and infectious. I can't get enough of his appearances off the dohyo. I love this video he did with Wakamotoharu, where he shows him around his hometown in Hokkaido.
I had the benefit of watching this with my wife, who knows enough Japanese to tell me roughly what was happening. Even so, there are certain moments here that you don't need language to understand.
Ahhh jealous! My Japanese is more or less non-existent but this video is gold! There’s so much sumo content I don’t know about yet. I’m keen to keep writing about it but hope I don’t make any glaring errors!
I do think that the stoicism and dignity of sumo filters from the culture to the fans. I think we see it in other sports too, like the difference between football fans and rugby fans in the UK, for example.
That’s very true 😅 but I’ll still try my best to keep them to a minimum haha! I think the sumo community in general is so healthy and supportive, I’m sure they’d be understanding if I made a little slip up. And thank you! I’d love to pick your brain sometime.
I've had a lot of lovely feedback and interactions in the community here and outside of it. I've spent 10 years as an MMA writer, too. I've had some nice interactions there, but sadly not as much as I've had horrible comments (and emails!) over the years.
So many stories in this basho, even if it wasn't the most exciting. I couldn't decide who to root for in the final - Takayasu or Onosato. I was happy to see Kirishima maintain, and Midorifuji got a kachi koshe! Thanks for the recaps and the intel. I'm trying to learn and recognize some of these moves!
Vielen Dank Tim, die Kommentare waren für mich ein Höhepunkt zum Tagesabschluss. Ich habe viel gelernt und die Matches mit anderen Augen gesehen! Ich freue mich schon auf das nächste Turnier und dann hoffentlich mit einem gesunden und starken Yokozuna. Herzliche Grüße Uta
Danke Uta! Ich weiß es sehr zu schätzen, dass Sie meine Arbeit hier lesen und Ihr Feedback. Auch ich hoffe, dass Hoshoryu gesund und mit einem Punkt zurückkommt, den er beweisen muss. Aber kann er Onosato stoppen?
So close for poor Papa Bear! I thought he was going to drag Big O across the rice ropes, but the ozeki hit the brakes and that left Taka turned too far, almost facing away. The NHK Channel announcer said his heart was with Taka, but his head was saying Ono, and that's how I felt. Sad for Taka, but Tim, you're right, with Onosato we're seeing sumo history here.
History in the making, yeah. You think he wins in May, too? Hard to bet against now, right?
I know this wasn’t the greatest tournament, but seeing the finale today was incredibly exciting. Sumo, as always, is a deeply inspiring and exciting sport. My favourite part of this basho was seeing Ichiyamanoto grinning ear to ear after victories against the big guns in Sanyaku. Seems like such a lovely guy.
Yes! Ichiyamamoto was a lot of fun this tournament. His interview after the Hoshoryu match was especially memorable. I was hoping he would get a kachi-koshi. Even so, he'll still get a good grade in my report card!
What grade would you give him this this tournament?
He’d still get a 7 from me, it’s tough at that level in the rankings, and maybe he’s not quite there, but he’s shown enough to suggest he still has another level!
I loved Ichiyamamoto's grin after he beat Hoshoryu!
I’m glad others enjoyed that moment too! The way he is in interviews compared to his ring demeanour is totally different!
I find Ichiyamamoto's personality to be so joyful and infectious. I can't get enough of his appearances off the dohyo. I love this video he did with Wakamotoharu, where he shows him around his hometown in Hokkaido.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqsDnHeyW4s
I had the benefit of watching this with my wife, who knows enough Japanese to tell me roughly what was happening. Even so, there are certain moments here that you don't need language to understand.
Ahhh jealous! My Japanese is more or less non-existent but this video is gold! There’s so much sumo content I don’t know about yet. I’m keen to keep writing about it but hope I don’t make any glaring errors!
Mistakes are inevitable, part of the process and how we improve. Just keep chugging along. If you ever have any questions, shoot me a message!
I do think that the stoicism and dignity of sumo filters from the culture to the fans. I think we see it in other sports too, like the difference between football fans and rugby fans in the UK, for example.
That’s very true 😅 but I’ll still try my best to keep them to a minimum haha! I think the sumo community in general is so healthy and supportive, I’m sure they’d be understanding if I made a little slip up. And thank you! I’d love to pick your brain sometime.
I've had a lot of lovely feedback and interactions in the community here and outside of it. I've spent 10 years as an MMA writer, too. I've had some nice interactions there, but sadly not as much as I've had horrible comments (and emails!) over the years.
Fantastic work as always. Thanks for keeping us updated and educated!
Thanks Dan, glad you enjoyed this tournament - in person and on the Stomp!
My heart broke just a little bit for Takayasu….. so hecking close.
So heart breaking, yeah. A Takayasu yusho would have been incredible. I think we're going to see Onosato crush a few dreams over the next few years.
So many stories in this basho, even if it wasn't the most exciting. I couldn't decide who to root for in the final - Takayasu or Onosato. I was happy to see Kirishima maintain, and Midorifuji got a kachi koshe! Thanks for the recaps and the intel. I'm trying to learn and recognize some of these moves!
I was very happy to see Kirishima get that 8-7.
When it comes to the moves, they will start sinking in eventually. There are still some that pop up that I have to look up.
Thank you, Tim!!!! You’re the BEST.
Thanks for reading! Who is your pick to win in May?
Vielen Dank Tim, die Kommentare waren für mich ein Höhepunkt zum Tagesabschluss. Ich habe viel gelernt und die Matches mit anderen Augen gesehen! Ich freue mich schon auf das nächste Turnier und dann hoffentlich mit einem gesunden und starken Yokozuna. Herzliche Grüße Uta
Danke Uta! Ich weiß es sehr zu schätzen, dass Sie meine Arbeit hier lesen und Ihr Feedback. Auch ich hoffe, dass Hoshoryu gesund und mit einem Punkt zurückkommt, den er beweisen muss. Aber kann er Onosato stoppen?