Atamifuji and Midorifuji

[Moti Dichne]

The jungyo arrived at the Kusanagi General Gymnasium Konohana Arena in Shizuoka City yesterday. Atamifuji and Midorifuji , both natives of Shizuoka Prefecture, participated in the jungyo in their hometown. Receiving particularly loud cheers, Atamifuji commented, "I'm really happy to have come back to my hometown and been so warmly welcomed by everyone." Midorifuji also expressed his delight, saying, "The cheers were so loud, I'm happy." Atamifuji was called out by Ozeki Kotozakura for some bouts, and borrowed and burrowed  Komusubi Takayasu's chest for butsugari. "It was tough, but it was an honor to be called out, and to do butsugari with Takayasu," he said, expressing his gratitude. In July's Nagoya tournament, he won 11 matches, putting him in the running for the yusho. With the expectation that he will be promoted significantly for Aki basho , he said enthusiastically, "I want to win as many matches as possible and show everyone my good condition."

Midorifuji fought hard last basho, finishing  9-6 . When asked what he is working on specifically on this jungyo, he smiled and said, "It's a secret. I can't really say anything about it. As for Aki, he said, "I really want to do my best to get a zensho yusho. Please look forward to the (victory) parade." He is fired up to become the first rikishi from Shizuoka Prefecture to win the yusho.