News from the jungyo

[Moti Dichne]

The three Ozeki decided to do some bouts between themselves to "liven up the crowds," as Mitakeumi put it. "We can't actually interact with the crowd because of the COVID restrictions, so we thought we should properly do some sumo," he added. "I am healthy for sure. No symptoms," he said after being inflicted with the virus  a few weeks ago. "It's really too bad, I was planning on escaping kadoban and had to leave the basho in the middle.. Still, I hope to gambarize as an Ozeki next basho as well. I'd like to get 10 wins," he summed. In case anyone still had doubts about his rank next basho, well..

Ichinojou spoke to the press today. "I've forgotten what the jungyo is like. It's good, as expected. I missed this. I really would have liked to get my picture taken with the fans, but.." he said. He is being congratulated on his first yusho everywhere he goes.

As there is no official interaction allowed with the fans, the Kyokai comes up with some workarounds. One of them is the newly established "Question Quorner", where kids can ask rikishi questions. Today, to answer your questions, we have Wakatakakage and Hokutofuji. I think this is one of the best interviews i have ever translated..

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

Waka: I prepare fish..

Q: What do you do when you're on holiday?

Hoku: I go to the park with my kids or just play with them.

Q: What have you been enjoying lately?

Waka: I'm enjoying the daily keiko..

Q: I think the rikishi have a soft body, but can you do a "bridge"??

Hoku: I used to be able to , but nowadays my body had grown big so I can't..

Q: How much rice do you consume a day?

Waka: I'd say about 5 big bowls.

Q: What is your favorite technique?

Hoku: My favorite technique is oshidashi.

Q: What was your hobby when you were in elementary school?

Waka: I used to read the manga "One Piece". I still do..

Q: Do you wear a yukata when you sleep as well as when you go out?

Hoku: I usually sleep in a tee shirt and shorts. When I go out, I wear a yukata or a kimono.

Q: Why did you become a rikishi?

Waka: My father, my brothers and my grandfather were/are rikishi so we are a "sumo household.."

Hoku: My body was already large as a child- the first time I entered a children's sumo tournament i lost and I was sad so that made me decide to take it more seriously.

Q: Do you have to grow your hair to become a rikishi?

Waka: When I became a rikishi I was totally bald.. Since then i have been growing my hair and have reached my current hairdo..

Q: How long do you train every day?

Hoku: We start around 8 am and finish at around 11 am, eat, and take a nap. Then, some training for 1-2 hours in the afternoon.

Q: What sports did you do when you were little?

Waka: I've been doing sumo since I was little, but also did some judo and track and field.

Hoku:  I started skiing at the age of three, did some swimming, some sumo, basketball and judo as well.