Jungyo ends, Ex-Ikioi does things

[Moti Dichne]

The Aki Jungyo concluded on the 25th in Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, wrapping up its 19-day schedule. Yokozuna Oonosato,who secured a comeback yusho at the Aki Basho, his first title in a year—reflected on the Jungyo, stating, "I’m glad I was able to complete the entire schedule without any health issues or needing to withdraw." The Banzuke for the upcoming Kyushu Basho which begins on November 8th at the Fukuoka International Center is set to be released on the 26th. During last year’s Kyushu Basho, Oonosato suffered a left-shoulder injury, forcing him to sit out the final day while he was tied for the lead in the yusho race. "I couldn't compete at the end last year," he said, expressing his determination. "I want to build a body capable of lasting all 15 days and train hard for the opening day." Meanwhile, Yokozuna Houshouryuu, who has been absent from the last three tournaments, joined the tour on the 10th and engaged in vigorous *moshiai* (practice bouts) during the latter half of the Jungyo. His right knee, for which he underwent surgery in late July, is reportedly showing gradual improvement. Regarding his participation in the Kyushu Basho, he remarked, "It’s hard to say until the very last moment, but I’m training with the intention of competing. I plan to discuss it with my Oyakata before making a final decision."

Kasugayama Oyakata (ex-Ikioi, Isenoumi beya), a former Sekiwake, celebrated his 40th birthday on October 11. Later that month, he was treated to a celebration at a restaurant in Tokyo by Daisuke Miura, the former manager of the professional baseball team DeNA, and Masato Matohara, a member of the rock band "Under Graph." He has known Miura for about 16 years, and Matohara also hails from Osaka Prefecture. "He even sang for me, it was a truly memorable birthday," Kasugayama Oyakata recalled. While he is often noted for his fine singing voice, his primary focus at Isenoumi beya is the training of his deshi. He places great importance on décor and the fundamentals. "I want to raise men who can say 'thank you' and 'I apologize.' I emphasize the value of repeatedly practicing shiko, suriashi, and teppo. There are many important elements, but as you continue to practice the basics, a proper form naturally emerges—that is what we call "kata" (a defined, traditional form). My own Oyakata, the former Sekiwake Fujinokawa, used to tell me this all the time; The simplest things are often the most difficult and the most profound."

Since June of this year, he has also been teaching sumo Jinku (traditional sumo folk songs) at the Sumo Training Center. "Sumo Jinku is said to have originated toward the end of the Edo period and into the Meiji era, when rikishi would sing these songs as entertainment during regional tours. It is a form of folk song with a history spanning at least 200 years. I believe that professional sumo, Jinku, tradition, culture, and entertainment are all part of a single, inseparable whole." Embracing his role in preserving traditional culture, he approaches his teaching with a strong sense of mission. "I really enjoy teaching Jinku. The trainees learn the songs and sing them; seeing them singing in various places even after class has ended makes me feel that this work is truly worthwhile," he says, clearly pleased with the positive response from the new recruits.

Meanwhile, at Isenoumi beya, Fujinokawa, the heya's top-ranked rikishi, achieved 11 wins during the Autumn Tournament, the same tournament in which he made his debut at the rank of Sekiwake. Kasugayama Oyakata remarked, "Achieving double-digit wins in one's debut tournament as a Sekiwake is truly impressive. He trains very hard, so this comes as no surprise- it is simply the result of his efforts. I hope he continues to push himself even further." Meanwhile, Ikarigata, Fujinokawa’s younger brother, and Sazanami, Fujinokawa’s tsukebito, have both reached the upper ranks of Makushita, bringing them jcloserto becoming Sekitori. Regarding these younger rikishi, Kasugayama Oyakata shared his high hopes: "I’ve had high expectations for Sazanami ever since he first joined the heya; he has always possessed great natural ability. As he’s matured, he seems to have undergone a mental shift as well. I hope he continues to train with firm conviction from here on out." [Ichiro Sasaki]