Interview with Yokozuna Terunofuji from today
Moti Dichne
－After entering the Meiji Shrine dohyo-iri today：
Terunofuji: "It's been a long time since I last did the dohyo-iri before the day before yesterday at Hakuhou's danpatsushiki and I'm honored to be able to do the dedication dohyo-iri at Meiji Jingu Shrine today."
-The condition of both knees that have caused you to miss 3 consecutive bashos?
Terunofuji: "Fine."
－Training?
Terunofuji: "Fine"
- You did the dohyo-iri at Miyagino Oyakata's danpatsushiki..
Terunofuji: "He's a dai- Yokozuna who holds a lot of records. I did my best because I thought that I had to participate as the opponent who faced him in his last active match."
－What did Hakuhou's presence mean to you??
Terunofuji: "Until my first match with him, for me he was a god-like existence.. At the age of 22, I faced him for the first time (I lost to him by yorikiri), and I thought that I had to beat the top guy in order to become a Yokozuna, so I worked hard in order to win. He is also a senior who gave me the motivation to enter Sumo”
-Did you watch the January Basho on TV?
Terunofuji: "Of course. There were my juniors from our heya participating. In order to return early to active duty, I tried not to move away from sumo as much as possible."
-Thoughts on your return?
Terunofuji: "When I fell to the bottom (Jonidan), I was told it was 'impossible' to come back. But I'm one who challenges oneself. I think there are many people who say that it's 'impossible' for me to return this time as well. These words only encourage me and it's important to make an effort, even though you may fail in the end.
－Future training sessions?
Terunofuji: "I'll start with building my body. The basho has just finished (22nd). I can't do sumo alone. I want to do my best from tomorrow.. I've been wearing the mawashi all the time." .
－Some exhibition Sumo will be held on the 4th and 5th, but will you participate?
Terunofuji: "I will decide after consulting with my Oyakata."
-Ozeki Takakeishou won the first yusho last basho., but what is your impression?
Terunofuji: "I think he's fulfilled his responsibilities while I was kyujo..The Ozeki continues to put out the best he can as is fitting for his rank. He vied for the yusho in November and January, And I thought to myself- 'He's really strong"
-This year's goals?
Terunofuji "I set a goal once a year. I want to do what I couldn't do last year, this year. I want to do my best to get double digit wins."
-Are you aiming to return for Haru Basho?
Terunofuji: "I don't know when I will be back. I will consult with my body. I will also consult with my Oyakata. I want to be back as soon as possible. I just want to gambarize. At this stage, I can't say when I'll be back."
-Is there a difference in pain and ease of movement after your surgery?
Terunofuji: "Since I've had surgery and to some extent, the parts that seemed to "get caught" are much smoother now, but I'll have to plant an artificial joint at some point. The pain is the same as usual. I think I'll be in a position to do some sumo pretty soon, though.."
- What do you think about the need to work extra hard as the sole Yokozuna?
Terunofuji: "No matter how many Yokozuna there are, you have to gambarize (laughs). Whether there are three or four, whether there is one or none. When I am gone, the next person will appear. I think that's how it goes- things will continue. If I leave,, the Sumo Association wouldn't be in trouble."
－When you think about your knee, do you have any concerns about your future daily life?
Terunofuji: "If I will think about my future, I would want to quit now.."
－Are you continuing because you have to maintain your responsibility as a yokozuna?
Terunofuji: "No. It's because I want to do it ."
-Because you like sumo?
Terunofuji: "It's not like that. I have a goal that I set once. If I don't achieve it, I won't feel satisfied."
-The goal is double-digit wins, you mentioned earlier..
Terunofuji: "First of all, yes."
- What is your next goal after that?
Terunofuji: "Well, I'll think about it when the time comes..."