Kirishima

[Moti Dichne]

The jungyo came to Saitama City today. Returning to Ozeki Kirishima  celebrated his 30th birthday. He had 14 bouts and won 8. In particular, his eight bouts against Yokozuna Houshouryuu were full of spirit, resulting in 4 wins and 4 losses. "It wasn't planned. It's been a while, but it was good keiko" he nodded. At the end, he faced Houshouryuu, exhausted but still going strong. His former Oyakata when he first joined sumo, Michinoku Oyakata (former Ozeki Kirishima), was promoted to Ozeki at the age of 31, so he said, "I still think I'm young. I should still have more power in me." He vowed to aim for a long career, along with his dream of becoming a Yokozuna. Kirishima has been doing sumo since coming to Japan, and he said with enthusiasm, "It's only my 12th year (as a competitor). I'll keep moving forward." On this day, before joining the tour, he dropped off his eldest daughter, Ayago, who started elementary school in April, at a friend's house. He couldn't help but smile as she told her friend, "Daddy turned 30 today." His eldest daughter is scheduled to participate in a sumo tournament at her elementary school in May, and he plans to advise her, based on his own experience, that "you have to be careful how you fall or you'll get hurt."