And Yokozuna Oonosato? How is he preparing for Haru?

[Moti Dichne]

Meanwhile Oonosato seems yet to enter "fight mode." He spectacularly toppled Osaka Governor Yoshimura Hirofumi. As the winner of last year's Haru basho, he paid a courtesy visit to the Osaka Prefectural Government Office today. He returned the Osaka Governor's Cup and received the Governor's Award trophy in return. After a pleasant chat and commemorative photo session, he was suddenly asked to wrestle with "Mozu-yan," the official Osaka Prefecture mascot. Oonosato readily agreed, and as the two began to grapple, Governor Yoshimura came to Mozu-yan's aid. Oonosato then used a rare (for him..) uwatenage throw, which he has not used in honbasho for over a year and a half, to finish off both (one man, one body?) and settle the match. This caused much laughter from the gallery, including the Osaka Prefectural Government officials who were watching. Governor Yoshimura, perhaps feeling pleased with the laughter, cheered Oonosato on with a smug look on his face, saying, "Now we're sure to win!" Oonosato also showed a big smile and said, "Thank you very much." After a brief, awkward pause of silence, Governor Yoshimura suddenly became calmer and said, "Thank you very much," *before leaving the venue to the applause of those present.

* ("Before being okuridash'id") was the colorful wording..)