Takanoshou

[Moti Dichne]

The Nishonoseki rengo-keiko -Takanoshou from Minatogawa beya, with 11 wins and 3 losses in 14 bouts. Not only was he able to use his signature thrusting and pushing techniques, but he also managed to push his opponents out even when he was pushed to the edge. He won 5, 3, and 3 in a row at some point. "It's going well. I wanted to see how well I could do against the sekitori in my current condition, and whether I had developed a physique that wouldn't fall even when I was pulled," he said. Starting with this tournament, his Oyakata was replaced by Minatogawa (former Ozeki Takakeishou). Training began at 10 AM to ensure he could get enough sleep, and a new policy was adopted, requiring Takanoshou to do the same basic exercises as the younger rikishi. Takanoshou said, "If the sekitori do the younger rikishi's training, they'll become stronger. I believe it has helped me." He felt the benefits of this when he managed to push Abi out despite being targeted for a tsukiotoshi. "If I do those things properly, I won't suffer last-minute losses. I want to stay focused," he said, looking ahead to the tournament.