YDC convenes- and Terunofuji interview
Moti Dichne
"Don't copy Hakuhou's manner!!" was the underlying tone of things as the YDC unanimously recommended Terunofuji's Yokozuna promotion.
Member Mr. Sugita: "He dropped all the way to Johnny Dunne Jonidan and struggled hard to get back and that has deeply moved sumo fans. This is the Mongolian version of pride. A Yokozuna has to be an example for everyone. I hope he learns from Hakuhou's strength but not from his manners, and hope he becomes a magnificent Yokozuna."
Mr. Yamauchi: "From here on he should conduct himself as a Yokozuna. I want him to be a beacon for all the children and all those who want to join sumo in the future. As an example, I'd like him to be like Ohtani from the Angels and be at his own level, being an example for everyone as a rikishi and as a Yokozuna. For people to support him, he has to be a worthy Yokozuna inside and outside of the ring."
Mr. Tango: "He has truly done well to return. Hinkaku (dignity for want of another word, I guess..) is the pinnacle of sumo, to be strived for. He has shown that he can totally concentrate on sumo and I value that highly. Hakuhou's actions are regrettable, but this is Japan's national sport and hinkaku is important. I'd like him to polish his hinkaku by listening to his oyakata and to opinions of people surrounding him."
Mr. Koumura: "His promotions goes without saying. What he has achieved is beyond description. I value that very highly. I want him to do sumo that is on the level, fair and square. So long as he doesn't aggravate his knee injuries, he should be a calm Yokozuna."
Mr. Tokura: "Regarding Terunofuji, everyone was in agreement. Having a strict Oyakata, I expect him to become a Yokozuna who will practice aesthetic sumo."
Mr. Oshima: "Making his way back from Jonidan and getting successive yushos, he faced the final day in Nagoya unbeaten. That story has touched the hearts of everyone. It's remarkable that he managed to take over the bashos where no Yokozuna was present. He has also grown mentally with his return. I want him to do Yokozuna - like sumo from here on. A Yokozuna is expected to be far more than an Ozeki. I want him to become a dai-Yokozuna, bearing that in mind."
Mr. Dichne, honorary member: "Congrats man, you are awesome. Stay healthy and train for the revmatch!!"
Terunofuji: "It's not 100% yet so I'm not letting my feelings go.. (It will be officially finalized on Wednesday when the rijikai convenes, but it's a done deal). I'm thinking i want to continue gambarizing from here on. I want to totally change the way I feel one more time. That being said, I am thankful that everyone values my efforts. I have done all I am able to do at this point. I planned on giving it my all and was able to concentrate and remain calm in every bout. With each passing day, I felt those days of training were bearing fruit. I faced every day seriously and hoped the results would follow. I did the best I could on senshuraku. I told myself to believe in myself and use all my power and did all I could. The fact that I couldn't win is due to my own weakness. Special words when the delegation comes to promote me? "I'll have to think what being a Yokozuna means and how it will affect my life. I will be discussing this with my Oyakata and Okamisan and hope to come up with something good."