Tanji- new sekitori soon -(with glasses)

[Moti Dichne]

  The faces of rikishi naturally become serious as they head to the dohyo. The same is true for Tanji (20, Arashio stable), the top-ranked rikishi in Makushita. Yet, after morning keiko before the tournament, he sat down with a watermelon in his hand, looking surprisingly approachable, which was a bit of a surprise. The topic of conversation wasn't sumo, but glasses. Through his distinctive black-rimmed glasses, Tanji spoke frankly with a smile. "I want to express my individuality in some way." His eyesight is "about 0.1," so glasses are essential for his daily life. That's why his words, "They're really important. Rather than constantly changing cheap ones, I want to have something good," carry weight. There was something uniquely Tanji about his reason for being particular about his glasses. "Watches and bags aren't part of my face no matter what I wear. But with glasses, you can't help it, right? If you say you have bad eyesight." Because they are essential for his eyesight, he expresses his individuality through glasses, which directly affect his facial impression. He continued, "I buy them as a reward for myself. Sometimes I buy them if I do well in a tournament." He secured that "reward" victory on the 13th day. After losing two consecutive matches following a 3-1 record, he delivered the win in his third bout, securing his kachikoshi and the promotion to Juryo in the next tournament. "I don't think I'll ever forget today's win." Is this enough reason to buy new glasses? Given that Tanji can't live without his glasses, he'll be one to watch in the upcoming Aki Basho as a Sekitori. [Ryotaro Yamada]