Last one, I hope..Hakkaku Imperial interview, actually part 1..
Moti Dichne
OK, I didn't realize there were four installments so I posted them in the wrong order, but you'll manage.. This is actually part 1..
-First, let's start with the Imperial Household Agency Press Club. - We weren't able to cover the meeting, so could you tell us what kind of exchange took place between Their Majesties and Princess Aiko?
-They talked about things like where everyone was from, right?
- They didn't talk about their impressions of the matches?
-I think they were being considerate because everyone lost today. While watching the matches they did ask questions, though. Like, "Is Houshouryuu okay with that injury?" The Empress was concerned about him.
- What kind of conversations did you have while watching the match?
-When did the four pillars disappear?" I couldn't answer that question, so I said, "I'll look into it later," and here it is. I think it was 1952. Then, "What color are those tassels?" That was what Aiko asked me. Then, His Majesty asked me, "What does the tokudawara mean?" and I answered. I checked later to make sure it was correct, and sure enough, it was. Apparently, it's said that it's meant to draw out water like this, although it's not clear..
-Today, all the top rikishi were unfortunately defeated. What kind of exchanges did you have about that?
-No, I don't think there was anything in particular. They were just saying things like, "They're working really hard." I'm sure the top rikishi do the kind of really good sumo, powerful sumo, great body-to-body contact, you know? They were surprised at the end too.
-It looked like Princess Aiko was holding a pencil and writing something intently. What was she doing there?
I think it was probably about who won. The west had been winning all the time. She said that quite a bit.
-What did she say?
-She reported to me, "West is always winning." Later she said, "West is still winning, aren't they?" and I just said, "I see." It's a pretty common thing, but she was interested in that kind of thing, like, "Is it always one-sided?"
-Do you remember whether it was a pencil or a pen that Princess Aiko was holding?
-It was probably one or the other.
-It seemed like Princess Aiko asked a lot of questions. What other questions did you remember?