Imperial Family visit today
Moti Dichne
The second Imperial Sumo Basho of the Reiwa era was held today, with two Yokozuna and two Ozeki defeated in an eventful turn of events. After the day was over, Chairman Hakkaku, Yokozuna Houshouryuu, Oonosato, Ozeki Kotozakura, and Aonishiki held a discussion with the Imperial Family inside the Ryogoku Kokugikan. After the discussion, Chairman Hakkaku held a press conference. The full text of the press conference is as follows:
- It seems that all the Yokozuna and Ozeki collapsed in the Imperial Sumo Tournament. What do you think about that?
-I don't know if there was pressure after all, but I think it was just that the lower-ranking rikishis were getting too excited. In front of His Majesty. The best thing is to fight good sumo. Winning and losing is inevitable.
-Which rikishi impressed you the most in the second half?
- The rikishi who made the biggest impression on me in the second half of the Makuuchi division was Yoshinofuji. He lost, but I understand what he was trying to do. He ended up in a left-handed grip. That was also a learning experience. His right hand didn't go in. It's rare for Aonishiki to end with both hands in the air like that.
- Kirishima was good today.
-Aonishiki was not his usual self. Kirishima wanted to thrust to the left,and he managed to change grips nicely.
-How about Houshouryuu? He went on the offensive a little too eagerly at the edge of the dohyo.
-That can't be helped. He was on the attack. Oonosato's sumo was bad. His hands weren't working..
- The second half of the basho. I'm worried about tomorrow and beyond..,
- He has two losses at nakabi. I think it's going to be from now on.. Considering what happened before the tournament. I think he probably anticipated two losses or so.
-With the COVID-19 pandemic and everything, this is the first time the Emperor has been present at sumo in six years, so what are your thoughts?
-They came because Japan is at peace, and I'm really glad that there haven't been any natural or man-made disasters or earthquakes or anything like that. There was an earthquake two years ago. Sumo is possible because we are living in peace, and sumo is about praying for that, and the dohyo-iri has that same meaning. In that sense, when you asked me about the meaning of the four pillars, I couldn't answer right away. There are blue, green, and all sorts. I know they are east, west, north, and south. But what do they mean? I know there are Gods, but I couldn't answer right away, so I asked later and explained it here just now.
-It seemed like they were quite interested in what was going on..
. That's right. I tried to use polite language from the beginning, but I stumbled. It was no good at all. I couldn't come up with the first words. At first. Because I've never used polite language before. Then His Majesty spoke to me. I did the best I could. I had never spoken the "high" language before.
- (From the Imperial Household Agency Press Club) Sorry for bothering you when you're tired. I think Aonishiki was also there during the meeting. Would you tell us what Their Majesties and Princess Aiko said to him?
-They said, "Your Japanese is good despite your young age," right?
- Did they ask anything about Ukraine, or anything like that?
-Of course, they knew he was from Ukraine, so I think they were saying it must be tough. That was about it. They also asked him how he managed to learn the language, being so young. He said he just joined the heya and it came naturally.. And then Houshouryuu started talking, I think. Houshouryuu came from high school, and then I started talking, and it just got longer and longer.
-Well, I'll wrap it up here. Thank you very much.