Ex-Takarafuji danpatsushiki - kisses for all

[Moti Dichne]

At the danpatsushiki held yesterday, the rikishi of the heya cut the retiring rikishi's hair towards the end, as it is customary. The first to do so was Midorifuji, who stepped onto the dohyo after Enhou. After cutting the hair and saying a few words, he kissed ex-Takarafuji on the left cheek. Ex-Takarafuji  couldn't help but give a wry smile. Next was Toshinofuji, who cut the hair and left the dohyo. However, the following rikishi, Takerufuji, Hakunofuji, Nishikifuji, Yoshinofuji, and Atamifuji, continued in succession, cutting the hair and then kissing him on the left cheek. Laughter rippled through the arena, and a warm atmosphere enveloped the crowd. All of them were younger rikishi, but Takarafuji's cheerful character allowed him to accept their bold actions. After the ceremony, he jokingly expressed his gratitude, saying, "I thought it would only be Midorifuji since Toshinofuji passed on the kiss, and then Takerufuji went for it, so I was surprised and happy that everyone was enjoying themselves. I didn't think rikishi would give me a kiss on the cheek. I shall make up for it by giving them more keiko." [Ichiro Sasaki]