 Last additions - Sumo 相撲 |
Bios and pictures of all sumo wrestlers in top Makunouchi division.Apr 17, 2006
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Non-Japanese sumo wrestlers who made it to Makunouchi Division. Four from USA (Hawaii), four from Mongolia, and one from Bulgaria (Kotooshu) as of 2006.Apr 17, 2006
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Bulgaria (Kotooshu)Apr 17, 2006
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Corridor and souvenir shops.A corridor encircles the arena. Apr 17, 2006
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Sumo Museum. Open only during tournament days. Free admission.The wall on the left show portraits of all the yokozuna in the modern era.Apr 17, 2006
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The tournament winner receives numerous prizes from various organizations and companies.Apr 17, 2006
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Sumo figurines.Apr 17, 2006
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Kokugikan Cafe snack barApr 17, 2006
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Prize from the United Arab Emirates.Apr 17, 2006
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In the back on the left is a prize from Mexico and one from Hungary on the right. In the front on the left is a prize from Mongolia, middle is from NHK, and right is from China.Apr 17, 2006
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Nameplates of tournament winners on Emperor's CupApr 17, 2006
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Apr 17, 2006
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Prime Minister's Cup on left, the middle is the President Chirac Award from France, and the glass on the right is a prize from the Czech Republic.President Chirac is a sumo fan. There is also a Czech wrestler in the lower division.Apr 17, 2006
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Sumo mural in lobby.Apr 17, 2006
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Emperor's Cup. This is what all sumo wrestlers dream about.Apr 17, 2006
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Trophy case in lobby. This is the Emperor's Cup awarded to the tournament winner.Apr 17, 2006
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Side of lobby. (Passing out free calendar posters during Jan. tourney.)Apr 17, 2006
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Entrance lobby. At the end of the lobby is a trophy showcase. On the last day of the tournament, the tournament winner will walk through here to his car for a victory parade amid a large crowd.Apr 17, 2006
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Sumo wrestlers enter through a side entrance. Fans wait for their favorite wrestlers.Apr 17, 2006
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Kokugikan ticket office. Cheap tickets costing 2,100 yen are sold every day of the tournament, but sell out fast by noon or so.Apr 17, 2006
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Gate to enter Kokugikan.Apr 17, 2006
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Front of Kokugikan. The wide stairs make it quick for many people to exit the building. It is a sleek, modern building with a spacious interior. The roof collects rainwater for use in the toilets.Apr 17, 2006
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At the gate, you might see a famous former wrestler (like former Takamiyama from Hawaii, now Stablemaster Azumazeki) taking your ticket.Apr 17, 2006
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Kokugikan ticket office (right). Ticket prices range from 2,100 yen to 14,300 yen.Apr 17, 2006
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KokugikanApr 17, 2006
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Sumo wrestler bannersApr 17, 2006
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Sumo wrestler and sumo stable bannersApr 17, 2006
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Taiko drum towerApr 17, 2006
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Taiko drum towerApr 17, 2006
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Way to Kokugikan. The guarded side gate on the right is for sumo wrestlers.Apr 17, 2006
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The Kokugikan as seen from JR Ryogoku Station platform.Apr 17, 2006
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Exiting the buildingApr 08, 2006
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Final match of the day with Yokozuna AsashoryuApr 08, 2006
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Asashoryu in the face-offApr 08, 2006
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Yokozuna Asashoryu performs his dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremonyApr 08, 2006
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Asashoryu later wonApr 08, 2006
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Yumitori-shiki bow-twirling ceremonyApr 08, 2006
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Taiko drum demonstrationApr 08, 2006
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"Robocop" Takamisakari gets readyThe top-division Makunouchi wrestlers went through their matches quickly.Apr 08, 2006
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Makunouchi dohyo-iriNext was exhibition sumo matches by the top-division Makunouchi wrestlers. Musashimaru never appeared again.Apr 08, 2006
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Takamisakari winsApr 08, 2006
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Makunouchi dohyo-iriApr 08, 2006
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Nephews give a flower bouquet (they can step on the sumo ring)Apr 08, 2006
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Makunouchi dohyo-iriApr 08, 2006
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Makunochi dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremonyApr 08, 2006
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Makunouchi dohyo-iriApr 08, 2006
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But his mom cannot step on the sumo ring...Females are prohibited from entering the sumo ring. Barring women from stepping onto the sumo ring, even to give an award to a wrestler, is one of the most blatant and preposterous forms of sexual discrimination in Japan. It was devised centuries ago, and for the sake of tradition, traditionalists in the sumo world have maintained this extremely absurd custom and belief that women are considered to be impure (due to menstruation). I'm not saying this as a gaijin (foreigner) who likes to criticize Japan or the Japanese. Nor am I saying this as a women's rights advocate. I say this from the standpoint of plain, old common sense.
Up to 1909, women were actually not allowed enter a sumo arena to view sumo matches. And once upon a time, women were prohibited from setting foot on sacred Mt. Fuji. Can you imagine if these traditions were still being practiced today?
Such discriminatory practices were abolished long ago, and here we are in the 21st century with women still unable to step into the sumo ring. The Japan Sumo Association has constantly rejected requests from important female ministers in the Prime Minister's Cabinet to give an award to the tournament winner in the sumo ring.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru and his flowersThis was his last appearance at this retirement ceremony.Apr 08, 2006
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Awaiting the final cut as we listen to one of his famous matches.Apr 08, 2006
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His mom is next...Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru minus his topknotApr 08, 2006
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The End of Hawaii's Golden Age in sumo. For the first time since 1968, no wrestler from Hawaii is in the top Makunouchi division.Apr 08, 2006
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Snip by Yokozuna Asashoryu and a symbolic passing of the baton from one foreign yokozuna to the next (and only) foreign yokozuna.Mongolia's Golden Age of Sumo has begun.Apr 08, 2006
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The final cut by stablemaster Musashigawa Oyakata.Apr 08, 2006
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He was grim-faced all throughoutApr 08, 2006
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Snip and a hug by Konishiki (Question: Where was Akebono??)Apr 08, 2006
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Panoramic shot of the KokugikanNotice the upper floor was quite empty, similar to Akebono's retirement ceremony.Apr 08, 2006
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Snip by stablemate Ozeki MusoyamaApr 08, 2006
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More blood relatives (or brothers)Apr 08, 2006
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Snip by actor Hiroshi Fujioka, who played Kamen Rider in the '70s.Apr 08, 2006
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Snip by Kitanoumi, the head of the Japan Sumo AssociationApr 08, 2006
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Snip by Musashimaru's brotherApr 08, 2006
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Snip by singer Shigeru MatsuzakiFamous for his classic hit, "Ai no Memory."Apr 08, 2006
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Oh, I gotta take a picture of this...Look at the gyoji referee who must be thinking, "C'mon, hurry up!"Apr 08, 2006
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Head supporter speaksApr 08, 2006
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Konishiki is called and he entersApr 08, 2006
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The scissors (golden)I think it was given by French President Chirac who is a sumo fan.Apr 08, 2006
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Calling Musashimaru (with a conch shell)Apr 08, 2006
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Kumu hula Sonny Ching beats the ipu gourd drum, a traditional Hawaiian instrument. This must be a first, a kumu hula performing on the sumo ring in Japan.Apr 08, 2006
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The chairApr 08, 2006
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Laying the red carpet for the main event.Apr 08, 2006
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Here he comes...Apr 08, 2006
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Male hula dancer at one cornerThe original plan was for the hula dancers to perform on the ring itself. But at the last minute, Musashimaru decided that it was not appropriate so they danced outside the ring.Apr 08, 2006
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He goes back to the dressing roomApr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru's final dohyo-iriApr 08, 2006
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This must be a first, a kumu hula (hula teacher) from Hawaii performing on the sumo ring.He is Sonny Ching, a well-known hula teacher in Hawaii. He brought four male hula dancers who danced at the four corners of the ring.Apr 08, 2006
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Sumo jinkuThey are singing sumo jinku, a chant-like song about sumo and sumo wrestlers. They are singing about Musashimaru and his career.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru's final dohyo-iri endsApr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru's final dohyo-iriApr 08, 2006
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He performs his last yokozuna dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremony. He is flanked by Musoyama on the left as the sword bearer, and Miyabiyama on the right as the dew sweeper.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru's final dohyo-iriApr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru's final dohyo-iriHe could have had Yokozuna Asashoryu be either the sword bearer or dew sweeper, but he chose to have his stablemates to join his final dohyo-iri.Apr 08, 2006
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Apr 08, 2006
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Rear view of the shiranui style of tying the rope.He turned in all four directions to show everyone what it looked like. This is what is called the shiranui style of tying the rope. It is characterized by a single loop in the back. The other style, called unryu, has twin loops.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru goes back and then comes back...Apr 08, 2006
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Tying the rope at the back.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru acknowledges a spectator as he proceeds to the ring.This was a demonstration on how they tie on the thick, white rope (tsuna) around his waist. The tsuna is the symbol of the yokozuna. It takes several assistants to put it on. They are all wearing white gloves.Apr 08, 2006
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They wrap the rope around his waist from the front, or the thickest part of the rope.This was a demonstration on how they tie on the thick, white rope (tsuna) around his waist. The tsuna is the symbol of the yokozuna. It takes several assistants to put it on. They are all wearing white gloves.Apr 08, 2006
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Pulling it tightApr 08, 2006
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Yokozuna "tsuna" belt demoApr 08, 2006
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Tidying up the ringApr 08, 2006
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Comic sumo (shokkiri sumo)This is comedy time with two young wrestlers performing various comical antics (spitting at each other, kicking, and other illegal sumo acts) on the ring.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru finally appears for a yokozuna belt demoApr 08, 2006
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Comic sumo (shokkiri sumo)This is comedy time with two young wrestlers performing various comical antics (spitting at each other, kicking, and other illegal sumo acts) on the ring.Apr 08, 2006
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Ozeki Musoyama is defeated.Apr 08, 2006
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Apr 08, 2006
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Yobidashi wearing Aloha-print garbApr 08, 2006
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The kids gradually get bigger.Apr 08, 2006
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Sumo match with kidsA retirement ceremony for an important sumo wrestler includes a variety of activities besides the actual ceremony of cutting away the topknot. It involves almost the entire Japan Sumo Association, and most wrestlers in the top three divisions (Makushita, Juryo, and Makunouchi) also appear in exhibition matches.Apr 08, 2006
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Juryo sumo matchApr 08, 2006
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A retirement ceremony for an important sumo wrestler includes a variety of activities besides the actual ceremony of cutting away the topknot. It involves almost the entire Japan Sumo Association, and most wrestlers in the top three divisions (Makushita, Juryo, and Makunouchi) also appear in exhibition matches.Apr 08, 2006
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Hairdressing demonstrationApr 08, 2006
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Juryo Division dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremonyApr 08, 2006
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The ceremony opens with taiko drum beating on the sumo ring.Apr 08, 2006
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Makushita sumo matchLower-division wrestlers wear black belts, while the upper division wrestlers wear white belts (during practice) or colored belts during official matches.Apr 08, 2006
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Sumo exhibition matches with lower division Makushita wrestlers.A retirement ceremony for an important sumo wrestler includes a variety of activities besides the actual ceremony of cutting away the topknot. It involves almost the entire Japan Sumo Association, and most wrestlers in the top three divisions (Makushita, Juryo, and Makunouchi) also appear in exhibition matches.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru souvenirs at the Kokugikan's souvenir shopApr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru dollApr 08, 2006
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Giant painted pictures of Musashimaru decorating the arena inside. Each one commemorates a tournament victory.These giant pictures are actually black-and-white photographs taken in a photo studio and printed on large paper. Then it is hand-painted in color by a woman who has been doing it for years.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru merchandiseApr 08, 2006
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Musashigawa Stable wrestler wearing Aloha-print yukataFlowery pattern (plumeria) with "Musashimaru" imprinted.Apr 08, 2006
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The retirement ceremony had a lot of Hawaiian touches. This was only the beginning.Hula dancers and live Hawaiian band from Hawaii.Apr 08, 2006
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Konishiki also sings. (His company arranged the entertainment.)Apr 08, 2006
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In the entrance hall, hula and Hawaiian music direct from HawaiiApr 08, 2006
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Musashigawa Stable wrestlers greet visitorsIncludes Miyabiyama and Musoyama.Apr 08, 2006
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Entrance hall is clogged up by a side show of hula.Apr 08, 2006
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Signboard for retirement ceremony at entrance.It reads "Musashimaru, Intai Danpatsu Hiroo Ozumo" which means "Musashimaru Topknot-Cutting and Retirement Sumo Exhibition."Apr 08, 2006
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Musashigawa stablemaster (former Yokozuna Mienoumi) in the entrance hallInside the entrance hallway, there was a long table on the left side with ribbons which served as name tags for distinguished guests. Musashigawa is the name of Musashimaru's sumo stable.Apr 08, 2006
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Hawaii's last sumo wrestler shakes hands.If he were married, his wife would be beside him.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru right after I shook his hand.Apr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru at the entranceApr 08, 2006
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Musashimaru greets the crowdApr 08, 2006
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Passing out programsApr 08, 2006
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Crowd enters the Kokugikan for Musashimaru's retirement ceremony on Oct. 2, 2004.Apr 08, 2006
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Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena as seen from Ryogoku StationApr 08, 2006
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Crowd outside the Kokugikan await their favorite wrestlers.Apr 08, 2006
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Crazy sumo fanThey also sold the real banzuke for 50 yen.May 03, 2005
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Finish, everybody out please...May 03, 2005
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Takamisakari for butsuri keikoEverybody cheered whenever he entered the ring.May 03, 2005
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Asashoryu exchanges a few wordsAfter the practice was over at 11 am, the sole yokozuna went over to the council.May 03, 2005
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May 03, 2005
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Butsuri keikoMay 03, 2005
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Asashoryu gets thrownMay 03, 2005
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A "darn it" look on his faceMay 03, 2005
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BreakAsashoryu took a water break between each practice bout.May 03, 2005
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I'm waiting...May 03, 2005
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May 03, 2005
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May 03, 2005
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Both ozeki watchMay 03, 2005
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May 03, 2005
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Asashoryu joins inMay 03, 2005
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May 03, 2005
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Ready to pounce on the winnerMay 03, 2005
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Me next please!!!The winner gets to decide who to wrestle next. The rikishi all beg to be picked.May 03, 2005
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May 03, 2005
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The Bulgarian (Kotooshu) on the leftMay 03, 2005
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PracticeMay 03, 2005
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May 03, 2005
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Friends after allKyokushuzan chats with fellow Mongolian Asashoryu.May 03, 2005
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Asashoryu and TochiazumaAfter offering water, Tochiazuma shares a laugh with the yokozuna.May 03, 2005
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Asashoryu greets the council upon entryMay 03, 2005
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Former yokozuna Taiho, Takanosato, Kotozakura, and Wakanohana watch intently.May 03, 2005
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Asashoryu sips water offered by Ozeki ChiyotaikaiAs soon as Asashoryu entered the arena, many wrestlers went up to him to offer water as a show of respect.May 03, 2005
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Sumo elders in the front rowMay 03, 2005
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May 03, 2005
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Yokozuna Deliberation Council membersIn the middle is Kitanoumi.May 03, 2005
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More people than the real tournamentAbout 8,000 people took time out from their Golden Week holidays to see this official sumo practice of all sumo stables.May 03, 2005
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May 03, 2005
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