at the spring basho

It was a cloudy afternoon but still good for a walk to the Kokugikan at Ryogoku where the last day of the Sumo Spring Basho was being held. All tickets were sold out so just like other sumo fans, we hung out by the gates. There were the raucous oyajis who obviously had a drink or two while waiting for the results of the final match broadcast via a tiny analog radio, there were a couple of tourists, both local and foreign toting their digital cameras, a group of gangly high school lads who just finished cram school were looking for a nice viewing spot by the gates, others were watching the match on their cellphone and we just listened and looked at the hi-def screens whenever we could.


As colorful banners billowed in the cool breeze, the lower-rank rikishi were already leaving and their presence were known as fans shouted out their names...




This is Takamisakari, he's really fun to watch as he launches into his trademark "gone berserk sumo wrestler" opener at the face-off. He usually loses but is a crowd favorite and I think he's been earning more from his commercials and public appearances.

Here is "Goeido" also a local, he made news this basho with surprising wins.

There's the towering "Baruto" from Estonia, it's exciting to watch him being pitted against smaller rikishi.
As the final face off between Yokuzuna Hakuho (Mongolia) and Ozeki Harumafuji (Mongolia) unfolded, a hush fell upon the gates and as everyone huddled close to watch the match, live on tiny cellphone screens or listened to the tinny radio broadcast. It was a good fight and the Ozeki won!

Now it's time to head on to the nearest izakaya or chanko restaurant for a recap over beer, nihonshu and otsumami. Harumafuji, omedetou! Kampai!