All I want for Christmas is the return of Asashoryu. Sumo without Asashoryu is just not as interesting. The champion of champions, Asashoryu brings a magic spark to the tournament that keeps our attention.
It seems like the media was singing the Japanese Sumo Association's song -- knocking him for playing soccer at home when he was supposed to be resting! Maybe it was good therapy for a guy that needed a long overdue break from the rigid world of sumo. Now it seems as if the media is missing him, too.
Foreign rikishi have made Japan's national sport a truly world class sport. In U.S. professional sports, we have many great athletes from all over the world. We are happy to see them do well; it raises the quality of the game. Sumo is like that now, so when we do see a new Japanese yokozuna, he will surely be a great one!
When Asashoryu comes back, I hope he is in good shape and back to his old form. I'll be back in January and so will others who follow sumo -- when it is good. Thanks, Santa, the sushi and sembei will be in the same place.
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