At exactly 5:43 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 21, 2007, yokozuna Asashoryu Akinori was presented with the Emperor's Cup for the 20th time in his sumo career; a feat achieved only four times prior, by former yokozuna Taiho (32 total yusho), Chiyonofuji (31), Kitanoumi (24) and Takanohana (22). These were all men whose character, combined with win/loss ratios, went on to guarantee them a place not only in sumo record books but also in the pages of Japanese history.
26-year-old yokozuna Asashoryu (right) and compatriot Asasekiryu raise their hands aloft to signal the
big 20, on the ocassion of the Mongolian's 20th sumo basho victory.
KYODO PHOTOIs Asashoryu worthy of inclusion in the same history books? Some would say that the Mongolian still lacks a certain something -- that humble, respectful side that makes a regular yokozuna a great yokozuna. Early rumblings after his 20th victory are not too favorable: The current Sumo Association chairman, Toshimits Kitanoumi, openly questioned the quality of Asashoryu's opponents, and even the great Taiho is said to have referred to the need for the current incumbent to consider the responsibilities of a yokozuna. Nothing too direct, but the food for thought is there.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.