Following his flight home, the Mongolian police and military were deployed to prevent Japanese media access to "their" man, Asashoryu, and not since the time Konishiki was looking at promotion to yokozuna has the line separating Japanese and non-Japanese suitability to hold the rank been drawn so prominently in the sand.
Any sumo/art fans reading this should keep an eye on the early NHK-BS coverage on Day 8. Sources indicate young up-and-coming sumo artist Hiroko Komatsu, from Tokyo's Adachi Ward, will have her works take center stage — a position she will one day become accustomed to. 
Had the sport's 68th yokozuna apologized for his actions in the days immediately following his now famous misdemeanor, he wouldn't be the target of so much media and public derision now. Regardless of whether he feels he was behaving badly, the simple fact is, this is Japan, where apologies are expected, and sincerity should be apparent. Tears always help, as do long bows before phalanx of photographers.
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.