Brothers in Sumo –
part one
Brian Lewin
Brothers no longer active on the dohyo come under the SFM microscope

NHK & the Ozumo
English Broadcast
Mark Buckton
A visit to NHK, years of watching the show and the opinions of our Ed-in-Chief

Hanging With the Rikishi
Barbara Ann Klein
Barbara Ann Klein recounts her experiences with the “boys” in a pictorial diary series

Rikishi of Old
Joe Kuroda
A look at a rikishi of yesteryear with Chiyonoyama – our man for December

Sumo Exhibit at the
Edo-Tokyo Museum
Barbara Ann Klein
SFM’s Editor takes in the exhibit celebrating 80 years of the Japan Sumo Association at this famous Tokyo museum

Heya Peek
John Gunning
John’s early morning trip to Hakkaku – a visit that almost didn’t happen

SFM Interview
Dave Wiggins sits down
with SFM’s Mark Buckton to discuss the broadcast scene – and maple syrup

Photo Bonanza
What a collection – All-Japan Sumo Tournament, Hakkaku-
beya visit and sumo exhibits at the Edo-Tokyo Museum

Kyushu Basho Review
Lon Howard
Lon gives us his Kyushu Basho summary, along with the henka sightings results, and his take on the year in brief

Lower Division Rikishi
Mikko Mattila
Mikko Mattila covers lower division ups and downs

Hatsu Basho Forecast
Pierre Wohlleben & Mark
Buckton
Pierre predicts the Hatsu Basho banzuke while Mark previews the ones to watch for in January

Sumo 101
Eric Blair
Eric explains all you need to know and then some about the Kokugikan building – the mecca of sumo

Kimarite Focus
Mikko Mattila
Mikko walks us through his chosen kimarite in expert fashion

Minusha
John McTague
John’s unique bimonthly view of news from outside the dohyo

Online Gaming
Eric Blair
For the lowdown on Guess the Kotomitsuki – baby of SFM’s John Gunning

Kokugi Connections
Todd Lambert
Todd’s bimonthly focus on 3 of the most interesting sumo sites today

Fan Debate
Intra heya bouts –
OK or not? See what our debaters had to say

SFM Cartoons
Stephen Thompson
In the second of our cartoon bonanzas, sit back and enjoy ST’s offerings

Let’s Hear From You
What was it that made you a sumo fan? American Todd Defoe tells all

Readers’ Letters
See what SFM readers had to say since our last issue

Sumo Quiz
The Quizmaster
Answer the Qs and win yourself next basho’s banzuke.

The two terms you refer to are on a list of what are called 'kimarite', or winning techniques. Every match has a kimarite, which is the specific technique the winning rikishi is officially credited with in winning the match. Here is a quick and dirty (not exact) description of these two:

Tsuridashi – basically means to lift your opponent off his feet and deposit him outside the straw ring.

Utchari – a move used by a rikishi who is forced back against the edge – before he is forced out, and while falling backwards himself, he manages to simultaneously lift his opponent off his feet, twist him to one side and fling him back over his own shoulder so that his opponent lands outside the dohyo before he himself does. (Romanized spelling of this kimarite varies)

Although there are over eighty official kimarite, there are roughly 10-15 which are well understood by most fans who have followed sumo for a number of years – these two are among that group. Many readers of recurring newspaper and magazine articles on sumo would probably find it either humorous, cumbersome or both 		if this type of kimarite was described or defined as it was used. And since the kimarite are a matter of official record, they are – as you have suggested – the only term that can be used to identify them. With the more esoteric type of kimarite, it is appropriate to describe/define them as they are used in an article.

You have raised a very relevant issue, though, in that we should strive not only to serve sumo's 'veteran' fans but also to serve those who are just getting started; and to that end we will actively consider the inclusion of explanatory notes or links so that our readers will not have to leave our site to clear this kind of issue up for themselves. But, please also note, that in each issue we present a feature by Mikko Mattila, entitled Kimarite Focus, wherein Mikko walks us through two or three kimarite in each column. We invite you to check out his column in this and our archived issues to date.

Doug, we are very happy to have you as a reader, especially one who is ready and willing to pledge his support. Thank you again. Best regards,

Lon Howard
Fan Liaison Director
 		Sumo on TV

My name is Mike,

I have been a fan since the day I watched my first Sumo match (on TV). I live in the U.S. (Wisconsin). It's rare when our cable sports station, ESPN, shows any Sumo, the last was 5 years ago.

My question/hope is that the Tournies/Bashos are taped or put to DVD.
Do you know if this happens or would you know how I could see the tournies/bashos?

I know there is a Tournament coming up in January in Tokyo, would THAT be televised or available for purchase?

If you could help out, give tips or anything, I'd love to make my knowledge and Sumo experience grow!

Thanks for your time my friend,
God Bless,
Mike

Dear Mike –

Thank you for your letter. It's nice to hear from a long-time sumo fan such as yourself.

Next Home