When Asashoryu beat fellow Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho in the last sumo bashi, his delight was plastered all over his face. As he walked away from the dohyo he raised his arms in victory, obviously overcome with the emotion of such an important and hard-fought win. Such overt celebration is new to sumo, where rikishi have traditionally been expected to keep their emotions in check. Not surprisingly, there are many who say that Asashoryu’s celebration was inappropriate and offends the two thousand-year-old history of the sport.
It was a brief flash of humanity in an other wise stoic battle. Yes, sumo is about respect, and participants should make every effort not to disrespect their opponents after defeating them. That said, if a great champion like Asashoryu wants to raise his arms in victory after all that he’s been through, I suggest that sumo fans also make an effort to show some respect themselves and let him enjoy the moment. Luckily there are many in Japan who agree with me and feel that such emotional displays might actually be good for Japan’s national sport which has been waning in popularity in recent years. Hideyuki Yamate, of Mainichi Shimbun, wisely says that “As long as a wrestler takes the spirit of sumo to heart and does not forget to respect his opponent, it is refreshing to see an honest expression of delight.”
Refreshing indeed. Such excitement might be just what the doctor ordered to help overcome a number of daunting challenges that sumo currently faces. A recent marijuana problem has prompted the JSA to approve new drug testing regulations for the ancient sport. But far more serious than a little pot, of course, was the recent killing of a young wrestler by his stablemates. Such a tragedy certainly puts trivial stuff like celebrating a win or a smoking few Js into proper perspective.
Now from the point of view of a gaijin like myself, one can’t help but be think that Asashoryu’s celebration pales in comparison to some of the antics of American athletes. It’s not even close to a Tiger Woods fist pump, let alone some of the more notorious show-offs like Terrell Owens or Chad Johnson in American Football.
Take it from me, Asa is doing just fine for now. Call me when he celebrates a victory with a Beyonce dance like Warren Sapp did. Then we can all start worrying.
