Asashoryu Akinori (朝青龍 明徳, Asashōryū Akinori^?), born as Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj (Долгорсүрэн Дагвадорж) on September 27, 1980, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is the first sumo wrestler (rikishi) from Mongolia to reach the rank of yokozuna, the highest sumo rank. He is one of the most successful sumo wrestlers in history.^[1] In August 2007, he also became the first yokozuna in history to be suspended from competition.^[2] is the 270th day of the year (271st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... September 2004 Ulan Bator, or Ulaanbaatar (Улаанбаатар, [UlaÉ£an BaÉ£atar]) in Mongolian, is the capital of Mongolia. ... The references in this article would be clearer with a different and/or consistent style of citation, footnoting or external linking. ... FILA Greatest Wrestler of 20th Century (Greco-Roman) Alexander Karelin throws Olympian Jeff Blatnick with his Karelin Lift Womens wrestling Andrell Durden (top) and Edward Harris grapple for position during the All-Marine Wrestle Offs. ... Makuuchi (幕内 )) or makunouchi (幕の内 )), is the top division of professional sumo. ... The references in this article would be clearer with a different and/or consistent style of citation, footnoting or external linking. ...

Rise to the top

Asashoryu originally came to Japan as an exchange student at Meitoku Gijuku High School in Kochi Prefecture. He made his professional debut in January 1999, joining Wakamatsu stable (now Takasago stable). At that time fellow Mongolians Kyokushuzan and Kyokutenho were in the top division and stars back in their home country, but Asashoryu was quickly to overtake them both. He reached sekitori status in September 2000 by winning promotion to the juryo division. He reached the top makuuchi division just two tournaments later in January 2001. In May 2001, he made his sanyaku debut at komusubi rank and earned his first sansho award, for Outstanding Performance. In 2002, he put together back to back records of 11-4, 11-4 and 12-3 and was promoted to sumo's second highest rank of ozeki. In November 2002, he took his first top division tournament championship with a 14-1 record. It took Asashoryu only 24 tournaments from his professional debut to win his first top division title. In January 2003 he won his second straight championship and on January 30, 2003 Asashoryu was granted the title of yokozuna, the highest rank in sumo. Kōchi Prefecture ) is located on the south coast of Shikoku, Japan. ... Takasago stable (Japanese: 髙砂部屋 or 高砂部屋, Takasago-beya) is a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Takasago group of stables. ... Kyokushuzan Noboru ) was a professional sumo wrestler. ... Kyokutenhou Masaru ) is a professional sumo wrestler. ... A sekitori is a sumo wrestler or rikishi who is ranked in one of the top two professional divisions: makuuchi and juryo. ... Juryo (十両) is the second highest division in professional sumo wrestling in Japan. ... Makuuchi (幕内 )) or makunouchi (幕の内 )), is the top division of professional sumo. ... Sanyaku (三役) literally means the three ranks and represents the titleholder, or champion, ranks at the top of the sumo ranking system. ... Komusubi (小結) literally means the little knot, the knot referring to the match up between two wrestlers. ... Sansho or Sanshō (三賞) is a term used to describe one of the three special prizes awarded to top (Makuuchi) division sumo wrestlers for exceptional performance during a sumo honbasho or tournament. ... is the 30th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Makuuchi (幕内 )) or makunouchi (幕の内 )), is the top division of professional sumo. ...

Yokozuna career

While his first tournament as yokozuna ended in a disappointing 10-5 record, he has since won a total of nineteen tournaments. Combined with his two yusho as an ozeki, he has twenty-one career championships in the top division. This already puts him in fifth place on the all time list, behind only Taiho, Chiyonofuji, Kitanoumi and Takanohana.^[3] Taiho Koki (大鵬幸喜, born May 29, 1940- as Naya Koki). ... Chiyonofuji Mitsugu (千代の富士貢, June 1, 1955-) is a former champion sumo wrestler, the 58th Yokozuna of the sport. ... Kitanoumi Toshimitsu (北の湖敏満 May 16, 1953 -, as Kobata Toshimitsu, Japanese:小畑 敏満) was the dominant Yokozuna in Sumo during the 1970s. ... Takanohana III Koji (貴乃花 光司 Takanohana Kōji, born August 12, 1972 as Koji Hanada (花田 光司 Hanada Kōji)) is the younger son of the late Takanohana Kenshi (formerly Ozeki Takanohana II, whose name after retirement was Futagoyama oyakata). ...

2003

Asashoryu nominally shared the yokozuna rank with Musashimaru, but in fact his rival only fought a handful of bouts in 2003 due to injury. The two did not meet in competition all year. Asashoryu won his first championship as a yokozuna in May 2003 and came back from an injury sustained in the July tournament to win his third title of the year in September. Musashimaru Koyo was declared the most successful foreign sumo wrestler ever during his retirement ceremony on October 2, 2004. ...

2004

Asashoryu began 2004 with one of the highlights of his career to date-- two consecutive perfect 15-0 tournament wins (zensho yusho) in January and March with a streak of 35 unbeaten bouts in total. Nobody had attained zensho yusho since 1996; yet Asashoryu has gone on to add three more such titles since 2004, for an impressive career total of five. On November 27, 2004, Asashoryu became the first wrestler to win five tournaments in a year since Chiyonofuji achieved the feat in 1986, and won his ninth Emperor's Cup. It has been speculated that one reason for Asashoryu's relatively disappointing performance in the Autumn basho of 2004, the only one he did not win, was his marriage to his Mongolian fiancée for which the official ceremony was later held in August 2004 (although he actually married her in December 2002). The hectic social round that inevitably follows Japanese weddings may well have affected his pre-tournament preparations. is the 331st day of the year (332nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Chiyonofuji Mitsugu (千代の富士貢, June 1, 1955-) is a former champion sumo wrestler, the 58th Yokozuna of the sport. ...

2005

He continued to dominate Sumo in 2005, winning all six honbasho (sumo tournaments) and losing only six bouts all year (0-1-0-2-2-1). One of those rare losses came on September 11, 2005 at the start of the Aki Basho when he dropped his first Shonichi (Day 1) bout during his tenure as yokozuna. On November 26, 2005 a visibly emotional Asashoryu wept after winning his eighty-third bout of the year (a new record) and clinching the tournament at the same time. The six victories of 2005 combined with his victory from the final tournament of 2004 has set a new record run of seven consecutive tournament victories, including two more 15-0 wins in January and May of 2005. The great yokozuna Taihō Koki achieved the feat of six consecutive tournament victories twice, but never in a calendar year. Asashoryu now stands alone with seven, cementing his place as one of the best ever. A honbasho is the term given to any of the six official professional sumo tournaments held each year. ... is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 330th day of the year (331st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Statue of Yokozuna Taiho Taihō Koki (大鵬幸喜, born May 29, 1940 as Naya Koki). ...

Some are calling the Kyushu November 2005 Basho the "Triple Crown" of sumo, for the three records set.^[4]

• Seven straight tournaments entered, seven tournaments won.
• 90 regulation bouts contested in one year, 84 won.
• Grand Slam - winning all six tournaments in a calendar year.

2006

Asashoryu's consecutive basho streak came to an end in January 2006, when ozeki Tochiazuma took the first tournament championship of the year. Asashoryu's performance in January was a surprisingly poor 11-4 but he successfully rebounded by winning the March tournament. However, his six losses in those tournaments matched his loss total for all of 2005. In the May tournament, he sustained an injury to the ligaments in his elbow on the second day falling off of the dohyo in a surprising loss to Wakanosato and was visibly slow to rise from the ground. He was absent from the tournament the next day and later released a statement confirming he was withdrawing from the tournament. Doctors told him he would not be able to compete for two months, which meant he would miss the July tournament as well. ^[5] However, Asashoryu was ready by the start of the July tournament and won with a 14-1 record. In the following tournament, Asashoryu won his eighteenth career title with a 13-2 record, along with his 400th career bout in the upper-division. He also won the final tournament of 2006 for his nineteenth career title, the fifth he has won with a perfect 15-0 record. Tochiazuma Daisuke ) is a professional sumo wrestler. ... Wakanosato Shinobu (born 10 July 1976 as Shinobu Kogawa) is a professional sumo wrestler from Aomori prefecture, Japan. ...

2007

In January 2007, Asashoryu posted a 14-1 record, capturing his 20th career title, and fourth straight since returning from injury. In March, he dropped his first two bouts but then won thirteen in a row for a 13-2 score. However, this was not enough to win the title-- he lost a playoff for the first time in his career, to fellow Mongolian Hakuho. In May he turned in a below par 10-5 record, losing to all four ozeki and maegashira Aminishiki (although he appeared to be carrying an injury). Hakuho won this tournament as well and has now joined Asashoryu at the rank of yokozuna. Asashoryu had been the sole yokozuna for a total of 21 tournaments since the retirement of Musashimaru in November 2003-- the longest in sumo history. In July he lost to Aminishiki once again on the opening day but rallied to win the next fourteen bouts, taking his 21st title with a 14-1 record.^[6] He is just one title away from equalling Takanohana's haul of 22 tournament wins. Hakuhō Shō ) is a professional sumo wrestler. ... Maegashira is a rank in sumo wrestling. ... Aminishiki RyÅ«ji (Japanese: 安美錦 竜児, born October 3, 1978) is a Japanese sumo wrestler. ... Takanohana III Koji (貴乃花 光司 Takanohana Kōji, born August 12, 1972 as Koji Hanada (花田 光司 Hanada Kōji)) is the younger son of the late Takanohana Kenshi (formerly Ozeki Takanohana II, whose name after retirement was Futagoyama oyakata). ...

Fighting Style

Unlike his Hawaiian predecessors Akebono and Musashimaru, Asashoryu was a relative lightweight earlier in his career. He was just 129 kg in 2001, but he began bulking up to 131 kg in 2002, 140 kg by 2004, and is now about 148 kg (326 pounds), right on average. He has successfully relied on speed and technique to compete against his often much heavier opponents, though lately he has begun confronting those opponents head on with the intention of out-muscling them. His lightning speed has suffered somewhat with the extra weight though he is still much faster than most of his opponents. He famously dumped the 158 kg Kotomitsuki with a "lifting body slam" (tsuriotoshi), a feat of tremendous strength, normally accomplished on much smaller and weaker opponents. In training, he is reported to do multiple repetitions of biceps curls with 30 kg dumb-bells. Yokozuna Akebono is fitted with a tsuna belt for the last time at his retirement ceremony. ... Kotomitsuki Keiji (琴光喜啓司, born April 11, 1976 as Keiji Tamiya) is a Japanese sumo wrestler from Okazaki City in Aichi Prefecture. ...

Criticism

Asashoryu has been criticized for infractions of the strict code of conduct expected of top sumo wrestlers. Asashoryu was expected to go to the Tohoku and Hokkaidō tournaments of 2007 to fulfill requirements of his Association, but reported injuries to the left elbow and his lower back, which some think was an excuse to get out of the tournaments. He was seen soon after in a soccer match for charity with Hidetoshi Nakata in his homeland of Mongolia. The Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association, Kitanoumi, expressed confusion as to how Asashoryu could play soccer with the injuries he had previously reported. The medical forms Asashoryu had submitted to the Association indicated that injuries to his left elbow and a stress fracture in his lower back would require six weeks of rest to heal.^[7] According to The Japan Times, Asashoryu allegedly took part in the soccer event at the request of the Japanese Foreign Ministry and the Mongolian government.^[8]However, the suggestion that he had exaggerated the extent of his injuries to avoid his duties on the exhibition tour caused a media storm in Japan. On July 30th Asashoryu was ordered to return from Mongolia to explain his actions. He apologised, saying he would "reflect on what he had done" and do his best in the upcoming September tournament.^[9] This article is about a region of Japan. ...   literally North Sea Circuit, Ainu: Mosir), formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is Japans second largest island and the largest of its 47 prefectural-level subdivisions. ... Hidetoshi Nakata (中田 英寿 Nakata Hidetoshi; born January 22, 1977 in Yamanashi Prefecture), is a Japanese former football player. ... The Japan Sumo Association (日本相撲協会 or Nihon Sumo Kyokai) is the body who operate and control professional sumo wrestling in Japan. ... Kitanoumi Toshimitsu (北の湖敏満 May 16, 1953 - , as Kobata Toshimitsu , Japanese:小畑 敏満) was the dominant Yokozuna in Sumo during the 1970s. ... The Japan Times is one of the few independent English newspapers published in Japan: it mainly competes with English editions of the major dailies, such as the Daily Yomiuri and the Mainichi Daily News, as well as the International Herald Tribune. ...

However, on August 1st 2007, the Sumo Association suspended Asashoryu for that tournament as well as the next one in November, the first time in the sport's history that an active yokozuna has been suspended from a main tournament. They also announced that Asashoryu and his stablemaster Takasago would have their salaries cut by 30% for the next four months.^[10] Isenoumi, a Director of the Sumo Association, called Asashoryu's behaviour "a serious indiscretion. Given that a yokozuna should act as a good example for the other wrestlers, this punishment for his action is appropriate."^[11] Asashoryu responded by saying he would get his injuries treated and prepare for the winter regional tour and the January 2008 tournament.^[12] He was instructed to restrict his movements to his home, his stable, and the hospital.^[13] His stablemaster reported that Asashoryu was finding the severity of the punishment difficult to deal with.^[13]A psychiatrist from the Sumo Association diagnosed Asashoryu as suffering from acute stress disorder.^[14] Afterward, a Sumo Association doctor diagnosed Asashoryu as suffering from dissociative disorder.^[15] On August 28th 2007 he was allowed to return to Mongolia for treatment^[16] and he departed Japan on August 29th.^[17] Asashio Tarō IV (born 9 December 1955 as Suehiro Nagaoka) is a former sumo wrestler from Kochi, Japan. ... Acute Stress Disorder isnt a cute thing as the name suggests. ... Dissociative disorders are defined as conditions that involve disruptions or breakdowns of memory, awareness, identity and/or perception. ...

Until this incident, the most severe of his transgressions was his disqualification in the July tournament in 2003. He inadvertently pulled on Kyokushuzan's mage (traditional Japanese top knot) during their bout on Day 5 of the tournament, resulting in an immediate hansoku-make, or disqualification.^[18] He was the first yokozuna to be disqualified from a bout. This caused a furor among Japanese fans, who already had a distaste for the foreign yokozuna.^[18] Some irate fans even called him a cheat ("hansoku") during the weeks and months following this act.^{[citation needed]} His other divergences from the norm include being photographed in a suit (instead of a traditional Japanese costume), complaining to judges after losing a decision, and refusing to adopt Japanese citizenship.^[19] He has also been accused of breaking the mirror of a rival's car. ^[20]

Asashoryu was criticized for injuring Toyonoshima^[21] who suffered notable injuries at the hands of some intense practice (keiko) with Asashoryu in 2007. Since Asashoryu is known to occasionally injure other wrestlers during practice, some other high-profile wrestlers avoid training with him to avoid injury.^[22] Toyonoshima Daiki (豊ノ島大樹, born 26 June 1983 as Daiki Kajiwara) is a professional sumo wrestler from Kochi, Japan. ...

Family

Asashoryu's brothers are also active in combat sports: Dolgorsuren Sumiyabazar is a mixed martial arts fighter, and Dolgorsuren Serjbudee, a professional wrestler, competes in New Japan Pro Wrestling under the name Blue Wolf (after the Mongolian Blue Wolf legend). All Dolgorsuren brothers have strong backgrounds in Mongolian wrestling. Dolgorsuren Sumiyabazar is a high ranking Mongolian traditional wrestler. ... Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a combat sport in which a wide variety of fighting techniques are used, including striking and grappling. ... Dolgorsuren Serjbudee is a Mongolian professional wrestler who currently wrestles for New Japan Pro Wrestling. ... ... New Japan Pro Wrestling (新日本プロレス, shin nihon puroresu) is a major professional wrestling federation in Japan, founded by Antonio Inoki in 1972. ... Mongolian wrestling is a traditional Mongolian sport that has existed in Mongolia for centuries. ...

Top Division Record

Ryōgoku Kokugikan ) is an indoor sporting arena located in Tokyo, Japan. ... Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium ) is an indoor sporting arena located in Namba, Osaka, Japan. ... Ryōgoku Kokugikan ) is an indoor sporting arena located in Tokyo, Japan. ... Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium The Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium ) is an all purpose gymnasium in Aichi, Japan, built in 1964. ... Ryōgoku Kokugikan ) is an indoor sporting arena located in Tokyo, Japan. ... The Fukuoka Convention Center in Fukuoka, Japan. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Sansho or Sanshō (三賞) is a term used to describe one of the three special prizes awarded to top (Makuuchi) division sumo wrestlers for exceptional performance during a sumo honbasho or tournament. ... Kinboshi, literally meaning gold star, is a term used in professional sumo wrestling to describe a maegashira victory over a yokozuna. ... Makuuchi (幕内 )) or makunouchi (幕の内 )), is the top division of professional sumo. ... Professional Sumo is divided into 6 ranked divisions. ... Makushita is the third highest division in the professional sumo ranking system of six divisions for wrestlers. ... Sandanme (三段目) is the fourth highest division in the professional sumo ranking system of six divisions for wrestlers. ... Jonidan (序二段) is the second lowest division in the professional sumo ranking system of six divisions for wrestlers. ... Jonokuchi (序ノ口) is the lowest division in the professional sumo ranking system of six divisions for wrestlers. ... Makuuchi (幕内 )) or makunouchi (幕の内 )), is the top division of professional sumo. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into sanyaku. ... Sekiwake (関脇) is the third highest rank in professional sumo wrestling, and is one of the so-called sanyaku ranks. ... Komusubi (小結) literally means the little knot, the knot referring to the match up between two wrestlers. ... Maegashira is a rank in sumo wrestling. ...

References

1. ^ Kuroda, Joe (February 2006). A Shot At the Impossible-Yokozuna Comparison Through The Ages (English). sumofanmag.com. Retrieved on 2007-06-04.
2. ^ Asashoryu suspended for two tournaments, given 30% pay cut for playing soccer in Mongolia (English). Japan Today (1st August 2007). Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
3. ^ Buckton, Mark (23rd January 2007). Numbers break records, character creates legends (English). Japan Times. Retrieved on 2007-06-04.
4. ^ Japan's top 2005 stories: Asashoryu's record-breaking dominance of sumo (English). Mainichi Daily News (25th December 2005). Retrieved on 2007-06-04.
5. ^ Hakuho tied for lead as Asashoryu withdraws (English). Taipei Times (10th May 2006). Retrieved on 2007-06-04.
6. ^ Asashoryu wins battle of yokozuna, 21st title (English). Japan Times (23rd July 2007). Retrieved on 2007-07-23.
7. ^ Sumo association avenges years of 'misbehavior' (English). Daily Yomiuri Online (2nd August 2007). Retrieved on 2007-08-03.
8. ^ Soccer match draws JSA's ire (English). Japan Times (27th July 2007). Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
9. ^ Asashoryu returns, apologizes (English). Daily Yomiuri Online (31st July 2007). Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
10. ^ Yokozuna Asashoryu suspended for playing soccer (English). Mainichi Daily News (1st August 2007). Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
11. ^ Sumo association suspends Asashoryu from two tourneys (English). International Herald Tribune (1st August 2007). Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
12. ^ Asashoryu suspended for two tournaments, given 30% pay cut for playing soccer in Mongolia (English). Japan Today (1st August 2007). Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
13. ^ ^{a b} Asashoryu traumatized by suspension, says stablemaster (English). Japan Today (3rd August 2007). Retrieved on 2007-08-03.
14. ^ Sumo association doctor says Asashoryu on the brink (English). Daily Yomiuri Online (8th August 2007). Retrieved on 2007-08-08.
15. ^ Asashoryu 'suffering from associative disorder' (English). Daily Yomiuri Online (21th August 2007). Retrieved on 2007-08-21.
16. ^ Asashoryu heading home for treatment. Japan Times Online (2007-08-29). Retrieved on 2007-08-31.
17. ^ Troubled Asashoryu arrives in Mongolia (English). Daily Yomiuri Online (2007-08-30). Retrieved on 2007-08-31.
18. ^ ^{a b} McCurry, Justin (11th February 2004). Big In Japan (English). The Guardian. Retrieved on 2007-06-04.
19. ^ McNeill, David (7th August 2007). The sumo champion, the sickie and the story that shook Japan (English). The Independent. Retrieved on 2007-08-08.
20. ^ Sumo-"Tsar" Roho throws tantrum after defeat (English). Mail & Guardian Online (16th July 2006). Retrieved on 2007-06-04.
21. ^ Sumo association avenges years of 'misbehavior' (English). Daily Yomiuri Online (2nd August 2007). Retrieved on 2007-08-03.
22. ^ Smallish Asashoryu having super-size effect on sumo (English). Honolulu Advertiser (5th June 2007). Retrieved on 2007-08-03.
23. ^ Rikishi in Juryo and Makunouchi (English). szumo.hu. Retrieved on 2007-06-07.

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... June 4 is the 155th day of the year (156th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 213th day of the year (214th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Japan Times is one of the few independent English newspapers published in Japan: it mainly competes with English editions of the major dailies, such as the Daily Yomiuri and the Mainichi Daily News, as well as the International Herald Tribune. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... June 4 is the 155th day of the year (156th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... June 4 is the 155th day of the year (156th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... June 4 is the 155th day of the year (156th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Japan Times is one of the few independent English newspapers published in Japan: it mainly competes with English editions of the major dailies, such as the Daily Yomiuri and the Mainichi Daily News, as well as the International Herald Tribune. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 204th day of the year (205th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 215th day of the year (216th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Japan Times is one of the few independent English newspapers published in Japan: it mainly competes with English editions of the major dailies, such as the Daily Yomiuri and the Mainichi Daily News, as well as the International Herald Tribune. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 208th day of the year (209th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 213th day of the year (214th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 213th day of the year (214th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The International Herald Tribune is a widely read English language international newspaper. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 213th day of the year (214th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 213th day of the year (214th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 215th day of the year (216th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 220th day of the year (221st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 233rd day of the year (234th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Japan Times is one of the few independent English newspapers published in Japan: it mainly competes with English editions of the major dailies, such as the Daily Yomiuri and the Mainichi Daily News, as well as the International Herald Tribune. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 243rd day of the year (244th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 243rd day of the year (244th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Guardian is a British newspaper owned by the Guardian Media Group. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... June 4 is the 155th day of the year (156th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Independent is a British compact newspaper published by Tony OReillys Independent News & Media. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 220th day of the year (221st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... June 4 is the 155th day of the year (156th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 215th day of the year (216th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 215th day of the year (216th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... June 7 is the 158th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (159th in leap years), with 207 days remaining. ...

See also

• Glossary of sumo terms
• List of active sumo wrestlers
• List of yokozuna

The following words are terms used in sumo wrestling in Japan. ... The currently active Sumo wrestlers competing in the top division (in November 2006) include the following: // Asashoryu Akinori Chiyotaikai Ryuji Hakuho Sho Kaio Hiroyuki Tochiazuma Daisuke Kotooshu Katsunori Kotomitsuki Keiji Miyabiyama Tetsushi Aminishiki Ryuji Kisenosato Yutaka Kokkai Futoshi Roho Yukio Ama Kohei Aminishiki Ryuji Asasekiryu Taro Asofuji Seiya Baruto Kaito... This is a list of all Sumo wrestlers who have reached the sports highest rank of Yokozuna. ...

External websites

• Nihon Sumo Kyokai - Biography
• Special report on the rise of Mongolians in Japan's national, indigenous sport.
• Pictures of Asashoryu losing in the May 2007 Sumo Tournament in Tokyo