New Ozeki Toyoshoryu, who was aiming for Yokozuna but lost a series of matches in the early rounds, “Wearing a rapper T-shirt with two boxes of Misdo’s in one hand” Photo
He looks just like his uncle! Asashoryu's nephew is moving up the ranks at a rapid pace! The "next yokozuna candidate" who aims to win two consecutive championships this fall.
The new ozeki was relaxed even though the first day of the Aki-no-Matsuri Tournament was coming up the next day.
Toyoshoryu (24), who had a cab waiting for him near the Tachinami room, walked out in a casual style, wearing a 2PAC T-shirt and half pants. He grabbed two boxes of Misfuds with his left hand! With one left hand, he grabbed two boxes of Misfit’s and climbed into the back seat of the car.
He was a very private person,” he said with a laugh, “and he is becoming more and more like my uncle Asashoryu (42). Toyoshoryu studied at Nisshoku University Kashiwa High School at the age of 15. He initially wanted to become a wrestler, but his interest in sumo was sparked when he watched a summer tournament during a field trip in his first year of high school. After consulting with his uncle, he decided to pursue a career in sumo, and after graduation he joined the Tachinami stable. After graduating, he joined the Tachinami stable and steadily rose up the ranks,” said a reporter from the sports department of a national newspaper.
In July, he won the Nagoya tournament with 12 wins. He was promoted to ozeki. According to this reporter, he is already in line for the ozeki-rank.
Many observers consider Toyoshoryu the best candidate for the next yokozuna, even though he is a new ozeki. He is humble and hardworking, despite his speedy promotion to ozeki, which required only 33 days from his first bout. Asashoryu practiced hard both in his stable and on tour, and Toyoshoryu was also a training bug. Even after becoming an ozeki, he still takes the initiative in leading the training hall. He must understand the importance of training. He also inherited from his uncle the strength of feeling that made him decide to become an ozeki with just one chance. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is promoted to yokozuna at once.
In the remarkable autumn tournament, he started the day with a white star but lost three consecutive matches from the second day. …… We look forward to the birth of a yokozuna as memorable as his uncle, who was dynamic in both sumo and life.
From the September 29, 2023 issue of FRIDAY
PHOTO： Junsei Todoroki
