Now, last but not least, the final match starts. In sumo, we call the final match of the day musubi no ichiban (musubi=to conclude, ichiban=match) and this is the greatest match that concludes that day.
Of course, the musubi no ichiban of this tournament is the match of yokozuna Asashoryu.
Asashoryu actually is not a Japanese rikishi. He is a Mongolian rikishi, but his absolute strength that keeps the other rikishi away and his artless character made him a very popular rikishi among Japanese sumo fans.
Some people dislike him for his attitude and character which can be disrespectful at times, but there’s probably some jealousy and sarcasm included against the rikishi who is just way too strong.
Anyway, so this musubi no ichiban of this yokozuna was something appropriate to call a yokozuna-zumo (a sumo of a yokozuna, i.e., a powerful match) and was outstanding.
He didn’t give the opponent the slightest chance of taking advantage of him and made a sweeping victory in an instant. |
Rewards are prepared by sponsors for matches of famous rikishi such as the yokozuna,
and banners with the names of the sponsors appear before the match.
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The tense moment right before the match. The expression on the yokozuna’s face is so serious and concentrated that it may make a little kid cry, lol. |
