“You endured an acute pain, I was truly touched! Congratulations!”

by Junichiro Koizumi

            Junichiro Koizumi, a prime minister (2001-2006) told “You endured an acute pain, I was truly touched! Congratulations!” to Takanohana, 65th Yokozuna who won the playoff of Natsu Basho (summer Grand Sumo Tournament) in 2001. Sumo fans call Takanohana “Heisei era big Yokoduna” because he won the championships 22 times and the last championship was special. Let’s have a look at the process to know why prime minister Koizumi said a historic wise saying. Before the Natsu basho, Takanohana’s condition was good enough to win his 22nd championship. His sumo was orthodox, but he had been showing overwhelming sumo matches until 13th day of Natsu Basho. However, a big incident happened on 14th day. He lost the bout against Musoyama, but he still have a chance to win the championship because he led of one over Musashimaru who is another Yokozuna in a competition for the championship. However, he injured his knees. A meniscus injury actually happened then. He couldn’t even walk. No one thought he could take part in the sumo in the last day. The last day of the grand sumo tournament came. Everyone paid attention to whether Takanohana took part in the bout, but Takanohana decided to take part in the last match with Musashimaru. He couldn’t have a sumo bout as usual. His right knee was taped closely. After he lost the regularly scheduled bouts, his left knees spilled blood since he hit his knee on a ring. Musashimaru catched up Takanohana then, so they had a playoff. Takanohana incredibly won the playoff by uwatenage with all his strength, and showed a frantic look. His playoff bout moved not only sumo fan but the nation. Junichiro koizumi just became a prime minister with his popularity. He attended Natsu basho award ceremony. The award ceremony usually practice presentations of the Emperor’s Cup with a few words, but he said “You endured an acute pain, I was truly touched! Congratulation!” with so much excitement. This is one of the most Heisei era wise sayings because that admire Takanohana who endured pain and achieved impressive 22th championship. The Natsu basho ended as legendary basho.

(Ex-Canadian)