Sunday, January 22

All foreigners crashed out of the New Year Basho, leaving native son Tochiazuma to clean up the tourney with an almost perfect 14-1 record. Tochiazuma disposed of Yokozuna Asashoryu on the final day to clinch victory, leaving rank and filer Hakuho high and dry and with no chance to play off for the Emperor's cup.

It was Tochiazuma's third crown and his first in over two years. The big-hearted Japanese had to contend with an unprecedented number of foreigners cluttering up the upper ranks of Sumo, yet swept them all aside on his way to victory. Japanese, with their smaller bodies and more honest work ethic, have to try harder against the massive physiques and wily techniques of the foreign wrestlers, leading to a decline in popularity in the sport. Tochiazuma's resurgence may lead to greater interest in a tradition that has been dirtied recently with the presence of so many foreigners, despite efforts to cap their numbers.

The Rising Sun-Times Sumo correspondent, Hinomaru Ojisan, was unavailable for comment after going completely bananas after the final bout.

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