Subaru Girl Viki

2010-09-09T13:19:00.003+09:00

As many old friends know I just don't have time to write and update a blog and keep my Facebook updated as well! I can update Facebook via mobile phone so that is so easy!

Please click the link below to go to my Facebook page for news and pictures of Rally Japan!!!!

VIKI's FACEBOOK

*if you don't have a Facebook account you can still see all the photos in my albums!*

2009-05-04T00:49:00.002+09:00

Please Check my FACEBOOK page for lots of updates & pictures!!!!!

Viki's Facebook HERE

PICTURES HERE

RECENT:
TOKITSUKAZE ASAGEIKO

ASAKUBO #1
ASAKUBO #2

YASUKUNI JINJA #1
YASUKUNI JINJA #2
YASUKUNI JINJA #3
YASUKUNI JINJA #4
YASUKUNI JINJA #5
YASUKUNI JINJA #6

2009-05-04T00:42:00.002+09:00

Chiyohakuho after asageiko today!

2009-02-15T23:16:00.002+09:00

Today's autographs!!!
Car Roof #1 Kotokasuga
(He's a rally fan, we met in a traffic jam)

Kotokuni also on the roof near the the back! Next to Eyvind!! :)

Kotoshogiku :-)

Front roof above Ilka Minor

Kisenosato at the far left of the dash!
The others here are next to him in the big sign is Mienoumi
English autograph at the bottom is Yuya Sumiyama (Cusco racing)

Well, the dashboard is sideways here! But I am too sleepy and can't fix it now!
That is Kotooshu in the middle and Kotomitsuki to his right!
Left is Ryuo of Miyagino Beya.

2009-02-15T21:42:00.002+09:00

Sorry not to update the blog for a long time!!!
Actually I got onto Facebook due to my cousin working for the company & all my rally friends and drivers being on there. Then that ends up taking so much time! I've been making albums which is a day and beyond to upload the pictures!

Here is a link to my facebook page! Though I don't know if you can access without being a member of facebook!

Some things I've been doing....
Toshi Arai had his annual fan party in January on the 10th. It was a lot of fun! A few photos are posted here! Took Toshi driving. He's better at driving than co-driving :-)
Seriously it was great fun to have him driving around and talking in my car!!!!

Went to Gunsai Rally Festa in December! It was a strangely warm day compared to the weather before and after that!!! Photos here! All the local Japanese drivers who came sined my car!!! :)

Been to some Asageiko (morning practice) at some heya these days too!
But trying to get tons of photos uploaded first to get them on an album!!!

I also went to a danpatsushiki (top knot cutting ceremony) for retiring rikishi! That was Jan 31st. It was really great but very sad in a way!!! I mean I love both the guys who retired!
There are three albums on facebook:

Kasugano : Tochinohana & Tochisakae Danpatsushiki

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

More updates later! :)

2008-11-08T03:52:00.002+09:00

Rally Japan 2008

Quick Post of pics of my favorite guys!

Rally story and many more pictures to come!

More info in English & Japanese at:

www.pettersolberg.com

2008-11-08T03:38:00.005+09:00

My Hero Forever & The Most Handsome Rally Driver EVER!!!!
Petter Solberg!!!!!!

My new young Norwegian hero:
Eyvind Brynildsen
He is a REAL Cutie!!!!!
& a future WRC World Champion!

Toni Gardemeister!
He was never so cool as this year in Japan! I have seen Toni many times but never THIS cool and sexy Toni!

I fell in love with Suzuki guys, but Phil Mills (Petter's co-driver) wants me to stay away from the yellow and stick with the blue! :-)

Tomi Tuominen - Toni's co-driver!
Another sexy Finn!
What can I say to Phil? These two handsome Finns are hard to stay away from! (Sorry Phil!)

*Toni & Tomi, I miss seeing you every day and getting your hugs already!*

2008-10-06T00:51:00.003+09:00

Ozakiumi on Saturday the 20th.

Aiyama vs. Ozakiumi
The match that broke my heart!
Many of you know I've known Aiyama-kun for some time!
I hate it when guys I like have to fight each other! Sometimes I can't watch.

Ozakiumi from Shonichi

2008-10-05T23:42:00.003+09:00

Ozakiumi 尾崎海
Ranked Jonidan 28 in Aki Basho
Was Jonokuchi Yusho (winner) in Nagoya
23 Years old From Shizuoka prefecture
Definitely a future Sekitori and not long till he gets there probably!

Ozakiumi with Tomomi at his heya: Dewanoumi Beya

Ozakiumi with Meg

Ozakiumi with me!

Three of us members of his new Fan Club! I am the president!

2008-10-05T23:29:00.002+09:00

Shonichi: Tomomi & I holding Russian flag for Aran in Juryo Dohyo-iri! Press guy took this photo of us for magazine!

And later after his match with Aran!! Aran is the only Russian Sekitori left after the big drug scandal. All the other Russians were kicked out of Sumo!

These are sweet tsukebitos of Asashoryu! Asadoryu, Asakubo and Asaarimoto.
They actually tried to speak some English! Met them while waiting for Ama on Shonichi. Those are chocolate bars in their mouths! I gave chocolate bars to some tsukebito and yobidashi for their hard work every day! They were really really nice and friendly guys and from that day on I supported them 100% in their early morning matches!!!

2008-10-05T21:34:00.002+09:00

Aki Basho Report!

Unbelievably the September Aki Basho has ended one week ago today. At this very time I write this I think what a great time I was having at dinner with my friend Chris and Anne talking about the days we spent at the basho this time!

Unfortunately Anne was quite sick that day and maybe spending 13 hours with her continuously was not in best judgment for my body because I got sick on Monday. But Anne, as you read this please know that I wouldn't have wanted it any other way! YOU made my Senshuraku one of the best I have ever had and I will remember the entire day from 0930 on with you by my side (most of the time) making some of my greatest memories! (next time leave your cold at home! LOL)

As of tonight I'm feeling a bit human so I try to give a short update. I have a really busy week and will be out of town till Friday so the rest of the report has to wait!

My highlights were meeting new friends! And meeting rikishi I had never met before and meeting (or was that stalking) yobidashi for the first time. Everyone that I had contact with during this basho made the two weeks really a special time I can never forget.

So where should I start? First I should say that I met quite a few new sumo fan friends. There was Martina from Germany who I've known from internet Sumo forum for some time. I talked to her quite briefly but nonethless was finally able to meet her in person!

Next was Anne, another lovely gal from Germany who I spent just two days with but Senshuraku being totally the best together as we did our best to manage to sit in the Tamari seki around the dohyo through the very end and through the awards. We were sneaky together and it was great! We enjoyed everything together from the young kids in the morning through Ama and Baruto and Hakuho in the evening. Anne, you made Senshuraku fantastic, thanks for being there with me!

I also met Shoko, who I had actually already met when buying tickets in August. She is a total Sumo freak. We talked a bit during the first couple days of the basho but then a few days in she introduced me to her friends (and now my friends..) Hamasaki-san (Hama-chan) and Tatsumi-san (Ta-chan) and I sat with them most days after that at least until around 1500. Hama-chan and Ta-chan are like the experts of Sumo. If there is something they don't know I'd be surprised. They taught me so much that I am truly forever in their debt. I mean information about the very youngest rikishi and yobidashi to things about their families, home towns and facts and figures and you name it-they know it. Thank you Shoko for introducing me to them!! Shoko & I enjoyed some days of Sumo together but she has many friends too and we didn't always sit together. Like me she was often floating around. She was also often there from 0830 in the morning so needed to move around and stretch her legs and talk to so many friends. But the days I did spend with her were wonderful ones. And the evenings stalking Ama at the end were always great. We were always happy to see Ama! Shoko and I also enjoyed going to some heya together and meeting some rikishi after Sumo. When we hung out together we were always the last two to leave and would say goodbye to 90% of the Kokugikan staff on their way out. Oh and I almost forgot Shoko's parents!! I met her dad just once but her mom a few times! They are very nice and I like her mom a lot!

One night I also met one of my future best friends Harumi! She is really cool, been living in New York. She is Sumo freak as well and we hit it off well. I met her and then ended up having ramen with her at Aminishiki's favorite ramen shop near the kokugikan. That is really delicious, I ate there twice this time. Intending to eat and run we ended up talking till nearly midnight. I almost didn't make it to work the next day. Harumi is really cool and I look forward to hanging out with her a lot.

Megu-chan who lives semi-near me here in Saitama was another great friend I met. We only shared two days of Sumo but they were fun! Meg is a sweetie and I look forward to getting to know her more and doing fun things with her. Stalking Ama or whatever? Megu-chan, thanks for helping me support Kaisei and Kihaku so much! I really appreciate it and for comforting me on Senshuraku when I couldn't stop crying. I really appreciate it!!! I love you for that!

I enjoyed sumo some days with my friends the Umezakis. I also actually met them in line buying tickets in August. But it was the first time to watch some Sumo with them. Like me they would always be there at 0830 on the days they could come.

I met a few other nice people but some I don't remember their names. One sweet JHS girl who if she is reading this... let you know I'll send you the picture you took with Ama later, I haven't downloaded it yet to my PC! She was very cute and wrote nice love letters to Ama and was waiting with me twice to give him. He was quite sweet in a photo they took together!! His smile was one of the best I have seen! She showed him her Ama phone strap and his smile was even bigger! Ama is a gem and treats his fans very well. I waited for him every day I was at the tournament and honestly started to feel like his personal stalker. Because I waited different days with different people. But for me always there! But truly I was not stalking Ama, as I've fallen in love with his tsukebito Isenohana! I think it might have started during the May basho but the more times I talked to him and took pictures with him the more I liked him. I always supported him in the morning matches. He always thanked me for that! Sorry Ama, you have too many women anyway.... :-)

I met and talked to many new rikishi I hadn't before. Finally I met the young love of my life.. Kotomisen! :-) He is even more cute in person! I also finally met Kotokobai which was fabulous. I started liking them when I saw their pictures on Kotoshogiku's blog. This basho Kotomisen was tsukebito for Kotokasuga. I met him as well and Kotoninsei who is really a cutie. (disclaimer, there are only cuties at Sadogatake beya and that includes sexy Oyakata!) I talked with them more than one day and one day I talked with Kotokasuga stuck in traffic in the car next to me when I had to leave early for work. Turns out he is a WRC fan so we talked about my car. I will take my car to Sadogatake the next chance and he promised to sign it for me and I'll take him for a ride as well.

I met many of the younger guys this time that I wanted to meet. Especially Nara who I first saw at the Hatsubasho in 2007. His matches were in Jonokuchi so early in the morning. The reason I had to be there so early was for him and for Kawahara of Onomatsu beya they had the first matches of the morning!
Nara is really a nice kid, I tried to support him as much as I could. He is in Magaki beya and with so much trouble they had with Wakanoho's arrest and the media circus I figured there was a lot of tension at that heya, I hoped he'd do well despite prebasho tension. He also works hard as assistant for Magaki Oyakata who is in a wheelchair. So after Nara's matches he has to take care of Oyakata as well. Very busy for him.

I also met Iwashimizu who I first spotted in August at Sumo exercises after buying my tickets. He is tiny but he is really muscular! He had a fantastic basho and my friends and I cheered so loud for him one day (and we were the only two doing so in the whole kokugikan at such an early hour) that you would have thought we just saw Baruto and Hakuho. He was so polite and came off the doyho and bowed and thanked us. He is a cute kid, 16 years old! After his match I waited outside and introduced myself to him and gave him some special cookies. (they are the same ones that got Toyonoshima up to Sekiwake... they are really lucky type!)
Again he was so polite and thanked me for supporting him and for the cookies. I really look forward to watching his career advance! He will do well, I am confident of it. Since he is from Kyoto I suppose I can be his substitute mom around this area!

And another guy I was so lucky to meet was Ozakiumi from Dewanoumi beya. This was only his 2nd tournament. But I learned his name from the last basho in Nagoya where he got the Jonokuchi yusho. He had an interview on TV. I wrote down all his information in my "Sumo Bible" (some day take a picture of that to show you..)
His bio wasn't in that book yet as it was printed before his debut.

I cheered him (all by myself for some days) in this basho but he told me he was happy when I finally met him. Midway through the basho on 23rd, he was leaving as my friends and I were waiting for Kaisei to come. I just casually said "congratulations" to him on that day's win and he nodded. Then when he was almost out the door my friends asked "who was that?" When I said "Ozakiumi" he heard me and turned around. Maybe surprised that his name was well known in this 2nd basho?! He looked happy though so we decided at the end of the day to go and meet him. He couldn't stop that day as he is also a tsukebito for Futeno and was going back to the heya to get him. So after we left Kokugikan we got in my car, four women and went to his heya. I brought him cookies of course, those Toyonoshima Sekiwake cookies of course!
Think they were surprised when we asked for him since he is not one of the higher ranked and hasn't been there long. But he looked surprised and happy to meet us and took pictures with us. I told him how I got to know him from his Jonokuchi interview on TV. Finally we left, we wondered what stories he had to tell his heya mates about those four women who came to see him! He was really a nice guy and I missed his next match while I was working but Shoko and Harumi cheered him for me I think... :-)

Shoko and I also went to his heya on the last Saturday as we didn't see him the last day. He was so sweet and talked to us for a long time. Maybe 40 minutes while my other two friends who came to Sumo with me waited in the car. But it was hard to tear ourselves away. He was pretty amazed that he has a fan club... he asked if I was the president. Shoko said of course! I think it is not too shabby for a fan club in your 2nd basho of your career. Fan club includes 5 women and 3 men. Those aren't bad odds either! Tomomi, Shoko, Megu, Harumi and myself along with Chris (seems he was drafted but still...) and Ta-chan and Hama-chan who also helped me cheer him!

Well finally we left him with some more cookies and some for his heya mates so they weren't too jealous. Ozakiumi is a college graduate of Toyo Univ. the same university as Kimurayama (of Kasugano beya). So he has short hair still, when can he have a mage? who knows? I wonder how fast his hair grows! He doesn't have "rikishi smell" yet. ("rikishi smell" is coined by my best friend Kazuko who almost made me break a leg getting out of a convenience store bathroom one day when she banged on the door and said "there is a young cutie out here and he smells like rikishi!")
That was the day we tried to find him walking on the streets and ran straight into Aran who was still in Makushita back then and washing mawashi at the coin laundry! Now Aran is going to be in Makuuchi in the next basho... he has tsukebito now, no more washing mawashi for him!!!

Shoko talked about "rikishi smell" with Ozakiumi. She told him it was like aromatherapy for us. :-) Good one there Shoko. But she is dead on at least for me, her and Kazuko there is nothing greater than rikishi smell! That comes from their hair wax which Shoko said she sometimes uses herself! Wow! Maybe Kazuko and I should get some and just put it out in the room and really use it for aromatherapy!

Surely after that aromatherapy talk you'd think that he'd be scared of us but no, he kept on chatting. While thinking to himself.. what is wrong with these women...? hair wax for rikishi mage is their aromatherapy? Crazy????

I also met two Yobidashi: Keisuke and Kohei. Keisukei's story is interesting. Some time before this basho my good friend Miwa said she wanted to meet him. Being a good friend I vowed to meet him myself before the day she would come to Kokugikan at the halfway point in the basho. By the end of the first day I must say I had made eye contact with him! And we were exchanging greetings by day two. Good job by me!
I also had time to find Kohei another yobidashi who was nice. He always smiled at me and was friendly. So in my "Sumo Bible" I looked Kohei up and found out our birthdays are one day apart. That was my opening and I stopped him one day and introduced myself to him using the birthday thing.. later I introduced him to my other friends and we always talked to him when he was leaving at the end of the day. I introduced him to Miwa and asked him to introduce her to Keisuke but that day he was in a hurry and had to leave immediately after the matches. Miwa did give him some sweets and took a picture with him though! That was nice!!!

Thanks to Keisuke and Kohei for making a fun basho for us. They have really great voices and we enjoyed listening. Oh and they are cute too so not bad on the eyes! For those of you reading who don't know what Yobidashi are they are the ones who are annoucing the rikishi before each match, they also clean up the dohyo and take care of the shimpan (judges) and the salt and water later in the day. They carry the kensho (bonus money) banners during the later matches and they have to watch the people in the tamari seats around the dohyo make sure they aren't eating or drinking or doing something dangerous. On last day Kohei had emergency work, suddenly during a match of young guys an old man was trying to climb on to the dohyo. He moved so slowly but he was suddenly there came out of nowhere. Kohei had a job to pull him away. It was so dangerous. Turned out he was Mongolian guy so probably didn't know what Kohei tried to tell him. Good job Kohei, he saved the day!

I mentioned new people I met but forgot to mention my "old" friends who made my Sumo fantastic as well!!!

I enjoyed two days with my best friend Kazuko and one day her sister Tomomi came. But on that day Kazuko spent most of the afternoon with Tomomi outside taking pictures with rikishi. It was Tomomi's first tournament at Kokugikan and taking pictures of the higher ranked rikishi as they arrived and all was a bit more interesting for her. As for me, I'm so much more interested in the lower ranked guys... :-)

And one day my friend (and student) Miwa came as I mentioned, she came to stalk Keisuke with a 2nd goal to watch some Sumo! She is a sumo fan a little, otherwise she wouldn't have seen Keisuke on TV and fell in love with him in the Nagoya basho!

Twice my co-worker and great friend Koike-sensei came. Once with his friend Aizono who is friend of Onomatsu Oyakata and introduced us to him in June. That day was Senshuraku and the two of them enjoyed walking around and changing seats and watching here and there all day. Anne and I glued our butts to the zabuton in Tamari all day!

My sweet sumo stalking friend Tomomi came twice with me. Once on the first day Shonichi and once on 23rd with Koike-san. She like me loves many Kasugano guys, especially Tochinocutie.. I mean Tochinokuni! We always mess that up! We had a great time and she helped me scream for Kaisei and Kihaku those days too!

My friend Ogaki-san came on Shonichi but he wasn't into sitting in the tamari all day so while Tomomi and I sat there he sat in our box all day. Once Chris went to talk to him too. He had a great time but watched Sumo alone all day. Tomomi and I made it until 1630 or 1700 I think sitting in Tamari that day!

On the first Monday my friend Mike came with me. He came from early morning, meeting me at my hotel and driving over with me. We watched with the Umezaki's that day. Mike and I managed to sit in Tamari all day. Our box remained empty the entire day. Just with video camera and dead battery up in the box. We did a great job, Mike was so lucky to pick two seats that nobody showed up for. We sat in those two seats without being asked to move from 1600-1800 continuously. Other days we had to move around as people came but Mike, he was the luckiest! Mike helped me stalk Keisuke that day a lot too. I guess that was a little strange... for Keisuke anyway! :)

On the weekedays mostly I just sat with Ta-chan and Hama-chan and Shoko most of the days.

I will try to post pictures and more information later!!!

It was a fantastic basho but I was dead tired. It was the first time in my life to go almost every day and the first time to go from 0830 every day. The last Saturday I didn't realize the schedule had been adjusted to start at 1025 and I came at 0830 running from the parking lot... I was out of breath when Tatsunami Oyakata asked me why I was running... "of course I can't miss Nara and Kawahara in Jonokuchi.." he said "you won't, it starts two hours later today!" Duh! I was the only one there. I watched Yobidashi play jank-ken (rock, scissors, paper) to decide their daily duties!

I ate my breakfast too! And relaxed... but boy another 2 hours sleep would have been great considering I had only 2.5 hours of sleep that night before!

Please check back when I come back to Japan after Friday!!

2008-09-07T23:34:00.003+09:00

Kasugano Asageiko Sept 7, 2008

What does this have to do with Asageiko (morning practice) you ask? Nothing really, except that today after asageiko recently retired Tochinohana, now Hatachiyama Oyakata signed my Legacy and added his name to the many fantastic people who have signed already!

What a treat for me!!! He's the first one to sign my car "nearly" naked.. Ama and Aminishiki wore towels! :-)

I almost couldn't drive home.. too excited to sit in my seat!!
Thanks Hatachiyama for signing my car!!! Wow, that is cool!!
You can find his blog here as well! He is a real cutie! Always one of my favorites!

2008-09-06T00:34:00.002+09:00

Happy Birthday 片山 Katayama!!!
Today is Katayama's 29th birthday! Congratulations!!!

Katayama is so limber! I can't believe it! I wasn't this limber as a child!

Katayama after asageiko in June! He's really a great guy! Wishing you a great birthday today!!! And many more in the future of course!! A nice birthday present will be a kachi-koshi for you!!!

2008-09-02T03:01:00.002+09:00

Banzuke 番付

Today was banzuke day! I was so nervous and excited all day!!! The first good news I got was a text message from my friend Bobby telling me that Baruto was ranked at East Komusubi! That is just fantastic news!! Congratulations Baruto!!! And thanks Bobby for your early morning text!

The best news for me besides Baruto...

Kihaku has moved up in a huge leap to East Sandame 35!!!

Kitazakura has moved up a bit to West Juryo 1!!!

Of course other guys have good news too but these are my best three today!

Followed by Toyonoshima's promotion to West Sekiwake opposite Ama!

I will have to post more news later due to the early hour...

Congratulations to all the promotions! And hope everyone has good luck in the upcoming basho!!! Those of you who slipped down will just have to work harder to jump back up!

An English version of the Banzuke 番付 can be found here but only the two upper ranks!

2008-09-01T02:26:00.003+09:00

Today is Banzuke 番付 Day!!!!!

The Official Sumo Ranking will be out in a few hours time...
I can't sleep!!!! I will post the information tonight (seeing as how it is already today at 2:30am!) when I get home from work!

I have to try to sleep now!!!!

I hope all my guys are going to have nice banzuke position!!!!

2008-09-01T02:09:00.006+09:00

Happy Birthday 鬪鵬 Toho!!!!
Sorry this is a few days late!!!
Toho's birthday was actually on Wednesday August 27th!
He was 28 on that day!
Toho is in the Otake Beya the same heya as my best friend Kihaku!

Toho,
If you read this I am sorry to post late! But as you know I didn't forget you! Hope you enjoyed the cookies and snacks I brought by on Friday!!!
Love, Viki

2008-08-26T04:50:00.002+09:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Onomatsu beya's 阿武松部屋 Amuru 阿夢露 turned 25 on August 25th!
Congratulations!!!!!

One of my best friends; Chris with Amuru taken at the Natsu basho in May! Amuru doesn't look so tall alone but next to Chris you can see he really is a tall guy! 192cm or 6'3" but very sexy and fit! He's just 109kgs (240lbs) and he is ALL muscle!

2008-08-13T04:58:00.002+09:00

Sexiest Oyakata!!!
Futagoyama Oyakata of Otake Beya

I couldn't resist just posting this picture now that I got it downloaded from my camera!! Last week I had to stand in line all night Thursday to buy tickets to the September basho. In the morning (looking scary from being up and drinking wine all night..) I saw Futagoyama Oyakata doing Sumo Exercises with young rikishi and some other local people in front of the Kokugikan before taking care of kid's sumo training. He saw me outside the gate and invited me and my new friend Yuko in from where we were watching!

After the exercises we even got a stamp card saying we participated. In fact I did absolutely nothing but take pictures since I was wearing a dress! Wait, I did do something... I flirted with the Oyakata!

With the stamp card were some Hello Kitty plastic dishes, bottle of water and some candy. Not to mention the best benefit, a hug and a photo with the Sexy Oyakata!! Can you believe he looks so good in Mawashi? He's almost 48 years old! There are a lot of current rikishi who do not look this good in Mawashi!!!

I wish I lived closer to the Kokugikan (as in not a few hours and tons of highway tolls and gas away here in Saitama!) that way I would be able to go every day from next Monday for two weeks to the morning practices for summer. Get more stamps on my card and more hugs?

Thank you Futagoyama Oyakata! I was dead tired, no sleep in two days and you really made my day!!!!!

I will write and post pictures of the great event of standing in line to buy sumo tickets. Incredible but I had fun, made new friends and it wasn't so bad. I got exactly the seats I wanted and enough tickets thanks to Shoo-kun who gave me his number to buy two more boxes!! Only two boxes per number so Tomomi and I worried what we would do but got lucky to meet nice Teikyo University boys (Takuya & Shoo) and got one of their numbers!

I have pictures of people "camping" in tents so I'll get them posted soon! Unbelievable!!! We arrived at 11pm and the first people were there before 8pm.

2008-07-25T03:02:00.002+09:00

Happy Belated Birthday Kaio 魁皇 !
Thursday was Kaio's 36th birthday!
He celebrated with a nice birthday win rich also gave him the kachi-koshi (more wins than loses required to keep your rank!)
Congratulations Kaio on your win, your birthday and your kachi-koshi!!!

Shamelessly I can't find any decent photos of Kaio tonight. This was taken on the first day of the May basho in Tokyo. Kaio with Baruto! Kaio right front!

Another in the match with Baruto. Kaio is facing this way.. :)

2008-07-25T02:53:00.002+09:00

Nagoya Basho Update!
Quite a late update but some exciting things are going on!
Kihaku 氣魄 Update first:
He was able to win on the 9th day and was at 5-0!!!
However on the 10th day he faced Fukao.
Fukao has never been beaten in his short Sumo career except once in a play off match! Kihaku did a fantastic job against him! The match was late enough in the day that it was broadcast on TV so I could watch it! Kihaku was so cool!! That day Kihaku went 5-1!
There is one more match to go for him which will likely be Saturday! I'm sure of a victory and a 5-2 outstanding record!!
Kihaku we love you and support you always!! You have 8 members in your fan club now.. growing daily!
Good Luck!!!!

2008-07-21T02:44:00.004+09:00

Good Luck Kihaku!!!!!
Today is day 9 of the Nagoya Basho!
Kihaku 氣魄 (at W-sd65) is unbeaten with a perfect 4-0 record. Only 10 others share this lead in Sandame (三段目)!
Today he faces one of them: Masuhikari 舛光理 (at W-sd72)

Kihaku,
Chris, Tomomi, Kazuko, Koike-sensei & I are behind you all the way!!! Do your best and remember we are here in Tokyo/Saitama and cheering for you!!!! We are only a small Fan Club but we are powerful like a big one!
Good Luck to you!!!!
Love,
Viki

(photo credit: Chris Gould, May 12, 2008)

2008-07-17T01:28:00.003+09:00

Happy 21st Birthday Tochiminato!!!!

栃港お誕生日おめでとう御座います。

Tochiminato Good Luck today in your "birthday" match with Nishtani!!

2008-07-17T01:00:00.003+09:00

平成20年名古屋場所

2008 Nagoya Basho

The Nagoya Basho is not off to a bad start! I haven't been able to update the last couple of nights due to barely having enough time to check the lower division results before falling asleep!! It is almost summer vacation.. I have to hang on a bit more!! It is hot in Tokyo/Saitama and it is hot in Nagoya as well! It is so hot that I feel naseuous in the afternoons. So, I worried about how the guys are feeling in Nagoya! Talked with the Mihogaseki beya manager on on Monday, he said it was so hot they were losing weight! Not good for Rikishi me thinks! Likewise talked with Tochinoshin Monday night, the heat isn't comfortable for him as well! I think it is a bit hotter here temperature wise but considering they are up and training before the day's bouts on an outside dohyo they must feel hotter than me! Take care in the heat you guys!!!

As of Wednesday the 4th day I am thrilled to report that my Juryo sweetie Wakakoyu is undefeated!! Unfortunately today Kitazakura suffered his first loss and is now 3-1. He'll bounce back tomorrow! He was disappointed but they showed him smiling a bit later. He's over it now and ready to move on tomorrow!!! Aran is having a bit harder time as a new Juryo guy with another loss today making him 2-2. Tochinoshin had another win today and he is at 3-1. Kimurayama suffered his first loss yesterday and is also at 3-1!

In the lower divisions (they only have 7 matches out of 15 days, so not every day) my best sweetie 氣魄 Kihaku is also undefeated!! Today he had a great win over 富士ノ風 Fujinokaze! GREAT JOB Kihaku with 2-0. He has another match tomorrow with 旭隆岳 Kyokuryudake so please wish him luck with me!!!

My other sweetie 栃港 Tochiminato has a "birthday" match tomorrow with 西谷 Nishitani!!! Hoping he can have a nice birthday win!!! Good Luck!!!!

I will try a much better update tomorrow!!!
It is just going on 2am soon and I'm not even ready for tomorrow's lectures yet!

Good Night!!

2008-07-13T23:54:00.002+09:00

平成20年名古屋場所
2008 Nagoya Basho

The Nagoya basho has started off great!!! I couldn't be more pleased with the results on Day 1! Almost everyone I cheered for was triumphant today! It doesn't get any better!

The best and happiest was the Makuuchi Debut & Birthday Win by Kimurayama!! Congratulations to you Kimurayama! You really deserved it. Now, keep up the good work!

Another best for me was the fantastic win of Kitazakura in the Je3 slot! I was able to actually watch TV from his match and see it live! I couldn't have been happier!!! Kitazakura-san keep up the good work!!!!

A fantastic win by Toyonoshima over Yokozuna Asashoryu! It was their first match up and I don't think Asa expected to lose, at least not by the look on his face! It was some great sumo and I think the win will boost Toyonoshima's confidence in his new rank!

A match that could be expected was between Kotooshu (who won the yusho last basho) and Aminishiki who was the only person who beat him last tournament! In my opinion Kotooshu lost before he got to the dohyo. Media reports said he didn't eat yesterday because he was nervous. I can't confirm that but he did not look confident. I love Aminishiki so I'm pleased with the result! Tomorrow Aminishiki faces Yokozuna Hakuho! I really hope he can pull off another win!!! But Hakuho won't be easy to beat! Good Luck to you Ami! I know you can do it in my heart!!!!

Kasugano 春日野 beya had a fantastic result by almost all rikishi as did Onomatsu 阿武松 beya! I'm wondering if it had anything to do with all those cookies I sent them?!

Kasugano winners:
Congratulations to Tochinonada, Tochiozan, Kimurayama, Tochinoshin, Kasuganishiki, Tochinoshima, Tochitensho & Tochidaiho!
Special congratulations to Tochiminato!!!!!

Onomatsu winners:
Wakakoyu!!! Amuru!!! (the love of Kazuko's life..) Fujimoto, Nakanishi , Terashita & Matsumidori! And more winners.... Notozakura!!!! Kurosawa!!!!
Congratulations to all you guys!!!!

Of my other favorites:
Kaisei, Ama, Toho, Aiyama, Hakurozan, Kotokobai, Kotoumeda, Tsubasaumi, Kotomitsuki, Fukuoka & Takanomiya were all winners!
They are arranged by my liking... not by banzuke ranking! :)

And unfortuantely newly promoted Aran in Juryo suffered a loss! It wasn't really good sumo, maybe he was nervous!
Aran-chan, ganbatte tomorrow!!! He faces Ichihara who is pretty experienced so it should be a good match! Hope Aran can do it!

Special good luck wishes going out to Kihaku 氣魄!!!! Tomorrow he faces Chiyoarashi 千代嵐. Kihaku I'm really wishing for your great opening win for you tomorrow! BEST BEST BEST of GOOD LUCK!!!! (PS thanks for your nice email yesterday!)

Will try to provide more info and links tomorrow! I'm in a rush due to an early morning teaching the small ones.. 4 and 5 year olds at the Hoikuen!! I always need to be bright eyed and well rested to deal with them on Monday mornings!!!

Good night from Japan! Hot and sticky Saitama specifically!!!

2008-07-13T00:15:00.003+09:00

Happy Birthday Kimurayama!!!
Today is your special "shonichi" birthday!

Wishing for your win today and the rest of the basho! Can't think of a better way to celebrate your birthday!

Happy Birthday to you.. Happy Birthday to you.... Happy Birthday Kimurayama... Happy Birthday to you!!! Now blow out the candles!!!

Kimurayama is in Kasugano beya. He was born Mamoru Kimura July 13, 1981 in Wakayama prefecture! He made his first "hatsu dohyo" in Maezumo in March of 2004. He spent most of his career in the Makushita ranks. He did well but one day he realized that younger guys in Kasugano were moving faster ahead of him and he decided to "ganbarize!" (do better sumo) and he did. Then he was promoted to Juryo in January of 2008 and unfortunately his first basho wasn't great. He got a make-koshi (losing record) but at his Shin Juryo Promotion party he told me he would ganbarize again and show a great result in the next basho in Osaka in March! True to his word he was 12-3 and he got the Juryo Yusho! Kasugano Oyakata was very pleased as Tochinoshin had gotten the Juryo Yusho in January and Kimurayama followed it up with the yusho in March! Nice showing for Kasugano beya!

In the Natsu basho in May Kimurayama had another very impressive result in Juryo at 11-4 and had been tied for the yusho for some time during the tournament! He was rewarded for his hard work with a promotion to the highest division of Makuuchi!

Happy Birthday and Good Luck to Kimurayama today!!!!

2008-07-12T17:06:00.002+09:00

Shin-Juryo Aran!!!
Taken at Yokozuna Soken April 29, 2008

Shin-Maku Kimurayama!!!
Taken at Tokyo One Day Tournament June 1, 2008

With Viki after his matches of the day!

With Tomomi after his matches of the day!

2008-07-12T16:54:00.002+09:00

名古屋場所
Nagoya Basho 2008

The Nagoya basho starts tomorrow! It should be very exciting considering the big upset with Kotooshu getting a yusho over both Yokozuna! Hoping this time around to see another big surprise from someone!!!

The Nagoya basho also has some exciting new Sekitori!

Shin-Makuuchi (newly promoted to the highest division) 木村山 Kimurayama from Kasugano will make his debut at the Maegashira 12 west slot! Not only will his this be his debut match as 幕内 Makuuchi division but it will be his birthday! I can't think of a better present than a great win on your debut, can you? His debut match will be over 豪風 Takekaze!!! Good Luck Kimurayama!!!

Another promotion is that of Aran who has been promoted to the second highest division of 十両 Juryo! Aran will face Tosayutaka in his first match!! Aran's rank is East Juryu 14! Wishing him lots of luck!!!

2008-07-11T00:00:00.003+09:00

Happy Birthday 若の里 (Wakanosato)

July 10th is Wakanosato's 32nd birthday!

Unbelievably I can't find a better picture of Waka anywhere... this is him far right during the warm up for the Soka Jungyo in April 2008

Wakanosato belongs to Naruto beya alongside Kisenosato! Wakanosato made his debut in March of 2002 and in his first full tournament in May 2002 he won the Jonokuchi Yusho!! In the last basho May of 2008 he was 10-5 at the Maegashira 10 rank and coming Sunday in Nagoya he will be starting at the Maegashira 4 rank! Good Luck to you Wakanosato!!! Hoping for another 10-5 or better basho for you this time around!!

JULY 10th is also the day I saw gas prices the highest ever! When I was on the way home from work I looked over and almost crashed when I saw the price of gas has reached $7.60 a gallon here! It is a little cheaper here in Saitama where I live but in other areas it is at that scary price!!! Still not as high as England where I here it is $9.00 or more a gallon but much worse than the US where it is still just over $4.00 a gallon!! When you are in the US today filling up and being discouraged... just think of the Japanese cost and you may feel better!!!

2008-07-08T22:36:00.003+09:00

Happy Birthday MOM!!!
Today July 9th is my mother's 64th birthday!

I don't have a bunch of pictures of her to post here like I do my rikishi friends.. but I can mention her birthday because it is just as special as all of the guys!!

I guess we all think our moms are the best but I know mine is! As a single mother she raised me well through many difficulties! She probably didn't get to do 1/4 of the things she wanted to do in life due to having me around and trying to take care of me and work 18 hours a day but I appreciate that for sure! I wouldn't be here without her!
Even with a baby and then toddler in tow.. she managed to get ahead and she had two careers before retiring completely last year. First retiring from government service and then going back to school to get her degree (since she dropped out of university to have me..) then becoming a Special Education Elementary School teacher! I admire her for going back to school ate such a late age! She's great! Unfortunately last year she suffered a stroke and was not able to go back to work and was forced to medically retire! Now she takes care of my grandmother in Texas where they live together! Being a caregiver isn't easy, again she amazes me with her strength!!

Happy Birthday Mom!!! I love you!!!!

2008-07-08T13:02:00.004+09:00

Happy 20th Birthday
Wakanoho (若ノ鵬)

July 8th! Russian Wakanoho celebrates his 20th birthday! Now he can legally drink in Japan!! :-)

Wakanoho entered Sumo in March 2005. He made his Juryo division debut in January at the Hatsubsho of 2007. In November of the same year he had his Makuuchi debut! He's risen quickly since then and holds the Maegashira 1 position now, his highest ever. In his entire sumo career he's had only one make-koshi or losing record! He's a strong rikishi with a good future! He is one of the tallest rikishi 3rd tallest if I am correct (corrected: he is the third tallest of the sekitori! Thanks John!). Kotooshu is the tallest at 203 cm (6'7"), Baruto is at 198.5 (6' 5") and Wakanoho is at 195 cm (6'4"). Since he is young he's actually grown a couple of centimeters since starting sumo as he was only 17 when he entered sumo! He is at 156kgs (344lbs).

Happy Birthday Wakanoho and good luck in Nagoya!!!

2008-07-06T21:19:00.008+09:00

Happy Birthday

Tochinokuni (栃ノ国) !!!

Congratulations on your 20th!!!!

These were taken with Tochinokuni on June 1st at Ryogoku Kokugikan during the one day tournament. One with me and one with Tomomi! He is her favorite Kasugano rikishi!!

This picture was taken in October 2007 during the Kasugano Chanko dinner party in Iruma during the week long training camp here!

This picture was taken of me with Tochinokuni in August 2006! Before my diet! I do look like a different person don't I? Thank god for my diet! I hate these old pictures!!!!

These pictures were also taken in August 2006 after lunch when the Tokoyama (床山) did each rikishi's hair for us. Some expressions on their faces were funny. It does hurt though surely you get used to it!

July 7^th, which is also the Japanese tanabata festival happens to be Tochinokuni’s birthday as well!!

Tochinokuni celebrates his 20^th birthday today! And Tochinokuni if you are reading this please know your special present is on the way from today! Please forgive me for being late!

Tochinokuni is a Sandame rikishi at Kasugano beya. His rank for the Nagoya basho is Sd East 28. It isn’t his highest rank as that was Sd west 25 in Kyushu last year! But he is back on track and moving up… hope to see him in Makushita very soon!!

Tochinokuni is from Utsunomiya City in Tochigi prefecture. Utsunomiya isn’t so far from where I live here and it is famous for delicious gyoza!! I love Utsunomiya!!!

I first met Tochinokuni here in Iruma at a Koenkai lunch. One week a year the Kasugano beya comes to Iruma where I am an Iruma Koenkai member. They do training for a week and stay at a local community center less than 10 minutes from my house. Then once during the week they invite the koenkai members to have chanko lunch or dinner with them. I was lucky to meet Tochinokuni in 2006. He was just 18 years old at that time! He is a couple of years older now but he hasn’t changed too much as you can see from the above pictures!

Good Luck in Nagoya!! Tomomi, Kazuko & I waiting for your Makushita debut!!!!

2008-07-06T19:37:00.002+09:00

Happy Birthday
(伊勢ヶ浜) Isegahama Oyakata!

July 6th is Isegahama Oyakata's 48th birthday!
Congratulations!!!
Hope you have celebrated with Isegahama boys in Nagoya!

Isegahama Oyakata was the former Yokozuna Asahifuji! His career started in January of 1981. His retirement was in January of 1992 not long after I had moved to Japan. So, unfortunately I didn't have such a long time to see his matches. He had a wonderful career as he ultimately reached the highest rank in sumo of Yokozuna! He won his first tournament as Jonokuchi with a nice 7-0 Yusho (tournament champion)! Then moved up to Jonidan division where he didn't get a yusho but had a 6-1 record and moved up to the next ranked group in Sandame where he went 7-0 and also got a yusho! He spent just one tournament in each three divisions!
He was then promoted to the Makushita division where he only spent three tournaments and had a 7-0 yusho in his 2nd makushita tournament.
In March of 1982 he was promoted to the upper rank of Juryo and spent one year there and was promoted to the highest division of Makuuchi in March of 1983!
During his time in Makuuchi he had 4 yusho as well as 9 Jun-yusho (tournament runner-up)!
He also earned 2 SHUKUN-SHO (outstanding performance awards), 2 KANTO-SHO (fighting spirit awards) and 5 GIN-SHO (techinque awards).
Before becoming Yokozuna he also achieved wins over two yokozuna (Kitanoumi & Futahaguro) earning him two KINBOSHI (gold stars)!

One last note is that I found Isegahama Oyakata to be one of the friendliest (and handsome) Oyakata I have met. He was very generous after asageiko with my friend Tomomi and I and struck up a conversation outside the heya with us where we talked about my Legacy as it was parked at the front door after Ama and Aminishiki had just signed it. Aminishiki professing his love for Petter Solberg! When Oyakata came about he also told me he loved my car and was a big rally fan. He shares a love of Petter Solberg as well!! Incidentally the Oyakata is the uncle of Aminishiki-zeki which could be why they both are Petter fans and rally fans in general!

Thanks again to Oyakata for a nice morning and letting us share asageiko and some nice talk with you! I'll post those pictures another time!

Happy Birthday to you and many more!

2008-07-04T23:19:00.003+09:00

Happy 31st Birthday Kasugao!!!
Belated wishes from July 1st!
I have been too busy this week making final exams! Sorry!!
Hope you had a nice birthday and ate some good sweets!

Picture of Kasugao left and Kokkai right at Soka Jungyo April 2008

Picture Kasugao back and Kokkai facing front. Yokozuna Hakuho looking on at the left. Taken Soka Jungyo April 2008

************************************************************
Happy 22nd Birthday Kisenosato!
Belated wishes from yesterday July 3rd!!
Hope you enjoyed something lovely like a cake with your good friend Kotoshogiku!

Photo Kisenosato left Kotooshu right. Natsu Basho 2008: Shonichi

Photo taken at Yokozuna Soken on April 29, 2008 at Ryogoku Kokugikan
Asashoryu, Ama and Kotooshu look on as Kisenosato fights with.. ?? I can't remember! Maybe I'm too sleepy to remember!!!

2008-06-29T17:09:00.002+09:00

Happy Birthday
Onomatsu (阿武松) Oyakata!!!

Friday, June 27th was Oyakata's birthday! I'm sorry to be late with your birthday update here on the blog but I couldn't get connected to the internet since Thursday night!

Onomatsu Oyakata is by far the nicest Oyakata I've had the pleasure of spending time with! He is a tough coach! He has to work hard as well, he has no other coaches in his heya! That is a big job with as many boys as he has in his heya! But he sure gets the job done and his boys are in good shape!

During a long chanko lunch together my friends and I could get to know him very well. He is a wonderful man with a huge heart! What a pleasure it was talking to him. He spoke very freely and talked about his recent trip to Los Angeles. His Sumo career as a Rikishi and his career as the Oyakata of Onomatsu beya. We learned a lot from him over the course of about 4 hours!!! What a wonderful afternoon getting to know not only the Oyakata but also the other boys at Onomatsu beya!

Onomatsu Oyakata used to fight under the shikona Masurao. He has a very nice career including earning two kin-boshi (gold stars) for defeating two Yokozuna! He earned many other awards and also had 5 Juryo Yusho during his career!

He was an active Rikishi from March of 1979 until his retirement in July of 1990. Unfortunately I could not see much of his sumo during his career as a rikishi because he retired soon after I moved to Japan and was just getting into sumo.

He was a very small and muscular rikishi, similar to Amuru! His height is 188cm and his weight was kept between 100 and 125kg for most of his career. That is quite light for a rikishi but he did very well and like Amuru had a fantastic physique as an active rikishi!!!

Wishing you another year of health and happiness and success for Onomatsu Beya of course!!!
Thank you again for treating us to a wonderful time at your heya before leaving for Nagoya!!

2008-06-26T22:41:00.009+09:00

Happy Birthday 豊ノ島!!!

(Toyonoshima)

Today is Toyonoshima's 25th birthday!!
Born on June 26th, 1983

This is the only decent photo I can find of Toyonoshima in action, taken at the Yokozuna Soken on April 29th, 2008!

Toyonoshima is originally from Kochi prefecture. He's 169cm and 142kg but could have gained a few kilos after eating many American cookies we brought him! He said "I love cookies!" When he said it he had a huge smile as well!!!!

He debuted in Sumo in the Hatsu basho in 2002! His Juryo debut was May 2004 and he quickly reached Makuuchi in September 2004!
You can see a list of his many prizes and his banzuke history here!
A great photo of him with his cute Kesho Mawashi is here!

Chris with Toyonoshima at Tokitsukaze Beya after Yokozuna Soken 4-29-2008
*notice Toyonoshima has his power cookies in his hand*

Toyonoshima with Hiromi & I and Chris in front at Tokitsukaze Stable on April 29th after the Yokozuna Soken!

We stopped by to see Toyonoshima shortly after the Soken had ended. We were not only able to talk to him for some time but we all met the Okami-san for the first time! She is so nice and so cute (and young!)!! Her husband Oyakata Tokitsukaze has just recently taken over the stable and so both of them are quite young! In fact his retirement ceremony from active Sumo is not until this October! After everyone comes back from Nagoya and the Summer Jungyo tour Chris and I are hoping to get over to Tokitsukaze and see Toyonoshima and Tokitenku in action at asageiko (morning practice!)
GOOD LUCK Toyonoshima in the Nagoya basho!!!!

2008-06-22T22:03:00.003+09:00

ONOMATSU BEYA DAY!!!
June 15, 2008

This is Amuru from Russia! He's one of the sexiest rikishi ever!!! Kazuko especially loves him very much!!! She told me about him first and when I saw him I saw she was right! He is very sexy!!! Amuru has been in sumo for 6 years. His current banzuke ranking is Makushita 23West but he will be moving up because he got a Kachikoshi (winning) record in the May Basho! Amuru is 24 years old. He'll be 25 on August 25th! In fact we are hoping to take him out to celebrate his birthday after he comes back from Nagoya and the Summer Jungyo tour!

This is me with Wakakoyu! He is one of my sweeties!!! His smile is one of the cutest of all Rikishi! He and Kotoshogiku have the best smiles I think! Wakakoyu was sitting with us during lunch after asageiko (morning practice) and I got so nervous I could barely breathe! I fell in love with him during the Hatsu basho! I love his Kesho-mawashi (that he wears for Dohyo-iri) I will try to find a picture later. It has a cute mouse designed by his friend. He is sweet, funny and wants to study English! I promised to teach him! I was so embarrassed because I couldn't talk or breathe or do anything when he was sitting next to me! I can't wait for the Nagoya basho to cheer for him!!!! Wakakoyu is from Nishifunabashi in Chiba (happens to be where I work at the college on Thursdays). He is 24 years old now! His current banzuke ranking is Juryo 13East! He also got a kachikoshi during the May basho!

This is me with Katayama & my Legacy! He wanted to take a picture with me in front of it! He is more cute than I thought!!! I mean when I met him in person I found out he was much much much cuter than I remember from TV and the Kokugikan! Katayama is maybe the most limber of all Rikishi! I fell in love with him the first time I saw him doing Shiko 四股 . He lifted his leg up like a ballerina and I was shocked. I mean most rikishi are very limber, certainly more limber than I have ever been, even at birth, I'm sure! But, he is just exceptionally limber and looks so cool doing his shiko! I couldn't help but fall in love with his Shiko and always look forward to watching him at the basho! What a real treat for me at asageiko as well!!! I didn't get to talk with him as much as I wanted but I will in the future! He's a real sweetie too and I will support him even more from now on!!!! He will be 29 years old in September! Hopefully we can take him out to celebrate his birthday along with Amuru the end of August before getting busy for the September basho here in Tokyo! His current banzuke ranking is Juryo 14West but he had an outstanding kachikoshi record and will move up!

This is a treasured photo for me with my favorite Okami-san (おかみさん) .
She is sweet, kind and beautiful!!! She was a pro golfer!! I saw her pictures on the Onomatsu website. I wanted to meet her very much!!! When I saw her I got so excited that I couldn't think of anything to say except that "I want to meet you!" How stupid is that? Well, after I calmed down we talked a lot. She & Oyakata make a great couple! He is gentle & kind (when he is not coaching!! Then he is strict like he should be!!!) and so is she! In the picture are Chris, me, Okami-san & Katrin (a friend of mine from Germany) in front! Okami-san, we really love you very much!!!! You really are wonderful!!!!!

2008-06-17T00:03:00.003+09:00

This is Kasugao!

Kasugao is my sweetie too!!! He is from South Korea!!! He belongs to Kasugayama Beya! I met him at the Yokosuka Jungyo! He asked me to teach him English before going to the Los Angeles Jungyo!

He is so sweet and gentle!!! Kazuko & I fell in love with him!
I wanted to watch the morning practice at his stable but his is really far from me & far from Tokyo too actually so we didn't make it there before the May tournament! ;-(

During the May Basho on Nakabi with Tomomi he was injured! It was terrible for me!!!! I was cheering one minute and then he went down, his opponent was Toyonoshima. I know him too and he is a gentle guy, not one who would try to injure Kasugao so I wondered why Kasugao didn't get up! A second later I realized he wasn't getting up & he was laying on the dohyo... I felt helpless and suddenly I started crying so hard! Everyone around me looked worried about me. Tomomi was shocked!! She doesn't speak English really well so I couldn't say anything to her! I couldn't really say anything anyway! Everyone was handing me tissues! I cried and cried and cried!!! Tomomi remembered that I know Kasugao and she suddenly told the people around us that Kasugao and I are friends so I was very worried!!!
I cried into the next match and worried very much!!! That night I went to stay at my hotel and turned on the TV, there was Sumo Digest program and they were showing Kasugao's injury and getting carried off and put into a wheel chair. That made me cry again and I cried all night long!! I didn't set an alarm and I was lucky to wake up just in time... with red eyes and a headache.... to get ready to leave for work! In the afternoon I got to my high school. I told my friend Koike about Kasugao. I asked him if he thought it was ok to call his heya to ask about him. He said he thought it was fine. I called and talked to the Okami-san. But while I was talking I started crying again. I gave the phone to Koike and he asked her some questions. He told her that I was very worried and had been crying and needed to know how Kasugao was. She said he was in the hospital. He will need a month or two to recover but probably at least two months!
I felt so sad because he was so excited about going to the US for the Los Angeles Jungyo & I was going to have him call Kevin to show him around! I knew Kasugao was excited about the trip but he wouldn't be able to go because of his injury!!! That made me more sad for him!

Kasugao, I hope you're feeling better!! I wonder.... you could read the English letter I sent you or did you read Kazuko's Japanese translation? Did Cookies & Chocolates make you feel better? I hope you like everything I sent and I hope you are up and about soon!!!

Get Well Soon Kasugao!! I am worried about you!!!!

2008-05-28T22:16:00.002+09:00

Soka Jungyo April 2008

This is Kotoshogiku from Sadogatake beya & I at the Soka Jungyo! I mentioned him and his blog in my long post! He has the most beautiful smile in Sumo! There is nobody that can compare to this smile!! The more I look at his smile I know nobody has a cuter smile!!! It is what made Kazuko and & fall in love with him! He loves sweets very much & most times you can see him eating some sorts of foods or sweets in his blog pictures! So, at Soka Jungyo I brought him a bag of cookies, chocolates, etc.. He looked very happy with even a bigger smile!!! I couldn't believe I could finally meet him after all the time I've loved his Sumo and after writing messages in his blog all the time! This was a dream come true! When I came around the corner and saw him standing talking to fans I swear my heart stopped for a second or more!!!! I just ran up to him and started talking, probably scared him to death!

Kotoshogiku watching some practice getting ready to warm up after greeting fans like Hiromi below!!!!

This is Hiromi & Kotoshogiku! She thinks he's a cutie too!!! The Soka Jungyo was the first time for Hiromi & I to watch Sumo together! We had a fantastic time because we share the same thoughts most of the time! We could look at each other and know what the other was thinking!

During warm up at the Soka Jungyo! This is Kotoshogiku's cute butt! But his isn't the cutest... his smile is though!!!!

2008-05-28T21:47:00.002+09:00

Sunday May 18th

I stayed at the Ryogoku Pearl Hotel during the 2nd weekend when I went to the basho Saturday and Sunday. Too far to drive back to Saitama and back in the morning! With the current cost of gas ($6.40 gallon) it is cheaper to stay in a hotel especially when you figure the tolls as well! Not to mention as well but we want to be there from the first cutie matches of the day!!! That's really early! This hotel was very nice and as you can see it is just across the street! This is the view from my floor!!! That's the Kokugian!

This is the view also from my floor of the banners with the Rikishi names on them! In this picture 9th from the right the yellow and blue flag is Tochinoshin's banner!!!

I mentioned John, Masutoo's friend who introduced us. This is John with both of us! Thanks again John for introducing me to Masutoo!! :-)

This is Tomomi with Masutoo! Tomomi & I had a great time watching Sumo and cheering the cuties all day from early morning!!!

This is the best picture I have at the moment of Tomomi & Amuru! Amuru is one of the sexiest Rikishi! One of or the sexiest.. let me think more on that! Kazuko's opinion is definitely he is the MOST MOST MOST sexy! He's still all muscle and barely any fat.. He's from Russia and he belongs to Onomatsu beya. He's very nice and Tomomi & I were not only happy to meet him & take pictures with him but also we waved a Russian flag for him during his match and as he walked to and from the dohyo! We were really proud to do that! Kazuko missed meeting him this day! She's pretty depressed about that!

2008-05-28T00:20:00.002+09:00

Sunday, May 11th
Shonichi: First day of May Basho

Finally I have managed to take a picture with Ama!! Why haven't I asked him before? It is a mystery. I've always been satisfied to get an autograph or shake his hand. I love this treasured photo and I LOVE AMA!!!!

Saturday, May 17th

Here is Aran in the Kokugikan after his match! He looks a little different "dressed up" than he did the other day in casual clothes but he still looks handsome!! Aran is from Russia and has only been in sumo just over one year!
ARAN, congratulations on your promotion to Juryo!!! It isn't official I know but we all know it will happen with your outstanding record in Makushita this tournament! Well Done!!!!

This is Kaisei!!!!! According to my mom he is the most handsome of all! My mom is a smart woman! And if more smart mom's opinion is necessary we got Kazuko's mom to give her opinion too! She said he's cute too!!!
Kaisei is from Brazil and is in Tomozuna beya. I watched Kaisei's matches twice in January basho but I never had a chance to talk to him! I tried to talk to him on Shonichi but I had lost my courage after "congratulations.." Saturday I brought my little bag of courage and put it in my pocket. I was just ready to go!!! With a push from my friends too, that helps! Kasiei, thanks soooooo much for taking pictures in the Hanamichi and for letting Kazuko & I keep you for so long at your heya talking to you that night!!!! We love you!!!!!!! You can always count on our support!!!!

This is me with Kihaku!! Kihaku is also one of my all time heroes!!! I will never forget meeting him in Yokosuka! I will be thankful for that time for the rest of my life!!!! You couldn't find a better friend than Kihaku. He's generous, caring, fun & cute! Kihaku, Kazuko and I really LOVE YOU!!!! Chris loves you too but in more of a brotherly way!! He will cherish the phone you gave him as a treasure for a long time! You have no idea how such a small gesture made a huge impact on Chris and me too. I knew you were really a fantastic guy but I found even how much more a generous and caring friend you are!!! You can always count on our support! We look forward to hanging out with you more and more and taking you to the New Sanno for more American dinners & to Yokota and Yokosuka military bases in the future! Kihaku, you are really a wonderful friend!!!!!

Sunday, May 18th
Nakabi, the middle of the basho!

This is me with Masutoo! Masutoo is a cutie from Hungary! My friend John told me about him and sent me some pictures. Then I wanted to support Masutoo more and more. I watched his match enthusiastically without breathing.. I was very excited!! Then I found Masutoo talking to John in the hanamichi.. I could see my chance to meet him.. Masutoo not John.. :-)
But can you believe, my sweet friend John was pretending (I hope just pretending) that he wasn't going to introduce me to Masutoo! Oh, I was nearly in distress!
Thankfully as you can see above John did me a huge favor and introduced me to Masutoo. Thanks John!!!! And Masutoo, you can always count on my support!!!

Little by little I'm going to get every picture posted... give me time.. speaking of time, it is time to get ready for work for tomorrow and go to bed... it is vampire time in Japan and I'm trying to avoid vampire lifestyle these days!!!

2008-05-26T22:31:00.002+09:00

Yokozuna Soken Day:
Me, Aran & Hiromi (look how she's latched on to his arm! don't want him to get away!!) and Chris in front! Taken at Aran's heya: Mihogaseki!

Me with Aran!!!

This is us with some of the boys at Kitanoumi beya! Holding on to me so I won't get away is the top ranked guy there: Hakurozan. He looks a little big and scary but he's really gentle! And he likes riding in Subaru Legacy, it makes him a good guy! The guys to the right are Aiyama and Tsubasaumi who are the tsukebito (helpers) for Hakurozan. Aiyama is just 16 years old, very new to Sumo but he is very strong and promising! We'll support him for many years to come!

Here are Hiromi and I at Kasugano beya, Tochinoshin's stable!

2008-05-26T02:14:00.002+09:00

With my HERO: Kitazakura!!!!

Me with Chris (in back) and Kitazakura's wife Megumi!
We LOVE Megumi Too!! She is wonderful!!!!

Kitazakura signing the Legacy! He wasn't sure about it at first since I asked him to sign right on the dashboard but he did it and it looks fabulous, doesn't it?

Kitazakura's Autograph!!!
The first time he signed a car!!!!

Kitazakura's bead work! I'll post pictures later of some things he's made! Really gorgeous!

2008-05-25T23:46:00.006+09:00

Hi Friends!!
Oh, what can I say? It was the new year and now it is May... time flies!!!
I believe I had promised to keep up with my blog at my last post but things became incredibly busy and crazy and a combination of both!!!
I was busy looking for some new jobs from February and trying to set up my own English school. I didn't get the English school set up for this year (really need to start them when the school year starts in April, or I may be able to try to work it out at the end of the year so I could get a little build up for the new school year in 2009.
I did however find success in landing some new part time jobs which is good and bad! It means that I found some extra work but the time schedule stinks! I have first period classes and then I have long (unpaid) breaks and then I have some more classes (more unpaid time) and classes again till often after 9pm! I swear it is killing me!!!
I needed money to help pay for my gym membership and now I can't have enough time to go to the gym. I'm fed up that in the last month I went only once! I threw my money away!
My jobs aren't normal jobs so I don't have a set schedule. Some days I have the same school every week but others I change around. One week I have a night high school on Monday and another week I have a company class. Some Wednesdays I teach elementary kids and some I teach high school. Some weeks I have an Elementary school English club. All in all it is confusing and I have to keep my schedule by my side at all times so as not to be confused where I work each day!
Starting this week I'll be a lot less busy and can get back to the gym. I feel terrible since I didn't do any training except a little walking outside in a month. I went from 3-5 hours training a day to nothing, so you know that I don't feel good!!!
Aside from trying to get the work ironed out, there are new jobs with new co-workers, new students, etc. I have been busy to make materials, choose text books and get used to everything. So after a month and a half of the new school year I think I'm getting settled and maybe now can start relaxing a bit!

In addition during January I spent half the month enjoying my Sumo friend Tochinoshin's debut in Juryo! He did magnificent and even earned the Juryo Yusho (championship) in his debut tournament! I watched as much as I could on TV and I went to the Sumo stadium (Kokugikan) twice during the tournament to see him!

In February Tochinoshin's shin-juryo party was held (promotion to juryo party). What a wonderful time it was and I even went all out and wore a kimono for the event!

In March the Sumo tournament was held in Osaka. I couldn't go there but I did watch on TV. With Tochinoshin's Yusho he moved up to the top of the Juryo division and with a winning record in Osaka he was promoted to the upper rank of Makuuchi!

April found me busy starting the new school year and getting a bit more busy with Sumo things near the end of the month. There were two one day tournaments I went to on what they call "Jungyo Tour." These tournaments are one day events which are quite informal compared to the national scheduled 15 day tournaments. The atmosphere is more relaxed and you have a nice chance to meet and chat with many of the guys that you can't talk to during the regular tournaments. I was extremely fortunate during two tournaments to meet many new wrestlers who I love so much now!! I could finally talk to one of my all time heroes: Kitazakura! I have loved him since I liked Sumo but it was the first time I could talk to him and did so for nearly 15 or 20 minutes I think! Then at the second jungyo tournament I got to talk to him again, for less time but lucky for me that was twice in two weeks!!!! Of all my Sumo Heroes he is my #1!!!!

I also got to know Kasugao from South Korea. He is the sweetest man and talked to me a long time. I also met Kaiho and Ryuo who were friendly and kind. I got to know Tamakasuga and was lucky enough to also get a chance to talk to him at the second jungyo I went to as well!
I had also for a long time wanted to talk to Hakurozan from Russia. He always had a million fans around him at the Tokyo tournaments when I saw him. I once got close enough to touch his back as he walked by... but I could talk to him for more than half an hour during the jungyo tournament and that was great. I found out he is a really gentle man! I got to meet Kotoshogiku too, he is the guy with the cutest smile of anyone!! I always write messages in his blog and I am the only one who writes in English so he could recognize me when I met him and told him who I was!! *Shoki, if you read this know that I love you!! Kazuko loves you too!!!!*

I also was able to meet Kihaku the night before one tournament. We met him in front of his hotel in Yokosuka & took him driving in my car! He is now one of my top three favorite Sumo guys of all time. He is gentle, kind, sweet and adorable! Kazuko and I both met him that night and talked to him the next day of course and again I saw him the week after at the next tournament I went to. *Kihaku we really really really love you!!!!!*

I also did something that still amazes me... I FINALLY was able to talk to Baruto! I have loved Baruto since about 2005. Every time I saw him I froze and couldn't speak. (OH, just like in the beginning with Petter... those of you who know me know that when I finally met him I just stood and cried and couldn't say a word!) Well, in 2005 I wrote a fan letter to Baruto telling him I wanted to meet him and here it was 3 years later I finally had the courage to speak to him. I knew I couldn't miss the chance as it was the last jungyo tournament I could go to and maybe last chance to really meet him. So I got up my courage and as he walked by I just started chatting. To my amazement he stopped and we ended up in a great conversation. We talked forever while he signed autographs for little kids. The more I talked the easier it got. I admitted with embarrassment that I had not had courage to talk to him before. I told him "I wrote you a fan letter in 2005...." and he cut me off and told me what that letter had said. He had remembered it. I was amazed and almost so stunned I couldn't talk. He said "didn't I call you after that letter?" I said "No, because if you had I wouldn't have been waiting three years to talk to you!" Then he took my cellular phone from me and punched in a number. He dialed it.. he said "that is my number, you can call me any time!" I went from not being able to talk to him at all, running the other way when I saw him to getting his phone number programmed by him into my phone. Now, how great is that? The conversation went well and he had to get ready for his match so he told me to go and meet him in the waiting area on the other side of the arena. There we talked more and I became the happiest woman in the world...
Later after the tournament was over and he was on the way to the showers he called me! He wanted me to know it was indeed his number and he hadn't programmed in someone else!
A few days later I called him to thank him for spending time talking to me and he surprised me by inviting me to dinner. I was kicking myself.. "why hadn't I talked to him sooner? why had I waited all these years?" Well, in any case a week later I was eating at a Russian restaurant with him living a dream!!! He's a fantastic guy and funny too!

At the end of April I attended a formal practice session called Yokozuna Soken which was held at the Sumo Stadium and all Rikishi (wrestlers) from every division and every stable came there. It was a great event but it was too early in the morning. As many of you all know I'm a vampire and my two hobbies are Rally and Sumo both of which are early morning things. Not good hobbies for vampires!
The Soken started from 7am, I got there a bit later than I wanted but a lot later than I should so my seat was not ideal. I still enjoyed immensely even though I was exhausted! My friend showed up a bit later and it was good she could help keep me awake.

The Soken was over before noon so I had brought cookies, chocolates and some other treats to bring to all the sweeties I had met on the jungyo tour and some beer for Tochinoshin's Oyakata. His favorite beer is American Budweiser so last time I saw him he told me that.. it was a bit of a hint I guessed. I surprised him with two cases on that day! And I brought some sweets for my sweeties at Kasugano beya as well!

My friend Hiromi and my new friend (that I met that day) Chris went off on our own Sumo Stable Tour of the day. Ringing the bell here and there and spending time talking to most of the guys I had things for. Three guys were gone at the times we stopped by so we just left the treats but most were there and spent some time talking with us. It was a fantastic day! I took Hakurozan driving in my car as well and he signed it. The first Rikishi autograph among the Rally drivers! We spent all day hanging out in Ryogoku (where most of the stables are) and then we took Kihaku out to dinner at the American military hotel in Tokyo. It is a very nice place and a bit of America in the heart of Tokyo! Kihaku wants to go to one of the bases but at least I could get him a little closer to America that night!

It was a fantastic day, fantastic night! I drove Kihaku and Chris home and then Hiromi (who lives out here near me) and I drove back the long drive to Saitama outside of Tokyo. Hiromi slept.. how jealous I was!! It wasn't bad and I was on a high from such a great day!

Chris became one of my best friends that day! He's really wonderful and a professional Sumo writer who has just moved to Tokyo from England. Seems working in Tokyo teaching English and writing part time is probably better for someone who loves Sumo so much than living in England and traveling to Tokyo 4-6 times or more a year for Sumo and staying in a hotel, etc. I'm very lucky to have met Chris and have spent so much time with him since the Soken day. I feel like I've known him forever! My friends Hiromi, Kazuko & Tomomi have spent days with him and we all just love him! *Chris we want you to know you are special and we really do love you!! And thanks for putting up with all our crazy talk during Sumo days!!!*

A few days after Soken started the Japanese long weekend of Golden Week Holidays. During that time Chris and I went to watch the morning practice at Kihaku's stable and then Kitazakura's stable. Those early mornings can kill you but it was really worth it. We again spent time with some of the guys around those two stables (located on the same street just one minute walk of each other and Hakurozan is at one and his older brother Roho is at the other so they are really like one stable separated! They do a lot together).

Since it was the holiday there was also a festival going on at the Kokugikan (the sumo stadium) nearby. On the first morning of the practice we went to we saw Kitazakura. I had left him some sweets at his stable on the Soken day. He saw me come in to the practice area and motioned to me and mouthed a thank you! It made my entire morning! He remembered me and that was all that counted!!!! He left early out the back door to go back to his own stable for some alone training so we didn't talk to him then. Later after practice was over we went over to his stable to talk to some of the guys and he was in the shower at that time. I was busy talking to Hakurozan (actually teaching him some English) up on the 3rd floor and Chris was downstairs on the 1st floor. When I came downstairs he said "I talked to Kitazakura.." I was gutted. He had gone home (he doesn't live there since he's married and has a family) and I hadn't talked to him. The good news was that he invited us to come see his beadwork booth at the festival! He is a Sumo wrestler who makes tiny beadwork jewelry and accessories. They are gorgeous too! So we went and had some lunch then went to see him at 1pm at the time he said he'd be there. There were a million people, we were way at the back trying to see. Suddenly he looked up and he said to his wife "that's Viki who gave me the sweets!" and she came around the front of the booth and took us to the back to watch from behind!!! We talked to her a bit then she asked if we could wait to meet their daughter. She studies English and would like to meet us. So we hung around for a couple hours and his daughter came later and then we all went to dinner!!! Yes, Kitazakura took me and Chris to dinner with his family. That was the single most exciting time of my entire life I believe! At one point we were eating (Shabu Shabu where you cook the meat and vegetables in a big boiling pot at the table) and I realized that I was sitting next to Kitazakura and he was cooking and he was serving me.. I was so overwhelmed that I started crying. Everyone worried if I was ok. I tried to explain I was just too happy!!!
We had the best time of our lives and both Chris and I decided that if we died that day we'd die happy! If we never met another Rikishi we'd die happy! Life was complete! I forgot to mention that on the drive to dinner Kitazakura rode in MY car with me and I talked his ear off. Chris rode with his wife in their car with their daughter. He even signed my dashboard in Gold! It is fantastic and I almost cry every time I see it!

After the dinner I took Chris to the station and I went to my hotel. Life couldn't get better.. we promised Kitazakura to come to the morning practice the next day. We both overslept but somehow we made it! It was a wonderful practice session and afterwards we spent a long time talking to Kitazakura and his tsukebito (helpers) who are younger ranked guys in his stable. I got a wonderful Tegata (signed hand print) from Kitazakura before leaving and he gave me one for Kazuko as she was sick that week and couldn't come!

Finally we left, had some lunch and drove around a bit more and I got on my way home back to Saitama. An exhausting couple of days!!! Exhausting and wonderful!!!

Then just a week later the May Summer tournament started in Tokyo and we'd be busy with Sumo again. It ended today May 25th and I really can use the rest!!! I attended at the Kokugikan with Chris and other friends three times this tournament. It was fantastic and since we had spent so much time at some of the stables during the Soken and the Golden Week we met many young guys we wanted to see. So we had to get to the stadium to watch before 9am.
The way it goes is the lowest ranked guys start at about 8:30am. The upper ranks of Juryo start about 2:30pm and the upper division Makuuchi starts from 4pm. Many people do not show up till 4pm, others show up at 2:30 or 3pm but almost nobody is there from the early morning. It is very exciting though and seeing young sumo is almost more exciting than the upper division later! How exciting it was to cheer our favorite 16 year old guy Aiyama who is from Kitazakura's stable. During the basho I also got to meet another wrestler from Brazil who I wanted to meet in January. His name is Kaisei, he's in the Makushita division with awhile to go till he moves up to Juryo. I saw him twice during the January tournament but I was nervous to talk to him. I also saw him on the first day of the May tournament but I could only say "Congratulations" before I got too nervous (the Baruto/Petter situation all over again!) Kaisei is cute and exciting and I just couldn't figure out what to say to him. The following weekend I ran into him purely by accident. Chris actually asked him if he'd take pictures with us. He was so patient holding kids and taking pictures with fans. You know how kids can be and you may need three or four shots before they look at the camera but he was very kind and patient and I really respected him for being cheerful and easy going about it with the other people. Then he took pics with us. So that night after it was all over I decided to go with Kazuko and drop off some cookies (had brought more treats for bringing around to whoever we would run into that weekend) and we went to his stable. When we got there a young rikishi came out and took the cookies, asked my name and said that Kaisei was busy eating. I was fine with that just happy to drop them off. Explained that I had met him earlier in the day... and we walked over to my car. We were checking this sumo book to see what the young boys name was to take note.. when I looked in my rear view mirror and Kaisei was there.. he had run out to see if we were still there! I really respected him even more then. He didn't have to do that, I didn't expect it. I got so nervous that I almost broke my ankle getting my shoes back on and getting out of the car. I was so nervous then that I couldn't talk. The young boy went back inside and Kaisei stayed outside talking to us for might have been an hour or more. At one point another boy came out and asked him "what should we do with your dinner..?" Kazuko was freaked out then, she said "Oh you were eating..? we should go!" but he didn't let us, we actually stayed and talked some more. He told the other boy he'd eat it later! Kaisei... our new young hero!!! We decided to support him like we do Kitazakura forever after that night!
We took some pictures with him and left and Chris called while we were there (he was out with someone else and meeting up with us to see Kihaku later) and I told Kaisei about Chris. Mentioned he would want to do an interview with him. He was interested to hear that. So... the next day on Sunday unfortunately Kaisei wouldn't go to the Kokugikan, he had no matches. (the lower divisions only have matches half the days) So I boldy brought Chris by to meet him after it was over. (great excuse to see him again..) and I had talked about him all day to Tomomi who went with me Sunday and she wanted to meet him too! First thing she told him if I remember was something about hearing his name from 9am to 6pm so she had to meet him!
All in all we were there again about an hour I guess. Also got to know two younger guys, one Rikishi: Kainofuji who is from Saitama! He's really a cutie also 16 years old! We also met Yusuke, one of the Yobidashi (announcers/ushers) who is also a real cutie. He just turned 19 last Tuesday! Everyone was nice and we had a great time. We went a bit later and confirmed dinner was over this time before keeping him! Finally took more pictures.. then ran over to Kihaku's stable to introduce Tomomi (she hadn't met him yet) stayed only 5 minutes and then Chris, Tomomi & I went to eat dinner. We were exhausted, could barely stay awake.

It had been a wonderful weekend!!! I stayed in the Ryogoku Pearl Hotel which is across the street from the Kokugikan. As in one minute across the street due to having to wait for crosswalk signal! It was small but it was nice and clean. Many Mongolian fans stayed there and talked to me.

I also saw my sweetie Ama four times in that weekend. Twice when he arrived and twice when he left. He now knows my name and even thanked me using my name. I always see him every time I go to a tournament. It is a kind of fate. Coming in and going I always run into him. I've figured out which door he uses to leave and what time exactly after the tournament is over so in fact the end of day is planned by me..
Well on the Soken day I dropped off some Birthday goodies for him. I had given him a card at the jungyo tour and told him I'd bring some sweets by his stable. On the first day I went to the May tournament when he came out the end of the day I asked him if he got the sweets. Then he put me and the sweets together and said "Oh those were from you! Thank you, they were delicious!" We even took some pictures finally (I have never asked him to take a picture, just get my book autographed or shake his hand!). He was so happy that day. The following Saturday I dropped off a few more treats for him and so on Sunday when he came into the stadium he gave me a nice nod (always in a hurry on the way in, no time to chat..) but on the way out he took another picture and thanked me for the sweets and the letter and pictures I gave him.
Kazuko and I really love Ama!!!
*Ama, if you read this, Kazuko and I really love you!... never mind you already know we love you!!!! I wrote it in that letter, twice, didn't I?*

Monday I went back to work... and enjoyed Sumo on TV or through emails from my friends as I am usually working during the matches. Today was the last day, I didn't go this weekend. Money all gone... and too much work to do! From tomorrow there is no Sumo.... what a shame..

I have to go to bed.. it is after 1:20am and I need to get a bit more work done before I can sleep!
I will post pictures of the tournament of these guys I mentioned so you can see who they are tomorrow night and/or Tuesday night after work!

Good night from Japan.... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Love,
Viki

2008-01-02T20:57:00.000+09:00

Happy New Year

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm sorry for my long absence and my silence. The month of December became one of the hardest of my life. Many of my friends had not heard from me since November started as I had gotten sick with the flu twice. I was "lucky" enough to catch the early strains here in Japan. I was sick and trying to recover and make up my classes. It was a miserable time for me and my grandpa was very sick and went into the hospital for awhile. I worried about my family, not only my grandpa but my grandma and my mom too! Worry makes you crazy. Stress can kill you! I combated my worry and stress by working out every day as much as possible. It works you know, when you are on the elliptical trainer and the treadmill or lifting weights you can not think about much else. You are pretty much totally absorbed with what you are doing.

I spent a lot of my free time on the phone with my mom... all night long. Then I was dead tired the next day and trying to nap to recover in my car between schools. It has truly been a couple months of craziness.

I must admit it hasn't all been horrible as I had mentioned on my blog about Sumo. My friend and favorite Sumo Wrestler Tochinoshin has been promoted to Juryo Division and that is a wonderful thing. I can think about his promotion and feel so happy for him. I think about his debut and his first Dohyo-iri and think about the great joy I will have when the first tournament of the year starts shortly! The Hatsu Basho will be a fantastic one and I can not wait! I have enjoyed spending some time with Tochinoshin after the Fukuoka Tournament when he came back to Tokyo and that has been really fun.

I also enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with a group of my friends and a few of my students from Tokyo Management College. That was a really great way to spend the holiday. I canceled my company class to have the Christmas dinner and it was worth it. I felt slightly guilty at first but the gift of my friends and talking with everyone (over 4.5 hours) was really worth it and perked me up!

At the last of this year unfortunately my grandfather passed away. He fought long and hard and God has finally taken him to heaven. I'm sad but I am relieved that he has no pain and no suffering and that he is in heaven in God's hands. I know he would not want us to be sad, he would want us to all go on and live life and be happy. I worry about my grandma, grandpa was all she had really. She has my mom with her but grandpa was her life really!!! They were married 64 years. That is a long time to be together. When I talk to her she cries a lot. I know she really misses him. I also worry about my mom. She has a lot to take care of and there is a lot of stress and pressure on her still. She has her hands full taking care of grandma.

During all this time I have neglected to keep up with emails to friends and I have not spent any times on forums and chatting on line so I know some of you were worried.. thanks so much for the caring emails to my cellular phone! It is wonderful to know how much everyone cares about me!

Now it is time to move on. Get on with 2008 and start fresh!

I hope that 2008 will be a wonderful year for everyone!!

I also like to say GOOD LUCK to Tochinoshin in 2008!!!! I wish you a great Hatsubasho and success throughout the year! I'll be here supporting you 100% and always be here for you when you need me! You will do great I know!!!!!

Love,
Viki

2007-12-02T03:08:00.000+09:00

THE BEST SUMO NEWS YET!!!

CONGRATULATIONS
TOCHINOSHIN (栃ノ心)
& KIMURAYAMA (木村山) !!!

It is official both of them have been promoted to Sumo's Juryo Division!!
I am so happy for them, especially Tochinoshin!! I can't wait until Hatsubasho to see you compete! I already have tickets for one day.. Jan 24th, to go with Kazuko! Still going to try to get a couple more days of tickets as well! I also can't wait to see Tochinoshin's first Dohyoiri!!

Really a great job boys!!! Congratulations!!!!

2007-11-23T17:10:00.000+09:00

SUMO: GREAT NEWS!!!!

Today was the last match for Tochinoshin in this tournament. As I mentioned before the Makushita division has only 7 matches each tournament! He won his match easily!!! So that makes his record 5-2!!! I'm so happy for him!!!

It is a good record and I believe we'll surely see him in Juryo division next year!! What a great thing to be thankful for during this U.S. Thanksgiving holiday weekend!! :-)

Ogaki-san should send me some pictures later that I can post when I get back from the gym!! That is where I'm headed now!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TOCHINOSHIN! YOU DID A GREAT JOB!!!!!!

2007-11-21T00:06:00.000+09:00

Sumo: Fukuoka Basho
Update after Day 10

There are only 5 more days left in the tournament! Things are going well. Three of my most favorite guys are all tied for the lead in the tournament! Baruto, Kotomitsuki & Hakuho! Chiyotaikai was the sole leader until today but now he has two losses like the rest. I like him too but I just love Baruto and Kotomitsuki more.. :-)

The interesting news is that Takamisakari has reentered the tournament after 5 days off. I read he had a fractured ankle. I guess that was a mistake on the doctor's part or the media because I'm not doctor myself but I don't think ankle fractures can heal in 5 days! Obviously he must feel up to coming back and it must have just been a sprain or something but I'm a little worried about him too!!!Take care of yourself Takamisakari!

The sad news on day 7 was that Kotooshu had to withdraw from the tournament due to his previous injuries he had before the tournament started! So sorry for him!!! With is record at that point it was clear he wasn't in top form!!! Get Well Soon Kotooshu!!!!

Hakuho 8-2 (wins-losses)
Kotomitsuki 8-2
Chiyotakai 8-2
Ama 6-4 (doing a bit better, hope he can win the next 5 as well!)
Baruto 8-2 (saw his match today and he looked good! when he finished he was smiling so much it was incredible! smiling ear to ear all the way back from the dohyo and had a chat with some fans waiting to give him a present! I watched his short interview after that & he really was full of smiles and the commentator mentioned more than once that he had never seen him so happy! Good Job today!!)

Kasugano Rikishi:
Makuuchi:
Tochinonada 7-3 (saw his match today and he look fantastic!!!!)
Tochiozan 5-5 (good luck!!!)
Kasuganishiki 6-4 (doing well, keep up the good work!)

Juryo:
Tochinohana 1-9 (I'm so sorry for him!I know how disappointed he must be!)

Makushita ( only 7 mathces total per tournament):
Tochinoshin 4-1
Kimurayama 4-1
*both guys have a match tomorrow with their opponents equally ranked!*

Good Luck tomorrow guys!!!!

2007-11-20T23:52:00.000+09:00

SUMO: Tochinoshin update!!!

Unfortunately I have to report that yesterday Tochinoshin had a match and he lost. I didn't see it yet because I was working but I got the news by cell phone from Ogaki-san and my heart was broken! But Ok, he is 4-1 now and that is still fantastic and that one of those wins is upper division, it is OK!!!! It is better than OK, it is very good I think!!!

Tomorrow he will have another match, today was his rest day. Tomorrow he is up against Kitakachikuni who is also at 4-1 so it won't be an easy match! I'm hoping he does well of course!!!
I will be teaching at that time but having my fingers crossed!!! That and waiting for Ogaki-san's email after the match!

GOOD LUCK TOCHINOSHIN!!!!

2007-11-17T02:41:00.000+09:00

Sumo: Fukuoka Basho
Update after Day 6

Better late than never!! I've been so concerned with updating Tochinoshin's match information I haven't told you about anyone else this tournament!! Too little time and the most important had to come first!!!

The sad news is that Takamisakari has had to withdraw from the tournament due to a fractured ankle he suffered on the 4th day. That meant the 5th day he forfeited his match and withdrew from the rest of the tournament! I'm so sorry Takamisakari! Get well soon!!!!!

Also I don't think I've mentioned that Asashoryu is absent this entire tournament. He is still in Mongolia and will return to Japan on Nov. 26th. I thought he'd be back for this tournament but I guess I had the wrong information. He must come back and make an apology of sorts to the Sumo council for his actions. Then he will be allowed to compete in the winter one day tour program. The next tournament for him will be the Hatsu Basho in January! It will be exciting to have two Yokozuna again competing like the old days with Takanohana, Wakanohana, Akebono and Musashimaru but I don't care for Asashoryu or his attitude so I don't mind either way he is here or not! Maybe he can show me something new that changes my mind about him?! We'll see...

Hakuho is the only Yokozuna this tournament and he is doing well with only one loss!

Hakuho 5-1 (wins-losses)
Kotomitsuki 5-1 (he has a new picture on the sumo page, his smile is sooo cute!)
Chiyotakai 6-0
Kotooshu 2-4 (I'm so disappointed for him!!)
Ama 3-3 (sorry for Isao-san and Kazuko, my friends who really love him!!)
Baruto 5-1

Kasugano Rikishi:
Makuuchi:
Tochinonada 4-2
Tochiozan 4-2
Kasuganishiki 3-3
*I watched these matches in my car during a traffic jam tonight. All three boys did a great job on wins Friday!!*
Juryo:
Tochinohana 0-6 (I'm so sorry for him!)
Makushita (7 mathces total):
Tochinoshin 4-0 (reminder one win is Juryo win Friday!!)
Kimurayama 2-1 (he's only had 3 matches total so far)

Good Luck tomorrow guys!!!!

2007-11-17T01:57:00.000+09:00

The Sumo news gets better and better!!!

This morning I found out that Tochinoshin would have a match in the upper Juryo division today! This was because of the unfortunate withdrawal of Takamisakari due to a fractured ankle. That means that someone from Juryo has to move up to Makuuchi to fill in, then someone from Makushita has to move up to fill in the Juryo spot!!

I was so excited & nervous all day! I almost couldn't breathe until I heard the news.... I figured the match would be about 3pm and so I had my cell phone in my pocket and at 3:15 I could feel it vibrating.. that meant a new email. I couldn't wait until 3:30 when my class was over so I could check my mail! I held my breath and clicked the mail and when I saw the good news... "Tochinoshin won..." I jumped up and down and almost screamed!

I was so happy for him!! Thank you Ogaki-san for your quick information today!! I would have gone insane today without knowing!

Tomorrow Tochinoshin will have a rest as he should have only 3 more matches this tournament. Tomorrow's slide up to Juryo will be his stablemate Kimurayama and I hope he does as well and beats his Juryo opponent!

There is a picture of Tochinoshin on Kasugano's website today of him getting his hair done for the tournament! Check it out here. It is all in Japanese but scroll down below the chart of wins and losses and you'll come to the kanji for his name. You can find it!

Congratulations today Tochinoshin!! 4-0 is fantastic and one of those being Juryo division!! Good for you!!! Enjoy your rest tomorrow!!!

2007-11-16T01:10:00.000+09:00

It was a great Sumo day again today!!! Tochinoshin (栃ノ心) won his third match today! He is undefeated! I am so excited every day anticipating what will happen that I wonder if I'll explode until I know the news! Today I couldn't watch the match because I was working so I had to wait for Ogaki-san's email with the good news!

Congratulations Tochinoshin!!!!!!!

2007-11-14T01:51:00.000+09:00

Tochinoshin (in Japanese 栃ノ心) won again today in his 2nd match this tournament!
I am so happy for him!!!! He will have just 5 more matches this tournament and I hope he can make his record 7-0!!!
Congratulations Tochinoshin!!!

2007-11-13T01:45:00.001+09:00

Photos of Tochinoshin's Sunday Match!

2007-11-11T17:48:00.000+09:00

Sumo update!!!!

Today is the first day of the Fukuoka Basho and although the day's matches aren't over I must report that Tochinoshin has won his debut match at the top rank of #1 East Makushita! I'm so happy for him!!!
It is just day one but a great way to start off the tournament!!
I do not know which days he will have matches, in Makushita they do not have a match every day but I will post his results when he does!
CONGRATULATIONS TOCHINOSHIN!!!!
You did a great job today!!!

2007-11-03T19:57:00.000+09:00

SUMO
SUPER FANTASTIC NEWS!!!!!!!!!

The November basho is coming up soon and on October 29th the new Banzuke (Sumo ranking was released!) I am extremely happy to report that my favorite young guy Tochinoshin (see pic below-the most handsome man in Sumo!) has been promoted to the top spot of the prestigious East #1 in Makushita division!!! It is wonderful news! I am so happy for him. His last tournament he did very well and has earned this promotion! The next division is Juryo and it would be fantastic if he could make it to that rank for the January tournament!!!

The November tournament is held in Fukuoka! It is so far away though I wish I could see Tochinoshin's debut as the top ranked Makushita! I've talked to him on the phone and congratulated him on the day the ranking was announced. He was so surprised that even though I was away on my trip I knew this news so quickly! (Thanks to Ogaki-san's quick email information!!)

More good news for Kasugano stable is that the West #1 spot is also held by Kimurayama of Kasugano.

Additionally my other sweetie Baruto has been promoted again to East Maegashira #16 after being demoted due to missing some tournaments with injuries. He won the Juryo division last tournament so he also moves back up to the Makuuchi division!! I'm happy for him!!!

This will also be a great tournament because finally two Yokozuna will compete together. Last tournament Asashoryu was absent for health reasons.

I would love to go, just checked the info again and the cheapest round trip would be about $500 to go there by shinkansen! Plus Sumo tickets. I guess it would be better to spend that money and go to two days of the January Basho in Tokyo!!

Good Luck boys!! Especially Tochinoshin!!!!

2007-10-16T00:33:00.000+09:00

The Legacy gets Gold Wheels.. and snow tires!

What do you think? I think now this Legacy could enter a rally?!
Not quite as pretty as Petter's Impreza, but the Legacy is much more practical!!

2007-10-15T00:14:00.001+09:00

SUMO
The most handsome man in Sumo!!
Tochinoshin

The cutest man in Sumo!!
Tochinokuni

Ogaki-san & I with Tochiozan! He is one of the Makuuchi ranked wrestlers at Kasugano Beya! He is also quite a nice guy!!!

2007-10-14T23:56:00.001+09:00

Sumo: Chanko dinner with Kasugano Beya

The past week here in my city of Iruma we’ve been lucky to have the Sumo Wrestlers from Kasugano Stable with us for a week long training camp.

Iruma is lucky because we have a branch of Kasugano Supporters Club here and that is how we can invite them to stay here and practice at the city gym and stay at a local kominkan (community center/hall).

Wednesday night Oct. 10^th was the last night for them in Iruma and this year they welcomed us with a wonderful Chanko dinner party for all supporters club members (that’s me!) and guests. The past few years have all been lunches and this was the first time I experienced dinner. It was such a special treat. I believe Kasugano has the most delicious Miso paste for their Chanko! Each stable has their own special recipe and though I tried hard to get last year’s recipe I was told “it is a secret!”

This year was no exception, again delicious homemade Chanko soup was served to us along with other delicious foods. Unfortunately I was working that night and wouldn’t be able to arrive until it was almost over. My guest however was allowed to go early and enjoy! (I’m so glad you had a wonderful time Ogaki-san!)

When I arrived I was beside myself being seated at a table being served by two of my favorite Kasugano wrestlers! What a treat! I almost died when my friend Yuji (he is also the owner of my house’s gas company) said to me “look, they are our servers!” My heart just stopped beating immediately! One of the guys was Tochinokuni. He is so cute! I met him the first time last year when he was just 18. I thought he had the cutest face! When I got home and realized how young he was I was shocked. You just don’t see them as being so young when they are so big! He was an absolute sweetheart to me last year and I was happy to see his sweet smiling face again this year!

My other treat was that Tochinoshin a wrestler from Georgia (not the US state but the country of Georgia in Europe) was also there as our server. I had been waiting (along with Ogaki-san) to meet him for over one year! Last year we watched him practice in the early morning and I wanted to talk to him so badly! He was so young and handsome and interesting… so I anxiously waited for the chance to meet him at the Chanko lunch! Ogaki-san too was intrigued by him and wanted to meet him.

To our disappointment we didn’t see him. Finally we decided to ask where he was. Apparently he was invited with a few other guys to join a local elementary school’s sports day being held the same day. What a great experience for the kids, what a huge disappointment for us!!

During each tournament I admit Ogaki-san has been his #1 fan. Always watching everything he did and reporting to me. Tochinoshin is still a very young wrestler and in the Makkushita division. Those matches are much earlier in the day but Ogaki-san will watch Sumo from early in the day to make sure to see his bouts! He always reports the results to me!

After I sat down and got my heart beating normally or rather semi-normally I talked to the people at my table a bit and then I forgot all about any food that was there. My chanko would come a bit later (it was being cooked since I was late the first batch was already gone) and so I got up to take a picture and talk with Tochinoshin. I couldn’t believe how nervous I was. He is so KAKKOII (very cool and handsome!) He is a giant (192cm and 125kg *according to his stable’s home page*) but he was so gentle and sweet! I felt silly because I was so nervous and couldn’t say what I wanted! (my regular readers and friends know how I get around rally drivers I love and Sumo wrestlers that I love! Bakka (idiot) Viki comes out in her true form!)

But we had a nice conversation and I realized he was just as handsome and kakkoii as Kotooshu who you know I love so much!! From now I admit Tochinoshin is one of my all time favorite wrestlers! I will continue to follow him as closely as Ogaki-san does. One day Tochinoshin will be in the upper ranks and we will follow him all the way there!

My chanko was brought to the table and yet I didn’t want to pull myself away from Tochinoshin to eat it. Best for my diet if I avoided all food anyway! Whatever a Sumo wrestler eats surely can’t be good for a diet!

I managed to eat almost half of one small bowl of Chanko soup and it was so delicious! Like heaven in your mouth! A little green tea and that was it, rushed out the door. We needed to leave the party area so that the younger guys could eat. As it is when they are home, in their own beya the senior wrestlers are served first by the junior wresters and then they can eat later. The same was true at the party and we were able to eat with the senior guys. But the junior guys were surely getting hungry and so we had to get out of there.

Took a few pictures with my favorite guys, talked with a couple of them a few minutes and then said goodbye to Tochinoshin & Tochinokuni!

Then I came home, took a walk, changed into my PJs and suddenly when I thought I would go to sleep soon my phone rang! I didn’t recognize the number but I had a feeling I should go ahead and answer it. I often don’t answer the unregistered numbers especially at night. What a HUGE surprise! It was Tochinoshin! I think I asked him three times who he was. Remember Bakka Viki, she has trouble comprehending the exciting things! What a wonderful conversation we had! Then he said that they all had some free time as the next day was a day off. “Why don’t you come meet us? You said your house was close by, right?”

“Gee, I’m in my pajamas, I was going to go to sleep soon…”

“Oh, well if you can’t then, we’ll just..”

The conversation went a bit like that but of course in Japanese.

As I sat there thinking to myself “what? Get dressed again? Isn’t it bed time?” I realized that I couldn’t let them down! That and “how often do you get a chance like this anyway?” went through my mind.

“OK” I finally said “what time?” and that was that. Forty minutes later I was all dressed again and meeting the guys! In my mind the whole night I was thinking “Gee, you should be sleeping by now!” Thursdays are my hardest days. I work in Chiba and the commute takes me nearly 3 hours each way. I’m often standing at least 90% of that time as well. Then four 90 minute classes back to back as well. I need my rest but I kept thinking “once in a lifetime or at least once in a year chance!”

I had an absolutely wonderful time!! I “paid” for it all day with burning eyes and could barely stay awake but it was worth it!!! Unfortunately there isn’t much exciting to do in Iruma at night, not like the guys are used to being in downtown Tokyo where their beya is.

But the whole night is one I’ll never forget!! And.. diet or not I can still taste that delicious Chanko as well! J

Thanks again to Kasugano Beya for coming to Iruma to give all of us such a great opportunity. And thank you for the wonderful Chanko dinner of course too! Special thanks to Tochinoshin for making it even more exciting!

Oh and by the way, as I post this on October 14^th (my internet has been down all week) I can say “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” to Tochinoshin!!! Yesterday was his 20^th birthday!! (Tochinoshin, if you are reading this I sent you a birthday card yesterday & it should have reached you by now since I sent it express mail.) I hope you had a wonderful birthday and got to celebrate some this weekend. I wish you many more happy birthdays and a great and successful Sumo career!!

The next Sumo Basho is in Fukuoka in November. A bit too far to go but I’ll try to watch as much as I can on television! The Banzuke (Sumo rankings) will be released on October 29^th. I can’t wait to see how the boys will be ranked!

Now I am all psyched for Sumo but Rally Japan is just around the corner so I have to switch my mind over to WRC for a bit now!!!

Love, Viki

2007-10-14T23:48:00.001+09:00

Finally!!
Some sunshine photos of the "Petter Solberg" Legacy!!!

This is my parking lot! Don't you think Legacy is the prettiest car there? That Impreza looks nice too but not quite as good!!!

2007-10-03T02:06:00.001+09:00

This is my friend Legapy's car!!!
When you look at his Legacy you can see how I couldn't resist doing this too!
Thanks Tohru for helping me!!

2007-10-03T01:46:00.000+09:00

Hi Subaru Friends!!!

I've been wanting to post pictures of my "new & improved" Legacy since Sunday night. Unfortunately I don't have any good pictures yet because it has been raining continuously since I picked it up, but even a bad picture is better than no picture....

However, my internet has been screwed up since Saturday. I believe I need a new modem so I need to contact my provider but that is troublesome too! I have this idea that if I keep playing with it suddenly it will be ok. So anyway I can barely get something posted before I get knocked off line again!

So, let's make it brief!!!

Thanks to my friend Tohru (aka Legapy) I've made drastic changes to my Legacy! When I saw his car in September and saw how beautiful it looked I could not resist 'dressing up' my own Legacy as well.

Legapy introduced me to a wonderful shop called DECALCO which was actually not too far from my house, maybe 2 hours drive or so. He arranged everything for me with the owner and I brought my Legacy in last Wednesday after work. It was supposed to take a week or more but suddenly Saturday night when I was at the gym I got a fantastic phone call from them saying I could pick it up the next day!

So, I got my friend Elvis (yes, Japanese but with cool nickname) to go with me as co-driver and help me back to the shop. First, I was worried about getting lost as they gave me a loaner car but it has no navigation. Let me tell you once you've had navigation you forget how to drive without it! (Wouldn't that be like Petter driving without Phil?) Second, it would be a long drive as it was raining and I knew it would take the better part of at least 5 hours round trip and it was cool to have someone with me to talk to. Third, I was just nervous to go there alone and see my "reformed" baby!

We got there around 1600 and as I pulled up I almost freaked out how beautiful my Legacy had become! It was so "Pika-Pika" (that means sparkly and pretty in Japanese) that I was overwhelmed!! There was a slight trouble with one sticker arrangement on the driver window but we talked about it and we fixed that. It meant another hour or so there at the shop but it was worth it.

Around 1730 we left driving Pika Pika Legacy! It felt so cool to drive it. I was mad though it was raining and getting dirty immediately!!!

We went snow tire shopping on the way home and had a nice time talking. I think a lot of it was Elvis telling me I was crazy for spending so much money for the stickers! :-)

For now these are the best photos I have! More when it clears up Friday and I can wash it and take better ones!!!

What do you think??

2007-09-24T04:27:00.000+09:00

September Grand Sumo Tournament!!!

Congratulations to Hakuho the Makuuchi Division Champion with a 13-2 record!! Great win for his Yokozuna debut!

ALSO
Congratulations to Baruto the Juryo Division Champion with a 13-2 record!!!

Others:

Kotooshu 8-7
Kotomitsuki 10-5
Takamisakari 8-7
Chiyotaikai 9-6

All of my favorite guys ended with winning records! That is great!! Of course especially Hakuho & Baruto were fantastic records and Kotomitsuki's 10-5 is very good too!

Next Grand Sumo Tournament will be held in Fukuoka November 11th -25th.

2007-09-23T00:31:00.000+09:00

September Grand Sumo Tournament: Day 14 Update:

Standings as of Day 14 (Saturday):

Makuuchi:
Hakuho 12-2 (a win today over Goeido)
Kotooshu 8-6 (a loss today to Kasugao)
Kotomitsuki 9-5 (a win today over Chiyotaikai, wish I had seen it!)
Chiyotaikai 9-5 (a loss today to Kotomitsuki, this must have been a great match as they were fairly equal and fighting to keep their rankings!)
Takamisakari 7-7 (his winning streak ended today with a loss to Toyohibiki! I'm so sorry for him! I Hope he comes back tomorrow so he can have 8-7 record!!!!)

Aminishiki 9-5 (he had a win over Toyonoshima today!)

I'm fairly certain Hakuho will clinch this tournament with winning match tomorrow to end at 13-2. The only possible challenge is Kyokutenho who is now 11-3. If Hakuho losses on Sunday and Kyokutenho wins then they'll be tired at 12-3 and they'd have to have a match to break the tie. Kyokutenho is up against Ama who is doing very well this tournament but is only 10-4 now. So that match anything is possible! Hakuho is up against Goeido who is also 10-4 and doing very well this tournament. Hakuho would be the favorite here but Goeido could surprise us and again anything is possible!

Good Luck Hakuho!!! You deserve to win this tournament on your Yokozuna debut!!!!

Juryo:
Baruto 12-2 (a loss today to Chiyohakuho)
However with 12-2 he's won the Juryo division no matter what happens tomorrrow!!
CONGRATULATIONS BARUTO!!!!!

This tournament has been fantastic thus far! Many people were disappointed that Yokozuna Asashoryu would be absent, it would be the first time two Yokozuna would be battling each other and that was a great thing to look forward. However, I don't like Asashoryu and so I don't mind him being absent this tournament at all! Recently some call him the "bad boy" of Sumo. This isn't good! Sumo isn't like WWE where being a "bad boy" is a cool thing!

2007-09-21T23:06:00.000+09:00

Forgive me!! I was so busy I couldn't update for day 11 & 12! I couldn't stay awake long enough to log on and post!!!

September Grand Sumo Tournament: Day 11-13 Update:

Standings as of Day 13 (Friday):
Makuuchi:
Hakuho 11-2 *today he beat Kotomitsuki but on Wednesday he lost to Toyonoshima*
Kotooshu 8-5 *a loss today to Wakanosato*
Kotomitsuki 8-5 *a loss today to Hakuho*
Chiyotaikai 9-4
Takamisakari 7-6 *he has won the last five days in a row!! I'm happy for him! It is good for his confidence*
Aminishiki 8-5 *as I mentioned before he was leading with all wins for the first 8 days but he is a lower ranked wrestler so as soon as he started matches with the big boys it got more difficult (as it should be) and he's unfortunately lost the last 5 days. But 8-5 is not a bad record and he should be proud he remained the sole leader for so long!

Hakuho now leads the tournament with 11-2. There are three others who are with 10-3 in 2nd place so he can't relax! He has to fight hard the next two days to keep his advantage and win his Debut Yokozuna Tournament! GOOD LUCK HAKUHO!!!!

Juryo:
Baruto 12-1 *He had a win today but had his first loss yesterday to Wakanoho! 12-1 is still the best record in Juryo and it looks like he's guaranteed the Juryo division!*

2007-09-19T02:32:00.000+09:00

September Grand Sumo Tournament: Day 10 Update:

Congratulations!!!
BARUTO REMAINS UNDEFEATED!

Standings as of Day 10:
Makuuchi:
Hakuho 9-1
Kotooshu 7-3 (a win today against Miyabiyama! Sorry to say Miyabiyama is one wrestler I do not like at all!!! )
Kotomitsuki 6-4 (a devastating loss today to Dejima)
Chiyotaikai 8-2 (a win over Aminishiki!)
Takamisakari 4-6 (a wonderful win over Tokitsuumi! I watched this match while I was driving today and I loved watching his face when he won, when he wins he is always smiles all around!!)
Aminishiki 8-2 (a loss to Chiyotaikai today!)

Hakuho is now tied for first with rank & filer Goeido in the Makuuchi division with 9-1! I'm sure Hakuho will win this tournament and he deserves it. His Yokozuna Debut!!!

Juryo:
Baruto 10-0

Good Luck to all of these guys on Wednesday!!

2007-09-18T02:51:00.000+09:00

September Grand Sumo Tournament: Day 9 Update:

BARUTO REMAINS UNDEFEATED! WOW!!

Standings as of Day 9:
Makuuchi:
Hakuho 8-1
Kotooshu 6-3 (a win today, back on track!)
Kotomitsuki 6-3 (a loss today to Toyonoshima)
Chiyotaikai 7-2 (surprising loss to Homasho)
Takamisakari 3-6 (Good Job a win today over Ryuo)
Aminishiki 8-1 (he has suffered his first loss today to veteran Wakanosato)

Juryo:
Baruto 9-0

This means Baruto remains the only one undefeated this tournament! That is fantastic! As for Makuuchi the lead is tied now with Hakuho and Aminishiki & Goeido. While Aminishiki is good he'll be facing higher and higher ranked wrestlers from now on and it will get tougher. Then ultimately even if he and Hakuho were to remain tied on the last day it would be a face off between them! I doubt Hakuho would let himself lose after his opening day Yokozuna debut defeat! I'm sure he is powered up for the rest of the tourney!

Tomorrow's best match in my opinion will be Chiyotaikai vs. Aminishiki!! While Chiyo is 7-2 he is really powerful and will be geared up to win for sure since Aminishiki's record is better! This will be the match to watch!

Good Luck to all of these guys on Tuesday!!

2007-09-18T02:46:00.000+09:00

September Grand Sumo Tournament: Day 8 Update:

CONGRATS to BARUTO STILL UNDEFEATED!

Standings as of Day 8:
Makuuchi:
Hakuho 7-1
Kotooshu 5-3 (loss to Toyonoshima today!)
Kotomitsuki 6-2
Chiyotaikai 7-1
Takamisakari 2-6 (a loss again today to Takekaze)
Aminishiki 8-0
(He is still the sole leader of the Makuuchi division as of Sunday!!)
Juryo:
Baruto 7-0

Good Luck to all of these guys on Monday!!

2007-09-16T02:13:00.000+09:00

September Grand Sumo Tournament: Day 7 Update:

BARUTO STILL UNDEFEATED! Way to go!!!

Standings as of Day 7:
Makuuchi:
Hakuho 6-1
Kotooshu 5-2 (unfortunate loss today to Dejima!!!)
Kotomitsuki 5-2
Chiyotaikai 6-1
Takamisakari 2-5 (a loss again today to Tochiozan)
*Incidentally Tochiozan is very nice! He is a member of Kasugano stable and I am a member of the Kasugano Supporter's Club so I always support Kasugano wrestlers too!!)
Aminishiki 7-0
(He is still the sole leader of the Makuuchi division as of Saturday!!)
Juryo:
Baruto 6-0

Good Luck to all of these guys on Sunday!!

2007-09-14T22:19:00.000+09:00

September Grand Sumo Tournament: Day 6 Update:

CONGRATULATIONS BARUTO WHO REMAINS UNDEFEATED!

Standings as of Day 6:
Makuuchi:
Hakuho 5-1
Kotooshu 5-1
Kotomitsuki 4-2 (unfortunate loss to Asasekiryu)
Chiyotaikai 5-1
Takamisakari 2-4 (a loss today to Kokkai!)
Aminishiki 6-0
(He remains the sole leader of the Makuuchi division as of Friday!!)
Juryo:
Baruto 6-0

Good Luck to all of these guys on Saturday!

Kaio has retired from this tournament as of today. He was 1-4 as of yesterday, a terrible record for his rank of Ozeki. His retirement from today for this tourney isn't a surprise.

2007-09-14T03:16:00.000+09:00

September Grand Sumo Tournament: Day 5 Update:

CONGRATULATIONS BARUTO WHO IS STILL UNDEFEATED!

Standings as of Day 5:
Makuuchi:
Hakuho 4-1
Kotooshu 4-1
Kotomitsuki 4-1
Chiyotaikai 4-1 (lost to Ama)
Ama has beat about every "big boy" (high ranking Sumotori this tourney including Hakuho, Kotomitsuki & now Chiyotakai)
Takamisakari 2-3 (he beat Kaiho today!Good Job!)
Aminishiki 5-0
(He is the sole leader of the Makuuchi division as of Thursday!!)
Juryo:
Baruto 5-0

Baruto is the only one of my guys who is now in the Juryo Class. He was demoted from Makuuchi Class after being injured and not competing the past two tournaments. Now in Juryo he is leading with 5-0 which means if he keeps it up he could win his division! Way to go Bartuo!!!

Good Luck to all of these guys on Friday!

2007-09-13T00:07:00.000+09:00

September Grand Sumo Tournament: Day 4 Update:

CONGRATULATIONS BARUTO WHO REMAINS UNDEFEATED!

Standings as of Day 4:
Hakuho 3-1
Kotooshu 3-1
Kotomitsuki 3-1
Chiyotaikai 4-0
Takamisakari 1-3 (he lost again today)
*Ganbette Takamisakari!!!*
Baruto 4-0

All my boys except Takamisakari were able to overpower their opponents! Good Luck to all of these guys Thursday!

2007-09-12T02:23:00.000+09:00

September Grand Sumo Tournament: Day 3 Update:

Unfortunately some of my boys didn't do as well today!

Standings as of Day 3:
Hakuho 2-1
Kotooshu 2-1 (he lost to Tochinonada of Kasugano Beya)
Kotomitsuki 2-1 (he lost to Ama, who beat Hakuho Sunday!)
Incidentally this is Kotomitsuki's debut as Ozeki!
Chiyotaikai 3-0
Takamisakari 1-2 (he lost today to Futeno)
*Ganbette Takamisakari!!!*
Baruto 3-0

2007-09-11T04:25:00.000+09:00

Sumo update-Day 2 of 15

Hakuho came back and won his match today. I really think it was just nerves yesterday when he lost his debut Yokozuna match.

Standings as of Day 2:
Hakuho 1-1
Kotooshu 2-0
Kotomitsuki 2-0
Chiyotaikai 2-0
Takamisakari 1-1 (he lost today to Kasugao)
Baruto 2-0

As you can see all my favorite guys are doing great!

More Sumo info including live streaming feed can be found (in English or Japanese) here!

2007-09-10T01:54:00.001+09:00

September Sumo Grand Tournament

The Fall Tournament has started from today at Ryogoku Kogikan in Tokyo!! All of my favorite guys did so well on the opening day with the exception of a huge upset as newly promoted Hakuho lost his Yokozuna debut match to Ama. What a shocker that is! Maybe Hakuho was just nervous? I hope he'll come back to show us what he is truly made of tomorrow!!!

Sunday, Sept 9th:

Baruto beats Kotokasuga

Takamisakari beats Iwakiyama

Kotomitsuki beats Tochinonada

Kotooshu beats Tokitenku

Ama beats Hakuho

Well, that is 4 out of my favorite 5 who won!!! Congratulations boys!!

2007-09-07T00:58:00.001+09:00

Chris in action Leg 3 Rally New Zealand!

Beautiful rainbow in New Zealand during Leg 3!

Jari-Matti during Leg 3 Rally New Zealand!

Petter during Leg 3 Rally New Zealand!

Petter in action Leg 3 Rally New Zealand!

2007-09-07T00:56:00.001+09:00

Congratulations Toshi Arai and Tony Sircombe!
They won the PWRC in New Zealand!!

2007-09-07T00:51:00.001+09:00

Chris during Leg 2! I love this photo, he looks so young!

Henning during Leg 2. Where is the rest of that Ford Focus? The cars lose half their parts all the time. Front and rear bumpers flying off..that is standard operating procedure I think!

Henning Leg 2 in Water Splash!

Jari-Matti Latvala Leg 2 Water Splash- Looks fun!

Petter during Leg 2!

2007-09-07T00:42:00.000+09:00

Rally New Zealand Final

1. Marcus Grønholm, Ford
2. Sebastien Loeb, Citroen, +0,3
3. Mikko Hirvonen, Ford +1.42,8
4. Chris Atkinson, Subaru +2.32,3
5. Jari-Mati Latvala, Ford +2.36,9
6. Dani Sordo, Citroen +3.42,0
7. Petter Solberg, Subaru +3.54,7
8. Urmo Aava, Mitsubishi +9.16,3
9. Henning Solberg, Ford +9.54,6

These were not the results we were hoping for but they could have been worse!! This rally was really exciting though as between Saturday and Sunday there was a good fight between Loeb and Marcus for 1st and also between Chris and Jari-Matti for 4th. That is the way a rally should be. I hate it when Loeb is leading the rally start to finish!
In fact when I went to sleep Saturday the whole thing was different it was Loeb in the lead and Jari-Matti in 4th and it all changed by the time I woke up Sunday!
I'm really happy for Marcus, I'm happy to see him win over Loeb! A good fight though with him winning by only .3 seconds! And Chris too just getting the edge over Jari-Matti with only 4.6 seconds.

Next Rally is at the beginning of October in Catalunya. Until then Petter will be busy traveling around for PR work here in Japan, then to Germany for the Motorshow where he will unveil next year's Impreza. On to France for more PR work and then to Spain for testing! He'll be quite busy as I'm sure all the drivers will be.

For me the next big event is the Autumn Sumo tournament that starts this Sunday!!!

Love,
Viki

2007-08-31T04:34:00.001+09:00

Petter in action during Shakedown!!

Chris in action during Shakedown!

Xevi in action during Shakedown!

Jari-Matti in action during Shakedown, he set the fastest time today!

Henning Solberg in action during Shakedown!
Hard to miss that bright orange Ford Focus, isn't it?

Good Luck to all you boys!!!

Photos courtesy of Glen Devenie

Thanks Glen! :-)

2007-08-31T04:29:00.001+09:00

Petter getting his book from Josh!!
This photo was on both Japanese and German websites!

Petter signing Josh's jumper. He's not smiling though, maybe he's wondering if this means he can never get his jumper washed again! LOL

Sara, Phil Mils, Josh & Glen after they gave Phil his book!
Josh must be looking at some beautiful girl behind them!

Sara, Glen & Chris Atkinson with Josh!
What is Josh looking at this time? Something interesting in Chris' hand?

Photos courtesy of Glen Devenie!!
Thanks Glen! :-)

2007-08-31T04:22:00.000+09:00

Rally New Zealand 2007

Rally New Zealand gets underway officially in just 2 hours (Japan Time). Shakedown was held yesterday and things were pretty smooth. Jari-Matti Latvala surprised with the top time. Petter came in 4th, Chris 3rd.

I'm hoping to see all three of those boys on the podium come Sunday!!!

Some of my good friends are at the Rally and supporting Petter on behalf of all the Solberg Army!

I'll be posting some of their pictures this weekend as the rally progresses.

Glen & Sara's beautiful son Josh is the cutest member of the Solberg Army! We made a message book for Petter, Phil, Chris, Xevi and Jari-Matti and Josh was able to deliver the book to Petter. In doing so Josh and his parents were featured on a few websites with their photo! Great job guys!!! My dear friend Hiromo made beautiful covers for the books (as she always does) and had to do them during "vampire time" in order to get them done in time for our friends to print and bind them.
But just seeing how nice the book looks in Petter's hand is all worth it, right Hiromo?

Enjoy the photos!
Love,
Viki

GOOD LUCK PETTER!!!!!!

2007-08-23T01:27:00.000+09:00

Can It Get Any Hotter?

Wow, another blistering day!! Today when I left in the late morning to head for the gym I checked my mailbox downstairs and noticed my flower pot with my three flowers was missing. I thought "did someone steal my flower pot?" I know this is Japan so it couldn't happen. Then I looked across the street. My neighbor (the grandma one) had taken my flowerpot over to put in front of her house out of the sunshine so it would be cooler. I found out she has been watering my flowers every day too. One night I came home and she was watering them just after dark. She said they were "kawai so" (best translation: pitifully hot) in the heat. I thought it was sweet she had taken them in front of her house.

The other day she asked why the store temporary pots were still just sitting on top of the big flower pot. I mentioned that my intentions were good when I bought them but hadn't gotten them transplanted yet. Really they looked fine...
But today when I got home my pot was back in front of my house and the flowers were transplanted into the nice pot!

I will try to find something nice to buy her tomorrow, some sweets or something. Well, with this heat a nice gift might be a delivery of ice cubes?!

It was again 43 at the house today and when we went to the gym even there the a/c couldn't keep up it seemed and we were hot all afternoon. It was on but it was working overtime to keep up.

When I left my work tonight at 2100 it had just rained and there was a breeze. It was the most wonderful smell and felt cool even. Soon, I got home, the water dried up and it was just hot again!

Tomorrow should be another scorcher!!

Time for me to get a little work done now, it is about 1:30 in the morning Tokyo time. I have to start getting to bed earlier than after sunrise because I have to transition from Vampire Life to Human life starting Saturday when I work "human hours!"

I really like Vampire time in summer because it is slightly cooler at night and I have more energy. However, I'm not sipping the Vampire choice of beverages, just flavored waters... LOL

Love,
Viki
xxoo

2007-08-21T01:10:00.001+09:00

HOT HOT HOT & HOTTER in Japan!!!

This has been a hot couple of weeks in Japan! Today my neighbor (a very sweet grandmother type) told me that she feels this has been the hottest time in Japan in 70 years! She also complained to me that they are trying to run the air conditioners more (usually the older people rarely turn them on) because they can't stand the sweat! I've been sleeping with my air conditioner on in my bedroom rather than just having it on for an hour or so before bed because I can't stand waking up in a swimming pool of sweat! It makes it too hard to wake up as well!

The other day at the gym I had a little extra time, I thought "I'll go and spend a little time in the sauna." As I opened the door I thought to myself "what the heck am I doing, I live in a sauna!"

It is hard on many people and we've had some deaths this year due to heat exhaustion! Last Thursday was one of the worst days! (See Japan Times article on the Heat Wave) The record temperatures aren't really accurate that they report as well because they don't take into account the adjusted temperatures. Like at my house in the area direct in the sun it was more than 43C degrees. In my parking lot with all the asphalt and rocks the temperature was also more than 43C but in the shade a bit cooler of course. Anyway I can just say hot hot hot!

It rained a bit then it was slightly cooler but again this morning waking up in a puddle of sweat was miserable again! My friends in Texas complain about the heat too but I lived there and I remember it. When you only have to go from the centrally air conditioned house to the car, to the centrally air conditioned and very cold store, school, office whatever and back it isn't so hot.
But in Japan many people don't even have an air conditioner and many who do rarely use them because they are so expensive. I have units in some rooms of my house and I use them sparingly. My bedroom for example, before I go to bed, cool it off (usually try to turn it off before I sleep) and my computer room, I use that one a lot. But just using two air conditioners and not even full time (just a few hours a day) my electric bill will be at least up by an additional $120.00. (I hope not more!)

I've been spending every afternoon with my friend Joe at the gym exercising because it is cooler there and when you sweat it is worth something! We don't have to use any electricity at home during the hottest part of the day this way.

Just one more week of Summer Vacation, I can't believe it is almost over! Where did the time go?

Love,
Viki
xxoo

2007-08-21T01:07:00.001+09:00

Rally Germany Leg 2

Jari-Matti's Jump!

Look at all these Subarus parked at the stage!

2007-08-21T01:03:00.001+09:00

Rally Germany Pictures Leg 1

Petter

Chris

Xevi

Jari-Matti

2007-08-21T00:41:00.000+09:00

Rally Germany 2007

Rally Germany is over and done! It was actually a very exciting weekend even though the results weren't quite the ones most of us Subaru fans had hoped for!

At the end of the 2nd day there were 3 Subarus in the top 10, two in the top 8! Quite amazing!!!

Unfortunately Chris Atkinson had an off on the first day and had to climb all the way from the bottom to the top 10 by the end of day 2. He showed the most incredible speed on Day 2 and 3 that many were amazed! But, another unfortunate off on Day 3 when he hit a wall and damaged the car and it was "rally over!" Xevi Pons also suffered engine trouble on the first stage of Day 3 and was out. So it was just the time for Petter to tow the line for the Subaru World Rally Team.

The last stages were very eventful! Toni Gardemeister in a Citroen had trouble the final few stages which dropped him down (sorry Toni) and boosted Petter up! And the biggest event of the day was in the final stage when Marcus Gronholm (BP Ford team) who had been holding 2nd place had an off and damaged his car severely. At the time control Colin Clark (Rally Radio) said it was unclear whether Marcus could even make it the 30kms back to service. Under new rules in 2007 the cars can't go into service dragging on 3 wheels like in the past. The car has to have all four wheels into the final service for scrutineering. Marcus did make it back in the end but had lost so much time on the final stage that he gave up his 2nd to Francois Duval (Kronos Citroen) and Marcus' team mate Mikko Hirvonen moved up to 3rd and Marcus had to settle into 4th place. When Colin interviewed him later he said he was surely disappointed but this is rally and anything can happen until the very last second.

Petter ended the rally in 6th place, his best ever finish for Rally Germany and took 3 points. Jari-Matti also ended the rally in the last points position and scored a point for 8th place. Jari-Matti's first ever tarmac rally points! So all in all the result wasn't so bad!

The top 8 looked like this:

1. Sebastien Loeb, Citroen
2. Francois Duval, Citroen +20,3
3. Mikko Hirvonen, Ford +1.19,1
4. Marcus Grønholm, Ford +1.36,5
5. Jan Kopecky, Skoda +3.07,0
6. Petter Solberg, Subaru +3.14,7
7. Toni Gardemeister, Mitsubishi +3.37,5
8. Jari-Matti Latvala, Ford +5.29,3

In fact Petter would have been in 5th if it hadn't been for a gear box and clutch change which had to be done at mid day service. It normally takes more time but they managed to do it in 10 minutes but Petter was still 1 minute late out of service time control and incurred a 10 second penalty! Click Here to see the fantastic mechanics who made it possible and set a time record!

As a result the season standings have Gronholm in 1st, Loeb in 2nd, Mikko in 3rd and Petter in 4th!

Well done everyone, we are on to New Zealand in 10 days time!

Love,
Viki
xxoo

2007-08-05T23:31:00.001+09:00

Now that's a JUMP!!!!!
Guy Wilks flies in Rally Finland!! Nice Job!!!

This might be the best jump I've seen so far!!!!

2007-08-05T21:11:00.001+09:00

Congratulations Chris Atkinson!!
Nice job in 4th place!!

Look at this photo, the fans are able to watch the cars from the water, isn't that cool?! I'd love to try that!!!

2007-08-05T21:08:00.001+09:00

Henning Solberg

Nice Jump!!!

Congratulations Henning on 5th place in Rally Finland!

2007-08-05T21:05:00.001+09:00

Congratulations Xevi Pons!!!

Your first time in SWRT and you finished well in 6th place!
Welcome to SWRT hope you have great success!

2007-08-05T21:02:00.001+09:00

Way to go Mads Ostberg!!!
You've got your first WRC points! Congratulations!!!
Mads is just 20 years old now, if my info is right!
We'll be seeing a lot more of him in the future!

2007-08-05T21:01:00.001+09:00

Mikko gets really lucky!! This could have ended badly!

2007-08-05T20:52:00.001+09:00

Congratulations Marcus!! You did a great job in Rally Finland!

2007-08-05T20:37:00.000+09:00

Rally Finland Final!!!!
(thank goodness it is over!)

Oh my gosh, the entire Rally Finland started crumbling day by day until it was over!! It was unbelievable! My heart has been broken twice (actually three times) this weekend!

First Jari-Matti retires and can't restart due to damaging his roll cage! Then the next day Petter retires due to team orders because the car is nothing but rubbish really! It is uncontrollable, no handling at all. He drove most of day one on what was close to 2WD. I have no idea what is wrong with that silly Subaru! The reports from people watching the TV coverage (sad-I can't see in Japan) is that the car was handling like a snake! No control at all. They retired the car and packed it up and sent it back to Prodrive immediately to get it analyzed and sorted out. Petter must use the same engine in Germany, it was wise to retire and save the car as it was so hopefully they can figure the problems out in two weeks time!

There are some good points to this rally though! I hate to take away from them with all the sadness...

Chris Atkinson came in 4th!! He did very well and worked hard and was not plagued by the same car troubles as Petter. Congratulations Chris! Job well done! We love you-as always!! Hiromo loves you more! :-)

Marcus and Mikko kept Loeb behind them which is fantastic. It was nice to see Seb Loeb struggle in a rally, it usually doesn't happen. He claimed he just couldn't match their speed! GREAT to hear him say that! Congratulations Marcus and Mikko! You won your home rally 1-2 in front of your fans and friends!

Young Norwegian Mads Östberg came in 8th scoring his first ever driver's points in a WRC rally! He is very young! What a fantastic accomplishment! Congratulations Mads!!!!!

Finland is a tough rally, it is the fastest and has the biggest jumps. All that can equal trouble depending on how you land! Last year many co-drivers were injured to the point they couldn't even talk after landing and having the wind knocked out of them and being in pain! This rally claimed a lot of good drivers this time!

Now we look forward to Rally Germany coming up in two weeks time. Petter will be back in action with his car sorted out! Jari-Matti will not lose his concentration and end up damaging his roll cage.. it will be a fantastic rally!!

I can't take any more bad news and luck!! For me personally the whole weekend just went down hill fast. Even my own luck was horrible. Whew, what a weekend! Looking forward to a Monday, maybe restart the luck again?

Love,
Viki

2007-08-05T01:45:00.001+09:00

EILEEN
Eileen, thanks so much for calling me!!! That was so cool today to talk to you and Tone! I hope you can reach me later and I can talk to Petter maybe?! I hope you are having a wonderful time! I do admit though that I'm still SUPER jealous!!! Have fun for both of us!! Oh, and don't worry about the kiss for Colin! I told Becs about it on the radio and she told him that you were supposed to deliver it but couldn't. So she gave him a big smooch on the air from me. He said something like "you don't know what that means to me!" Becs is cool, I love her!! But of course I love Colin too! I am the president of his fan club and all!! Big kisses to Colin!!!
Love you Eileen!!
Love, Viki

2007-08-05T01:43:00.001+09:00

Chris doing some jumps yesterday too!! Love to see the Impreza when it is flying! Go Chris!! You are in 4th now and you can keep it! It would be nice if something happens to Citroen ahead of you! Still hoping to see you on the podium!!
Love, Viki

2007-08-05T01:41:00.001+09:00

Jari-Matti in action Friday before having to retire!!! So sorry J-M, this is your home rally and I know you are disappointed!! We love you though and just look ahead!!
Love, Viki

2007-08-05T01:39:00.001+09:00

Petter doing a jump, what Finland is famous for! This was taken Friday!

2007-08-05T01:38:00.001+09:00

Xevi Pons has just joined the Subaru World Rally Team from this Rally Finland on for the rest of the season. Welcome to you Xevi. It is your first time in the Impreza and you are doing fantastic in this rally!!! And most of us girls seem to agree you look really hot in the SWRT colors!!! Good Luck

2007-08-05T01:18:00.000+09:00

Rally Finland Leg 2

Today was a total bust! My heart broken in tiny pieces!! Jari-Matti Latvala could not return to the rally for today and tomorrow under Super Rally regulations because he bent his roll cage. Under those conditions they can not restart due to FIA regulations!

Then after Stage 15 today Petter's car was having so much trouble that SWRT decided to retire his car and start analyzing the problems. The team felt there was no reason to continue the rally with the car as it was. They couldn't identify and fix the problem. Hopefully now they can analyze things and get them worked out before Germany!

Today was hard on many drivers, Manfred Stohl also retired today due to rolling his car! Thankfully he and Ilka are ok but it is uncertain whether they can continue tomorrow or not. I like them, they were so nice to me last two years and they've both signed my Legacy as well. Manfred and Ilka even talked to Eileen on my cell phone while she was in Ireland while they were signing my car last year in the parking lot of their hotel in Hokkaido! They are both really cool!

Today also claimed Dani Sordo but that is fine, we are happy to see his Citroen out of the rally. Sorry Dani, it isn't personal but we just don't like your team!

The rally is over today and will continue tomorrow with three more stages. It will be a really short day as the stages won't start till 10am Finland time which is 4pm Japan time. Everyone can get a little extra sleep... maybe!

Leader board after Leg 2
1.Marcus Gronholm
2.Mikko Hirvonen
3.Seb Loeb
4.CHRIS ATKINSON
5.Henning Solberg
6.XEVI PONS

Oh one great thing today, Eileen called me from Stage 14 today. She was with Tone and they talked to me on Eileen's cell phone! That was cool!! I love you Eileen and I love you Tone!! It was great to talk to you!!

Time for me to get a few emails out and get to bed. It is only 1:30am and I'm trying to get out of my vampire mode! I've been laying down after the sun comes up. (on my futon, NOT in a coffin..LOL) I used to love Vampire time but I really hate it now. I'm getting too old for that! However, this time of year in Japan vampire time is much better, I'm not sweating during the night like I am in the day time!

I'll update you on the final day of Rally Finland tomorrow! I've also got a bit of exciting Sumo news to share!

Love,
Viki
xxoo