in Japan and abroad is, or should, be turning. Sawai, 19, of Sakaigawa-beya was in upper jonidan in May but is expected to make sandanme for Nagoya, and Shibuya, 18, of Tamanoi-beya are both fighting far above their experience levels and show great promise. But, while detractors view Shibuya’s recent flounderings in upper sandanme as a ‘wall’, he is simply following the example set by many of the great yokozuna in taking a breather at the halfway point on the banzuke – Umegatani II just one example. Slightly higher, Chiyohakuho, himself not long out of his teens, has already tasted juryo and will be back soon. Numerous other Japanese rikishi are also looking to take the final step separating heaven and hell in the next year or so. None however, repeat - NONE, look ready to burn up the opposition, leaving severed mage in their wakes and be on the road to mounting a serious sanyaku challenge any time in the near future.

For such men, we need to be looking at those already in the salaried ranks and should reduce expectations on time needed to secure a regular top-dog slot. Katayama, fresh out of juryo, turns heads with his blue collar sumo (and leg lifts). Kisenosato, heralded as the savior of the domestic game this time last year, as he was being prematurely being measured for his tsuna by many, is still learning his trade, but will advance to the upper echelons with time. Even Iwakiyama, one of the heaviest men in the top division, has the potential to salvage some hinomaru pride by making sanyaku his regular hangout, especially if his knees hold firm, as does Tamanoshima of Kataonami-beya.

Based on these few men alone, though, and the dearth of true Japanese up and comers, can the sport ever be considered the sole domain of the Japanese again? Does it need to be?  The answer to both questions is one