SOS - Shinjinrui on Sumo Chris Gould Chris sinks his teeth into how sumo can go about pulling in the younger fans - currently so noticeable by their absence. The first of a three-part series. Sumo World Championships Mark Buckton Mark Buckton reports from Sakai near Osaka, site of the latest Sumo World Championships. Rikishi of Old Joe Kuroda Joe Kuroda finishes off his look at former yokozuna Minanogawa. Sumo 101 / Eric Evaluates Eric Blair Eric expains sumo fan terminology - with the inevitable twist - for those just getting into the sport and still subject to the know it alls. Age stands still for no man Joe Kuroda Former ozeki Kiyokuni will retire in November under the compulsory '65 and you are out' rule. JK takes a look at this quiet earth mover. Feel the Sumo Eduardo de Paz Read and feel the renowned Leonishiki's passion for all things sumo at his first live event. SFM Interview Mark Buckton Mark interviews Colin Carroll - again - Irish star of Sakai. Photo Bonanza See the Aki Basho bonanza as well as the largest collection of pics you are likely to see on the Sumo World Championships earlier in October. Aki Basho Summary   Lon Howard Lon wraps the September Aki Basho and throws in some henka sighting results for good measure. Lower Division Rikishi   Mikko Mattila The lower divisions, their members and results get the once over thanks to Mikko's eye of things 'beneath the curtain'. Kyushu Ones To Watch   Carolyn Todd Carolyn shares her thoughts on whom to keep an eye on in Fukuoka. Kimarite Focus Mikko Mattila Mikko's latest clarification of several of the sport's plethora of kimarite. Amateur Angles   Howard Gilbert Howard Gilbert - manager of New Zealand's amateur sumo team takes a look at the approaching Russians. Kokugi Konnections   Todd Lambert Click on Todd's bimonthly focus on three of the best sumo sites online. Fan Debate   Facilitator - Lon Howard Jesse Lake and Rich Pardoe hammer out their differences on a current furor - promotion criteria. SFM Cartoons    Benny Loh & Stephen Thompson In this issue's cartoon bonanza, sit back and enjoy Benny Loh's offerings and put a caption to Stephen Thompson's picture to win yourselves a banzuke. Sumo Odds ’n’ Ends    SFM's interactive elements including Henka Sightings, Elevator Rikishi and Eternal Banzuke! Lets Hear From You   What was it that made you a sumo fan? Kevin Murphy reveals all. Readers' Letters   See what our readers had to say since we last hit your screens. Sumo Quiz    The Quizmaster Answer the Qs and win yourself next basho’s banzuke.

Kokugi Connections by Todd Lambert

Tomozuna Beya (http://www.tomozuna-beya.jp/) This is the home of ozeki Kaio.  Things are looking grim for the veteran rikishi, and the interval between now and the end of the upcoming Kyushu basho may be the last chance for his fans to find him listed as an active rikishi.  The menu on the left side of the homepage is divided into rikishi introductions, the heya introduction, koenkai and fan-club information, recruiting, upcoming events, chanko recipes, the stable's blog, current and previous win-loss records, and souvenirs.  An exciting new feature is the addition of an English fan site, with messages from the stable master and rikishi to overseas fans, news and plenty of photos.  The Japanese and English language versions of the homepage have the same basic information, but each one has some original content and thus complements the other nicely.  Both are well worth checking out. Home

Each issue of SFM, Todd Lambert – our man online – will bring you a review of some sumo related sites to be found on the World Wide Web. Enjoy.

The University of Tokyo Sumo Club (http://www.dosukoi.net/~todai/ e/index.html) This homepage is very simple and direct.  Petr, a Czech studying at Todai, is the sumo club captain and a well-known participant in the online sumo community.  His site consists of an introduction welcoming visitors, a training schedule with links to maps of their location, and a very good rational for joining their (or any) amateur sumo group.  A few photos and a schedule of events round out the selection.  The page is viewable in both Japanese and English.

Kotooshu (http://www.kotooshu.net/)       This English-language homepage is a fan site dedicated to all things Kotooshu.  Clean design makes navigation a breeze. The various sections are all easily accessible via the menu bar near the top of the main page and sub-pages.  Check for the latest news regarding Bulgaria's most famous athlete, his profile, recent tournament records, and a great photo gallery (current up to the Nagoya 2006 basho).  The “In the Press” section shows recent newspaper articles about the so-called “Beckham of Sumo”.  Readers of this site may also subscribe to a Kotooshu email newsletter.