Tokyo Times

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King Kobayashi

He’s done it again. Yes, for the fifth year in succession, Takeru “The Tsunami” Kobayashi has won the world hot-dog eating championship in New York.

takeru kobayashi

Yet despite dominating the event, Kobayashi was slightly disappointed with his paltry 49 frankfurters in 12 minutes. Well short of the 53.5 hot dogs (and the current record) he managed last year. The gloomy glutton saying, “I’m very sad, I came here to beat it. Maybe next year I will.”

This dedication to the sport is perhaps what makes Kobayashi-san stand out from the crowd; although in Japan he is not alone in the time and energy he devotes to his chosen profession:

“Food fighters in Japan think of themselves as athletes. They have a higher recognition of the game and are constantly thinking about records. I probably won’t continue for long because it puts pressure on the body. But I am at the age where I can perform my best.”

Even this isn’t enough to be a champion though. There is the mental side of competing too. So next time you find yourself confronted with an all-you-can-eat buffet that demands to be devoured, don’t just loosen your belt and hope for the best. Instead, remember these wise words from The Tsunami himself. “It’s how you confront the food that is brought to you. You have to be mentally and psychologically prepared.”

So there you are. Go and gorge.

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Football fanaticism

When it comes to big sporting events involving Japanese teams, there is generally a distinct lack of passion — at least of the genuinely felt and involuntary variety. Too often, anything approaching real fervor appears heavily orchestrated, and is only apparent on the day of the game itself. Or at the most a day or two before.

japanese soccer fans

Thankfully though there are exceptions, and 28-year-old Satoshi Ochiai is a prime — if not exactly ideal — example. The football (soccer) fanatic recently boasting, “I broke up with my girlfriend to save on expenses as most of my savings and salary go on traveling abroad to watch Japan play.”

Yet the spurning of a young lady is only one incident among many that prove the company employee’s dedication to the sport. For Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against bitter rival North Korea, Ochiai-san is traveling to Bangkok to see the game. A trip that admittedly doesn’t sound especially extreme, but it is when you consider that the match is being played at a neutral venue and behind closed doors; a move prompted by crowd trouble amongst North Korean fans at a previous game.

The fact that no supporters are allowed into the stadium however is only a minor hindrance to the original Ochiai. The resourceful chap has booked a hotel room near the stadium; allowing him to watch the game through a telescope from the balcony.

Real passion for sure. With, it has to be said, the addition of a fair bit of fanaticism.

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Sharapova shuffle

Similar to most places around the world, tennis ace Maria Sharapova is a huge celebrity in Japan, although arguably the Russian star is more popular for her panties than she is for her powerful serve. Yes, whenever the teen sensation plays in Japan, her every move is closely followed (and photographed) by hordes of camera wielding panty perverts.

Such unsavoury behaviour has led one local company to try and take the focus away from her undergarments. Instead moving the attention on to her, erm, breasts. The Sharanpowan taking sporting spin-offs to new and previously uncharted depths.

sharapova breasts

Plus for more delicate forehand play, the sports top (which comes in three different colours) can be easily removed.

sharapova breasts

Ideal for cleaning too, should any, ahem, shots go astray.

[Via Japundit]

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Summer sumo

Mongolian Yokozuna Asashoryu made history at the weekend, equalling the twelve titles won by Samoan-born wrestler Musahimaru. Meaning he’s only one victory away from becoming the most successful foreign-born fighter ever.

Thankfully this bit of sumo history gives me the excuse I need to post some pictures I took on Saturday. A decidedly fortuitous day, as not only did I get to see Asashoryu clinch the title on the penultimate day of the summer tournament, but it was close-up and personal from a ringside seat.

And talking of the Yokozuna, here he is in his pre-bout ceremonial outfit. Exuding the usual menace.

yokozuna asashoryu

Further down the ranks, the two wrestlers below seemed to be well aware of my picture taking deficiencies. Politely pausing in the middle of their fight to allow me the necessary time to fumble for my camera.

sumo

And last but by no means least, no sumo selection is complete without a picture of Toki and his retro facial fashion.

sumo toki

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Sobbing sumo

Saturday saw Tokyo’s Sensoji Temple host its annual crying sumo event.

crying sumo

A competition that pits wailing and whimpering babies against one another, with the loudest bawler taking the top prize. Although the organizers will probably claim it’s not as cruel as it sounds, considering that the real purpose of the event is to wish the children good health.

crying sumo

However whilst the granting of good health through such a practice is hopeful to say the least, what isn’t is the infliction of deep and disturbing mental scars. As the memories of being held aloft in front of a crowd by an overweight and near-naked stranger will surely haunt these youngsters for many many years to come…