News Sushi #56: Morsels of News from Japan and Beyond

News Sushi #56 And we keep serving News Sushi!

Editor Note:It is Friday and that means it is time for the World Famous, soon to be Intergalactic Famous, News Sushi from our very own, Hamish Downie. Hamish brings us a decidedly different slant on Pop Culture as viewed through the lens of a non-native living in Japan.

Thank you Hamish, for your insights.

Ichiro

via GIPHY

Here’s a sign off to the most disciplined man in sport. When most players retire in their early thirties with terrible injuries, here’s a man who is retiring at age 45 with remarkably few injuries. They say that he eats Japanese curry and rice religiously at 3 pm each day, and he has his own baseball field to train at alone. He’s also been known to frequent some pretty down to earth restaurants in Japan, but he tends to eat alone, and asks not to be disturbed. So, it’s not surprising that he’s chosen not to be a coach or a manager (he says he’s not well liked by others). He seems to have chosen the quiet life. And I hope that he enjoys his retirement in peace, and with the knowledge that he will unlikely to be ever challenged as the greatest Japanese baseball player to have ever lived.

via GIPHY

I went to see the Sumo for the first time recently (as I mentioned last week). I have to say that it was probably the most fun I’ve ever had watching sport in my life. That said, it was an exhausting 6 hours of Sumo (the first three dedicated to the second-grade rising stars). Here’s the highlights of the one I watched (in English):

My favourite match was the one in the first round where the tiny young Sumo wrestler, fought the gigantic former star – it was a match of might and experience vs youth and speed. When the youth won, the crowd erupted, and it was truly a joy to see. There was one who was wheeled off after a body slam, and the near instant bruise that developed was truly a sight to see. Once the first grade league started, you really noticed the difference in power and control. They were more powerful, but they really treated one another with care (except for one where the young gun needed putting in his place).

If you ever get the chance to watch Sumo live – take it!

via GIPHY

I highlight her music a lot here (no, not Matsuko Deluxe…) – but I love her music, and hope you will too. Thea is giving away a free track, and it is amazing! Please go over to Patreon and get your hands on this wonderful remix!

Do you like good music? Trans artist @TheaRileyMusic has an awesome track that's free to download https://t.co/sFyTeu2AKj #TransIsBeautiful #LGBT #LGBTQoftwitter @ILoveGayLGBT

— Hamish Downie (@hamishdownie) March 21, 2019

Hey Ben and Keith… and all other cat lovers out there… do your felines need some of their own furniture? Editor Note: Our cats do have furniture of their own, they allow us to use it occasionally. 😉

If you are interested…
http://www.okawa-kagu.net/neko/

WEB SEIRES: “Till Death”

After taking a break for a week, we are back with the second episode where things are starting to HEAT UP!

Amy and Death watch on as Amy of the past dumps her long term boyfriend Yosuke. Overwhelmed with sadness, Yosuke performs the timeless Japanese song “Katchusha’s Song.”

Cool Insta-photo of the week!