Post by Alton Kingston on Jan 3, 2016 15:20:05 GMT -5
We open to Nagasaki’s home in Okinawa, Japan. Its beautiful day with blue skies and a cool breeze, birds chirping and resting in dormant cherry blossoms. His home is designed after the homes of the great Daimyos in Feudal japan and he has a temple dedicated to the god of sumo. The man lives in comfort and has collections of silk robes to be worn out of the ring, but he is humble and strong.
7 A.M. Nagasaki and his student awake for their daily training regimen of sparring, cardio and three pull ups. They walk to the back yard and pray to Nomi no Sukune, the god of sumo, for strength, balance, and above all else a worthy opponent. They are both wearing their respective mawashi, the sumo belt, with ceremonial rope tied around it. After 30 minutes of praying it is time to begin.
(These conversations take place entirely in Japanese)
Nagasaki: I hope that today is the day you finally best me young one. You will never earn the title of yokozuna if you continue to not learn from your mistakes.
Student: Of course master! Every bruise and cut is a reminder of my failures and how to overcome them!
Nagasaki: if that is the case my student then you have learned much! BEGIN
And with that the two began to wrestle each other, attempting to lift and push each other of balance. As the student began to lift Nagasaki in the air, a feat very few were ever able to accomplish, Nagasaki pushed all of his weight forward forcing his student off balance and as the students back touched the ground Nagasaki landed on his feet, sitting on the belly of the young pupil.
Nagasaki: You were very close that time, but your weak knees betray you.
Student: (with disdain in his voice) I fear I will never win! My ancestors look down on me with shame.
Nagasaki: I fear you will never beat me and I won’t be able to open the good sake I have saved for when you do! Do you know why we have trained so hard for the past few weeks?
Student: So you can win your match at the WCF. Why are you even going to America anyway? They don’t even have sumo over there.
Nagasaki: The reason I am going there is so I can spread the joy of sumo wrestling to the world. Winning, while nice, is not why I sumo. And you will never beat me until you realize that you should not fight to win, or for money, but you should fight and wrestle for the glory of the sport. Now pick yourself up and begin again!
The sparring goes on for another 100 matches with no break in-between and once that is completed they take a walk around his back yard as their form of cardio and to talk about future plans as well as go over strategies in the ring and how to keep the mawashi from coming undone when wrestling.
Student: So you will be wrestling three other opponents at once? How can you possibly take on that many at once?
Nagasaki: I have told you about when I first decided sumo would be my life right?
Student: Yes but you may tell it again!
Nagasaki: As a child I was picked on constantly by some then 30 year old man who would always push me in the mud when I walked home from school. That man’s name was Archarious and he would always threaten me, hit me and call me names like, “Fatty McFat Fat Ganush.” My father was always disappointed that I would not fight back and he said I would bring shame upon my family. When I became older I discovered he had a sumo dojo and I joined his rival’s dojo. His rival was a nice man named Paul who taught me all I know today about sumo. Do you know how my first matches went?
Student: As I recall you lost them correct?
Nagasaki: I went 1/16/0 that year and the only reason I won was because my rival died from alcohol poisoning the morning of. After that I almost quit but then Paul told me, “if you are fighting to win or for revenge you have already lost. Fight for the glory of the sport and learn from your mistakes and you shall never lose.” I took that advice to heart and challenged everyone at Archarious’s dojo and beat them all one after another dishonoring him and his ancestors. It was then I knew as long as I train and am diligent and fight for the glory of sumo I can win this match in America and show the world sumo is the most joyful, entertaining and superior wrestling art around.
Cut to the plane ride to America Nagasaki is sitting in two seats with his manager in the third. The plane ride is smooth with relatively no turbulence. Everyone on the plane however many people and children can’t stop looking at the smiling sumo on his way to America.
Mr. Nobunaga: Akane I hope you understand what you are getting into in America. These people will not treat you with the kindness of Japan and possibly will out cast you. I understand you wanting to, in your own words, “Spread the joy of sumo to the world,” but why start here?
Nagasaki: Simple my friend! People have wrestled here for ages and it’s about time they see a real wrestler! HAHAHA it will be fun at the very least!
Mr. Nobunaga: I am glad that you think this will be fun but your first match is against three opponents, one of which needs his ego brought down a few pegs. Do you even know who you are facing?
Nagasaki: All I know is that I am going to put on a good show for the people of America!
Mr. Nobunaga: I wish you would take your matches more seriously and stop with the glory of sumo gimmick.
Nagasaki: Nobunaga Oda, we have been friends for how many years now? You are my manager and if I haven’t given up on my
dream yet you should know it’s not a gimmick!
A child who recognized Nagasaki walks up to the giant and his manager.
Child: YOU’RE MR. NAGASAKI! I CANT BELIEVE ITS YOU!!
Nagasaki: OF COURSE IT’S ME CHILD! WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU?
Mr. Nobunaga: (placing his hands over his face to show his frustration at the yelling he is in the middle of) why can’t I ever have a relaxing plane ride with you?
Child: So why are you going the America?
Nagasaki: TO SHOW THEM SUMO AND WHAT WRESTLING IS REALLY ABOUT! DID YOU KNOW THAT I’M GOING UP AGAINST THREE OPPONENTS AT ONCE?
Child: NO WAY MR. NAGASAKI! GOOD LUCK! I need to go back to my parents now but I hope I see you again!
Nagasaki: you will child and here take this to your parents! (He hands the boy some Yen and note that reads “buy yourselves some good sake and some games for the boy)
Mr. Nobunaga: look I’m going to get some sleep wake me when land will you Akane?
It’s a few days later at a press conference set up by Mr. Nobunaga so Nagasaki will get some coverage. Nagasaki enters the room with Mr. Nobunaga wearing a silk yukata, as is tradition and rule for a sumo when not in the ring. Mr. Nobunaga enters with his signature white suit and black brief case.
(This conversation takes place in English)
Mr. Nobunaga: I would like to welcome everyone to this press conference and to welcome my client Akane “Nagasaki” Katsu!
Nagasaki: THANK YOU MR. NOBUNAGA! I AM NAGASAKI AND I COME BRINGING SUMO TO THE WORLD!
Mr. Nobunaga: As you can see my client is very happy to be here and excited for his upcoming match with The Incredible Minx, White Cloud, and DeMarcus Jordan. Now if the press has any questions we will be accepting them now.
Press #1: How do you expect someone of your weight to be able to beat 3 other opponents at once?
Nagasaki: Simple! I’ll put all my weight into every drop, splash, and open palm strike I throw!
Mr. Nobunaga: My client is not afraid of his opponents and the fact that there are more than one of them simply means that he will beat his opponents one after another. Another question, you in the back.
Press #2: How do you feel about DeMarcus Jordan claiming he is the best on social media claiming he will be the champ in six months?
Nagasaki: Well he is wrong! The only two best are Sumo and Sake! OH and fresh Chankonabe soup! Those are the three best!
Mr. Nobunaga: My Client is unfazed by this dogs out bursts on social media. He means to speak out and stand in the spot light, probably because he never got any from his parents. But enough about a dog whose honor abandoned him a long time ago let us get back to my client.
Press #3: Why are you here? Why go from sumo to wrestling?
Nagasaki: Simple! After earning the title of Yokozuna four year ago, I decide it was time to spread the joy of sumo TO THE WORLD! And what better place to start than America!
Mr. Nobunaga: Another question?
Press#1: Mr. Nobunaga, are you with the Yakuza? Are you here not truly for your client, but instead to get your gang a foot hold in America?
Mr. Nobunaga: My business in Japan has nothing to do with the point at hand and i-
He is cut off by Nagasaki who has lost his jovial demeanor.
Nagasaki: YOU DARE CLAIM THAT MY FRIEND IS NO MORE THAN A MERE THUG? MR. NOBUNAGA ODA IS A MAN OF GREAT HONOR
AND I WOULD LIKE YOU TO TREAT HIM WITH RESPECT!
Mr. Nobunaga: Thank you Nagasaki but can handle my own, any more question pertaining to my client and his upcoming match?
Press #4: Where will you go once you feel you have spread sumo to America?
Nagasaki: To the Olympic committee to get sumo in the Olympics! There are too many large men in world who aren’t doing any sport! Sumo is built for LARGE MEN!
Press #2: We know you don’t like Jordan but how do you feel about your other two opponents?
Nagasaki: Every day I pray to Nomi No Sukune, the god of sumo, for a strong opponent. If these men are those strong opponent I pray for then I wish them the best luck!
Mr. Nobunaga: My client does not fear his opponents. These men are the dirt beneath my shoe and I have the utmost faith that my client will have no problems dropping all of them one after another. Sumo is the strongest from of wrestling and my client shall prove it here.
Press #4: What are you hobbies outside of sumo?
Nagasaki: Sumo of course! I live for sumo and I train a student in the art of sumo! I dedicate my life to it until I die!
Mr. Nobunaga: My client trains hard every day because he feels he carries the glory of sumo around with him where ever he goes. As a proud Yokozuna he must represent his sport well. He is the living incarnation of the word sumo.
Press #1: Have you ever lost before?
Nagasaki: I have lost countless matches and won even more. As proud of my title as I am, I worked hard for almost all of my life to gain it. Every bruise and cut and broken bone a lesson on how to better my art and my life.
Mr. Nobunaga: My client is not without his losses but his wins speak for themselves. He held the title of Yokozuna and as such shows that he has persevered and trained and earned his way here. We have time for one last question, you in the corner.
Press #5: Why call your finisher the Fat Man? Is that a joke that sumo wrestlers are usually very heavy set men?
Nagasaki: The Fat Man was dropped on the city I was born in, Nagasaki. I carry its name as my own! And when I drop the Fat Man I will cause just as much devastation to my opponent as it did to the city!
Mr. Nobunaga: The Fat Man was dropped on Nagasaki by Americans. Now Nagasaki will drop the Fat Man ON AMERICANS. This meeting is over.
The press all stand up and a swarm of questions fill the air as Nagasaki and Mr. Nobunaga leave the press conference. The angry man in a suit and the jovial sumo disappear back up the elevator to their hotel rooms, the room looks over the city as the two stand next to each other both thinking of the future and what it holds for them.
Nagasaki: I for see many sumo schools, one in each city and we will be forerunners of it.
END
7 A.M. Nagasaki and his student awake for their daily training regimen of sparring, cardio and three pull ups. They walk to the back yard and pray to Nomi no Sukune, the god of sumo, for strength, balance, and above all else a worthy opponent. They are both wearing their respective mawashi, the sumo belt, with ceremonial rope tied around it. After 30 minutes of praying it is time to begin.
(These conversations take place entirely in Japanese)
Nagasaki: I hope that today is the day you finally best me young one. You will never earn the title of yokozuna if you continue to not learn from your mistakes.
Student: Of course master! Every bruise and cut is a reminder of my failures and how to overcome them!
Nagasaki: if that is the case my student then you have learned much! BEGIN
And with that the two began to wrestle each other, attempting to lift and push each other of balance. As the student began to lift Nagasaki in the air, a feat very few were ever able to accomplish, Nagasaki pushed all of his weight forward forcing his student off balance and as the students back touched the ground Nagasaki landed on his feet, sitting on the belly of the young pupil.
Nagasaki: You were very close that time, but your weak knees betray you.
Student: (with disdain in his voice) I fear I will never win! My ancestors look down on me with shame.
Nagasaki: I fear you will never beat me and I won’t be able to open the good sake I have saved for when you do! Do you know why we have trained so hard for the past few weeks?
Student: So you can win your match at the WCF. Why are you even going to America anyway? They don’t even have sumo over there.
Nagasaki: The reason I am going there is so I can spread the joy of sumo wrestling to the world. Winning, while nice, is not why I sumo. And you will never beat me until you realize that you should not fight to win, or for money, but you should fight and wrestle for the glory of the sport. Now pick yourself up and begin again!
The sparring goes on for another 100 matches with no break in-between and once that is completed they take a walk around his back yard as their form of cardio and to talk about future plans as well as go over strategies in the ring and how to keep the mawashi from coming undone when wrestling.
Student: So you will be wrestling three other opponents at once? How can you possibly take on that many at once?
Nagasaki: I have told you about when I first decided sumo would be my life right?
Student: Yes but you may tell it again!
Nagasaki: As a child I was picked on constantly by some then 30 year old man who would always push me in the mud when I walked home from school. That man’s name was Archarious and he would always threaten me, hit me and call me names like, “Fatty McFat Fat Ganush.” My father was always disappointed that I would not fight back and he said I would bring shame upon my family. When I became older I discovered he had a sumo dojo and I joined his rival’s dojo. His rival was a nice man named Paul who taught me all I know today about sumo. Do you know how my first matches went?
Student: As I recall you lost them correct?
Nagasaki: I went 1/16/0 that year and the only reason I won was because my rival died from alcohol poisoning the morning of. After that I almost quit but then Paul told me, “if you are fighting to win or for revenge you have already lost. Fight for the glory of the sport and learn from your mistakes and you shall never lose.” I took that advice to heart and challenged everyone at Archarious’s dojo and beat them all one after another dishonoring him and his ancestors. It was then I knew as long as I train and am diligent and fight for the glory of sumo I can win this match in America and show the world sumo is the most joyful, entertaining and superior wrestling art around.
Cut to the plane ride to America Nagasaki is sitting in two seats with his manager in the third. The plane ride is smooth with relatively no turbulence. Everyone on the plane however many people and children can’t stop looking at the smiling sumo on his way to America.
Mr. Nobunaga: Akane I hope you understand what you are getting into in America. These people will not treat you with the kindness of Japan and possibly will out cast you. I understand you wanting to, in your own words, “Spread the joy of sumo to the world,” but why start here?
Nagasaki: Simple my friend! People have wrestled here for ages and it’s about time they see a real wrestler! HAHAHA it will be fun at the very least!
Mr. Nobunaga: I am glad that you think this will be fun but your first match is against three opponents, one of which needs his ego brought down a few pegs. Do you even know who you are facing?
Nagasaki: All I know is that I am going to put on a good show for the people of America!
Mr. Nobunaga: I wish you would take your matches more seriously and stop with the glory of sumo gimmick.
Nagasaki: Nobunaga Oda, we have been friends for how many years now? You are my manager and if I haven’t given up on my
dream yet you should know it’s not a gimmick!
A child who recognized Nagasaki walks up to the giant and his manager.
Child: YOU’RE MR. NAGASAKI! I CANT BELIEVE ITS YOU!!
Nagasaki: OF COURSE IT’S ME CHILD! WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU?
Mr. Nobunaga: (placing his hands over his face to show his frustration at the yelling he is in the middle of) why can’t I ever have a relaxing plane ride with you?
Child: So why are you going the America?
Nagasaki: TO SHOW THEM SUMO AND WHAT WRESTLING IS REALLY ABOUT! DID YOU KNOW THAT I’M GOING UP AGAINST THREE OPPONENTS AT ONCE?
Child: NO WAY MR. NAGASAKI! GOOD LUCK! I need to go back to my parents now but I hope I see you again!
Nagasaki: you will child and here take this to your parents! (He hands the boy some Yen and note that reads “buy yourselves some good sake and some games for the boy)
Mr. Nobunaga: look I’m going to get some sleep wake me when land will you Akane?
It’s a few days later at a press conference set up by Mr. Nobunaga so Nagasaki will get some coverage. Nagasaki enters the room with Mr. Nobunaga wearing a silk yukata, as is tradition and rule for a sumo when not in the ring. Mr. Nobunaga enters with his signature white suit and black brief case.
(This conversation takes place in English)
Mr. Nobunaga: I would like to welcome everyone to this press conference and to welcome my client Akane “Nagasaki” Katsu!
Nagasaki: THANK YOU MR. NOBUNAGA! I AM NAGASAKI AND I COME BRINGING SUMO TO THE WORLD!
Mr. Nobunaga: As you can see my client is very happy to be here and excited for his upcoming match with The Incredible Minx, White Cloud, and DeMarcus Jordan. Now if the press has any questions we will be accepting them now.
Press #1: How do you expect someone of your weight to be able to beat 3 other opponents at once?
Nagasaki: Simple! I’ll put all my weight into every drop, splash, and open palm strike I throw!
Mr. Nobunaga: My client is not afraid of his opponents and the fact that there are more than one of them simply means that he will beat his opponents one after another. Another question, you in the back.
Press #2: How do you feel about DeMarcus Jordan claiming he is the best on social media claiming he will be the champ in six months?
Nagasaki: Well he is wrong! The only two best are Sumo and Sake! OH and fresh Chankonabe soup! Those are the three best!
Mr. Nobunaga: My Client is unfazed by this dogs out bursts on social media. He means to speak out and stand in the spot light, probably because he never got any from his parents. But enough about a dog whose honor abandoned him a long time ago let us get back to my client.
Press #3: Why are you here? Why go from sumo to wrestling?
Nagasaki: Simple! After earning the title of Yokozuna four year ago, I decide it was time to spread the joy of sumo TO THE WORLD! And what better place to start than America!
Mr. Nobunaga: Another question?
Press#1: Mr. Nobunaga, are you with the Yakuza? Are you here not truly for your client, but instead to get your gang a foot hold in America?
Mr. Nobunaga: My business in Japan has nothing to do with the point at hand and i-
He is cut off by Nagasaki who has lost his jovial demeanor.
Nagasaki: YOU DARE CLAIM THAT MY FRIEND IS NO MORE THAN A MERE THUG? MR. NOBUNAGA ODA IS A MAN OF GREAT HONOR
AND I WOULD LIKE YOU TO TREAT HIM WITH RESPECT!
Mr. Nobunaga: Thank you Nagasaki but can handle my own, any more question pertaining to my client and his upcoming match?
Press #4: Where will you go once you feel you have spread sumo to America?
Nagasaki: To the Olympic committee to get sumo in the Olympics! There are too many large men in world who aren’t doing any sport! Sumo is built for LARGE MEN!
Press #2: We know you don’t like Jordan but how do you feel about your other two opponents?
Nagasaki: Every day I pray to Nomi No Sukune, the god of sumo, for a strong opponent. If these men are those strong opponent I pray for then I wish them the best luck!
Mr. Nobunaga: My client does not fear his opponents. These men are the dirt beneath my shoe and I have the utmost faith that my client will have no problems dropping all of them one after another. Sumo is the strongest from of wrestling and my client shall prove it here.
Press #4: What are you hobbies outside of sumo?
Nagasaki: Sumo of course! I live for sumo and I train a student in the art of sumo! I dedicate my life to it until I die!
Mr. Nobunaga: My client trains hard every day because he feels he carries the glory of sumo around with him where ever he goes. As a proud Yokozuna he must represent his sport well. He is the living incarnation of the word sumo.
Press #1: Have you ever lost before?
Nagasaki: I have lost countless matches and won even more. As proud of my title as I am, I worked hard for almost all of my life to gain it. Every bruise and cut and broken bone a lesson on how to better my art and my life.
Mr. Nobunaga: My client is not without his losses but his wins speak for themselves. He held the title of Yokozuna and as such shows that he has persevered and trained and earned his way here. We have time for one last question, you in the corner.
Press #5: Why call your finisher the Fat Man? Is that a joke that sumo wrestlers are usually very heavy set men?
Nagasaki: The Fat Man was dropped on the city I was born in, Nagasaki. I carry its name as my own! And when I drop the Fat Man I will cause just as much devastation to my opponent as it did to the city!
Mr. Nobunaga: The Fat Man was dropped on Nagasaki by Americans. Now Nagasaki will drop the Fat Man ON AMERICANS. This meeting is over.
The press all stand up and a swarm of questions fill the air as Nagasaki and Mr. Nobunaga leave the press conference. The angry man in a suit and the jovial sumo disappear back up the elevator to their hotel rooms, the room looks over the city as the two stand next to each other both thinking of the future and what it holds for them.
Nagasaki: I for see many sumo schools, one in each city and we will be forerunners of it.
END
