Teamwork In the Valley of the Sumo Giants?

[mbarker]

It's sort of interesting to watch the news today about the scandal in sumo. Apparently 13 or 14 (depending on the report) sumo wrestlers have been involved in throwing bouts -- fixing the fights?

There are two parts of this that I find particularly interesting. First, the police and reporters have transcripts of the text messages that at least some of the wrestlers were sending each other about this. Very explicit messages. So clearly the sumo wrestlers had the notion that text messages sent using your cellphone are basically private, and you can talk about your misdeeds there without any concern.

Secondly, from what I understand, part of the upset is that this group of young wrestlers were cooperating to beat the system. As it was explained to me, the bottom rank of wrestlers basically don't have any bonus money. One step up, there's a significant bonus -- $10,000 was the amount mentioned, although the person who was explaining it to me wasn't sure if that was weekly or monthly. To go up a step, you need so many wins. In theory, you do that by getting tougher, skilled, etc. -- being able to whomp the other person. Of course, if you talk with them, and some of you throw your fights, hey, the guy you are helping goes up a step more easily. And if he wants to give part of his bonus to his good friends who fell down, well, that's just what friends do, right?

So they weren't fixing fights for gambling, exactly. Just to move up the sumo ladder of achievement and start making money.

The funny part is that using your cellphone text messages to set this up... well, that's not very smart. But thinking about a different approach to winning -- why do it with muscle if a little talk will do the job? -- that's not so dumb. In fact, it sort of indicates that the young wrestlers really were thinking. And texting.

I suppose sending them congratulations on the teamwork would be impolite?

Comments

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Huh. At lunch, a commentator was explaining the money. Apparently the bottom four ranks of sumo get from 7,000 to 15,000 yen per month ($70 to $150, roughly). That's their allowance, on top of room, board, and all the trimmings. One step up -- the fifth rank -- makes 1,030,000 yen per month ($10,300 a month). The top rank makes 2,820,000 yen per month ($28,200). So that step from fourth to fifth is a big money-maker, and apparently that's what the boys were fixing. Take a fall, help someone jump from $150 to $10,300 a month? And then we'll help you by spreading a little of that extra?