RealGM

Asashoryu falls short on his attempt at a 22nd Emperor's Cup victory, losing to Grand Champion Hakuho on the final day of the tournament, in a match that determined the champion.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/ap/20080127/ts ... 81073.html

I also like watching Sumo when it comes up on TV. The funny thing is that in this ultimate Japanese sport, there are actually more foreigners than Japanese in the highest ranks. Makes me think of current heavyweight boxing, where U.S. champs are becoming rare.

Here's the clip of Hakuho's win over Asashoryu:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crvEQ6yvHjU

Yes, definitely the Japanese are losing ground to the gaijin in sumo!

Also, younger Japanese have abandoned the sport - older Japanese and foreigners make up most of the crowd at matches.