The media is busy assessing the Heisei Era as it comes to a close. Although not as dramatic as the Showa Era, it's been a bumpy ride. Japan still hasn't gotten the hang of this democracy thing, and an engaged, objective press is essential to a functioning democracy. As the following rundown illustrates, however, the jury is still out as to whether Japan's press meets those criteria.
Media person of the year: Takanohana
It's appropriate that one of the defining personalities of the Heisei Era would bow out during its last full calendar year. The heirs to perhaps the greatest legacy in sumo history, Takanohana and his older brother, Wakanohana, grew up in the media spotlight and remained there through their wrestling careers and afterward, but only Takanohana decided to stick with the sport as a stablemaster and organization elder. After years of putting up with his eccentricities and stand-offish manner, the media eventually turned on him — although his being forced out of sumo this year was a crisis of his own making.