The Japanese government has declared January 21 a national holiday to commemorate Sonoda Ken (園田賢) of the Akasaka Drivens winning his first Ura 3.
The Ura 3 win occurred during the first game on January 21, 2025. In E2-0, Sonoda called riichi on turn 2 on a west/8p shanpon. After winning on the west during the ippatsu round, the south was revealed as the uradora indicator, making his west triplet the new uradora. With the flip, it gave Sonoda a Riichi/Ippatsu/West/Aka 1/Ura 3 win for 12,000.
Sonoda, who was drafted back in 2018, had never gotten a Ura 3 win in his more than 6 years with the league. However, Sonoda had dealt into an Ura 3 hand six times.
In a televised news conference, the government told the country:
This momentous occasion has never before been seen in our country’s history. Our government is expected to unanimously promote him as the country’s national spokesperson. He has proven through his interviews that he is an excellent speaker.
However, experts are skeptical about the move, citing that important trade deals could be delayed if Sonoda’s speeches take too long.
I do worry about our diplomatic relations. And the health and stamina of our interpreters.
Some superstitious fans expected the ura 3 win to happen sooner or later.
It was foretold! If you add up the digits in 2025/01/21, you get 13, representing the first Ura 3 for Sonoda!
Others are worried that this is just a preview of even scarier things to come.
This goes against the laws of nature! What’s next? Kurosawa Saki winning a hadaka tanki?
When Sonoda was asked about the holiday and promotion, he simply replied:
Nan nan?
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