When I lived in Japan (1996-1999) Tatsuyoshi was very popular there. I never realized why. His record certainly wasn't better than most Japanese champions. But everyone loved Tatsuyoshi.
He was all-action that's why. Quality wise, he was nowhere near the level of a Harada, Inoue, or Watanabe.
This fight was a great one. Joichiro lost a close decision to Yakushiji, who would end up fighting and losing to Wayne McCullough a year later. It was such a missed opportunity to not have Tatsuyoshi vs McCullough happen.