Leading up to the 2011 Kyushu tourney down in Fukuoka, the world of sumo is looking to round off another annus horribilis.
Court cases against the Sumo Association are still going through the notoriously slow legal system, having been brought by several rikishi fired amid the yaocho match fixing scandal. Claims of hazing have resurfaced at Naruto Beya, and ticket sales have suffered all year.
So, is there anything at all to look forward to for sumo fans in the last quest for Emperor's Cup glory in 2011? Answering that seemingly obvious question with a "no" might be all too tempting and overly negative thanks to one man now riding a wave of success near the top of the sumo pile — Kotoshogiku.