Feb 26, 2013

Harumafuji takes over top ranking

With the Japan Sumo Association’s release of the new rankings on Monday, yokozuna Harumafuji finally finds himself at sumo’s true summit after his promotion to the prestigious east position. The 28-year-old Harumafuji, who won his fifth career title at the New Year basho in ...

Harumafuji saddened by bullying incidents

Feb 19, 2013

Harumafuji saddened by bullying incidents

by Andrew Mckirdy

Yokozuna Harumafuji on Monday condemned the recent incidents of corporal punishment that have shocked Japanese society, but insisted parents must take responsibility for ensuring their children are able to stand up for themselves. In December, an Osaka high school student committed suicide after suffering ...

Jan 30, 2013

Ex-yokozuna Taiho to receive special honor posthumously

The government decided Tuesday to give the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star to former yokozuna Taiho, who died on Jan. 19 at the age of 72. The sumo legend, whose real name was Koki Naya, won a record 32 tournaments, ...

Clown prince of sumo Takamisakari retires

Jan 28, 2013

Clown prince of sumo Takamisakari retires

Former komusubi Takamisakari, whose pre-bout goofball antics and gutsy performances made him one of sumo’s best-loved rikishi, has called time on his wrestling career, his sumo stablemaster Azumazeki said on Sunday. The announcement came on the final day of the New Year Grand Sumo ...

Undefeated yokozuna Harumafuji inches closer to title

Jan 24, 2013

Undefeated yokozuna Harumafuji inches closer to title

Harumafuji took apart Kotoshogiku and closed in on his third championship title in four meets Thursday as chief rival and fellow Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho crashed to a second loss at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament. Harumafuji watched Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu (7-5) topple Hakuho ...

Harumafuji overpowers Baruto

Jan 23, 2013

Harumafuji overpowers Baruto

by Dave Hueston

Harumafuji took full advantage of injury-plagued Baruto to scalp his 10th straight victim at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday. The once-embattled yokozuna continued his rampaging ways with a dismantling of the Estonian sekiwake to improve to 10-0 and remained on a ...

Harumafuji bulldozes over Goeido

Jan 22, 2013

Harumafuji bulldozes over Goeido

by Dave Hueston

The verdict is in . . . well, almost. After his critics had begun singing a Harumafuji requiem, the Mongolian yokozuna chalked up his ninth straight win with a thumping of upstart Goeido at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday. Coming off ...

Yokozuna Harumafuji remains unbeaten

Jan 21, 2013

Yokozuna Harumafuji remains unbeaten

by Dave Hueston

Yokozuna Harumafuji pulled out the howitzer for Brazilian big boy Kaisei on Saturday to retain his undefeated record on the seventh day of action at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament. Harumafuji improved to 7-0 as the sole leader with yokozuna rival Hakuho stalking ...

Harumafuji, Kitataiki improve to 5-0

Jan 18, 2013

Harumafuji, Kitataiki improve to 5-0

Yokozuna Harumafuji remained in front on the fifth day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday, with only No. 10 maegashira Kitataiki able to match his perfect 5-0 record. The Mongolian yokozuna made short work of winless maegashira Toyohibiki. Rival yokozuna Hakuho ...