The Tokyo District Court on Monday ordered the current head of the Tatsunami sumo stable to pay 175 million yen to his predecessor in return for receiving his rights to operate the stable.
The issue concerns the transfer of "oyakata-kabu" -- literally elder rights -- from former sekiwake Haguroyama, 69, to former komusubi Asahiyutaka, 34.
Retired wrestlers need to hold such a right if they wish to remain active in the Japan Sumo Association or run a stable, and there are only 105 available, with the exception of nontransferable rights issued to wrestlers who made great achievements as yokozuna.