A former hairdresser, or "tokoyama," for sumo wrestlers is considering bringing a lawsuit against stable master Oitekaze for allegedly assaulting him in March, sources said Tuesday.
Oitekaze has reported this to a special directive committee of the Japan Sumo Association in the latest case tarnishing the image of the ancient sport.
"I have taken on a lawyer and intend to deal with this action seriously," said Oitekaze. The former hairdresser left his job with the sumo association in April.
According to sources, the hairdresser, formerly a wrestler, had himself allegedly physically abused young wrestlers of the stable but denied such charges in a statement sent to the stable master at the end of July.
He also suggested in the statement he was considering taking legal action against Oitekaze.
Oitekaze reportedly assaulted the hairdresser over his abuse of wrestlers.
Oitekaze is scheduled to meet with his lawyer as early as Wednesday. He said the hairdresser has been unwilling to discuss the case with him.
The sumo association last summer implemented measures to prevent acts of violence following the hazing death of a 17-year-old wrestler at the Tokitsukaze stable in 2007.