Japan Sumo Association chairman Hanaregoma declared on Aug. 30 that the association will cut all ties with gangsters, a statement that was endorsed by the JSA's executive board and board of trustees. The JSA has been rocked by such scandals as members helping yakuza get ringside seats and gambling on professional baseball games, a source of revenue for organized crime. We hope that the JSA follows through on its declaration and begins a serious effort to reform and modernize.
Under the shadow of the scandals, the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament in July was unusual. Ten makuuchi and juryo wrestlers were suspended and ozeki Kotomitsuki was banned for life for gambling on baseball games. NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) did not provide live coverage of the tournament. The Emperor's Trophy was not handed to the winner.
After the Aug. 30 declaration, NHK decided to resume the live broadcast of sumo with the start of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo from Sept. 12. But the JSA is still in the process of returning to normal. It decided on new disciplinary measures Sept. 8 against some JSA members in connection with the gambling and yakuza problems. NHK has made it clear that if a new problem arises, it may suspend live coverage again. Whether the JSA is serious about reform will be tested.