In the days leading up to the Aki Basho, sumo is on the ropes.
For two weeks, following the drug-related dismissal of Magaki Beya wrestler Wakanoho of Russia, the sport has been struggling to keep its head above water and dark clouds have been hanging permanently above the Kokugikan in Tokyo's Ryogoku district.
Those clouds let loose in a torrent of allegation, denial, claims and talk of lawsuits over the past week. It all peaked on the afternoon of Sept. 8 when then Sumo Association Chairman (rijicho) Kitanoumi announced his resignation from the post he has held since 2002. Two more Russians, Roho, 28 and Hakurozan, 26, were also informed that their careers in sumo are over.