Heavy-metal artist Demon Kakka caused a bit of uproar on Monday when he suggested on public broadcaster NHK that former ozeki Kotomitsuki, who was fired last summer for gambling on pro baseball, be reinstated to the national sport.
Appearing on a live broadcast on the second day of action at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, Demon Kakka, who dons a flamboyant feathered headpiece and wears heavy make-up reminiscent of members from the band "Kiss," said that he hopes "Koto-Tamiya" can be slotted into a spot for a top maegashira rank on the prestigious east side next year.
"Last year, he was fired . . . ozeki Kotomitsuki. Well, many people have their own harsh opinions and some feel that he should have been fired," said Demon, whose stage name means His Excellency Demon.
"On the other hand, there are those who question Kotomitsuki being the only one to take responsibility. They say, isn't this a problem throughout all sumo. He wasn't the only one (to be fired) but some feel that he has taken the blame by being the only one to end his career in the ring."