Yokozuna Hakuho’s sudden retirement sent shockwaves through the world of sumo last month.
The legendary wrestler may have been absent for most of the past two years, but his continued ability to dominate the competition when taking part in tournaments ensured that there was an intimidating presence atop the rankings, and presented a formidable psychological barrier to any rikishi with ambitions of grandeur.
Without Hakuho, the task of maintaining sumo’s natural order becomes the purview of new yokozuna Terunofuji. The powerful veteran showed he was up to the challenge by claiming a fifth Emperor’s Cup in September, but with his 30th birthday just over a month away, and an extensive injury history, it remains to be seen just how long the Isegahama stable man can sustain his current level of performance.