Naturalized Sokokurai fought for JSA return
One of the more interesting bits of news over the past month was the announcement that Arashio stable veteran Sokokurai had acquired Japanese nationality. By far the most successful of the 12 rikishi in sumo history to have hailed from mainland China, Sokokurai's switch leaves ...
Takanofuji calls punishment for out-of-ring violence 'too heavy'
Second-tier juryo division wrestler Takanofuji, who is facing disciplinary action for hitting a lower-ranked wrestler in the forehead, said Friday after issuing an apology that he is not ready to end his career. "This penalty is too heavy and I can't accept it," said Takanofuji, ...
Every day of a sumo tournament contains hundreds of bouts. From early in the morning until late in the evening, a virtually non-stop parade of wrestlers arrives at the arena. They change, warm up, stand in line in the hanamichi (aisle leading to the ring), ...
Kids tournaments provide much more than just recruiting grounds
You can become a professional sumo wrestler at 15 years old. That's the age most kids are when they graduate junior high school and complete compulsory education. The academic year in Japan ends in March and that month's tournament in Osaka sees more new recruits join ...
The Japan Sumo Association's highest authority is the chairman of its board of directors. The current occupant is 56-year-old Hakkaku, who has been in power since 2015. Like the majority of his predecessors, Hakkaku is a former yokozuna. Known as Hokutoumi when at that rank, he won ...
Much talk, no action from sumo committees
The Japan Sumo Association loves committees. Barely a scandal or incident goes by without the creation of some kind of panel or investigative group. Last month saw the establishment of yet another. The "Expert Committee to Contemplate the Future Succession of Sumo" is an advisory body whose ...
The American-made trophy presented by U.S. President Donald Trump at a sumo tournament will join the sport's historical materials at a museum in Tokyo, the sport's governing body said Monday. The President's Cup, which was presented by Trump to the winner of the Summer Grand ...
Though sumo and song may not seem obvious bedfellows, Japan's national sport has musical connections both varied and historical. Jinku, a form of folk singing, is a common sight on provincial tours and at retirement ceremonies. Six wrestlers wearing kesho mawashi (highly decorated apron-like belts) take ...
Japan Sumo Association reprimands yokozuna Hakuho for leading cheer at Spring Basho
Yokozuna Hakuho received a minor reprimand from the Japan Sumo Association on Wednesday for leading an impromptu cheer after his victory at last month's Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. The 34-year-old Mongolian's conduct at Edion Arena Osaka was deemed a breach of sumo tradition and discipline ...
Sumo is a unique sport and its merchandising reflects that fact. While many sports rely heavily on wearable items like hats, T-shirts, and replica uniforms, sumo tends to focus more on traditional Japanese goods and edibles. Tegata (autographed handprints), banzuke (ranking sheets) as well as various ...
Sumo's governing body told wrestlers Tuesday they are no longer allowed to grow beards, which some competitors in Japan's ancient sport believe will bring them good luck. At a meeting in Osaka, Japan Sumo Association elder Oguruma told the wrestlers' association that beards — along ...
The Japan Sumo Association on Friday accepted the retirement of a sumo wrestler who repeatedly choked and bullied a lower-ranked apprentice wrestler at the stable run by Bulgarian-born former ozeki Kotooshu. The JSA's board of directors handed the stablemaster a 10-percent cut for three months ...
