[sumo] Fwd: [Sumo news] - Retirement age to change? Long, again..

[Jeff A]

Moti

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Moti Dichne <niramiai at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Aug 8, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Subject: [Sumo news] - Retirement age to change? Long, again..
To: Sumo Newsletter2 <sumo-newsletter2 at googlegroups.com>


Under the leadership of Chairman Hakkaku the Kyokai is drawing attention as
it appears to be moving towards introducing a "70-year retirement age" for
sumo rikishi. The revised Act on Stabilization of Employment of Older
Persons, which came into effect in 2021, makes it mandatory for companies
to offer employment opportunities to employees until age 65, and stipulates
that companies are obligated to make efforts to introduce continued
employment systems such as raising the retirement age to 70. Prior to this,
since 2014 the Kyokai has been re-employing Oyakatas, limited to those aged
between 65 and 70. If those seeking re-employment receive approval from the
board of directors, their employment will be extended until age 70 in the
position of advisor, with 70% of their previous salary being paid.
Currently, there are eight re-employed  Oyakata: *Minezak*i ,*Tatsutayama
Takashima, Kagamiyama, Irumagawa  Michinoku, Hanakago, and Miyagino*  A
sumo reporter said, "The re-employed Oyakata cannot become executive
directors or Oyakata but rather they are tasked with supporting other
Oyakata by working in the life guidance department as an etiquette
instructor, or by joining the instruction and promotion department or
compliance department. However, in reality, there is nothing for them to
do. In the case of regional basho, which require travel and accommodation
expenses, the Kyokai does not make participation mandatory, perhaps because
they do not want to cover the expenses. There were many participating
Oyakata who did not even attend the Nagoya basho."

Many Oyakata are approaching retirement age of 65 Such re-employment also
has its drawbacks. To remain in the Sumo Kyokai as an elder, one must
obtain one of the 105 elder names. Because the number is limited, if more
Oyakata remain as advisors, it will mean that rikishi who want to remain in
the Kyokai will not be able to obtain an elder name. In the next two years,
there will be 10 Oyakata who will reach the retirement age of 65:* Ootake*
, Shiratama, Tokiwayama, Jinmaku, Katsunoura, Kasugano, Sakaigawa,
Kumegawa, Shibatayama and Nishikido.  Ootake Oyakata, who will reach
retirement age of 65 in September this year, will exchange elder names with
Kataonami heya's  Kumagatani Oyakata.

It was announced after the Nagoya basho that the new Ootake Oyakata will
inherit Ootake beya, and Ootake Oyakata will be rehired as Kumagatani and
remain as a heya advisor. If everyone remains in the Kyokai as advisors, it
will become difficult for active rikishi to obtain elder names even if they
want to remain in the Kyokai. As a result, there will be cases where
rikishi who are unable to retire and have fallen from Ozeki will continue
to compete in Juryo. In recent years, Yutakayama, Ounoshou, Toyonoshima,
Shouhouzan, Chiyotairyuu, and Joukouryuu have all retired without being
able to obtain elder names (kabu). Until now, some Oyakata have chosen not
to be rehired and instead made way for the next generation, but there are
concerns that the shortage of elder names will become even more severe with
the retirement age of 70." Will labor costs not increase?! Weekly Post was
the first to interview the Sumo Kyokai in June about the introduction of a
70-year retirement age and the backlash against it, but was only told, "We
have nothing to comment on" (Public Relations Department).

The significance of this issue is that 62-year-old Chairman Hakkaku has one
term, two years, until retirement under the current system, but if the
retirement age is extended, he could potentially continue in his position
for a longer period. A sumo journalist commented, "It is said that Chairman
Hakkaku and Business Division Manager Kasugano were lobbying the board of
directors to extend the retirement age to 70 during the Nagoya basho, but
many Oyakata were opposed, fearing that there would be an even more chronic
shortage of elder names. There are also rumors that they will consult with
the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the
supervisory agency, after the basho. It's convenient for them that there
are so many Oyakata turning 65 in one or two years. They are likely
planning to use this influence to consult with the board of directors."
Normally, extending the retirement age is a high hurdle for a company, as
increased labor costs put pressure on management.

However, the Sumo Kyokai has unique circumstances. A young Oyakata
explains. "Even if the retirement age is extended or re-employment is
implemented, personnel costs will not increase because the total number of
elders is fixed at 105. In fact, personnel costs for re-employed elders
will be kept at 70%. This is why the move can be made smoothly. However, if
a retirement age of 70 is introduced, it will become even more difficult
for active rikishi to remain with the Kyokai." Can this move really be said
to be beneficial for the future of the sumo world? Future developments will
be closely watched.

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-- 
Best regards,
Jeffrey Anderson
Gaijingai
For of all sad words of tongue or pen,
The saddest are these:
It might have been.
- John Greenleaf Whittier
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