[sumo] Fwd: [Sumo news] - Chiyomaru intai Press Conference

[Jeff A]

Moti

Best regards,
Gaijingai

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


---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Moti Dichne <niramiai at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Apr 2, 2026 at 5:58 AM
Subject: [Sumo news] - Chiyomaru intai Press Conference
To: Sumo Newsletter2 <sumo-newsletter2 at googlegroups.com>


Former Makuuchi Chiyomaru held a retirement press conference with his
Oyakata, Kokonoe Oyakata, at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on the 2nd. He
explained his reason for retirement, saying, "After I was demoted to
Makushita, the feeling of regret faded somewhat, and I felt it was time to
call it quits." He revealed his feelings, saying, "I feel refreshed, or
rather, a little relieved." After graduating from Shibushi Junior High
School in Kagoshima Prefecture, he joined Kokonoe beya. His active career
lasted approximately 19 years, with 31 bashos in Makuuchi and 33 bashos in
Juryo. He was promoted to Juryo in the autumn basho of 2013 and to Makuuchi
in the spring basho of 2014. His highest rank was East Maegashira 5. He was
loved not only for his sumo but also for his character. He frequently
appeared on variety shows. He was nicknamed "Chiyomaru-tan." His rounded
physique and sleepy face became a hot topic on social media, with people
saying he was "adorable" and "cute," which further boosted the popularity
of sumo. "I was a little embarrassed, but I was happy." Kokonoe Oyakata
also said that he "broke the mold of 'strength = popularity'" and that this
represents a new norm in the sumo world. When asked about his most
memorable match, he said it was "the match against Oniarashi at the Nagoya
basho where I was promoted to Juryo." He entered the 2013 Nagoya basho as
East Makushita 1, and after the 11th day, he had a record of 3 wins and 3
losses. He recalled, "I was nervous for about three days leading up to the
final day." He revealed, "I was acting as a tsukebito in the shitakubeya,
and there was another rikishi, Chiyosakae, there. I remember him slapping
me before I walked to the dohyo." He defeated Oniarashi via hatakikomi,
securing his kachikoshi and his promotion. After that, he spent 31 bashos
in the Makuuchi, rising to the rank of East Maegashira 5.

He will remain with the Kyokai as a wakaimonogashira, guiding younger
members. "I want to do my best to help in any way I can, to be able to do
as much as I can," he said, expressing his aspirations. [Ryotaro Yamada]

[image: 引退会見で笑顔を見せる千代丸（撮影・飯岡大暉）]
<https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/img/202604020000897-w1300_0.jpg>

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