[sumo] Fwd: [Sumo news] - More on the unfolding Isegahama Oyakata drama

[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: Fri, Feb 27, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Subject: [Sumo news] - More on the unfolding Isegahama Oyakata drama
To: Sumo Newsletter2 <sumo-newsletter2 at googlegroups.com>


Kyokai: "We will discuss the punishment at the riji-kai after the basho."

Public anger is being directed more at the Kyokai's "too late response"
than at the perpetrator, the Oyakata. "NHK's lunchtime news covered this
incident, and the Kyokai reported that 'punishment will be discussed at the
board meeting after Haru' The phrase 'after Haru' has only added fuel to
the fire," said a staff member at a news program. Some comments on X and
Yahoo! News expressed concern for the Basho, with comments like "I just
hope the basho will be held safely."  "What!? After Haru??", "It's too
late," and "Suspension is appropriate now." Many others called for
immediate disciplinary action against Isegahama. While the Kyokai's desire
to ensure that the Haru Basho which begins on March 8, runs smoothly is
apparent, fans view the tournament as unholy, if the violent act remains
unresolved. The target of all this discontent is Chairman Hakkaku

*"We're looking forward to Chairman Hakkaku's decision" *

Ever since Hakkaku Oyakata became chairman in 2015, the sumo world has made
the elimination of violence a top priority. However, in 2017, Yokozuna
Harumafuji assaulted Takanoiwa, in 2018 a sekitori from Takanohana stable
at the time assaulted his tsukebito, and in 2024, it was discovered that a
rikishi from Miyagino stable, where Hakuhou Oyakata ruled, had assaulted
and bullied a junior. As a result of this incident, Miyagino beya was
eventually closed, and Hakuhou retired from the Kyokai. Not only that, but
some weekly magazines have also reported on "a breakdown in discipline" at
Nishonoseki beya, such as shoving a sake bottle up a wrestler's anus."

Under Hakkaku's leadership, reports of violence and bullying between
rikishi and by their Oyakata are endless. Every time a scandal comes to
light, the organization has vowed to "prevent it from happening again," but
ironically, the former "strongest Yokozuna" has broken that promise. "Many
say that scandals have increased since Hakkaku became chairman, but some
impatient fans are eagerly awaiting his decision, saying, 'We'll see what
kind of punishment Hakkaku will impose,' or 'Hakkaku has a
likes-and-dislikes nature, so we'll see what kind of decision he makes.'
It's no wonder that the inability to eradicate violence is blamed on a lack
of crisis awareness at the top." In January, candidates were accepted for
election to the board of directors following the expiration of the current
two-year term. However, the candidates for director and vice director were
selected without a vote for the fourth consecutive term. The appointments
will be approved after Haru Basho, but at this point, it is highly likely
that Hakkaku will continue in his position. Was it not "awareness as an
Oyakata" but "a chain of violence" that awaited former Yokozuna Terunofuji
after his retirement? Attention is focused on the decision of Chairman
Hakkaku, who has taken over the long-term system of the Kyokai.

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