EDITORIAL | Hoshoryu Must Prove He's a Worthy Yokozuna

Being a "strong yokozuna" is certainly important. At the same time, a holder of sumo's highest rank must be a role model both inside and outside the ring. Hoshoryu now holds that responsibility.

When informed of his official promotion by the Japan Sumo Association to become the 74th yokozuna (grand champion)  in the history of the sport, Hoshoryu said, "I will work hard with a spirit of determination so as not to tarnish the title of yokozuna." 

We hope this means that instead of resting on his laurels, the Mongolia-born wrestler is committed to continuing training in terms of mind, technique, and body.

Hoshoryu's chances for promotion to grand champion were at stake during the recently completed New Year Grand Sumo Tournament (New Year Basho). Initially, he struggled, suffering three losses by the middle of the tournament. But he managed to make up ground to tie for first place. Then, on the final day, without even a break, he overpowered rank-and-file wrestlers Kinbozan and Oho in quick succession during a three-way playoff.

Hoshoryu's throwing techniques, footwork and flexible body movements honed through his practice of judo and wrestling, are similar to those of his uncle, former yokozuna Asashoryu. The power he has displayed in his sumo style over the past few tournaments and the mental toughness that has kept him from folding under the pressure of competition are also impressive.

Hoshoryu Faces Scrutiny After Promotion

However, he still has a long way to go in terms of consistency. Also, although he held the second-highest rank of ozeki, his three losses in the New Year Basho were to lower-ranked wrestlers. He indeed technically met the Japan Sumo Association's in-house promotion criteria of "winning two consecutive tournaments as an ozeki or achieving an equivalent result." However, for all nine members of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council to go along with the promotion seems quite lenient.

Plagued by injuries, yokozuna Terunofuji retired midway through the New Year Basho. Therefore, there was considerable concern that the Spring Basho in March would see the yokozuna title vacant for the first time in 32 years. Some observers contended that these circumstances contributed to Hoshoryu's promotion to the top rank. They may not be entirely off the mark. 

Therefore, the new yokozuna will be under intense scrutiny. In the past, he has also engaged in some unsightly behavior, such as using tactics to bait his opponents. From now on, Hoshoryu will be expected to maintain a higher level of sumo while leading the pack in competing to win tournaments. Moreover, he will be expected to act with dignity befitting the highest rank in the sport.

Hoshoryu, the Latest Mongolian Yokozuna

Yokozuna hailing from Mongolia have made their mark on the Japanese sport. Asashoryu was the first sumo wrestler to win seven consecutive tournaments. Later, Hakuho, now known as oyakata (sumo elder) Miyagino, captured a record 45 Emperor’s Cups.

However, violent and disrespectful behavior by some Mongolian sumo wrestlers has also stained the traditions of our national sport. 

The example of Asashoryu, whose violent behavior outside the sumo ring led to his retirement, is a warning. Hoshoryu must aim to become a yokozuna who sumo fans will love for a long time. To do so, he must discipline himself strictly in all aspects, including mind, technique, and body. 

Hoshoryu has eclipsed the two remaining ozeki, Kotozakura and Onosato, in reaching yokozuna status. However, we want to see both ozeki work harder. What sumo fans look forward to most are fierce rivalries within the ring.

RELATED:

• Mongolian Hoshoryu Named 74th Yokozuna After Winning the New Year Basho
• New Year Basho: Hoshoryu Wins Three-Way Playoff to Capture Emperor's Cup

(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun