Hakuho remains a respected yokozuna, a grand champion of sumo, and is considered one of the sport's all-time greats.
However, Hakuho also bears considerable responsibility for disrespecting the traditions of Japan's national sport. It is unfortunate but unavoidable that he must exit the sumo world.
The Mongolia-born Hakuho won 45 top-level tournaments during his illustrious career. Then, after retiring, he became the master of the Miyagino sumo stable. Now he has been forced to retire from the Japan Sumo Association.
The Miyagino stable was ordered closed due to the abuse of young wrestlers in the beya (stable) by one of Hakuho's subordinates. The suspect himself is also a top-level (makuuchi) wrestler. Prospects for its revival now appear unlikely. That was just one of the reasons for Hakuho's resignation.
At a June 9 press conference, Hakuho announced that he aims to establish a new international sumo organization. He plans to work to popularize and develop the sport worldwide.
Right Decision?
Some people argue the decision to close Hakuho's beya was too harsh. They compare his punishment to that meted out to others in the past who have had scandals involving bullying or other forms of violence. However, the fact is that when Hakuho was formally named a toshiyori, or "elder," he signed a pledge to abide strictly by its rules.
During his active career, Hakuho was notorious for his sometimes flagrant misconduct. He showed disregard for the traditions of the national sport and the rank of yokozuna. For example, he sometimes unilaterally skipped steps expected of a yokozuna when entering the dohyo. Other times, he employed dangerous elbow strikes during his bouts.
It seems fair to say that how he mismanaged his subordinate's violence justified the association's concerns. Hakuho should take this opportunity to reflect on whether he ever had what it takes to successfully run a sumo beya.
Deeper Problems for the Japan Sumo Association
The Japa Sumo Association's poor governance has also been shocking. In October 2018, it announced a zero tolerance policy for violence and proposed training for stablemasters and wrestlers. However, even after that, violent incidents related to sumo stables continued to occur.
Asashoryu (2010) and Harumafuji (2017), both yokozuna, retired due to their own violent behavior. And stablemaster Takanohana (former yokozuna Takanohana) resigned in 2018 after clashing with the association over how it handled the violence his disciple Takanoiwa suffered at the hands of Harumafuji.
Since the Heisei era, 11 wrestlers have become yokozuna (excluding currently active wrestlers). However, six (including Hakuho) have already left the world of sumo. This is abnormal, to say the least.
Sumo's Lost Opportunity
No one can deny Hakuho's accomplishments. At a time when faith in the national sport had hit rock bottom due to professional baseball gambling and match-fixing scandals, he restored the popularity of sumo through his efforts both inside and outside the ring. And how can we ever forget how he stood at the forefront of efforts to support areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake?
The association proved unable to develop such a great person into a leader in the sumo world. And in the wake of the recent scandal, it left him in a state of limbo without indicating if or when he would be able to reopen the stable. Isn't how the association operates also one of the root causes of the problem?
The number of Japanese rikishi (sumo wrestlers) continues to fall due to the country's declining births. In addition, younger people are turned off by the old-fashioned, violent culture that continues within the sport.
It is wrong for the Japan Sumo Association to try to pin all the blame on Hakuho's character. Nor can it summarily close the curtain on the issue because he has departed.
RELATED:
- It's High Time Sumo Comes to Grips with Its Bullying Problem
- [JAPAN SPORTS NOTEBOOK] Sumo Stablemaster Miyagino Demoted as Punishment for Wrestler's Violence at Stable
- Wrestlers at Scandal-Hit Miyagino Stable Transferring to Isegahama Stable
(Read the editorial in Japanese.)
Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
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