Terunofuji: "If you want to quit, then quit" - the reason why Hakuho decided to "leave the Sumo Association"

On April 25th, the spring tour of sumo was held in Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture. Former Yokozuna Hakuho, also known as Miyagino Oyakata (hereafter referred to as Hakuho), was smiling all over the venue, and was full of satisfaction. This was the first time he had been in charge of the starting oyakata position, which involves arriving at the venue in advance and managing the tour. After the Hadano tournament ended with a full house, he reportedly confided to an acquaintance:

"This will be the last tour..."

Hakuho looks somewhat relieved

　A sumo reporter speaks.

"The ongoing May Grand Sumo Tournament is attracting attention as the fastest-ever chance for ozeki Oonosato to become a champion, but after this tournament another focus is on Hakuho's future. On the surface, he doesn't reveal his true feelings, but he does have a somewhat relieved look on his face."

　In our April 17th issue, we reported that Hakuho intends to part ways with the Japan Sumo Association after the May tournament .

"Since Hakuho denied his intention to retire when reporters flocked to see the article, the Sumo Association is taking a wait-and-see approach." (ibid.)

　However, Hakuho's intention to retire remains unwavering. A friend of Hakuho's reveals:

"At the time the news was published, we had not yet been able to fully explain the situation to all the relevant parties, and we were unable to approve his retirement. After that, having gained a certain degree of understanding from his supporters, Hakuho had intended to hold a retirement press conference after the Golden Week holidays. However, in order to fulfill his duties until the May tournament, the press conference was postponed for the time being."

Terunofuji will be the new master of the Isegahama stable.

　Last February, a violent incident by a former student of Miyagino stable was revealed. Hakuho was branded an unfit master and demoted two ranks. The stable was closed and the Miyagino stable wrestlers were transferred to Isegahama stable. A year later, what broke Hakuho's heart was the issue of changing masters at Isegahama stable, which he was facing before the revival of Miyagino stable.

"Isegawa stablemaster (former yokozuna Asahifuji), who will reach retirement age in July this year, is expected to transfer the Isegawa name to stablemaster Terunofuji (former yokozuna) in early June. The role of master of the stable will be taken over by Terunofuji, who only just retired from active competition in January this year." (Isegawa stable official)

The feud between Hakuho and Terunofuji

　This is an unbearable reality for Hakuho, the stablemaster, according to the friend mentioned above.

"There has been a deep-rooted feud between Hakuho and his junior from Mongolia, Terunofuji, since his active days. Hakuho has said that he "doesn't want to be under Terunofuji even for a day," and his limit was after the May tournament."

　Terunofuji, who was once forced to sit in seiza position by senior Mongolian yokozuna, is said to have expressed this triumphant response regarding Hakuho's future:

"You don't want to work under me. If you want to quit, then quit."

Oshima Oyakata also said, "Don't be hasty."

　Although his words and actions have been called into question on a number of occasions, Hakuho is also a great contributor to the sumo world.

"There are many young stablemasters who are sympathetic to Hakuho, and the longest-serving Mongolian stablemaster Oshima (former sekiwake Asahifuji) also tried desperately to stop him from retiring, telling him not to retire hastily," said a young stablemaster.

　However, the association's executive committee, including Chairman Yakaku, remained cold and unresponsive.

"The head of the board of directors representing the Isehama stable, Asakayama (former ozeki Kaio), proposed reviving the Miyagino stable earlier this year, but at a board meeting following the Osaka tournament in March this year, Chairman Hakkaku declared, 'I will not approve the revival for another year.' This makes it inevitable that Hakuho will join Terunofuji in the future." (Sumo Association source)

　It was shortly afterwards that Hakuho decided to leave the Sumo Association.

"It seems that Hakuho had said that he could continue at Asakayama stable or Oshima stable, both of which are in the same school, but there was no consideration within the association of re-transferring wrestlers from Miyagino stable." (ibid.)

　A major upset awaits after the May tournament.

The online edition of Shukan Bunshun reports in detail on the circumstances that led to Hakuho's decision, including the way the Sumo Association treated Hakuho under the leadership of Chairman Hakkaku, and his relationship with his rival, whom he simply could not tolerate.

Here is an interview with Murray on the sumo podcast Sumo Kaboom
https://sumokaboom.fireside.fm/137

The first game is still one of my fav of all time. I dunno what they could add but I guess I'll find out tonight.