Onosato’s Victory Erases Drinking Problem, Association Stunned by Allegations

The May Grand Sumo Tournament saw a surge in excitement due to Ōnosato, who secured his first championship win in just seven tournaments since starting in the lower divisions. During the Yokozuna Deliberation Council on May 27th, Chairman Masayuki Yamauchi (honorary professor at the University of Tokyo) commended Ōnosato’s accomplishment.

“He raised the possibility that the sumo world may be on the verge of significant change. In any era, stars are indispensable in sports. A suitable representative has emerged in our national sport.”

 

He praised Ōnosato, raising his hands in approval. When asked about the potential for promotion to yokozuna, 

 

“It seems undeniable that the possibility has become apparent.”

 

Meanwhile, some stablemasters expressed concerns.

“After Ōnosato’s victory, there’s no doubt he’s now the frontrunner for future ōzeki and yokozuna positions. Therefore, instead of brushing aside the issues that arose before the tournament, we should thoroughly investigate them, implement measures to prevent recurrence, and ensure proper education for Ōno-sato.”

The issues before the tournament stem from a document dated April 22, sent by the Japan Sumo Association to various media outlets regarding Inappropriate conduct by association members.

“The document stated that in September of last year, Ōno-sato, under the guidance of Nishikido-beya, drank alcohol with an underage wrestler. The association conducted interviews with Ōno-sato and Nisshonoseki-beya, and both received stern warnings from Compliance Director Katsunoura.” (former makuuchi wrestler Kirinoumi)

The following day, “Daily Shincho” published an article titled “The Truth Behind the Sumo Association’s Abrupt Announcement of Ōnosato’s ‘Drinking Issue’ – Continues to Conceal Bullying, Unchanged Organizational Culture.” According to the article, since April 19th, “Shincho” has been inquiring with Nisshonoseki-beya and the Sumo Association about this issue, with the contents stating:

 

“Ōnosato led the bullying of a 19-year-old wrestler, and drinking was just part of it.” a (journalist)

 

According to Shincho, the document was hastily sent by the Sumo Association to media outlets before the bullying issue became public knowledge. On April 24th, before departing for the Spring Tour, Ōno-sato apologized at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, stating:

 

“I am deeply sorry for causing so much trouble. I want to reflect on this and do my best.”

 

Leading up to the tournament, Ōnosato’s promotion ceremony, which should have been celebratory, also began with words of apology. However, Ōnosato did not address the bullying issue highlighted by Shincho. The association mentioned that Ōno-sato responded well during the hearings and there are no plans for further hearings. 

“The sumo association’s culture of concealment hasn’t changed at all from before, and it’s unlikely to change in the future.”

These words are spoken by the aforementioned stablemaster. 

“When questioned by the association, Ōnosato explained, ‘We just had a drink together in the bath.’ However, according to people close to the stable, there was indeed bullying. If that’s the case, they should listen to the victim of the bullying, but the association probably won’t do that.

If Shincho’s article turns out to be true, he may face sanctions equivalent to Asanoyama (six tournaments suspension for violating COVID-19 guidelines), or even more severe. This could delay his promotion to ōzeki or yokozuna. Currently, he’s a major figure in sumo, so they’ll likely want to avoid that outcome at all costs.”

Another issue is that the Sumo Association is not earnestly addressing this problem.

“The association executives honestly do not want to deal with Nishikido-beya. The reason is that ‘he is troublesome.'” (sports newspaper sumo reporter)

That’s the situation. What could this mean. 

 

“Nishikido-beya has a separate residence on the premises of the stable and rarely shares living quarters with his disciples. Regarding his private life, he has largely neglected his disciples. He has been known to go golfing during tournaments and has received warnings for this behavior. Honestly, the association executives doubt whether he is earnestly performing his duties as a stablemaster.

 

The root cause of the bullying issue this time is undoubtedly Nishikido-beya’s failure in supervision. However, even when executives have cautioned him in the past, he has often seemed indifferent and not inclined to heed advice. Being a stubborn and eccentric figure, the association executives genuinely prefer not to engage with him.” (reporter)

A patron of a certain sumo stable remarked with a bewildered expression:

“Nisshonoseki-beya has shown favoritism towards Japanese yokozuna amidst the success of Mongolian wrestlers like Asashoryu and Hakuho, and he enjoys significant popularity among sumo fans. Considering that Miyagino stablemaster received such sanctions, they probably won’t impose similar measures on Nishikido-beya, who is even considered a future candidate for chairman. The association simply doesn’t want any more involvement with him. They just hope he doesn’t cause any more trouble.”

Despite this sentiment, I don’t believe leaving the situation unaddressed is acceptable.

“Ōno-sato is considered the ‘Shohei Ohtani of the sumo world.’ Regardless of who his stable master is, he’s seen as a prodigy destined for future promotion to yokozuna. That’s why it’s crucial for him to develop not just physically but also mentally. The guidance of his master is also under scrutiny.” (sumo writer Shoko Sato)

Former komusubi Nakamura Oyakata, who has been assisting as a stablemaster under Nisshonoseki-beya, decided to leave on June 1st, taking eight of his disciples with him to start an independent stable. Amid efforts to re-educate Miyagino stablemaster, the need for similar guidance for Nisshonoseki-beya stablemaster seems apparent.

 

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