Shozaru’s Lone Struggle: From Bullying Allegations to Doing His Own Shopping

Forced to go shopping for women’s underwear and forced to bathe in boiling water.

The February 13, 2013 issue of Shukan Shincho reported allegations of bullying by Shozaru (32), the second highest-ranking man in the Higashi-maegashira, toward his followers. It is said that power harassment of young wrestlers was frequently practiced.

“A complaint was reportedly submitted to the Japan Sumo Association’s Compliance Committee. Bullying likely took place. Shozaru’s supporters issued a statement immediately after Shukan Shincho was published, stating, ‘There are numerous inaccuracies in the report, and we deeply regret that such an article was published.’ However, the statement was deleted a few days later. Shozaru has since undergone questioning by the Compliance Committee.

If the bullying allegations are true, a mere warning may not be sufficient. In the past, wrestlers such as Takanoiwa and Hokuseiho were forced into retirement after their violent behavior was exposed. Shozaru’s stablemaster, Oitekaze Oyakata, is also unlikely to escape with a light punishment. There is even a possibility that, like former Yokozuna Hakuho’s Miyagino stable, which was transferred to Isegahama stable due to a major scandal, Shozaru’s stable could be merged into another within the Tokitsukaze faction,” said a Sumo Association insider.

“I’m really being considerate.”

On the other hand, there are different perspectives on the bullying allegations against Shōzaru. A young wrestler, A, who serves as an attendant in a different stable, says, “Shōzaru’s case is extremely unusual.”

“The Japan Sumo Association is very strict about compliance, especially when it comes to power harassment or moral harassment toward junior wrestlers. The wrestlers are well aware that if any physical abuse against an attendant is discovered, it’s an immediate dismissal—this is something they are reminded of in training sessions held every tournament. The saying, ‘Apart from wiping their behinds, the attendants do everything,’ is a thing of the past.

Wrestlers are really careful to ensure their attendants don’t feel harassed. They can’t even casually ask for favors anymore, so they use apps to book their own taxis to tournament venues. They even go to the convenience store themselves. Many wrestlers go alone to TV show recordings as well. Even if an attendant makes a mistake, they can’t strictly reprimand them, just saying, ‘Be more careful next time.’ You can really feel the struggles of being a sumo wrestler today.”

With fewer tasks to do for the wrestlers, A says he now has more free time and often ends up fiddling with his smartphone. While stricter compliance has brought benefits for attendants, it has also come with significant downsides.