[Playback 2015] Hakuho’s Drunken Night After Judge Criticism Controversy

What Did ‘FRIDAY’ Report 10, 20, and 30 Years Ago?
Revisiting past headlines in [Playback Friday], this time featuring an article from the February 6, 2015 issue: “Hakuho Lightly Apologizes, Then Goes on an All-Night Drinking Spree the Next Day.”

Hakuho (39, now Miyagino Oyakata), the “Heisei-era Great Yokozuna,” holds numerous records, including the most top-division championships (45) and the longest reign as Yokozuna (84 tournaments). While he left an undeniable mark on sumo history, his actions often sparked controversy.

This article covers the judge criticism scandal that erupted after he secured his historic 33rd championship in the 2015 New Year tournament—the first ever to achieve such a feat—and what followed. (Quoted sections are from past articles, and all ages are as of the time of reporting.)

Where did he stop by the night after his apology?

On January 26, 2015, during his victory press conference, Hakuho openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the referees regarding the rematch decision in his bout against Ozeki Kisenosato on the 13th day of the tournament.

“When I watched the video, even a child could see that I had won.”

“Aren’t the referees former sumo wrestlers?”

“Skin color doesn’t matter. Stepping onto the dohyo with a topknot is the spirit of Japan. We’re all the same people with topknots!”

It was an unprecedented criticism of the referees by a yokozuna. In response, then-chairman Kitanoumi issued a strict verbal warning to Hakuho’s stablemaster, Miyagino Oyakata. The controversy caused a media frenzy, with reporters swarming the stable. On January 31, during an appearance on SmaSTATION!! (TV Asahi), Hakuho expressed his regret, stating, “I want to apologize for causing trouble and concern to so many people.”

Then, on February 1, the day after his televised apology, Hakuho attended a youth sumo tournament at the Kokugikan. That night, at around 10:30 PM, instead of heading straight home, he made his way to a nearby izakaya near Ryogoku Station with a light step.

The Never-Ending Night of Yokozuna

“The massive figure reappeared four hours later. Surrounded by a large crowd, Hakuho emerged with his chest sloppily exposed and a cheerful smile on his face. Perhaps the apology on last night’s program had liberated Yokozuna to this extent. Standing completely intoxicated in front of the establishment, he raised both hands in a triumphant pose! Then flashed a peace sign! With a thoroughly relaxed expression, he got into the waiting car.”

However, Yokozuna’s night did not end there.

“This time, he moved to Kinshicho, entering a multi-tenant building with several snack bars alongside a group of seven to eight associates. After spending about an hour there, he then moved to a small Mongolian-style snack bar across the street.

Settling into the cozy venue filled with the soothing sounds of nostalgic music from his homeland, he started what could be called a rematch—not of sumo, but of drinking. By the time he finally returned to his stable, it was nearly 7 AM.”

Hakuho showed no signs of being discouraged, but regarding his controversial criticism of the judges, a Japan Sumo Association official speculated, “His true feelings as a fierce competitor may have just slipped out.” In an article at the time, this official explained that the background to the incident might have been the accumulation of frustrations over the eight years since his promotion to Yokozuna, which suddenly erupted.

“For the past few years, Hakuho has been deeply conflicted about naturalizing as a Japanese citizen. To become an oyakata (sumo stablemaster), he must obtain Japanese nationality, but he seems unable to shake the doubt: ‘Is it really okay for me to become Japanese?’

He loves sumo and has risen to the very top, yet when he faces Japanese wrestlers, the crowd always cheers for them. Meanwhile, the media criticizes him over trivial matters, such as the way he accepts prize money. He must be thinking, ‘I’ve worked this hard, so why am I still not fully accepted?!'”

It was reported that Hakuho had also been drinking heavily the night before his controversial comments. No matter how strong he became or how many victories he accumulated, his inner struggles remained. Perhaps, for the great Yokozuna, alcohol was the only solace.

Like Asashoryu in the past, becoming a “heel”

At first, Hakuho had a strong image as a serious honor student compared to Asashoryu, the Mongolian yokozuna who came before him. However, ironically, the stronger he became, the more his behavior on the dohyo and his statements sparked controversy.

In the 2015 Aki Basho, he won a bout using a “neko damashi” (clap trick), prompting then-chairman Kitanoumi to criticize, “That’s not something a yokozuna should do.” In the 2017 Kyushu Basho, he led the audience in a banzai cheer during his victory interview and received a stern warning. Despite that, in the 2019 Haru Basho, he again encouraged the audience to perform a “sanbon-jime” (three-time handclap), leading to disciplinary action. These incidents were just a few of many, and by the latter half of his career, he had completely become a “heel” like Asashoryu once was.

As of 2015, he still seemed to have doubts, but in September 2019, Hakuho naturalized as a Japanese citizen. With his acquisition of Japanese nationality, he retired in September 2021 and took on the name Magaki-oyakata. In 2022, he became Miyagino-oyakata, inheriting the stable.

However, in February 2024, he faced severe punishment from the Sumo Association following an incident where his former makuuchi-ranked disciple, Hokushoho, assaulted a junior disciple. Hakuho was demoted two ranks to “hira-toshiyori” (a lower-ranked elder) and had his salary reduced. The Miyagino stable was effectively closed, with its wrestlers transferred under the care of Isegahama-beya.

Many felt this punishment was too harsh, and there were voices of sympathy from various quarters. Some criticized the severity as bullying within the Sumo Association, and discussions about reviving Miyagino-beya have surfaced repeatedly since last summer.

Miyagino-oyakata has always pursued his own path, undeterred by external criticism. Will he be able to rise again this time as well?