[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.
