Reiwa-Era Sumo’s Ideal: Four Yokozuna with Experienced Dignity and Individuality

Controversial Yokozuna’s dignity

On February 16, a parade celebrating Hoshoryu’s (25) promotion to Yokozuna was held around Kashiwa Station in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, attracting a massive crowd of approximately 25,000 spectators. For Hoshoryu, who graduated from Nihon University Kashiwa High School, Kashiwa City is known as his hometown in Japan, so the large turnout was no surprise. However, this was the first-ever parade in Kashiwa City for a sports athlete.

Moved by the overwhelming support, Hoshoryu expressed his gratitude:

“I was surprised by the huge crowd. It gave me courage.”

With Terunofuji (33) retiring after the January tournament, Hoshoryu’s promotion narrowly prevented a Yokozuna vacancy for the first time in 32 years. Following the Yokozuna Deliberation Council meeting that confirmed his promotion, composer and council member Shunichi Tokura (76) commented:

“Not all Mongolian Yokozuna had Yokozuna dignity, right? Fighting spirit is good, but I hope he becomes aware that this is Japan’s national sport. I trust Tatsuami Oyakata will guide him properly.”

This remark stirred controversy, yet expectations are high for the upcoming March Haru Basho at Edion Arena Osaka.

“There’s no doubt that excitement will build as this is the first tournament after the new Yokozuna’s debut,” said a sumo-focused sports newspaper reporter. “However, many sumo fans may feel that ‘a piece is still missing.’ After all, sumo thrives when both East and West Yokozuna are present, which has always been the case. There’s hope because there are several promising young wrestlers who could become the next Yokozuna. Of course, fans want Hoshoryu to demonstrate overwhelming strength and eventually become a dignified Yokozuna. But many sumo fans still hope for the presence of a Japanese Yokozuna to balance the prominence of foreign Yokozuna.”

When asked who was closest to becoming a Yokozuna alongside Hoshoryu, sumo journalist Reiko Yokono named two contenders: Ozeki Onosato (24) and Ozeki Kotonowaka (27).

“Onosato was once said to be closer to Yokozuna promotion than Hoshoryu, but he’s been struggling since his promotion to Ozeki, remaining stagnant for two tournaments. It seems his Oyakata has scolded him for not training enough. Onosato and Kotonowaka are likely feeling the most frustrated by Hoshoryu’s promotion. How they channel that frustration into their upcoming performances will determine who rises next. The Haru Basho should provide some clarity.”