Reiwa-Era Sumo’s Ideal: Four Yokozuna with Experienced Dignity and Individuality
The “heel” Yokozuna who was also popular
There’s actually one more wrestler that Yokono has high hopes for — Oho (25), who faced Hoshoryu in the January tournament’s championship playoff. His highest rank so far was Maegashira 1 in the November 2024 tournament, but he’s expected to reach the new san’yaku rank in the upcoming Haru Basho.
“His sumo style has clearly changed since last year. Especially in the January tournament, his fighting spirit stood out. He’s a late bloomer, and since he’s been building strength, if he reaches Ozeki, we can expect even greater things. If Kotonowaka and Onosato continue to stall, Oho may become Yokozuna before them,” said Yokono.
Sumo writer Shoko Sato, also known as “Dosukoi Hanako,” shares similar expectations for Oho.
“Oho has been making his presence felt in recent tournaments. He’s been rivals with Hoshoryu since their high school days, and they’re also close friends. Both were born in 1999, so they might eventually be called the ‘Flower of the Class of ’99’ (laughs). They debuted together in January 2018, but Hoshoryu pulled ahead in terms of career progression. That may have sparked a fire in Oho, who had previously seemed somewhat ‘pampered.’ Recently, he’s been actively seeking out training with other stables, which seems to have helped him break through.”
This brings to mind the “good rivalries” between Yokozuna in sumo history.
In the past, there was Wajima and Kitanoumi, the brother Yokozuna Wakanohana (54) and Takanohana (52), and Akebono, the first foreign-born Yokozuna. There’s also Takanohana versus Musashimaru (53), and Kisenosato (38) against Asashoryu (44) and Hakuho (39) — many of whom were seen as “heel” Yokozuna at some point.
“The trend of yearning for a Japanese Yokozuna while labeling foreign Yokozuna as heels ended with Kisenosato and Hakuho. Times have changed, and now they’re all just sumo wrestlers once they join the sport. However, it’s true that sumo popularity can waver without a Japanese Yokozuna. For now, Hoshoryu will have to carry sumo on his shoulders as the lone Yokozuna.
There are voices questioning his ‘dignity,’ but no Yokozuna is born with it. He has his uncle (Asashoryu) as a cautionary example. Hoshoryu himself is mindful not to become a heel. He’s injury-free, has great physical ability, and a strong competitive spirit. Among Hoshoryu, Onosato, and Kotonowaka, the sumo gods chose Hoshoryu first to become Yokozuna. With experience, he will grow into a respectable Yokozuna and firmly support sumo’s popularity,” Yokono concluded.
