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

On the other hand, Sato offered the following analysis:

“Kitanoumi was so strong that he was seen as a ‘hateful’ rival by fans of his contemporaries, Yokozuna Wajima and Ozeki Takanohana. During the Waka-Taka boom, Akebono, being a Hawaiian-born Yokozuna, was treated as a heel. This began when Konishiki (61) was labeled the ‘Black Ship Invasion,’ and Musashimaru was also cast as a heel. Later, Mongolian wrestlers like Asasekiryu (51), a pioneer among Mongolian sumo wrestlers, were called the ‘Mongol Invasion.’

In pro wrestling and anime alike, heels are part of the battle. But now, it’s no longer about forcing a heel role; fans can simply enjoy the individuality and background stories of each wrestler. Oho is the grandson of the legendary 48th Yokozuna Taiho, Kotonowaka’s grandfather was the 53rd Yokozuna Kotonowaka, and Hoshoryu’s uncle was former Yokozuna Asashoryu, famously known as a ‘heel.’

These three all remind fans of past great Yokozuna. Meanwhile, Onosato rose rapidly through the ranks and is already seen as a major talent with strong fan expectations. The story of his future rise will be exciting as well. With these four wrestlers — Hoshoryu, Onosato, Kotonowaka, and Oho — each bringing their own personality, sumo has entered an era where fans can purely enjoy the sport.

Thanks to the Japan Sumo Association’s successful social media strategy, the number of young sumo fans is rapidly increasing. Without categorizing wrestlers by nationality or heel roles, Reiwa-era sumo is sure to thrive by embracing character-driven excitement.”

Following Hoshoryu’s promotion, fans eagerly await an era of four Yokozuna: Onosato, Kotonowaka, Oho, and Hoshoryu. What kind of battles will unfold at the Haru Basho?