Former Yokozuna Hakuho Reveals Resignation Story — No Regrets, I’m More Excited for What’s Next

A vision for a new path has come into view

At the “Hikari-no-Ma” banquet hall of the Imperial Hotel, in front of over 100 members of the press, Hakuho Sho (40), once hailed as the strongest yokozuna in history, spoke about his retirement and his vision for the future. An hour later, he invited our magazine’s reporting team into his hotel room, where he had been staying since the previous day. Settling heavily onto the sofa, he didn’t forget to show consideration for the reporters, saying, “Make sure they have chairs too.” When asked about his honest feelings after the press conference, he flashed a bright smile.

“Honestly, I’m more excited about what’s ahead. Someone told me, ‘Until yesterday you were Japan’s Hakuho, but from today you’re the world’s Hakuho — so keep pushing forward.’ And it really feels like that. A lot has happened up until now, but when I think about what’s coming, it makes my heart race, and honestly, I’m more looking forward to it than anything else.”

His expression was so refreshingly clear it was surprising, his eyes sparkling like those of a teenage boy.

In February of last year, Hakuho was held responsible as stablemaster for a violent incident involving one of his disciples. He was demoted two ranks and had his salary reduced as a disciplinary action. Miyagino Stable was closed, and together with its wrestlers, he transferred to Isegahama Stable. There, under Isegahama-oyakata’s guidance, he waited for the reopening of his stable.

However — even after more than a year had passed by the March tournament this year, the closure was not lifted. Compared to how other scandals were handled, this was clearly harsher, and insiders voiced concerns: “The problem is, there isn’t a clear standard for how the Japan Sumo Association handles such matters. It’s practically bullying.”

Outwardly, Hakuho remained composed. “I’m only grateful to the Association,” he said, taking the high road.

But starting around March this year, prompted by the Association’s treatment, he began quietly consulting with close supporters at dinner meetings about his future.

In other words, it was only about three months ago that he started envisioning a new path — leaving the Association and finding a way to contribute to sumo from outside, broadening his perspective to the world.

“Certainly, the situation around Miyagino Stable and the Association’s handling of it may have been the trigger for my decision to leave. But it wasn’t because I disliked the Association. I’ve been loved by sumo and have loved sumo myself — and when I thought about how I could contribute to sumo going forward, I felt there was something meaningful I could do by stepping outside the Association and expanding my view to the world. Listening to the advice of people around me, I started to see sumo from a broader perspective.”

As for reports claiming he left because he didn’t want to work under his junior, Terunofuji (33), Hakuho flatly denied them.

“Let me be clear: that’s not true. He entered the sumo world because my father introduced him to the Magaki Stable. I’ve been strict with him as his senior, but that was my duty, and it wasn’t out of personal feelings. There’s a connection through my father, and we don’t have a bad relationship.”

On the other hand, he admitted to having mixed feelings about leaving his disciples behind at Isegahama Stable.

“I remember when I became an oyakata, my mother back in Mongolia told me, ‘It takes a long time to mend a broken vessel. And teaching people is even harder than fixing a broken vessel.’

I do sometimes wonder if I should have been stricter with them. I really wanted to see them reach yokozuna up close. But even if I’m on the outside, I can still cheer them on.”

The June 13 issue of FRIDAY (covering June 27–July 4) and the premium FRIDAY GOLD edition delve into Hakuho’s plans for a “World Sumo Grand Slam” project, as well as his relationship with Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, one of his key supporters.

For more details and several exclusive photos, see here:

From “FRIDAY”, 2025 June 27–July 4 combined issue