It has been announced that Yokozuna Harumafuji has withdrawn from the Kyushu basho as of this morning. There is currently some controversy swirling around him due to a fight with another rikishi. The Japanese press is swirling with allegations, and frankly they seem too fantastic to repeat here until there is more evidence. However the Sumo Kyokai has opened an investigation of Harumafuji, and as a result he has withdrawn until they complete their review. Tamawashi picks up a fusen win for their day 3 match.
It is also noted that Aoiyama has withdrawn as of day 3 with an ankle injury sustained day 2, Kaisei will gain a fusen win for their day 3 match.
Update – Video report now running on NHK World: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20171114_80/
Wuuut da fuq?
And aoiyamammaries?
Poor Aoiyama is not having a good time of it, after such a strong showing in Nagoya. I hope he can heal and come back strong.
This is one of those times I wish I was fluent. WTH is this a Mongolian fun party time gone awry?
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20171114/k10011222561000.html
Also pouring one out for my gaijin boob bro. To get injured on the 2nd day is rotten luck.
I was wondering the same thing – I have linked an English language post from Kyodo News to the article now, feel free to read it for a tiny bit of information. Clearly something happened, and it’s not good.
I think that was the gist of the rumor.
Very disturbing news, now lead story on NHK website: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20171114/k10011222561000.html?utm_int=news_contents_news-main_003
Hoping Takanoiwa makes a full recovery from the serious sounding injuries. Trying to withhold judgement until all the facts are revealed (whether it was a mutual fight or unprovoked attack, etc.), but very upsetting news to hear regardless.
Yikes, I called it, but not for the right reasons!
It seems that Harumafuji had planned on competing on day 3, but withdrew after the allegations began coming out regarding his involvement in the Takanoiwa Incident. He also made an apology to Takanoiwa and Takanohana beya for any inconvenience he caused but has not admitted to committing any violence.
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20171114/k10011222581000.html?utm_int=news_contents_news-main_001
Maybe it was actually Ichinojo causing trouble again in the grocery store by throwing beer at Takanoiwa, but Haruma is being a gentleman and trying to prevent any scandal for the youngster? :P
(This basho has become seriously depressing, even silly interview jokes don’t help)
Lol ya maybe he’s sticking his neck out 4 Jo since takarafuji can’t
According to NHK, the Chairman of Yokozuna Deliberation community was quoted asking the Sumo Association for strict measures in resolving this case. The translated quote reads:
“If the yokozuna who should have a high dignity as a model of the full strength fighter had caused violence, I will ask for the strict measures of the association.”
Also, it appears Harumafuji and Isegahama oyakata attempted to meet with Takanohana, but he refused to see them.
Let’s hope these are rumors and the real story is not as dramatic. Could it be the end for Harumafuji if this turns out to be true?
So sad, our favorite gentleman Haramafuji, a violent drunken brawler? Hard to believe.
Bad news story of the year. This sounds like the kind of incident that sees the YDC requesting that a wrestler submits his resignation. See also Futahaguro, Asashoryu. I hope that scenario can be avoided but it looks very bad for Harumafuji.
Must all of Jason’s favorite wrestlers be forced to retire after baffling and inexplicable acts of violence away from the dohyo? What in the world is going on?
Oh good freaking grief. I wake up in the morning, and somehow Saint Harumafuji has transformed into Asashoryu? No, worse. Because a skull fracture and concussion is worse than what was reported of that poor sod that Asashoryu assaulted.
The things that alcohol does.
Ah, the cognitive dissonance. My freaking favorite Yokozuna, the guy who tries to ensure that his opponents don’t break bones by keeping them on the dohyo. The guy who is best known as the saint patron of sumo-loving children and a fansa-kami-sama. And he uses those fine-tuned arm muscles of his to break a bottle over a man’s skull?
What’s next, the Dalai Lama accused of rape?