The Kyokai just announced on its official Twitter account that Yoshikaze of Oguruma beya will join Takakeisho on the couch for Nagoya. With a full kyujo from Maegashira 11, this will likely see the veteran demoted to Juryo.
休場力士情報を更新しました。
東大関 貴景勝（千賀ノ浦部屋）、東前頭十一枚目 嘉風（尾車部屋）は、初日から休場いたします。#sumo #相撲— 日本相撲協会公式 (@sumokyokai) July 5, 2019
We now understand this to have been a more long term issue. He had surgery to deal with a right knee ligament injury. The initial kyujo announcement seemed to leave the door open to eventual participation in this tournament. However, in light of this news it puts participation in September’s tournament in the air. Full kyujo from a second tournament would jeopardize his rank even further. If he does not participate until November, he would come back in makushita.
Turns out that Yoshikaze suffered his injury in June, and had surgery for it. He is currently staying in a hospital in Chiba, doing rehab.
(I was wondering why I didn't see him in Oguruma practice photos and such).https://t.co/hTlxcU8bat
— ヘルット (@SumoFollower) July 5, 2019
A demotion to Juryo is certain for an M11 with an 0-0-15 record. Since the kōshō system was abolished in 2004, only rikishi ranked M3 or higher have survived a full kyujo without getting demoted.
Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My favorite, too, but something has been wrong. And I think he’s just slowing down some as well.
He hasn’t been himself since at least Nagoya last year :(
Turns out the man injured his ligament some time in June. He actually underwent surgery. His oyakata says he is currently at a hospital in Chiba prefecture, undergoing rehab.
Thanks again Herouth – that’s the best news from this nightmare news 💜💜
Think how cool it would be if we could send him get well cards. I love this guy.
Me too !!!!!
See my comment above for his stable address.
Send it directly to
Oguruma Beya
2-chōme-15-5 Kiyosumi
Kōtō-ku, Tōkyō-to 135-0024
Japan
Thank u! Will get a get well card today and send off 😁🙏🏻
Tell Mr. Feisty we hope he brings back the feistiness soon!!!
Will do !
Chiyonokuni has withdrawn again too. :( The buzz I’d been hearing suggested he would be fighting this basho, but I guess it was all talk. Disappointed (I miss him in Makuuchi), but glad he’s taking care of himself long-term.