The Yokozuna has informed the NSK of his resolution to retire. The matter will be discussed in a board meeting, but it is a done deal – he will become Kakuryu oyakata, taking advantage of the Yokozuna privilege of staying up to 5 years as an elder using his ring name.
We wish Kakuryu a fruitful career as an elder, and thank him for his long career and clever sumo.
I’m deeply saddened by this.
Can’t “like” this post.
When we saw this flash across the opening of the day 11 highlight’s, my sister and I cried. To our Western eyes, Kakuryu was a Gentleman warrior; a fierce and honorable competitor. We will miss his presence in the ring.
I wish him well in the next stage of his career.
have the utmost respect for Kakuryu at every level, both personal and professional. it’s a bittersweet announcement but he knows his own body and what it will/won’t do any more, to see him win his emporer’s cups was a joy. but now as Kakuryu oyakata i look forward to this evolution. what he’s doing with/for Kiribayama will pay dividends as they settle into their new normal. this may sound crazy but i can even see some of Kakuryu’s serenity in Kiribayama as he goes through his pre-tachiai routines… i wish Kakuryu and his family nothing but the best