It is a dark day in the world of sumo. Hakuho is out.
In the aftermath of the Hokuseiho bullying scandal, Hakuho was punished for his inability to address the situation properly when it was brought to his attention. He was demoted, had his salary docked, had his stable shuttered and he, Ishiura, and his remaining deshi were folded into Isegahama-beya.
While under Isegahama’s supervision, Isegahama was required to file regular reports on the status of Hakuho’s progress. (If the contents of any of those reports become public, I will share them.) Isegahama’s upcoming retirement forced the issue of, “what to do with Hakuho?” The Kyokai planned a board meeting for today to discuss the matter.
Late last week, the rumor mill indicated Hakuho had already decided to resign despite making a public denial — which was dismissed by sources as not wanting to spoil Onosato’s Yokozuna promotion. According to those sources, the decision was reportedly made because Hakuho could not accept Terunofuji essentially becoming his supervisor, in a signal of the Kyokai’s desire to continue the status quo, rather than reopening Miyagino beya.
Well, the Kyokai went ahead with its scheduled board meeting and decided to accept Hakuho’s resignation. We will provide updates after Hakuho has his press conference.
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I had the chance to meet and talk with Hakuho in 2023 during the Japan Festival in Toronto, Canada (technically in the city of Mississauga). At the time, he was traveling a lot as a superstar and didn’t seem to be spending much time at his beya. That lifestyle may have contributed to some of the issues that eventually surfaced, including the case with Hakuseiho. I also think the Japan Sumo Association (JSA) saw him as something of a rebel—which probably didn’t sit well with them.
So while I understand why certain decisions were made, I still believe it wasn’t a fair way to treat such a legendary yokozuna.
P.S. I hope he eventually starts an alternative to the JSA—whether in Japan or Mongolia. Even though he gave up his Mongolian citizenship, he still has a unique position and influence. A competing organization could bring new energy to sumo, modernize it, and maybe even pave the way for its inclusion in the Olympic Games (not that I watch them, personally! :D ).
Yeah, that’s the big risk for the sumo association. He could start a professional league with mens and womens comps. And modern sponsorship arrangements. And, of course, viewing rights! If he could pinch a few stars, it would be a pretty big threat..
And if he could persuade the Saudis to get into sumo the way they got into golf, backing him with big money, it would be a huge threat to the Sumo Association’s monopoly on the sport.
It’s a bad day for the Sumo Association, but a good day for the sport of sumo overall, if Hakuho follows through with something like this. If not, this event is just another stain on sumo’s long and sordid history. Sure, Hakuho was a heel at times, but his skill in the ring was unparalleled. It’s a shame that outside forces and his own negligence combined to force this ending. In this insular, Japanese sport, I guess the success of Hakuho and his lasting legacy was a step too far for the old guard to let abide for very long. Other commenters have mentioned the scandals and disparity in treatment. All I’ll say is, karma will likely get its due on both sides, and we won’t see which party (if any) comes out of this looking better. For now, I say it’s the very opposite.
What will happen to Hakuho elder stock? – Miyagino
I heard on “Chris Sumo” that it will go to current coach Isegahama… but I am a bit puzzled,
why does current coach Isegahama needs a kabu? he just sold his and he is retiring
did Hakuho sold his kabu to him? or does it goes automatically to his master once he retires?
When Isegahama retires, he can keep his kabu for up to 5 years in an advisor role. If he does that, Isegahama beya goes away and Terunofuji beya would need to open. But Terunofuji has to acquire a separate kabu in roughly 4 1/2 years because his Terunofuji kabu is only available for 5 years. I understand that the plan is for Isegahama to transfer his kabu to Terunofuji so the Isegahama beya continues, “under new management.” It’s similar to what happened between Hakuho and his former master. His former master traded the Miyagino kabu to him in exchange for Magaki. But instead of staying on for the full 5 years as advisor, he quickly sold it to Ishiura.
ok so if Isegahama becomes Miyagino (with Terunofuji becoming Isegahama), then it means that Hakuho sold his kabu ?
was he able to keep it? lets say keep it for a year or so with the expectation of Enho becoming elegible?
And current Isegahama can now remain as Miyagino and as advisor for another 5 years if he wishes
Most spectator people including myself wished for some happy ending of that long time pending situation, and this doesn’t look like a positive outcome. But I‘d say, it ain‘t over til it‘s over, and possibly former Hakuho still can do something in favour of Sumo’s progress in general. JSA’s standing could become less stable after these decisions, and having some influence built up out of their reach maybe would change some things. Though probably not much concerning prevention of haze and bullying… Isegahama is said to be talking in his reports like ‚Miyagino did not put his whole heart into the training of the young men‘. However, who would have been able, while mostly thinking about the future for more than a year and trying to keep their own business running in the background? On the other hand, do we know if ‚leading a heya‘ is something that Hakuho is really fond of? Does he know himself?
Sad day but I’ll bet Hakuho reappears somewhere. Hokuseiho is definitely the name that should never be mentioned again. Every one of his bouts was a snooze fest. Apparently he misplaced his aggression because it wasn’t in the ring.
Interesting articles out of Japan:
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2025/06/04/sumo/hakuho-resignation-jsa/
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/06/d13648019365-sumo-despite-unhappy-exit-hakuhos-all-time-great-status-remains.html
https://www.news-postseven.com/archives/20250603_2044470.html?DETAIL
IMHO ..This is an unforced error by the JSA .. Miyagino could have been allowed to sink or swim as a stablemaster .. It is easy to see how he might not be suitable for being a stablemaster in this era .. That is conjecture .. Unless there were egregious acts not made pubilc, it should have been allowed to play out ..
Exceptional athletes often fail as coaches/developers of talent + end up in the TV booth, selling beer/etc, because they lack the hunger to start on the bottom rung of the coaching ladder .. Lesser athletes are still climbing mountains + will do whatever is needed ..
This drama parallels disappointments in other sports + seldom leads to upgrades in the sport/fan experience .. Sumo is a unique sport .. If Hakuho dreams of expanding that market, it will be a challenge .. the attraction is more complex than eager entrepreneurs might think ..
btw .. i hope Teru succeeds .. his journey was a tough one + hopefully will help him connect w rikishi facing challenges ..