End of an Era: Hakuho to Retire

Andy Hakuho (白鵬), Retirement , ,

This is commentary by Andy. The opinions expressed here are mine, and mine alone. Early this afternoon, while I was toying around with the kensho data Herouth shared, this tweet came across my timeline:

I had thought I would have a few more months to prepare for this. Even with the knee injury, he had just won a zensho-yusho. How can we have a transition era if the heir apparent, or any of the up-and-coming generation of wrestlers, cannot defeat him?

Surely he’d show up in Kyushu and, with the benefit of an extra month’s rest, come back and tear things up again, right? But maybe this had been put in motion before the tournament. It gives a little different context to Mainoumi’s suggestion of much the same thing. He may not have known, but others knew. There would be no coming back.

So, as the decade of the 2020s is prone to do, plans get scuppered. I mean, he was supposed to retire months ago, after a glorious Olympic Games. Then COVID threw those plans out the window. He even got COVID and his senpai died of it days before he returned to the ring in July. Then, this past month, his deshi got it, and after another positive test in the stable, the whole group was forced to go kyujo. Add to that the fact that his knees are working on their own timeline, and well, the Boss has decided to hang up his mawashi.

And who can blame him? He comes back and takes an historic 45th yusho, surely with the memory of Kobo on his mind, and when he shouted in celebration he was widely criticized. At this point, I figure he’s just grown weary of the controversies. I mean the “Banzai” controversy was inexplicable. But my favorite was the Harumafuji henka controversy.

Key Questions

Anyway, what’s next? We will surely find out in the coming days and report as the details come out. We know he will become an oyakata and run his own stable. Will it be Miyagino after his stable master retires? As @NaturalEG pointed out to me on Twitter, he owns a separate Magaki kabu. He’s also got the right to use the Hakuho name for five years. Regardless of the name above the door we know he already has a solid crop of recruits ready to tear things up in November, including the new recruit, Raiho.

And what of the Kyushu banzuke? The timing of his retirement — before the banzuke committee meeting to create it — likely means there’s an extra slot in Makuuchi, and therefore an extra slot in Juryo. As Leonid predicts, Kotoyusho might have reason to celebrate.

Squint and you can almost tell there are four former Yokozuna (counting Hakuho) and one current Yokozuna (not Hakuho) on that dohyo.

When will he have his danpatsushiki (haircut ceremony)? There’s quite the logjam of long-haired retirees and the greatest Yokozuna will want to retire in front of a full Kokugikan. Maybe the extra time will give him a chance to do a bit of PR and shift his reputation from the bad-boy of his active days to great coach and recruiter.

Time to Reminisce

Most importantly, however, now is the time to remember his remarkable career. Many fans only know of the Hakuho Era. Whether you define the start as 2007, when he became Yokozuna, or 2010 and the end of Asashoryu’s reign, his 14 years at the top rank of this sport is unchallenged. His 45 Top Division Titles? No one else comes close.

This era has seen its highs and lows, for Hakuho and for the sport itself. Early on, the sport was troubled by yaocho/match-fixing scandals, notably the cancelled March 2011 tournament. Bullying and power-harassment scandals cropped up throughout but Hakuho has been a constant figure throughout, and he helped during the recovery from the catastrophic earthquake, which occurred on his 26th birthday.

As it will be for many fans, I am thrilled to have enjoyed this time. While I first enjoyed watching sumo during the 1990’s with the rise of Akebono, my wife and I attended our first tournament during the turbulent yaocho scandal. The Kyokai put on an exhibition tournament and we decided to check it out. It was a great experience live and I encourage all readers to go watch when they get a chance. Hopefully we’ll see zabuton thrown again, one day.

The picture above was taken using my terrible phone camera when we saw the Nagoya basho. Harumafuji won that one with a thrilling victory over Hakuho on senshuraku. Terunofuji accompanied him on the back of the car for the yusho parade. Remember those? Well, Hakuho is up there, sandwiched between Hakkaku and Kisenosato. The electricity in the atmosphere was palpable, even more than the notorious Nagoya heat. It’s that thrill that I feel every time he got up on the dohyo. Even though I’ve half grown accustomed to his absence over the past year, I will miss that energy.

I will close with my favorite Hakuho memory and my least favorite memory. I enjoyed watching Hakuho for the strength and the immense skill he demonstrated as he dominated nearly every opponent he faced. His skill was only really challenged by Asashoryu and, like many others, I wish that rivalry could have continued for quite a bit longer.

Despite Jason’s stated disappointment with the result, I enjoyed Hakuho’s cheek with his decision to henka Harumafuji on senshuraku in March 2016. Kisenosato was waiting in the wings, hoping for a playoff and a chance to claim his first title. But Hakuho put his hands in Harumafuji’s face to force his eyes closed for a split second as he ducked out of the way. It was brilliant. Even Harumafuji saw the humor in it as he’s laughing while flying off the dohyo.

Henka are always controversial and no henka is quite the same. Nor is it always obvious when a henka actually happens. Harumafuji’s sidestep-and-spin tachiai is an example. But this henka from Hakuho, for me, anyway, demonstrated that for all of his skill, and all of his strength, he’s sure got a lot of head games to play, too. I abhor expectation, stereotypes, and entitlement and that move – the henka – breaks boundaries…until it becomes predictable, like it does sometimes with Aminishiki, Chiyoshoma, or Ishiura. When it’s reserved for those times that no one expects it, it is wonderful.

It’s for that reason one of the biggest self-inflicted wounds he suffered was after losing to Yoshikaze in 2017, thinking he deserved a mono-ii. Everyone in the sumo world was saying, “take your bow, and come back tomorrow.” One of the best things about sumo is the sportsmanship. Maybe this is where I feel entitled. The defeated rikishi rises to the dohyo accepts his loss, shows respect to the victor, and comes back to fight again. Of all the little controversies through the years, this was the one where I still cringe.

Looking to the Future

The next chapter of Hakuho’s career will not be all roses, I’m sure. But it will be great and I’m eager to see what happens. We’re in the midst of that transition period Bruce has long talked about, and this will be the line of demarcation for many. What will the era of Terunofuji look like?

Looking Toward the November Banzuke

lksumo Aki Basho 2021

All the hardware has been handed out, but that’s really secondary—the primary purpose of a honbasho is to set the banzuke for the following tournament. How will the Aki results reshuffle the rankings?

Yokozuna and Ozeki

The only change I expect here is a move by the Aki champion, shin-Yokozuna Terunofuji, over to the East side. I am assuming that the rank protection that has generally been given to those forced to sit out due to pandemic precautions will not extend to Hakuho keeping the Y1e rank. Our Ozeki duo did not exactly distinguish themselves, doing just enough to avoid kadoban or demotion, and their matching 8-7 scores mean that we will once again have Shodai on the East side and Takakeisho on the West.

Hakuho Retirement Update

Assuming the GOAT’s intai is made official before Wednesday’s banzuke meeting, a few things below will change. The rare M18e rank will make only its second appearance since the 1950s (Kotonowaka held it in March 2020), and will be occupied by Tsurugisho, who would get a lucky reprieve, as I don’t see J3 Wakamotoharu (8-7) pushing him down. Jokoryu will definitely be in Juryo, and either Kyukushuho will be too or his slot will go to Ms4 Kotoyusho (4-3) for his first sekitori appearance.

Sekiwake and Komusubi

Little change here too. East Sekiwake Mitakeumi (9-6) and West Sekiwake Meisei (8-7) will stay where they are. West Sekiwake Ichinojo (8-7) will move over to the East side, into the slot being vacated by Takayasu (4-8-3). M2w Kiribayama (9-6) and M4w Daieisho (10-5) finished in a virtual tie in the race for the one open Komusubi slot, and I assume that the former will make his san’yaku debut by virtue of his higher rank, unless the banzuke committee opts to weigh Daieisho’s previous san’yaku experience more heavily.

Upper Maegashira

At Aki, rank-and-filers down to M4w faced the Yokozuna and a full san’yaku slate of opponents. I expect these ranks at Kyushu to be occupied by Daieisho (or Kiribayama), Wakatakakage, Onosho, Takanosho, Okinoumi, Myogiryu, Takarafuji, and Endo. Other than Takanosho, who just missed out on a winning record with a 7-8 score, this group all had winning records and contains all the outstanding maegashira performances at Aki. This should translate into exciting bouts near the top of the torikumi in November.

Juryo-Makuuchi Exchanges

We had three clear demotions going into Day 15—Tokushoryu, Chiyonoo, and Ichiyamamoto—and two men on the bubble—Kaisei and Tsurugisho. We also had three clear promotions—Juryo champion Abi, who matched Terunofuji’s 13-2 score, Akua, and Sadanoumi—as well as two other possible candidates for promotion—Shohozan and Daiamami. And of course the schedulers paired up the bubble rikishi across the divisions in what were arguably the real “Darwin bouts.” M14e Kaisei (6-9) prevailed in his matchup against J2 Daiamami (7-8), saving his spot in the top division and eliminating the Juryo man. M13w Tsurugisho (5-10) fought like his life depended on it, but could not overcome J4 Shohozan (10-5), so we should see the veteran brawler and oldest sekitori make an unexpected late-career return to Makuuchi after a full year toiling in the second division.

Makushita-Juryo Exchanges

Dropping out of the salaried ranks are the two M13s, Takakento and Asashiyu. Making their sekitori debuts are Ms1 Terasawa and Ms2 Hiradoumi, both 5-2. Returning to Juryo (thanks to the slot vacated by Takagenji, who is mentioned here for the last time) is Ms2 Kotokuzan (4-3). The only question mark is whether his head-to-head victory yesterday will be enough for Ms4 Jokoryu (4-3) to trade places with J12 Kyokushuho (6-9). We’ll find out on Wednesday, when promotions to sekitori are announced.

Kyushu Banzuke Questions

  • Just how high up will Abi be ranked? His sterling performance at Aki and his career-high rank of Komusubi weigh in his favor, while a general Makuuchi bias and perhaps the lingering shadow of his suspension could count against him. Anything from M10 to M15 seems possible.
  • Conversely, how far will suspended Asanoyama drop? His Sekiwake rank would normally cushion the fall, but the circumstances of his demotion may more than balance that out. I see him ending up in the M13-M15 range; will he be ranked above or below Abi?
  • In a similar vein, how much leniency will be shown to the injured upper-rankers Takayasu (4 wins, 2 of them by fusen), M3 Kotonowaka (3 wins), and M2 Hokutofuji (2 wins)?
  • How many of the whopping 8 rikishi who finished with a minimal 7-8 make-koshi will get to keep their ranks?
  • Will Hakuho’s stablemates—M12e Ishiura, J11e Enho, and J12w Hokuseiho—have their ranks frozen?

Do you have other questions? Let me know in the comments, and thanks for following Tachiai’s coverage of the Aki basho!

Aki Day 15 Highlights

Bruce H Aki Basho 2021, Aoiyama, Chiyomaru, Chiyonokuni (千代の国), Chiyonoo (千代ノ皇), Chiyoshoma, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Hidenoumi, Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Ichiyamamoto (一山本), Kagayaki (輝), Kaisei (魁聖), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Meisei, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Shimanoumi, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terunofuji (照ノ富士), Terutsuyoshi, Tobizaru, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tokushoryu, Tsurugisho, Ura (宇良), Wakatakakage, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲)

Thus ends the 2021 Aki basho, what a tournament! We hope that you have enjoyed the last 15 days as much as Team Tachiai has. Solid sumo, and some truly amazing scores. I can’t even begin to imagine just how much churn there will be on the banzuke for November.

Congratulations to Yokozuna Terunofuji, who wins his debut tournament as a Yokozuna, an elite group that have been able to do that, the last one being Kisenosato, who did so at a hideous cost. We hope that Terunofuji serves long and happily, and that his knees are able to give him a few more years on the dohyo.

No fewer than six rikishi finished with double digit wins, none of which were in the lower third of the banzuke, which is a smoking radioactive crater of double digit losses. Ten men went home with double digit losses, including 3 men with 11 losses from the bottom margin of the banzuke. That sad fog horn you hear in the distance? It’s the Juryo barge of the damned, captained by Tokushoryu, setting sail down the Sumida.s

Highlight Matches

Kaisei defeats Daiamami – This was a good match for Kaisei, he did not have to compensate for a lot of lateral movement, as Daiamami is also very much an East-West kind of fighter. He was able to dig in and take his time, working to get enough leverage, and quality hand placement, to overcome Daiamami’s defenses and walk him out. Kaisei finishes Aki at 6-9.

Shohozan defeats Tsurugisho – I think the late called matta was the right move, it was clear that the two were not really ready to fight when Shohozan launched. I am surprised that the gyoji did not pick up on that. The second round was about the same as the first. I like the amount of effort Tsurugisho put into trying anything is body could support to stave off the loss. Shohozan could not find a way to push or force Tsurugisho out, and gave into the temptation to toss him to the clay. Shohozan finishes with double digits wins, 10-5, in Juryo, and maybe he will make a triumphant return to the top division in November.

Yutakayama defeats Chiyotairyu – Darwin match time! As expected, both of them had he sumo dialed up to 11 today. It was a mad thrusting battle, with Chiyotairyu moving his arms side to side, but Yutakayama focusing center-mass. No need to guess which one was more effective. Chiyotairyu realized this too, and moved to go chest to chest with a right hand inside. Yutakayama responded in kind, but pivoted into a throw that put Chiyotairyu down. Make-koshi for Chiyotairyu, kachi-koshi for Yutakayama

Kotoeko defeats Aoiyama – The second Darwin match, Kotoeko took a lot of punishmen from Aoiyama applied directly to his face. Kotoeko, to his credit, absorbed the pounding and focused center-mass. It was slow to take effect, but once Aoiyama took that first step back, it was all Kotoeko. I am so very pleased that Kotoeko was able to reverse his losing streak, rally and finish September with a winning record. Aoiyama finishes make-koshi at 7-8.

Tobizaru defeats Chiyonoo – Not sure where Chiyonoo was today, but it was Tobizaru time after a matta stopped the action on the first launch. Tobizaru finishes 7-8, Chiyonoo at 4-11, and needs to go pack his bags for the Juryo barge.

Endo defeats Okinoumi – It came down to who could get superior hand placement first, and it was Endo. He always puts a lot his fortunes into that frontal grab at the tachiai, and today he was able to convert it against Okinoumi. I did like the pulling variant of the uwatenage he used today. Nice touch as there was no way he was going to get that going forward against Okinoumi. Endo finishes Aki 11-4, Okinoumi ends with a respectable 10-5.

Kagayaki defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi looked like he was attempting to channel Ura, and it fell to bits in an inglorious fashion. Kagayaki was very much “What the hell” as it unfolded, but too his credit he stayed into his attack plan, and crushed Terutsuyoshi to the clay. Kagayaki improves to 7-8.

Ura defeats Ichiyamamoto – Given Ichiyamamoto’s condition, there was only ever one way this one was going to end. Ichiyamamoto put up a reasonable defense to start against Ura’s probing attacks. But once the man in pink settled on a plan, it was high power delivered to center mass, and Ichiyamamoto did not have the lower body power to stop him. Ura improves to 7-8, Ichiyamamoto takes his hurt lower body home with a dismal 4-11, and a first class cabin on the Juryo barge.

Takarafuji defeats Tochinoshin – Another Darwin match. Tochinoshin allowed Takarafuji to set his feet, and get his lower body in position. At that point, there were few options that the big Georgian had, short of a throw, to overcome Takarafuji. He worked to get his hands set up for such a move, but all the while Takarafuji was moving him back. Takarafuji kachi-koshi at 8-7, Tochinoshin make-koshi at 7-8.

Chiyoshoma defeats Tokushoryu – Holy crap, it’s not like Team Tachiai did not spell out that the henka was coming some 12 hours prior. We could see it all way way from the United States! Ah well, better luck in November, Tokushoryu. We will always have your charming yusho speech. Chiyoshoma improves to 5-10.

Tamawashi defeats Onosho – Onosho’s opening volley did not connect with enough power to put Tamawashi on defense, and Tamawashi responded with a rapid fire combo. Onosho never recovered and ends Aki with a loss, missing out on a chance at a special prize. Tamawashi improves to 6-9.

Wakatakakage defeats Chiyonokuni – Wakatakakage caught Chiyonokuni off balance moments after the tachiai, and a single blow on the upper back brought him down. Both end Aki with matching 9-6 scores. Great run for Wakatakakage, and I am looking forward to him near the top of the rank and file in November.

Kiribayama defeats Chiyomaru – The one fact to know here, Kiribayama lifted Chiyomaru out for the win. I think everyone, including Kiribayama, were a bit surprised. Check out the smile as he awaits the kensho for his win. Kiribayama improves to 9-6 to end Aki.

Shimanoumi defeats Takanosho – Final Darwin match, and it was great to see Shimanoumi finish out with a kachi-koshi on a 4 match winning run. He’s been struggling since his 11-4 last November, and we saw a bit of that old fire today. Shimanoumi finishes 8-7 and is kachi-koshi, Takanosho make-koshi at 7-8.

Hidenoumi defeats Hoshoryu – I guess I would say – where the hell did that come from, Hidenoumi? That was a high quality move against a pretty tough opponent, ranked 8 slots above you on the banzuke. The twist down was a thing of beauty, and I wish he would be able to use this kind of sumo every day. Hidenoumi improves to 7-8, while Hoshoryu drops to 5-10 as a final score for Aki.

Daieisho defeats Ichinojo – Daieisho caps a 10-5 score at Aki with outstanding performance special prize. He found center-mass on Ichinojo (its about the same size as the broad side of a barn), and unloaded full force into the big man’s chest. I counted 4 steps to send him over the bales, and score his concluding win.

Meisei defeats Myogiryu – The yusho decider, Meisei gets his 8th win and knocks Myogiryu out of contention for the cup with a lightning fast katasukashi. Meisei finishes Aki at 8-7, and Myogiryu will have to settle for an awesome 11-4 and the gino-sho special prize. Nice work sir!

Mitakeumi defeats Takakeisho – Takakeisho went for an immediate pull into Mitakeumi’s second step. A disastrous mistake and the Ozeki exited in a hurry. 8-7 is kind of a crummy score for an Ozeki, but given that I think Takakeisho is still hurt, I don’t fault him for not putting up too tough of a fight. Survive and improve for November. Mitakeumi finishes with 9-6.

Terunofuji defeats Shodai – Terunofuji stepped on the dohyo with the yusho secure, but he still had some sumo to share with Shodai. The Yokozuna exploited Shodai’s tachiai, and tucked in before the third step. Shodai looked like he wanted to change his plan, and you just can’t do that once Terunofuji has a hold of you. Shodai ends Aki with a 4 match losing streak, and looked like hell the whole way to the end. Terunofuji wins his 5th yusho with a solid 13-2.

This concludes Tachiai’s day-by-day coverage of the Aki Basho. Thank you dear readers for sharing the September tournament with us. We have had a lot of fun bringing you coverage of what has been a satisfying and thrilling basho.

Aki Basho: Senshuraku Stakes

lksumo Nagoya Basho 2021

Yusho Race

Today’s results have greatly simplified the chase for the Emperor’s Cup. Yokozuna Terunofuji (12-2) has a one-win lead over the veteran M10 Myogiryu (11-3). Everyone else is out of contention. A win by Terunofuji tomorrow over Ozeki Shodai or a loss by Myogiryu to Sekiwake Meisei would give the Yokozuna his 5th top-division championship. Otherwise, the two will face off in a playoff bout for all the marbles.

San’yaku Exchanges

Three san’yaku slots have been locked down by incumbents. Mitakeumi (8-6) will stay East Sekiwake. Meisei (7-7) needs to beat Myogiryu to extend his maiden appearance at West Sekiwake, but will fall only to Komusubi with a loss. Ichinojo (8-6) will be East Komusubi if Meisei wins, or take over Meisei’s rank if the latter loses.

So only one Komusubi slot will be open. Kiribayama can claim it by beating Chiyomaru; a loss would open the door for Daieisho, Onosho, Takanosho, or Wakatakakage, each of whom would need a victory and losses by those ahead of them on this list.

Juryo-Makuuchi Exchanges

Certain demotions: M16 Tokushoryu and the M15 duo of Ichiyamamoto and Chiyonoo, all 4-10. Certain promotions: Juryo champion J5 Abi (12-2) and J3 Sadanoumi (10-4). The third open promotion slot would go to J1w Akua (8-6) if he wins or if J4e Shohozan (9-5) loses; otherwise, Shohozan jumps ahead of him in the promotion queue. Shohozan probably controls his own destiny, though, as he visits Makuuchi to take on endangered M13w Tsurugisho (5-9) in what sure looks like an “exchange bout.” Also on the bubble and needing a win is M14e Kaisei (5-9), who would be demoted ahead of Tsurugisho if both lost. Kaisei is matched with J2e Daiamami (7-7), in what could also be an exchange bout depending on the outcomes of other matches. It looks like Akua will definitely be back in the top division, because a loss by Shohozan would give Akua the third open slot, while a win by Shohozan would create a fourth.

Juryo-Makushita Exchanges

Three Juryo slots are open: one by Takagenji’s removal and two by the performances of the J13 duo Takakento (3-11) and Asashiyu (the former Murata), who’s looked completely outclassed in his sekitori debut to the tune of a 1-13 record. These three slots will go to Ms1e Terasawa (5-1), Ms2e Hiradoumi (5-2) and Ms2w Kotokuzan (4-3). Ms4e Jokoryu (4-3) is in line for the next available slot, which could open if J12e Kyokushuho (6-8), whom he bested today, picks up his 9th loss. M4w Kotoyusho, 3-3, is probably out of luck even if he prevails against Asashiyu tomorrow.