Aki Story 5: Takanofuji Abuse Scandal

Andy Aki Basho 2019

Thanks to Josh for the quick tip, it appears another tsukebito abuse scandal involving Takanofuji is coming to light. The Juryo 5W twin brother of Takagenji had just started coming back from his previous abuse scandal.

Press reports are already saying he will face sanction, starting with kyujo at Aki. Since this would be a second offense in little over a year, one would expect further punishment to be announced.

Takanofuji had just peaked at his highest position after following up the makushita yusho with an impressive 11 wins in Nagoya. More details as they come…

Yokozuna Hakuho Granted Japanese Citizenship

Bruce H Aki Basho 2019, Hakuho (白鵬), Japanese Society, Oyakata

Today, September 3rd, Yokozuna Hakuho has been granted Japanese citizenship, according to multiple news sources, including Sponichi. Hakuho was granted special permission by the government of Mongolia to seek Japanese citizenship earlier this year, as part of the process to prepare for his eventual retirement, and transition to oyakata status.

While Team Tachiai firmly believes that Hakuho won’t retired before the 2020 summer olympics in Tokyo, he is clearly looking ahead and planning to continue to be a part of the sumo world for decades to come. As the greatest rikishi of modern times, this is good for Hakuho, good for the NSK, and great for sumo.

Congratulations to Hakuho!

Tachiai Aki Podcast (Audio)

Bruce H Aki Basho 2019, Podcasts

Josh is back in Tokyo, with Andy and Bruce joining from the US. Can Takakeisho claw his way back to Ozeki with 10 wins? We take a look at the upcoming fall tournament and handicap the rikishi, discuss the world of sumo, and present our always regrettable predictions.

This is the audio version recorded Sunday AM, with the video version to be published later today.