One day suno tournament for ex-rikishi - June 6th

[Moti Dichne]

A one-day basho featuring former Makuuchi rikishi, "Yame Rikishi Cho Sumo," will be held on June 6th at Arena Tachikawa Tachihi in Tokyo. The organizers announced this on the 30th at Japan Olympic Square in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. The 10 participants are Baruto, Toyonoshima, Gagamaru, Shouhouzan, Yutakayama, Hidenoumi, Kyokutaisei, Daishouhou, Azumaryuu, and Daikihou. The basho pairings were drawn on the same day. The prize money for the winner is 1 million yen. Hidenoumi, who retired after Haru, said, "I was approached right after the news of my retirement broke. I was still an active rikishi until recently, so I will do my best to live up to everyone's expectations." Toyonoshima, who also handled the casting, said, "When I see active rikishi, I think they shine and look cool, and I decided to participate because I wanted to shine like that again. I'm now a coach for the Tachikawa Women's Sumo Club, so my body is a bit smaller than when I was active, but my body is ready to move, so my only goal is to win the yusho," he declared confidently. Former NHK announcer Fujio Kariya, who will be providing commentary on the day, asserted, "In my honest prediction, Baruto is the strongest contender for the yusho." Former Yokozuna 3rd generation Wakanohana will be providing commentary, and experienced sumo gyoji and yobidashi will be recruited. Tickets are on sale at Ticket Pia. The event will include a dohyo-iriy, a hair-styling demonstration, and events where attendees can interact with the rikishi. 

Note, none of the participants are with the Kyokai at present, obviously. Still, I would go..