Ex-Hakuhou activities
Moti Dichne
Former Yokozuna Hakuhou, all-time yusho record holder with 45, participated in a "Mongol Khan" stage event in Tokyo on the 28th and revealed his plans to hold the "Hakuhou Cup," a youth sumo tournament, at Toyota Arena Tokyo in February of next year. The "Hakuhou Cup" first took place in 2010 and will mark its 16th year next winter. In recent years, the tournament has been held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, where female wrestlers were not permitted to participate. However, due to his retirement from the Japan Sumo Association in June, the venue is expected to be moved to a new arena opening this fall. "I hope we can hold it together," he said, expressing his enthusiasm for the first simultaneous men's and women's tournament. "I feel a responsibility to continue the Hakuhou Cup forever." The new president of the Japan Sumo Federation, which oversees amateur sumo, is Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda, a close friend from his days as a wrestler. "I believe the president also wants to make Toyota Arena a mecca for amateur sumo. I'm grateful for that," he said.
He also praised Kusano's performance, (won both the Fighting Spirit Prize and the Technique Prize in Nagoya in July). The 24-year-old is a talented rikishi who was scouted by Hakuhou when he was an Oyakata. Despite being a newcomer to Makuuchi, Kusano achieved a strong record of 11 wins and 4 losses at said basho. "I think having a style is his advantage," he commented. "His style is migi-yotsu. His morozashi is very good." Hakuhou retired from the Kyokai in June, but they reportedly exchanged messages almost daily throughout the tournament. "He observed both his good and bad points and reported them to me, and he performed well until the final day. I think his true potential will be tested in the September and November bashos." After his retirement, Hakuhou founded Hakuhou Dayan Sumo & Sports Co., Ltd. Regarding his dream of establishing the "World Sumo Grand Slam", he said, "I would like to make an announcement at a later date, but things are progressing steadily."