YDC convened after Natsu 2026

[Moti Dichne]

The Natsu basho saw Komusubi Wakatakakage win his second yusho in 25 tournaments. The day after the final day, the Yokozuna Deliberation Council (Yokozuna Shingi Iinkai), an advisory body to the Kyokai, held its regular meeting at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Chairman Tadamori Oshima (former Speaker of the House of Representatives) revealed at a press conference that he had requested the Kyokai to analyze and address the large number of rikishi who had withdrawn from the basho. He was unusually proactive, even hinting at concerns about the jungyo schedule. Seven Makuuchi rikishi  including Yokozuna Houshouryuu and Oonosato, Ozeki Aonishiki and Kotozakura, and Komusubi Takayasu, withdrew from the tournament, leaving five out of nine top-ranked rikishi absent. Chairman Oshima conveyed the consensus of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council that it was "regrettable," and received an apology from Chairman Hakkaku, who said, "We are very sorry." Chairman Oshima requested the Kyokai to "analyze the physical, mental, and overall condition of the young rikishi and consider how to address the issue of rikishi taking time off." He also mentioned whether there would be "more time or leeway in the schedule" after the tournament, likely referring to the jungyo dates. The spring jungyo before Natsu Basho was held 27 times over 29 days, resulting in numerous dropouts. The summer jungyo after the Nagoya tournament will be held 28 times over 29 days from August 2nd to 30th, with the announcement of the Aki Banzuke on the 31st. While some criticize it as a "black jungyo," many rikishi  are happy to return to their hometowns. Even those from Mongolia are seen enjoying visits from people related to their alma mater during tours. Many rikishi are positive about the jungyo, saying "the jungyo is an important job." On the other hand, many rikishi complain about "not having time to go for treatment" and "not having enough rest." On the final day of the spring jungyo, Takadagawa, the jungyo director , said, "The jungyo is for popularization of sumo, and the main bashos are a place for people to watch the matches. These two are the core of the Kyokai." Regarding training during the jungyo, he said, "The rikishi are professionals. Those who want to train should do so," leaving it up to their own initiative. Two trainers accompany the rikishi for physical care, and consideration is given to each rikishi using two seats on the bus. According to one Oyakata, sumo is so popular that the tour schedule is fully booked two years in advance. The jungyo is a source of income for the Kyokai, and for the rikishi, it leads to an increase in prize money. Last year, Oonosato, who had the most wins in a year with 71 victories, received 2,432 prize money envelopes (60,000 yen each for the wrestlers, totaling 145,920,000 yen), bringing the total to 14,979. In 2010, when Hakuhou recorded the most wins in a year with 86 victories, he received 2,111 envelopes, but the total was 5,120. The popularity of sumo translates not only to the burden of touring for the rikishi but also to income. Chairman Omori pointed out that with the numerous rikishi withdrawing from tournaments, "there were concerns that if the quality of strong sumo matches diminishes, it will affect the overall popularity of sumo." He urged both Yokozuna to "build the physical condition necessary to fulfill their responsibilities as Yokozuna." How the Kyokai and the rikishi will respond remains to be seen. The Yokozuna Deliberation Council has undoubtedly demonstrated its presence. (Daily Sports Sumo Correspondent, Kohei Yamamoto)