More on the unfolding Isegahama Oyakata drama
Moti Dichne
Kyokai: "We will discuss the punishment at the riji-kai after the basho."
Public anger is being directed more at the Kyokai's "too late response" than at the perpetrator, the Oyakata. "NHK's lunchtime news covered this incident, and the Kyokai reported that 'punishment will be discussed at the board meeting after Haru' The phrase 'after Haru' has only added fuel to the fire," said a staff member at a news program. Some comments on X and Yahoo! News expressed concern for the Basho, with comments like "I just hope the basho will be held safely." "What!? After Haru??", "It's too late," and "Suspension is appropriate now." Many others called for immediate disciplinary action against Isegahama. While the Kyokai's desire to ensure that the Haru Basho which begins on March 8, runs smoothly is apparent, fans view the tournament as unholy, if the violent act remains unresolved. The target of all this discontent is Chairman Hakkaku
"We're looking forward to Chairman Hakkaku's decision"
Ever since Hakkaku Oyakata became chairman in 2015, the sumo world has made the elimination of violence a top priority. However, in 2017, Yokozuna Harumafuji assaulted Takanoiwa, in 2018 a sekitori from Takanohana stable at the time assaulted his tsukebito, and in 2024, it was discovered that a rikishi from Miyagino stable, where Hakuhou Oyakata ruled, had assaulted and bullied a junior. As a result of this incident, Miyagino beya was eventually closed, and Hakuhou retired from the Kyokai. Not only that, but some weekly magazines have also reported on "a breakdown in discipline" at Nishonoseki beya, such as shoving a sake bottle up a wrestler's anus."
Under Hakkaku's leadership, reports of violence and bullying between rikishi and by their Oyakata are endless. Every time a scandal comes to light, the organization has vowed to "prevent it from happening again," but ironically, the former "strongest Yokozuna" has broken that promise. "Many say that scandals have increased since Hakkaku became chairman, but some impatient fans are eagerly awaiting his decision, saying, 'We'll see what kind of punishment Hakkaku will impose,' or 'Hakkaku has a likes-and-dislikes nature, so we'll see what kind of decision he makes.' It's no wonder that the inability to eradicate violence is blamed on a lack of crisis awareness at the top." In January, candidates were accepted for election to the board of directors following the expiration of the current two-year term. However, the candidates for director and vice director were selected without a vote for the fourth consecutive term. The appointments will be approved after Haru Basho, but at this point, it is highly likely that Hakkaku will continue in his position. Was it not "awareness as an Oyakata" but "a chain of violence" that awaited former Yokozuna Terunofuji after his retirement? Attention is focused on the decision of Chairman Hakkaku, who has taken over the long-term system of the Kyokai.