Health Checkups-Aki 2026

[Moti Dichne]

A health checkup for the rikishi was held on the 18th at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, and Makushita heart throb Oomori (23, Oitekaze ) was seen with a swollen right eye. He said it happened last Friday during a training session where they practice head tachiais after colliding with his senior heyamate, Ryuushou. He laughed, saying, "Everyone in the heya told me I've become more handsome." During the blood draw, he was seen wincing, showing the handsome face he usually has. He finished the Nagoya tournament with a 5-2 record, achieving a kachikoshi for the second consecutive tournament. He revealed that he has been training under the guidance of former Komusubi Endou who advised him to "work on improving what you can't do now."

During the blood draw, the rikishi revealed their true feelings and showed a variety of expressions. Some young rikishi winced at the sight of the needle, while others appeared composed. The main comments are as follows:

◆ Kakizoe (18, Ikazuchi), ranked Jonokuchi 16W, was taken aback by the injection. "It's crazy. I don't understand the point of putting a needle in my body. It hurt."

◆ Ibata (18, Sakaigawa), Jonokuchi 19E remained calm. To Kakizoe, who was in pain, he said, "He's exaggerating. It's acting, acting. He's an actor (laughs)."

◆Unranked Eisei (17 = Minato, Tarasenko) said he wasn't scared at all about his first health checkup.

◆Unranked Inoue (18 = Kise) said, "I have diabetes, so I'm used to needles and it doesn't hurt."

◆East Jonidan 30 Hagane (44 ) said, "I'm healthy. I'm at an age where I've had it done many times, so I'm not scared. On the other hand, my blood vessels are in terrible condition (laughs)."

◆East Jonidan 80th Setonoryuu (16 ) said, "The needles don't hurt. I'm used to them. I hurt my neck at training camp, so that hurts more. But I'm fine now."

The oldest sekitori at 41, Tamawashi, was among those examined. Blood was drawn from his right arm, but it didn't go well, so they switched to his left arm. The draw was successful, and he smiled, saying he had "mentally prepared himself." Although the summer jungyo is currently underway, he is not participating this time because he has been demoted from Makuuchi for the first time in 13 years. He revealed that he is focusing on building a strong foundation at his heya in Tokyo and "doing what I need to do." He also seems to have more time for family, saying, "I'm playing with my kids. We go to the pool and watch movies," radiating a sense of fulfillment.

Chiyofuku (21), ranked Jonidan 72E , had trouble getting his blood drawn. The first two attempts were unsuccessful, and it wasn't until the third time that it was finally successful. Despite this, he remained cheerful. "It didn't hurt, so it's okay! I even wished they'd stuck me in a couple more times," he said playfully. Regarding the cause, he explained with a smile, "It seems like it's because I haven't been drinking enough water, so next time I'll make sure to drink 3 liters before coming in." According to the nurse who drew his blood, he had stretch marks on his skin, making it difficult to find his veins. He had a record of 3 wins and 4 losses at the Nagoya tournament. Looking ahead to the Autumn tournament, he said enthusiastically, "I'm in great shape, so I'll do my best."