BREAKING NEWS: ex-Hakuhou leaves sumo

[Moti Dichne]

The rumors were right-Miyagino Oyakata, ex- Yokozuna Hakuhou, has left the Kyokai. Not very surprising, at least to me. It's been a year since his heya was taken away from him with no return date in sight for "poor management" after  his disciple Hokuseihou was found to be a bully among other things. His heya was taken under the leadership of Isegahama Oyakata. Said Oyakata is slated to retire in July. Successor- ex-Terunofuji. No way Hakuhou was going to continue under his leadership. Rumors are that their relationship is "strained". Anyhow, media frenzy as expected. Now, the Kyokai scrambled to promise the heya will be returned in September, but to no avail- Hakuhou is retiring. Current Isegahama will assume the Miyagino name and will remain in Isegahama beya as a consultant, and ex-Terunofuji will be the new Isegahama Oyakata. All rikishi formerly from Miyagino will be absorbed into Isegahama beya.

Of the 11 ex-yokozunae, 6  have left the Kyokai in the past. Akebono (wanted to become a fighter in K1), The extremely popular yet unstable Takanohana (strange stuff and odd behavior, was destined to become rijicho someday), Wakanohana, went on to try football but is now a commentator on TV, Asashouryuu kicked out in disgrace, and Harumafuji (ditto) and now Hakuhou (4 foreigners and two darlings..). Isegahama, (ex-Asahifuji), ex-Musashimaru, ex- Kakuryuu, ex- Kisenosato, and ex- Terunofuji are the currently active as Oyakata Ex- Yokozunae.