Enhou-why he didn't change his shikona

[Moti Dichne]

And Enhou, the only one who didn't abandon his Hakuhou-given shikona from Isegahama beya? On the 27th, he spoke to the press after a public keiko session at his stable in Tokyo.  A few days ago it was announced that all nine wrestlers from Isegahama beya had changed their shikonae, but Enhou's remained unchanged. Speaking for the first time since the banzuke announcement, Enhou said, "Since I joined sumo, I have existed under this shikona. I believe it was my Oyakata's  consideration that led me to not change my shikona." He said his Oyakata had never approached him about changing his name, and reiterated, "I think that was truly a consideration from my Oyakata" He took it as a parental wish to cherish the shikona of a veteran, skilled wrestler, beloved by many fans. For that reason alone, Enhou said, "I want to cherish my name with pride, so as not to bring shame to my shikona." He was the only one who kept the "Hou" surname derived from  Hakuhou but he didn't say much about it, saying, "I want to keep that to myself and carry on."

Enhou missed seven consecutive tournaments due to a serious neck injury and dropped from Makuuchi to Jonokuchi, but he has slowly worked his way back up and is now in a position where he can see himself returning to sekitori status in 2026.  By eating a lot of rice daily, he is on the verge of reaching 110kg for the first time in his life. When asked about the reason for his weight gain, he proudly replied, "The reason is... effort (laughs). I've also been working on eating well. Around last summer, I was in the 90kg range. When I looked in the mirror, I think I gained a little confidence." "Being ranked Makushita 11 means I can see myself becoming a sekitori. I definitely want to use my own strength to break through that barrier (promotion to sekitori) and grab it." With his unchanged shikona and unchanging passion for sumo, he will pursue the day when he can once again become a sekitori.