Hakuho, the greatest yokozuna in sumo history with a record 45 championships, has left the Japan Sumo Association. His stable was shut down over a disciple's violence scandal, with no timeline for reopening after more than a year. When Hakuho hinted at future cooperation, saying "My turn will come in 10 or 15 years," Chairman Hakkaku kept his distance: "Our role is to guide amateur sumo." With Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda as his backer and a "World Sumo Grand Slam" vision, what winds of change will this legendary champion bring to the tradition-bound world of sumo?

Why Hakuho Left the Japan Sumo Association

On June 9, 2025, former yokozuna Hakuho Sho (40) officially resigned from the Japan Sumo Association (JSA). The departure of sumo's all-time greatest champion, holder of records for most career wins (1,187) and most top-division championships (45), sent shockwaves through the sumo world.

The immediate trigger was a violence scandal that erupted in February 2024 involving his disciple Hokuseiho, who had assaulted junior wrestlers at Miyagino Stable. As the stablemaster, Hakuho was held responsible for failing to properly address the situation. He was demoted two ranks from committee member to ordinary elder, with a 20% salary reduction for three months. More significantly, Miyagino Stable was closed indefinitely, and Hakuho along with all his wrestlers were transferred to Isegahama Stable.

Despite spending over a year under the supervision of Isegahama-oyakata (former yokozuna Asahifuji), working toward the stable's restoration, no concrete timeline was ever provided. At his press conference, Hakuho stated: "The biggest reason for my resignation was that there was no specific deadline; it just kept getting pushed back."

"My Turn Will Come in 10 or 15 Years"

In January 2025, prior to his departure, Hakuho gave a revealing interview to the Asahi Shimbun newspaper about his potential future relationship with the JSA.

When asked "Will the day come when you work hand-in-hand with the Japan Sumo Association again?", Hakuho smiled and answered: "I love sumo. The sumo world won't always have good times. In 10 years, or maybe 15 years, I think my turn will come."

This statement suggests that Hakuho does not seek a complete break with the association, but rather envisions future collaboration.

Chairman Hakkaku's Response: "Our Role Is to Guide Amateur Sumo"

When a Weekly Post reporter asked JSA Chairman Hakkaku (former yokozuna Hokutoumi, 62) about Hakuho's comments, he first said, "I haven't seen [the article], so I can't really say..." before adding: "Our role is to guide amateur sumo."

When pressed further about whether this meant the JSA was already cooperating with the Japan Sumo Federation (which oversees amateur sumo), he replied vaguely: "I wonder if they're holding tournaments this year... I think everyone is working hard on high school tournaments and middle school tournaments."

Notably, Chairman Hakkaku made no mention whatsoever of any intention to work alongside Hakuho. This response clearly indicates the JSA's cautious, perhaps even cold, stance toward future cooperation with the former champion.

The World Sumo Grand Slam Vision

At his retirement press conference, Hakuho unveiled his "World Sumo Grand Slam" concept. This project aims to develop the international Hakuho Cup children's sumo tournament, which he founded during his active career, into a global initiative promoting amateur sumo with the ultimate goal of Olympic inclusion.

On June 14, 2025, he announced the establishment of "Hakuho Dayan Sumo & Sports Co., Ltd." to advance this vision. The company name "Dayan" comes from Dayan Khan, the 16th-century hero who unified Mongolia and is an ancestor of Hakuho.

The project has powerful backing. Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda has pledged full support for Hakuho, and around the same time became the new chairman of the Japan Sumo Federation, which oversees domestic amateur sumo.

The next Hakuho Cup is scheduled for February 2026 and will, for the first time, include women's and adult divisions. Hakuho explained: "Without gender equality, we can't achieve Olympic status."

Growing Concerns Among Sumo Elders

While the JSA has officially maintained a wait-and-see approach to Hakuho's plans, anxiety is spreading among sumo elders behind the scenes.

One young stablemaster in his 30s expressed concern: "Regardless of sumo skill or technique, former wrestlers receive a certain income just for being 'former wrestlers.' If promising high school and college sumo athletes see they can earn a stable income by joining this new sumo venture, they might choose that path instead."

Others point out that Hakuho's deep understanding of professional sumo's traditions and customs means he knows exactly what to change and how. One sumo insider admitted: "If he makes the matches more entertaining and the wrestlers' skill level rises, we could lose fans and wrestlers to his organization."

The Exodus of Grand Champions

With Hakuho's departure, six of the eleven wrestlers who reached yokozuna rank and retired since 1989 have now left the JSA. Akebono, Takanohana, Wakanohana, Asashoryu, Harumafuji, and now Hakuho; together, these six won a combined 117 championships during their careers, dwarfing the 30 titles won by the four who remained with the association.

A journalist who covered Hakuho for many years noted: "The main attractions who carried sumo's banner keep disappearing one after another. Isn't that a cause for concern?"

Between Tradition and Reform

Whether Hakuho's "World Sumo Grand Slam" will coexist harmoniously with professional sumo or become a competitor remains to be seen.

At his press conference, Hakuho expressed his philosophy: "I believe sumo's appeal lies in its ability to eliminate discrimination, prejudice, and conflict, delivering hope to the world." What changes will history's most accomplished champion bring to sumo from outside the ring? Will his "turn" really come in 10 or 15 years?

In Japan, sumo is not merely a sport but a treasured traditional culture with deep connections to Shinto religious ceremonies. In your country, what discussions exist about internationalizing traditional martial arts or sports? And when legendary athletes clash with their governing organizations, how are such conflicts typically resolved? We'd love to hear about your country's experiences!

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