[sumo] Fwd: [Sumo news] - YDC convened after Natsu 2026

[Jeff A]

Moti


Best regards,
Gaijingai

For of all sad words of tongue or pen,
The saddest are these:
It might have been.
- John Greenleaf Whittier

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Moti Dichne <niramiai at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, May 28, 2026 at 3:27 AM
Subject: [Sumo news] - YDC convened after Natsu 2026
To: Sumo Newsletter2 <sumo-newsletter2 at googlegroups.com>


The Natsu basho saw Komusubi Wakatakakage win his second yusho in 25
tournaments. The day after the final day, the Yokozuna Deliberation Council
(Yokozuna Shingi Iinkai), an advisory body to the Kyokai, held its regular
meeting at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Chairman Tadamori Oshima (former
Speaker of the House of Representatives) revealed at a press conference
that he had requested the Kyokai to analyze and address the large number of
rikishi who had withdrawn from the basho. He was unusually proactive, even
hinting at concerns about the jungyo schedule. Seven Makuuchi rikishi
including Yokozuna Houshouryuu and Oonosato, Ozeki Aonishiki and
Kotozakura, and Komusubi Takayasu, withdrew from the tournament, leaving
five out of nine top-ranked rikishi absent. Chairman Oshima conveyed the
consensus of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council that it was "regrettable,"
and received an apology from Chairman Hakkaku, who said, "We are very
sorry." Chairman Oshima requested the Kyokai to "analyze the physical,
mental, and overall condition of the young rikishi and consider how to
address the issue of rikishi taking time off." He also mentioned whether
there would be "more time or leeway in the schedule" after the tournament,
likely referring to the jungyo dates. The spring jungyo before Natsu Basho
was held 27 times over 29 days, resulting in numerous dropouts. The summer
jungyo after the Nagoya tournament will be held 28 times over 29 days from
August 2nd to 30th, with the announcement of the Aki Banzuke on the 31st.
While some criticize it as a "black jungyo," many rikishi  are happy to
return to their hometowns. Even those from Mongolia are seen enjoying
visits from people related to their alma mater during tours. Many rikishi
are positive about the jungyo, saying "the jungyo is an important job." On
the other hand, many rikishi complain about "not having time to go for
treatment" and "not having enough rest." On the final day of the spring
jungyo, Takadagawa, the jungyo director , said, "The jungyo is for
popularization of sumo, and the main bashos are a place for people to watch
the matches. These two are the core of the Kyokai." Regarding training
during the jungyo, he said, "The rikishi are professionals. Those who want
to train should do so," leaving it up to their own initiative. Two trainers
accompany the rikishi for physical care, and consideration is given to each
rikishi using two seats on the bus. According to one Oyakata, sumo is so
popular that the tour schedule is fully booked two years in advance. The
jungyo is a source of income for the Kyokai, and for the rikishi, it leads
to an increase in prize money. Last year, Oonosato, who had the most wins
in a year with 71 victories, received 2,432 prize money envelopes (60,000
yen each for the wrestlers, totaling 145,920,000 yen), bringing the total
to 14,979. In 2010, when Hakuhou recorded the most wins in a year with 86
victories, he received 2,111 envelopes, but the total was 5,120. The
popularity of sumo translates not only to the burden of touring for the
rikishi but also to income. Chairman Omori pointed out that with the
numerous rikishi withdrawing from tournaments, "there were concerns that if
the quality of strong sumo matches diminishes, it will affect the overall
popularity of sumo." He urged both Yokozuna to "build the physical
condition necessary to fulfill their responsibilities as Yokozuna." How the
Kyokai and the rikishi will respond remains to be seen. The Yokozuna
Deliberation Council has undoubtedly demonstrated its presence. (Daily
Sports Sumo Correspondent, Kohei Yamamoto)

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