u/Brncrdm

# Asakoryu Accelerates "Macho-fication" for a Summer Tournament Where Muscles Shine: "I Want to Be Popular. If I Get Stronger, It's Perfect."

"Muscle love" is the factor behind his leap forward. The Grand Sumo Spring Tour took place on the 21st at the Tokyo Budokan, and Makuuchi wrestler Asakoryu (27, Takasago stable) fought 19 bouts against Komusubi Atamifuji (23, Isegahama stable) and others, recording 12 wins and 7 losses. He demonstrated that he is in good shape for the Summer Tournament (which starts on May 10th at the Ryogoku Kokugikan).

Asakoryu, who attracts attention as one of the most prominent "macho wrestlers" in the sumo world, boasts a personal best of 200kg on the bench press. He gave the interview while snacking on salad chicken and charcoal-grilled chicken, which he eats every day. Regarding his recent bodybuilding routine, he explained, "It's going well. I'm able to do more when I'm in Tokyo (outside of the tour), but I'm doing it here too." Even during the Spring Tour, he continues his daily routine of push-ups using push-up bars while carrying a 30kg sandbag on his back, performing 6 sets of 20 repetitions.

Also, during the tournaments, when the time limit on the dohyo approaches, Asakoryu strikes the "Most Muscular" pose, tensing his arms and curving them inward. This routine began at the 2024 Nagoya Tournament, when he was still in the Juryo division. He reveals, "In Nagoya, I told my attendant (Jonidan division) Asahabataki, 'I can't put any strength into my body because of the summer heat,' and he suggested, 'Why don't you try tensing up (before the match)?' When I tried it, Asahabataki imitated me (in the entrance corridor), and it became a routine." This muscular figure of Asakoryu is a huge hit on overseas social media, and the wrestler himself says there was a video that got 70,000 "likes" on TikTok.

The wrestler, who is in great form having secured a kachikoshi (winning record) for three consecutive tournaments since last year's Kyushu tournament, grinned when asked about the Summer Tournament: "In summer, muscles shine. (Skin) gets tanned." Welcoming the attention on his muscles, he clenched his fist and said, "I want to be popular. If I get stronger, it's perfect."

(Akihiro Kada)

# [College Sumo] From Junior High Baseball Team to Nittaidai Sumo Club Captain: A Formerly Unknown Wrestler Rises! Focusing on "Not Letting the Opponent Use Their Strength" to Become Student Yokozuna. 190cm, 170kg, Aiming for University Team Championship.

A figure who was unknown in high school is now leading the team as captain of the prestigious Nippon Sport Science University (Nittaidai) sumo club. Hiroki Sugimoto (21), a native of Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture (Asahigaoka, Kanagawa), was appointed captain after the University Championships last November.

The decision was made through discussions among the incoming 4th-year students, but the trust in Sugimoto is so deep that Head Coach Kazuo Saito commented, "I was only in the position to approve the choice, but I would have nominated him myself; he has the capacity of a captain, both as a person and as an athlete."

While at Nishinari Tobu Junior High in Ichinomiya, he belonged to the baseball club and was active as a catcher. His background is unique, having started sumo after being scouted by Asahigaoka High School, but he did not leave notable results at the time.

His large body of 190cm and 170kg stands out even in the practice ring. At university, he has been a pillar of the team in group competitions from early on. However, until a year ago, he was not associated with individual titles. The change came last summer.

"I started to focus on not letting the opponent use their strength. I began watching videos of my opponents over and over, thinking, and preparing countermeasures before matches."

After winning his first individual title at the National Student Individual Weight Class Championships (openweight) last August as a 3rd-year student, he also won the National Sports Festival individual title in October, and was crowned Student Yokozuna at the Student Championships in November.

This year, as captain, he has set the "University Championship Team Victory" as his top goal. At the same time, he shows ambition for individual titles. He qualified as the Aichi Prefecture representative for the National Sports Festival at the preliminary tournament held in Kariya on the 19th, but his individual goal is to become the Amateur Yokozuna (All-Japan Sumo Championship).

Last year, he was eliminated in the round of 32. "I was incredibly frustrated. This year, I want to win the All-Japan title and end it there. It's a big title." He aims to finish his final year on a high note by being number one in Japan, both as a team and as an individual.

(Chunichi Sports)

# Makuuchi Hiradoumi Turns 26: "I'm at a Mature Age. I Want to Return to Sanyaku."

The Grand Sumo Spring Tour was held on the 20th in Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Makuuchi wrestler Hiradoumi (Sakaigawa stable) celebrated his 26th birthday on this day. Although he said he hadn't told anyone, the news spread naturally. "Many people told me (congratulations). I'm at a mature age now. I think I should be in a higher rank, and I want to return to Sanyaku," he said enthusiastically.

On this day, he fought a total of 10 bouts, including those against former Ozeki Asanoyama (Takasago stable), winning 5. He showed strength, notably using a morozashi (double inside grip) to force Asanoyama out (yorikiri). In the Spring Tournament, he was ranked Maegashira 3 and finished with a 7-8 record. Looking ahead to the Summer Tournament (starting May 10 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo), he was fired up: "First, I want to get a winning record (kachikoshi). And I want to win a kinboshi (gold star)."

# Shirakami Joins Hanaregoma Stable: Former "Salaryman" and Toyo University Alumnus

Reiji Shirakami (23), a native of Hokkaido and an alumnus of the Toyo University sumo club, announced on the 20th that he is joining the Hanaregoma stable of Grand Sumo. "I wanted to do this while I was still young so I wouldn't have any regrets. I want to become a sekitori," he said. After graduating last year, he worked at his father's civil engineering company in Sapporo. He aims to make his professional ring debut at the Summer Tournament (Natsu Basho) at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

He has been wearing a mawashi since he was three years old. He studied in Ishikawa Prefecture, attending Naruwa Junior High and Kanazawa Technical High School. Standing 1.80m tall and weighing 175kg, he specializes in pushing sumo (oshizumo) and competed in national tournaments during his university years.

He claims that during elementary and junior high school, he had a 1-1 record against Komusubi Atamifuji, who is of the same age. The "former salaryman wrestler" expressed his ambition, saying, "Since people of my generation are already fighting in the Makuuchi division, I want to rise to the same level." His senior from high school and university, Stablemaster Hanaregoma (former Sekiwake Tamanoshima), shared his expectations, stating, "I hope he becomes a wrestler who is loved by the people."

# JSA Chairman Hakkaku Receives Freedom of the City of London; First in 796-Year History to Receive Honor for Sumo Figure: "Very Honored." Holds Same Title as King Charles III and Harry Kane

It has been confirmed that the City of London will bestow the title of "Freedom of the City of London" upon the Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association, Hakkaku (former Yokozuna Hokutoumi). This marks the first time the award has been given to a figure associated with Grand Sumo.

Chairman Hakkaku departed for London on a flight from Haneda Airport on the 20th. The award ceremony will be held on the 24th (local time) at the Guildhall, the administrative headquarters of the City of London.

The title of "Freedom of the City" began in 1230 and has been awarded to prominent British and world figures, including King Charles III, Harry Kane (England national football team), and J.K. Rowling (author of "Harry Potter").

The explanation for Chairman Hakkaku’s award was "in recognition of his contribution to the world of sports and the great success of the London performances held at the Royal Albert Hall (last October)."

Regarding this honor, Chairman Hakkaku stated, "It is a great honor. I believe this is not something I am receiving for myself, but something I am receiving as the Sumo Association. I won the London tournament in 1991, and I had hoped that the first overseas tournament as Chairman would be in London."

(Chunichi Sports)

# Haruku Kakizoe, Eldest Son of Former Komusubi Kakizoe, Joins Father's Ikazuchi Stable; Mother is a Former World Women's Sumo Champion; Had No Athletic Experience in Junior High but Blossomed at Saitama Sakae High School

On the 19th, it was announced that Haruku Kakizoe (a 3rd-year student at Saitama Sakae High School), the eldest son of the Ikazuchi stablemaster (former Komusubi Kakizoe), will join the stable. A press conference was held at the stable in Sumida Ward, Tokyo. Although he did not play sports during junior high school, he grew rapidly after entering the school's sumo club. He was selected as a member of the prestigious school's team and placed 3rd in the National High School Championships (Inter-High) last August. In October last year, he contributed to Saitama Prefecture's runner-up finish in the youth team sumo event at the National Sports Festival.

He decided to join the stable, which is also his family home, with a radiant expression. His father, Stablemaster Ikazuchi, debuted in the top division (Makuuchi) in the Autumn Tournament of 2003 after graduating from Nippon Sport Science University. He won the Technique Prize in the first tournament of 2004. He retired after the Spring Tournament in 2012, inherited the former Irumagawa stable in 2023, and renamed it the Ikazuchi stable. His mother, Emi, is a graduate of Nihon University and a former world champion in women's sumo.

◇ Father-Son Sumo Wrestlers: Active pairs include Ozeki Kotozakura and his father, former Sekiwake Kotonowaka (currently Stablemaster Sadogatake); Makuuchi wrestler Oho and his father, former Sekiwake Takatoriki; and Makuuchi wrestler Fujinokawa and his father, former Makuuchi wrestler Oikari (currently Stablemaster Kabutoyama). There have been 11 pairs of father-son wrestlers in the Makuuchi division in the past.

# Daieishō Aims to be the "King of Beasts" in the Sumo World; First, He Targets a Return to Sanyaku: "Return to Where I Was"

The Grand Sumo Spring Tour was held on the 18th at the Tokorozawa Municipal Gymnasium in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture. Daieishō (Oitekaze), ranked East Maegashira No. 4, was selected by Ozeki Kotozakura (Sadogatake) during the sekitori's moshiai-geiko (consecutive practice bouts), recording 1 win and 3 losses in a total of 4 bouts. "I am grateful to have been chosen. I have been going to the Sadogatake stable for joint practice before the tournament, and he is strong. I was able to lean on him and get some good practice in," he said.

As he is a native of the nearby city of Asaka, he was very busy on this day, participating in a handshake event, a Q&A corner with the audience, and a hair-styling demonstration. "There were many people who said they came from Asaka. I'm happy to be doing this in Saitama," he said deeply. During the Q&A, when asked "if you could be an animal," he answered, "I want to be a lion." When asked about his intent in the dressing room, he replied, "Because he is the King of Beasts. He is the strongest animal. I want to be like that." In Tokorozawa, the home of the professional baseball team Seibu Lions (where he performed the ceremonial first pitch in June of last year), he revealed his determination to aim for the strongest, like a lion.

In last July's Nagoya Tournament, he sat out due to a right gastrocnemius muscle rupture, falling from the Sekiwake rank he had held for five consecutive tournaments. Since the first tournament of the year, when he returned to the rank of East Maegashira No. 4, he has been limited to 7 wins for two consecutive tournaments. "Well, the minimum is a winning record (kachikoshi), so it has been a string of frustrating tournaments. I want to get back to where I was quickly and move up again." He has achieved double-digit wins for four consecutive years in the Summer Tournament (starting May 10th at Ryogoku Kokugikan), and he emphasized, "I will think of those past results positively and do my best."

# Ozeki Kotozakura: "My Only Goal is to Win the Championship"; Faces Oho and Other Makuuchi Wrestlers in 9 Bouts During Spring Tour

The Grand Sumo Spring Tour was held on the 18th in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture. Ozeki Kotozakura faced Makuuchi wrestlers Oho and Daieisho—both alumni of the same Saitama Sakae High School—in 9 bouts, winning 8 and losing 1. In the Spring Tournament (Haru Basho), he secured 10 wins, marking his first double-digit victory in 8 tournaments. Looking ahead to the Summer Tournament (starting May 10 at Ryogoku Kokugikan), he said enthusiastically, "I am not satisfied, and my only goal is to win the championship. I won't overthink things; I will simply compete."

During this tour, he has thoroughly focused on basic exercises such as shiko and tube training. His performance on this day, moving forward with intent, stood out. "How can I apply a load to myself within limited time? I will build my body without rushing," he said calmly.

Even during his slump, the only time he finished with a losing record was in the first tournament of last year, when he challenged for the rank of Yokozuna. "I just need to use this as fuel for the future," he said, determined to make a comeback.

# Is the Two-Rank Demotion of "Former Terunofuji" Truly a "Too Lenient Punishment"? The Truth Behind the "Distortion" Between the Sumo World and the Public Regarding "Violent Guidance"

Master Isegahama (former Yokozuna Terunofuji) has been demoted two ranks, from Committee Member to Elder. Disciplinary action was handed down by the Sumo Association on April 9th after it was discovered in February that he had used violence against his disciple, Hakunofuji. Various opinions have emerged among sumo fans regarding whether this "punishment" is too soft compared to the degree of the "crime," or if it is appropriate. On the other hand, media outlets such as sports newspapers have been unanimous in their tone, claiming it is "too lenient." Yasutaka Sudo, a writer and former reporter for a specialized sumo magazine, shares his own views.

### [By Yasutaka Sudo / Writer]

**The Public Sentiment is Understandable**

The impression that "a sumo master has messed up again" cannot be erased. Unfortunately, it is a feeling of "here we go again." Violent acts are an absolute evil. Furthermore, the perpetrator is a master who is in a position to guide and supervise wrestlers. There seem to be many voices suggesting that the punishment for Master Isegahama is too soft.

I asked Taisuke Fujimoto, the editor-in-chief of the monthly magazine "Sumo," for his perspective on this matter.

"The Sumo Association holds up the eradication of violence like the banners (nobori) displayed during a tournament. I can understand the public opinion that, given that stance, the response is lenient. However, there are several clear points for leniency. This was not a case of motiveless bullying, nor was it routine violence. There is a strong aspect of educational guidance. And above all, the master himself reported the fact of the assault to the Association and did not hide it. The disciplinary decision likely took these factors into account. Not hiding it was the most significant factor. However, violence is still unacceptable. Personally, I also think it is a lenient punishment."

**A Punishment Lacking Consistency**

When it comes to violence by a master against a disciple, the 2007 "Tokitsukaze Stable Disciple Assault Incident" is the first to come to mind. It is such a horrific incident that I will not go into detail. Furthermore, the victim who died was a Jonokuchi wrestler whose body was not yet fully formed. Although the master was forced to be arrested and it developed into a criminal case, the stable itself was not closed.

In recent years, there was the incident at the Nakagawa stable in July 2020. Master Nakagawa (former Makuuchi Asahisato) was demoted two ranks and the Nakagawa stable was closed due to violence and verbal abuse against three disciples. Although the degree of malice was high, the dissolution of a stable is severe.

Also, some voices ask how this compares to the punishment of the great Yokozuna Hakuho, who was effectively expelled from the sumo world. While it is true that Hakuho did not raise his own hands, he was forced to sign an unprecedented pledge when he became a master, placing him in a state of "probation," so to speak. A strict punishment for his "failing" would be appropriate. Drawing a comparison to the punishment of Hakuho, who reneged on that pledge, seems somewhat misplaced.

The punishments of the Japan Sumo Association leave a strong impression of lacking consistency. The stable that was the stage for the worst fatal incident in history continues to exist. It is unavoidable that people suspect favoritism because it is a prestigious stable. Even if the trend of the times is an increase in compliance awareness, the punishments for incidents in the sumo world generally lack consistency. That is why opinions are split on whether it is lenient or not. It is no wonder that people bring up past cases to say, "it's more lenient than that incident," or "no, compared to this incident, it's too strict."

# Legitimate Acts and Violence

Regarding this incident, although I almost nodded at Mr. Fujimoto’s words when he said, "I think it is a lenient punishment," I shook my head slightly.

Faced with a disciple's shameful behavior, the supervisor took immediate action. While the proper way is to issue a warning with words, according to reports, Hakunofuji was dead drunk, so that might not have even been possible.

Sumo wrestlers live in the intervals of an instant. Their livelihood is not moved by logic; it is a trade that accepts "the hand moving instinctively in a flash." Though the scene of the incident was not the dohyo. Well, literally, he should have just sharply slapped the disciple's hand. However, witnessing a blow to the face must have surely shocked the female victim. I worry that she suffered great unpleasantness, but perhaps her resentment was somewhat relieved by the master's fury. Since the possibility of Hakunofuji being sued for indecency or similar charges was not zero if the behavior had escalated, the master's "blow" may have, in result, saved the disciple.

When such violent incidents occur, the "distortion" between the public's view and the sensibilities within the sumo world lies in the special nature of the sumo community.

Harite (slaps to the face), nodowa (throat thrusts), and so on. A buchikamashi (initial charge) is the same as a headbutt. Things that would seem like violent acts to the general public are considered "legitimate acts" during a main tournament or on the practice dohyo. Harite and nodowa are techniques to raise the opponent's center of gravity and are not means to injure them. Incidentally, in junior high and high school amateur sumo, harite is prohibited. In the sumo world, which is a professional group, legitimate acts and violence exist side-by-side; the view that they are, so to speak, on the same continuous ground is deeply rooted.

Perhaps because of that, is it not the case that for assault problems with low levels of malice, the assessment becomes "well, let’s overlook it"?

### The Golf Club Striking Incident

If you want to punish a lower-ranking wrestler, as long as you mix it into a "legitimate act," no one will complain. This is far more malicious, but since it is part of practice, it will not be punished. I recall a morning practice at a certain stable I witnessed during my time as a sumo reporter. A Sekitori designated a younger disciple from the Makushita division and gave him a harsh workout. Due to the difference in strength, it wasn't even practice for the Sekitori. When I later asked the Sekitori about it, he replied, "He was being cocky, so I gave him a little 'affection' (kawaigari)." Incidentally, that Sekitori did not bully or act harshly toward the younger disciple outside of the dohyo.

I remembered something else: the "Golf Club Striking Incident" in October 2011. Master Kasugano (former Sekiwake Tochinowaka) struck the buttocks of Tochinoshin (then in Makuuchi) and several other wrestlers with a golf club. They had gone out in clothing other than yukata or kimono and broke their curfew. The Sumo Association's punishment at that time was a "strict warning." No fine, no demotion. Master Kasugano expressed regret, saying he "went too far."

Violence against a weak toriteki (Makushita and below) is mere bullying. However, sanctions against a full-fledged Sekitori (Juryo, Makuuchi) also carry a strong meaning of harsh encouragement: "Get it together!" Tochinoshin also looks back on that time as a funny story now. According to one theory, there were even blows to the face. Yet, despite the use of a weapon (a golf club), it ended without punishment.

Is the "method" one of the points of debate in violence issues? Striking the face is, of course, unacceptable. The fist of a former wrestler with extraordinary physical strength could cause a tragedy with one wrong move. Using a weapon is out of the question. On the other hand, how should we perceive the "buttocks slap," a standard punishment in both the East and the West? The buttocks of a wrestler, forged through shiko, are different from those of an ordinary person.

### Wooden Sword to the Buttocks

Even more memories resurface. I recall the wry smile of Master Fujishima (former Ozeki Musoyama).

I believe it was the 1994 Nagoya Tournament; I was a sumo reporter stationed at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. Musoyama's (then Sekiwake) bout had ended, and reporters surrounded him in the dressing room. At that moment, he asked, "Is the bruise on my butt noticeable?" It turned out he had incurred the wrath of Master Musashigawa (former Yokozuna Mienoumi) and was struck on the buttocks with a wooden sword (bokuto).

In a bout a few days prior, Musoyama had lost to the small-statured wrestler Mainoumi. When a reporter mentioned that "Mainoumi reportedly stayed awake thinking of countermeasures against Musoyama," he quipped back, "I stayed awake drinking sake." It was a lighthearted joke. Musoyama's responses were witty, and he was highly popular with the press. However, this became an article and reached the master's ears, who scolded him: "What is a defeated wrestler doing cracking jokes?" It was a "fist-of-iron" sanction against a talented, popular wrestler who would later rise to Ozeki. And this happened during a main tournament.

At that time, I thought: "This is a profession where the figure of a man wearing nothing but a mawashi is broadcast nationwide. Wouldn't the buttocks be scrutinized as much as the face?" Perhaps the master had thought that far ahead. Others would point out the wound on his buttocks, and in doing so, Musoyama would be forced to rethink his attitude toward victory and how he faced his matches. That might have been the intention.

### Chairman Hakkaku's Leadership

Amidst fluctuations in the consistency and transparency of punishments, the Sumo Association has also been taking action.

In 2018, they established a Compliance Committee. A "Declaration of Farewell to Violence" was posted on their website:

1. In Grand Sumo, no violence of any kind, for the purpose of guidance or any other reason, will be tolerated.

2. The change in consciousness to part ways with violence will be led by masters and elders, eradicating violence within sumo stables.

Following this, seven articles are clearly stated.

It is a masterpiece of a text, using powerful language that leaves no room for criticism. Since then, they have continued their activities, such as holding training seminars. Yet, despite this, incidents like the current one still occur.

While they solemnly declare a farewell to violence with strong words, I cannot help but feel a sense of confusion and aimlessness in the Sumo Association's response. Even as they speak of eradicating violence, the recognition that "legitimate acts and violence are on the same continuous ground" remains deeply rooted in the sumo world. This is likely where the gap with general society is born. Ideally, the Association should have used every word at its disposal to explain and bridge that gap.

One would like to hope for leadership from the current administration of Chairman Hakkaku, but in a sumo world that values history and tradition, the speed of change is remarkably slow; it won't be a matter of cutting through the knot with a single stroke. Furthermore, Chairman Hakkaku has been in power for a long term—effectively 11 years over 6 terms. He is already 62 years old. Regarding this latest punishment, he was not seen coming forward publicly to provide an explanation.

### The Master I Have Expectations For

At this point, I hope for a drastic change in personnel. The one I am watching is Master Nishonoseki (former Yokozuna Kisenosato).

He turns 40 this year. It is nonsense to tilt one's head and say he is still young or lacks experience. The master is dedicated to research, having studied sports science at Waseda University Graduate School after his retirement. This is a background unthinkable within the context of history and tradition. The Naruto stable, which he joined after middle school (led by the former Yokozuna Takanosato at the time), was known for the highest volume of practice in the sumo world, and the master's guidance was the definition of strictness. Master Naruto believed in using words to their fullest, occasionally stopping practice to deliver long lectures. Although the master held a bamboo sword (shinai), he never swung it at his disciples; instead, he would draw lines on the dohyo with the shinai and shout encouragement: "Push to here!"

Furthermore, the chanko at the Naruto stable was famous for being the most luxurious in the sumo world; he valued eating as much as practice. He was particular about ingredients, curated seasonings, and the stable's kitchen even had a noodle-making table. The master once appeared as a chef on an NHK cooking program. In the sumo world of that time, he tended to be treated as an outlier. He was, so to speak, an innovator.

Master Nishonoseki, who received the teachings of such a master, is an intriguing figure, especially combined with his age. With the current Grand Sumo world boiling with unprecedented popularity due to the influence of inbound tourism, the Association must move its body and head instinctively right now.

---

**Yasutaka Sudo**

Born in Tokyo in 1964. In 1999, he won the 5th Novel Shincho Long-form Newcomer Award for "Ore wa Doshaburi." He has worked on many sports novels. His sumo novels include "Ore, Rikishi ni Naru," "Oshidase Seishun," "Rikishi Futatabi," "Kieta Ozeki," and others.

**Daily Shincho Editorial Department**

# Onosato's Junior, Christopher Li-Bil, Chooses "Honoikazuchi" as Shikona; Set for Summer Tournament Debut

By the 16th, it was revealed that the shikona (ring name) for Christopher Li-Bil (22, Kaminari stable), who is scheduled to debut in the May Summer Tournament after the new apprentice examination on May 1st, has been decided as "Honoikazuchi" (火雷). He personally negotiated with his mentor, Master Kaminari (former Komusubi Kakizoe), saying, "I want to go with this. Please!" and received approval.

He had been thinking about it since two months before his entry was finalized. Since his real name, Christopher, means "Christ-bearer," he wanted a name with a similar essence. Honoikazuchi is one of the eight thunder deities (Yakusanoikazuchi) appearing in Japanese mythology, also worshipped as a god of fire. "I wanted a shikona that people would want to say. I wanted it to be simple and cool," he said. An anime fan, he also drew inspiration from "Kimetsu no Yaiba" (Demon Slayer). The name is used in a technique by the character Zenitsu Agatsuma, and he decided on it because "the ring of the name is good."

A graduate of Nippon Sport Science University (Nittaidai), he is three years junior to Yokozuna Onosato. Last year, he was the runner-up in the adult men's division of the National Sports Festival, earning him the right to debut at the bottom of the Makushita division (Makushita Tsukedashi). With a grand physique of 191 cm and 165 kg, he stated, "I want to become a Sekitori within this year. I want to become a wrestler who lives up to my shikona." Master Kaminari also has high expectations for the standout talent: "I want to let him wrestle in high spirits and lead a sumo life with no regrets."

◇ Christopher Li-Bil: Born July 16, 2003 (age 22), from Kawasaki City. He practiced basketball and karate in his early childhood but started sumo at the local Kawasaki Sumo Club. He attended Mukonooka Technical High School before going to Nittaidai. In his fourth year, he served as the captain of the sumo club, placing 2nd in the National Sports Festival and 3rd individually in the National Student Championships. He joined Kaminari stable following a recruitment by Master Kaminari, an alumnus of the university. His specialties are thrusting and pushing (tsuki-oshi). His family includes his mother, who is from the Philippines, and an older sister. 191 cm, 165 kg.

# Fujiseun Returns to Spring Tour Following Nose Surgery; Confused by "Allergic Rhinitis" Label on Medical Certificate

On the 16th, the Grand Sumo Spring Tour was held in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Makuuchi wrestler Fujiseun (Fujishima stable), who had been absent since the first day of the tour, returned today, breaking a sweat by serving as a partner in butsukari-geiko.

Fujiseun revealed he had been suffering for about a year from "deviated nasal septum," which caused symptoms like nasal congestion, and underwent surgery following the March tournament. "The airflow was poor, so I had surgery to shave down the nasal cartilage. Before, I had trouble falling asleep and didn't wake up feeling refreshed, but now I wake up clear-headed—it's completely different," he said with a smile.

Regarding the fact that the medical certificate released by the Japan Sumo Association listed his reason for absence as "Allergic Rhinitis," he expressed some bewilderment: "With so many others being absent for serious reasons, it felt like I was being seen as taking time off just for hay fever (kafunsho)..."

After the surgery, he resumed basic exercises at his stable and has recovered enough to take part in sumo bouts. "My senses haven't quite returned to normal yet, and I'm still a bit afraid of my nose getting hit. But I plan to join moshiai-geiko (inter-stable practice bouts) starting tomorrow, so I want to work on getting my feel back," said the 28-year-old, who won the Fighting Spirit Prize in his top-division debut in March.

# Diagnosis for Fujinokawa, Who Withdrew from Spring Tour, is "Cervical Disc Herniation," Announces Japan Sumo Association

On the 15th, the Japan Sumo Association announced that the diagnosis for Maegashira Fujinokawa (21, Isenoumi stable), who withdrew from the spring tour, is "Cervical Disc Herniation." Additionally, Nishikifuji (29, Isegahama stable) has also withdrawn, bringing the total number of absentees for this tour—including Yokozuna Onosato and Ozeki Aonishiki—to 16. The spring tour will continue until April 26, concluding in Iruma City, Saitama Prefecture.