Okay, that’s just my punny thinking but in a new YouTube update from reliable English-language sumo reporter Chris Sumo, that’s what has happened-the current stablemaster Miyagino aka ex-Yokozuna Hakuho, the greatest ever and then some, is done. He submitted his retirement papers today to the Japan Sumo Association, but they will not be accepted yet because this is a week of celebration in Japan because of the promotion of Onosato to Yokozuna. Chris Sumo reports a board meeting will happen Monday where the fate of Miyagino Beya may be settled along with Isegahama Beya possibly being handed over to fellow ex-Yokozuna Terunofuji who just retired in January (the current Isegahama must retire before the July tournament because he turns 65 before then, which is the mandatory retirement age in sumo). And Hakuho submits his retirement papers again. Cue the various sports comparisons…and me walking back my thoughts on Takarafuji perhaps retiring because it seems he’s not getting Isegahama after all. At least not until maybe next year.
More as it becomes available.
UPDATE: In an update posted after today’s Onosato Yokozuna debut ring-entering ceremony at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo (moved indoors and closed to the public due to rain but some fans did show up and watch from outside), it was reported Isegahama will submit Hakuho’s retirement papers on his behalf Monday and Hakuho reportedly said he would “never answer to/work under Terunofuji”. Considering it was Hakuho who introduced the man to sumo and recommended him to his stable before the future Yokozuna would move to Isegahama…clearly no love lost between the iconic Mongolians. And the rain today is thought to be a symbol of this split…when it rains it pours as they always say. This is far from over.
UPDATE 2: It’s now official. Accepted on 6/2 Japan time by the Japan Sumo Association. He possibly has already returned to his native Mongolia.