Sumo scene / Missing names in rankings Sign of generational change

The rankings for the final tournament of the year, the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, were announced on October 28, and what was most noticeable was the absence of a number of popular wrestlers who had long remained loyal to the top division.

After former ozeki Takakeisho announced his retirement during the September tournament, a pair of former sekiwake – Myogiryu and Aoiyama – decided to close the curtain on their careers after the tournament, where they fought in the second jury division. Both were mainstays at the upper end of the makuuchi division, but reached their limit when they turned 38 this year.

Looking back on Myogiryu’s career, the word “craftsman” comes to mind, a designation that applies to very few wrestlers today and which made him popular among die-hard sumo fans.

Born in Hyogo Prefecture, Myogiryu graduated from Saitama Sakae High School and Nippon Sport Science University before entering the pro sumo world in the third-tier makushita division.

Despite being plagued by knee problems and numerous other injuries, Myogiryu became known for his varied techniques, such as knocking his opponent’s hands aside to gain an advantageous position, and his tenacious style of attacking involving an elbow locked up or pushed up. on the opponent’s armpit. He was awarded the Technology Prize six times for his efforts.

“I lost my speed and explosiveness, which were my main assets,” said Myogiryu, who took the name sumo elder Furiwake, in a manner that accepted the truth. “I gave it everything I had and I have no regrets.”

Conversely, Aoiyama cried big tears as he reflected on his in-ring career during his retirement press conference.

The big Bulgarian went through an emotional rollercoaster at one point. He joined the Taganoura stable led by former makuuchi-ranked Kushimaumi, but two tournaments after Aoiyama was promoted to the makuuchi division, the stable master died suddenly.

The stable was closed and Aoiyama transferred to his current Kasugano stable, where he honed his skills during intensive training sessions with former ozeki Tochinoshin and former sekiwake Tochiozan. He became successful using push and shove techniques, taking advantage of his 180 kilogram weight, but decided to retire after being sure he would be demoted to the makushita division.

“I am happy that I became a sumo wrestler,” said Aoiyama, who will remain in the sport as sumo elder Iwatomo. “It’s a shame I don’t get in the ring anymore.”

The rise of Onosato, who rose to ozeki just nine tournaments after his debut in the makushita division, marks a generational change in the sumo world. The veterans have come to terms with their retirement, which cannot be avoided in a sport where results are everything. But I can’t help but feel a sense of loss.

— Kamimura is a sumo expert.