Photo/Illutration Stablemaster Miyagino, left, speaks to reporters with his disciple, Hokuseiho, on Feb. 23 in Tokyo’s Sumida Ward. (Kai Uchida)

The Japan Sumo Association on Feb. 23 demoted retired yokozuna Hakuho, the winningest wrestler in the sport’s history, two ranks over the violent acts committed by a disciple in his stable.

The decision was made at a special board meeting held at the Kokugikan in Tokyo.

Hakuho, now a stablemaster who goes by the name Miyagino, was demoted from “iin” to the lowest rank of “toshiyori,” and his salary was reduced.

There are seven levels of punishment, with demotion being the third most serious. The most serious levels are dismissal and recommendation for retirement.

“I failed to protect my disciples, and I take that responsibility very seriously,” Miyagino told reporters after the meeting.

According to the association, Hokuseiho, a makuuchi wrestler who belonged to the Miyagino stable, repeatedly assaulted two wrestlers from the same stable starting around July 2022.

He slapped their faces and ignited gas from an insecticide spray so that the flames came close to their bodies.

The abuse continued for more than a year.

Miyagino apparently heard about these acts but failed to confirm the circumstances or report the assaults to the association.

The compliance committee of the association investigated the case and concluded that it would be inappropriate for Miyagino to remain in his position as a member of the association, which has vowed to eradicate violence.

The committee also took into account that Miyagino had been punished three times for his “behavior” during his wrestling career that boasted 45 championships, the most in history.

The association said Miyagino lacks the quality and awareness of a master to guide wrestlers.

It also decided that for the spring tournament in March, the Miyagino stable will be supervised by an acting stablemaster appointed by the Isegahama clan.

The association will decide what to do after April.

Hokuseiho was to receive disciplinary action equivalent to a recommendation to retire. But he submitted his retirement notice before the board meeting, and it was accepted.

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