Photo/Illutration Yokozuna Hakuho participates in the opening ceremony of the Nagoya tournament at Atsutajingu shrine in Nagoya on June 29, 2019. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Retired yokozuna Hakuho, considered the greatest grand champion in the history of the sport, will leave the sumo world after finding less success as a stablemaster, who now goes by the name Miyagino. 

The Japan Sumo Association accepted Miyagino's intention to resign as a stablemaster and a member of the association, reporting it at a JSA emergency board meeting on June 2.

Miyagino, 40, who is now in Mongolia, his home country, is expected to soon hold a news conference after returning to Japan.

In February 2024, the association demoted Miyagino from an association member to the lowest rank and reduced his salary as punishment for not reporting violent acts committed by an apprentice in his stable.

Miyagino was removed from his position as stablemaster and his stable was temporarily closed.

So, he took his apprentices and transferred to the Isegahama stable and taught them there.

If Miyagino's attitude toward his job was considered to be improved, the JSA suggested it was open to allowing him to reopen his stable.

Miyagino moved to Japan at the age of 15 in 2000.

As the fierece sumo wrestler Hakuho, he won a record 45 championships as he dominated the sport for more than a decade starting from 2010 when he became the sole yokozuna after the retirement of his rival Asashoryu. 

Hakuho's career total included 1,187 wins over 122 tournaments, with 1,093 of those wins coming in 103 makuuchi top-division tournaments.

Since 2007, he served as the 69th yokozuna, the highest-ranking sumo wrestler, for more than a record 14 years, and stepped down as an active wrestler in September 2021.

Despite his success, his behavior—such as becoming too emotional in the dohyo and urging spectators to give three cheers during his championship interview—were frequently criticized as inappropriate in the traditional sport known for its decorum. 

So, Hakuho signed a pledge not to cause problems before inheriting the name of Miyagino as a stablemaster.

Reports of Miyagino's retirement from the sumo world have been recently circulating. The Bunshun Online tabloid media site reported on April 9 that the Miyagino stablemaster planned to resign as an association member.

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