Society | Apr 25

Hakuho reprimanded for hand-clapping cheer

The Japan Sumo Association has reprimanded yokozuna grand champion Hakuho for leading an unapproved cheer during his victory interview last month.

Hakuho's action came as he was being interviewed near the ring as the winner of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. He led an impromptu "sanbon-jime" hand-clapping cheer.

The Yokozuna Deliberation Council complained about Hakuho's behavior that was done prior to the sumo sport's spiritual "kami okuri" ceremony to send off a god.

Members of the council said the tournament formally ends after the ceremony, and wondered whether Hakuho had the right to lead a ritual to conclude the tournament, even though he was the tournament-winning yokozuna.

The sumo association's board of directors asked the compliance committee to study whether Hakuho's action breached tradition and the code of conduct, and whether he deserves punishment.

On Wednesday, the board decided to reprimand the yokozuna. His stablemaster, Miyagino, will also have his salary cut ten percent for three months.


MORE Society NEWS

Last year saw a record-breaking 1,963 prohibition orders issued in Japan under the Stalking Control Law, marking the highest number to date.

Currently, there's a rapid increase in individuals suffering from "spring fatigue." You might be affected without even realizing it.

The emergence of the Gifu butterfly, a harbinger of spring, has commenced once again this year in Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture.

POPULAR NEWS

Japan's Meteorological Agency announced the blooming of the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in Tokyo at 2 p.m. on Friday, five days later than average.

JAXA has announced the revival of the unmanned explorer "SLIM" following its successful hibernation after making Japan's first moon landing. The probe successfully endured a second lunar night, a period during which temperatures can drop to as low as minus 170 degrees Celsius.

As more people keep pets indoors, there has been a call for caution regarding unexpected pet behavior leading to fire accidents.

Seven-Eleven have extended the expiry date of its hand-rolled onigiri (rice balls), including salmon, plum, kelp, spicy cod roe, and tuna mayonnaise varieties.

The Japanese government finalized a new strategy on Wednesday aimed at the development of next-generation domestic aircraft, including initiatives for eco-friendly aviation technologies.

FOLLOW US