News On Japan

Spring Sumo Tournament Showcases Rising Stars

TOKYO, Mar 26 (News On Japan) - The Grand Sumo Yokozuna Deliberation Council convened, and Chairman Masayuki Yamauchi reflected on the spring tournament, where the performance of young wrestlers like Tsunofuji, who achieved the first championship as a new top-division wrestler in 110 years, stood out, saying, "The future of sumo is becoming very bright."

The Yokozuna Deliberation Council met on the evening of the 25th at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, after which Chairman Yamauchi held a press conference.

In the spring tournament, 24-year-old Tsunofuji claimed a historic championship as a newly promoted top-division wrestler, the first in 110 years, while 23-year-old Daieinosato achieved double-digit wins for the second consecutive tournament, highlighting the notable performances of young wrestlers. Regarding the young wrestlers' bouts in the spring tournament, Chairman Yamauchi praised their efforts, saying, "They faced their opponents squarely and honorably, with absolutely flawless sumo. Particularly, the sumo displayed by Tsunofuji on the final day was truly magnificent. The future of sumo is becoming very bright."

On the other hand, he commented on the absence of top-ranking wrestlers in the championship race towards the end of the tournament, "The sumo community is structured with the Yokozuna and Ozeki at the top, followed by the rest of the rankings. It was regrettable that the Yokozuna had to withdraw partway through, and the Ozeki group lacked vigor and performed poorly. For the next tournament, I earnestly hope to see a resurgence from the Yokozuna and Ozeki, as well as strong efforts from the San'yaku wrestlers."

Regarding Yokozuna Terunofuji, who aimed for his tenth championship but had to withdraw from the seventh day due to a back injury, Chairman Yamauchi stated, "By winning the previous tournament, he fulfilled more than his responsibility, and by participating in this tournament, he showed a very responsible attitude befitting a Yokozuna. Looking forward to the next tournament and beyond, we hope for and expect his recovery."

Source: NHK

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago.

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Sports NEWS

If you were to ask a random person on the street, “Who are the best marathoners on Earth?”, you’d almost certainly hear one answer… The East Africans. Nowadays, they’re synonymous with distance running but until quite recently there was another powerhouse on the global scene… The Japanese. (Ran To Japan)

The IG Arena, a new venue that will host events for the 2026 Asian and Asian Para Games in Aichi and other areas, has been completed, with a handover ceremony held on March 29th, 2025.

Trevor Bauer, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, has rejoined his team in Japan, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. In his latest video titled "I Rejoined My Team In Japan," Bauer shares his experiences and the journey back to playing baseball in Japan. (Trevor Bauer)

Jon Morosi narrates a short story about the connection that baseball has created between Japan and Major League Baseball. (MLB Network)

Ahead of the Major League Baseball season opener at Tokyo Dome, samurai doll displays featuring Japanese players were unveiled on Tuesday at Kyugetsu's headquarters in Taito Ward, Tokyo.

Ahead of the Major League Baseball season opener at Tokyo Dome, samurai doll displays featuring Japanese players were unveiled on Tuesday at Kyugetsu's headquarters in Taito Ward, Tokyo.

Dodgers pitcher Sasaki made his first start in a Major League Baseball spring training game on March 11th, throwing four scoreless innings against the Guardians in Glendale, Arizona. He allowed just one hit while striking out two and walking two.

SoftBank Hawks pitcher Jun Maeda delivered an outstanding performance against the reigning Central League champion Yomiuri Giants, shutting them out over six innings in a preseason game on March 11th.