We are opposed to the treatment proposed by the Japan Sumo Association (JSA) for the Miyagino-heya, which has been the subject of a violent incident involving one of its wrestlers.

 

Unless the reason for the punishment, which is clearly more severe than the punishment for similar misconduct in the past, is made public, it will be difficult to convince sumo fans, supporters of the stable, and sponsors of the stable that the treatment is fair.

 

 

If there are other concerns about violations of the rules by Miyagino, unless they are made public, it will only give the impression that the Association will continue to be a closed world, with arbitrary and subjective punishments.

 

In the recent past, there have been:

 

 

* Deaths caused by violence in the Tokitsukaze stable, with cover-ups.

 

* The Nakagawa stable's stablemaster himself committed a violent act.

 

* The Takanohana stable, Michinoku stable, and Isegahama stable were all involved in violent incidents.

 

In all of the above cases, with very severe violations, NONE of the stables were forced to close.

 

 

Compared to those cases, the apparent heavy-handed treatment of the Miyagino stable is unacceptable.

 

The victim, a rikishi from the same stable, had the courage to file a complaint. Were the wishes of that rikishi and other rikishi in the same stable respected? If not, they should be interviewed, and it should be confirmed whether they want to dismantle the stable or not, and whether they are willing to continue to be a rikishi in another stable even after the dismantling.

 

A stable closure could lead to the loss of major sponsors who support sumo and also the dreams of children who are interested in sumo and its future -- dreams supported by blue-chip companies, together with the Miyagino stablemaster.

 

Even if the Miyagino stablemaster is suspended for a certain period of time or stripped of his supervisory rights, I sincerely hope that the Miyagino stable will continue to exist.  While praying that the wishes of current and future rikishi will be respected, I am firmly opposed to the closure of the Miyagino stable.