After tough year, yokozuna Hakuho is 'tired' but still competitive: Mainichi interview

While yokozuna Hakuho won a record 40th tournament title in Kyushu last month, he was also caught up in the assault scandal involving fellow-Mongolian yokozuna Harumafuji, who retired over the incident. As the sumo world looks to move on following the scandal, Hakuho sat down with the Mainichi Shimbun on Dec. 19 in Tokyo for an exclusive interview.

"I'm tired -- from both the Kyushu tournament and regional tours. This is my 11th year as a yokozuna, and so much has happened," said the 33-year-old wrestler from the Miyagino sumo stable. "It's difficult to think about my next goal."

After the closing of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, Hakuho received a severe warning from the Japan Sumo Association for raising an objection about the decision of ringside referees during the tourney and also for voicing his desire for both Harumafuji and the victim of the assault, maegashira Takanoiwa, to return to the ring in a post-victory speech.

Of his actions, Hakuho explained, "There are two versions of me -- inside of the ring and outside of it." As a wrestler holding the yokozuna rank in the ring, he said, "I am my fighting self. I can't afford to lose, and I can't slide down the ranks. I also have to think about raising my family," revealing the stressful conditions he must face each time to maintain his reputation or consider retirement. About his personality outside of the ring, Hakuho spoke more brightly of himself, saying that he was "filled with kindness," but then continued that he still "has to win."

When asked about his thoughts on ex-yokozuna Harumafuji taking responsibility for the assault of younger wrestler Takanoiwa and voluntarily retiring from the sport, Hakuho replied with a tense expression, "It's complicated, isn't it?"

"Learning from one's experiences will pay off in the future, whether they are good or bad," continued Hakuho. "I don't think there is any yokozuna who has experienced all the things that I have."