Hokuseiho Osamu is a 22-year-old sumo wrestler of Mongolian descent. In a surprising turn of events, he has been compelled to retire amidst revelations of his abusive conduct towards fellow junior competitors.
Hokuseiho’s reign of bullying started a year ago, unveiling a disturbing pattern of abusive behavior. His troubling acts ranged from physical assaults, such as hitting fellow competitors in the face, back, and genitals.
His more sadistic methods included applying potent glue between their fingers and using a makeshift flame thrower to burn them. Additionally, reports suggest his use of general intimidation tactics.
Beyond physical harm, Hokuseiho subjected his juniors to bizarre and cruel rituals. This includes compelling them to consume 20 hamburgers in one sitting.
The wrestler openly admitted to deriving pleasure from the painful reactions of his victims. As the abuses came to light, Hokuseiho submitted his retirement notice to the Japan Sumo Association (JSA).
On February 23, the JSA accepted his retirement. They also penalized his stablemaster with a demotion and pay cut for “lack of disciple management.”
The stablemaster Hakuho Sho expressed remorse, acknowledging a heavy responsibility for failing to protect the abused students. He said: “I feel a heavy responsibility for being unable to protect the abused proteges.”
Hokuseiho’s transgressions extended beyond physical harm; he was known to steal money from juniors’ wallets during training. Despite repeated reprimands from his stablemaster, he remained indifferent to the ethical standards expected within the sumo community.
Before retiring in 2021, Hakuho had a record 45 tournament victories.
Accompanied by Hakuho, Hokuseiho publicly apologized for “betraying the trust of fans.”
Born in Mongolia, Hokuseiho moved to Japan when he was five years old. He began sumo in the first grade of junior high school. With a height of 2.04 meters and 21 straight wins since his debut in 2020, the Japanese media dubbed him a “very promising wrestler.”
A JSA spokesman said: “Sumo brings joy to many people, but it is regrettable that such a promising wrestler committed such despicable acts of violence.”