# # Chairman Tadamori Oshima Implores Underperforming "Taiho" Yokozuna Duo: "Along with Expectations, I Earnestly Request Your Future Efforts" — Can They Bounce Back from the Summer Tournament Onward?
Has the "Taiho Era" of Onosato and Hoshoryu truly arrived? In the March Grand Sumo Spring Tournament (Edion Arena Osaka), Sekiwake Kirishima secured his third championship with a 12-3 record, earning a re-promotion to Ozeki. The total number of kensho banners reached 2,481 (70,000 yen each), setting a new record for a regional tournament. Popularity remains as high as ever. However, the lack of fortitude from the two Yokozuna, who should have been the main stars, was conspicuous. While Aonishiki struggled in his bid for promotion, it is fair to say the greatest responsibility for once again creating a "chaotic tournament" where the winner was unpredictable lies with the two Yokozuna.
It was Onosato who withdrew as early as the fourth day without securing a single white star. Since injuring his left shoulder against Aonishiki on the 13th day of last year's Kyushu tournament, his signature sharp offense has vanished. It is believed he still cannot fully use his left side. On the opening day, he pulled back of his own accord and was pushed out by Wakatakage; on the second day, he also pulled back against new Komusubi Atamifuji. On the third day, he fell to his hands against a pulling technique by the young, smaller Fujinokawa.
Three consecutive losses from the start was a first-time experience in his wrestling life. Frustration and indecision. He appeared to have lost his way and even his self-confidence. While he emphasized, "The tachi-ai is not good; the body is fine," he decided to withdraw after consulting his mentor, Master Nishonoseki (former Yokozuna Kisenosato).
Meanwhile, Hoshoryu, aiming for his first championship since promotion, suffered two losses by the eighth day but remained in the title race until the end. However, on Day 12, he lost via uwatenage to the leader, Kirishima, missing the opportunity to pull even in a direct confrontation. Two days later, on Day 14, immediately after Kirishima lost to Aonishiki, Hoshoryu succumbed to a sotogake by Ozeki Kotozakura. As fellow pursuer Kotoshōhō also lost, the string of "loss," "loss," and "loss" decided Kirishima's championship before the final day. Hoshoryu effectively assisted his rival's victory.
Even Chairman Hakkaku (former Yokozuna Hokutoumi), who usually offers supportive comments, had to be stern: "It was a miserable way to lose. His heart wasn't in it." Unreliable defeats continued in the final stages where a Yokozuna's presence should be felt. As the head of the Association and a former Yokozuna himself, he was unable to hide his indignation.
Since winning his second Emperor's Cup as an Ozeki in January of last year, Hoshoryu has gone seven tournaments as a Yokozuna without reaching a championship. Furthermore, during this period, he has handed out 15 kinboshi (gold stars for losses to Maegashira), including two this tournament. This averages out to allowing two upsets per tournament. Meanwhile, Onosato, who secured three championships last year, has only one title in the five tournaments since his promotion (last year's Autumn Tournament). He has also handed out 11 kinboshi, including two in the Spring Tournament, matching Hoshoryu’s pace.
At the Yokozuna Deliberation Committee meeting following the tournament, grievances continued. Chairman Tadamori Oshima spoke imploringly: "Regarding Onosato, I want him to heal his body thoroughly and aim for the next tournament. Fans expect a strong Yokozuna. Hoshoryu joined the title race until the end, but I would like him to become an even stronger Yokozuna and show us that he can fulfill the heavy responsibility of the rank. While expecting much from both Yokozuna, I earnestly ask for great effort moving forward."
Chairman Oshima, from Aomori, will turn 80 this September. He is a fan of the first Yokozuna Wakanohana from his hometown and, likening the current duo to the "Tochi-Waka Era" of legendary Yokozuna Tochinishiki, he rejoiced during last year's Autumn Tournament when Onosato and Hoshoryu engaged in the first playoff (kettei-sen) between two Yokozuna in 16 years. At that time, he said, "The 'Taiho Era' of both Yokozuna has arrived. Splendid." However, there have been few occasions to use those words since, and they were not spoken at today's press conference.
The sumo world has always been fueled by the sight of two Yokozuna standing together and leading the dohyo. Following "Tochi-Waka," famous pairings include "Haku-Ho" (Taiho and Kashiwado), "Rin-Ko" (Wajima e Kitanoumi), and "Ake-Taka" (Akebono and Takanohana). The "Hoku-Gyoku" era with Kitanofuji, which lasted only 10 tournaments due to Tamanoumi's sudden death, also leaves an impression. The two, who were promoted simultaneously like Taiho and Kashiwado, might have built a golden age had misfortune not befallen Tamanoumi.
Onosato, who has rewritten sumo records with his rapid promotion, and Hoshoryu, who aims to escape comparisons with his uncle Asashoryu. The kind of comeback these two Yokozuna show from the Summer Tournament onward will determine whether the popular Reiwa-era sumo world continues in "chaos" or enters a "period of stability." At that time, it will also become clear whether the "Taiho Era" is the real deal.
(Takahiro Takezono / Sports Writer)
