On March 16, 2025, Shonofuji Oyakata, the former Yokozuna who recently retired, made his debut as a commentator for NHK during the eighth day of the Grand Sumo Spring Tournament held at the Edion Arena, Osaka.
Sporting his suit, Shonofuji expressed his initial nerves about speaking on air, admitting, "I'm not good at talking." Yet, he lightened up significantly when fans displayed heartfelt signs encouraging him with messages like, "First commentary, please do your best." Responding with a warm smile, he replied, "Yes, I'll do my best." The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, as the crowd cheered on their favorite wrestlers and offered support to the new commentator.
Shonofuji's commentary style quickly became apparent as he engaged with the audience and addressed inquiries from the announcer. Their interaction turned insightful when the announcer noted, "Hoshoryu seems worried"—a reference to the current Yokozuna who had just suffered defeat. Without hesitation, Shonofuji addressed the concern directly: "No, I don't think there's a problem. I think he's just having a hard time, and I think he'll switch gears and show us good sumo from tomorrow." This showcased not only his knowledge but also his empathy for the athletes.
Known as the ninth fastest wrestler to achieve victory at the New Yokozuna Tournament during the Autumn Tournament of 2021, Shonofuji's transition from wrestler to commentator marks the beginning of a new chapter. Reflecting on his past experiences, he recalled, "(The New Yokozuna Tournament) wasn't stressful. I was always thinking about not making a mistake when entering the dohyo," illustrating his careful approach under pressure.
Shonofuji's life within the sumo world has been anything but straightforward. He has navigated personal hardships, overcoming illness and fluctuated from Ozeki status down to Jonidan during his career. Each setback has cultivated his resilience and mental toughness, attributes he draws upon as he embarks on his new role. "I've developed strong mental fortitude through many ups and downs," he remarked, providing valuable insight to his commentaries.
At the tournament itself, various matches unfolded amid Shonofuji's analysis, highlighting the competitive spirit of each wrestler. For example, the newly promoted Aosegaku was particularly focused on not allowing his mawashi to be grabbed, achieving his fifth win. Meisei, with six wins and two losses, noted his commitment to maintaining focus, regardless of results.
During this exciting day of action, Takayasu, protecting his two losses, maintained the pressure as Shonofuji commented, highlighting how each bout reveals the intricacies of sumo wrestling. The sumo arena is alive with strategy, strength, and perseverance, traits very much on display.
Meanwhile, wrestler Hakuyozan, who lost to Kinbozan, expressed his dissatisfaction after the bout, mentioning, "I didn't hit well at the start," indicating the intensity and mental challenges wrestlers face. The competitive atmosphere was palpable, with each athlete striving for victory, illustrating the deep-rooted traditions and rivalries of the sport.
Despite the challenges presented by the day, the newly rising stars of sumo like Wakamotoharu and Ichiyamamoto also showcased their skills, with Wakamotoharu finishing the first half of the tournament at five wins, three losses, and Ichiyamamoto existing without nerves but tactically aware of his match's demands.
The essence of Sumo as not just physical, but deeply psychological as well was evident, with each wrestler bringing their emotional narratives to the dohyo. Through this lens, Shonofuji’s analysis provided not just commentary but also enriched the fans' appreciation of the sport’s nuances during their first exposure to him. Not only did he strive to share specific details about the wrestlers and their fighting techniques, but he also delved deep, sharing insights grounded firmly in personal experience and firsthand observation.
With fans clearly enjoying his debut, Shonofuji Oyakata’s first day as NHK's commentator was nothing short of memorable. His efforts on March 16 marked not just the beginning of his new career path, but also invigorated the passion of sumo wrestling’s vast audience.
While he may admit, "I'm not good at talking," it is obvious Shonofuji Oyakata is dedicated to improving his craft. Only time will tell how this former Yokozuna will evolve as one of sumo's voices on television, but the inaugural commentary suggests he will be one to watch.