The Japan Sumo Association announced on March 18, 2025, the unexpected absence of Yokozuna Hoshoryu from the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament taking place at Edion Arena in Osaka. This announcement sent shockwaves through the sumo community, as fans and commentators grappled with the significance of such a rare situation—this is the first time since 1986, with Futahaguro, a newly promoted Yokozuna has had to sit out of competition.
Hoshoryu's withdrawal means his opponent for the upcoming 10th day, Maegashira No. 5 Ura, will win by forfeit. The announcement follows Hoshoryu's disappointing performance on March 17, where he faced off against Maegashira No. 4 Ichiyamamoto. Hoshoryu suffered his fourth loss of the tournament, adding to the mounting pressure on the new champion, who has already distributed three kinboshi—gold stars awarded to lower-ranked wrestlers for defeating Yokozuna—since his promotion.
Analyzing Hoshoryu's match against Ichiyamamoto, NHK Radio commentator Maeno Keihei expressed concerns about the young champion's performance. He remarked, “雑でしたね。自分を見失ったような動きでしたね,” which translates to, "It was sloppy. He moved as if he had lost himself." Maeno pointed out significant flaws, particularly how Hoshoryu struggled to gain upper hand control, stating, "突貫工事で体力付けないと、持たないですよ,” meaning, "He needs to build his strength; otherwise, he won't last." This commentary reflects the deep-seated worries about Hoshoryu's mental and physical readiness to compete at the highest levels of sumo.
The response from fans has been mixed, reflecting the emotional investment many have in Hoshoryu's success. While some took to social media to express disbelief and disappointment—one Twitter user lamented, “絶対休まないっていていたのに,” meaning, "He said he would never take time off”—others showed their support. Messages encouraging Hoshoryu to recover and come back stronger were prevalent, with one fan tweeting, “鍛え直して、来場所から頼む,” which translates to "Rebuild your strength and come back next time, please."
This unprecedented absence raises questions about Hoshoryu’s future and whether he can meet the high expectations placed upon him. The sumo community, which cherishes tradition and the fierce competition at its heart, now watches closely as Hoshoryu figures out how to return to form. It will take more than just physical training; mentally processing his recent defeats and rallying back to compete is as much of the challenge as the physical side.
For now, Yokozuna Hoshoryu's focus will shift to recovery and regrouping before he returns to the ring. The expectations hovering around him will only intensify as critics and fans alike analyze his strategy going forward. Each absence can weigh heavy on the shoulders of competitors, especially when they are expected to lead by example. His future performances may well redefine his legacy within the sport.
While fans wait for updates, the importance of resilience and determination shines through the current atmosphere. Hoshoryu's story will continue to unravel as he battles through this challenge, reminding audiences about the unpredictable nature of sumo wrestling—a sport steeped not only in physical prowess but also mental agility and fortitude. Stay tuned as we watch Hoshoryu's path to possibly reclaiming his standing among the legends of sumo.
