The former Okinoumi held his retirement ceremony at the Ryogoku Kokugikan on September 30, 2023, an event whose formal title marked both his retirement and his succession to the Kimigahama elder name. The afternoon’s rarest moment came when he fought his final bout in the Oki classical-sumo form, a traditional style from the Oki Islands.
What follows is the ringside reporting of Michihiro Taguchi, the site’s writer-photographer, who watched the day unfold from inside the Kokugikan. The account, and every photograph, comes from Taguchi at the venue.
A hot day at Ryogoku
It was a hot day. The writer reached Ryogoku at around 10:20. Same-day tickets were on sale, but by one account heard on site, only chair-A seats were left.
At the Kokugikan entrance, Okinoumi and his wife were kept busy posing for commemorative photos with guests. Further inside the entrance stood Chiyoshoma, Asanoyama, and Hokutofuji. The program began at 11:20.
An Oki-style farewell bout
Okinoumi’s final bout was performed in the Oki classical-sumo form, a traditional style from the Oki Islands. His opponent was Okinofuji. The referee, or gyoji, and the ring announcer, the yobidashi, used distinctive movements. As the wrestlers mounted the ring, salt was flung in storms from behind, and again after a win, leaving a ring buried in salt. It was contested as a two-bout match.
A children’s dance
The program also featured a children’s dance.
The topknot-cutting and the final cut
In the danpatsu-shiki, about 300 people took a snip. Okinoumi turned to face each side in turn: front, then east, then the far side, then west. OBs of the Hakkaku stable cut. There was no women’s section.
Last came the relatives and the Association members. Among them were the former Ozora; the former Ikioi, now the Kasugayama elder; the former Takekaze, now the Oshiogawa elder; and others. As wrestlers, Terunofuji and Asanoyama cut, along with the stable’s salaried wrestlers Kitanowaka and Hokutofuji. Finally his master, Hakkaku, the former Hokutoumi, made the final cut, the tomebasami. They bowed to the four directions, ending the ceremony. His wife then presented flowers.
Key Takeaways
- The former Okinoumi held his retirement ceremony at the Ryogoku Kokugikan on September 30, 2023.
- The ceremony marked his succession to the Kimigahama elder name.
- His final bout was fought in the Oki classical-sumo form against Okinofuji, contested as a two-bout match.
- About 300 people took a snip in the topknot-cutting, with no women’s section.
- His master, Hakkaku, the former Hokutoumi, made the final cut, the tomebasami.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was the ceremony held?
It was held on September 30, 2023, at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
What was the Oki classical-sumo bout?
It was Okinoumi’s final bout, performed in the Oki classical-sumo form, a traditional style from the Oki Islands. His opponent was Okinofuji, and it was contested as a two-bout match.
Who made the final cut?
His master, Hakkaku, the former Hokutoumi, made the final cut, the tomebasami.
What elder name did Okinoumi take?
The ceremony marked his succession to the Kimigahama elder name.
