This was the retirement topknot-cutting ceremony of the former ozeki Tochinoshin, the Georgian-born wrestler, held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan on February 4, 2024. Georgians filled the box seats draped in their national flag, and Tochinoshin closed the day by telling the hall that he would now stay in Japan and work importing Georgian wine.
The day belonged to one man. For Tochinoshin, who reached ozeki — the second-highest rank in sumo, below only yokozuna — the ceremony marked his formal farewell to the ring. What follows is the ringside reporting of Michihiro Taguchi, the writer-photographer who covers sumo for The Sumo.
An early arrival in the rain
Against the forecast, a light, misty rain fell over Ryogoku that morning. The writer reached the hall at around 9:40, ahead of the 10:30 opening. The front gate was already crowded with people waiting in line, and at first Tochinoshin could not be picked out among them. A little later, from another vantage point, he came into view, standing to give his greetings.
After the doors opened at 10:30, wrestlers of the Dewa ichimon (stable group) stood at the entrance, taking turns on a rotating basis to greet the arriving guests. Having come early paid off: the writer saw the wrestler Shishi up close.
The Georgian presence and the topknot-cutting
The program held nothing especially out of the ordinary. The master of ceremonies was the former NHK announcer Ogata. Word going round was that nearly 300 people would take a snip at the danpatsu-shiki (the topknot-cutting retirement ceremony).
Among the general participants, Asashoryu and Gagamaru each took a snip. Former wrestlers of his stable group cut as well. His brother, his father, and his father-in-law took part. Kokkai — a senior Georgian wrestler who had come to sumo before him — was present. Many Georgians were visible in the masu (box) seats, draped in the Georgian flag.
Throughout it all, Tochinoshin faced the front the entire time, without rotating to the other sides of the hall. No women took part in the cutting.
The Association takes its turn
The figures from the Sumo Association came forward in their turn. Among them were the former Ryogoku, now the Sakaigawa elder; the former Oginohana, now the Dewanoumi elder; and the former Musoyama, now the Fujishima elder. Terunofuji took a snip, as did the former Hakuho, now the Miyagino elder. The former Chiyonokuni, now the Sanoyama elder, also stepped up.
Ryuden, Nishikigi, Tamawashi, Mitakeumi, and Tochimusashi each took their snip in the same procession, the line moving steadily toward the final cut. The presence of Hakuho among them, now an elder rather than a wrestler, marked how far back Tochinoshin’s career reached.
The final cut and a bilingual farewell
Last came his master, the former Tochinowaka, now the Kasugano elder, who made the final ceremonial cut, the tomebasami, that severs the last of the knot. The two then bowed to the four directions, and the ceremony ended. His wife came forward and presented flowers.
Tochinoshin then gave his farewell address. He spoke of his ties to Japan, his life in sumo, and his gratitude — in both Japanese and Georgian. From here, he said, he would work in Japan importing Georgian wine.
Key Takeaways
- The retirement topknot-cutting ceremony for the former ozeki Tochinoshin, the Georgian-born wrestler, was held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan on February 4, 2024.
- Against the forecast, a light, misty rain fell; the writer reached Ryogoku around 9:40 ahead of the 10:30 opening.
- The master of ceremonies was the former NHK announcer Ogata, and word was that nearly 300 people would take a snip.
- Tochinoshin faced the front the entire time without rotating to the other sides, and no women took part in the cutting.
- His master, the former Tochinowaka, now the Kasugano elder, made the final cut, the tomebasami; his wife then presented flowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Tochinoshin’s retirement ceremony held?
It was held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan on February 4, 2024. Against the forecast, a light, misty rain fell that day.
Who made the final cut to the topknot?
His master, the former Tochinowaka, now the Kasugano elder, made the final ceremonial cut, the tomebasami. The two then bowed to the four directions, and his wife presented flowers.
Who took part in the topknot-cutting?
Word was that nearly 300 people would take a snip. Among the general participants were Asashoryu and Gagamaru, along with his brother, father, and father-in-law; Kokkai was present. Association members who cut included Terunofuji, the former Hakuho (now the Miyagino elder), Ryuden, Nishikigi, Tamawashi, Mitakeumi, and Tochimusashi. No women took part.
What did Tochinoshin say he would do next?
In his farewell address, given in both Japanese and Georgian, he spoke of his ties to Japan, his life in sumo, and his gratitude. He said that from here he would stay in Japan and work importing Georgian wine.
