Suspected Sumo Hazing Death...

On June 26, Tokitaizan, a 17 year old sumo wrestler, collapsed and died after practising for the Nagoya Grand Sumo basho. His autopsy showed numerous bruises and wounds which the Coroner listed as the likely cause of death. At the time, his fellow wrestlers told authorities that he had injured himself during training. Police have since questioned his trainer Tokitsukaze and the other wrestlers in his stable since the injuries do not appear consistent with those sustained in training. Tokitsukaze has admitted to hitting Tokitaizan in the head with a beer bottle the day before he died, as well as forcing him to train so hard that he could barely stand on the day of his death, and several other wrestlers have also admitted to beating him and kicking him days before his death according to public broadcaster NHK. Tokitaizan had entered sumo this spring and was ranked 39th in the lower rankings before his untimely demise. Japanese police are now considering whether to charge Tokitsukaze.

Unfortunately hazing is widespread in Japan. It is considered a form of "training" in the sumo world and is also actively practised in junior high and high school sport clubs. It is justified as teaching gaman (fighting spirit, hierarchal relationships, obedience to authority, group cooperation and, especially, respect for tradition). This Japan Times article has more information.

Photo taken by me in September 2001.

An exit and an entry:

The shocking loss of Steve Irwin on Monday has reverberated around the world; it even made the evening news here in Japan. His wildlife conservation website, Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, perhaps sums him up best:

"Steve was a true original; he brought energy and passion to everything he did...Steve didn't do anything by half...The exceptional life Steve led is a testament to his respect for all creatures great and small, and his passion for wildlife was matched only by his passion for family life."


(Image from here)

If you do find yourself in Beerwah, Queensland; make sure you visit Australia Zoo.

Japanese Princess Kiko has given birth to a son - who will be named on September 12th - and is now third in line for the throne, after Crown Prince, Naruhito and his younger brother Prince Akashino. He is the first male to be born in the Imperial family in more than four decades and has stopped the possibility of Imperial succession reform for now. (Japan's royal family currently allows "male only" succession.)


(Princess Kiko and her husband, Prince Akashino. Image from MSNBC)

The economic fortune of Japan is riding on his little shoulders as it's expected that not only will his birth help to improve Japan's falling marriage and birth rate, but he will stimulate the economy to the modest sum of 150 billion yen!

Hopefully he won't crack under the pressure.