Sumo Stablemaster Punished for Punching Makuuchi Wrestler Who Touched Woman’s Thigh While Drunk

The Yomiuri Shimbun

20:32 JST, April 9, 2026

The Japan Sumo Association decided Thursday to take disciplinary action against stablemaster Isegahama Oyakata, the former yokozuna Terunofuji, for punching one of his wrestlers.

Isegahama Oyakata, 34, was demoted from Iin-Taigu Toshiyori to Hira Toshiyori in the retired sumo wrestler rankings. His compensation will also be reduced by 10% for three months, but he will retain his leading position at the Isegahama stable.

According to the association’s announcement, Isegahama Oyakata punched makuuchi wrestler Hakunofuji, 22, twice in the face as he was berating the wrestler for indecent behavior. This included Hakunofuji touching the thigh of a female supporter in Tokyo in the early hours of Feb. 21 when Hakunofuji was heavily drunk.

“You can’t just get away with saying you drank too much and don’t remember,” the association quoted the stablemaster as saying to Hakunofuji while hitting him.