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JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

Scandals expose sumo's shady underbelly

Commentary Jul. 16, 2010 - 05:14AM JST ( 18 )

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18 Comments

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jinjapanJul. 16, 2010 - 08:12AM JST

i think the only one surprised by these scandals is the media. when discussing sumo with the japanese people, even since way back when, they have always mentioned gang connections, drugs to beef up. fixed matches & so on.
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alladinJul. 16, 2010 - 09:37AM JST

Sumo was always like that, it is just that it was kept a secret for all of these years. Now that it is exposed, I believe that the sport of Sumo will eventually disappear and turn into just another foolish sport that has no meaning at all. In todays society, whether you like it or not, a national sport like Sumo will not last forever. Sumo had its time and now that sumo`s time has passed, everyone should move on to better and brighter things that will help to make peoples lives better and not more stressful.
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Klein2Jul. 16, 2010 - 10:51AM JST

Good headline. I think it is very shady under a Sumo underbelly. Shady enough to grow mushrooms, literally and figuratively.
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tokyokawasakiJul. 16, 2010 - 01:31PM JST

“The wrestlers and the yakuza have a macho admiration for each other. The yakuza by being seen with the sumo wrestlers, acquire `status’ and the sumo wrestlers get money, booze, food, and women.”

That will do. I do not need to read anymore. I can understand the mutual benefits.. Probably been going on like this for decades... Fair play if you ask me. Leave them (sumo guys) alone, they are not really hurting anyone..
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timorborderJul. 16, 2010 - 03:28PM JST

And what a big underbelly it is. Indeed some of the underbellies in Sumo are so large that you could keep a box of Quality Street tucked away. Moreover, will the underbelly of Sumo ever see the light?
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WakarimasenJul. 16, 2010 - 03:55PM JST

Real scandal will be when we learn that sumo matches are also routinely rigged for money.
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The758Jul. 16, 2010 - 05:05PM JST

I've never liked Sumo, and have never understood people's (especially foreigners) fascination with it.

Regardless, I think the whole thing is sadly ironic. Many, many Japanese have told me they like Sumo because it's "100% Japanese" (the same reason they give for liking Enka.) In the end it's rife with corruption. I wonder what that tells us.
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wanderlustJul. 16, 2010 - 10:20PM JST

Real scandal will be when we learn that sumo matches are also routinely rigged for money.

They've managed to suppress the existence of 'gachanko' up until now, but it seems only a mater of time until someone admits to it... I wonder then if the tabloids and 'wide-shows' will counter sue the JSA for lying, and get their libel money back?!?!
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3RENSHOJul. 16, 2010 - 11:39PM JST

"They've managed to suppress the existence of 'gachanko' up until now,"

Perhaps you are referring to YAOCHOU...
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SargeJul. 16, 2010 - 11:47PM JST

3REN - Gachanko is taking money to lose a bout.
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telecasterplayerJul. 17, 2010 - 07:16AM JST

Our friends at the Associated Press made a riddle..

Though sumo is still popular, NHK is the only major TV network that still airs the six annual tournaments.

and

Commercial networks pulled them years ago as ratings slid

..can't have it both ways!

Seriously, if Japan is going to give up parts of its national identity, couldn't it start with natto?
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GWJul. 17, 2010 - 09:39PM JST

As we all know yakuza & sumo have been together for ages, the yakuza like hanging around the scene but the main reason is the $$$$$$$$$$ they use sumo to make lots & lots of $$$$$$$$$$$ same as they do in all their endeavers
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SoggyGyozaJul. 17, 2010 - 11:20PM JST

I myself have watched sumo for 25 years will never watch it again, I swear. As a sport, it's had its day in the sun. Go away sumo and Haku-ho-hum. Don't forget to turn off the lights on your way out.
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SargeJul. 17, 2010 - 11:23PM JST

Soggy - You're going to miss some upcoming exciting sumo!
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SoggyGyozaJul. 18, 2010 - 07:58AM JST

Sarge - And the exciting part begins....when ?
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SargeJul. 18, 2010 - 09:24AM JST

Soggy - The bout between Harumafuji and Kitataikai yesterday was pretty exciting!
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badmigraineJul. 19, 2010 - 07:07AM JST

Telecasterplayer, let me unriddle it for you. NHK is a government-run broadcaster, not a "commercial broadcaster".
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skipbeatJul. 20, 2010 - 12:53PM JST

Sumo is just like wrestling. Fake and boring. Why do people still watch when they know the sport is a scam?