Local News

Former sumo grand champion and current stable master Takanohana announced he was starting a program of building sumo rings throughout the country to promote the appeal of sumo, and the first would be built in Shiiba-son, Miyazaki Prefecture. Takanohana’s wife, the former newscaster Keiko Hanada, is a Miyazaki native. Takanohana says that sumo helps build character, and he wants to see the sport restored at primary schools and other sites around the country. The Shiiba-son municipal government will contribute funds to the project and manage the ring once it is built. It will be constructed by a local Shinto shrine under the guidance of the Japan Sumo Association.