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Japan emperor's state visit to Mongolia

Mongolian-born former sumo grand champions in Japan -- (from L) Asashoryu, Harumafuji and Hakuho -- are present at a welcome ceremony for visiting Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako in Ulaanbaatar on July 8, 2025. (Pool photo)

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Japan emperor's state visit to Mongolia

Mongolian-born former sumo grand champions in Japan -- Asashoryu (L) and Hakuho -- pose for photos ahead of a welcome ceremony for visiting Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako in Ulaanbaatar on July 8, 2025. (Pool photo)

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Sumo: Ex-grand champion Asashoryu

Former sumo grand champion Asashoryu (2nd from R) walk in Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo on Jan. 31, 2025, after watching his nephew and new grand champion Hoshoryu performing a ring-entering ritual at the shrine, following his promotion to sumo's highest rank of yokozuna on Jan. 29.

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Sumo: Ex-grand champion Asashoryu

Former sumo grand champion Asashoryu meets the press at Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo on Jan. 31, 2025, after watching his nephew and new grand champion Hoshoryu performing a ring-entering ritual at the shrine, following his promotion to sumo's highest rank of yokozuna on Jan. 29.

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Asashoryu suspended from autumn, Kyushu sumo tourneys

TOKYO, Japan - Isenoumi (R) and Musashigawa, both directors of the Japan Sumo Association, speak at a news conference in Tokyo on Aug. 1 about the JSA's decision to suspend yokozuna (grand champion) Asashoryu of Mongolia from the next two grand sumo tournaments as punishment for playing in a soccer charity event in his home country after opting to sit out the summer regional tour citing injuries.

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Asashoryu suspended from autumn, Kyushu sumo tourneys

TOKYO, Japan - Japan Sumo Association Chairman Toshimitsu Kitanoumi walks into a room to attend an emergency meeting of the board of directors at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Aug. 1. The meeting decided later to suspend Mongolian yokozuna Asashoryu from the next two grand sumo tournaments in September and November for playing in a charity soccer event in his home country after opting to sit out the summer regional training tour citing injuries. The JSA also decided to slap a 30 percent cut in the 26-year-old grand champion's pay for four months.

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Asashoryu suspended from autumn, Kyushu sumo tourneys

TOKYO, Japan - Takasago Stable elder Takasago looks nervous as he waits for a decision to be taken by the Japan Sumo Association on yokouzna Asashoryu on Aug. 1. The JSA decided later to suspend the Mongolian grand champion from the next two grand sumo tournaments in September and November for playing in a charity soccer event in his home country after opting to sit out the summer regional training tour citing injuries.

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New Year Grand Sumo Tournament to begin Jan. 9

TOKYO, Japan - Yokozuna Asashoryu (R) and ozeki Kaio shake hands at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on Jan. 8 prior to the opening of the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo Tournament there on Jan. 9.

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Asashoryu begins practice for New Year sumo

TOKYO, Japan - Yokozuna Asashoryu (R), who won five Emperor's Cup titles in 2004, begins practice on Dec. 24 for the upcoming New Year Grand Sumo Tournament at his stable in Tokyo.

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Yokozuna council adopting wait-and-see stance on Asashoryu

TOKYO, Japan - Takasago, stable master of Mongolian yokozuna (grand champion) Asashoryu, speaks to reporters at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Aug. 31 about the wrestler's mental condition. Earlier in the day, Takasago returned to Tokyo after accompanying Asashoryu to Mongolia. Asashoryu has checked into a facility in the ancient Mongolian capital of Kharakhorin where he will receive treatment for a mental disorder.

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Asashoryu checks into resort to treat stress disorder

HARHORIN, Mongolia - Mongolian-born yokozuna (grand champion) Asashoryu has checked into a resort facility (photo) in his homeland on Aug. 29 to undergo treatment for a stress disorder, sumo sources said on Aug. 30. The facility is located in Harhorin, about 360 kilometers outside the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator.

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Asashoryu heads for Mongolia for treatment

NARITA, Japan - Mongolian-born yokozuna (grand champion) Asashoryu heads for a flight bound for the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator at Narita International Airport, northeast of Tokyo, on Aug. 29. Asashoryu will stay in his homeland to receive treatment for a mental disorder.

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Asashoryu heads for Mongolia for treatment

NARITA, Japan - Takasago, a stable master of Mongolian yokozuna (grand champion) Asashoryu, heads for a flight bound for the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator at Narita International Airport, northeast of Tokyo, on Aug. 29. Takasago will accompany Asashoryu who will receive treatment in his homeland for a mental disorder.

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Asashoryu heads for Mongolia for treatment

NARITA, Japan - Mongolian-born yokozuna (grand champion) Asashoryu (C) arrives at Narita International Airport, northeast of Tokyo, on Aug. 29 to head for his homeland to receive treatment for a mental disorder.

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Asashoryu heads for Mongolia for treatment

NARITA, Japan - Mongolian-born yokozuna (grand champion) Asashoryu arrives at Narita International Airport, northeast of Tokyo, on Aug. 29 to head for his homeland to receive treatment for a mental disorder.

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Yokozuna Asashoryu to return to Mongolia for treatment

TOKYO, Japan - Takasago, stable master of Mongolian yokozuna (grand champion) Asashoryu, speaks at a news conference at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Aug. 28 after an emergency meeting of Japan Sumo Association executives decided to let Asashoryu return his homeland for treatment of a mental disorder.

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Yokozuna Asashoryu to return to Mongolia for treatment

TOKYO, Japan - Takasago (R), stable master of Mongolian yokozuna (grand champion) Asashoryu, and Isenoumi, an executive of the Japan Sumo Association, apologize during a conference at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Aug. 28. An emergency meeting of JSA executives approved Ashashoryu's return to his homeland for treatment of a mental disorder.

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Yokozuna Asashoryu to return to Mongolia for treatment

TOKYO, Japan - Kitanoumi, chairman of the Japan Sumo Association, heads for an emergency meeting of JSA executives at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Aug. 28. The meeting approved Ashashoryu's return to his homeland for treatment of a mental disorder.

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Asashoryu fails to declare 100 mil. yen income

TOKYO, Japan - File photo of yokozuna Asashoryu, who failed to declare some 100 million yen of income for three years through 2005. The Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau has found the grand champion of sumo did not appropriately declare his income from performance fees of TV commercials and other sources, informed sources said Aug. 27.

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Asashoryu finally leaves home to receive treatment

TOKYO, Japan - Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu (in file photo) left his home on Aug. 22 for the first time since he was suspended from the next two grand sumo tournaments on Aug. 1. The yokozuna, recently diagnosed with dissociative disorder, went to receive treatment from doctor Shuichiro Takagi in accommodation facilities, according to his stable elder Takasago.

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Asashoryu gets latest diagnosis, advised to return to Mongolia

TOKYO, Japan - Hiroyuki Yoshida, chief doctor of the Japan Sumo Association medical clinic, speaks of Mongolian yokozuna Asashoryu at a press conference at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Aug. 20. Yoshida said that it is preferable for Asashoryu to return to Mongolia in order to recover from his current state of emotional breakdown.

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Asashoryu can't travel to Mongolia: elder Takasago

TOKYO, Japan - Takasago, the stable elder of Mongolian yokozuna Asashoryu, speaks to reporters at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on Aug. 9 after meeting with the grand champion. Asashoryu has been suspended from two grand sumo tournaments and is suffering from a form of acute stress.

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Sumo's summer tour begins

TOMIOKA, Japan - Local people watch sumo wrestlers practicing during their summer regional tour of the nation in Tomioka, Gunma Prefecture, on Aug. 3. Mongolian-born grand champion Asashoryu is not taking part in the tour after he was suspended from the next two grand sumo tournaments because he played in a charity soccer event in his home country, despite citing injuries that allowed him to sit out of the summer tour.

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Former yokozuna Asashoryu, Mongolian prime minister

OSAKA, Japan - Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj (L), better known as former yokozuna Asashoryu, watches a sumo bout with his compatriot, Mongolian Prime Minister Sukhbaatar Batbold (R), at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka on March 14, 2012.

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Hakuho's ring-entering ceremony

ISE, Japan - Mongolian grand champion Hakuho (3rd from L) and Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hanaregoma (2nd from L) visit the Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on July 8, 2011, ahead of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament. Hakuho could surpass legendary yokozuna Asashoryu by winning the 15-day tournament beginning July 10, making it an unprecedented eighth consecutive tournament won by the 26-year-old Mongolian.

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Hakuho with Emperor's Cup

TOKYO, Japan - Grand champion Hakuho poses with the Emperor's Cup at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2011, after winning the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament. The Mongolian yokozuna won his sixth straight tournament title, becoming the third man to achieve the feat following Taiho and Asashoryu.

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Hakuho finishes New Year meet on winning note

TOKYO, Japan - Grand champion Hakuho (R) forces veteran ozeki Kaio out of the ring on Jan. 23, 2011, the final day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan. The Mongolian yokozuna won his sixth straight tournament title, becoming the third man to achieve the feat following Taiho and Asashoryu.

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Prosecutors decide against charging Asashoryu over assault

TOKYO, Japan - This file photo shows former sumo grand champion Asashoryu. The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office decided Dec. 8, 2010, against indicting him for drunkenly assaulting and injuring a man in January.

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Ex-yokozuna Asashoryu has topknot removed

TOKYO, Japan - Former Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu waves to fans after his topknot was cut off in his retirement ceremony at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Oct. 3, 2010.

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Ex-yokozuna Asashoryu has topknot removed

TOKYO, Japan - Former Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu signs autographs for fans after his topknot was cut off in his retirement ceremony at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Oct. 3, 2010.

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Topknot cutting ceremony of retired yokozuna Asashoryu

TOKYO, Japan - Retired Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu wipes away tears during his retirement ceremony at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Oct. 3, 2010. Asashoryu, whose real name is Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, retired in February amid allegations of assault.

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Topknot cutting ceremony of retired yokozuna Asashoryu

TOKYO, Japan - Mongolian grand champion Hakuho cuts retired Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu's topknot with a pair of scissors during his retirement ceremony at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Oct. 3, 2010. Asashoryu, whose real name is Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, retired in February amid allegations of assault.

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Topknot cutting ceremony of retired yokozuna Asashoryu

TOKYO, Japan - Retired Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu performs his last ''dohyo-iri'' ritual before his topknot is cut off during a retirement ceremony at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Oct. 3, 2010. Asashoryu, whose real name is Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, retired in February amid allegations of assault.

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Asashoryu calls for support at ceremony

TOKYO, Japan - Former yokozuna Asashoryu visits Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan gymnasium Aug. 31, 2010, to take part in a meeting of sumo wrestlers. The former grand champion who retired following allegations of violence called on wrestlers for support at his controversial retirement ceremony scheduled for Oct. 3.

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Outsiders should stay out of sumo, says Asashoryu

NARITA, Japan - Former Mongolian yokozuna Asashoryu arrives at Narita airport, east of Tokyo, on Aug. 23, 2010, from his native Mongolia, to make courtesy visits ahead of his retirement ceremony scheduled for Oct. 3 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan. He thinks the Japan Sumo Association should not hire an independent committee to reform the national sport.

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Hakuho rolls to 35th straight win at Nagoya sumo

NAGOYA, Japan - Yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho celebrates after beating fellow Mongolian top-ranked maegashira Asasekiryu on the third day of the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Nagoya on July 13, 2010. Hakuho extended his victory run to 35, matching former yokozuna Asashoryu's record.

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Hakuho rolls to 35th straight win at Nagoya sumo

NAGOYA, Japan - Yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho (L) pushes fellow Mongolian top-ranked maegashira Asasekiryu out of the ring on the third day of the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Nagoya on July 13, 2010. Hakuho extended his victory run to 35, matching former yokozuna Asashoryu's record.

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Yokozuna Hakuho tosses down Kaio at Spring tourney

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho tosses down veteran ozeki Kaio on the 13th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 26, 2010. Hakuho is widely expected to win his 13th Emperor's Cup in the absence of former yokozuna Asashoryu.

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Yokozuna Hakuho beats Toyonoshima

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho (L), the lone yokozuna following the recent retirement of Asashoryu, lifts sekiwake Toyonoshima off his feet with a devastating shove, keeping a clean slate at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka on March 22, 2010.

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Hakuho off to strong start at spring sumo

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho (L) sends komusubi Aminishiki out of the ring on the first day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 14, 2010, the first meet after the retirement of former Mongolian yokozuna Asashoryu.

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Asashoryu denies alleged drunken rampage

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia - Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, a former sumo grand champion, arrives at a press conference at a hotel in Ulan Bator on March 11, 2010. The former yokozuna, whose ring name was Asashoryu, refuted reports of an alleged drunken rampage that preceded his retirement from sumo.

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Asashoryu denies alleged drunken rampage

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia - Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, a former sumo grand champion, gets in a vehicle after giving a press conference at a hotel in Ulan Bator on March 11, 2010. The former yokozuna, whose ring name was Asashoryu, refuted reports of an alleged drunken rampage that preceded his retirement from sumo.

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Asashoryu denies alleged drunken rampage

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia - Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, a former sumo grand champion, arrives at Ulan Bator airport on March 11, 2010. At a press conference, the former yokozuna, whose ring name was Asashoryu, refuted reports of an alleged drunken rampage that preceded his retirement from sumo.

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Asashoryu denies alleged drunken rampage

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia - Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, a former sumo grand champion, holds a press conference in a hotel in Ulan Bator on March 11, 2010. The former yokozuna, whose ring name was Asashoryu, refuted reports of an alleged drunken rampage that preceded his retirement from sumo.

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Asashoryu denies alleged drunken rampage

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia - Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, a former sumo grand champion, receives flowers during a press conference in a hotel in Ulan Bator on March 11, 2010. The former yokozuna, whose ring name was Asashoryu, refuted reports of an alleged drunken rampage that preceded his retirement from sumo.

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Asashoryu denies alleged drunken rampage

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia - Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, a former sumo grand champion, holds a press conference in a hotel in Ulan Bator on March 11, 2010. The former yokozuna, whose ring name was Asashoryu, refuted reports of an alleged drunken rampage that preceded his retirement from sumo.

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Hakuho reclaims east slot after Asashoryu

SAKAI, Japan - Mongolian yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho speaks to reporters in the city of Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, on March 1, 2010, about his commitment to the upcoming Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. Hakuho reclaimed the more prestigious east yokozuna slot in the tournament's ranking released by the Japan Sumo Association, replacing Asashoryu who retired in February due to a scandal involving drunken violence.

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Hakuho reclaims east slot after Asashoryu

SAKAI, Japan - Mongolian yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho holds up a ranking table released by the Japan Sumo Association for the upcoming Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 1, 2010, in the city of Sakai, Osaka Prefecture. Hakuho reclaimed the more prestigious east yokozuna slot, replacing Asashoryu who retired in February due to a scandal involving drunken violence.

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Ex-yokozuna Asashoryu back in Japan

NARITA, Japan - Mongolian-born former grand champion Asashoryu (L), who quit sumo earlier this month amid allegations he attacked a man outside a Tokyo night club, arrives back in Japan on a flight from New York on Feb. 24, 2010, looking tanned and relaxed.

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Ex-yokozuna Asashoryu back in Japan

NARITA, Japan - Mongolian-born former grand champion Asashoryu (L), who quit sumo earlier this month amid allegations he attacked a man outside a Tokyo night club, arrives back in Japan on a flight from New York on Feb. 24, 2010, looking tanned and relaxed.