Scandal-tainted Asashoryu calls it quits

Scandal-tainted Asashoryu calls it quits

TOKYO, Japan - This photo shows Mongolian yokozuna (grand champion) Asashoryu taking part in a practice session in Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Jan. 5, 2010, as Makiko Uchidate (R), an outspoken critic of Asashoryu and a member of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council, looks on. Asashoryu said on Feb. 4, 2010, that he has decided to bring an end to his illustrious but trouble-laden sumo career.

Uchidate sits on sumo council

Uchidate sits on sumo council

TOKYO, Japan - Makiko Uchidate (C, background), a playwright, observes sumo wrestlers as they go through their paces Dec. 25 at the Sumo Stadium in Ryogoku, Tokyo, in her capacity as a member of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council. Uchidate is the first woman to serve on the council, which oversees the promotion of wrestlers to sumo's highest rank.

Playwright picked as first woman member in yokozuna council

Playwright picked as first woman member in yokozuna council

TOKYO, Japan - Japan Sumo Association Chairman Tokitsukaze (L) on Sept. 12 commissions popular playwright Makiko Uchidate as a member of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council, which oversees the promotion of wrestlers to sumo's highest rank. Uchidate is the first woman to be named a member of the association's advisory body.

Scandal-tainted Asashoryu calls it quits

Scandal-tainted Asashoryu calls it quits

TOKYO, Japan - This photo shows Mongolian yokozuna (grand champion) Asashoryu taking part in a practice session in Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Jan. 5, 2010, as Makiko Uchidate (R), an outspoken critic of Asashoryu and a member of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council, looks on. Asashoryu said on Feb. 4, 2010, that he has decided to bring an end to his illustrious but trouble-laden sumo career. (Kyodo)

Uchidate sits on sumo council

Uchidate sits on sumo council

TOKYO, Japan - Makiko Uchidate (C, background), a playwright, observes sumo wrestlers as they go through their paces Dec. 25 at the Sumo Stadium in Ryogoku, Tokyo, in her capacity as a member of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council. Uchidate is the first woman to serve on the council, which oversees the promotion of wrestlers to sumo's highest rank.

Playwright picked as first woman member in yokozuna council

Playwright picked as first woman member in yokozuna council

TOKYO, Japan - Japan Sumo Association Chairman Tokitsukaze (L) on Sept. 12 commissions popular playwright Makiko Uchidate as a member of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council, which oversees the promotion of wrestlers to sumo's highest rank. Uchidate is the first woman to be named a member of the association's advisory body.