Mitoizumi has topknot removed in ceremony

Mitoizumi has topknot removed in ceremony

TOKYO, Japan - Former sekiwake Mitoizumi has his topknot removed by stable master Takasago in a sumo retirement ceremony at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on June 9. Mitoizumi will continue to coach at the Takasago stable as sumo elder Nishikido.

Former sekiwake Mitoizumi retires

Former sekiwake Mitoizumi retires

TOKYO, Japan - Former sekiwake Mitoizumi, shown in this file photo, retired from sumo Sept. 15 after struggling with a 1-11 record in the second-tier juryo division at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament. Mitoizumi was a favorite of sumo fans, especially with his practice of throwing the ritual salt high as possible to psyche himself up just before a bout.

(2) Former sekiwake Mitoizumi retires

(2) Former sekiwake Mitoizumi retires

TOKYO, Japan - Former sekiwake Mitoizumi, shown in this file photo, retired from sumo Sept. 15 after struggling with a 1-11 record in the second-tier juryo division at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament. Mitoizumi was a favorite of sumo fans, especially with his practice of throwing the ritual salt high as possible to psyche himself up just before a bout. (Kyodo)

(3) Former sekiwake Mitoizumi retires

(3) Former sekiwake Mitoizumi retires

TOKYO, Japan - Former sekiwake Mitoizumi, shown in this file photo, retired from sumo Sept. 15 after struggling with a 1-11 record in the second-tier juryo division at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament. Mitoizumi was a favorite of sumo fans, especially with his practice of throwing the ritual salt high as possible to psyche himself up just before a bout. (Kyodo)

Mitoizumi has topknot removed in ceremony

Mitoizumi has topknot removed in ceremony

TOKYO, Japan - Former sekiwake Mitoizumi has his topknot removed by stable master Takasago in a sumo retirement ceremony at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on June 9. Mitoizumi will continue to coach at the Takasago stable as sumo elder Nishikido.

Former sekiwake Mitoizumi retires

Former sekiwake Mitoizumi retires

TOKYO, Japan - Former sekiwake Mitoizumi, shown in this file photo, retired from sumo Sept. 15 after struggling with a 1-11 record in the second-tier juryo division at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament. Mitoizumi was a favorite of sumo fans, especially with his practice of throwing the ritual salt high as possible to psyche himself up just before a bout.