Search｜Photos & Images & Videos｜KYODO NEWS IMAGES INC

Sumo: Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

No. 17 maegashira Takerufuji (top) beats ozeki Kotonowaka on the 11th day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka on March 20, 2024, improving to 11-0 to match the record for a top-tier makuuchi-division debutant's perfect start set in January 1960 by legendary yokozuna Taiho.

E

Sumo: Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

No. 17 maegashira Takerufuji smiles after beating ozeki Kotonowaka on the 11th day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka on March 20, 2024, improving to 11-0 to match the record for a top-tier makuuchi-division debutant's perfect start set in January 1960 by legendary yokozuna Taiho.

E

Sumo legend Taiho to receive national award

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows the former yokozuna Taiho, who died of heart disease in January 2013 at the age of 72. The government will award a posthumous national honor to the late yokozuna in recognition of his historic sumo victory record, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Feb. 15, 2013.

E

Hakuho remains unbeaten at New Year sumo tournament

Tokyo, Japan - Yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho of Mongolia (L) pulls down third-ranked maegashira Aminishiki on the eighth day of the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo Tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Jan. 18, 2015. Hakuho, who is aiming to surpass sumo legend Taiho by claiming his 33rd career Emperor's Cup, remains unbeaten.

E

Hakuho still unbeaten at New Year sumo tourney

TOKYO, Japan - Yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho of Mongolia (L) narrowly forces komusubi Takayasu out of the ring on the seventh day of the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo Tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Jan. 17, 2015. Hakuho, who is gunning for his 33rd career title to surpass Taiho in sumo's pantheon, remains unbeaten.

E

Hakuho blasts Endo at New Year sumo tournament

TOKYO, Japan - Yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho of Mongolia (L) pushes third-ranked maegashira Endo out of the ring on the sixth day of the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo Tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Jan. 16, 2015. Hakuho, who is aiming for his 33rd career title to surpass sumo legend Taiho for the most championships ever, remains unbeaten.

E

Hakuho blasts Endo at New Year sumo tournament

TOKYO, Japan - Yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho of Mongolia (R) pushes third-ranked maegashira Endo out of the ring on the sixth day of the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo Tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Jan. 16, 2015. Hakuho, who is aiming for his 33rd career title to surpass sumo legend Taiho for the most championships ever, remains unbeaten.

E

Hakuho survives 5th-day scare at New Year sumo tourney

TOKYO, Japan - Yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho of Mongolia (L) narrowly forces second-ranked maegashira Ikioi out of the ring on the fifth day of the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo Tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Jan. 15, 2015. Hakuho, who is tied with legendary yokozuna Taiho for the most career championships at 32, remains unbeaten.

E

Yokozuna Hakuho starts training

TOKYO, Japan - Record-chasing yokozuna Hakuho attends the first training of the year 2015 on Jan. 3 in Tokyo. Hakuho will be aiming to surpass yokozuna legend Taiho and become the most successful grand champion in sumo history with a 33rd career title at the Jan. 11-25 basho at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.

E

Yokozuna Hakuho in 'mochi' making event

TOKYO, Japan - Yokozuna Hakuho pounds rice during a traditional "mochi" rice cake making event at Miyagino Stable in Tokyo on Dec. 30, 2014. He won five of the six tournaments in the year to extend his overall tourney titles to 32, equaling the late grand champion Taiho's all-time record.

E

Yokozuna Hakuho shows ranking list for New Year tourney

TOKYO, Japan - Yokozuna Hakuho holds a ranking list for the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in January in front of his Miyagino stable in Tokyo on Dec. 24, 2014. The Mongolian powerhouse is aiming to surpass sumo legend Taiho at the tournament to become the most successful grand champion in sumo history with a record 33rd career title.

E

Yokozuna Hakuho wins outstanding performance prize

TOKYO, Japan - Sumo grand champion Hakuho speaks during a ceremony at the Japan Pro Sports Awards in Tokyo on Dec. 22, 2014, after receiving an Outstanding Performance Award. He won his 32nd career grand sumo tournament this year to equal the total championships of legendary yokozuna Taiho.

E

Sumo champion Hakuho visits Kagoshima

KAGOSHIMA, Japan - Yokozuna Hakuho (4th from R) poses for a commemorative photo in the city of Kagoshima on Nov. 27, 2014, against a backdrop of the Sakurajima volcano, as he is welcomed to the southwestern Japanese city. Hakuho matched Taiho's all-time record of 32 career championships at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament earlier in the month.

E

Hakuho matches Taiho's record of 32 career c'ships

FUKUOKA, Japan - Yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho of Mongolia, surrounded by supporters and family members, celebrates with the Emperor's Cup after winning the 15-day Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka, western Japan, on Nov. 23, 2014. Hakuho won the tournament with a 14-1 record, matching the all-time record of 32 career championships set by Taiho.

E

Hakuho matches Taiho's record of 32 career c'ships

FUKUOKA, Japan - Yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho of Mongolia holds up red sea bream, long considered a lucky fish in Japan, at a hotel in Fukuoka, western Japan, on Nov. 23, 2014, during a celebration party for his victory in the 15-day Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament. Hakuho won the event with a 14-1 record, matching the all-time record of 32 career championships set by Taiho.

E

Hakuho matches Taiho's record of 32 career c'ships

FUKUOKA, Japan - Yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho of Mongolia (back) overpowers compatriot yokozuna Kakuryu during their bout on the final day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka, western Japan, on Nov. 23, 2014. Hakuho captured the Emperor's Cup with a 14-1 record, matching the all-time record of 32 career championships set by Taiho.

E

Hakuho matches Taiho's record of 32 career c'ships

FUKUOKA, Japan - Yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho of Mongolia (L) receives the Emperor's Cup from Kitanoumi, chairman of the Japan Sumo Association, after winning the 15-day Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka, western Japan, on Nov. 23, 2014. Hakuho won the event with a 14-1 record, matching the all-time record of 32 career championships set by Taiho.

E

Hakuho matches Taiho's record of 32 career c'ships

FUKUOKA, Japan - Yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho of Mongolia (R) celebrates with his compatriot sumo wrestler Kyokutenho before leaving by car for a victory parade in Fukuoka, western Japan, on Nov. 23, 2014. Hakuho won the 15-day Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament with a 14-1 record, matching the all-time record of 32 career championships set by Taiho.

E

Hakuho matches Taiho's record of 32 career c'ships

FUKUOKA, Japan - Yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho of Mongolia speaks in an interview after winning the 15-day Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka, western Japan, on Nov. 23, 2014. Hakuho won the event with a 14-1 record, matching the all-time record of 32 career championships set by Taiho.

E

Hakuho matches Taiho's record of 32 career c'ships

FUKUOKA, Japan - Yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho of Mongolia (L) forces compatriot yokozuna Kakuryu out of the ring on the final day of the 15-day Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka, western Japan, on Nov. 23, 2014. Hakuho won the tournament with a 14-1 record, matching the all-time record of 32 career championships set by Taiho.

E

Hakuho closes in on 32nd career title

FUKUOKA, Japan - Yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho of Mongolia (L) pushes out fellow Mongolian yokozuna Harumafuji from behind on the 14th day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka on Nov. 22, 2014. With a win on the next day, Hakuho will match the all-time record of 32 career titles held by sumo legend Taiho.

E

Yokozuna Hakuho meets reporters before Kyushu tournament

FUKUOKA, Japan - Yokozuna Hakuho meets reporters in Sasaguri town, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Oct. 27, 2014, before November's Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in the city of Fukuoka. Hakuho aims to equal legendary yokozuna Taiho's 32 career championship wins in the upcoming tournament.

E

Sculptor of late yokozuna Taiho's statue erected in Russia

SAPPORO, Japan - Sculptor Toshio Kamada, shown in this file photo taken on Aug. 18, 2014, regards the 2.3-meter-tall statue of the late Japanese sumo legend Taiho he produced as a milestone in his career. He visited the grand champion's birthplace in Poronaysk in Russia's Far Eastern region of Sakhalin in August to attend an unveiling ceremony for the statue.

E

Ex-pro baseball player encourages leukemia patients

GIFU, Japan - Former Japanese professional baseball player Yasuaki Taiho, who is suffering from acute myelocytic leukemia but continues to manage a Chinese restaurant in Kaizu, Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, says in July 2014 that he wants to give hope to other patients fighting the disease.

E

Statue of sumo legend Taiho erected in birthplace in Russia

PORONAYSK, Russia - Photo taken Aug. 15, 2014, shows a ceremony to unveil a bronze statue of the late Japanese sumo legend Taiho in his birthplace Poronaysk in Sakhalin, eastern Russia. Toshio Kamada (far R), the Japanese sculptor who created the original mold was in attendance.

E

Statue of yokozuna Taiho set to leave for birthplace in Russia

AKITA, Japan - Photo taken on July 11, 2014, in Ogata in the northeastern Japanese prefecture of Akita shows a bronze statue of sumo legend Taiho, who won a record 32 tournaments and died last year at age 72, and his wife Yoshiko Naya. The statue will soon be shipped to Sakhalin, his birthplace in eastern Russia, where it is to be erected.

E

Sculptor looks prototype of yokozuna Taiho's sculpture

ASAHIKAWA, Japan - Sculptor Toshio Kamada looks up at the wooden prototype of his sculpture of the legendary yokozuna Taiho in the village of Ogata, Akita Prefecture, on April 22, 2014.

E

Wooden model for Taiho's statue

AKITA, Japan - Photo shows sculptor Toshio Kamada unveiling a wooden model he has carved for a statue of the late sumo great Taiho (1940-2013), whose real name was Koki Naya, in the village of Ogata in Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2014. After being cast by Kamada, the bronze statue of Taiho, who held sumo's highest rank of yokozuna, is expected to be donated around August 2014 to Poronaysk on the Russian Far Eastern island of Sakhalin, Taiho's birthplace.

E

Wooden model for Taiho's statue

AKITA, Japan - Photo shows sculptor Toshio Kamada unveiling a wooden model he has carved for a statue of the late sumo great Taiho (1940-2013), whose real name was Koki Naya, in the village of Ogata in Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2014. After being cast by Kamada, the bronze statue of Taiho, who held sumo's highest rank of yokozuna, is expected to be donated around August 2014 to Poronaysk on the Russian Far Eastern island of Sakhalin, Taiho's birthplace.

E

Hakuho presents blood-donation car to Red Cross

TOKYO, Japan - Yokozuna Hakuho (C) presents a blood-donation vehicle to the Japanese Red Cross Society in Tokyo on Feb. 21, 2014, taking over the role played by the late sumo great Taiho, whose real name was Koki Naya, for about 40 years from 1969. Naya's wife Yoshiko (L) also attends the presentation ceremony.

E

1st anniv. memorial for sumo legend Taiho's death

TOKYO, Japan - A memorial service to mark the first anniversary of the death of legendary sumo grand champion Taiho, whose real name was Koki Naya, is held at a hotel in Tokyo on Jan 19, 2014.

E

Softbank's Oh at 1st anniv. memorial for sumo legend Taiho's death

TOKYO, Japan - Sadaharu Oh (L), the chairman of the board of Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, offers a floral tribute at a memorial service to mark the first anniversary of the death of legendary sumo grand champion Taiho, held at a hotel in Tokyo on Jan. 19, 2014.

E

Yokozuna Hakuho gets training under way in Tokyo

TOKYO, Japan - Yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho practices at his Miyagino stable in Tokyo's Sumida Ward on Jan. 4, 2014, as he began training for the upcoming New Year Grand Sumo Tournament. This year, the Mongolian-born yokozuna has a chance to match, or perhaps surpass, legendary yokozuna Taiho, who holds the all-time record with 32 career championships.

E

Egyptian sumo wrestler

TOKYO, Japan - Osunaarashi smiles at a press conference at Otake stable in Tokyo on May 29, 2013, after the Japan Sumo Association elevated him to the juryo ranks, making the Egyptian the first rikishi from Africa. "To be the only one makes me happy," said the 21-year-old wrestler, whose real name is Abdelrahman Ahmed Shaalan. In the background is a portrait of legendary yokozuna Taiho, who died in January.

E

Hakuho caps title at 15-0 for record 9th time

OSAKA, Japan - Yokozuna Hakuho observes a moment of silence with the crowd for Taiho, the most successful yokozuna in sumo who passed away in January 2013, after winning the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Bodymaker Colosseum in Osaka on March 24, 2013. Hakuho won his 24th career Emperor's Cup at 15-0 for a record ninth time.

E

Hakuho caps title at 15-0 for record 9th time

OSAKA, Japan - Yokozuna Hakuho observes a moment of silence with the crowd for Taiho, the most successful yokozuna in sumo who passed away in January 2013, after winning the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Bodymaker Colosseum in Osaka on March 24, 2013. Hakuho won his 24th career Emperor's Cup at 15-0 for a record ninth time.

E

Hakuho caps title at 15-0 for record 9th time

OSAKA, Japan - Yokozuna Hakuho observes a moment of silence for Taiho, the most successful yokozuna in sumo who passed away in January 2013, after winning the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Bodymaker Colosseum in Osaka on March 24, 2013. Hakuho won his 24th career Emperor's Cup at 15-0 for a record ninth time.

E

Sumo legend Taiho receives national award

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R) hands a commemorative gift to Yoshiko Naya, the widow of the late yokozuna Taiho, during a ceremony in Tokyo on Feb. 25, 2013, to award the legendary sumo champion a posthumous national award in recognition of his historic sumo victory record. Yokozuna Hakuho (L) holds the portrait of Taiho, whose real name was Koki Naya and who died in January 2013 of heart disease at 72.

E

Funeral for sumo legend Taiho

TOKYO, Japan - Yokozuna Hakuho attends the funeral of former yokozuna Taiho in Tokyo on Jan. 31, 2013. Taiho, whose 32 tournament championships are the most in sumo history, died at the age of 72 of heart disease on Jan. 19, 2013. (Pool photo)

E

Funeral for sumo legend Taiho

TOKYO, Japan - Portraits of former yokozuna Taiho are displayed at an altar during his funeral in Tokyo on Jan. 31, 2013. Taiho, whose 32 tournament championships are the most in sumo history, died at the age of 72 of heart disease on Jan. 19, 2013. (Pool photo)

E

Sumo legend Taiho dies

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows sekiwake Taiho (C, front) and his supporters after he earned his first championship at the Kyushu tournament in November 1960. Taiho, who was later promoted to yokozuna and whose 32 tournament championships are the most in sumo history, died of heart disease at the age of 72 on Jan. 19, 2013.

E

Sumo legend Taiho dies

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken in Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan in October 2009 shows former yokozuna Taiho. Taiho, whose 32 tournament championships are the most in sumo history, died of heart disease at the age of 72 on Jan. 19, 2013.

E

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.

E

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.

E

Hakuho ties Taiho's 45th winning run

NAGOYA, Japan - Mongolian grand champion Hakuho deploys a left-handed overarm throw to beat Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu on the 13th day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Nagoya, central Japan, on July 23, 2010. Hakuho tied former yokozuna great Taiho's 45-bout winning streak.

E

Hakuho closes in on Taiho's 45 win streak

NAGOYA, Japan - Mongolian grand champion Hakuho (up) overpowers rank-and-filer Kitataiki on the 12th day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium on July 22, 2010. Hakuho moved to within one win of matching former yokozuna great Taiho's 45-bout winning streak

E

Hakuho closes in on Taiho's 45 win streak

NAGOYA, Japan - Mongolian grand champion Hakuho (L) overpowers rank-and-filer Kitataiki on the 12th day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium on July 22, 2010. Hakuho moved to within one win of matching former yokozuna great Taiho's 45-bout winning streak

E

Mongolian newspapers blast Japanese sumo over Asa's retirement

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia - Photo shows Mongolian newspapers carrying stories reporting Mongolian yokozuna (grand champion) Asashoryu's decision to quit sumo over his alleged assault of a man in Tokyo on their front pages of the Feb. 5, 2010, issue. Most of the papers said Japanese sumo officials had pressured him to retire for fear of the Mongolian yokozuna breaking sumo legend and former yokozuna Taiho's record of 32 title wins.

E

Mongolian newspapers blast Japanese sumo over Asa's retirement

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia - People in Ulan Bator on Feb. 5, 2010, read newspapers' front-page stories reporting former yokozuna (grand champion) Asashoryu's decision to quit sumo over his alleged assault of a man in Tokyo. Most of the papers said Japanese sumo officials had pressured him to retire for fear of the Mongolian yokozuna breaking sumo legend and former yokozuna Taiho's record of 32 title wins.

E

Asashoryu clinches 25th Emperor's Cup at New Year basho

TOKYO, Japan - Mongolian yokozuna Asashoryu (L) throws down compatriot Harumafuji in the ring, clinching his 25th Emperor's Cup on Jan. 23, 2010, with victory over the ozeki on the penultimate day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan. Asashoryu's latest championship triumph gave him sole possession of third place on the all-time list behind former yokozuna greats Taiho (32) and Chiyonofuji (31).