But the Japan Sumo Association said he had to win this tournament.

"I hope this makes a point to them," he said, speaking of the Japan Sumo Association, "so that they don't just leave me hanging."

He was also head of the Japan Sumo Association from 1988 to 1992.

Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association from 2002 until 2008, he returned to the post in 2012, the first man to do so.

From 1957 he was also head of the Japan Sumo Association.

Upon retirement from active competition, he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association.

He became an elder of the Japan Sumo Association, working as a coach at his old stable.

After his retirement he became an elder (or member) of the Japan Sumo Association.

He was also chairman of the Japan Sumo Association from 2010 to 2012.

He retired in 1991 and is now an elder of the Japan Sumo Association.