After resigning from the Japan Sumo Association, retired yokozuna Hakuho, 40, told a news conference on June 9, “For 25 years, I was loved by sumo and I loved sumo in return.”

But for a relationship of supposedly mutual love, it ended too abruptly for Hakuho, who is believed by many sumo fans to be the greatest grand champion in the sport’s history, given his record and extraordinary longevity at the pinnacle.

It was actually painful for me to watch his news conference.

Hakuho did not express any personal dissatisfaction or grievance with the JSA. But from time to time, his facial expressions seemed to give away his inner hesitation.

One such........

© The Asahi Shimbun