Sumo association must root out illegal gambling and ties with gangsters - Akahata editorial (excerpts)

Gambling scandals are increasing in the world of sumo, Japan’s top traditional sport. Wrestler Kotomitsuki, with the second-highest rank of ozeki has admitted to his involvement in illegal gambling on professional baseball games and has been suspended from the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament to be held in July. It was revealed that Kotomitsuki had been blackmailed by gangsters in connection with his gambling and that not only sumo wrestlers but also their coaches had taken part in such betting activities.

Kan used to advocate withdrawal of U.S. Marines from Okinawa

In the past, when the Democratic Party of Japan was an opposition party, Kan Naoto, as DPJ leader, used to advocate the withdrawal of the U.S. Marines from Okinawa. However, as soon as he took office as prime minister, he said that the U.S. Marines are extremely important for Japan as a deterrent force and that he will carry out the Japan-U.S. agreement on the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Base within Okinawa.