Sumo association must root out illegal gambling and ties with gangsters

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

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.

It is a well-known fact that the large amount of money poured into gambling on baseball games is used as funds for crime syndicates. The Japan Sumo Association (JSA) must clean up any ties that may exist with organized crime syndicates.

Gambling is crime

Most types of gambling are illegal, except ones hosted by municipalities, lotteries, and pachinko (Japanese pinball). The Criminal Law levies a fine of up to 500,000 yen on anyone who participates in illegal betting and imposes a prison sentence of up to three years on habitual gamblers.

In a recent survey conducted by the JSA, 68 of its members, including wrestlers and their masters, admitted being involved in betting on baseball games and other forms of illegal gambling. The association should carry out a full-fledged investigation on the extent of illegal gambling within its ranks with the cooperation of a third party and immediately release the names of those who admitted their involvement and punish them in an appropriate manner.

Sever relation with mobs

It was discovered in May that some sumo masters had arranged ringside seats for senior members of a crime syndicate during a tournament. The repeated scandals suggest a deep-rooted cozy relationship between members of the sumo association and gangsters.

The JSA must sever ties with members of the underworld. It cannot resuscitate the national sport without thoroughly reviewing its structure, administration, and daily habits of its members who are living within a closed community.

- Akahata, June 18, 2010