The New Year's Sumo tournament began Sunday in Tokyo. Sadly this basho is without Yokozuna Harumafuji, who was forced into retirement by a scandal late last year. We may never know the complete truth behind Harumafuji's assault on a fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa, sumo being a strangely impenetrable sport when it comes to internal matters. It is clear though that Harumafuji was standing up for the honour of champion Hakuho, and things got a little out of control. As he put it at a press conference in November, "I had heard that he(Takanoiwa) was lacking in manners and civility and thought it was my duty as a senior wrestler to correct and teach him. But I went too far." The rikishi had all been drinking so it is little wonder things got out of hand, but misconduct is seriously frowned upon in sumo. So this very talented, exciting wrestler had to go. I will miss his lightning swiftness and unerring technique.

Harumafuji, left. A man for all seasons.