Famous last words and all that! Yes, I regret being correct when I wrote yesterday that Kisenosato Yukata would likely have to retire. Clearly a 3-0 deficit, an ongoing injury and an inability to perform his brand of sumo proved too much for the popular Yokozuna. His stablemaster announced his retirement last night, so the hunt will be on for next Japanese champion, though this could be a while in the making. Prior to Kisenosato's promotion in 2017, the last home-grown yokozuna was Wakanohana in 1998, who retired in 2000.

Below, Kisenosato in happier days, seen here with stablemate and Oseki Takayasu.



ps. Kisenosato now takes on the sumo elder name of Araiso and will stay in the sport, as a stablemaster.