The Japan Sumo Association held an extraordinary board meeting at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on the 23rd, and decided to impose a penalty on Master Miyagino (former Yokozuna Hakuho), demotion to two classes, and a 20% salary reduction for three months. It was discovered that his disciple, Makuuchi Kita Seiho, had been committing acts of violence against junior wrestlers on a daily basis, and he was held accountable for his supervision. He will be demoted from committee member to the lowest ranking Toshiyori (excluding rehired participants). The association has seven levels of punishment, with demotion being the third most severe after dismissal and recommendation to retire.

In addition, the association said in a statement, ``The board of directors has confirmed that there is a significant lack of knowledge and awareness as a master, so as a response to this, we have appointed an acting master of the Miyagino Stable in the Isegahama clan to which the March Basho belongs. The Isegahama clan and the association's executive department have discussed the idea that the acting master will supervise Miyagino stable, and that from April onwards, the Isegahama clan will take over the Miyagino stable and provide guidance and education as masters (period to be determined). We decided to make a report at the board meeting after the March tournament, and notified Miyagino to that effect.'' This was an unusual punishment.

According to Public Relations Manager Shibatayama (former Yokozuna Onokuni), Master Miyagino apologized at the time the punishment was announced, saying, ``I was unable to protect my two disciples, and as a master, I am deeply remorseful.''

Kitaseiho, who had submitted a notification of retirement, accepted his voluntary retirement, but the Board of Directors confirmed that the incident amounted to a recommendation to retire.

Master Miyagino from Mongolia has won 45 times, the most in history. He retired from active duty in September 2021 and took over the stable in July 2022.

Kitaseiho, 22 years old, was born in Mongolia and grew up in Sapporo. Standing 204 centimeters tall, he even competed for the championship at the Autumn Tournament last year. At his first tournament in January, he stopped from the 6th day due to an injury to his right knee. At the same time, suspicions of violence surfaced, and the master and Miyagino stable wrestlers were being investigated by the Sumo Association's Compliance Committee.