Sumo wrestling is quite famous as a symbol of Japan, although it’s been around since prehistoric times. The current top wrestler in Japan’s professional league is the celebrated Mongolian Asashoryu, a powerhouse who has won no less than 21 tournaments in his stellar career since attaining the rank of Yokozuna (Grand Champion) in 2003. Unfortunately, things just haven’t been going his way lately.

First, he ducked out of the summer exhibition bouts in Northern Japan citing an injury but was mysteriously well enough to play in a soccer game with Hidetoshi Nakata for charity, which caused a big uproar in Japan when it was reported. Convinced that Asashoryu had over-stated his injury in order to take a vacation, the Sumo Association called him back to Japan to explain himself. In the end they banned him from playing in the next two sumo tournaments, a first for a Yokozuna, and docked his pay for four months (ouch).

As the official national sport of Japan, sumo is taken very seriously, and sumo wrestlers are expected to have “the deepest commitment, the most serious mind…” .

Asa has rubbed Sumo Association officials the wrong way in the past, daring to be seen in public in a Western suit instead of the traditional sumo garb, arguing with judges over their calls, and showing elation and frustration after bouts rather than appearing emotionless like the pillar of bushido that he’s supposed to be. He also once pulled the top-knot of an opponent a few years ago, which was quite the scandal.

As a fellow foreigner I can really sympathize with the poor guy — it’s hard to be something you’re not, and seeing the way the press is ganging up on him makes me feel sorry for him. Hopefully he’ll be able to hansei (reflect) on things and be a better wrestler for it in the future.