"Can a teacher hit a student's cheek after the student sexually harassed a woman while drunk?" 176kg legend's assault case sparks endless controversy... questions raised over lenient punishment

*This content was translated by AI.

Terunofuji Haruo (34), a legend of the Japanese sumo world, received a severe penalty that demoted him two ranks in the coaching hierarchy following an incident in which he assaulted a student. However, opinions in Japan are sharply divided over the punishment, with some criticizing it as too lenient while others argue it appropriately considered the intent of discipline.

According to the Japanese media outlet "Daily Shunchu," published on the 17th, the report focused intensively on the disciplinary action taken by the Japan Sumo Association against Terunofuji for physically assaulting his student Hakunofuji in February. According to local reports, the Sumo Association announced the penalty on the 9th through a meeting, demoting Terunofuji by two coaching ranks and imposing a 10% salary reduction for three months.

The details of the incident reveal a complex situation. According to the investigation, in February, Terunofuji, unable to contain his anger after his student Hakunofuji, who was heavily intoxicated at a lounge in Tokyo, sexually harassed a female sponsor representative, struck him once on the cheek with his fist and once with his palm. Since the student had previously caused similar incidents, Terunofuji disciplined him, stating, "How long will you keep repeating the same mistakes? This cannot be dismissed with an excuse that you don't remember because you were drinking."

In response, the Association's Ethics Committee took into account that Terunofuji voluntarily reported the incident to the Association immediately afterward without attempting to cover it up, that it was not habitual violence, and that his educational motivation to prevent the student's sexual harassment was strong. As a result, Terunofuji avoided the worst-case scenario of his team being disbanded or his teacher status being revoked.

However, criticism has been mounting in Japan over the Sumo Association's lack of resolve to eradicate violence. According to "Daily Shunchu," compared to past cases such as the 2007 incident where a team under Shikitsuka killed a student through group assault, and the 2020 case where a team under Nakagawa was forcibly disbanded due to habitual verbal and physical abuse against students, the penalty is seen as inconsistent with fairness. In particular, the Association's inconsistent standards are being condemned, especially in contrast to the recent severe punishment given to Hakuhou, who was effectively treated as if his team were disbanded for overlooking violence among his students.

On the other hand, some in the combat sports community have defended the action by referencing the unique boundary between legitimate conduct and violence in sumo. Manga artist Sudo Yasuki argued, "The teacher's corporal punishment, which immediately stopped the shameless behavior of an intoxicated student who would not listen, ultimately prevented the worst-case scenario where the student would face legal punishment."

Furthermore, according to reports from "Yahoo Japan" and other outlets, public opinion in Japan includes a significant number of responses such as, "It is right for a teacher to educate a student," and "Hakunofuji deserved it."

Although the Association announced a declaration to end violence in 2018 and promised reform, this incident has clearly exposed the gap between traditional disciplinary methods and the strict ethical standards of modern society. "Daily Shunchu" reported that "some are pointing out the slow pace of change led by senior executives in their 60s. Consequently, voices are growing for young leaders like Nishonoseki Oyakata, who majored in sports science at Waseda University's graduate school, to take the forefront."

Immediately after the penalty, Terunofuji bowed his head and said, "I am truly sorry for causing concern to many people," while Hakunofuji, who caused the incident, also expressed remorse, stating, "My reckless behavior brought trouble to the Association and society."

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*This content was translated by AI.