'Sexual harassment of a woman after drinking': Shocking update on the 176kg legend who assaulted his student, "I've been suffering terribly from diabetes..." The reason for the 'nationwide standing ovation'

*This content was translated by AI.

'Despite the assault incident that shook the nation, he continues to receive fervent support. As recent health updates on Terunofuji (34), a legend of Japanese sumo who has retired from active competition, were made public, fans in Japan have poured out warm encouragement.'

'Japanese media "Nishispo" reported on the 10th that "public interest is focused on the latest photos of Terunofuji, who retired earlier this year," adding that "fans reacted explosively to images of former yokozuna Terunofuji, who suffered from diabetes, with messages such as 'Live long no matter what,' 'You pushed your body to its limit and fulfilled your duty,' and 'I gained courage.'"

'According to reports, former sumo wrestler Gensho Momo-taro recently posted photos on his personal social networking service (SNS) showing Terunofuji visiting the shop he operates. He shared a caption reading, "Turns out we're the same age. It was wonderful to catch up with old stories," along with an image of him smiling brightly.'

'During his active career, Terunofuji endured severe pain from chronic diabetes and a serious knee injury. Although he once faced a drop in rank, he made a successful comeback through indomitable spirit, rising to the highest sumo rank of yokozuna in July 2021. He then continued to compete as the sole yokozuna while battling his chronic illness before holding his retirement ceremony at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan last year, bringing an end to his active career.'

'As news of Terunofuji's recovery from his chronic illness spread, a flood of warm comments poured in from local fans. Fans wrote, "It's such a relief to see you healthy," "You pushed your body to its limit and fulfilled your duty, so thank you for all your hard work," and "You've had nothing but hardships since your youth; please live long and healthily no matter what," offering their support.'

'Earlier, shortly after transitioning to a coaching role, Terunofuji was involved in an incident where he assaulted his student and received severe sanctions from the Japan Sumo Association, including a two-rank demotion in his coaching rank and a 10% salary reduction for three months. In February, it was revealed that Terunofuji slapped his student Hakunofuji, who had sexually harassed a female sponsor representative while heavily intoxicated at a lounge in Tokyo.'

'When the student, who had previously caused trouble over similar issues, committed another major incident, Terunofuji disciplined him by saying, "How long will you keep making the same mistake? This cannot be dismissed with an excuse that you don't remember because you were drinking.'"

'In response, the Association's Ethics Deliberation Committee took into account that Terunofuji voluntarily reported the incident to the association immediately after it occurred and did not attempt to cover it up, that it was not habitual violence, and that his educational motivation to prevent the student's sexual harassment was strong. Thanks to these considerations, Terunofuji avoided the worst-case scenario of his team being disbanded or his coaching qualifications being revoked.'

'At the time, the disciplinary action sparked fierce debate in Japan, with critics calling it a "slap-on-the-wrist punishment" while others defended it as legitimate discipline befitting a teacher. Since then, local fans and online public opinion have generally formed a favorable atmosphere toward Terunofuji. Even after this recent update was made public, voices of unwavering trust and support for him continue to appear on local sites such as "Yahoo Japan."'

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*This content was translated by AI.