Hakuho’s elbow strikes have caused serious damage to opponents such as Ikioi and Goeido, raising concerns about safety and dignity.
The use of a hardened custom supporter intensifies debate over fairness and the role of a yokozuna.
Through match footage and testimony, this commentary examines the violence behind repeated victories.

Furthermore, in the same tournament, Hakuho also “destroyed” Ozeki Goeido.
2018-01-26
The following is a continuation of the previous chapter.
Emphasis in the text, aside from the headlines, is mine.
The “destruction” of Goeido.
How dangerous this illegal technique is becomes immediately clear when watching the match footage.
For example, the Summer Tournament of 2016.
Sekiwake Ikioi became a victim of Hakuho’s elbow smash.
At the tachiai, Hakuho first delivered a left slap, and the next instant drove his right elbow with full force into the area of Ikioi’s left cheek.
With both hands flailing in the air, Ikioi collapsed from the waist and, perhaps suffering a mild concussion, was unable to stand for some time.
Furthermore, in the same tournament, Hakuho also “destroyed” Ozeki Goeido.
He struck him directly with his right elbow, causing a fracture of the left orbital wall.
Michinori Yamada, coach of the sumo club at Saitama Sakae High School, Goeido’s alma mater, sighed.
“When Goeido was struck, I thought, ‘Ah.’ It was unsightly as yokozuna sumo. Yokozuna of the past did not wrestle in a way that destroyed their opponents.”
Even in bouts tied to great records, this “weapon” shows no mercy.
At the Kyushu tournament last November, when the assault incident involving former yokozuna Harumafuji came to light.
In the bout that would decide his 40th championship, Hakuho’s opponent was maegashira Endo.
In that match as well, after a left slap, Hakuho delivered a right elbow to Endo’s jaw area.
Staggering backward, Endo stepped out of the ring with little resistance.
In each of the bouts where Hakuho’s elbow smash struck—against Ikioi, Goeido, and Endo—his right elbow was wrapped in a supporter.
This manuscript will continue.