MATSUYAMA, Ehime Pref. (Kyodo) Sumo stablemaster and former grand champion Takanohana met with a yakuza member in Ehime Prefecture in early June, prefectural police sources said Friday, revealing what could be another example of ties between the mob and the ancient sport.
The sources said Takanohana, also a member of the Japan Sumo Association board, at the time was on a visit to the prefecture to recruit new apprentices.
Takanohana, who ranks fifth on the all-time list with 22 tournament victories, had dinner with around 15 people, mostly parents of local junior high school students, during his trip. The police sources said a member of an underworld group was among those who watched practice sumo sessions or among the people who had dinner with Takanohana.
