Scandal-Hit Miyagino Stable (Hakuho's Heya) Shuts Down Permanently¶
Source: Sumo: Scandal-hit Miyagino stable shuts down permanently · Japan Today · Behind the Scenes \ Date Published: May 29, 2026 \ Author: Kyodo News via Mainichi / Japan Today \ Category: Sumo — Stable Dissolution
TL;DR¶
The Miyagino stable — formerly headed by legendary yokozuna Hakuho (record 45 top-division championships) — was permanently dissolved by the Japan Sumo Association on May 28, 2026. The stable had been closed since April 2024 after an abuse scandal where a senior wrestler physically assaulted junior stablemates. Hakuho moved his wrestlers to Isegahama stable and retired from the JSA in June 2025. With no one left to revive it after two years, the JSA board made the closure official. Isegahama stable (run by former yokozuna Terunofuji) now becomes sumo's largest with 32 wrestlers and 8 sekitori.
The Fall of Sumo's Greatest Stable¶
What Happened¶
On May 28, 2026, the Japan Sumo Association board voted to permanently dissolve the Miyagino stable (heya), the training stable once headed by Hakuho — the most decorated rikishi in sumo history with a record 45 makuuchi championships.
The Abuse Scandal (2024)¶
The stable had been shuttered since April 2024, when an investigation revealed that a senior wrestler at the stable had been physically abusing junior stablemates. The JSA immediately suspended the stable's operations pending investigation.
Hakuho's Departure¶
Following the scandal: - Hakuho (whose real name is Mönkhbatyn Davaajargal) and all his wrestlers were transferred to the Isegahama stable - In June 2025, Hakuho retired from the Japan Sumo Association entirely, leaving the Miyagino stable without a master - The stable has remained inactive since
The Permanent Closure¶
The JSA board formally approved permanent closure because: - More than two years had passed since the transfer of its members - No one intended to revive the stable name - The legal and administrative limbo needed resolution
The Aftermath: Isegahama Stable¶
The Isegahama stable, run by former yokozuna Terunofuji (the 73rd yokozuna), absorbed all the Miyagino wrestlers and now becomes sumo's largest stable:
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total wrestlers | 32 |
| Sekitori (makuuchi + juryo) | 8 |
Stablemaster Isegahama (Terunofuji) commented:
"We had originally talked about everyone working together as one stable, and we want to continue doing our best as before."
Context: Hakuho's Legacy¶
Hakuho (born 1985, Mongolia) is widely regarded as the greatest sumo wrestler of all time:
- 45 makuuchi championships — all-time record
- 1,187 career wins — all-time record
- 15 consecutive yusho (2013–2014)
- 73rd yokozuna (promoted 2007)
- Retired from the ring in 2021, became stablemaster Miyagino
His stable produced notable wrestlers including Hakuoho (a promising prospect who reached juryo) and several other sekitori. The abuse scandal and subsequent dissolution mark a tragic end to a storied heya name.
Key Takeaways¶
- End of an era — The Miyagino stable name, associated with sumo's greatest-ever wrestler, is permanently dissolved after an abuse scandal that surfaced in April 2024.
- Hakuho's exit — The legendary yokozuna retired from the JSA in June 2025, leaving the stable without a master and sealing its fate.
- Isegahama becomes sumo's largest stable — Absorbing all Miyagino wrestlers, it now houses 32 wrestlers including 8 sekitori under former yokozuna Terunofuji.
- Two-year rule — The JSA's decision was formalized because more than two years passed without any intention to revive the stable.