Japanese sumo wrestler Tenjin faced a significant setback as he experienced his first loss ("hakuro"), causing a stir in the world of sumo. After the match, he expressed deep regret for letting his fans down, going as far as performing a public apology ('dogeza') in the ring. This act stirred a wave of admiration for Tenjin's humility and respect for the traditional sport's fans.

In Japan, sumo is not merely a sport—it has a religious and ceremonial significance dating back to ancient times. A powerful sense of humility and respect is embedded in the sport. As such, Tenjin's public apology holds a particularly poignant meaning for Japanese fans. The act of 'dogeza' is significant in Japanese culture as it embodies the ultimate expression of apology or respect.

In the U.S. or EU, public apologies by athletes for performance are less ritualised and more often occur during post-game press conferences. Any acts of humility, though appreciated, are considered more personal than cultural or required.