Former Makuuchi division Sumo wrestler Tatakiryu died at the age of 56. Being a significant figure and respected competitor in Japan’s national sport, Tatakiryu’s death is mourned by both the Sumo community and fans worldwide. The cause of death and further details surrounding his demise have not been disclosed yet.
Sumo holds an indispensable place in Japan's cultural fabric, embodying the country's history, culture, and traditions. Therefore, the death of a Makuuchi wrestler, a top-tier athlete in the Sumo world, is a significant event that is profoundly mourned by society. The passing of Tatakiryu, given his impactful career, would draw attention to the health and welfare state of former sumo wrestlers in the country.
The level of prominence sumo wrestlers hold in Japan could be compared to the status of professional football or basketball players in the US and EU. Their deaths may provoke public discussions about athlete's health, their way of life, and the physical toll their professional sports careers could have had on their bodies.