Tomozuna Oyakata, a former illustrious sumo champion known as Tomofuji, has triggered a crisis within the sumo wrestling sector following revelations of violent behavior. The sporting community is now grappling with the need for reform. The incident became known to the public when undisclosed details went viral, causing shockwaves within the sumo-loving society of Japan, and raising questions about the entrenched culture of violence pervading this traditional, revered sport.

Sumo wrestling holds a sacred status in Japanese sports, being deeply conjugated into the country's cultural heritage and history. It is not merely a sport but also considered to be a representation of ancient Japanese traditions. Therefore, any controversy related to violence in sumo wrestling affects the broader societal perspective. It also implicates legal implications around assault, raising questions about the role, responsibility, and conduct expected of influential figures in sports.

Comparing this to issues in the US or EU, many regions have been forced to grapple with their own issues of violence or abuse in sports — typically focused on child athlete protection or the treatment of women athletes. Like Japan, the recognition of these problems often leads to calls for institutional reform, new legal regulations, and heightened scrutiny over sports organizations.