Former Yokozuna Tochiazuma reveals the true nature of Tamanoi Oyakata and the current state of Tamanoi Stable: 'Return to Ozeki is only a matter of time'

"My lads are still too soft, you know. Especially those sekitori – they need to have a real think about where they stand." As he says this with a hearty laugh, you can't help but be reminded of the "fighting general" he was on the dohyō. Tamanoi Oyakata, who once engaged in countless classic bouts as ōzeki Tochiazuma, is now watching over the next generation with an intense, coaching gaze.

It's been around 20 years since he retired from active competition and took charge of Tamanoi Stable as the elder Tamanoi. In that time, he has produced numerous sekitori from the stable and built it into an undisputed top-rank heya. In a recent interview, while expressing a sense of satisfaction with his charges' development, he also spoke of the tough standards required to aim even higher. What's particularly noteworthy is the quest for a return to the rank of ōzeki, a position he himself once held.

"A return to ōzeki is a matter of time": What he really means

"To be honest, with their latent ability, I see ōzeki as just a stepping stone. It's up to them to realise that and break out of their shells. They've clearly bulked up in strength." Tamanoi Oyakata states this with conviction. While he didn't name names, his expression, eyes narrowing as he spoke, revealed a solid faith in the stable's leading wrestlers who have been making impressive strides in recent years.

Regarding the path back to ōzeki, the Oyakata highlighted the following points:

• "Mental approach": The sense of responsibility and self-awareness needed to aim for yokozuna.
• "Consistency": Strength befitting the ōzeki rank – the kind of dominance that avoids losing records.
• "Encouraging outside sparring": Broadening their horizons by training with wrestlers from other stables.

Disciples carrying the DNA of the "fighting general" Tochiazuma

A key feature of today's Tamanoi Stable is the fierce thrusting and pushing sumo that echoes the Oyakata's own fighting days. He recalls nostalgically, "The kids today are serious and they'll properly do the training menu they're given. But that alone isn't enough. When I was active, I feel I was more desperately chasing something, just going for it."

Nevertheless, the look in his disciples' eyes during daily practice certainly holds a fighting spirit. "How big they'll become without limiting themselves – watching over that is my greatest pleasure now." The eyes saying this weren't those of the "fighting general" glaring down an opponent on the dohyō, but rather the eyes of a "foster parent" watching growth with deep affection.

The countdown to the return to ōzeki has already begun. At its centre are undoubtedly the wrestlers of Tamanoi Stable, who carry on the spirit of former ōzeki Tochiazuma. We can't afford to take our eyes off grand sumo from here on.