Former maegashira 9 Akinoshu of Izutsu beya and former maegashira 11 Tochinofuji of Kasugano beya have both decided to retire, although both are still ranked on the banzuke in January. Tochinofuji, 31, who appeared very briefly in makunouchi in two basho in 1993, actually had kachi-koshi in November, but still decided to retire in order to become wakaimonogashira. Akinoshu had not participated in sumo since last year's Haru Basho due to the heart attack he suffered in the Haru jungyo. He was intending to return to the dohyo after recovering, but in the end must have found that it was impossible. A very regrettable end to a career, but at least he's still alive. Akinoshu plans to open a chanko restaurant in Tokyo.
News courtesy of Sumo World magazine (who BTW still badly needs that proof reader)
Magunoyama