Sumo fans may see fewer wrestlers at the next tournament — if they see a tournament at all.
In response to allegations that some sumo wrestlers have been involved in illegal, gang-organized gambling, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology directed the Nihon Sumo Kyokai (Japan sumo association) to set up an investigation committee. It will look at who engaged in illegal gambling and whether they should be allowed to compete at the upcoming Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, which starts on July 11.

In addition, Yuichi Sato, a spokesman for the sports ministry, said there’s a “possibility” that the tournament will be canceled altogether, echoing rumors floating in Japanese media.



Sumo grand champion “Yokozuna” Hakuho of Mongolia, wearing a ceremonial belly band, performs a ring-entering ritual.

Sixty-five wrestlers admitted they have gambled, including 29 who bet on baseball games. Gambling outside the scope of entertainment is illegal in Japan.

The sumo association, which is supervised by the sports ministry, initially said it would not ban the wrestlers from competing at Nagoya because of pending police investigations, Mr. Sato said.

“We thought the association could make more information available by showing how many of them are on what ranks or how much money is involved in their gambling, even if the names of wrestlers cannot be released,” he said. “The decision to let them compete on the Nagoya tournament should be considered after that is examined. People would not understand if the association allows 65 wrestlers fight on the tournament without saying who they are.”

Mr. Sato added: “As a public entity, it is inappropriate for the sumo association to have links with the organized crime groups even if those are at the level of individual wrestlers.”

Japanese media named some of the confessed gamblers, though the sumo association declined to. It said it will announce the members of the investigation today, which will include people outside the association.

The sumo association is in a difficult position, however, since it plans to announce the wrestlers competing at the next tournament on June 28. If it excludes the gamblers, their names will be notably absent.