Hakuho's EPIC retirement ceremony

I challenge you to find a video on the web that captures the mood and themes of Hakuho's retirement event anywhere near as well as this!

[@FeydTheRonin]

"If this had occurred in pre-internet times, we'd all ask if such a man did exist..." Extremely true. The return from injury to a perfect tournament at the end of a legendary career. 100% a living legend and I'm glad I got into sumo in time to see his last few years. Every tournament has felt different without him. Hakuho doesn't have to go on without sumo. Sumo now has to go on without Hakuho.

[@LauraJdogmom]

Hopefully he will be training up outstanding rikishi for decades to come.

[@anitastafford6617]

Really, I'm 57 and I've been watching sumo all my life. We watched sumo via satellite and saw all the tournaments when I was a teen. Earlier, sumo used to come on Wide world of sports. Just the san'yaku matches, mind you, but it was definitely enough for sports fans to know who the Yokozuna. Pre-internet times we still had television and people with satellite television had sumo watch parties. We did. I was a very sick kid and getting to have a watch party for the basho was great. It made all the treatments and pain worth it.

[@user-ov7ci8tp8v]

Harumafuji’s snip, and kiss on the cheek, mirroring what hakuho did at his retirement ceremony, was a moment unlike any other in time.

[@ladygardener_3171]

So Excellent‼️ 💝

[@Ptownmarc]

I actually cried! I'm a 40 Yr old man and that's the bit that got me.

[@tpt8476]

the audience saw a glimpse of a bond of 2 great wrestlers, closer than that between brothers.

[@aage3060]

​@@Ptownmarc are they gays?

[@TerryDBlack]

@@aage3060 are you six years old?

[@Off_Brand_Mex]

I wish I could've watched more of him in his prime

[@ruutjormun2262]

I'm just glad i saw his ferocious ending

[@nullclass0813]

Same. I got into Sumo January of 2020.

[@sralf1]

You can, Just search it

[@Off_Brand_Mex]

@@sralf1 I mean as it happened, but I get what you're saying

[@plurplursen7172]

Binge his 63 consecutive win record against top Sumo players in the world. In those 63 fights, he only got a little dirt on his shoulder one time, otherwise flawless.

[@LucidFlameX]

Was getting anxious waiting for this one. Heh. We are celebrating a career for whom "legendary" feels paltry as a descriptor, and yet it feels bittersweet, and the man doesn't even know I exist. I'll say it anyway. Thank you, Hakuho. I am glad I got to witness at least some portion of a once-in-a-lifetime career. Thank you as well, Chris, for bringing it to us.

[@juniyananajukyu]

I'm glad to say I've seen him wrestle live at the kokugikan and get the yusho! I was also able to see him during the award ceremony. It deserving that so many dignitaries came out to send the off the Yokozuna. He is definitely the GOAT! Arigatou Yokozuna!

[@DeformCreativity]

I cried a little... that was just... a huge moment! wow! Thanks Chris..

[@janellek21]

What an amazing event! I'm glad you were able to be a part of it, Chris. Hakuho is the GOAT, without doubt. His 45 yusho is a record that is likely to never be broken. His ceremony was the most grandiose I've seen, and very befitting someone who accomplished what he did.

[@andrewjames1719]

Why Japanese did not get up for Mongolian Anthem ?

[@aaronlopez492]

Hakuho the Great. I may not see another like him in my lifetime. He had skill, charisma, technique, and a tremendous ability to observe his opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Hakuho the Great.

[@caraouellette8605]

Thank you for giving us a window into this event, what an incredible thing it must have been to see in person

[@rahmanzulkifli4063]

Another video on his retirement please ❤️ this is the official end on an Era

[@mkk2010]

He is the reason I started following and watching Sumo a few years ago

[@jspaingreene6350]

Chris - I'm so excited to see your coverage. The pageantry of Hakuho's retirement and you explaining... so wonderful. I love that you talked about how Mongolia was represented, about the kabuki performed, the representation of his stable and the top tier, and people like Gackt being able to participate and how they did it. WHEW!!! That's a lot!!! But you never do things by halves, and I deeply appreciate it.

[@txemanovelo]

What an honor to start watching this sport in Hakuho’s time, greatest of all Sumo fighters!

[@CarlosSantos-fs6jn]

Incredible, I feel honoured to have lived during the time the greatest Sumo wrestler was fighting in the dohyo. What a spectacular sumo record he held. My only wish is to one day be able to see the next Hakuho emerge. Thank you so much, Chris, for documenting this historic slice of sumo history.

[@RetroYoungen]

Thank you so much for this content, it’s an incredible spectacle to see Hakuho finally cut his top knot. (Though… Steven Segal? That was weird to see.) Thanks again for your hard work, it’s well appreciated as always!

[@TerriblyNice_Not]

The absolute state of Steven Segal :D He must have paid his last few dollars for that :D:D

[@highviewbarbell]

@@TerriblyNice_Not to be fair i would have too if I had the opportunity

[@WhatAboutTheBee]

Steven Segal was filmed in russia stating that Ukrainian POW were struck by GMLRS missiles. Not only is that a ridiculous lie, Segal has zero expertise for the topic. He is a useful idiot for russian propaganda. I no longer care what that fat actor does or says, other than to insure that he reaps the rewards for his perfidity.

[@malapertfourohfour2112]

@@highviewbarbell m o o d

[@sophiko-lagvilava]

To see this disgusting person in this memorable and excellent video was completely unexpected. Why did Chris include him here, why? People like Segal choose events like this, pay lots of money for advertising themself and say that I'm a cool guy.

[@OnionAddiction]

Been waiting for this. Knew you'd never miss such event. Thank you, Chris!

[@lpshy9337]

You speak for a lot of us in that statement.

[@nem3732]

It was really unfortunate and disappointing that Asashoryu wasn't able to attend to cut Hakuho's hair. His greatest rival and friend. Instead we got someone like Steven Seagal to have the privilege to cut the hair of one of the greatest Yokozuna of all time.

[@barath4545]

Do we know if they were friends off the dohyo, and after Asa retired? But yes, it sucked massively that Asa was not there :(

[@snakeplissken7671]

@@barath4545 Hakuho and Asashoryu grew up together. They were friends and remained friends even after Asashoryu retired. I think Asashoryu is one of the big reasons Hakuho decided to go in to sumo as well. He went first and was successful.

[@rektl2036]

Lol steven paid good money for that opportunity. I chuckled at "martial artist" tag

[@compellingpeople]

Steven is a joke

[@GrimaldiJ]

Let's not crap on Seagal! He's a bit of a joke now, but he was a big star in the past, and he has always been a big fan and supporter of the martial arts community. I'm surprised he's a big enough sumo fan to pay the price to snip hair, but if he's a fan and has the money, I'm glad he was there!

[@aa7988]

From the video excerpts I have seen that whatever Harumafuji said to him he wasn't able to contain himself and bursted into tears. He is such an emotional giant.

[@PNL_Hiro]

“I am proud to have fought on the same dohyo as you”

[@ibetthisisnttakenyet]

Quite simply the greatest athlete of all time. Total dominance of a sport where the margins for success are no wider than a razor.

[@user-vt2xv6kp3w]

Greatest of all, really warms my heart every time I see him smile. Genuine and pure soul, ascends time.

[@brucer2152]

So glad i found sumo before the GOAT retired. What an amazing man.

[@jamiedildine1785]

I rediscovered sumo JUST in time to watch his final tournament. I can’t help but feel angry with myself for not having found it sooner so I could’ve seen more of his sumo live. 😔

[@AmsterdamHeavy]

End of a era.

[@JD-gj2rj]

I was blessed to watch him for about 5 years. He made me a SUMO fan for life! I will always remember him as the GOAT!

[@zworm2]

The Best on The GOAT! Thanks Chris, Hakuho - Magnificent always.

[@djdrocco]

Gackt! Totally called it as soon as he started singing. Thanks for this coverage, Chris.

[@Rush-uo2sx]

G.O.A.T. of sumo " yokozuna hakuho "💐💐💐 Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@خالدعبدالله-ث6س1ل]

He is really legend.. One of the best fighter In somo history. 🎉

[@DanielGonzalez-mx2lq]

The harumafuji moment of the ceremony was the most emotive and is miss here, anyway, great work.

[@floppylucario9761]

Thank you Chris for covering such a momentous occasion for sumo fans around the world. Hakuho will forever be remember for his performances and unyielding grit and determination on the dohyo. But now as the era of hakuho the rikishi has now passed, I am hopeful to see what he does as coach miyagino.

[@ColumbiaB]

Any particular reason you’re “not hopeful”?

[@floppylucario9761]

@@ColumbiaB my apologies that was a typo

[@MDK2_Radio]

Simply amazing. We’ll not see his like again in our lifetime, I think.

[@Ric_Vicious]

Glad that I picked up Sumo, when I did. MY START was Hakuho's last basho, almost 2 years ago, this coming March. I didn't TRULY realize what I was witnessing then, as I do now. I just thought that this "Hakuho" dude was a bit of a badass. Lol, NOW, I realize that being a badass hardly scratches the surface of Hak-man's greatness! I thank the Sumo Gods that I got to witness him live, with my own eyes. Here's to Hakuho, THE G.O.A.T.!!! 🐐 🥃

[@rektl2036]

As muxh as people used to hate on his golden elbow/ forearm smash, i really low how even if everyone knows it, you are still going down to it.

[@freakglitcha8390]

The video I've been waiting for. The definitive coverage of the event!

[@nomadr1349]

What a fantastic, heartwarming reporting! Thank you Chris! Can't believe I have lived through all of his professional career and that it is over now. Guess I can think myself happy having witnessed it...

[@s6a5m5m3c7c]

This is a wonderful video, Chris. You have done a great thing with this channel. Your videos are not only invaluable documentation, but masterful examples of journalistic coverage. You are among a pantheon of sports journalists.

[@evanhancock4657]

I’ve been so looking forward to this video! Glad I became a sumo fan in time to see the last few acts of the Hakuho story.

[@mythoughtsonblank5769]

Thanks for your constant hard work and for sharing this content with us. Much obliged

[@RealSpaceHobo]

How did I miss this?!...started the day with Shozan's retirement which had me in tears. Hakuho's on the other hand left me speechless....and made my day! Nothing compares to Sumo - nothing!!!....🙂

[@jeffscheurkogel]

Fair well Hakuho. A man as great as you only comes around once in a century.

[@Beos_Valrah]

Asashoryu disagrees with your comment

[@jeffscheurkogel]

@@Beos_Valrah He certainly made his mark as well.

[@khalefmahdy1653]

I'm very happy and proud to witness this occasion for Hakuho's retirement. It was my last class of secondary school when I started watching Sumo Tournaments, the incredible thing that happened is when NHK World Channel releases the Basho is the late night in my country (0:30 AM) local time, but I was happy to wait to watch Sumo Wrestling. But today it is easy to watch on Sumo every time I want in KZbin. That was my story in this amazing Sumo event. Hakuho, we will miss your spirit fighting. Thank you Grand Sumo.

[@vanee657]

Thank you for enjoyable Sumo! His son desires a live outside Sumo and we hope for his best. The effort to honor his father he showed in the final match was beautiful.

[@exoterric]

Thanks for this Chris. I'm so happy I got to watch the last few years of Hakuho

[@gerrywowiling1454]

now we wait 22 years to see Kanreki dohyo-iri from Hakuho

[@andrewcomments5812]

Still in awe of Chiyonofuji performing his while he was nearing death's door. He still looked great, all things considered.

[@paedgr]

Thanks Chris for your coverage of this and your dedication to this wonderful sport.

[@ultragrimx8993]

This is truly sad to see for me. I first started watching when he became Yokozuna. His reign on top was truly legendary

[@rahmanzulkifli4063]

Hoshoryu the next Mongolian Star

[@robinb312]

Tears in my eyes. Wished I could have been there. Thank you so much for giving us an inside feel of this historic moment.

[@Maplenr]

And so goes the greatest of us all, that who we should strive to become. The most dominant athlete in recent memory and possibly ever to live, unrivaled and unparalleled. We will never see his like again. Rest now, Hakuho. Miyagino, may you rise.

[@kedevash]

We have been lucky to watch him fight. His legend will go for ages. One of my best life moment was when i was able to meet him and talk to him after keiko in January 2016. These 5 minutes are nothing for him. But they mean so much for him.

[@sharwasharwa2689]

We Mongolians are very grateful for Monkhbat Davaajargal's historic success in Japanese sumo wrestling and set a record of winning 45 tournaments... We accept this as a good example of the Mongolian people's patience and wisdom to the world... Thank you very much to the people of Japan who warmly welcome and support our Mongolians... I am very happy that Mongolians have come to understand better that we are very close people if we have a common race... greetings to all of you who support sumo wrestling on KZbin..👏👏👏.😍❤💙❤✌✌✌

[@jgphoto2006]

Wonderfully and thoughtfully narrated Chris, thank you! That was well said of his son. If his son chose to sumo, SURELY the expectations placed on him would be massive. There will likely never be another Hakuho, not in our lifetimes anyway. Looking forward to seeing what his stable will produce!

[@Rearmostbean]

Thanks Chris. This must have been a total thrill. Congratulations on being there and thank you for sharing with us. Wow

[@ArthurCrimson]

The lady at 1:06 caught my eye as it seems like she’s holding Takakeisho’s head from this angle, lol. The GOAT shall bring us many champions as an oyakata, sumo’s future is bright!

[@Redman147]

One would try and use Legendary as a word to describe Hakuho Sho and his career as a Rikishi and Yokozuna, but I think his name suffices on it's own. Those who know about him, witnessed him, and will hear about him, will all know the name. Hakuho

[@Attunga742]

For people who haven't seen other videos of the event, it wasn't just about the money though this is the main reason for these events and its good to hear from Chris how it all works. But much more than that it was an emotional occasion - Hakuho was fighting back the tears on more than one occasion.

[@the.Aruarian]

I was eagerly awaiting your take on this, Chris.

[@lol1808]

C’était un honneur de le voir combattre et porter le sumo à ce niveau d’excellence

[@PapaBear816]

I'm not going to ignore Fing Steven Seagal got to snip Hakuho's hair.. like WHAT THE ACTUAL F**K?! Do we need to go over the list of atrocities that man has to his name.. and he took part in this?!

[@sailorgabbie]

I'm with you. Out of respect for Chris I'm not saying what's really on my mind. Anyone here can certainly read up on Seagal's nefarious life and activities.

[@MarsofAritia]

Japan doesn't care

[@mattrodriguez6130]

As an American who just started watching g sumo a few years ago, I'm a bit sad that I only got to bear witness to the tail end of an illustrious career. But man, in spite of that, am I grateful. Grateful that I got to see that last glorious chapter of the greatest Yokozuna to ever do it. It's going to be a long, long time before we ever see someone reach the heights that this man did.

[@bryanneo9348]

Why did Asashoryu not attend?

[@MrFrescocotone]

Thanks for covering the event so well

[@SpaceStormy]

Thank you, Chris. Wonderful to see the bittersweet joy of this day firsthand

[@patbhukkanasut7772]

The greatest of all time ❤

[@Headhunter_212]

Thanks for bringing this to us. I knew zero about Sumo and Hakuho before I find this channel. What a singular athlete.

[@MicrophoneAssassin13]

Chris, thank you - it was very special to be able to witness this, especially with the commentary and context.

[@daviddjerassi]

THANK YOU ...What an amazing Man this is a video to keep for all time I am honored to see this .

[@ArminEghdamiDrums]

Wow! Truely a masterpiece of a video Chris. The music, the commentary the great footage, together really was moving. A video that truely gave justice to the greatest ever. Thank you!

[@amphimixis]

Thank you Chris for this amazing coverage and editorial!

[@greimann]

Thank you for bringing this extraordinary event to our screens!

[@qNa87]

Cant wait for someone to make a film about his legacy. Thank you Chris for covering.

[@donbrown2391]

What a privileges to have watched him for many years. He is indeed the GOAT.

[@Qu33n0fK1ng5]

Thank you, Chris, for this coverage & your words. I'm typing this with tears in my eyes. It's hard to believe that sumo goes on without Hakuho but go on it must.

[@beastydre200]

Legend among men.

[@helston7262]

Didn't like seeing mostly only Mongolians standing for their national anthem if that is what that clip is from. I'd have stood out of respect 😅

[@Ric_Vicious]

That's what I thought too, actually, lol.

[@adithyaavadhani]

Fantastic coverage as usual, Chris! Thank you!

[@korev170]

I entered sumo at the hight of the hawain era. Saw the rise and legend of Hakuho. Reporting on this event as only you can do. Many, many thanks, Chris

[@GandharKulkarni2000]

5:50 the beginning of Mecha Enho

[@davidnemoseck9007]

Was continuously worried when this was going to happen, and ended up missing it. LOL. Great video. Have to admit, I got a little emotional watching this, so again, great job in how you put it together. Will miss seeing him in the tournament.

[@JorgeLourenco000]

I´m crying, sad to watch

[@bernhardemanon9293]

Dieser respektvolle Umgang beim Sumo u. auch anderswo in Japan, ist für mich etwas besonderes, ein Vorbild. Dank für die Erkläruingen.

[@R.J._Lewis]

I have to say, I really value your sumo storytelling Chris. I missed it this last tournament. I'm not begrudging you the ability to change, just saying that what you've done so far is appreciated.

[@picture1man]

I remember my first years of watching sumo, in the days of Akebono, Musashimaru, Takanohana, Kaio and others. Sumo had burst into international fame and, like many others watching from afar, this quaint and irresistible Japanese tradition made me deliciously curious. The short but extremely intense fights left me wanting more; the nimbleness of the often colossal rikishi defied my belief; the complex array of techniques blew me out of the water; I was awed by the respectful and often humble attitudes both on and off the dohyo; and last but not least, the sheer amount of history, culture and ritual surrounding this sport gave it a mythical aura. I was hooked. Enter Hakuho, pulverizing record after record, dominating even in absence, raising the sport to heights yet unknown; bringing untold joy and goosebumps to sumo fans around the world. And Chris brought it all to us with characteristic elegance, eloquent insights and great love for the sport. I am humbled to have lived to witness the age of the greatest Yokozuna and of the best sumo reporter I could have wished for. My head is bowed in gratitude, hontou ni arigatou.

[@patanouketgersiflet9486]

Great stuff. I thought the ceremony had occured long ago. Thanks for uploading this and the rest. Hakuho's presence inside the dohyo is dearly missed, but this ceremony surely did him justice.

[@sissoft]

Thank you for sharing this Chris! I was really looking forward to this video!

[@fumikaoda]

I used to watch him few times he's pretty good and sometimes aggressive it's pretty entertaining. Congratulations on his retirement may he living his best life ahead.

[@sfburrito]

Outstanding report. You're truly the number one Chris.

[@hwafan29]

Wonderful insight and video. You really captured the life and history of this moment.

[@ManLikeKitch]

Looking forward to his stable's bright future. Will miss the topknot, but it's nice to see him with a normal haircut after all these years.

[@vitoron6055]

Thank you Chris from Germany for this awsome video.

[@BetoPunK]

I will miss hakuho, an excellent rikishi! Thank you for sharing this, chris!

[@Molders32]

The most expensive haircut in history?

[@GandharKulkarni2000]

The funniest thing is that my friend got me into sumo in November of 2021. The thing is, he didn't know who hakuho was, only tochinoshin. I got into sumo over the next month, and I realised midway through 2022 that I started watching sumo less than a week after the end of the era of THE MOST PROLIFIC YOKOZUNA OF ALL TIME!!!??? talk about bad luck. That being said, I feel that I don't understand the magnitude of his retirement even now, maybe in a few years I will understand. I just hope that someone has taped the entire ceremony somewhere, so I can watch it...

[@maplecote]

A true champion. Thank you

[@vinkovinko9605]

Honor and glory to sumo legend! Thank you.

[@barbeonline351]

Chris, Regarding the challenge you issue in the video's Description, that was the comment I intended to leave until I saw you had already taken that hill. I hope YT gives this video appropriate respect within its godly algorithm.

[@Nickxis]

he is so cool, the GOAT

[@banaabekwegirl5731]

Hakuho is forever Hakuho (no one can take that from him, since he changed his legal name when he got his Japanese citizenship). Thanks for a very well-done video on his retirement.

[@Ghurdill]

Few people understand what it means to witness the absolute best a sport will ever have. Because that is what Hakuho was, both in terms of quantity, and in quality, as none other than him defeated such quality opponents on a consistant basis and for so long.

[@remusspanu5225]

Man, that foot stamp gave me goose bumps! I'm so happy I got to see him live. On other note: no Asashoryu? Kakuryu?

[@barath4545]

Kak was there, he was in the full video.

[@yoonjeongsoo9378]

what a beautiful tribute

[@Bussipysakillah]

I remember, when he was first promoted to yokozuna and chose to perform his dohyo-iri in the lesser used shiranui style, how people were guessing if that might bring him bad luck as some previous yokozunas doing the same had not had long careers. Watching him doing it for the last time, at least with a full oichomage, takes me back. What an era, what a wrestler.