“Shitaku beya”—Where “Rikishi” and the Media Meet

A shitaku beya at the Kuramae Kokugikan, where Tokyo tournaments were held until 1984. (© Jiji)

A grim-faced yokozuna Kisenosato, returning to the shitaku beya after his second consecutive loss on day two of the January 2019 tournament, with his attendant holding off the press. Two days later, Kisenosato announced his retirement. (© Jiji)

The shitaku beya are equipped with television monitors relaying the NHK live broadcasts. Back in the dressing room after his match, ōzeki Dejima (now oyakata, stable master, Ōnaruto) watches the action with reporters including the author, at front row center. (© Nagayama Satoshi)

Mitakeumi, winner of the 2018 summer tournament, notched the first tournament championship for the Dewanoumi stable in 38 years and was the first title-taker to hail from Nagano Prefecture. (© Jiji)

Yokozuna Hakuhō, after losing a match to Gōeidō on the twelfth day of the May 2015 tournament. Hakuhō sits with his back to reporters, unwilling to be interviewed. (© Kyōdō)

On the first day of the May 1991 tournament, Takahanada (later Takanohana) faces the press in the shitaku beya after downing yokozuna Chiyonofuji. At the age of 18, he was the youngest wrestler ever to defeat a yokozuna, but even so he remained tight-lipped and expressionless throughout the interview. (© Jiji)

Asashōryū in a jovial mood at the 2003 September basho, after winning his fourth grand tournament championship. (© Kyōdō)

Reporting from the mixed zone at the March 2020 tournament. (© Nagayama Satoshi)

At the 2023 May tournament, a mixed zone was set up for the first time for a tournament taking place in Tokyo. Asanoyama, marking a win on the first day after returning to the top ranks, speaks with the media. (© Nagayama Satoshi)