Japan’s sumo association yesterday dismissed a 25-year-old wrestler after he was arrested for allegedly possessing a small amount of marijuana in a widening scandal that has rocked the traditional sport.
Police last Friday arrested Shinichi Suzukawa, whose ring name is Wakakirin, after 16g of cannabis was found in an office he was in. He was with a musician who was also arrested.
Wakakirin, a 25-year-old hiphop fan, is the first Japanese wrestler to be arrested on accusations of marijuana possession. He was arrested in the Tokyo nightlife district of Roppongi, police said.
The Japan Sumo Association decided at a meeting yesterday to dismiss Wakakirin and demote his stable master, Oguruma, association head Musashigawa told reporters.
Wakakirin admitted to using the drug for recreational purposes, reportedly saying that he mixed the leaves in cigars. He submitted a letter of resignation shortly after his arrest.
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