On June 26, 2007, Tokitaizan, a 17-year-old wrestler in the lowest division of professional sumo, was reported to have died during morning practice at the Tokitsukaze stable. His death was first given as acute heart failure. Bunshun later reported that the stablemaster himself had struck him with a beer bottle.
The Japan Sumo Association dismissed the stablemaster. It found that, as master, he had failed to keep his stable safe and had gravely damaged the association’s trust and honor.