Ending an 18 year's career as a professional wrestler, Grand Champion Minanogawa who led the West Camp in the spring tournament, concluded on January 25th, has finally tendered his resignation to the Sumo Association. His resignation was duly accepted at the officials' meeting. He will retain the name of Minanogawa as a retired senior wrestler - a term given to wrestlers who retire after performing in the makuuchi class.
    The reason given for his resignation is that he has been suffering from neuralgia in his old age. Of course, the real reason for his retirement is because of his mediocre showing during the past few years. His record of only nine victories during the recent tournament is not a creditable performance for a Grand Champion.
    This colourful, giant wrestler who stands 6 ft. 3 in. in height weighs 330 lb. has been quite popular because of his enormous size and the fans really enjoy seeing him in the ring. He is so strong that sometimes he would shove his opponent out of the ring with one push. At other times, he would hit the dirt in an awkward manner, falling prey to weak wrestlers. His real name is Tomojiro Sakata, a native of Ibaragi Prefecture, and he is forty years old. He first joined professional wrestling in 1924 and became Grand Champion in 1936.
    In his youth, he was engaged in the tile business but gave it up for wrestling. Two years ago, feeling that he was not sufficiently educated, he enrolled at the Special Department of Waseda University. Wearing a university cap, he was popularly known as "College Boy Grand Champion." He once owned a Datsun car and pleased the crowd by driving it around in the streets. Last year, just before the tournament, he trained by riding a bicycle. But now the fans will see no more of this over-grown wrestler in action.