Midori Fujishi (29, Isegahama stable), ranked West Juryo No. 10, earned his first victory since returning to the ring after missing the entire spring tournament due to heart failure. On the second day of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, he defeated Juryo No. 9 Kayo (26, Nakamura stable) by yoritaoshi (frontal push down). While reflecting on his performance, Fujishi admitted, “I couldn’t press the attack. I felt like I was being left behind and my footwork wasn’t there,” but still expressed joy at the win.
Fujishi had traveled to Osaka for the spring tournament’s rankings announcement, but experienced severe breathing difficulties. Medical examinations later diagnosed him with heart failure. “I was shocked myself. On that day, I thought I was going to die,” he recalled. Currently, he continues to compete while taking about six types of medication. Doctors advised him to aim for a return around the July Nagoya tournament, but he said, “I’d lose my salary,” and gradually managed to get back into physical activity. However, his blood pressure remains high at 220, and he is not yet fully recovered.
Meanwhile, Fujishi noted that his weight, which had dropped by about 10 kilograms, is slowly coming back. During media interviews, his expression was subdued despite the win, but he lightened the mood by saying, “I’m happy in my own way. I’m not the type to shout ‘Yoshah!’ and celebrate loudly,” drawing smiles from reporters.
