Former sumo wrestler Takagenji is seen in Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan arena on May 24, 2019. (Mainichi/Kota Yoshida)

       TOKYO -- Papers on former sumo wrestler Takagenji were sent to prosecutors on Sept. 3 on suspicion of violating the Cannabis Control Act by possessing marijuana, the Mainichi Shimbun has learned from a source close to the investigation.

       Takagenji, 24, whose real name is Satoshi Kamiyama, was dismissed on disciplinary grounds by the Japan Sumo Association for allegedly smoking marijuana during the July Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, when he was in the second division of juryo.

       The Metropolitan Police Department's organized crime division sent the papers over alleged possession on July 20 of 0.184 grams of a plant-substance containing cannabis at his apartment in Tokyo's Itabashi Ward, where he lives alone. A water pipe apparently used for smoking was also found in the room.

       According to the source, Takagenji has admitted to the allegations, and was quoted as saying: "I acknowledge that the ash is from marijuana I smoked." He also reportedly told police he bought cannabis via Twitter and other means between April and June, and smoked several times at home. He reportedly began using cannabis oil about a year ago to "ease tension before and during tournaments," and obtained the water pipe he was using in February this year.

       The Japan Sumo Association began an investigation after discovering that rumors that Takagenji might be using marijuana were spreading among wrestlers during the July Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament. A urine test was positive, and Takagenji admitted he had "smoked a cigarette containing cannabis during the Nagoya tournament." The association then dismissed him on disciplinary grounds.

       (Japanese original by Nana Hayashida, Tokyo City News Department)

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