World · East Asia & Pacific · 3 hrs ago
Former sumo wrestler arrested over alleged assault in Fukui
Fukui police arrested former sumo wrestler Takagenji and two other men over a July assault in Fukui city.
Police suspect Takagenji and a 45-year-old man punched a stranger in his 40s after an argument on a street in the city’s Katamachi nightlife district.
The alleged victim suffered a fractured skull and other injuries, and was briefly unconscious.
Police suspect a 60-year-old gang leader helped the 45-year-old man evade authorities after the assault.
The three men are believed to know one another, and police say they had been drinking with others before the incident.
Takagenji, whose real name is Ken Ueyama, was dismissed by the Japan Sumo Association in 2021 after using cannabis while competing in the second-highest division.
Police have not disclosed whether the three men deny the allegations.
Fukui police arrested former sumo wrestler Takagenji and another man on suspicion of assaulting a man in Fukui City.
The alleged assault took place on July 24, after an argument with an unacquainted man in his 40s.
The man suffered a skull fracture and other injuries and was treated for about three months.
Police also arrested a 60-year-old alleged yakuza group leader on suspicion of helping the second suspect flee.
Police have not disclosed whether the three suspects admit the allegations.
- Who
- Former sumo wrestler Takagenji, whose legal name is Ken Ueyama, and Rikiya Kagawa were arrested on suspicion of assault. A 60-year-old alleged yakuza group leader, Toshifumi Nosaka, was also arrested.
- What
- Ueyama and Kagawa are suspected of assaulting a man. Nosaka is suspected of helping Kagawa evade arrest.
- When
- The alleged assault occurred on July 24. The arrests were announced on October 28, 2026.
- Where
- On a street in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture.
- Why
- The two men allegedly assaulted the victim after an argument. The reason for the argument is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Ueyama and Kagawa allegedly assaulted a man in Fukui City after an argument.
Nosaka allegedly helped Kagawa flee by taking him into a nearby building.
Ueyama was arrested, according to Fukui Shimbun.
Kagawa was arrested, according to Fukui Shimbun.
Police announced the arrests and reported that Nosaka had also been arrested.
- Suspect
- Ken Ueyama, 29, formerly known as sumo wrestler Takagenji
- Second suspect
- Rikiya Kagawa, 45
- Alleged victim
- Unacquainted man in his 40s from Fukui City
- Injuries
- Skull fracture and other injuries; about three months to recover
- Third suspect
- Toshifumi Nosaka, 60, an alleged Yamaguchi-gumi-affiliated group leader
- Alleged incident location
- Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture