Takanohana (left) and Masaru Hanada walk to their father Futagoyama's tomb at a Tokyo temple July 3.

Hanada, who has severed his ties with professional sumo and is currently known as sports commentator, said through his lawyer July 4 he would waive the inheritance.

Not having succeeded to the Futagoyama stable, Hanada had apparently agreed to waive the bequeathal after discussing the issue with his father while he was still alive.

Takanohana, now a sumo elder, was annoyed with Hanada for informing the media of his decision to rescind before talking about the matter privately and described his behavior as "inexplicable."

"This is an issue to be discussed between the parties involved, but he did not contact me about it," Takanohana said.

Futagoyama's death May 30 led to the exposure of a rift between Hanada and Takanohana, who has reportedly differed with Hanada over a wide range of issues, from sumo philosophy to cancer treatment and funeral arrangements for Futagoyama.

The Japan Times Weekly: July 9, 2005
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