Japan Sumo Association Chairman Kitanoumi said Oct. 2 the association plans to dismiss stable master Tokitsukaze (pictured) over the death of one of his junior wrestlers apparently from hazing.

Tokitsukaza KYODO PHOTO

Dismissal "could not be helped," Kitanoumi said. "We could not take a step that is more lenient."

The decision was made after the association questioned Tokitsukaze the previous day about the death in June of Tokitaizan, 17, who is believed to have been severely beaten and kicked by several senior wrestlers at the stable.

Tokitsukaze himself has admitted to striking Tokitaizan, whose real name was Takashi Saito, on the forehead with a beer bottle the day before his death.

Police are working to build a criminal case against the stable master and some of his senior wrestlers on suspicion of inflicting injuries resulting in Tokitaizan's death.