Rikishi dress code during the occupation

[rokudenashi 298]

I was watching footage of the 1947 June tournament last night and noticed something interesting (to me, at least) - the top rikishi at the time all made their entrances into the venue in western-style clothing, wearing their hair in a very loose mage, if you can even call it that. The footage is behind the NSK's paywall so I have provided a few screenshots below. It makes sense for them to be dressing this way given the political situation of the time, but nonetheless quite jarring to see.

Does anyone have more information about this, and perhaps any similar practices that were imposed upon Ōzumō during the occupation? Thanks in advance.

Futabayama (Tokitsukaze-oyakata at this point):

Azumafuji:

Maedayama:


Haguroyama:

Chiyonoyama:

[Yamanashi 3,788]

I'm out of reactions for the day, but I owe you a double-thanks.  This is fascinating!

[Seiyashi 4,072]

It's probably also worth noting that rikishi of that time, while large compared to the average citizen, weren't as disproportionately so compared to today. Even while active, they'd at worst look like Hakuho does now in a suit - which is pretty damn good. On the other hand, imagine Orora, Yamamotoyama, or Konishiki in a suit...

[Yamanashi 3,788]

Looking at these pictures, the sekitori are so much more burly than the average citizen.  They remind me of the Yakuza thugs from 1950's Kurosawa films, which is unfortunate.

[Tigerboy1966 1,417]

Some good examples of "big man" fashion here. Ex-Futabayama opts for the double-breasted jacket, which is always a good option, whilst Haguroyama wisely goes for the high waisted look.

But it's a fail for Azumafuji, whose dinky necktie gives up half way down his chest. That's not a good look for a man with a big belly.

[Yamanashi 3,788]

7 hours ago, Tigerboy1966 said:

But it's a fail for Azumafuji, whose dinky necktie gives up half way down his chest. That's not a good look for a man with a big belly

Like "everyone has an Uncle" whose wife jabs him in the side and whispers "I told you not to unbutton your coat!"

[Rocks 1,807]

On 07/12/2021 at 03:33, Tigerboy1966 said:

Some good examples of "big man" fashion here. Ex-Futabayama opts for the double-breasted jacket, which is always a good option, whilst Haguroyama wisely goes for the high waisted look.

But it's a fail for Azumafuji, whose dinky necktie gives up half way down his chest. That's not a good look for a man with a big belly.

Very Lou Costello.  This was during the first years of the occupation. Makes you wonder if they opted for suits to avoid being seen in traditional dress and avoid having that seem like  a statement about the occupation.