New Year tournament, Sadanofuji's mawashi loosened twice, a rare occurrence. Sadanofuji urged fellow maegashira Yoshikaze to assist in the second retightening effort. Later, in the fight between Tokitenkū and Shōtenrō on the ninth day, which was held on January 20, Shōtenrō's mawashi also loosened twice. 18: The Japan Sumo Association announces an election to decide candidates for directors and deputy directors for the Association's transition to a public interest incorporated foundation. Former sekiwake Daijuyama is appointed chairman of the election administration committee. 21: Former sekiwake Kotonishiki announces that he will change his elder name to "Nakamura" and move from the Sadogatake stable to the Oguruma stable. On the 10th day of the New Year tournament, Kyokutenhō becomes the oldest active wrestler in post-war history at 39 years and four months old. He also holds the third highest amount of appearances at 1,731. 25: Former jūryō announces his retirement. 26: Former maegashira Kimurayama announces his retirement and adopts the elder name "Iwatomo". Chiyomaru wins the jūryō championship. His younger brother Chiyoōtori was the previous jūryō champion, making them the first pair of brothers to win consecutive championships. Terunofuji comes second to Chiyomaru with a score of 12-3 at the top jūryō rank, assuring his makuuchi debut in March. Ōzeki Kisenosato withdraws for the first time in his career due to an injury to his right big toe, ending his consecutive appearance streak at 953. Hakuhō wins his 28th makuuchi championship with a playoff victory against Kakuryū, after both men finish with identical 14–1 records. 27: The Cabinet Office announces that the Japan Sumo Association will be certified as a public interest incorporated foundation the following day. 30: The Japan Sumo Association approves the establishment of the Asakayama stable and a change of stablemaster at the Dewanoumi stable. February 1: Former ōzeki Miyabiyama's retirement ceremony is held at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan. 8: Former ōzeki Baruto's retirement ceremony is held at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan. 14: The Japan Sumo Association approves the introduction of Nihon University amateur yokozuna Shōgo Kawabata as a makushita tsukedashi. March 20: On the 12th day of the spring tournament, Kyokutenhō, at 39 years and six months old, achieves a winning record, becoming the oldest makuuchi wrestler to do so since the establishment of six annual tournaments. Former ōzeki Kotoōshū announces his retirement after posting nine consecutive losses in the spring tournament as sekiwake. 23: Kakuryū defeats Kotoshōgiku on the