SAKURA Law Office is pleased to report that our Managing Partner, Kenshiro Michishita, has been appointed Chief Director (Hitto Riji) of the Osaka Takasago-beya Supporters’ Association. Mr. Michishita has until now supported the activities of Takasago stable as a director of the association, and has now taken on the new role of Chief Director. Going forward, he will work in even closer cooperation with the chairperson, vice chairpersons and directors, as well as all others concerned, and will sincerely fulfill his responsibilities toward the development of the stable and the preservation of the traditional culture of sumo.
Takasago stable is a venerable sumo stable that has left a firm mark on the history of Japanese sumo since it was founded in 1878 (Meiji 11) by the first Takasago Uragoro. Over many years it has trained numerous wrestlers, and its history conveys to the present day the courtesy, discipline and tradition of master and disciple that have been handed down in Japan, alongside the development of grand sumo as a sport. Behind the strength and technique displayed in the ring stand not only the efforts of wrestlers who repeat their daily training, but also the stablemaster, stable staff and supporters who stand behind them.
Osaka has a deep connection to sumo culture, as a grand sumo tournament is held there every March. The Osaka Takasago-beya Supporters’ Association, rooted in this community, nurtures a circle of support for Takasago stable and its wrestlers, and its activities extend to exchanges through encouragement gatherings, celebration parties on the final day of the tournament, and visits to observe practice sessions. The role of a supporters’ association goes beyond supporting a stable materially and spiritually. By connecting wrestlers with the people who cheer for them and broadening opportunities to become familiar with sumo, it also helps support the foundation for passing traditional culture on to the next generation.
Mr. Michishita became a director of the Osaka Takasago-beya Supporters’ Association in 2025 and has taken part in activities that support the stable. On the occasion of this appointment as Chief Director, he intends to respect the history that the association has built up and the trust of those involved, and to continue providing responsible support in his personal capacity as well. Rather than merely accepting the new post as an honor, he believes that steadily continuing the supporters’ activities and enhancing their substance is the way to live up to the role entrusted to him.
While our principal duty is to protect the rights and interests of individuals and companies through day-to-day legal practice, our firm also values the stance of deepening engagement with society as a professional, and of respecting the cultural and community activities that support its foundations. Over its long history, grand sumo has connected people’s hearts while combining the qualities of a sport and a culture. Its continuation requires the sustained involvement of many people both inside and outside the ring. Mr. Michishita’s supporters’ activities likewise are intended to take responsibility, as a member of society, toward such endeavors and to contribute as much as he can.
Going forward, as Chief Director, he will fulfill the role required of him one step at a time, while valuing the wishes of all those involved in the activities of Takasago stable and the Osaka Takasago-beya Supporters’ Association, such as support for an environment in which wrestlers can concentrate on competition, exchange between the stable and its supporters, and the spread of understanding of and interest in sumo culture in local communities. The supporters’ activities have long been sustained by the devotion of many people over many years, and Mr. Michishita will approach his work with humility, never forgetting the attitude of learning and supporting one another as one of its members.
On the occasion of Mr. Michishita’s appointment, SAKURA Law Office will place still greater importance on its ties to traditional culture and local communities while remaining true to its core mission as a law firm, and will continue to provide high-quality legal services to our clients and to make responsible contributions to society. We sincerely ask for your continued goodwill toward Kenshiro Michishita and SAKURA Law Office.
Related information: Takasago Stable Official Site / Osaka Takasago-beya Supporters’ Association (in Japanese) | History of Takasago Stable (in Japanese)
SAKURA Law Office
Managing Partner Kenshiro Michishita