In 1989, although chief cabinet secretary Mayumi MORIYAMA expressed her intention to present the prime minister's cup on behalf of the prime minister on the dohyo, the Japan Sumo Association rejected her proposal, causing fierce debate on discrimination against women.
1989年（平成元年）には森山真弓官房長官が総理大臣賜杯授与を行いたいと明言したが相撲協会が拒否しこの際には女性差別問題を含め議論を呼んだ。