A post by former yokozuna Asashoryu (朝青龍) has sparked debate over the cause of the massive grassland fire in eastern Mongolia. Local authorities are investigating the possible connection between the fire and activities by KDDI subsidiary Mobicom.
Regarding the grassland fire that occurred across a wide area including Dornod Province in eastern Mongolia, local media reported that the area burned had reached approximately 530,000 hectares. Former yokozuna Dagvadorj (ダグワドルジ) has questioned narratives that place sole responsibility for the fire on the Japanese side. Dagvadorj (ダグワドルジ) explained that he had made his post with the fire in mind and commented on the background to the fire and the way it has been reported.
Information was reported concerning vehicle movements involving KDDI subsidiary Mobicom in the area, as well as the response by local authorities. KDDI said that the visit had been authorized by the authorities and that no violations of laws or regulations other than those related to the fire had been confirmed. 7 Mobicom personnel visited the protected area from the 6th to the 8th for the local opening ceremony and to check communications quality.
As background to Mobicom’s visit, the cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the identification of those responsible and consideration of compensation claims may proceed. Mobicom personnel were accompanied by local officials at the site, and KDDI explained that the visit had been authorized. The results of the investigation and official announcements will be closely watched.