recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Takanoyama Eiji

Takanoyama Eiji - 貴ノ山 英二 (born June 1, 1951) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nemuro, Hokkaido. He made his debut in September 1966 and last wrestled for Futagoyama stable. He reached the juryo division in September 1972. His highest rank was juryo 11 and he retired in January 1981.

## **Early Life**

Tamura's father was a carpenter. He played baseball in elementary school and played the position of first basemen. In addition to baseball, he also participated in shot put. During his third year at Nemuro Shiritsu Hakuryo Junior High School, he participated in a local sumo tournament and won. Because of his success he was recruited by Futagoyama stable, however, he did not like the sumo lifestyle and subsequently ran away. After graduating junior high school, he decided to return to Tokyo and joined Futagoyama stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in September 1966 and initially wrestled under his surname Tamura before switching to "Takanoyama" (貴ノ山) in 1971. In May 1967, he won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 7-0 record and was promoted to sandanme in the following July 1967 tournament. He was promoted to makushita in May 1969. In July 1972, he produced a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 5 and was promoted to juryo in the following September 1972 tournament. He made his juryo debut at the age of 21, but could only manage a 3-12 record and was demoted back down to makushita. This proved to be his only tournament ranked as a sekitori. He remained in the unsalaried ranks for another nine years before announcing his retirement in the January 1981 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Takanoyama was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a hidari-yotsu (right hand outside, left hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was yorikiri, or force out. He was also fond of employing uwatenage, or overarm throw.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 314-293-3/607 (87 basho)
* **Juryo:** 3-12/15 (1 basho)
* **Makushita:** 245-235-3/480 (69 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 42-35/77 (11 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 20-8/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Tamura Eiji (1966.09 - 1971.01)
* Takanoyama Eiji (1971.03 - 1973.07)
* Tamura Eiji (1973.09 - 1974.03)
* Takanoyama Eiji (1974.05 - 1980.05)
* Tamura Eiji (1980.07 - 1981.01)

## **Gallery**

Takanoyama (middle) wins the jonidan yusho (c. 1967)Takanoyama during his time in the unsalaried ranks (c. 1972)
## **Sources**

* Takanoyama Eiji Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Takanoyama Eiji Rikishi Information
Senho Tsubasa

Senho Tsubasa - 千鵬 翼 (born April 30, 2003) is a Mongolian-Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ichihara, Chiba. He made his debut in July 2019 and currently wrestles for Miyagino stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is sandanme 8.

## **Early Life**

Tsubasa Hasegawa was born in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to a Japanese father and a Mongolian mother. He lived in Japan from kindergarten to 5th grade and attended Wakamiya Elementary School in Ichihara, Chiba. During his time in elementary school, Hasegawa was not a member of his school's sumo club, but on the recommendation of his teacher, he competed in regional tournaments for all five years and finished top 8 in the Kanto Tournament.

He returned to Mongolia during the sixth grade and joined the basketball club for three years in middle school. In May 2019, he received a call from the coach of Nittaidai Kashiwa High School's sumo club, who had been keeping in contact with Hasegawa since elementary school, to introduce him to his acquaintance Yokozuna Hakuho. Hasegawa was subsequently recruited into Miyagino stable.

## **Career**

Despite being born in Mongolia, he used Ichihara, Chiba, as his official birthplace as Miyagino stable was already home to Yokozuna Hakuho and to satisfy the one foreigner per stable policy. He made his professional debut in July 2019 and was given the shikona "Senho" (千鵬). In May 2021, he won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 7-0 record and was promoted to sandanme for the following July 2021 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Senho is a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He won most of his bouts with a straightforward yorikiri, or force out. His second most common kimarite in yoritaoshi, or frontal crush out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 84-77-14/161 (26 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 48-50-7/98 (15 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 28-21-7/49 (8 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 8-6/14 (2 basho)

## **Gallery**

Senho gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2019)Senho during his time in Maezumo (c. 2019)Senho prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2021)Senho defeats Kotomaeda to win the Jonidan Yusho (c. 2021)Senho wins his first Jonidan Yusho (c. 2021)

## **Sources**

* Senho Tsubasa Rikishi Information
* Nikkan Sports Article on Senho
Tamagaki Stable

Tamagaki stable (玉垣部屋, Tamagaki-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers which was established in the Edo period and was shut down in September 1925.

## **History**

The stable was established sometime during the Edo period. In 1884, the stable's top wrestler Umegatani I rose up to the highest rank of yokozuna. The stable was dominant in the Edo period and it had close ties with Ikazuchi stable and Isenoumi stable, however, it became weaker during the Meiji period and closed down in 1925.

## **Owners**

* 1917-1925: 12th Tamagaki (former maegashira Hiranoishi)
* 1889-1905: 11th Tamagaki (former makushita Uranoumi)
* 1885-1888: 10th Tamagaki (former maegashira Hiodoshi)
* 1881-1885: 9th Tamagaki (former *unknown rank* Nagayama)
* 1842-1881: 8th Tamagaki (former *unknown rank* Tamagaki V)
* 1824-1842: 7th Tamagaki (former *unknown rank* Asanoyuki)
* 1814-1824: 6th Tamagaki (former ozeki Tamagaki IV)
* 1805-1813: 5th Tamagaki (former ozeki Tamagaki III)
* 1791-1802: 4th Tamagaki (former ozeki Tamagaki III)
* 1766-1791: 3rd Tamagaki (former komusubi Tamagaki I)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

### **Yokozuna**

* Umegatani I (the 15th yokozuna)
* Onogawa (the 5th yokozuna)

### **Ozeki**

* Tamagaki (former ozeki)
* Hiodoshi (former ozeki)
* Hiraiwa (former ozeki)
* Washigahama (former ozeki)
* Sendagawa (former ozeki)
Shineiyama Masaya

Shineiyama Masaya - 新栄山 昌也 (born May 17, 1988) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tachikawa, Tokyo. He made his debut in May 2011 and wrestled for Sakaigawa stable. His highest rank was makushita 21 and he retired in July 2014.

## **Early Life**

Masaya Shinzato was born on May 17, 1988, in Tachikawa, Tokyo. He attended Saitama Sakae High School where he was a member of the school's sumo club. After high school, he enrolled at Nippon Sport Science University to continue his amateur career. Upon graduating university, he joined Sakaigawa stable which was already home to his high school and college teammate Myogiryu.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in May 2011 and was given the shikona "Shineiyama" (新栄山). He finished with a strong 6-1 record in his first professional tournament. Prior to the September 2011 tournament, he suffered a serious injury to his left knee. He had already suffered from knee injuries since his college days. Shineyama did not return to sumo until May 2013 after nearly two years of recovery. He won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in May 2013. He was promoted to sandanme in September 2013 and makushita in January 2014. Since his return, Shineiyama did not post a single losing record and rose as high as makushita 21 in May 2014. However, he withdrew from the May 2014 tournament and retired in July 2014 as his knee had still not fully recovered.

## **Fighting Style**

Shineiyama was proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His most common techniques were oshidashi (push out) and yorikiri (force out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 39-10-35/49 (14 basho)
* **Makushita:** 9-5-7/14 (3 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 11-3-7/14 (3 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1-14/7 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 13-1-7/14 (3 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (May 2013)

## **Shikona History**

* Shinzato Masaya (2011.05 - 2011.05)
* Shineiyama Masaya (2011.07 - 2014.07)

## **Gallery**

Shineiyama joins Sakaigawa stable (c. 2011)Shineiyama battles the much smaller Baraki (c. 2013)Shineiyama prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2013)
## **Sources**

* Shineiyama Masaya Rikishi Information
* Livedoor Blog Post on Nittaidai Sumo Club
* Sumoforum Thread on Shineiyama
Tokokaze (tokoyama)

Tokokaze - 床風 (born September 3, 1991) is a Japanese professional sumo hairdresser from Hirakawa, Aomori. He debuted in the May 2010 tournament and he belongs to Oitekaze stable. He reached the Third class in January 2021.

## **Career**

* May 2010 - Joined Oitekaze stable as a tokoyama
* January 2016 - Promoted to fourth class tokoyama (yonto - 四等)
* January 2021 - Promoted to third class tokoyama (santo - 三等)
Toyonishiki Kiichiro

Toyonishiki Kiichiro - 豊錦 喜一郎 (born February 3, 1920 - September 26, 1998) was a American-born Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Pierce, Colorado. He made his debut in January 1938 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1944. His highest rank was maegashira 17 and he retired in November 1945.

## **Early Life**

Harley Ozaki was born in Pierce, Colorado, to agricultural immigrants from Fukuoka Prefecture. During a visit to Japan in 1937, he was introduced to Dewanoumi stable by a relative. Initially he knew nothing about sumo, assuming that the sand covered clay dohyo was made of concrete.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He made his professional debut in January 1938 and was the fifth Japanese-American in sumo, however, like most Japanese-Americans in sumo, he adopted a Japanese birthplace and was listed as being from Chikujo, Fukuoka. Initially wrestling under his surname Ozaki, he was promoted to sandanme in May 1939 and makushita in January 1941. He reached juryo in January 1943 becoming the first Japanese-American sekitori. Upon promotion he was given the shikona "Toyonishiki" (豊錦) and he was promoted to makuuchi in May 1944.

### **Makuuchi Career**

In his top division debut, Toyonishiki finished with a 6-4 record. He never had a losing score in his eight years in sumo. However, this was his last tournament as he was drafted into the Japanese Army prior to the following November 1944 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Prior to the November 1944 tournament, he was drafted into the Japanese Army. He still had American citizenship and had really wanted to fight for the United States, but as he could not return to the US he agreed to change his citizenship at the urging of the Japan Sumo Association. He adopted the Japanese name of Kiichiro Ozaki.

He survived the war but decided not to return to sumo, believing he could make a better living as an interpreter for the US forces. He regained his US citizenship and in his later years ran a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Tokyo with his wife.

He died on September 26, 1998, at the age of 78.

## **Fighting Style**

Toyonishiki was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a hidari-yotsu (right hand outside, left hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was yorikiri, or force out. He was also fond of employing uwatenage (overarm throw) and tsuridashi (lift out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 74-51/125 (15 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 6-4/10 (2 basho)
* **Juryo:** 26-19/45 (3 basho)
* **Makushita:** 19-13/32 (4 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 15-9/24 (3 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

### **Achievements**

* **1st** American-born wrestler to reach elite sekitori ranks

## **Shikona History**

* Ozaki Kiichiro (1938.01 - 1942.05)
* Toyonishiki Kiichiro (1943.01 - 1945.11)

## **Sources**

* Toyonishiki Kiichiro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Toyonishiki Kiichiro Rikishi Information
Takatoshi Masaoki

Takatoshi Masaoki - 貴斗志 将吏 (born April 19, 1990) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Koshigaya, Saitama. He made his debut in January 2009 and wrestled for Takanohana stable. His highest rank was makushita 3 and he retired in November 2014.

## **Early Life**

Ogasawara began sumo wrestling with his older twin brother Masatada in the fifth grade. He attended Toyo University Affiliated Ushiku Senior High School in Ibaraki Prefecture where he led his team to team championship at the National High School Sumo Championship in 2008. After graduating from high school, he and his brother joined Takanohana stable off the recommendation of their father.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in January 2009 and was given the shikona "Takatoshi" (貴斗志). He made his debut alongside Tokushoryu, Kimikaze, Azumaryu, Takarafuji, his brother Takageppo and stablemate Takanoiwa.

He got off to a strong start and posted seven consecutive winning records from his debut. In May 2010, he finished with his first losing record, but bounced back by winning the sandanme yusho in the following July 2010 tournament. This earned him a promotion to makushita for the September 2010 tournament. By January 2013, he had established himself in the upper-half of makushita.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

### **Controversial Retirement**

In November 2014, while ranked at his highest rank of makushita 3, Takatoshi abruptly withdrew from the tournament and his retirement was announced after the tournament. It was revealed that Takanohana Oyakata had submitted Takatoshi's retirement papers without his consent and cited that his attitude was unacceptable. Takatoshi subsequently sued the Japan Sumo Association, demanding to be reinstated and compensated. A settlement was reached on March 23, 2018.

### **After Retirement**

In 2018, he and his brother established "Ogasawara-gumi Co., Ltd.", an interior demolition company, and he serves as the representative director of the company.

## **Fighting Style**

Takatoshi was proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His most often used winning kimarite was oshidashi (push out), followed by yorikiri (force out). He also regularly employed tsukiotoshi (thrust down) and uwatenage (overarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 130-101-7/231 (35 basho)
* **Makushita:** 89-79-7/168 (25 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 23-12/35 (5 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 14-7/21 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (July 2010)

## **Gallery**

Takatoshi and his brother join Takanohana stable (c. 2009)Takatoshi after winning a match in Maezumo (c. 2009)Takatoshi during his time in Maezumo (c. 2009)Takatoshi prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2010)Takatoshi and his twin brother, Takageppo (c. 2012)Takatoshi pushes out and defeats Shoketsu (c. 2013)
## **Sources**

* Takatoshi Masaoki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Takatoshi Masaoki Rikishi Information
Wakashima Kyuzaburo

Wakashima Kyuzaburo - 若島 久三郎 (born September 1842 - January 6, 1891) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima. He made his debut in March 1862 and wrestled for Tateyama stable. He reached the makuuchi division in March 1874 and has two top division championships. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in May 1884.

## **Early Life**

Kyuzaburo Nemoto was born the second son of a lacquerware painter in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima. He participated in local sumo tournaments while helping out with the family business. He later left for Edo in 1861 and joined Tateyama stable.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He made his professional debut in March 1862 and was given the shikona "Wakashima Kyuzabro" (若島 久三郎). In 1868 he returned to Aizu due to the Boshin war and was a member of the Aizu Domain. After the war, he returned to Edo and eventually reached juryo in November 1870. He was later promoted to makuuchi in March 1874.

### **Makuuchi Career**

At the time of his makuuchi debut, Wakashima was already 31 years old and it had taken him 12 years to reach the top division. He was promoted to komusubi in June 1877 and sekiwake in the following December 1877 tournament. After three years as sekiwake he was promoted to ozeki in January 1881.

### **Ozeki Career**

Wakashima had not produced a single losing record prior to his ozeki promotion and had already won the equivalent of two yusho (the modern yusho system was not introduced until 1909). On the final day of the January 1881 tournament, Wakashima defeated future yokozuna Umegatani who, at the time, had a 58 match winning streak. During the Tohoku tour in the summer of 1881, the main attraction of the tour was yokozuna Sakaigawa. However, when they were at Wakashima's hometown of Aizuwakamatsu, Sakaigawa fell ill and could not perform. The local promoter then requested that Wakashima perform the yokozuna dohyo-iri which he agreed to. Wakashima went on to perform the yokozuna dohyo-iri at several Fukushima events. From June 1882, he inherited Tateyama stable and renamed himself "Tateyama Kyuzaburo" (楯山 久三郎). He retired in May 1884 and, as of 2021, is the only ozeki from Fukushima.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, he remained in the sumo world as an elder under the name Tateyama. After inheriting the Tateyama stable in 1882 he official became a full-time coach upon retirement in 1884. He died on January 6, 1891, at the age of 48.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 136-53-53-22draws-5holds/216 (28 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 104-34-53-15draws-4holds/157 (21 basho)
* **Juryo:** 32-19-7draws-1hold/59 (7 basho)

### **Championships**

* 2 Unofficial **Makuuchi** Championships
	+ 1st (January 1876)
	+ 2nd (June 1879)

## **Shikona History**

* Wakashima Kyuzaburo (1870.11 - 1882.01)
* Tateyama Kyuzaburo (1882.06 - 1884.05)

## **Gallery**

19th century woodblock print of Wakashima KyuzaburoWoodblock print of Wakashima during his time as Tateyama
## **Sources**

* Wakashima Kyuzaburo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Wakashima Kyuzaburo Rikishi Information
Wakagoshi Kawanari

Wakagoshi Kawanari - 若剛志 河成 (born July 12, 1972) is a former South Korean-Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shinjuku, Tokyo. He made his debut in March 1989 and wrestled for Futagoyama stable. His highest rank was makushita 58 and he retired in March 1997.

## **Early Life**

Yu-san Park was born on July 12, 1972, in Seoul, South Korea, as the illegitimate son of the 45th Yokozuna Wakanohana. He was adopted in December 1985 and moved to Japan at the age of 13. He struggled to attend high school due to ethnic discrimination, so he joined Fujishima stable (later renamed Futagoyama stable).

## **Career**

Park joined professional sumo under the name "Kawanari Sumita" and used Shinjuku, Tokyo, as his birthplace, so he is not officially listed as a foreign sumo wrestler. His identity as Wakanohana's illegitimate son was kept a secret until Wakanohana retired from the Japan Sumo Association. He served as the tsukebito, or personal servant, to his cousin Wakanohana III. Upon reaching makushita in November 1993, he was given the shikona "Wakagoshi" (若剛志), however, this proved to be his only showing in makushita. He retired from sumo in March 1997.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, he established a business and travelled frequently between Japan and South Korea. In 2007, he released a book called "The Hanada Family's Illegitimate Child" (花田家の隠し子).

## **Personal Life**

* In May 2002, he was recognized by his father, and subsequently naturalized and changed his name to "Kawanari Hanada" (花田 河成).
* Wakagoshi's uncle is ozeki Takanohana, and his cousins are Wakanohana and Takanohana. He served as the personal servant, or tsukebito, to Wakanohana III.

## **Fighting Style**

Wakagoshi was proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His most often used winning kimarite was yorikiri (force out), followed by oshidashi (push out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 165-148-23/312 (49 basho)
* **Makushita:** 1-6/7 (1 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 124-112-23/235 (37 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 35-28/63 (9 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Sumita Kawanari (1989.03 - 1993.09)
* Wakagoshi Kawanari (1993.11 - 1997.03)

## **Gallery**

Wakagoshi joins professional sumo (c. 1989)Wakagoshi with his cousin Yokozuna WakanohanaWakagoshi with his cousin Yokozuna TakanohanaWakagoshi's retirement ceremony (c. 1997)Wakagoshi's book, 花田家の隠し子

## **Sources**

* Wakagoshi Kawanari Rikishi Information
* Wakagoshi excerpt on Wakanohana's Wikipedia Article
Tsuya Sekko

Tsuya Sekko - 津谷 石光 (born October 13, 1991) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kitaakita, Akita. He made his debut in March 2008 and wrestled for Naruto stable. His highest rank was sandanme 79 and he retired in November 2011.

## **Early Life**

Sekko Cho was born on October 13, 1991, in Kitaakita, Akita, and is of Chinese descent. He attended Takanosu Elementary School and was a member of the baseball club during his 5th and 6th year. He then enrolled at Kitaakita Shiritsu Takanosu Junior High School where he found success at the school's judo club.

Although he had minimal sumo experience, Cho aspired to become a sumo wrestler and upon graduating junior high school he received multiple offers from professional sumo stables. He opted to join Naruto stable after being personally recruited by Naruto Oyakata (the 59th yokozuna Takanosato).

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2008 and was given the shikona "Tsuya" (津谷). After nearly three years in the jonidan division, he was promoted to sandanme in January 2011. He reached a career-best sandanme 79 in May 2011, but finished with a disastrous 0-7 record in this tournament. He retired shortly after in November 2011.

## **Fighting Style**

Tsuya was an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. His most common kimarite used was a straightforward oshidashi, or push out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 63-65-19/128 (22 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 4-10/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 50-50-19/100 (17 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 9-5/14 (2 basho)

## **Gallery**

Tsuya gets recruited by Naruto Oyakata (c. 2008)Tsuya prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2009)Tsuya participates at a jungyo tour in his hometown (c. 2010)

## **Sources**

* Tsuya Sekko Rikishi Information
* City of Kitaakita Article on Tsuya
Sharinishiki Kikuzo

Sharinishiki Kikuzo - 斜里錦 菊三 (born July 12, 1917 - January 22, 1950) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shari, Hokkaido. He made his debut in January 1936 and wrestled for Nishonoseki stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1943. His highest rank was maegashira 18 and he retired in May 1949.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Kyodo moved to Tokyo at the age of 18 and joined Nishonoseki stable. He made his professional debut in January 1936 and was given the shikona "Sharinishiki" (斜里錦) which is derived from his hometown of Shari in Hokkaido. He won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 6-0 record in January 1937. He was promoted to sandanme in May 1937 and makushita in January 1938. After only two tournaments he was promoted to juryo in January 1939, however, he was immediately drafted into the military and he did not returned to sumo until January 1942.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Upon his return, Sharinishiki was promoted to makuuchi in January 1943, however, he finished with a 4-11 tournament and was demoted back down to juryo after only one tournament in the top division. He served in the military again in June 1945 and upon returning, he suffered an illness and eventually retired in May 1949 after falling down to sandanme. He died shortly after in January 1950 due to an illness.

## **Fighting Style**

Sharinishiki was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was yorikiri, or force out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 92-90-35/182 (28 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 4-11/15 (1 basho)
* **Juryo:** 57-59-8/116 (17 basho)
* **Makushita:** 14-18/32 (4 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 6-1-27/7 (3 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-0/6 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-1/6 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (January 1937)

## **Shikona History**

* Sharinishiki Kikuzo (1936.01 - 1949.05)

## **Gallery**

Sharinishiki poses with his kesho-mawashi
## **Sources**

* Sharinishiki Kikuzo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Sharinishiki Kikuzo Rikishi Information
Tsurutaro (yobidashi)

Tsurutaro - 鶴太郎 (born September 12, 1994) is a Japanese professional sumo usher from Nerima, Tokyo. He was recruited in February 2013 and debuted in the March 2013 tournament and he belongs to Nishikido stable. He reached the Sandanme rank in January 2022.

## **Career**

* March 2013 - Had his debut under Nishikido stable as a Jonokuchi yobidashi
* January 2020 - Promoted to Jonidan yobidashi
* January 2022 - Promoted to Sandanme yobidashi
Wakatakamoto Wataru

Wakatakamoto Wataru - 若隆元 渡 (born December 29, 1991) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Fukushima City, Fukushima. He made his debut in November 2009 and currently wrestles for Arashio stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 7.

## **Early Life**

Onami was born into a sumo wrestling family and he began sumo wrestling at the age of 9 and he attended Gakuho Fukushima High School where he won the Fukushima Prefectural Tournament. He later joined Arashio stable while simultaneously attending school.

## **Career**

Onami made his professional debut in November 2009 and finished with a 6-1 record in his first tournament. He was promoted to sandanme in July 2010 and makushita in July 2012. In September 2016, he injured his left shoulder and had to undergo surgery. He subsequently missed the November 2016 tournament and was demoted back down to sandanme in January 2017. In May 2017, he was given the shikona "Wakatakamoto" (若隆元). He reached a career-best makushita 7 in September 2018, but could only manage a 2-5 record. His two younger brothers would surpass him, with Wakatakakage reaching elite sekitori status in May 2018 and Wakamotoharu in March 2019.

## **Family**

The three Onami brothers are the grandchildren of former komusubi Wakabayama. They were given their shikona or sumo names by Arashio stable's head coach Oyutaka, after the three sons of Mori Motonari in the well-known Japanese parable "Lesson of the three arrows" – Takamoto, Motoharu, and Takakage. His younger brothers, Wakamotoharu and Wakatakakage are the 19th pair of brothers in sumo to both reach sekitori level. Wakatakakage, the youngest brother, has had by far the quickest rise up the rankings of the three.

## **Fighting Style**

Wakatakamoto is proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His most often used winning kimarite is oshidashi (push out), followed by yorikiri (force out) and hatakikomi (slap down). He also regularly employs uwatenage (overarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 297-249-28/546 (83 basho)
* **Makushita:** 212-201-28/413 (63 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 69-43/112 (16 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 10-4/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Onami Wataru (2009.11 - 2017.03)
* Wakatakamoto Wataru (2017.05 - )

## **Gallery**

Onami during his early career in sandanme (c. 2011)Wakatakamoto prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2020)Wakatakamoto defeats Asagyokusei (c. 2022)Wakatakamoto with his brothers (c. 2022)Wakatakamoto at Sokokurai's retirement ceremony (c. 2022)Wakatakamoto defeats Omoto (c. 2023)
## **Sources**

* Wakatakamoto Wataru Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Wakatakamoto Wataru Rikishi Information
Wakashio

Wakashio - 若潮 (born February 28, 1969) is a former Paraguayan professional sumo wrestler from Itapua. He made his debut in January 1985 and last wrestled for Oshiogawa stable. His highest rank was sandanme 76 and he retired in May 1989.

## **Career**

Japanese-Paraguayan, Satoshi Miyawaki joined Oshiogawa stable in January 1985 at the age of fifteen. He was the first sumo wrestler to list his shusshin (birthplace) as Paraguay, thus making him the first and only (as of 2020) Paraguayan rikishi. He wrestled under the shikona Wakashio (若潮), however, due to his small frame he could barely rise up the rankings. After two years in jonidan, he reached the sandanme division in May 1987. One tournament later, he reached a career-best sandanme 76. He sat out of the September 1988 tournament and eventually fell of the banzuke. His retirement was announced after the May 1989 tournament.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 73-73-22/146 (25 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 6-8/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 62-63-15/125 (20 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2-7/7 (2 basho)
Toyonofuji Daisuke

Toyonofuji Daisuke - 豊の富士 大介 (born October 6, 1968) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Toyohashi, Aichi. He made his debut in May 1988 and wrestled for Onaruto stable. His highest rank was sandanme 19 and he retired in September 1991.

## **Early Life**

Daisuke Yamamoto was born on October 6, 1968, in Toyohashi, Aichi. He attended Kinki University where he was a member of the sumo club before dropping out to pursue a career in professional sumo. He subsequently joined Onaruto stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in May 1988 and was given the shikona "Toyonofuji" (豊の富士). In his first tournament, he was aiming for the jonokuchi yusho and won his first six matches before losing his final match to Fusakaze. In the following September 1988, he won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 7-0 record and after defeating Hogan in a playoff. He was promoted to sandanme for the following November 1988 tournament and reached a career-best sandanme 19 rank in July 1989. Toyonofuji missed the the July 1990 tournament and continued to sit out until following off the banzuke by March 1991. He retired from sumo in September 1991 after missing out on eight consecutive tournaments.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 45-27-40/72 (17 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 27-24-19/51 (10 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 12-2-14/14 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1-7/7 (2 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (September 1988)

## **Gallery**

Toyonofuji (middle) after winning the Jonidan yusho (c. 1988)
Tokoharu (tokoyama)

Tokoharu - 床春 (born July 23, 1989) is a Japanese professional sumo hairdresser from Higashiosaka, Osaka. He debuted in the May 2005 tournament and he belongs to Isenoumi stable. He reached the Third class in January 2016.

## **Career**

* May 2005 - Joined Kasugayama stable as a tokoyama
* January 2011 - Promoted to fourth class tokoyama (yonto - 四等)
* January 2016 - Promoted to third class tokoyama (santo - 三等)
* November 2016 - Transferred to Oitekaze stable due to the closure of Kasugayama stable
* March 2017 - Transferred to Nakagawa stable due to a branch-out
* September 2020 - Transferred to Isenoumi stable due to the closure of Nakagawa stable
Tokotaka (tokoyama)

Tokotaka - 床貴 (born November 26, 1964) is a Japanese professional sumo hairdresser from Ube, Yamaguchi. He debuted in the March 1981 tournament and he belongs to Onomatsu stable. He reached the First class in January 2012.

## **Early Life**

Prior to becoming a tokoyama, Hideki was a sumo wrestler at Futagoyama stable under the ring name "Yoshimoto" (吉本). He had his debut as a wrestler in May 1980. He reached his highest career rank of jonidan 113 in January 1981, where he retired. He thus made his debut as a tokoyama on March 1981.

## **Career**

* March 1981 - Joined Futagoyama stable as a tokoyama
* March 1982 - Transferred to Fujishima stable due to a branch-out
* March 1993 - Transferred to Futagoyama stable due to a merger
* Before 1999 - Promoted to third class tokoyama (santo - 三等) sometime before 1999, the exact date is not published
* January 2002 - Promoted to second class tokoyama (nito - 二等)
* January 2012 - Promoted to first class tokoyama (itto - 一等)
* March 2016 - Demoted back to fifth class (goto - 五等) as a punishment for some undisclosed controversy
* January 2017 - Re-promoted to first class

## **Sources**

* JSA Tokotaka Personal Page
* Yoshimoto Rikishi Information
Tokotsuka (tokoyama)

Tokotsuka - 床塚 (born January 15, 1976) is a Japanese professional sumo hairdresser from Sagamihara, Kanagawa. He debuted in the November 1991 tournament and he belongs to Tamanoi stable. He reached the First class in January 2022.

## **Career**

* November 1991 - Joined Tamanoi stable as a tokoyama
* Before 1999 - Promoted to fourth class tokoyama (yonto - 四等) sometime before 1999, the exact date is not published
* January 2003 - Promoted to third class tokoyama (santo - 三等)
* January 2012 - Promoted to second class tokoyama (nito - 二等)
* January 2022 - Promoted to first class tokoyama (itto - 一等)
Yoshinobori Koji

Yoshinobori Koji - 芳昇 幸司 (born August 19, 1968) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Hakata-ku, Fukuoka. He made his debut in March 1984 and wrestled for Kumagatani stable. He reached the juryo division in July 1990. His highest rank was juryo 4 and he retired in May 1993.

## **Early Life**

He attended Fukuoka Shiritsu Katakasu Elementary School and played basketball before switching to judo at Toko Junior High School. He loved sumo since elementary school and would always ride his bike to watch the morning training in stables. After graduating junior high school he joined Kumagatani stable.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He made his professional debut in March 1984 and was given the shikona "Yoshinobori" (芳昇). Although he had no previous sumo experience, Yoshinobori was a devoted trainer and he was promoted to sandanme in November 1985 and makushita in September 1986. In January 1988 he participated in a seven man playoff for the makushita yusho and he defeated Daizen in the first round, but lost to Otaka in the second round. In may 1990, Yoshinobori posted a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 3 and was promoted to juryo in the following July 1990 tournament.

### **Juryo Career**

In his juryo debut, Yoshinobori finished with an 8-7 record. He followed with a 7-8 record, but went on to produce two consecutive winning records which promoted him to his highest rank of juryo 4 in March 1991. However, he could only manage 6 wins at this rank and followed with disastrous 5-10 and 2-13 records which sent him back down to makushita in September 1991. He returned briefly to juryo in January 1992, but could only last one tournament where he produced a poor 4-11 record. He returned for a third time in July 1992 where he rose as high as juryo 6 in January 1993 but in that tournament he posted a 3-12 record and was demoted down to makushita. He announced his retirement after the May 1993 tournament at the young age of 24.

## **Fighting Style**

Yoshinobori was a tsuki/oshi specialist, who prefers pushing and thrusting at his opponents rather than fighting on the mawashi or belt. His most common winning kimarite or technique was oshidashi or a straightforward push out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 246-215-20/460 (56 basho)
* **Juryo:** 75-105/180 (12 basho)
* **Makushita:** 111-72-20/182 (29 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 18-10/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 38-25/63 (9 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Ishihara Yoshiyuki (1984.03 - 1984.07)
* Yoshinobori Koji (1984.09 - 1993.05)

## **Gallery**

Yoshinobori (center) with his Kumagatani heya stablematesYoshinobori poses with his kesho-mawashi (c. 1992)Yoshinobori's tegata
## **Sources**

* Yoshinobori Koji Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Yoshinobori Koji Rikishi Information
Wakazakura Hayate

Wakazakura Hayate - 和歌桜 颯 (born April 4, 1995) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kyoto City, Kyoto. He made his debut in March 2018 and currently wrestles for Kasugano stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 23.

## **Early Life**

Hayate Kawamoto was born on April 4, 1995, in Kyoto City's Ukyo Ward. After graduating from Minoshima High School, he enrolled at Takushoku University where he was a member of the school's sumo club. In the 2017 National Student Championships, he reached the best 16. After graduating university, he was recruited into Kasugano stable by Takenawa Oyakata (former sekiwake Tochinonada) who was also an alumnus of Takushoku University.

## **Career**

Kawamoto made his professional debut in March 2018 and finished with a strong 6-1 record in his first official tournament. In July 2018, he was aiming for the jonidan yusho and won his first six matches, however, he lost his final match to Rao to finish with a 6-1 record. Nevertheless, he was promoted to sandanme for the following September 2018 tournament. Kawamoto struggled considerably more in sandanme compared to the previous two divisions and did not reach makushita until March 2020. In March 2022, he was given the shikona "Wakazakura" (和歌桜).

## **Fighting Style**

Wakazakura is an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. His most common kimarite used are oshidashi (push out), hatakikomi (slap down) and tsukiotoshi (thrust down).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 119-105-7/224 (34 basho)
* **Makushita:** 25-38/63 (9 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 82-65-7/147 (22 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Kawamoto Hayate (2018.03 - 2022.01)
* Wakazakura Hayate (2022.03 - )

## **Gallery**

Wakazakura is recruited into Kasugano stable (c. 2018)Wakazakura prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2022)Wakazakura battles former Ozeki Asanoyama (c. 2022)
## **Sources**

* Wakazakura Hayate Rikishi Information
* Livedoor Blog Post on Wakazakura
Wakaaoba Masamune

Wakaaoba Masamune - 若青葉 政宗 (born March 14, 1987) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Sendai, Miyagi. He made his debut in January 2005 and last wrestled for Isegahama stable. His highest rank was makushita 36 and he retired in January 2014.

## **Career**

Toshiya Sato joined Magaki stable and made his professional debut in January 2005. Despite already weighing 152 kg (335 lb), he struggled immensely at the start of his career and fell down to the lowest jonokuchi division on multiple occasions during his first two years. Starting from January 2007, Sato missed out of three consecutive tournaments and fell completely off the banzuke in May 2007. Upon returning to sumo in July 2007, he had to redo maezumo (pre-sumo) for a second time. However, this time he began to post more consistent results and was promoted to sandanme in November 2009. He reached the makushita division in March 2012 and was subsequently given the shikona "Wakaaoba" (若青葉) in the following May 2012 tournament. He reached a career-best makushita 36 in November 2012. By then, his stable was only home to two other wrestlers, Wakamisho (future yokozuna Terunofuji) and Shunba. His stable closed in March 2013 so he transferred to Isegahama stable as a result. He retired in January 2014 after finishing with a disastrous 0-7 record in the tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Wakaaoba was proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His most often used winning kimaritewas yorikiri (force out), followed by oshidashi (push out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 168-173-16/341 (53 basho)
* **Makushita:** 17-18/35 (5 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 54-65/119 (17 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 76-76-9/152 (23 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 21-14-7/35 (6 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Sato Toshiya (2005.01 - 2012.03)
* Wakaaoba Masamune (2012.05 - 2014.01)

## **Gallery**

Wakaoba trains with future Yokozuna Terunofuji (c. 2012)Wakaoba transfers to Isegahama stable (c. 2013)Wakaoba's retirement ceremony (c. 2014)
Tokogo (tokoyama)

Tokogo - 床豪 (born May 10, 1971) is a Japanese professional sumo hairdresser from Fujidera, Osaka. He debuted in the September 1987 tournament and he belongs to Oshiogawa stable. He reached the First class in January 2018.

## **Career**

* September 1987 - Joined Oguruma stable as a tokoyama
* Before 1999 - Promoted to third class tokoyama (santo - 三等) sometime before 1999, the exact date is not published
* January 2008 - Promoted to second class tokoyama (nito - 二等)
* January 2018 - Promoted to first class tokoyama (itto - 一等)
* January 2022 - Transferred to Oshiogawa stable due to the closure of Oguruma stable
Toshuzan Koichiro

Toshuzan Koichiro - 土州山 好一郎 (born January 1, 1904 - May 4, 1977) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Akaoka, Kochi. He made his debut in May 1922 and wrestled for Futagoyama stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1933. His highest rank was maegashira 4 and he retired in January 1939.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Yoshiharu Takeuchi joined Futagoyama stable which was run by former maegashira Toshuzan who came from the same hometown of Takeuchi. He initially wrestled under the shikona "Tosanoumi" (土佐ノ海) before he was given the new shikona "Tosanoyama" (土佐ノ山) in May 1931. Shortly prior to promotion to juryo in February 1932, he was given the shikona "Toshuzan" (土州山) which was his stablemaster's ring name during his active career. He won the juryo yusho in March 1932 with a strong 8-2 record and he was promoted to makuuchi in January 1933.

### **Makuuchi Career**

In January 1934, Toshuzan finished with a strong 8-3 record and finished runner-up to Minanogawa's 9-2 record. He was ranked in the top division for six years, reaching as high as maegashira 4 in May 1934. In January 1939, he finished with a winless 0-13 record and retired from the sport after the tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, he remained in sumo as an elder of the Japan Sumo Association, working as a coach at Futagoyama stable under the name Otake Oyakata. Upon the stable's closure in June 1947, he transferred to Nishonoseki stable. He reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 in 1968. He died on May 4, 1977, at the age of 73.

## **Fighting Style**

Toshuzan was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. His most common kimarite was utchari (backward pivot throw) and tsuridashi (lift out). He was also fond of employing tsuppari, a series of rapid thrusts to the chest.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 89-102/191 (18 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 65-86/151 (13 basho)
* **Juryo:** 24-16/40 (4 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Tosanoumi (1922.05 - 1931.03)
* Tosanoyama (1931.05 - 1931.10)
* Toshuzan Koichiro (1932.01 - 1939.01)

## **Sources**

* Toshuzan Koichiro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Toshuzan Koichiro Rikishi Information
Tobishima Tadashi

Tobishima Tadashi - 飛島 正 (born May 3, 1950) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Sakata, Yamagata. He made his debut in November 1965 and last wrestled for Isegahama stable. He reached the juryo division in July 1971. His highest rank was juryo 13 and he retired in September 1978.

## **Early Life**

Tadashi Takahashi was born in Sakata, Yamagata, on May 3, 1950, to farmers. In junior high school, he was a member of the baseball club and was the ace (best starting pitcher). After graduating from junior high school he joined professional sumo.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in November 1965 and was given the shikona "Tobishima" (飛島) which is the name of an uninhabited island in his hometown of Sakata, Yamagata. He was promoted to sandanme in July 1966 and makushita in January 1969. In May 1971, he produced a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 4 and was promoted to juryo in the following July 1971 tournament.

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Tobishima finished with a poor 3-12 record and was demoted back down to makushita. This proved to be his only tournament in juryo. He wrestled mainly in makushita for the rest of his career and he even won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in May 1974. He fell down to sandanme in May 1977, but bounced back with a perfect 7-0 record.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

He announced his retirement after the September 1978 tournament. After retiring, he opened up a chanko restaurant in Higashijujo, Kita, Tokyo, called "Iku" (郁相撲料理).

## **Fighting Style**

Tobishima was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a hidari-yotsu (right hand outside, left hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was yorikiri, or force out. He was also fond of hineri (twisting) techniques.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 276-257-14/533 (78 basho)
* **Juryo:** 3-12/15 (1 basho)
* **Makushita:** 188-190-7/378 (55 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 66-46-7/112 (17 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 15-6/21 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Takahashigawa Tadashi (1965.11 - 1966.01)
* Tobishima Tadashi (1966.03 - 1972.09)
* Takahashi Tadashi (1972.11 - 1973.11)
* Tobishima Tadashi (1974.01 - 1978.09)

## **Gallery**

Tobishima during his time in the unsalaried ranks (c. 1972)Tobishima's chanko restaurant: "Sumo Cuisine Iku"
## **Sources**

* Tobishima Tadashi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Tobishima Tadashi Rikishi Information