Ikuzuki Geitazaemon

Ikuzuki Geitazaemon - 生月 鯨太左エ門 (born March 21, 1827 - May 24, 1850) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ikitsuki Island, Nagasaki. He made his debut in October 1844 and wrestled for Tamagaki stable. He reached the makuuchi division in October 1844. His highest rank was maegashira 7 and he died while as an active wrestler in May 1850.

## **Early Life**

Yosaku Sumiya was born on March 21, 1827, on Ikitsuki Island located in modern day Nagasaki prefecture. His parents were fishermen who specialized in whale hunting which was one of the top industries in Ikitsuki. The young Sumiya initially wanted to help his father with fishing, but was not allowed on the boat due to his large frame. Nevertheless, he still helped his parent's with work and hunted his first whale at age 14. Later news spread throughout the country that there was a giant kid in Ikitsuki and he received multiple offers from the sumo world.

## **Career**

### **Osaka Sumo Career**

Sumiya moved from Hirado Domain (where Ikitsuki is located) to Osaka to join Osaka Sumo's Onogawa stable and made his debut in 1843. He wrestled under the shikona "Ikuzuki Kujikichi" (生月 鯨吉). After a year in Osaka, he moved to Edo and joined Edo Sumo's Tamagaki stable.

### **Makuuchi Career**

He made his Edo sumo debut in October 1844 and was already placed in the top makuuchi division. He wrestled under the shikona "Ikuzuki Geitazaemon" (生月 鯨太左エ門) which was given to him by the lord of Hirado Domain. Standing at 2.27 m (7 ft 5 in), he is tied for being the tallest recorded sumo wrestler with Ozora, and was extremely popular with the public. He rarely participated in any actual bouts and was more of an attraction due to his gigantic size. The only tournament he participated in was in November 1846, where he finished with a 3-2-5 record. His highest rank was maegashira 7 which he earned in November 1847.

## **Death**

He died on May 24, 1850, while still an active wrestler and was only 23 years old. There is a document that states he died of beriberi when leaving for a tour in Echigo province (modern day Niigata prefecture), however, other documents list his cause of death as syphilis.

## **Personal Life**

* Matsura Hiromu, the lord of Hirado Domain, had Ikuzuki live on the second floor of a row house in Tenshoji, the Matsura's family temple in Edo. He is currently buried at the temple.
* Standing at 2.27 m (7 ft 5 in), he is tied for being the tallest recorded sumo wrestler with Ozora and Ryumon. It is speculated that he suffered from gigantism or acromegaly due to characteristics such as mandibular prognathism, enlarged fingertips, and heel pad thickness as displayed on his numerous woodblock prints. This would make him the first recorded patient with gigantism or acromegaly in premodern Japan according to researchers from Nihon University.
* During his time in Edo, Ikuzuki engaged in promiscuous sexual activity which may have led to his premature death by syphilis.

## **Fighting Style**

Ikazuchi was known for employing strong harite (slaps to the face) and tsuppari (a series of rapid thrusts to the chest) attacks on his opponents. However, he rarely fought in any matches, and was more of an attraction due to his enormous size.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 3-2-115/5 (12 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 3-2-115/5 (12 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Ikuzuki Geitazaemon (1844.10 - 1850.03)

## **Gallery**

19th century woodblock print of Ikuzuki Geitazaemon

## **Sources**

* Ikuzuki Geitazaemon Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ikuzuki Geitazaemon Rikishi Information
* A legendary sumo wrestler with gigantism or acromegaly?