recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Hatachiyama Stable

Hatachiyama stable (二十山部屋, Hatachiyama-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Dewanoumi group of stables. It was founded in May 1994 by former ozeki Hokutenyu of the Mihogaseki stable. The stable was dissolved in June 2006, due to the passing of Hatachiyama-oyakata. The remaining wrestlers and staff transferred to Kitanoumi stable.

## **History**

Hatachiyama stable was established in May 1994 by former ozeki Hokutenyu of the Mihogaseki stable. The stable's foreign recruit, Russian Hakurozan became the first sekitori produced by Hatachiyama stable.

After suffering a stroke in March 2006, Hatachiyama oyakata was hospitalised. He died of cancer of the kidney in June 2006 at age 45. This left the stable or heya without a master, and all eleven of his wrestlers transferred to the Kitanoumi stable.

## **Owners**

* 1994-2006: 13th Hatachiyama (former ozeki Hokutenyu)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Hakurozan (former maegashira) - *transferred to Kitanoumi stable*
Hokutoo Toshiki

Hokutoo Toshiki - 北勝旺 俊紀 (born November 11, 1992) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima. He made his debut in March 2008 and wrestled for Hakkaku stable. His highest rank was makushita 41 and he retired in May 2022.

## **Early Life**

Ever since he was little, Igarashi has been good at sports, and won a local wanpaku sumo tournament when he was in the fourth grade. Alongside sumo, he played baseball in elementary school and shot put in junior high school. During his time in junior high school, he was scouted by Hakkaku Oyakata (the 61st Yokozuna Hokutoumi), who came to Aizuwakamatsu to scout for potential sumo wrestlers. After graduating junior high school, he joined Hakkaku stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2008 and was given the shikona "Oigarashi" (大五十嵐). Despite standing at 1.92 m (6 ft 3.5 in) when joining sumo, he struggled considerably and bounced back and forth between jonidan and jonokuchi for two years. In November 2011, he was given the new shikona "Hokutoo" (北勝旺). He was promoted to sandanme in March 2012 and makushita in March 2017. He was ranked in makushita for a total of four tournaments and was unable to post a winning record in the division. Due to an injury he fell back to jonidan in January 2019. In this tournament, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record, but missed out on the jonidan yusho after losing the playoff to Hatooka. After finishing with a winless 0-7 record in March 2022, Hokutoo retired from sumo in the following May 2022 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Hokutoo was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. His most common kimarite was yorikiri (force out) followed by oshidashi (push out). Standing at 1.97 m (6 ft 6 in), he was one of the tallest wrestlers during his time.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 267-282-32/548 (84 basho)
* **Makushita:** 11-17/28 (4 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 136-160-12/295 (44 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 92-83-14/175 (27 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 28-22-6/50 (8 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Oigarashi Toshiki (2008.03 - 2011.09)
* Hokutoo Toshiki (2011.11 - 2022.05)

## **Gallery**

Hokutoo prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2015)Hokutoo loses the Jonidan Yusho playoff to Hatooka (c. 2019)Hokutoo's (left) retirement ceremony (c. 2022)
## **Sources**

* Hokutoo Toshiki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Hokutoo Toshiki Rikishi Information
Jakuetsu Hideo

Jakuetsu Hideo - 若越 英雄 (born January 28, 1952) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Echizen, Fukui. He made his debut in May 1967 and last wrestled for Nishonoseki stable. He reached the juryo division in March 1979. His highest rank was juryo 12 and he retired in May 1981.

## **Early Life**

Hideo Shimada was born in the town of Echizen in Fukui prefecture to parents engaged in the fishing industry. He attended elementary school in Ishikawa prefecture and participated in sumo wrestling. In junior high school, he practiced volleyball and swimming. In March 1967, he was recruited by an official form Nishonoseki stable who was an acquaintance of his sister and as a result, he joined professional sumo.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in May 1967 and was given the shikona "Oshimada" (大島田) which was derived from his surname. He was promoted to sandanme in March 1969 and makushita in November 1970. In November 1971, he changed his shikona "Jakuetsu" (若越). In January 1976, he won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record and was promoted to makushita 2 where he could only manage a 2-5 record. In January 1979, he produced a 4-3 record at the rank of makushita 3 and was promoted to juryo in the following March 1979 tournament.

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Jakuetsu could only manage a 4-11 record and was demoted back down to makushita. Due to injury he fell down to the lower ranks of makushita, but recovered and in September 1979, he won all seven matches, but missed out on the yusho after losing to former sekiwake Kotokaze in the playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted back to juryo two tournaments later in January 1980. However, he finished with a 6-9 record in his return and was again demoted back down to makushita. This proved to be his last appearance as a sekitori and he announced his retirement shortly after in May 1981.

## **Fighting Style**

Jakuetsu 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 used as a sekitori was uwatenage, or overarm throw.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 310-274-20/584 (85 basho)
* **Juryo:** 10-20/30 (2 basho)
* **Makushita:** 213-180-20/393 (59 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 47-37/84 (12 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 36-34/70 (10 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (January 1976)

## **Shikona History**

* Shimada (1967.05 - 1967.05)
* Oshimada Hideo (1967.07 - 1971.09)
* Jakuetsu Hideo (1971.11 - 1981.05)

## **Gallery**

Jakuetsu during his days in the unsalaried ranks (c. 1972)
## **Sources**

* Jakuetsu Hideo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Jakuetsu Hideo Rikishi Information
Hokutosora Masaki

Hokutosora Masaki - 北勝空 将輝 (born September 22, 2000) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Hokuto, Hokkaido. He made his debut in March 2019 and wrestled for Hakkaku stable. His highest rank was jonidan 15 and he retired in January 2022.

## **Early Life**

Masaki Akiyama was born on September 22, 2003, in Hokuto, Hokkaido. Due to the influence of his father, Takahiro, who is a former member of the Hokkaido Ono Agricultural High School's sumo club, he started doing sumo and won a prefectural tournament in the fifth grade of elementary school. In his second and third years at Hokuto Shiritsu Kamiiso Junior High School, he participated at national level competitions.

He went on to attend Hokkaido Ono Agricultural High School and competed at the Inter-High and National Sports Festival (Kokutai) in 2018. However, after that, he injured his left knee and subsequently underwent surgery. Nevertheless, Akiyama wanted to pursue a career in professional sumo despite his father's opposition and joined Hakkaku stable. Hakkaku stable had been keeping an eye on Akiyama, who stood out in both skill and physique, since his elementary school days and had continued to support him with encouragement.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2019 and initially wrestled under his surname Akiyama. When joining professional sumo, he weighed 185 kg (408 lb), however, he struggled to produce any meaningful results. He later slimmed down to 146 kg (322 lb) by 2021. In May 2021, he was given the shikona "Hokutosora" (北勝空). He never managed to make it out of the jonidan division and retired from sumo in January 2022.

## **Fighting Style**

Hokutosora was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He won majority of his bouts with a straightforward yorikiri, or force out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 46-55-11/100 (17 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 27-39-11/65 (11 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 19-16/35 (5 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Akiyama Masaki (2019.03 - 2021.03)
* Hokutosora Masaki (2021.05 - 2022.05)

## **Gallery**

Hokutosora gets recruited into Hakkaku stable (c. 2018)Hokutosora prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2020)Hokutosora's retirement ceremony (c. 2022)
## **Sources**

* Hokutosora Masaki Rikishi Information
* Hakoshin Article on Hokutosora
Hiraga Shoji

Hiraga Shoji - 平賀 将司 (born September 29, 1913 - May 6, 1979) was an American professional sumo wrestler from Los Angeles, California. He made his debut in January 1934 and last wrestled for Kasugano stable. His highest rank was jonidan 23 and he retired in May 1937.

## **Early Life**

Shoji Joe Hiraga was born on September 29th, 1913, in Los Angeles, California, to Japanese-American immigrants. According to the 1930 census, Hiraga's father Togoro (1873-1939) ran a pool hall, and his mother Roku (1884-1971) was a midwife.

## **Career**

Hiraga joined the prestigious Kasugano stable which at the time was owned by the 27th yokozuna Tochigiyama. Unlike the Japanese-American sumo wrestlers before him, Hiraga chose to keep his shusshin, or birthplace, as Los Angeles, California. Most of the Japanese-Americans would list their birthplace at a Japanese location (for example Japanese-American rikishi Toyonishiki was originally from Colorado, but listed his shusshin as Chikujo, Fukuoka). This made Hiraga the first ever sumo wrestler to be listed with a foreign shusshin, thus making him the first foreign rikishi.

Hiraga's sumo career was quite uneventful as he struggled to rise past the first two divisions of jonidan and jonokuchi. He reached jonidan in May 1936 after two years in professional sumo and reached a career high jonidan 23 in January 1937.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Hiraga left Yokohama, Japan, and arrived back at Los Angeles on April 8th, 1937 (according to the California Passenger Lists). This meant that he was listed as officially retired at the May 1937 tournament.

Due to the outbreak of World War II and the growing tensions between Japan and the United States, approximately 120,000 Japanese-Americans were forcefully evacuated and incarcerated at Internment camps throughout the United States between 1942-1946. Hiraga was incarcerated at the Gila River War Relocation Center located in Arizona from July 29th, 1942, to March 7th, 1946.

Hiraga passed away on May 6th, 1979, at the age of 65. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, alongside his parents.

## **Records**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 4-7-20/11 (8 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 3-3-13/6 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 1-4-7/5 (2 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 0-0/0 (1 basho)

### **Achievements**

* **1st** rikishi with a foreign shusshin (birthplace)

## **Gallery**

Hiraga shakes hands with Kasugano Oyakata (c. 1934)Hiraga's birthplace is listed as USA on the banzuke (c. 1934)The Hiraga family tombstone located at Evergreen Cemetery

## **Sources**

* Hiraga Shoji Rikishi Information
* Sumo Forum Thread on American Rikishi
* Hiraga Shoji Grave on Findagrave
Gochozan Masashi

Gochozan Masashi - 豪頂山 傑士 (born August 26, 1987) is a former Mongolian professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar. He made his debut in March 2006 and wrestled for Minezaki stable. His highest rank was makushita 7 and he retired in July 2020.

## **Early Life**

Uuganbaatar practiced Bokh (Mongolian wrestling) since childhood and wrestled in junior high school. He came to Japan in August 2003 as an exchange student and attended Aomori Yamada High School. He was also a member of the school's sumo club. After graduation, he joined Minezaki stable in March 2006 and became the first foreigner recruited into the stable.

## **Career**

He was given the shikona "Torugawa" (透川), which was derived from the Tuul River in his hometown. He did not rise the ranking as quickly as some of his Mongolian counterparts and he was promoted to sandanme in September 2007. In November 2008, he produced a perfect 7-0 record in jonidan, but lost the playoff match for the yusho against Kei. He was promoted to the makushita division in July 2010. However, he could not rise up the rankings and by May 2013, his highest rank was only makushita 45. One person from his stable's support group (koenkai) recommended that he change his shikona to "raise his morale." As a result, he changed it to "Gochozan" (豪頂山). After the shikona change, he produced two consecutive 6-1 records and was promoted to a career-best makushita 7 in November 2013. However, he could only produce two wins at this rank. He was re-promoted to makushita 7 on two separate occasion in March and September 2015, but he continue struggle at this rank.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

In January 2020, Gochozan pulled out for the first time in his career on the eight day. He sat out for the rest of the tournament and did the same for the following two tournaments. His retirement was announced after the July 2020 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Gochozan was 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. He also won many bouts with oshidashi (push out). He was fond of employing uwatenage (overarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 302-268-18/569 (85 basho)
* **Makushita:** 175-164-11/338 (50 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 79-68-7/147 (22 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 43-34/77 (11 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Torugawa Takeshi (2006.03 - 2007.07)
* Torugawa Masashi (2007.09 - 2013.05)
* Gochozan Masashi (2013.07 - 2020.07)

## **Gallery**

Gochozan prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2010)Gochozan with stablemate and fellow Mongolian, ArawashiGochozan battles future sekitori Ura (c. 2016)Gochozan defeats former maegashira Sagatsukasa (c. 2018)Gochozan's retirement ceremony (c. 2021)

## **Sources**

* Gochozan Masashi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Gochozan Masashi Rikishi Information
Juryo

Jūryō (十両), is the second highest division, and is fixed at 28 wrestlers. The name literally means "ten ryō"', which was at one time the income a wrestler ranked in this division could expect to receive. The official name of the second division is actually jumaime (十枚目), meaning "tenth placing" and can be heard in official announcements and seen in some publications, but within and outside the sumo world it is almost universally known as jūryō. Wrestlers in the jūryō and the makuuchi division above are known as sekitori. Jūryō wrestlers, like those in the top makuuchi division, receive a regular monthly salary as well as other perks associated with having become a sekitori, or a member of the two upper divisions in sumo. Sumo wrestlers ranked in the divisions below jūryō are considered to be in training and receive a small allowance instead of a salary.

Jūryō wrestlers, along with their makuuchi counterparts, are the only professional sumo wrestlers who compete in a full fifteen bouts per official tournament. In the case of injuries with makuuchi wrestlers pulling out, jūryō wrestlers near the top of the division may find themselves in the occasional matchup with a top-division wrestler. Such jūryō-makuuchi matchups are also not uncommon towards the end of a sumo tournament, in order to better establish promotion and relegation of individuals between the two divisions.

Once a wrestler is promoted to jūryō, he is considered a professional with significant salary and privileges. As such, promotions to jūryō are announced just a few days after a preceding tournament, whereas other rankings are not announced for several weeks.

## **See Also**

* Makuuchi
* Makushita
* Sandanme
* Jonidan
* Jonokuchi
Jonokuchi

Jonokuchi (序ノ口 or 序の口) is the lowest sumo division. All wrestlers, apart from those who have had successful amateur careers and are given special dispensation to enter makushita or sandanme directly, start in this division. In addition to the new wrestlers the division tends to consist of other recent recruits to sumo wrestling as well as some older wrestlers who have fallen to the bottom of the ranks due to prolonged injury.

A new wrestler's initial position in the jonokuchi division is determined by his performance in maezumo, a tournament held among new wrestlers at the time of the grand tournament before they are ranked for the first time. The jonokuchi division varies in size and typically includes between 40 and 90 wrestlers, with the high mark being reached for each May tournament as the number of recruits appearing in maezumo is generally largest during the preceding March tournament, when the Japanese school year ends. As with the other lower divisions, wrestlers only compete in seven bouts over the course of the tournament. Jonokuchi is the only division in which wrestlers are semi-regularly promoted even with a losing record; promotions to the next highest jonidan division with a losing record are especially common for the May tournament when there is the large influx of new recruits.

The word jonokuchi is also used as an expression to describe when something has just begun.

## **See Also**

* Makuuchi
* Juryo
* Makushita
* Sandanme
* Jonidan
Haruyama Mantaro

Haruyama Mantaro - 春山 万太郎 (born June 3, 2000) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Setouchi, Kagoshima. He made his debut in March 2023 and currently wrestles for Onoe stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 41.

## **Early Life**

Mantaro Haruyama was born on June 3, 2000, in the town of Setouchi in Kagoshima prefecture. Saitama Sakae Junior High School and High School where he was a member of the school's prestigious sumo club. He continued his amateur career at Nihon University where he served as captain of the sumo club during his fourth year. During his time as captain, Haruyama led his school to a victory at the group championship during the National Student Sumo Championships. Upon graduating university, he joined Onoe stable with college teammate Shiroma.

## **Career**

Haruyama made his debut in March 2023 and won the jonokuchi yusho in May 2023 with a perfect 7-0 record. In the following July 2023 tournament, Haruyama was on track to win the jonidan yusho, however, he lost his final match to Wakaikari to finish with a 6-1 record. Nevertheless, he followed with another 6-1 record in sandanme in September 2023 and was promoted to makushita for the November 2023 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 24-4/28 (4 basho)
* **Makushita:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (May 2023)

## **Gallery**

Haruyama gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2023)Haruyama joins alongside stablemate Shiroma (c. 2023)Haruyama pushes out and defeats Itoga (c. 2023)Haruyama prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2023)Haruyama defeats Reonmaru to win the Jonokuchi Yusho (c. 2023)Haruyama wins his first Jonokuchi Yusho (c. 2023)
## **Sources**

* Haruyama Mantaro Rikishi Information
* Nikkan Sports Article on Haruyama
Hiodoshi Rikiya II

## Hiodoshi Rikiya

Hiodoshi Rikiya - 緋縅 力弥 (born 1799 - August 5, 1836) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kyoto. He made his debut in October 1817 and wrestled for Tamagaki stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1825 and has 2 top division championships. His highest rank was ozeki and he died while as an active wrestler in August 1836.

## **Career**

Kotaro Moriwaki was born in Yamashiro province (modern day Kyoto) in 1799. He joined Tamagaki stable and made his debut in October 1817 under the shikona "Nishiki Kotaro" (錦幸 太郎). He was promoted to juryo in February 1823 and in October of the same year he took the shikona "Hiodoshi Rikiya" which belonged to his adoptive father, Hiodoshi Rikiya I. He reached makuuchi in January 1825 and was promoted to sekiwake in October 1828. He won the equivalent of two championships in March and October 1828, but, the modern yusho system was not introduced until 1909. After five years as sekiwake he was promoted to ozeki in November 1833. However, he was injured during his ozeki career and was demoted after only two tournaments. He remained as a sekiwake for the remainder of his career. He died on August 15, 1836, at the age of 37, while as an active wrestler.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 91-32-52-5draws-12holds-1no result/141 (21 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 88-29-52-5draws-11holds-1no result/134 (20 basho)
* **Juryo:** 3-3-1hold/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 2 Unofficial **Makuuchi** Championships
	+ 1st (March 1828)
	+ 2nd (October 1828)

## **Shikona History**

* Nishiki Kotaro (1817.10 - 1823.02)
* Hiodoshi Rikiya (1823.10 - 1836.02)

## **Gallery**

19th century woodblock print of ozeki Hiodoshi Rikiya
## **Sources**

* Hiodoshi Rikiya Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Hiodoshi Rikiya Rikishi Information
Itsutsuumi Yoshio

Itsutsuumi Yoshio - 五ッ海 義男 (born November 1, 1922 - August 29, 2008) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Narao, Nagasaki. He made his debut in January 1940 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1944 and has one special prize. His highest rank was komusubi and he retired in September 1950.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Matsutake joined Dewanoumi stable and made his professional debut in January 1940. He was promoted to sandanme in May 1941 and makushita in January 1942. In May 1942 he was given the shikona "Itsutsuumi" (五ッ海) which is derived from the shikona of former ozeki Itsutushima, who wrestled for Dewanoumi stable and also came from Narao, Nagasaki. Itsutsuumi was promoted to juryo in May 1943 and makuuchi in May 1944.

### **Makuuchi Career**

At the time of his top division debut, Itsutsuumi had not produced a single losing record and he finished with a strong 8-2 record in his makuuchi debut. He finally posted his first losing record in June 1945. In May 1949, Itsutsuumi finished with a strong 11-4 record and was awarded the Technique prize. He was promoted to komusubi for the following October 1949 tournament. However, in this tournament he finished with a disastrous 1-14 record. He followed with another 1-14 record in January 1950 with his only win coming from a win by default. He sat out of the following two tournaments and retired on September 1950.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, Itsutsuumi left the Japan Sumo Association and ran a chanko restaurant in Minato, Tokyo, and an inn in Nagasaki.

### **Death**

He died on August 29, 2008, at the age of 85 due to pneumonia.

## **Fighting Style**

Itsutsuumi was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who preferred 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 were shitatenage (underarm throw) and sukuinage (beltless arm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 125-104-30/228 (24 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 69-82-30/150 (15 basho)
* **Juryo:** 19-11/30 (2 basho)
* **Makushita:** 16-8/24 (3 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 7-1/8 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 8-0/8 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-2/8 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Matsutake Yoshio (1940.01 - 1942.01)
* Itsutsuumi Yoshio (1942.05 - 1950.09)

## **Sources**

* Itsutsuumi Yoshio Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Itsutsuumi Yoshio Rikishi Information
Hokutenkai Aoi

Hokutenkai Aoi - 北天海 葵 (born February 2, 1999) is a Mongolian professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar. He made his debut in May 2019 and currently wrestles for Onoe stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 5.

## **Early Life**

Sukhbat Galdan originally practiced judo, but at the age of sixteen he came to Japan to pursue sumo wrestling. His uncle, Takanoiwa, was a successful wrestler who fought at the top division fo makuuchi. Galdan enrolled at Saitama Sakae High School which was well known for its strong sumo program. He was classmates and teammates with the future Oho and Kotoshoho. Upon graduation from high school he joined Onoe stable in May 2019 and was given the shikona "Hokutenkai" (北天海).

## **Career**

Hokutenkai produced a strong 6-1 record in his first tournament and was promoted to the jonidan division. He won all seven matches in his jonidan debut and defeated college-experienced wrestler Murata in a playoff to claim the yusho. He then gradually rose up the ranks of sandanme and in September 2020, he won all seven matches and to claim the sandanme yusho. As a result, he was promoted to the extremely competitive rank of makushita 15. At that rank he still impressed and produced a strong 5-2 record which sent him to makushita 6. He was promoted to makushita 5 in March 2021 after posting a 4-3 record, but was forced to sit out of the tournament after his members of his stable contracted COVID-19 prior to the honbasho.

## **Personal Life**

* Hokutenkai's uncle is former maegashira Takanoiwa.
* Hokutenkai's target wrestler is former ozeki Hokutenyu. The first two kanji in his shikona is derived from Hokutenyu. The "kai" (海), which means sea, in his shikona is originates from the idea of how he "came to Japan from Mongolia across the sea".

## **Fighting Style**

Hokutenkai is proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His most common techniques are yorikiri (force-out) and oshidashi (push out). He also likes to employ shitatenage, or underarm throw.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 97-64-14/161 (26 basho)
* **Makushita:** 64-55-14/119 (19 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 20-8/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (September 2020)
* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (November 2019)

## **Gallery**

Hokutenkai with his uncle, Takanoiwa (c. 2019)Hokutenkai gets measured upon joining professional sumo (c. 2019)Hokutenkai in maezumo (c. 2019)Hokutenkai wins the jonidan yusho (c. 2019)Hokutenkai prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2020)Hokutenkai defeats his opponent to win the sandanme yusho (c. 2020)

## **Sources**

* Hokutenkai Aoi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Hokutenkai Aoi Rikishi Information
Kaigatake Ryuemon

Kaigatake Ryuemon - 階ヶ嶽 龍右エ門 (born 1817 - October 23, 1868) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Toide, Etchu. He made his debut in October 1840 and wrestled for Ikazuchi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1848. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in January 1859.

## **Career**

Iwajiro Takabatake was born in the village of Toide in Etchu province (currently Takaoka, Toyama). He joined Ikazuchi stable and made his professional sumo debut in October 1840. He was given the shikona "Kaigatake Ryuemon" (階ヶ嶽 龍右エ門) in October 1845 and reached makuuchi in January 1848. He was promoted to komusubi in February 1853 and sekiwake in February 1855. He reached the rank of ozeki in November 1856, but was only ranked there for two tournaments. He retired from sumo in January 1859.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, he remained in the sumo world as an elder under the name Kumagatani. However, he left the sumo world in 1862 and returned to his hometown. He died on October 23, 1868, at the age of 51.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 77-40-80-7draws-4holds-2no results/130 (24 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 69-32-80-7draws-4holds-1no result/113 (22 basho)
* **Juryo:** 8-8-1no result/17 (2 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Taisho Rikiya (1840.10 - 1841.01)
* Okunoumi (1841.11 - 1841.11)
* Ryugatake (1842.10 - 1842.10)
* Ryugatake Katsunosuke (1843.01 - 1843.01)
* Kaigatake Ryuemon (1845.10 - 1854.11)
* Iwamigata Joemon (1855.02 - 1856.01)
* Kaigatake Ryuemon (1856.11 - 1857.11)
* Kumagatani Ryuemon (1858.01 - 1859.01)

## **Gallery**

19th century woodblock print of ozeki Kaigatake Ryuemon
## **Sources**

* Kaigatake Ryuemon Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kaigatake Ryuemon Rikisi Information
Hibikiryu Mitsuki

Hibikiryu Mitsuki - 響龍 光稀 (born March 17, 1993 - April 28, 2021) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi. He made his debut in May 2011 and wrestled for Sakaigawa Stable. His highest rank was sandanme 24 and he died while as an active wrestler in April 2021.

## **Early Life**

Amano was born in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi on March 17, 1993. He attended Yamaguchi Hibiki High School and was part of the school's sumo club.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in May 2011 using his real surname of “Amano” (天野) as a shikona but changed it to "Hokanyama" (豊関山) on the next tournament. He reached the jonidan division in November 2011. He changed his shikona to "Hibikiryu" (響龍) in January 2013.

He reached the sandanme division in March 2014, exactly 3 years after joining professional sumo. Hibikiryu went on to bounce between the jonidan and sandanme divisions before starting to estabilish himself in mid-sandanme around 2019 and subsequently reached his highest career rank of sandanme 24 in September 2019, more than 8 years after his debut. He passed away in late April 2021, but as the banzuke had already been written he appeared on the May 2021 ranks. He was listed as retired after the May 2021 tournament.

## **Concussion incident and death**

On 26th March 2021 during a match against Imafuku, Hibikiryu was dropped onto his head and neck and suffered a concussion and fell unconscious on the ring. Hibikiryu was conscious when he was brought to an ambulance several minutes after the fall and could talk during his time in hospital but died on April 28, 2021 of acute respiratory failure. The hesitation of those around the dohyo and delayed first-aid response before Hibikiryu finally received professional medical attention shocked spectators and raised criticism online and in the media about sumo proceedings, which prompted the Japan Sumo Association to study a modification of procedure.

In January 2023, his picture was carried onto the dohyo during stablemate's Toyohibiki danpatsu-shiki to make a honorary cut into his hair, done by Sadanoumi. Hibikiryu and Toyohibiki were really close friends, studying at the same junior and senior high schools, with Hibikiryu having served as tsukebito for him as well on multiple occasions.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 195-206-12/401 (60 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 74-103-12/177 (27 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 113-97/210 (30 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 8-6/14 (2 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Amano Mitsuki (2011.05 - 2011.07)
* Hokanyama Mitsuki (2011.07 - 2012.11)
* Hibikiryu Mitsuki (2013.01 - 2021.05)

## **Gallery**

Hibikiryu gets recruited into Sakaigawa stable (c. 2011)Hibikiryu prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2020)Hibikiryu battles Miryuzan (c. 2020)Hibikiryu after suffering a severe head injury (c. 2021)Hibikiryu receives medical attention after suffering an injury (c. 2021)Sadanoumi makes a cut on Hibikiryu's behalf (c. 2023)
## **Sources**

* Hibikiryu Mitsuki Rikishi Infomation
* Sakaigawa Stable Wikipedia Page
Kaminishiki Kuniyasu

Kaminishiki Kuniyasu - 神錦 國康 (born August 28, 1925 - October 22, 2005) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Aomori City, Aomori. He made his debut in May 1941 and last wrestled for Takashima stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1949. His highest rank was maegashira 5 and he retired in September 1958.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Yamaguchi moved to Tokyo at the age of 15 and joined Takashima stable. He made his professional debut in May 1941 and was given the shikona "Chobozan" (眺望山). He was promoted to sandanme in May 1944 and makushita in June 1945. In November 1947, he started wrestling under his family name of "Yamaguchi" (山口) and was promoted to juryo in May 1948. After only two tournaments in juryo, he was promoted to makuuchi in January 1949.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Initially Yamaguchi was unable to establish himself in makuuchi and was demoted back down to juryo in May 1950. Upon demotion to juryo, he was given the shikona "Kaminishiki" (神錦) and was immediately promoted back to makuuchi where he remained for the next seven years. Kaminishiki was unable to settle in the upper levels of makuuchi, reaching as high as maegashira 5 in May 1953, due to injuries sustained on his right knee and right elbow. After 28 straight tournaments in makuuchi, he was demoted back down to juryo in January 1958 and ultimately retired from sumo in September 1958 after demotion to makushita became inevitable.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, he left the Japan Sumo Association and opened up a chanko restaurant in Sakai, Osaka, called "Chanko Kaminishiki" (ちゃんこ 神錦). He died on October 22, 2005, at the age of 80.

## **Fighting Style**

Kaminishiki 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 sotogake, or outside leg trip.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 303-311-26/609 (53 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 217-242-19/455 (32 basho)
* **Juryo:** 49-47-1/95 (8 basho)
* **Makushita:** 13-10-5/23 (5 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 6-3-1/9 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-5/16 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-3/8 (1 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 2-1/3 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Chobozan Kenjiro (1941.05 - 1947.06)
* Yamaguchi Kenjiro (1947.11 - 1950.01)
* Kaminishiki Kuniyasu (1950.05 - 1958.09)

## **Sources**

* Kaminishiki Kuniyasu Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kaminishiki Kuniyasu Rikishi Information
Hoo Umagoro

Hoo Umagoro - 鳳凰 馬五郎 (born September 3, 1866 - May 4, 1907) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Chiba District, Shimosa. He made his debut in May 1887 and last wrestled for Miyagino stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1893 and has four top division championships. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in May 1903.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Born in Chiba District, Shimosa Province (currently Narashino, Chiba), Toranosuke Miyokawa joined Miyagino stable and made his professional debut in May 1886 under the shikona "Kikutayama" (菊田山). He was later given the shikona "Araumi" (荒海) in May 1887 before changing it to "Otori" (鳳) in January 1891. Upon promotion to juryo in June 1892 he was given the shikona "Hoo" (鳳凰).

### **Makuuchi Career**

Hoo reached the top makuuchi division in January 1893 after only one tournament in juryo. After three years in the maegashira ranks he was promoted to sekiwake in May 1896. In his san'yaku debut, Hoo went undefeated and was immediatley promoted to ozeki in January 1897.

### **Ozeki Career**

Yusho did not become official until 1909, but Hoo won the equivalent of four championships with the first being on January 1896, second on May 1896, third on January 1897, and fourth on January 1898. He was even considered to be awarded a yokozuna license at one point, but his drinking habits hurt his chances (Hoo often drank for 12 hours and at one point drank 23 liers of alcohol in a 10 hour sitting). He was eventaully demoted from ozeki in May 1900 and ultimatley retired from sumo in June 1903.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Hoo inherited Miyagino stable, but died on May 4, 1907, at the age of 40. Among the wrestlers he trained was future yokozuna Otori.

## **Fighting Style**

Hoo 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). He was fond of using a technique called Izumigawa – attained by squeezing his opponent’s arms tightly while attacking from his side. He also regularly used tsuri, or lifting techniques.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 109-68-31-7d-15a/199 (23 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 101-67-31-6d-15a/189 (22 basho)
* **Juryo:** 8-1-1d/10 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 4 Unofficial **Makuuchi** Championships
	+ 1st (January 1896)
	+ 2nd (May 1896)
	+ 3rd (January 1897)
	+ 4th (January 1898)

## **Shikona History**

* Kikutayama Toranosuke (1886.05 - 1887.01)
* Araumi Toranosuke (1887.05 - 1890.05)
* Otori Toranosuke (1891.01 - 1891.05)
* Hoo Toranosuke (1892.01 - 1893.05)
* Hoo Umagoro (1894.01 - 1902.05)
* Miyagino Umagoro (1903.01 - 1903.05)

## **Gallery**

Hoo during his time as Otori in his earlier career (c. 1891)Hoo Umagoro poses with kesho-mawashi
## **Sources**

* Hoo Umagoro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Hoo Umagoro Rikishi Information
Kaio Hitoshi

Kaio Hitoshi - 凱皇 仁 (born April 14, 1957) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tokamachi, Niigata. He made his debut in March 1973 and last wrestled for Tokitsukaze stable. He reached the juryo division in March 1982. His highest rank was juryo 7 and he retired in July 1986.

## **Career**

Kamimura joined Tokitsukaze stable and made his professional debut in March 1973 at the age of 15. He won the jonidan yusho in September 1975 and was promoted to makushita in January 1977. He changed his shikona to "Kaio" (凱皇) in September 1976. He won the sandanme yusho in March 1978 with a perfect 7-0 record. He was promoted to juryo in March 1982.

Over 500 people attended Kaio's juryo promotion party and many at the party predicted that he would become a future ozeki. However, Kaio had suffered an injury to his left arm and was not completely healed by the time of his sekitori debut. His first juryo stint lasted three tournaments. He fell down to makushita in September 1982 and did not return to juryo until November 1984. He rose as high as juryo 7 in July 1985, but finished with a poor 4-11 record in that tournament and was demoted directly back down to makushita. This proved to be his last appearance as a sekitori. He remained in makushita for another year before announcing his retirement in July 1986 due to a fall down to sandanme.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Two months after retiring, Kaio became a caretaker for former prime minister Kakuei Tanaka who also came from the same prefecture as Kaio. After this, he worked as a manager for a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) and was also employed in the welfare institution.

## **Fighting Style**

Kaio was proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His favored grip on his opponent's mawashi was migi-yotsu, a left hand outside, right hand inside position. His most often used winning kimarite was oshidashi (push out), followed by yorikiri (force out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 306-285-25/591 (81 basho)
* **Juryo:** 46-59/105 (7 basho)
* **Makushita:** 163-155-4/318 (46 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 40-30-21/70 (13 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 49-35/84 (12 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 8-6/14 (2 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (March 1978)
* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (September 1975)

## **Shikona History**

* Kamimura Hitoshi (1973.03 - 1976.07)
* Kaio Hitoshi (1976.09 - 1986.07)

## **Sources**

* Kaio Hitoshi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kaio Hitoshi Rikishi Information
Hakuryuyama Keisuke

Hakuryuyama Keisuke - 白龍山 慶祐 (born March 10, 1926 - August 25, 1968) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ogachi, Akita. He made his debut in January 1941 and last wrestled for Araiso stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1951. His highest rank was maegashira 12 and he retired in January 1960.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Recruited into Isegahama stable (later renamed Araiso stable) by former sekiwake Kiyosegawa, he made his professional debut in January 1941. Initially wrestling under the shikona "Ryohozan" (両邦山), he steadily climbed the ranks of the lower divisions. In June 1945, he was drafted by the Imperial Japanese Army for military service, but he returned to sumo in November 1945. Three tournaments later, he was promoted to juryo in November 1947.

### **Juryo Career**

Due to injuries, he struggled in juryo and was demoted back down to makushita in October 1948. He subsequently changed his shikona to "Hakuryuyama" (白龍山) and was promoted back to juryo in September 1950. In his return, he posted two consecutive winning records and was promoted to makuuchi in May 1951.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Hakuryuyama was ranked in the top division for a total of 10 tournaments and he struggled to progress to the upper-level ranks, with his highest rank being maegashira 12. He spent majority of his time in juryo and even won the juryo yusho in September 1954.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Hakuryuyama retired from sumo in January 1960 to avoid an inevitable demotion to makushita. After retiring, he moved to Toyota, Aichi, and opened up a chanko restaurant.

He died on August 25, 1968, at the age of 42.

## **Fighting Style**

Hakuryuyama 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. His favorite kimarite was uchimuso, or inner thigh propping twist down.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 361-394-11/751 (62 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 57-89-4/144 (10 basho)
* **Juryo:** 233-247-7/478 (33 basho)
* **Makushita:** 47-43/90 (8 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 5-0/5 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 14-12/26 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-3/8 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Juryo** Championship (September 1954)

## **Shikona History**

* Ryohozan Keisuke (1941.01 - 1949.05)
* Hakuryuyama Keisuke (1949.10 - 1960.01)

## **Sources**

* Hakuryuyama Keisuke Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Hakuryuyama Keisuke Rikishi Information
Hiodoshi Rikiya IV

## Hiodoshi Rikiya

Hiodoshi Rikiya - 緋縅 力弥 (born August 22, 1922 - January 2, 1970) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Showa, Akita. He made his debut in January 1941 and wrestled for Nishikijima stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1950. His highest rank was maegashira 10 and he retired in November 1958.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Born in Showa, Akita, at the age of 18, he moved to Tokyo and joined Nishikijima stable. He made his professional debut in January 1941 and was given the prestigious shikona "Hiodoshi" (緋縅) which had already been used six former sekitori, including two ozeki. He was promoted to sandanme in May 1942 and makushita in November 1944. After five tournaments in makushita, he was promoted to juryo in November 1946.

### **Juryo Career**

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Hiodoshi finished with a 7-6 record. In May 1949, he produced a 10-5 record and was promoted to the rank of juryo 3 in October 1949 where he posted a 9-6 record to earn a promotion to makuuchi for the January 1950 tournament.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Hiodoshi was ranked in the top division for a total of 22 tournaments, but he struggled to rise to the upper-levels of the division with his highest rank being maegashira 10. In March 1958, he injured his right knee and had to pull out on the fourth day after only recording one win. He was demoted back down to juryo and after three more disastrous records, he was demoted back down to makushita in November 1958 where he ultimately retired from the sport.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Upon retirement from active competition, he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association, under the name Tatekawa. In May 1960, he branched out and established Tatekawa Stable, however, he was unable to produce any sekitori and the stable closed down in October 1963. After this, he resumed his coaching duties at Nishikijima stable, before transferring to Tokitsukaze stable in March 1964.

### **Death**

He died suddenly on Janaury 2, 1970, at the age of 47 due to a heart attack.

## **Fighting Style**

Hiodoshi 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 tsuridashi, or lift out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 333-341-26/672 (55 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 142-170-18/310 (22 basho)
* **Juryo:** 149-145/294 (21 basho)
* **Makushita:** 17-11-8/28 (6 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 15-9/24 (3 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-2/8 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-4/8 (1 basho)

### **Division Results**

* 1 **Juryo** Championship (Janaury 1951)

## **Shikona History**

* Wakaorochi (1941.01 - 1941.05)
* Hiodoshi Shintaro (1942.01 - 1950.09)
* Hiodoshi Rikiya (1951.01 - 1958.11)

## **Sources**

* Hiodoshi Rikiya Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Hiodoshi Rikiya Rikishi Information
Kiunzan Yoshisuke

Kiunzan Yoshisuke - 起雲山 世志介 (born January 2, 1932 - June 8, 1977) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nagaoka, Niigata. He made his debut in May 1951 and wrestled for Oitekaze stable. He reached the makuuchi division in March 1956. His highest rank was maegashira 19 and he retired in September 1957.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Born in the town of Miyauchi (later merged into Nagaoka city) in Niigata prefecture, Kogawa joined Oitekaze stable and made his professional debut in May 1951. Wrestling under the shikona "Kiunzan" (起雲山), he was promoted to sandanme in January 1952 and makushita in September 1953. In January 1954, he won the makushita yusho and followed with three more winning records to earn a spot in juryo for the January 1955 tournament.

### **Juryo Career**

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Kiunzan finished with a 9-6 record. He followed with four more winning records and was promoted to makuuchi in March 1956.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Kiunzan could only manage a 6-9 record in his top division debut and was demoted back down to juryo. He returned to makuuchi in September 1956 and posted an 8-7 which promoted him to the rank of maegashira 19 in January 1957. He could only manage a 7-8 record at this rank and followed with another losing record, causing him to fall back down to juryo in May 1957.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

In the summer of 1957, Kiunzan ran away from his stable twice. During his first attempt to flee the stable, he was later found in his hometown of Nagaoka and was persuaded by his senior stablemate Shimizugawa to return to Tokyo. However, upon returning back to Tokyo, he ran away again and never returned back to his stable. His retirement was officially announced after the September 1957 tournament.

He died on June 8, 1977, at the age of 45.

## **Fighting Style**

Kiunzan 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 tsuridashi (lift out), uwatenage (overarm throw), and yorikiri (force out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 157-114/271 (25 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 27-33/60 (4 basho)
* **Juryo:** 61-44/105 (8 basho)
* **Makushita:** 28-12/40 (5 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 28-20/48 (6 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-4/15 (1 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 2-1/3 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (January 1954)

## **Gallery**

Kiunzan with his kesho-mawashiKiunzan prepares for his upcoming match
## **Sources**

* Kiunzan Yoshisuke Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kiunzan Yoshisuke Rikishi Information