Taniarashi Hisashi

Taniarashi Hisashi - 谷嵐 久 (born April 16, 1952 - October 19, 2010) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nakatsu, Oita. He made his debut in January 1971 and wrestled for Tokitsukaze stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1978. His highest rank was maegashira 4 and he retired in November 1982.

## **Early Life**

Yamaguchi was born in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, but raised in Nakatsu, Oita (he would use Nakatsu as his official birthplace when joining professional sumo). After enrolling in Oita Prefectural Nakatsu Technical High School, he began sumo wrestling. In his third year, he participated in national competitions and produced strong results. Prior to graduating high school, he was introduced to Tokitsukaze stable.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Yamaguchi joined Tokitsukaze stable and made his professional debut in January 1971. He won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in his first tournament and was promoted to makushita after only five professional tournaments. In January 1975, he changed his shikona to "Wakakitaba" (若北葉), but reverted back to Yamaguchi in November 1976. In March 1977, he won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record at the rank of makushita 3 and was promoted to juryo in the following May 1978 tournaments.

### **Juryo Career**

Yamaguchi was able to establish himself as a sekitori and he posted two consecutive winning records from his debut. In January 1978, he posted a 10-5 record and was promoted to to the top of juryo where he produced a solid 9-6 record to earn a promotion to the makuuchi division in May 1978.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Upon promotion to the top division, he changed his shikona "Taniarashi" (谷嵐). Taniarashi was unable to establish himself in the top divison until his third attempt in January 1979 where he posted a 10-5 record. He was promoted to the rank of maegashira 4 in the following March 1979 tournament. His last tournament in makuuchi was in September 1979.

### **Later Career**

After falling back down to juryo, Taniarashi remained there for three more tournaments before falling back down to makushita in May 1980 due to injuries. After losing his sekitori status, he changed his shikona back to his surname Yamaguchi. He returned to juryo for one tournament in September 1981, but could only muster out a 5-10 record.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Yamaguchi announced his retirement after the November 1982 tournament. His danpatsu-shiki, or retirement ceremony, was held alongside stablemates Makimoto and Futatsuryu who also retired in November 1982.

After retiring, he opened up a chanko restaurant in Nakatsu, Oita, called "Taniarashi" (たにあらし).

### **Death**

Yamaguchi died at a hospital in Oita Prefecture on October 19, 2010, due to liver cancer. He was 58 years old.

## **Personal Life**

His son Shun Yamaguchi is a professional baseball player. He is the first Japanese player to make his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays, and also first MLB player who had never played any baseball teams in the United States.

## **Fighting Style**

Taniarashi was a tsuki/oshi specialist, who prefers pushing and thrusting at his opponents rather than fighting on the mawashi or belt. However, his most common winning kimarite or technique was yorikiri, or force out, which requires a belt grip.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 345-292-12/637 (72 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 46-59/105 (7 basho)
* **Juryo:** 89-91/180 (12 basho)
* **Makushita:** 178-132-12/310 (46 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 21-7/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Juryo** Championship (November 1978)
* 2 **Makushita** Championships
	+ 1st (March 1977)
	+ 2nd (March 1982)
* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (March 1971)

## **Shikona History**

* Yamaguchi Hisashi (1971.01 - 1974.11)
* Wakakitaba Hisashi (1975.01 - 1976.09)
* Yamaguchi Hisashi (1976.11 - 1978.03)
* Taniarashi Hisashi (1978.05 - 1980.03)
* Yamaguchi Hisashi (1980.05 - 1982.11)

## **Gallery**

Taniarashi's time as YamaguchiTaniarashi prepares for his upcoming matchTaniarashi poses with his kesho-mawashiTaniarashi battles Yokozuna Wakanohana (c. 1979)Taniarashi, Makimoto, and Futatsuryu announce their retirements (c. 1982)Taniarashi, Makimoto, Futatsuryu's retirement ceremony pamphletTaniarashi with his son Shun Yamaguchi (c. 2006)Taniarashi's tegata
## **Sources**

* Taniarashi Hisashi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Taniarashi Hisashi Rikishi Information