recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
List of Mongolian Sumo Wrestlers

This is a list of all sumo wrestlers who are from Mongolia. In 1992, Oshima Oyakata (former ozeki Asahikuni) travelled to Mongolia after hearing about their traditional folk wrestling known as Bokh. He took six teenagers with him back to Japan and they became the first Mongolians to join professional sumo. Kyokushuzan became the first Mongolian sekitori when he reached juryo in March 1995 as well as the first Mongolian to reach makuuchi in September 1996. Following Kyokushuzan's success in the sport, many aspiring Mongolians moved to Japan with hopes of joining the sport and many Oyakata's visited Mongolia with the intention of recruiting.

Asashoryu became the first Mongolian to reach the yokozuna rank in March 2003 and cemented the Mongolian dominance in sumo. Hakuho reached the rank of yokozuna in May 2007 and is considered the greatest rikishi in history. Harumafuji, Kakuryu, and Terunofuji have also reached the top rank in sumo.

As of 2023, there has been 69 sumo wrestlers to list their birthplace as Mongolia, with majority coming from the capital Ulaanbaatar. Of the 69 Mongolian sumo wrestlers, 37 have reached the elite sekitori ranks.

This page also includes a separate list of non-Mongolian sumo wrestlers of Mongolian descent.

## **Mongolian Sumo Wrestlers**

* Names in **bold** indicate a still active wrestler.
* Green row indicates wrestler reached the elite sekitori ranks.

## **Sumo Wrestlers of Mongolian Descent**

* Names in **bold** indicate a still active wrestler.
* Green row indicates wrestler reached the elite sekitori ranks.
Manazuru Hisashi

Manazuru Hisashi - 真鶴 久 (born December 17, 1984) is a former Chinese professional sumo wrestler from Beijing. He made his debut in March 2004 and last wrestled for Asahiyama stable. His highest rank was sandanme 13 and he retired in January 2015.

## **Career**

Songsong Cheng of Beijing, China, joined Isegahama stable in March 2004. He initially wrestled under his family name of "Shosho" (頌頌) and made his debut alongside fellow Chinese Ryutei. He had a pretty successful start as he produced six winning records in his first seven tournaments which sent him to the sandanme division by his eight professional tournament in July 2005. From here Shosho began to struggle and he could not establish himself in the sandanme division.

In February 2007, his Isegahama stable closed down, so he and another stablemate moved to Kiriyama stable. Upon transferring, he changed his shikona to "Hanasegawa" (華瀬川). After year of wrestling under his new shikona, Hanasegawa was able to establish himself as a sandanme regular by November 2008.

In January 2011, his Kiriyama stable closed down so he transferred to Asahiyama stable. In September 2011, he was gunning for the sandanme championship as he won his first six matches, however, he lost his last match to up and comer Sakumayama who was undefeated at the time. Nonetheless, Hanasegawa was promoted to sandanme 26 for the following tournament. Sadly in this tournament he went winless. In January 2013, he changed his shikona to "Manazuru" (真鶴) and a year later he was promoted to his career-best rank of sandanme 13. In January 2015, Manazuru announced his retirement which coincided with the closure of his stable.

## **Fighting Style**

Manazuru 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 was also fond of employing hatakikomi (slap down), uwatenage (overarm throw), and oshidashi (push out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 219-221-8/438 (65 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 124-151-5/274 (40 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 90-68-3/157 (23 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Shosho Akira (2004.03 - 2007.03)
* Hanasegawa Tsutomu (2007.05 - 2012.11)
* Manazuru Hisashi (2013.01 - 2015.01)

## **Gallery**

Manazuru during his time in maezumo (c. 2004)Manazuru prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2010)Manazuru speaks at an Asahiyama stable event (c. 2011)
Kirinryu Hayato

Kirinryu Hayato - 麒麟龍 勇人 (born December 21, 2001) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Sumida, Tokyo. He made his debut in January 2020 and currently wrestles for Nishonoseki stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 49.

## **Early Life**

Takeoka began sumo wrestling during his fourth year at Ryogoku Elementary School. He then went to Niigata prefecture to wrestle at Itoigawa City Nou Junior High School's sumo club. After graduating junior high school, he attended Niigata Prefectural Kaiyo High School where he was teammates with the future Oshoumi. Takeoka posted strong results in the national scene and received a lot of attention from many stables. After graduating high school, he joined Oguruma stable because his father was acquainted with sewanin Nishikikaze.

## **Career**

Takeoka made his professional debut in January 2020. He won the jonidan yusho in only his second tournament in May 2020 with a perfect 7-0 record and was promoted to sandanme for the following September 2020 tournament. He reached makushita in September 2021, but could not established himself in the division. On February 7, 2022, Oguruma stable closed down so he transferred to Nishonoseki stable. In January 2023 he was given the shikona "Kirinryu" (麒麟龍).

## **Fighting Style**

Kirinryu 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) and hatakikomi (slap down).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 82-72/154 (23 basho)
* **Makushita:** 5-9/14 (2 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 66-60/126 (18 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Takeoka Hayato (2020.01 - 2022.11)
* Kirinryu Hayato (2023.01 - )

## **Gallery**

Kirinryu gets recruited by Nakamura Oyakata (c. 2019)Kirinryu gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2020)Kirinryu during his time in Maezumo (c. 2020)Kirinryu defeats Nabatame to win the Jonidan Yusho (c. 2020)Kirinryu after winning the Jonidan Yusho (c. 2020)Kirinryu prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2021)
## **Sources**

* Kirinryu Hayato Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kirinryu Hayato Rikishi Information
Matsumidori Tetsuya

Matsumidori Tetsuya - 松緑 哲也 (born July 27, 1981) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Noto, Ishikawa. He made his debut in March 1997 and wrestled for Onomatsu stable. His highest rank was makushita 14 and he retired in September 2010.

## **Career**

Yabushita joined Onomatsu stable and made his professional debut in March 1997. He finished with a strong 6-1 record in his first tournament and was given the shikona "Matsumidori" (松緑) in July 1997. He was promoted to sandanme in September 2000, but missed 2 tournaments in 2001 which resulted to a drop back down to jonidan. He returned to sumo in September 2001 and in November 2001, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record, but missed out on the jonidan yusho after losing to Kokkai in a playoff. Nevertheless, he followed with three more winning records and was promoted to makushita in July 2002. In March 2005, he finished with a strong 6-1 record and qualified for a seven-man playoff for the makushita yusho. He defeated Sumanofuji in the first round and Tamamitsukuni in the second round, but lost to Kyokunankai in the final round. He reached a career-best makushita 14 in September 2010, but could only manage a 3-4 record in this tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Matsumidori was suspended from the July 2010 tournament, along with several other wrestlers, after admitting involvement in illegal gambling on baseball. He retired from sumo after the following September 2010 tournament. After retiring, he worked as a fisherman in his hometown, but due to his connection with the gambling scandal, on January 26, 2011, he was accused of illegal gambling and arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. On May 6, 2011, the Tokyo District Court sentenced him to 10 months imprisonment with 3 years of probation.

## **Fighting Style**

Matsumidori 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:** 282-240-45/522 (82 basho)
* **Makushita:** 119-133-7/252 (37 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 76-36-28/112 (20 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 77-67-10/144 (22 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 10-4/14 (2 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Yabushita Tetsuya (1997.03 - 1997.05)
* Matsumidori Tetsuya (1997.07 - 2010.09)

## **Gallery**

Matsumidori prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2007)
## **Sources**

* Matsumidori Tetsuya Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Matsumidori Tetsuya Rikishi Information
Kirinofuji Sho

Kirinofuji Sho - 霧の富士 勝 (born July 28, 1994) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kanoya, Kagoshima. He made his debut in January 2011 and wrestled for Michinoku stable. His highest rank was makushita 18 and he retired in May 2023.

## **Career**

Hideyuki Yato joined Michinoku stable in 2010 and made his professional debut in January 2011. Upon promotion to sandanme in March 2013, he was given the shikona "Kirinofuji" (霧の富士). He reached the makushita division in May 2015, however, he finished with a disastrous 0-7 record in his makushita debut. He spent the majority of his career bouncing back and forth between the sandanme and makushita division. He reached a career-best makushita 18 in May 2021, but finished with a 3-4 record in that tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

### **Assault Scandal**

In May 2023, Michinoku stable was at the heart of a scandal linked to a case of violence that was made public. Kirinofuji assaulted young wrestler Yasunishi, in January 2023 with a frying pan and whipped him with a jump rope. Michinoku stablemaster (former ozeki Kirishima) is accused to have covered the violence by directly allowing Kirinofuji to remain within his stable and allowing him to perform a hair cutting ceremony in April despite the information being relayed to the Compliance Department. However, since the Sumo Association was informed in January and the victim withdrew his complaint, Michinoku is not subject to any disciplinary action.

## **Fighting Style**

Kirinofuji 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. He was also fond of employing yoritaoshi, or frontal crush out. He also regularly employed oshidashi (push out), uwatenage (overarm throw), and hatakikomi (slap down).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 245-238-14/481 (72 basho)
* **Makushita:** 72-96-7/166 (25 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 125-99-7/224 (33 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 44-40/84 (12 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Yato Hideyuki (2011.01 - 2013.01)
* Kirinofuji Masaru (2013.03 - 2013.07)
* Kirinofuji Sho (2013.09 - 2023.05)

## **Gallery**

Kirinofuji battles Ura (c. 2015)Kirinofuji loses to Yoshii (c. 2020)Kirinofuji prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2021)
## **Sources**

* Kirinofuji Sho Rikishi Information
* Hochi News Article on Michinoku Stable Assault Scandal
Maenoumi Takeo

Maenoumi Takeo - 前乃湖 健雄 (born November 25, 1970) is a former Taiwanese professional sumo wrestler from Yunlin County. He made his debut in January 1989 and wrestled for Takadagawa stable. His highest rank was sandanme 36 and he retired in January 1991.

## **Career**

Jiancheng Liao of Yunlin County, Taiwan, joined Takadagawa stable in January 1989, alongside fellow Taiwanese Lirong Chen (Tatsunohana). The stable was already home to three other Taiwanese sumo wrestlers. He was given the shikona "Maenoumi" (前乃湖). In his first professional tournament he produced a winning record of 4-3 and as a result was promoted to jonidan. In his jonidan debut, he won all seven matches but lost the playoff to Toyomusashi for the yusho. Throughout the next two years he gradually rose up the ranks and was promoted to a career-high sandanme 36 in November 1990. However, he sat out of this tournament and also the following tournament. His retirement was announced after the January 1991 tournament.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 39-31-14/70 (13 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 15-20-14/35 (7 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 20-8/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Maenoumi during his time in maezumo (c. 1989)
Maikaze Masahiro

Maikaze Masahiro - 舞風 昌宏 (born September 21, 1976) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Towada, Aomori. He made his debut in March 1992 and wrestled for Oguruma stable. He reached the juryo division in January 2005. His highest rank was juryo 10 and he retired in May 2007.

## **Early Life**

Sato started sumo wrestling during the 5th grade at Kitazono Elementary School in Towada, Aomori. He was also a member of the sumo club at Sanbongi Junior High School. He was recruited by former ozeki Kotokaze after he personally saw Sato training. After graduating high school, Sato joined Kotokaze's Oguruma stable in March 1992.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Sato was given the shikona "Maikaze" (舞風). He gradually rose up the rankings and was promoted to sandanme in July 1994 and makushita in September 1997. However, due to many injury problems such as neck injuries, ankle fractures and damaged meniscus, Maikaze found it hard to climb up the rankings. In May 2004 he was promoted to the top of makushita, but could only finish with a 3-4 record. In November 2004 he produced a strong 6-1 record at the rank of makushita 5 which earned him a spot in the juryo division.

### **Juryo Career**

Maikaze struggled in his juryo debut and could only finish with six wins. In the following tournament he finished with another 7-8 record. Even though Maikaze was ranked at juryo 14 east he only fell to juryo 14 west. Nonetheless, he finished with a 6-9 in this tournament and was demoted back down to makushita after a total of three tournaments in juryo.

### **Later Career**

Due to a right knee injury, Maikaze continued to struggle and produced another five consecutive losing records which caused him to fall back down to sandanme. In May 2006 he won the sandanme yusho with a perfect 7-0 record and was promoted back to makushita.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After going winless in March 2007, he announced his retirement on a Mixi blog post. His retirement was not announced until May 9th, which meant his name still appeared on the May banzuke.

Maikaze got married on March 14, 2016.

## **Fighting Style**

Maikaze 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 is oshidashi or a straightforward push out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 329-311-21/637 (92 basho)
* **Juryo:** 19-26/45 (3 basho)
* **Makushita:** 123-131-12/252 (38 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 114-96-7/210 (31 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 64-55/119 (17 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 9-3-2/11 (2 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Sato (1992.03 - 1992.03)
* Maikaze Masahiro (1992.05 - 2007.05)

## **Gallery**

### **JSA Profile Pictures and Tegata**

Maikaze Masahiro - 2005 (Retrieved from the JSA)Maikaze's tegata
### **Career Overview**

Maikaze after promotion to juryo (c. 2004)Maikaze during the juryo dohyo-iri (c. 2005)Maikaze throws salt into the dohyo (c. 2005)Maikaze's retirement ceremony (c. 2007)
## **Sources**

* Maikaze Masahiro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Maikaze Masahiro Rikishi Information
List of Brazilian Sumo Wrestlers

This is a list of all sumo wrestlers who are from Brazil. The first Brazilian sumo wrestler was Japanese-Brazilian Yoshihira Takeuchi who joined Hanakago stable in September 1967. However, he retired in January 1971 after failing to make it out of jonidan. The first Brazilian to reach juryo was Ryudo in March 1994. The first Brazilian to reach the top makuuchi division was Kaisei in May 2011. Due to the large Japanese diaspora in Brazil, amateur sumo is highly popular with the only purpose-built sumo arena outside Japan located in São Paulo.

As of 2023, there has been 16 sumo wrestlers to list their birthplace as the Brazil, with majority of them coming from São Paulo. Of the 16 Brazilian sumo wrestlers, 4 have reached the elite sekitori ranks.

This page also includes a separate list of Japanese sumo wrestlers of Brazilian descent.

## **Brazilian Sumo Wrestlers**

* Green row indicates wrestler reached the elite sekitori ranks.

## **Japanese Wrestlers of Brazilian Descent**

* Names in **bold** indicate a still active wrestler.
Kimura Shunta

Kimura Shunta - 木村 俊太 (born September 28, 2002) is a Japanese professional sumo referee from Fujieda, Shizuoka. He was recruited in April 2018 and debuted in the May 2018 tournament and he belongs to Shikoroyama stable.

## **Career**

* May 2018 - Had his ring debut under Shikoroyama stable
* July 2018 - Promoted to Jonokuchi-kaku gyoji and took on the name Kimura Shunta (木村 俊太)
* January 2021 - Promoted to Jonidan-kaku gyoji
Kiozan Tomoyuki

Kiozan Tomoyuki - 箕應山 朋恭 (born April 17, 1980) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Minoh, Osaka. He made his debut in March 1996 and wrestled for Oguruma stable. His highest rank was makushita 27 and he retired in November 2009.

## **Early Life**

Tsukuda was born in Minoh, Osaka, on April 17, 1980. In elementary school, he was approached by supporters of Oshiogawa stable due to his big size and was recruited for professional sumo. After that, he visited Oshiogawa stable several times during the annual Haru Tournament held in Osaka. During his time at Daisan Junior High School, he was a member of the basketball club, but he also practiced sumo at a dojo in Katano, Osaka. After graduating junior high school, Tsukuda joined Oshiogawa stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 1996 and initially wrestled under his surname Tsukuda. After two years in jonidan, he reached the sandanme division in November 1998. In July 2001, he was given the shikona "Kiozan" (箕應山) and he was promoted to makushita three tournaments later in November 2001. In March 2005, his stable closed down so he transferred to the affiliated Oguruma stable. In March 2007, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record and defeated Hikarikaze in a playoff to claim the sandanme yusho. He was promoted to a career-best makushita 27 for the following May 2007 tournament, however, he finished with a 2-5 record. He retired from sumo in November 2009.

## **Personal Life**

* In August 2010, after retiring, he married Aiba Sanyutei, a rakugo story teller.
* He served as Daishi's tsukebito, or personal servant.

## **Fighting Style**

Kiozan 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:** 286-262-26/547 (83 basho)
* **Makushita:** 29-43-12/71 (12 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 189-161-14/350 (52 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 51-47/98 (14 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 17-11/28 (4 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (March 2007)

## **Shikona History**

* Tsukuda Tomoyuki (1996.03 - 2001.05)
* Kiozan Tomoyuki (2001.07 - 2009.11)

## **Gallery**

Kiozan prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2005)
## **Sources**

* Kiozan Tomoyuki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kiozan Tomoyuki Rikishi Information
Kokiryu Kaito

Kokiryu Kaito - 煌貴龍  快斗 (born September 14, 2004) is a Chinese professional sumo wrestler, raised in Ikuno Ward, Osaka. He made his debut in September 2022 and currently wrestles for Tatsunami stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is jonidan 27.

## **Early Life**

Peihuang Chen was born on September 14, 2004, in the city of Fuqing in Fujian, China. He moved to Japan during the second grade and attended Higashiosaka College Kashiwara High School where he was a member of the school's judo club. He won an Osaka prefecture judo tournament in the above 100kg class. He dropped out during his third year of high school and joined Tatsunami stable. His birthplace is officially listed as Osaka so he is not counted as a foreign wrestler.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in September 2022 and was given the shikona "Kokiryu" (煌貴龍). He finished with a solid 5-2 record in his first professional tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Kokiryu is 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:** 23-26/49 (8 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 18-24/42 (6 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Kokiryu gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2022)Kokiryu battles Takerufuji in Maezumo (c. 2022)Kokiryu during his time in maezumo (c. 2022)Kokiryu prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2023)

## **Sources**

* Kokiryu Kaito Rikishi Information
* Sponichi Annex Article on Aki 2022 Recruits
Maegashio Haruo

Maegashio Haruo - 前ヶ潮 春夫 (born March 12, 1931 - November 30, 1979) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Takayama, Gifu. He made his debut in October 1949 and wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the makuuchi division in July 1958. His highest rank was maegashira 18 and he retired in September 1959.

## **Early Life**

Born in what is currently Takayama, Gifu, Minoya lost his mother due to illness during his third year of elementary school and was subsequently raised by his father. He participated in amateur sumo and was recruited by Yokozuna Maedayama into Takasago stable.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He made his professional debut in October 1949, initially wrestling under his surname Minoya. Upon changing his shikona to "Maegashio" (前ヶ潮), he won the sandanme yusho with a strong 7-1 record in January 1953 and was promoted to makushita in March 1953. He produced four consecutive winning records and was promoted to juryo in March 1954.

### **Juryo Career**

Maegashio posted efficient, but unspectacular results in juryo. Because of this, he was not demoted to makushita, but it took him over four years to reach the top makuuchi division. In May 1958, he won his first nine matches while ranked at the top of juryo and finished with a strong 10-5 record which resulted in a promotion to makuuchi for the July 1958 tournament.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Maegashio could only manage a 2-13 record in his makuuchi debut and was demoted back down to makuuchi after only one tournament. This proved to be his only tournament in the top division.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After falling back down to makushita in September 1959, Maegashio retired from sumo. He died 20 years later in November 1979 at the age of 48.

## **Fighting Style**

Maegashio 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 (force out). He was also fond of employing uwatenage (overarm throw) and shitatenage (underarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 276-256-13/531 (42 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 2-13/15 (1 basho)
* **Juryo:** 177-178-5/354 (24 basho)
* **Makushita:** 27-13-8/40 (6 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 46-31/77 (7 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 18-12/30 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-9/15 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (January 1953)

## **Shikona History**

* Minoya Haruo (1949.10 - 1952.09)
* Maegashio Haruo (1953.01 - 1959.09)

## **Sources**

* Maegashio Haruo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Maegashio Haruo Rikishi Information
Kurowashi Nichiro

Kurowashi Nichiro - 黒鷲 二千郎 (born November 10, 1940) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Owase, Mie. He made his debut in May 1958 and last wrestled for Nishonoseki stable. He reached the juryo division in November 1967. His highest rank was juryo 3 and he retired in January 1970.

## **Career**

Higashi joined Nishonoseki stable and made his professional debut in May 1958, initially wrestling under his surname Higashi. He was promoted to sandanme in November 1959 and makushita in November 1960. In September 1967, he posted a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 2 and was promoted to juryo in November 1967. Upon reaching the elite sekitori status, he changed his shikona to "Kurowashi" (黒鷲). He posted two consecutive winning records from his debut and was promoted to the rank of juryo 3 in March 1968, however, this proved to be his highest rank. He sat out of the July 1968 tournament due to right fibula fracture which resulted in him falling back down to makushita.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

He retired from the sport in January 1970. After retiring, he ran a restaurant in Nagoya, Aichi.

## **Fighting Style**

Kurowashi 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.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 279-228-15/507 (71 basho)
* **Juryo:** 33-27/60 (5 basho)
* **Makushita:** 184-158-15/342 (51 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 26-20/46 (6 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 34-22/56 (7 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 2-1/3 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Higashi Nichiro (1958.05 - 1967.09)
* Kurowashi Nichiro (1967.11 - 1968.09)
* Higashi Nichiro (1968.11 - 1970.01)

## **Sources**

* Kurowashi Nichiro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kurowashi Nichiro Rikishi Information
Kusatake Koichi

Kusatake Koichi - 草竹 幸一 (born December 5, 1957) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kushima, Miyazaki. He made his debut in July 1973 and last wrestled for Taiho stable. He reached the juryo division in January 1982. His highest rank was juryo 11 and he retired in July 1984.

## **Early Life**

Kusatake began practicing judo in junior highs school and continued his career at Miyazaki Commercial Senior High School. Since he had a build natural for sumo, he drew the attention of the 48th yokozuna Taiho who ultimately recruited him for his stable.

## **Career**

Kusatake made his professional debut in July 1973. In his first tournament, he finished with a 5-2 record, but still qualified for a rare playoff for the jonokuchi yusho. He competed with six other wrestlers in the playoff, but lost in the first round. Nevertheless, he was promoted to sandanme in January 1975 and makushita in November 1976. He briefly changed his shikona to "Wakataisho" (若大翔) in 1979 but reverted back to his surname Kusatake a year later. In July 1981, he finished with a strong 6-1 record and was placed in a seven man playoff for the makushita yusho. He defeated Kotani in the first round, Amamifuji in the second round, and Oko in the final round to claim the makushita yusho. He was promoted to juryo three tournaments later in January 1982.

In his juryo debut, Kusatake finished with a 5-10 record and was demote back down to makushita. This proved to be his only tournament ranked as a sekitori. He remained in the unsalaried ranks for another two years before announcing his retirement after the July 1984 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Kusatake 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) and he also preferred yori (forcing) techniques.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 244-219-7/463 (67 basho)
* **Juryo:** 5-10/15 (1 basho)
* **Makushita:** 161-147-7/308 (45 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 37-33/70 (10 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 36-27/63 (9 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (July 1981)

## **Shikona History**

* Kusatake Koichi (1973.07 - 1979.01)
* Wakataisho Koichi (1979.03 - 1980.05)
* Kusatake Koichi (1980.07 - 1984.07)

## **Sources**

* Kusatake Koichi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kusatake Koichi Rikishi Information
Kitakasuga Ikko

Kitakasuga Ikko - 北春日 一光 (born September 14, 1981) is a former Mongolian professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar. He made his debut in September 1999 and wrestled for Kasugayama stable. His highest rank was sandanme 18 and he retired in March 2005.

## **Career**

Munkhbat Tsolmonbayar of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, joined Kasugayama stable in September 1999. He was given the shikona "Kitakasuga" (北春日). He initially struggled and could not make it past the jonidan division. It was not until May 2002, when he reached the sandanme division. He gradually rose the ranks of sandanme, but an injury suffered in November 2002 sent him back to jonidan. He was promoted back to sandanme in July 2003. He remained there for the rest of his later career.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

In March 2005, he was promoted to a career-best sandanme 18, but his retirement was suddenly announced before the tournament. Upon retirement from sumo, he returned back to Mongolia and currently works as a coach and representative of the Mongolian Youth Sumo Federation. According to his Facebook account, he still keeps in contact with many active Mongolian sumo wrestlers.

## **Fighting Style**

Kitakasuga 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.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 117-101-13/217 (34 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 51-48-13/98 (16 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 58-47/105 (15 basho)
* **Jonokuchi**: 8-6/14 (2 basho)

## **Gallery**

Kitakasuga stands outside of his stable (c. 1999)Kitakasuga prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2001)Kitakasuga with future Yokozuna Hakuho
Kimura Narimasa

Kimura Narimasa - 木村 成将 (born March 15, 2002) is a Japanese professional sumo referee from Nagoya, Aichi. He was recruited in April 2017 and debuted in the May 2017 tournament and he belongs to Ikazuchi stable.

## **Career**

* May 2017 - Had his ring debut under Irumagawa stable
* July 2017 - Promoted to Jonokuchi-kaku gyoji and took on the name Kimura Narimasa (木村 成将)
* January 2020 - Promoted to Jonidan-kaku gyoji
Kimura Motoki

Kimura Motoki - 木村 元基 (born August 6th, 1968) is a Japanese professional sumo referee from Shinjuku, Tokyo. He was recruited in April 1984 and debuted in the May 1984 tournament and he belongs to Minato stable. He reached the Makuuchi rank in November 2011.

## **Career**

* May 1984 - Had his debut under Minato stable
* July 1984 - Promoted to Jonokuchi-kaku gyoji and took on the name Kimura Motoki (木村 元基)
* January 1985 - Promoted to Jonidan-kaku gyoji
* January 1988 - Promoted to Sandanme-kaku gyoji
* January 1991 - Promoted to Makushita-kaku gyoji
* January 2003 - Promoted to Juryo-kaku gyoji
* November 2011 - Promoted to Makuuchi-kaku gyoji

## **Sources**

* Kimura Motoki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* JSA Kimura Motoki Personal Page
Kimigahama Stable

Kimigahama stable (君ヶ濱部屋, Kimigahama-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Tokitsukaze group of stables. It was established in May 1972 by former sekiwake Tsurugamine of the Izutsu stable. The stable closed in the December 1977, with its wrestlers moving to Izutsu stable.

## **History**

Kimigahama stable was established in May 1972 by former sekiwake Tsurugamine of Izutsu stable. However, he really coveted the stock of his old Izutsu stable, but was unable to come to agreement with the widow of his old boss, who had died in March 1972. In 1977 he was able to purchase the stock from former yokozuna Kitanofuji and became head coach of the renamed Izutsu stable.

The stable had one foreigner, Brazilian Pasquale Bosche, who took the shikona of Hakusan. Hakusan transferred to Izutsu stable along with the rest of Kimigahama stable.

## **Owners**

* 1972-1977: 8th Kimigahama (former sekiwake Tsurugamine)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Kirishima (former ozeki)
* Jingaku (former komusubi)
* Nishikinada (former maegashira)
* Sasshunada (former maegashira)
* Takanomine (former maegashira)
* Kakureizan (former juryo)
* Saganoumi (former juryo)
* Hakusan (former makushita)
Kyushuzan Juro

Kyushuzan Juro - 九州山 十郎 (born May 12, 1889 - January 7, 1927) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kurate District, Fukuoka. He made his debut in June 1911 and wrestled for Irumagawa stable. He reached the makuuchi division in June 1915 and has one kinboshi. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in January 1922.

## **Early Life**

Born in Kurate Distrcit, Fukuoka (currently Kitakyushu, Fukuoka), Nakanishi worked as a boatman at the local Onga River, however, he was also an avid sumo fan. In 1911, when a group of sumo wrestlers, including yokozuna Hitachiyama, came to Saga prefecture for a tour, Nakanishi was scouted by komusubi Ryogoku, and ultimatley joined Dewanoumi stable.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He made his professional debut in June 1911 at the makushita division. Shortly after, in January 1912, Ryogoku retired and he formed Irumagawa stable which Nakanishi transferred to. In January 1913 he was given the new shikona "Kyushuzan" (九州山). He won the makushita yusho with a perfect 5-0 record in May 1913 and was promoted to juryo in January 1914. After three tournaments in juryo, he was promoted to makuuchi in June 1915.

### **Makuuchi Career**

In his top division debut, Kyushuzan finished with a strong 7-1-2hold record. In the following June 1915 tournament, he defeated yokozuna Otori to earn his first and only kinboshi. He was promoted to komusubi in May 1917 and sekiwake in January 1918. After only two tournaments in san'yaku, he was promoted to ozeki in May 1918.

### **Ozeki Career**

Kyushuzan withdrew from his ozeki debut and finished with a 1-0-8-1hold record. In the following tournament he finished with a 5-5 record, but was still demoted back down to komusubi. Since his demotion, Kyushuzan's rank declined rapidly due to an illness and he subsequently retired from sumo in January 1922.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Kyushuzan remained in the Sumo Association as an elder under the name Inagawa. He died on January 7, 1927, at the age of 37 due to an illness.

## **Fighting Style**

Kyushuzan was proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His favored grip on his opponent's mawashi was hidari-yotsu, a right hand outside, left hand inside position.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 72-44-41-6a/122 (19 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 57-37-41-5a/99 (14 basho)
* **Juryo:** 10-7-1a/18 (3 basho)
* **Makushita:** 5-0/5 (2 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (May 1913)

## **Sources**

* Kyushuzan Juro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kyushuzan Juro Rikishi Information
Kotohanada Yasushi

Kotohanada Yasushi - 琴花田 安 (born September 3, 1955) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kedoin, Kagoshima. He made his debut in March 1979 and wrestled for Sadogatake stable. His highest rank was makushita 21 and he retired in May 1981.

## **Early Life**

Yasushi Hanada was born on September 3, 1955, in Kedoin, Kagoshima. He attended Kagoshima Kenritsu Kanoya Agriculture High School and was a member of the school's sumo club. In 1973, he won the National High School Sumo Championship to earn the prestigious title of High School Yokozuna. After high school, he enrolled at Nihon University to continue his amateur sumo career. Upon graduating university, he was recruited into Sadogatake stable by Sadogatake Oyakata (the 53rd Yokozuna Kotozakura).

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 1979 and due to his success in the amateur world, Hanada was granted makushita tsukedashi status which allowed him to make his debut at the bottom of the makushita division. To the surprise of many, he struggled to find his rhythm and lost his first three matches in his first tournament. He ended up winning his remaining four matches to finish with a 4-3 record. Nevertheless, he followed with mediocre records and was even demoted down to sandanme in November 1979. In order to boost his morale, he was given the shikona "Kotohanada" (琴花田) and he reached a career-best makushita 21 shortly after in March 1980. However, he followed with five consecutive losing records and was demoted back down to sandanme in November 1980. He retired in May 1981 citing illness. Sadogatake Oyakata (the 53rd yokozuna Kotozakura) was highly disappointed in Kotohanada and Kotofujisawa (another collegiate-experienced sumo wrestler who never managed to make it to sekitori) and refused to recruit collegiate-experienced wrestlers until Kotomitsuki 20 years later.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 42-46-10/88 (14 basho)
* **Makushita:** 31-32/63 (9 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 11-14-10/25 (5 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Hanada Yasushi (1979.03 - 1979.09)
* Kotohanada Yasushi (1979.11 - 1981.05)

## **Gallery**

Kotohanada is knocked out by Muryu in his debut bout (c. 1979)Kotohanada after winning his first professional bout (c. 1979)Kotohanada secures a kachi-koshi in his first tournament (c. 1979)
## **Sources**

* Kotohanada Yasushi Rikishi Information
* Japanese Wikipedia List of High School Yokozuna
* Kotofujisawa Japanese Wikipedia Article
Kyokumizuno Sho

Kyokumizuno Sho - 旭水野 翔 (born March 12, 2004) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Asahi, Toyama. He made his debut in March 2022 and currently wrestles for Oshima stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is sandanme 41.

## **Early Life**

Sho Mizuno was born on March 12, 2004, in Asahi, Toyama, to a Filipino mother and a Japanese father. He practiced judo up until his second year of high school. After becoming the prefectural champion at the 100+ kg weight class, Mizuno switched to sumo. After graduating from Toyama Commercial High School, he was approached and recruited into Oshima stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2022 and was given the shikona "Kyokumizuno" (旭水野). In November 2022, Kyokumizuno finished with a strong 6-1 record with his only loss coming from former juryo wrestler Asashiyu. He was promoted to sandanme in July 2023.

## **Fighting Style**

Kyokumizuno 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 (push out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 39-31/70 (11 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 11-10/21 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 24-18/42 (6 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Kyokumizuno gets recruited into Oshima stable (c. 2022)Kyokumizuno during his time in Maezumo (c. 2022)Kyokumizuno pushes out and defeats Gaia (c. 2022)Kyokumizuno pushes out and defeats Yasunishi (c. 2023)Kyokumizuno prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2023)

## **Sources**

* Kyokumizuno Sho Rikishi Information
* Chunichi Article on Kyokumizuno
Kotokenryu Takeaki

Kotokenryu Takeaki - 琴挙龍 武明 (born January 19, 2004) is a Mongolian professional sumo wrestler from Töv. He made his debut in November 2021 and currently wrestles for Sadogatake stable. His highest rank as of 2024 is makushita 14.

## **Early Life**

Gantulga Bilguun was born on January 19, 2004, in Töv Province, Mongolia. He later moved to Japan and attended Saitama Sakae High School where he was a member of the school's strong sumo club. He subsequently dropped out of high school and joined Sadogatake stable in November 2021.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in November 2021 and was given the shikona "Kotokenryu" (琴挙龍). In his first professional tournament in March 2022, he won all seven matches, but missed out on the jonokuchi yusho after losing to stablemate Kototebakari in a playoff. He was promoted to sandanme in July 2022 and reached the makushita division in March 2023.

## **Fighting Style**

Kotokenryu 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).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 52-24-1/75 (12 basho)
* **Makushita:** 17-11/28 (4 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 22-12-1/33 (5 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Kotokenryu during his time in Maezumo (c. 2022)Kotokenryu prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2022)Kotokenryu loses the Jonokuchi Yusho playoff match (c. 2022)

## **Sources**

* Kotokenryu Takeaki Rikishi Information
* Bulanjie Article on Kotokenryu
Kawamura Kosaku

Kawamura Kosaku - 川村 幸作 (born May 17, 1961) is a former Brazilian professional sumo wrestler from Sao Paulo. He made his debut in March 1976 and last wrestled for Tokitsukaze stable. His highest rank was sandanme 41 and he retired in May 1983.

## **Career**

Japanese-Brazillian, Kosaku Kawamura joined Tokitsukaze stable in March 1976 at the age of fourteen. He listed his shusshin (birthplace) as Sao Paulo, Brazil, which made him the second Brazilian to join professional sumo.

Kawamura initially struggled and did not produce a winning record until his third professional tournament. He was promoted to sandanme in September 1979. In March 1981, Kawamura produced a career-best 7-0 record in jonidan. He was placed in a playoff against Edononami, however, he lost by yorikiri (force out) and did not claim the yusho. Nonetheless, he was promoted to a career-high (at the time) sandanme 49 in July 1982. He was promoted to a career-best sandanme 41 in July 1982. He announced his retirement after the May 1983 tournament after he produced six consecutive losing records.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 134-151-16/284 (44 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 33-44/77 (11 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 99-102-16/200 (31 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 2-5/7 (1 basho)
List of Yobidashi

This is a list of all active yobidashi (ushers/handymen), currently employed by the Japan Sumo Association. There are normally between 40 and 45 active yobidashi at all times. The yobidashi have a structure of ranks that follows the wrestlers' rankings, however, promotions are mostly based on seniority and demotions never happen, but a yobidashi might be leaped in the promotion order by someone more junior than them due to not performing as expected. They join sumo at around 15 years of age and have to retire by 65 years old, as it is the mandatory retirement age. Many yobidashi might get employed but then retire before reaching the top gyoji ranks or reaching the mandatory retirement age.

All yobidashi are affiliated to a sumo stable and junior ranks (between jonokuchi-kaku and makushita-kaku) tend to live in the stable and help with chores, similar to a lower division wrestler.
Konryu Bunichiro

Konryu Bunichiro - 坤龍 文一郎 (born February 23, 1946) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kushiro, Hokkaido. He made his debut in May 1961 and wrestled for Nishonoseki stable. He reached the juryo division in November 1972. His highest rank was juryo 12 and he retired in November 1973.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in May 1961 and wrestled for the Nishonoseki stable. He was promoted to sandanme in January 1962 and makushita in September 1963. After wrestling under his surname Fukumoto for eleven years, he changed his shikona to "Konryu" (坤龍) in September 1972. After the shikona change he produced a 6-1 record at the rank of makushita 6 and was promoted to juryo in the following tournament.

In his first tournament as a sekitori, he could only manage a 7-8 record and was demoted back down to makushita since he was ranked at the bottom of juryo. This was to be his only tournament ranked in the juryo division and he subsequently announced his retirement after the November 1973 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, he opened up a chanko restaurant in his hometown of Kushiro, Hokkaido, called "Chanko Cuisine Konryu" (ちゃんこ料理 坤龍).

## **Fighting Style**

Konryu preferred to fight on the opponent's mawashi, and his favored grip was (somewhat unusually) morozashi, or double hand inside. His most common winning kimarite was yorikiri, a straightforward force out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 280-239-14/519 (76 basho)
* **Juryo:** 7-8/15 (1 basho)
* **Makushita:** 216-183-14/399 (59 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 31-32/63 (9 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 22-13/35 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Fukumoto Bunichi (1961.05 - 1972.07)
* Konryu Bunichiro (1972.09 - 1973.11)

## **Gallery**

Konryu during his time in the unsalaried ranks (c. 1972)Konryu's restaurant, Chanko Cuisine Konryu (ちゃんこ料理 坤龍)A painting of Konryu (c. 2004)Konryu's kesho-mawashi on display at his restaurant (c. 2006)
## **Sources**

* Konryu Bunichiro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Konryu Bunichiro Rikishi Information
Kwansei Gakuin University

Kwansei Gakuin University (関西学院大学, *Kansei Gakuin Daigaku*), colloquially known as Kangaku (関学), is a private, non-denominational Christian coeducational university in Japan. The university has a central campus in the city of Nishinomiya, and also has satellite campuses in Nishinomiya, Sanda, Osaka, and Tokyo. The university is often referred to as one of the four leading private universities in the greater Kansai region.

The University has a sumo club. As of 2023, only two members of Kwansei Gakuin University's sumo club have turned professional with their most successful wrestler being Ura. A list of all wrestlers who were members of Nippon Sports Science University's sumo club is provided below.

## **List**

* Names in **bold** indicate a still active wrestler.
* Green row indicates wrestler reached the elite sekitori ranks.

**List of All Sumo Wrestlers from Kwansei Gakuin University**