recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Miyagiumi Kiyoto

Miyagiumi Kiyoto - 宮城海 清人 (born October 17, 1922) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kesennuma, Miyagi. He made his debut in January 1941 and last wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1949. His highest rank was maegashira 15 and he retired in May 1953.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Takahashi moved to Tokyo at the age of 18 and joined Dewanoumi stable. He made his professional debut in January 1941 alongside future yokozuna Kagamisato and future ozeki Matsunobori. He initially wrestled under the shikona "Motoyoshi" (本吉) which is derived from his hometown, located in Motoyoshi District, Miyagi Prefecture. He was promoted to sandanme in January 1943 and makushita in January 1944.

### **Juryo Career**

After three tournaments in makushita, Motoyoshi was promoted to juryo in June 1945, but he was demoted back to the unsalaried after only one tournament. Upon his return to juryo in June 1947, he was given the shikona "Miyagiumi" (宮城海). The "Miyagi" (宮城) is derived from Miyagi prefecture, and the "umi" (海), meaning sea, is derived from his hometown being a coastal town. He was promoted to makuuchi in May 1949.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Miyagiumi was ranked in the top division for a total of 9 tournaments, reaching as high as maegashira 15 in October 1949. He was unable to establish himself in makuuchi, and often bounced back and forth between makuuchi and juryo. Miyagiumi defeated future ozeki Ouchiyama four straight times during their meetings. He retired from sumo in May 1953 while in juryo.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Miyagiumi left the Japan Sumo Association and opened up a fugu (pufferfish) restaurant in the Monzennakacho district of Koto, Tokyo.

## **Fighting Style**

Miyagiumi 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 commonly employed kimarite in the top division was oshidashi (push out) and shitatehineri (twisting underarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 159-166-4/324 (31 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 58-74-3/131 (9 basho)
* **Juryo:** 54-68-1/122 (11 basho)
* **Makushita:** 20-11/31 (5 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 11-5/16 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 9-7/16 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-1/8 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Motoyoshi Kiyoto (1941.01 - 1946.11)
* Miyagiumi Kiyoto (1947.06 - 1953.05)

## **Sources**

* Miyagiumi Kiyoto Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Miyagiumi Kiyoto Rikishi Information
Kusunoumi Masaharu

Kusunoumi Masaharu - 楠ノ海 正治 (born March 13, 1944) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Saga City, Saga Prefecture. He made his debut in July 1959 and last wrestled for Nishonoseki stable. He reached the juryo division in May 1965. His highest rank was juryo 16 and he retired in May 1966.

## **Career**

Born in Saga, Nakamura joined Nishonoseki stable and made his professional debut in July 1959. He was given the shikona "Kusunoumi" (楠ノ海). He was promoted to sandanme in November 1960 and makushita in November 1961. In march 1965, he produced a 5-2 record at the ran of makushita 3 and was promoted to juryo in May 1965. However, he sprained his left knee prior to his juryo debut and had to sit out of the tournament which resulted in an immediate demotion back down to makushita. He never managed to return to juryo and thus never wrestled a match as a sekitori. He retired from sumo in May 1966.

## **Fighting Style**

Kusunoumi 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 favorite kimarite was uwatenage, or overarm throw.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 149-121-29-1d/271 (42 basho)
* **Juryo:** 0-0-15/0 (1 basho)
* **Makushita:** 87-73-14-1d/161 (25 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 34-22/56 (8 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 22-24/46 (6 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-2/8 (1 basho)

## **Sources**

* Kusunoumi Masaharu Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kusunoumi Masaharu Rikishi Information
Sakaefuji Yasuhide

Sakaefuji Yasuhide - 栄富士 康秀 (born August 14, 1992) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Adachi, Tokyo. He made his debut in May 2011 and wrestled for Sakaigawa stable. His highest rank was sandanme 72 and he retired in July 2020.

## **Early Life**

Yasuhide Masuda was born on August 14, 1992, in Adachi, Tokyo. He attended Saitama Sakae High School where he was a member of the school's sumo club. After graduating high school, he joined Sakaigawa stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in May 2011 and was given the shikona "Sakaefuji" (栄富士). Already weighing at 177 kg (390 lb), he was the heaviest of the 43 new recruits in May 2011. In March 2013, he finished with a strong 6-1 record and was placed in a nine-man playoff for the jonidan yusho, however, he lost in the second round to Hakunoryu. Nevertheless, he was promoted to sandanme for the following May 2013 tournament. Due to multiple injuries, Sakaefuji was never able to establish himself in sandanme and spent majority of his career in jonidan. In May 2015, he was aiming for the jonokuchi yusho and won his first six matches, but lost his final match to Tochinoshima to finish with a 6-1 record. He reached a career-best sandanme 72 in January 2017. Sakaefuji retired from sumo in July 2020.

## **Fighting Style**

Sakaefuji 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:** 173-164-41/337 (55 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 14-28-7/42 (7 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 140-127-34/267 (43 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 19-9/28 (4 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Masuda Yasuhide (2011.05 - 2011.05)
* Sakaefuji Yasuhide (2011.07 - 2020.07)

## **Gallery**

Sakaefuji joins Sakaigawa stable (c. 2011)Sakaefuji prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2019)Sakaefuji battles future Yokozuna Terunofuji (c. 2019)
Narushio

Narushio - 鳴汐 (born June 22, 1962) is a former American professional sumo wrestler from Nanakuli, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. He made his debut in January 1983 and wrestled for Kokonoe stable. His highest rank was jonidan 23 and he retired in March 1984.

## **Early Life**

Emmanuel Kaehuaea Jr. was born and raised in Nanakuli, Hawaii. He attended Nanakuli High & Intermediate School from 1977 to 1981. He joined Kokonoe stable in January 1983 and was the second of the three Hawaiians at Kokonoe stable.

## **Career**

He wrestled under the shikona "Narushio" (鳴汐) and won all four of his maezumo matches. He continued his strong run by posting a 6-1 record in his jonokuchi debut. He followed this with another 6-1 in his jonidan debut and was promoted to a career high jonidan 23 in July 1983. However, he sat out of this tournament and continued to sit out out for the remaining five tournaments. He eventually fell off the banzuke and his retirement was announced after the March 1984 tournament.

## **Personal Life**

* Kaehuaea has been married since April 22, 1989.
* He currently resides in Waianae, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 12-2-21/14 (6 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1-14/7 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1-7/7 (2 basho)

## **Gallery**

Narushio prepares for his bout in maezumo (c. 1983)Narushio pushes out Yanagizawa in maezumo (c. 1983)Narushio during his time in maezumo (c. 1983)

## **Sources**

* Narushio Rikishi Information
* Sumo Forum Thread on American Rikishi
Onaruto Nadaemon (born 1853)

## Onaruto Nadaemon

Onaruto Nadaemon - 大鳴門 灘右エ門 (born May 14, 1853 - January 15, 1908) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tsuna District, Awaji Province. He made his debut in January 1879 and wrestled for Ikazuchi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1880. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in January 1891.

## **Career**

Growing up in Awaji Island, he joined Osaka sumo's Onogawa stable and was given the shikona "Shitenryu" (司天龍). He later left for Tokyo sumo in January 1879 and joined Ikazuchi stable, becoming yokozuna Umegatani's protegé. With the help of Umegatani, he debuted at the juryo division and was promoted to makuuchi in May 1880. He was promoted to komusubi in May 1880 and sekiwake in January 1882. He remained in the san'yaku ranks for 18 straight tournaments (nine years). He was given the shikona "Onaruto" (大鳴門) in June 1882. Upon Konishiki's promotion to ozeki in May 1890, Onaruto was promoted as well to balance out the east and the west. However, he was well past his prime and retired from sumo in the following January 1891 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Onaruto remained in the sumo world as an elder under the name Hakkaku.

He died on January 15, 1908, at the age of 54.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 106-39-64-25draws-5holds/175 (24 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 91-35-64-25draws-5holds/156 (22 basho)
* **Juryo:** 15-4/19 (2 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Shitenryu Yoshigoro (1879.06 - 1882.01)
* Onaruto Yoshigoro (1882.06 - 1883.01)
* Onaruto Nadaemon (1883.05 - 1891.01)

## **Sources**

* Onaruto Nadaemon Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Onaruto Nadaemon Rikishi Information
Matsuo (yobidashi)

Matsuo - 松男 (born April 3, 1976) is a Japanese professional sumo usher from Saitama, Saitama. He was recruited in August 1992 and debuted in the September 1992 tournament and he belongs to Hanaregoma stable. He reached the Juryo rank in January 2004.

## **Career**

* September 1992 - Had his ring debut under Matsugane stable
* July 1994 - Promoted to Jonokuchi yobidashi
* January 1995 - Promoted to Jonidan yobidashi
* January 1996 - Promoted to Sandanme yobidashi
* January 2002 - Promoted to Makushita yobidashi
* January 2004 - Promoted to Juryo yobidashi

## **Sources**

* Matsuo (yobidashi) Japanese Wikipedia Article
* JSA Matsuo Personal Page
Oyamada Shutaro

Oyamada Shutaro - 欧山田 修太郎 (born May 19, 1999) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Akita City, Akita. He made his debut in May 2022 and currently wrestles for Naruto stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 58.

## **Early Life**

Shuntaro Yamada engaged in freestyle wrestling prior to joining sumo and was a member of the freestyle wrestling club at Akita Commercial High School and Yamanashi Gakuin University. Although he possessed the skills to aim for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, his dream was shattered when he lost to Sosuke Takatani in the semifinals of the All Japan Championships in December 2019. After the loss, Yamada decided to switch up and try out sumo wrestling.

## **Career**

Yamada joined Naruto stable and made his professional debut in May 2022 under the shikona "Oyamada" (欧山田). In September 2022, he finished with a 6-1 record in jonokuchi, with his only loss coming from Otani. He continued to post consistent results and was promoted to makushita in January 2024. At the time of his makushita debut, Oyamada had only posted one losing record throughout his career.

## **Fighting Style**

Due to his freestyle wrestling background, Oyamada relies on his technical skill to win bouts and often utilizes kakete, or leg tripping techniques. He has used ashitori (leg pick), kirikaeshi (twisting backward knee trip), and sotogake (outside leg trip), multiple times. Nevertheless, his most common kimarite used is a straightforward oshidashi (push out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 38-22-3/60 (11 basho)
* **Makushita:** 0-0/0 (1 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 25-17/42 (6 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 8-3-3/11 (2 basho)

## **Gallery**

Oyamada joins Naruto stable (c. 2022)Oyamada battles Takahashi in Maezumo (c. 2022)Oyamada during his time in Maezumo (c. 2022)Oyamada pushes out and defeats Satotanaka (c. 2022)Oyamada loses the Jonokuchi Yusho match to Otani (c. 2022)Oyamada prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2023)
## **Sources**

* Oyamada Shutaro Rikishi Information
* Sponichi Annex Article on Oyamada
Nihonyanagi Wataru

Nihonyanagi Wataru - 二本柳 亘 (born May 31, 2000) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Adachi, Tokyo. He made his debut in November 2019 and currently wrestles for Onomatsu stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 23.

## **Early Life**

Nihonyanagi began sumo wrestling during his first year at Ayase Elementary School. He won third place at the All Japan Elementary School Sumo Tournament during his third year and made top 16 at the National Wanpaku Sumo Tournament during his fifth year. He went on to attend Katsushika City Daido Junior High School where he made it to the top 32 at the National Junior High School Sumo Championship during his third year. After graduating from junior high school, he attended Saitama Sakae High School and was a member of the school's powerhouse sumo program. In his third year, he suffered an injury to his right knee's anterior cruciate ligament, but he still forced himself to participate at the Kokutai Sumo Tournament and the National High School Sumo Championship where he won the group championship with his school.

## **Career**

After graduating high school, Nihonyanagi joined Onomatsu stable and was set to make his professional debut in November 2018, however, due to his right knee injury he suffered in high school, his debut was delayed until November 2019. In January 2020, he won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. In the following March 2020 tournament, Nihonyanagi won his first six matches, but missed out on the jonidan yusho after losing to Nankairiki in his final match.

In July 2020, Nihonyanagi had to withdraw mid-tournament due to a sprained right ankle. He returned to the dohyo in September 2020 where he won his first six matches, but he lost to high school classmate Hokutenkai in his final match to miss out on the sandanme yusho. He reached the makushita division in January 2021 where he finished with a strong 6-1 record and was placed in a nine-man playoff for the yusho, however, he lost to Fukamiyama in the first round.

## **Fighting Style**

Nihonyanagi is an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. His most common kimarite used are a straightforward oshidashi (push out) and yorikiri (force out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 89-67-5/156 (24 basho)
* **Makushita:** 53-58-1/111 (16 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 23-8-4/31 (5 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (January 2020)

## **Gallery**

Nihonyanagi gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2019)Nihonyanagi joins alongside classmate Mudoho (c. 2019)Nihonyanagi defeats Mudoho in Maezumo (c. 2019)Nihonyanagi (middle) in Maezumo (c. 2019)Nihonyanagi wins the Jonokuchi Yusho (c. 2020)Nihonyanagi prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2022)
## **Sources**

* Nihonyanagi Wataru Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Nihonyanagi Wataru Rikishi Information
Okuma Munekiyo

Okuma Munekiyo - 大熊 宗清 (born January 15, 1920 - February 11, 1991) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Otake, Hiroshima. He made his debut in January 1937 and wrestled for Kumagatani stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1942. His highest rank was maegashira 6 and he retired in January 1950.

## **Early Life**

Munekiyo Wada was born on January 15, 1920, in Otake, Hiroshima, to farmers. At the age of 16, he was recommended by a local sumo wrestler to join Kumagatani stable.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He made his professional debut in January 1937 and was given the shikona "Okuma" (大熊). He was promoted to sandanme in January 1939 and makushita in May 1939. After three tournaments in makushita, he was promoted to juryo in January 1941. Okuma posted three winning records from his juryo debut and was promoted to makuuchi in May 1942.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Okuma struggled in his top division debut and withdrew from the tournament on the eighth day after only recording two wins. He was demoted back down to juryo but returned to makuuchi in May 1943. Starting in May 944, he served in the military and did not return to sumo until June 1947. He was promoted to a career-best maegashira 6 rank in November 1947. He retired from sumo in January 1950.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Okuma moved to Nagoya, Aichi, which is where his wife's parents were from, and he ran a restaurant for several years before working at Sumitomo Light Metal Industries, Ltd. While working for the company, Okuma also coached sumo at a high school in Nagoya. He died on February 11, 1991, at the age of 71.

## **Fighting Style**

Okuma 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 tsurdashi (lift out), uwatenage (overarm throw), and shitatenage (underarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 121-105-35/225 (24 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 55-69-32/123 (12 basho)
* **Juryo:** 37-23/60 (4 basho)
* **Makushita:** 16-8/24 (3 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 3-1-3/4 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Okuma Munekiyo (1937.01 - 1947.11)
* Okuma Dekitaro (1948.05 - 1949.05)
* Okuma Munekiyo (1949.10 - 1950.01)

## **Sources**

* Okuma Munekiyo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Okuma Munekiyo Rikishi Information
List of Gyoji

This is a list of all active gyoji (referees), currently employed by the Japan Sumo Association. There are normally between 40 and 45 active gyoji at all times. The gyoji have a structure of ranks that follows the wrestlers' rankings, however, promotions are mostly based on seniority and demotions never happen, but a gyoji 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 gyoji might get employed but then retire before reaching the top gyoji ranks.

All gyoji 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.
Oshinoyama Tsuyoshi

Oshinoyama Tsuyoshi - 忍の山 剛 (born January 29, 1950) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Oda, Shimane. He made his debut in January 1968 and wrestled for Kasugano stable. He reached the juryo division in March 1974. His highest rank was juryo 8 and he retired in March 1977.

## **Early Life**

In elementary school, Moriwaki liked to play baseball and soccer. Upon attending junior high school, he switched to swimming and excelled in freestyle. After graduating junior high school, he entered a vocational school to train for his family's business, however, upon returning a year later, his family's business had closed down. He subsequently got a job at a construction company. However, he got into an argument with the president of the company and as a result he left. He then got a job at a steamship company located in the Oki Islands. An executive of the company was a former director of the Shimane Prefecture Sumo Federation and thus recruited him for professional sumo.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in January 1968, wrestling under Kasugano stable. He initially wrestled under his surname Moriwaki before changing it to "Iwamifuji" (石見富士) in September 1969 and he was promoted to makushita in May 1970. He changed his shikona to "Oshinoyama" (忍の山) in March 1974, he was promoted to juryo in March 1974.

Oshinoyama was ranked as a sekitori for a total of four tournaments, reaching as high as juryo 8 in May 1976. Weighing less than 100 kg (220 Ib) for most of his career, he struggled to establish himself as a sekitori. After falling back down to makushita in January 1977, he announced his retirement after the following March 1977 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Oshinoyama was a tsuki/oshi specialist, who prefers pushing and thrusting at his opponents rather than fighting on the mawashior belt. His most common winning kimarite was tsukidashi, or thrust out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 220-190-7/410 (56 basho)
* **Juryo:** 22-38/60 (4 basho)
* **Makushita:** 145-114-7/259 (38 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 28-21/49 (7 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 20-15/35 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (November 1974)

## **Shikona History**

* Moriwaki (1968.01 - 1969.07)
* Iwamifuji (1969.09 - 1972.05)
* Moriwaki (1972.07 - 1973.01)
* Oshinoyama Tsuyoshi (1973.03 - 1977.03)

## **Gallery**

Oshinoyama during his time in makushita (c. 1972)Oshinoyama during his time as a sekitori (c. 1976)
## **Sources**

* Oshinoyama Tsuyoshi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Oshinoyama Tsuyoshi Rikishi Information
Nishinoryu Ryutaro

Nishinoryu Ryutaro - 西乃龍 龍太朗 (born August 20, 2000) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka. He made his debut in November 2018 and currently wrestles for Sakaigawa stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 10.

## **Early Life**

Ryutaro Shimomura was born on August 20, 2000, in Osaka's Chuo Ward to former makuuchi wrestler Tsunenoyama. During his time at Kindai University Junior High School, he belonged to the track and field club where he practiced shot put. He later transferred to Saitama Sakae Junior High School where he began practicing sumo during the second semester of his second year.

After junior high school, he attended Saitama Sakae Junior High School where he won the team championship at the National High School Sumo Championship during his third year. After graduating from high school, Shimomura joined Sakaigawa stable because his father was acquaintances with Sakaigawa Oyakata (former komusubi Ryogoku).

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in November 2018 and initially wrestled under his surname Shimomura. In March 2020, he was given the shikona "Nishinoryu" (西乃龍) which was used by his father during his time in juryo. He reached the makushita division In January 2021 and was promoted to a career-best makushita 13 in November 2022.

## **Family**

* His father is former maegashira Tsunenoyama who wrestled for Dewanoumi stable from 1980 to 1993.

## **Fighting Style**

Nishinoryu is 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:** 114-89/203 (30 basho)
* **Makushita:** 56-49/105 (15 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 39-31/70 (10 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 15-6/21 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Shimomura Ryutaro (2018.11 - 2020.01)
* Nishinoryu Ryutaro (2020.03 - )

## **Gallery**

Nishinoryu (right) joins Sakaigawa stable (c. 2018)Nishinoryu during his time in Maezumo (c. 2018)Nishinoryu defeats Ishizaki (c. 2022)Nishinoryu defeats Hokaho (c. 2022)Nishinoryu prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2022)Nishinoryu defeats Asanowaka (c. 2022)
## **Sources**

* Nishinoryu Ryutaro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Nishinoryu Ryutaro Rikishi Information
Musashifuji Satoshi

Musashifuji Satoshi - 武蔵富士 敏 (born July 6, 1972 - October 10, 2020) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Sano, Tochigi. He made his debut in March 1988 and wrestled for Musashigawa stable. His highest rank was makushita 7 and he retired in March 2006.

## **Early Life**

Satoshi Yuzawa was born on July 6, 1972, in Sano, Tochigi. He attended Sano Shiritsu Akami Junior High School where he played baseball. After graduating from junior high school, he joined Musashigawa stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 1988 alongside future yokozuna's Akebono, Takanohana, and Wakanohana and future ozeki Kaio. He initially wrestled under his surname Yuzawa, before he was given the shikona "Musashifuji" (武蔵富士) in September 1988. He won the jonokuchi yusho in September 1989 and reached the sandanme division by September 1990. In May 1991, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record, but missed out on the sandanme yusho after losing to Daikanzan in the playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted to makushita for the following July 1991 tournament. However, he did not establish himself as a makushita regular until July 1993.

Musashifuji reached a career-best makushita 7 in September 1996, but could only manage a 2-5 record. He missed two tournaments in 1999 and was demoted back down to jonidan in September 1999. He won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in September 1999 and eventually returned to makushita in March 2001.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Musashifuji retired from sumo in March 2006 after 18 years in the sport. After retiring, he worked as a cook at "Chanko Futaseryu" (ちゃんこ 二瀬龍) in Daito, Osaka.

### **Death**

He died on October 10, 2020, at a hospital in Osaka due to diabetes. He was 48 years old.

## **Personal Life**

* Musashifuji performed the official bow-twirling ceremony from May 2002 to November 2003. He also performed sumo jinku, or sumo folk singing.
* Musashifuji's hobbies were playing video games.

## **Fighting Style**

Musashifuji 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:** 382-353-21/735 (109 basho)
* **Makushita:** 174-197/371 (53 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 140-112-14/252 (38 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 45-32-7/77 (12 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 23-12/35 (5 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 Jonidan Championship (September 1999)
* 1 Jonokuchi Championship (September 1989)

## **Shikona History**

* Yuzawa (1988.03 - 1988.07)
* Musashifuji Satoshi (1988.09 - 2006.03)

## **Gallery**

Musashifuji performs the bow-twirling ceremony (c. 2003)Musashifuji backstage at the Ryogoku Kokugikan (c. 2005)Musashifuji (c. 2006)
## **Sources**

* Musashifuji Satoshi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Musashifuji Satoshi Rikishi Information
Musashigawa Stable (2013)

The Musashigawa stable (武蔵川部屋, Musashigawa-beya) is a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Dewanoumi ichimon or group of stables. It is an off-shoot of the better known stable of the same name set up by former yokozuna Mienoumi in 1981, which is currently known as Fujishima stable. Former yokozuna Musashimaru branched off from that stable in April 2013 after taking on the elder name of his former head coach and started a new stable using the Musashigawa name.

As of January 2023 it has 16 active sumo wrestlers.

## History

Musashigawa stable was established on April 13, 2013 by former yokozuna Musashimaru, who branched off of Fujishima stable. It is an off-shoot of the better known stable of the same name set up by former yokozuna Mienoumi in 1981, which is currently known as Fujishima stable. Former yokozuna Musashimaru branched off from that stable in April 2013 after taking on the elder name of his former head coach and started a new stable using the Musashigawa name. It is located in the same building as the defunct Nakamura stable.

Musashigawa stable is the second stable in sumo history to be founded by a foreign-born former sumo wrestler after Takamiyama's Azumazeki stable. The head coach's nephew, Fiamalu Penitani, was a wrestler at the stable under the shikona of Musashikuni, reaching the *makushita* division, but he retired in 2019 due to injury problems. The stable was also home to the half Japanese, half African-American wrestler Ichiro Young who went by Wakaichiro. Musashigawa stable began with just four wrestlers, but had expanded to 19 by May 2019.

The stable has yet to produce any salaried rikishi.

## **Ring Name Conventions**

Some wrestlers at this stable take ring names or shikona that end in the characters 武蔵 (read: musashi), which is taken from the first two characters of the name of the stable, Musashigawa, and is also the first characters in the name of the stable's current owner, former Musashimaru. Examples include Tokunomusashi, Toramusashi and Fujimusashi.

## **Owners**

* 2013-present: 15th Musashigawa Mitsuhide (shunin, the 67th yokozuna Musashimaru)

## **Notable Active Wrestlers**

* Tokunomusashi (best rank makushita)
* Shoji (best rank makushita)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Musashikuni (former makushita)
* Wakaichiro (former sandanme)
* Himekatsuyama (former jonidan)
* Uehara (former jonidan)

## Website

* Musashigawa stable's website [1]
* Musashigawa stable's Facebook [2]
* Musashigawa stable's Twitter [3]
* Musashigawa stable's Instagram [4]
Ryumon Takayuki

Ryumon Takayuki - 龍門 孝幸 (born April 16, 1953) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kawaguchi, Saitama. He made his debut in July 1969 and last wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the juryo division in September 1975. His highest rank was juryo 1 and he retired in May 1982.

## **Early Life**

After enrolling at Kawaguchi Technical High School, he played the position of pitcher at the school's baseball club and was aiming to become a professional baseball player. Due to his big size, the owner of a nearby eel shop contacted Dewanoumi stable and he was ultimately recruited for professional sumo.

## **Career**

After dropping out of high school, Matsuoka made his professional debut in July 1969, wrestling under Dewanoumi stable. He was promoted to sandanme in March 1970 and makushita in May 1972. In May 1975, he won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record and was promoted to the top of makushita where he produced a 5-2 record to earn a promotion to juryo for the September 1975 tournament.

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Matsuoka could only manage a 3-12 record and was demoted back down to makushita. He returned to juryo for one tournament in March 1976, but produced yet another losing record. Upon returning to juryo for a third time in July 1976, he changed his shikona from his surname to "Ryumon" (龍門). Ryumon was ranked in juryo for a total of 19 tournaments. He never managed to reach the makuuchi division with his highest rank being juryo 1, which he achieved in March 1977. He was on the verge of promotion, but he lost his final match to Iwashita to finish with a 7-8 record. His last juryo appearance was in November 1980.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

From March 1981, Ryumon sat out of seven consecutive tournaments and eventually fell off the banzuke by May 1982. He announced his retirement after the May 1982 tournament. After retiring, he opened up a chanko restaurant in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture called "sekitori" (関取).

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 325-307-52/632 (77 basho)
* **Juryo:** 126-159/285 (19 basho)
* **Makushita:** 138-97-17/235 (36 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 32-31-14/63 (11 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 24-18-14/42 (8 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2-7/7 (2 basho)

### **Championships**

* 2 **Makushita** Championships
	+ 1st (May 1975)
	+ 2nd (January 1978)

## **Shikona History**

* Matsuoka Takayuki (1969.07 - 1976.05)
* Ryumon Takayuki (1976.07 - 1980.09)
* Ryumon Masakatsu (1980.11 - 1982.05)

## **Gallery**

Ryumon practiced teppo during a training session (c. 1969)Ryumon during his time as an unsalaried wrestler (c. 1972)Ryumon as an unsalaried wrestler in makushita (c. 1978)Ryumon (c. 1979)Ryumon after retirement in his restaurant, SekitoriRyumon's tegata
## **Sources**

* Ryumon Takayuki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ryumon Takayuki Rikishi Information
Raiden Shinemon

Raiden Shinemon - 雷電 震右エ門 (born 1842 - June 7, 1886) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Hakui District, Noto. He made his debut in April 1864 and wrestled for Chiganoura stable. He reached the makuuchi division in April 1870 and has 4 makuuchi championships. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in May 1881.

## **Career**

Wasuke Kazuyoshi was born in Hakui District, Noto Province (currently Hakui, Ishikawa). He joined Chiganoura stable and made his professional debut in April 1864. He initially wrestled under the ring names "Makiwari" (槇割), "Kitanoura" (北ノ浦), and "Satokagura" (里神楽) before changing it to "Kabutoyama Wasuke" (兜山 和助) after promotion to juryo in November 1868. He reached makuuchi in April 1870 and was promoted to komusubi in November 1872. Upon promotion to sekiwake in April 1873, he was given the shikona "Raiden Shinemon" (雷電 震右エ門) which was the shikona used by ozeki Raiden who was one of the most dominant wrestlers of the Edo period. Prior to his ozeki promotion, he only lost six top division bouts and from April 1872 to December 1874, he won 43 consecutive matches. He was eventually promoted to ozeki in January 1877, however, he suffered from an illness and was demoted after only two tournaments as ozeki. After losing his ozeki rank, he took the shikona "Onomatsu Wasuke" (阿武松 和助) and retired in May 1881. He won the equivalent of four yusho, however, they are regarded as unofficial as the modern yusho system was not intrduced until 1909.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, he remained in the sumo world as an elder under the name Onomatsu. He died on June 7, 1886, at the age of 44.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 116-25-96-15draws-5holds/161 (26 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 96-18-96-15draws-5holds/134 (23 basho)
* **Juryo:** 20-7/27 (3 basho)

### **Championships**

* 4 Unofficial **Makuuchi** Championships
	+ 1st (November 1872)
	+ 2nd (April 1873)
	+ 3rd (March 1874)
	+ 4th (January 1880)

## **Shikona History**

* Makiwari (1864.04-?)
* Kitanoura (?-?)
* Satokagura (?-?)
* Kabutoyama Wasuke (1868.11 - 1872.11)
* Raiden Shinemon (1873.04 - 1877.06)
* Onomatsu Wasuke (1877.12 - 1881.05)

## **Gallery**

19th century woodblock print of Ozeki Raiden Shinemon
## **Sources**

* Raiden Shinemon Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Raiden Shinemon Rikishi Information
Ononishiki Jinnosuke

Ononishiki Jinnosuke - 小野錦 仁之助 (born November 2, 1909 - January 30, 1948) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kakogawa, Hyogo. He made his debut in January 1927 and wrestled for Jinmaku stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1933. His highest rank was maegashira 11 and he retired in January 1942.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Maeda joined Jinmaku stable and made his professional debut in January 1927. Wrestling under the shikona "Ononishiki" (小野錦), he won the jonidan yusho in in September 1929 with a perfect 6-0 record. He was promoted to juryo in May 1932 and won the juryo yusho with an 8-3 record in his first tournament as a sekitori. He was promoted to makuuchi three tournaments later in May 1933.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Ononishiki was unable to establish himself in the top division. He was only ranked in the top division for three tournaments with his highest rank being maegashira 11. In January 1935, he was given the shikona "Kakogawa" (加古川). he spent the final seven years of his career in juryo with one stint in makushita. He retired from sumo in January 1942.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, he remained in sumo as an elder of the Japan Sumo Association, working as the head coach for Onogawa stable. In 1943, he stood down as stablemaster and left the sumo world all together in June 1945. He died on January 30, 1948, at the age of 38.

## **Fighting Style**

Ononishiki 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 kotenage (armlock throw) followed by uwatenage (overarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 123-131-8/253 (22 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 12-20-1/31 (3 basho)
* **Juryo:** 100-108-7/208 (17 basho)
* **Makushita:** 5-3/8 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-0/6 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Juryo** Championship (May 1932)
* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (September 1929)

## **Shikona History**

* Ononishiki Minosuke (1929.09 - 1932.03)
* Ononishiki Nisaburo (1932.05 - 1933.01)
* Ononishiki Jinnosuke (1933.05 - 1934.05)
* Kakogawa Hidegoro (1935.01 - 1942.01)

## **Sources**

* Ononishiki Jinnosuke Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ononishiki Jinnosuke Rikishi Information
Nishonoseki Stable (2021)

Nishonoseki stable (二所ノ関部屋, Nishonoseki-beya), formerly Araiso stable (荒磯部屋, Araiso-beya), is a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Nishonoseki group of stables. It broke off from Tagonoura stable by its founder, the 72nd yokozuna Kisenosato, and officially opened in August 2021.

As of January 2023 it has 16 active sumo wrestlers.

## **History**

In December 2021 the Japan Sumo Association approved the changing of Araiso's toshiyori to Nishonoseki, following the retirement of former ozeki Wakashimazu; the stable will be known as Nishonoseki stable from January 2022. In December 2021 Nishonoseki recruited a 18-year-old student from his hometown Ibaraki Prefecture's Ushiku Senior High School, whom he had spotted while frequenting the school's sumo club.

Nakamura Oyakata (former sekiwake Yoshikaze) moved to the stable after the January 2022 tournament, due to the closure of his own Oguruma stable, and brought former maegashira Tomokaze with him.

In March 2023 the stable got its first sekitori, with the return of Tomokaze to the paid ranks after almost 3 years in the unsalaried divisions coming back from an injury.

In April 2023, two-time defending amateur yokozuna, Daiki Nakamura, had a long-awaited press conference where he revealed he would be joining Nishonoseki stable for the May 2023 tournament. Due to his astounding success in amateur sumo, he was given makushita tsukedashi status and allowed to make his debut in the rank of makushita 10, under the name Onosato Daiki.

After the July 2023 tournament, the stable got simutaneously its first two new sekitori, with the promotion of Onosato and Takahashi to juryo for the September 2023 tournament.

## **Ring Name Conventions**

As the previous incarnation of the stable, many of the wrestlers have ring names that contain kanji characters of real and mystical animals. Examples include Rinko with the kanji for tiger (虎), Hayashiryu with the kanji for dragon (龍), and Kirinryu that includes the kanji for the fantastical creature Kirin (麒麟).

## **Owners**

* 2021-present: 16th Araiso/13th Nishonoseki Yutaka (iin, the 72nd yokozuna Kisenosato)

## **Coaches**

* Nakamura Masatsugu (shunin, former sekiwake Yoshikaze)

## **Notable Active Wrestlers**

* Tomokaze (best rank maegashira) - *transferred from Oguruma stable*
* Onosato (best rank maegashira)
* Shirokuma (best rank juryo)
* Kayo (best rank makushita)
* Ryuo (best rank makushita) - *transferred from Oguruma stable*
* Miyagi (best rank makushita) - *transferred from Oguruma stable*
* Hananoumi (best rank makushita)
* Wakenosato (best rank makushita) - *transferred from Oguruma stable*
* Kirinryu (best rank makushita) - *transferred from Oguruma stable*
* Rinko (best rank sandanme)
* Hayashiryu (best rank sandanme)

## **Referee**

* Kimura Ennosuke (makushita gyoji) - *Transferred from Tagonoura stable*

## **Usher**

* Rokuro (juryo yobidashi) - *transferred from Oguruma stable*
Miyagi Yo

Miyagi Yo - 宮城 陽 (born January 30, 1999) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nago, Okinawa. He made his debut in May 2021 and currently wrestles for Nishonoseki stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 11.

## **Early Life**

Yo Miyagi was born on January 30, 1999, in Nago, Okinawa. He attended Hokubu Agricultural High School where he was a member of the school's sumo club. After high school, he enrolled at Nippon Sport Science University to continue his amateur career. In 2019 he won the under 85kg category in the national student weight class championships. Upon graduating university, he initially aspired to become a teacher but was later recruited into Oguruma stable by Nakamura Oyakata (former sekiwake Yoshikaze).

## **Career**

Miyagi made his professional debut in May 2021. Following the closure of his stable, he moved to Nishonoseki stable in February 2022. He was promoted to sandanme in November 2021 and makushita in May 2022. At the time of his makushita debut, he had not posted a single losing record, however, he finished with a 3-4 record in his first makushita tournament. Nevertheless, he bounced back five consecutive winning records to earn a promotion to the rank of makushita 11.

## **Fighting Style**

Miyagi 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. He also regularly employs tsukiotoshi, or thrust down. In July 2023, he defeated Tokunomusashi by the extremely rare izori, or backwards body drop.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 66-39/105 (16 basho)
* **Makushita:** 34-29/63 (9 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 21-7/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Miyagi defeats Shunrai in Maezumo (c. 2021)Miyagi during his time in Maezumo (c. 2021)Miyagi defeats Dewanoryu by zubuneri (c. 2023)Miyagi defeats Tokunomusashi by Izori (c. 2023)Miyagi pushes out and defeats Toshunryu (c. 2023)Miyagi prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2023)
## **Sources**

* Miyagi Yo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Miyagi Yo Rikishi Information
Oedo Yuji

Oedo Yuji - 大江戸 勇二 (born September 28, 1923 - January 4, 1996) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Koto, Tokyo. He made his debut in May 1939 and last wrestled for Kasugano stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1949. His highest rank was maegashira 16 and he retired in January 1954.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Takeshi Kobayashi joined Kasugano stable and made his professional debut in May 1939. Initially wrestling under his surname, Kobayashi was promoted to sandanme in January 1942 and makushita in May 1943. In 1945, he was drafted to serve in the Second World War and he returned to sumo in November 1945. He briefly wrestled under the shikona "Jotozan" (城東山) before switching to "Oedo" (大江戸) in June 1947. He was promoted to juryo in May 1948 and was promoted to makuuchi three tournaments later in May 1949.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Oedo struggled in makuuchi due to his size as he only weighed 81 kg (179 Ib) and stood at 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in). In his first tournament Oedo finished with an 8-7 record, but followed with a poor 3-12 record and was demoted back down to juryo. He only returned to makuuchi one more time and was ranked in makuuchi for a total of three tournaments. He eventually fell down to makushita in January 1953 and retired in January 1954.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Oedo remained in the sumo world as an elder under the name Irumagawa. He worked as a coach for Kasugano stable and left the Japan Sumo Association in November 1988 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65. He died on January 4, 1996, at the age of 72.

## **Fighting Style**

Oedo 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 shitatenage, or underarm throw.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 153-176-15/328 (35 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 17-28/45 (3 basho)
* **Juryo:** 69-76-10/144 (11 basho)
* **Makushita:** 38-53-5/91 (13 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 16-8/24 (3 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 10-6/16 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 3-5/8 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Kobayashi Takeshi (1939.05 - 1945.11)
* Jotozan (1946.11 - 1946.11)
* Oedo Yuji (1947.06 - 1954.01)

## **Sources**

* Oedo Yuji Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Oedo Yuji Rikishi Information
Nishikido Stable

Nishikido stable (Japanese: 錦戸部屋, Nishikido-beya) is a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Takasago group of stables. It was founded in 2002 by former sekiwake Mitoizumi of the Takasago stable.

As of May 2023 it has 2 active sumo wrestlers.

## **History**

The stable was established in 2002 by former sekiwake Mitoizumi, who branched off of Takasago stable. The stable was created due to Mitoizumi failing to get control of Takasago stable after the retirement Takasago Oyakata. One of the factors of Mitoizumi not gaining control was that he did not have a wife, as a wife is crucial for a stable. Unusually for the head of a stable, he remained single for many years, before marrying a soprano, Yukiko Ono, in February 2016.

It was home to the first Kazakhstani wrestler in professional sumo, Kazafuzan, who competed in the makushita division and retired in September 2014. In 2015, the stable recruited Canadian Brodi Henderson of Victoria who competed as Homarenishiki, but he suddenly left sumo the following year. Several other wrestlers retired at the same time, leaving just five active wrestlers in the stable after July 2016.

Nishikido did not produce any sekitori for 15 years until Mongolian college yokozuna, Mitoryu, was promoted to juryo in 2017. In 2018, the stable produced their second sekitori when Gokushindo was promoted to juryo. Gokushindo was suspended for two tournaments when he broke COVID-19 lockdown guidelines.

For the first time in its history, Nishikido stable got his first top division wrestler, when Mitoryu was promoted to the rank of maegashira 16 for the September 2022 tournament.

## **Owners**

* 2002-present: 10th Nishikido Masayuki (iin, former sekiwake Mitoizumi)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Gokushindo (best rank juryo)
* Kazafuzan (former makushita)
* Mitoyutaka (former makushita)
* Homarenishiki (former sandanme)
* Ryuga (former jonidan)

## **Hairdresser**

* Tokonaka (first class tokoyama) *- transferred from Oshiogawa stable*
Nakamura Stable

**Nakamura stable** (中村部屋, *Nakamura-beya*) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Takasago group of stables. It was established in its modern incarnation in May 1986 by Fujizakura of the Takasago stable. It closed its doors in December 2012, and its staff and wrestlers transferred to Azumazeki stable.

## **History**

Nakamura stable was established in May 1986 by former sekiwake Fujizakura of Takasago stable, taking four wrestlers with him. The stable produced its first sekitori when Saigo was promoted to juryo in 1995. It did not produce any makuuchi wrestlers. The stable had a policy of not recruiting foreigners or former collegiate competitors. Instead, the stablemaster only accepted new recruits out of middle school. However, he did allow his wrestlers to take high school correspondence courses over the internet.

The former Fujizakura reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 early in 2013 and as there was no successor available, the stable closed in December 2012 with five of its remaining wrestlers, including former jūryō Hishofuji, transferring to Azumazeki stable, and the other two retiring.

The stable's premises were subsequently used by the Musashigawa stable.

## **Owners**

* 1986-2013: 10th Nakamura (former sekiwake Fujizakura)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Saigo (former juryo)
* Sumanofuji (former juryo)
* Ichinotani (former juryo)
* Hishofuji (former juryo) - *Transferred to Azumazeki stable*
* Wakazakura (former jonidan)