recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Mawashi

In sumo, a **mawashi** (廻し) is the belt (loincloth) that the rikishi (or sumo wrestler) wears during training or in competition. For top ranked professional rikishi, it is made of silk and comes in a variety of colours. It is approximately 30 feet (9.1 m) in length when unwrapped, about two feet wide and weighs about 8 to 11 lb (3.6 to 5.0 kg). It is wrapped several times around the rikishi and fastened in the back by a large knot. A series of matching colour, stiffened silk fronds, called sagari are inserted into the front of the mawashi. Their number varies from 13 to 25, and is always an odd number. They mark out the only part of the mawashi that it is illegal to grab on to: the vertical part covering the sumotori's groin, and if they fall out during competition the gyoji (referee) will throw them from the ring at the first opportunity.

Sometimes a rikishi may wear his mawashi in such a way as to give him some advantage over his opponent. He may wear it loosely to make it more difficult to be thrown, or he may wrap it tightly and splash a little water on it to help prevent his opponent from getting a good grip on it. His choice will depend on the type of techniques he prefers to employ in his bouts. Thus a wrestler preferring belt sumo will usually wear it more loosely, while those preferring pushing techniques will tend to wear the mawashi more tightly.

Many rikishi are superstitious and they will change the color of their mawashi to change their luck. Sometimes a poor performance will cause them to change colors for the next tournament, or even during a tournament, in an attempt to change their luck for the better. An example of this was done by Onosho during the 2020 July tournament, when after several loses in a row, he decided to change from a carmesi color to a dark gray one.

Rikishi only wear the silk mawashi during competitive bouts either during ranking tournaments or touring displays. During training, a heavy cotton mawashi is worn. For senior rikishi in the top two divisions (the so-called sekitori), this belt is coloured white, and it is worn with one end distinctively looped at the front. Sagari are not worn during training.

Rikishi ranked in the lower divisions wear a black cotton mawashi both for training and in competition. In competition cotton sagari are inserted into the belt, but these are not stiffened.

Amateur sumo wrestlers are expected to wear a white cotton mawashi without the looping accorded to the senior professional's training garb.

If a wrestler's mawashi comes off during a tournament bout, he is automatically disqualified. This is extremely rare, but it did occur in May 2000 when sandanme wrestler Asanokiri was embarrassed during a match with Chiyohakuho. However, for most of sumo's history, whether or not a wrestler's mawashi came off during a bout was considered irrelevant, and the policy of disqualification only came into place when Japan began adopting European attitudes towards nudity.
Ojishi Kozo

Ojishi Kozo - 大獅子 耕蔵 (born December 13, 1963) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Mihara, Osaka. He made his debut in September 1980 and last wrestled for Tatsunami stable. He reached the juryo division in September 1985. His highest rank was juryo 11 and he retired in March 1987.

## **Career**

He joined Tatsunami stable and made his debut in September 1980, wrestling under his surname Makino. He changed his shikona to "Ojishi" (大獅子) in May 1983. He was promoted to makushita in May 1984 and after a series of strong results, he was promoted to juryo in September 1985 at the age of 21. Ojishi could only manage a poor 2-13 record in juryo and was demoted back down to makushita. This proved to be his only tournament as a sekitori. After falling to sandanme in March 1987, he announced his retirement after the tournament at the young age of 23.

## **Fighting Style**

Ojishi 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 was oshidashi, or push out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 146-129-6/275 (40 basho)
* **Juryo:** 2-13/15 (1 basho)
* **Makushita:** 56-49/105 (15 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 52-47-6/99 (15 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 31-18/49 (7 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Makino (1980.09 - 1983.03)
* Ojishi Kozo (1983.05 - 1987.03)

## **Sources**

* Ojishi Kozo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ojishi Kozo Rikishi Information
Otowayama Stable (1930)

Otowayama Stable (音羽山部屋, Otowayama-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers. The stable was established in May 1930 by former maegashira Shiraiwa. It closed its doors in October 1946, and its staff transferred to Tokitsukaze stable.

## **History**

Otowayama stable can be traced back since the Edo Period, however, the most recent incarnation was established in May 1930 by former maegashira Shiraiwa. The stable was unable to produce any sekitori and it closed down in October 1946 with all its personnel transferring to Tokitsukaze stable. Among the wrestlers transferring to Tokitsukaze stable was future maegashira Yoshidagawa who was still in jonidan at the time. He is the only sekitori with roots tracing back to Otowayama stable.

## **Owners**

* 1930-1946: 12th Otowayama (former maegashira Shiraiwa)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Yoshidagawa (former maegashira) - *transferred to Tokitsukaze stable before sekitori status*
Ohashi Naomatsu

Ohashi Naomatsu - 大橋 直松 (born April 5, 1953) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Iitagawa, Akita. He made his debut in July 1969 and last wrestled for Hanakago stable. He reached the juryo division in May 1975. His highest rank was juryo 13 and he retired in July 1977.

## **Career**

Kadoma made his professional debut in July 1969, wrestling under Hanakago stable. In his very first tournament, he finished with a 6-1 record, but missed out on the jonokuchi yusho after losing the playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted to jonidan which he breezed through in one tournament and was promoted to sandanme in January 1970. He changed his shikona to "Horai" (鵬雷) in November 1970, before reverting back to Kadoma in January 1972. He was promoted to makushita in July 1972. In January 1975, he changed his shikona to "Ohashi" (大橋) and was promoted to juryo two tournaments later in May 1975.

Weighing only 90 kg at the time of his juryo debut, he was the lightest sekitori in both makuuchi and juryo. Because of this, he struggled and could only finish with a 5-10 record and was demoted back down to makushita. This proved to be his only juryo tournament. He announced his retirement after the July 1977 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Ohashi 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 uwatenage, or overarm throw.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 174-165-5/339 (49 basho)
* **Juryo:** 5-10/15 (1 basho)
* **Makushita:** 101-100-2/201 (29 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 52-50-3/102 (15 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 10-4/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Kadoma Seihiro (1969.07 - 1970.09)
* Horai (1970.11 - 1971.11)
* Kadoma (1972.01 - 1974.11)
* Ohashi Naomatsu (1975.01 - 1975.07)
* Hanakado (1975.09 - 1976.01)
* Ohashi (1976.03 - 1977.07)

## **Gallery**

Ohashi rests after a training session (c. 1975)Ohashi during his time in makushita (c. 1975)
## **Sources**

* Ohashi Naomatsu Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ohashi Naomatsu Rikishi Information
Naniwaryu Isao

Naniwaryu Isao - 浪速龍 功 (born September 26, 1948) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. He made his debut in May 1963 and last wrestled for Kataonami stable. He reached the juryo division in May 1975. His highest rank was juryo 10 and he retired in September 1976.

## **Early Life**

In junior high school, Yoshimura was a member of the baseball club and he played the position of pitcher. During his second year he injured his elbow and was unable to play baseball. While visiting a food store, he watched the live sumo wrestling broadcast on TV and jokingly told the owner that he would like to try sumo. However, the owner took his words seriously as he was an acquaintance to Kataonami stable and thus introduced him to the stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in May 1963 and was given the shikona "Onami" (大波). He was promoted to sandanme in November 1964 and changed his shikona to "Otozan" (大騰山) in September 1965. He was promoted to makushita in July 1966 and in May 1971 he changed his shikona again to "Naniwaryu" (浪速龍). In July 1973, he finished with a 6-1 record and qualified for a six-man playoff. There he defeated Kotonosato in the first round, Rikiho in the second round, and Tochiiyama in the final round to claim his first makushita yusho.

In March 1975, he won his second makushita yusho at the rank of makushita 19 and was promoted to juryo in the following May 1975 tournament (before the rules were changed to make makushita 15 the lowest rank for juryo promotion in 1977).

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Naniwaryu finished with an 8-7 record and was promoted to the rank of juryo 10 in the following tournament. However, he finished with a 3-12 record and was demoted back down to makushita. This proved to be his last tournament in juryo.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After falling down to sandanme, he announced his retirement after the September 1976. After retiring, he opened up a chanko restaurant in Kawaguchi, Saitama, called "Jindaiko" (陣太鼓).

## **Fighting Style**

Naniwaryu 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:** 286-271-12/557 (81 basho)
* **Juryo:** 11-19/30 (2 basho)
* **Makushita:** 185-186/371 (53 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 45-27-12/72 (12 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 41-36/77 (11 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 2 **Makushita** Championships
	+ 1st (July 1973)
	+ 2nd (March 1975)

## **Shikona History**

* Onami (1963.05 - 1965.07)
* Otozan Isao (1965.09 - 1971.03)
* Naniwaryu Isao (1971.05 - 1976.05)

## **Gallery**

Naniwaryu during his time in makushita (c. 1975)Naniwaryu (left) jogs with his stablemate (c. 1975)
## **Sources**

* Naniwaryu Isao Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Naniwaryu Isao Rikishi Information
Sadanohikari Shinta

Sadanohikari Shinta - 佐田ノ輝 晋太 (born December 31, 1995) is a Mongolian professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar. He made his debut in March 2014 and currently wrestles for Sakaigawa stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 29.

## **Career**

Narantsogt Davaanyamyn of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, joined Sakaigawa stable in March 2014 and was given the shikona "Sadahikari" (佐田輝). He produced a winning record in his first tournament and breezed through the jonidan in two tournaments. He initially struggled in sandanme and even fell back down to jonidan. In January 2016, he was gunning for the sandanme yusho, but lost his last match to Chiyonoumi. In January 2017, "Sadanohikari" (佐田ノ輝). In March 2018, he suffered an injury on the first day of the tournament and pulled out of the tournament. He continued to sit out of the following tournament and fell back down to jonidan in July of the same year. He immediately returned to sandanme after one tournament in jonidan.

In September 2019, he won all seven matches and took the sandanme yusho. As a result, he was promoted to the makushita division for the first time. Ranked in the upper-half of makushita, Sadanohikari struggled and produced three wins. He followed this result with two more losing records which regulated him back down to sandanme in July 2020. Prior to the September 2020 tournament, he injured his left knee, so he sat out of the November 2020 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Sadanohikari is 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. His second most common kimarite in yoritaoshi, or frontal crush out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 195-177-20/371 (57 basho)
* **Makushita:** 26-44/70 (10 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 141-119-20/259 (40 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 24-11/35 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (September 2019)

## **Shikona History**

* Sadahikari Shinta (2014.03 - 2017.01)
* Sadanohikari Shinta (2017.03 - )

## **Gallery**

Sadanohikari in sumo school (c. 2014)Sadanohikari wins the Sandanme yusho (c. 2019)Sadanohikari after winning the Sandanme yusho (c. 2019)Sadanohikari wins his first Sandanme Yusho (c. 2019)Sadanohikari battles Taiho's grandson, Hozan (c. 2021)Sadanohikari prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2021)

## **Sources**

* Sadanohikari Shinta Rikishi Information
Oyama Stable

Oyama stable (大山部屋, Oyama-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Takasago ichimon or group of stables. It was established in January 1940 by former sekiwake Takanobori of the Takasago stable. It closed its doors in June 1986, and its staff transferred to Takasago stable.

## **History**

Oyama stable was established by former sekiwake Takanobori in January 1940 after he retired in May 1939. The stable's top wrestler was Matsunobori who reach the ozeki rank in January 1956. Oyama Oyakata suddenly passed away in 1962 and Matsunobori inherited the stable. The stable was small in size and thus had an homely atmosphere. Oyama Oyakata (former ozeki Matsunobori) produced one top wrestler, Onobori (later Daihi), who was promoted to makuuchi in January 1977. Oyama Oyakata passed away in 1986 and Daihi thus inherited the stable. However, only one month later, the stable closed with all its personnel transferring to Takasago stable.

## **Owners**

* 1940-1962: 10th Oyama (former sekiwake Takanobori)
* 1962-1986: 11th Oyama (former ozeki Matsunobori)
* 1986-1986: 12th Oyama (former maegashira Daihi)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Matsunobori (former ozeki)
* Daihi (former maegashira)
Otowayama Stable (2024)

Otowayama stable (音羽山部屋, Otowayama-beya), is a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Tokitsukaze ichimon or group of stables. It was formed by the 71st yokozuna Kakuryu in January 2024 after he branched off from Michinoku stable.

As of January 2024, it has two wrestlers.

The stable is located in the Mukojima district of Sumida ward in Tokyo.

## **Owners**

* 2024-present: 24th Otowayama Rikisaburo (iin, the 71st yokozuna Kakuryu)

## **Notable Active Wrestlers**

* Hagane (best rank makushita) - *transferred from Michinoku stable*

## **Hairdresser**

* Tokotsuru (special class tokoyama) - *transferred from Michinoku stable*
Masuhikari Koji

Masuhikari Koji - 舛光理 貢司 (born April 26, 1983) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nagareyama, Chiba. He made his debut in November 2005 and wrestled for Chiganoura stable. His highest rank was makushita 36 and he retired in November 2010.

## **Early Life**

Hikari Arai began sumo wrestling during his fifth year at Nagareyama Elementary School under the guidance of his father who was a member of the prestigious Nihon University sumo club. He went on to attend Nanbu Junior High School and Nagareyama Minami High School where he was a member of the schools' sumo club. After graduating high school, he enrolled at Chuo University and joined their sumo club as well. His best performance during college was making it to the top 16 at the All Japan Sumo Championship during his fourth year. After university, he opted to go professional and joined Chiganoura stable.

## **Career**

He made his debut in November 2005 and was given the shikona "Masuhikari" (舛光理). In March 2006, he won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 7-0 record and was promoted to sandanme for the following May 2006 tournament. In January 2007, he finished with another perfect 7-0 record, but missed out on the sandanme yusho after losing to Kagaya in the playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted to makushita for the following March 2007 tournament. However, Masuhikari never managed to establish himself in makushita as he was only ranked there for a total of three tournaments. He spent majority of his career in sandanme and retired from sumo in November 2010 due to a knee injury.

## **Fighting Style**

Masuhikari was 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:** 99-83-28/182 (31 basho)
* **Makushita:** 4-17/21 (3 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 82-65-21/147 (24 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 7-0-7/7 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (March 2006)

## **Shikona History**

* Arai Hikari (2005.11 - 2005.11)
* Masuhikari Koji (2006.01 - 2010.11)

## **Gallery**

Masuhikari prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2008)
## **Sources**

* Masuhikari Koji Rikishi Information
* Nagareyama City Article on Masuhikari
Naya Takamori

Naya Takamori - 納谷 幸林 (born January 10, 1998) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Koto, Tokyo. He made his debut in March 2020 and currently wrestles for Otake stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 40.

## **Early Life**

Takamori Naya was born the second of four sons and his father was the active (now retired) makuuchi wrestler Takatoriki and his mother is the daughter of the 48th yokozuna Taiho. He attended Arima Elementary School in Tokyo, Japan, and was a member of the local sumo dojo. After graduating from Saitamashiritsuomiyanishi Junior High School, he attended Saitama Sakae High School and was a member of the school's powerhouse sumo program. After high school, he enrolled at Chuo University to compete at the collegiate level. After graduating from university, he joined Otake stable as it was already home to two of his brothers.

## **Career**

Naya made his professional debut in March 2020 and was given the shikona "Hozan" (鵬山). He had a strong start, finishing with two 6-1 records, and was promoted to sandanme in November 2020. However, his progress stalled in sandanme, so he changed his shikona to his surname Naya in September 2021. After the shikona change, he finished with a 6-1 record and was promoted to makushita for the following November 2021 tournament. However, Naya struggled to establish himself in makushita and was demoted back down to sandanme on several occasions.

## **Family**

His father is former sekiwake Takatoriki and his grandfather is the 48th yokozuna Taiho. His oldest brother Yukio is a professional wrestler for the promotion DDT. His second youngest brother, Konosuke, better known as Oho, joined Otake stable in January 2018 and reached makuuchi in January 2022. His youngest brother, Kosei, joined the stable in November 2019 and is better known as Mudoho.

## **Fighting Style**

Naya is 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:** 79-68/147 (22 basho)
* **Makushita:** 15-20/35 (5 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 48-43/91 (13 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 10-4/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Hozan Takamori (2020.03 - 2021.07)
* Naya Takamori (2021.9 - )

## **Gallery**

Naya joins Otake stable (c. 2020)Naya gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2020)Naya pushes out his opponent in Maezumo (c. 2020)Naya in Maezumo (c. 2020)Naya prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2020)Naya pushes out and defeats Kenshin (c. 2021)
## **Sources**

* Naya Takamori Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Naya Takamori Rikishi Information
Miyanohana Yuzo

Miyanohana Yuzo - 宮乃花 勇三 (born February 13, 1964) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Hekinan, Aichi. He made his debut in May 1985 and wrestled for Miyagino stable. His highest rank was makushita 44 and he retired in May 1990.

## **Early Life**

Yuzo Okada was born on February 13, 1964, in Hekinan, Aichi. His father was a former sumo wrestler who belonged to Miyagino stable. Upon graduating from Aichi Institute of Technology Meiden Junior and Senior High School, he enrolled at Kinki University where he was a member of the school's sumo club. He later decided to become a professional sumo wrestler and joined Miyagino stable.

## **Career**

Me made his professional debut in May 1985 and was given the shikona "Miyanohana" (宮乃花). In his first tournament, he was aiming for the jonokuchi yusho and won his first six matches before losing his final match to Kamiarashi. He followed with two more 6-1 records and was promoted to sandanme in January 1986. He was promoted to makushita in March 1987 and reached a career-best makushita 44 in May 1988.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

He retired from sumo in May 1990. After retiring, Miyanohana opened up a chanko restaurant called "Chankonabe Yagura" (ちゃんこ鍋 やぐら) in his hometown of Hekinan, Aichi.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 105-98-7/203 (31 basho)
* **Makushita:** 11-24/35 (5 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 71-69-7/140 (21 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 17-4/21 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Okada Yuzo (1985.05 - 1985.07)
* Miyanohana Yuzo (1985.09 - 1990.05)

## **Gallery**

An undated picture of Miyanohana during his early careerMiyanohana with fellow Miyagino stable wrestler HakuhoMiyanohana's Chankonabe Yagura (ちゃんこ鍋 やぐら)
## **Sources**

* Miyanohana Yuzo Rikishi Information
* Blog Post on Chankonabe Yagura
Nihon University

Nihon University (日本大学, Nihon Daigaku), abbreviated as Nichidai (日大), is a private research university in Japan. Its predecessor, Nihon Law School (currently the Department of Law), was founded by Yamada Akiyoshi, the Minister of Justice, in 1889. It is one of Japan's leading private universities. The university's name is derived from the Japanese word "Nihon" meaning Japan. The number of students exceeds 70,000 and is the largest in Japan.

## **Sumo Club Overview**

The University is also known for its strong sumo program and has produced the largest number of sekitori out of any other colleges. Notable rikishi include yokozuna Wajima and ozeki Kotomitsuki. A list of all wrestlers who were members of Nihon University's sumo club is provided below.

As of 2023, 76 members of Nihon University's sumo club have turned professional with 56 reaching the elite sekitori ranks.

### **Trivia**

* Nihon University has 30 National Student Sumo Championships which is the most of any school.
* The color of the mawashi worn in tournaments is black with scarlet letters that read "Nichidai" (日本).
* There was a time where university-educated makuuchi wrestlers was overtaken by Nippon Sports Science University, however, Nihon University wrestlers have since overtaken the top spot.
* When Nihon University wrestlers reach the elite sekitori ranks, they are given a kesho-mawashi by Nihon University. The design consists of a white background with a golden school crest. Only Ichihara was presented with a different designed kesho-mawashi which consisted of Nihon University's bright red "N dot" logo.
* The Nihon University stable and dormitory is located in Asagaya, Suginami, Tokyo, which is also the former location of Hanakago stable.

## **List**

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

## **Sources**

* Nihon University Sumo Club Japanese Wikipedia Article
Oguruma Stable

Oguruma stable (尾車部屋, Oguruma-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Nishonoseki ichimon or group of stables. It dates from March 1987 when it was founded by Kotokaze, a former Sadogatake stable wrestler. The stable closed in December 2021 with personnel transferring to Oshiogawa stable and Nishonoseki stable.

## **History**

Oguruma stable was established on March 1987 by former ozeki Kotokaze, who branched off from Sadogatake stable, taking five sumo wrestlers with him. The stable produced their first sekitori when Tomikaze was promoted to juryo in 2001. Initially the stable had a policy of not accepting foreign born wrestlers or college recruits, but this was waived when Chuo University graduate Takekaze personally asked to join in 2002.

The stable absorbed Oshiogawa stable in 2005 ahead of the retirement of Oshiogawa-oyakata, with Wakakirin and Wakatoba, among the wrestlers transferring over. However in 2009, Wakakirin was dismissed after being arrested for cannabis possession. Oguruma oyakata was demoted from his post in the Association as a result.

The stable lost another sekitori wrestler in 2011 when their first foreigner, the Mongolian Hoshikaze, who reached juryo was thrown out of sumo after the 2011 match-fixing scandal. Oguruma Oyakata suffered another demotion after this.

Kotokaze announced on 25 December 2021 that Oguruma stable would close following the January 2022 sumo tournament. The closure officially took place on 7 February 2022, with the stable's personnel being split between a new Oshiogawa stable run by the former Takekaze, and Nishonoseki stable, with the former Yoshikaze assisting the coaching there.

## **Ring Name Conventions**

Almost all wrestlers at this stable take ring names or shikona that end with the character 風 (read: kaze), meaning wind or breeze, in deference to their coach and the stable's owner, the former Kotokaze.

## **Owners**

* 1987-2021: 8th Oguruma (riji, former ozeki Kotokaze)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

### **Makuuchi**

* Yoshikaze (former sekiwake)
* Takekaze (former sekiwake)
* Tomokaze (best rank maegashira) - *transferred to Nishonoseki stable*
* Wakakirin (former maegashira) - *transferred from Oshiogawa stable*
* Yago (best rank maegashira) - *transferred to Oshiogawa stable*
* Wakatoba (former maegashira) - *transferred from Oshiogawa stable*
* Amakaze (best rank maegashira) - *transferred to Oshiogawa stable*
* Kimikaze (former maegashira)

### **Juryo**

* Hoshikaze (former juryo)
* Tomikaze (former juryo)
* Maikaze (former juryo)
* Masakaze (former juryo)

### **Lower Divisions**

* Nishikikaze (former makushita)
* Tatsukaze (best rank makushita) - *transferred to Nishonoseki stable*
* Miyagi (best rank makushita) - *transferred to Nishonoseki stable*
* Asahiryu (former makushita) - *transferred to Asahiyama stable*
* Sakaekaze (best rank makushita) - *transferred to Nishonoseki stable*
* Hikarikaze (former makushita)
* Kiozan (former makushita)
* Hienriki (best rank makushita) - *transferred to Oshiogawa stable*
* Kirinryu (best rank makushita) - *transferred to Nishonoseki stable*
Nanfu Kenzo

Nanfu Kenzo - 南富 健三 (born January 3, 1970) is a former American professional sumo wrestler from Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii. He made his debut in September 1990 and wrestled for Takasago stable. His highest rank was makushita 1 and he retired in September 1996.

## **Early Life**

Pierson Kekauoha attended Kailua High School where he played as a linebacker for the school's football team. He was teammates with future stablemate Eric Gaspar (Koryu). After graduation from high school, Kekauoha was personally requested to join sumo by fellow Hawaiian Konishiki who was an ozeki at the time. He joined Takasago stable in September 1990 alongside fellow Hawaiians Sunahama and Koryu.

## **Career**

He was given the shikona "Nanfu" (南富) and had a strong start in the first two divisions. He was promoted to sandanme in May 1991, but struggled in the divison. He finally earned promotion to makushita in September 1992 after eight tournaments in sandanme. Nanfu would bounce between makushita and sandanme for several years before establishing himself as a makushita regular in September 1993. He pulled out of the March 1995 due to injury and fell back down to sandanme. In oder to redeem himself, Nanfu won all seven matches and claimed the sandanme yusho. As a result, he was promoted to the highly competitive rank of makushita 10. He continued to impress and posted four consecutive winning records which sent him to the top of makushita. However, he struggled in this tournament and produced a losing record of 1-6.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After his losing record at the top of makushita, Nanfu was clearly dejected and wrestled only two more tournaments before announcing his retirement after the September 1996 tournament. He returned to the United States and currently resides Waimanalo, Hawaii.

### **MMA Career**

He became a MMA fighter after retirement and fought as Kaleo "Suzuki" Kekauoha. He made his MMA debut on October 30th, 2004, at the DEEP 16 Impact event in the Korakuen Hall (Tokyo, Japan) where he lost to Anthony Netzler by knockout in the first round.

## **Fighting Style**

Nanfu is a 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. He also regularly wins by yorikiri, or force out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 132-106-14/238 (37 basho)
* **Makushita:** 58-68-14/126 (20 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 57-34/91 (13 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-3/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Koryu (left) with stablemate Nanfu (right) in high school (c. 1987)Nanfu during his earlier career in sandanme (c. 1991)Kaleo "Suzuki" Kekauoha in his MMA debut (c. 2004)

## **Sources**

* Nanfu Kenzo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Nanfu Kenzo Rikishi Information
Omiryu Masaaki

Omiryu Masaaki - 青海龍 正明 (born April 4, 1978) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nagato, Yamaguchi. He made his debut in March 2001 and wrestled for Hanaregoma stable. His highest rank was makushita 13 and he retired in May 2010.

## **Early Life**

Masaaki Kitamura was born on April 4, 1978, in the town of Yuya (later merged into the city Nagato) in Yamaguchi prefecture. He attended Nihon University where he studied sociology and was a member of the sumo club as well. After graduating university, he joined Hanaregoma stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2001 and initially wrestled under his surname "Kitamura" (北村). He finished with a strong 6-1 record in his first tournament. In the following July 2001 tournament, he won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. He was promoted to sandanme in September 2001 and makushita in September 2002. He reached a career-best makushita 13 in March 2005, but could only manage a 2-5 record. In September 2005, he was given the shikona "Omiryu" (青海龍). He would go on to spend the majority of his later career wrestling in lower makushita and sandanme.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Omiryu retired from sumo after the May 2010 tournament. After retiring, he continued to engage in the amateur sumo scene and represents Yamaguchi prefecture on the national scene. He retired from amateur sumo in 2013. According to his Facebook, he is currently engaged in poultry farming.

## **Fighting Style**

Omiryu 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.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 204-174-7/378 (56 basho)
* **Makushita:** 111-120-7/231 (34 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 80-53/133 (19 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Kitamura Masaaki (2001.03 - 2005.07)
* Omiryu Masaaki (2005.09 - 2010.05)

## **Gallery**

Omiryu prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2009)
## **Sources**

* Omiryu Masaaki Rikishi Information
* Nagato City Article on Omiryu
Mitoyutaka Koki

Mitoyutaka Koki - 水戸豊 幸樹 (born April 8, 1993) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nerima, Tokyo. He made his debut in March 2009 and wrestled for Nishikido stable. His highest rank was makushita 16 and he retired in May 2016.

## **Early Life**

Honda was born on April 8, 1993, in Nerima, Tokyo. He began sumo wrestling during his time in elementary school and in his sixth year he earned the title of Elementary School Yokozuna. Prior to graduating junior high school, he was interested in joining Takadagawa stable because his elder brother Nobuyuki was a member of the stable. However, Takadagawa stable advised him that he find another stable and he was subsequently contacted by Nishikido stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2009 and initially wrestled under his surname Honda. He reached the sandanme division in November 2009 after less than a year in sumo. In July 2010, he was given the shikona "Mitoyutaka" (水戸豊) and he was promoted to makushita in November 2012. He reached a career-best makushita 16 in January 2014 but could only manage a 3-4 record. In November 2014, he injured the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus of his right knee and sat out of the following two tournaments. He retired from sumo in May 2016.

## **Personal Life**

* Mitoyutaka's older brother, Nobuyuki (born 1990), is a sumo wrestler belonging to Takadagawa stable. He joined the stable in March 2006 and wrestled under the shikona Tsurunoumi. His highest rank was makushita 54 and he retired from sumo in May 2016. Mitoyutaka's younger brother, Shunpei (born 1997), joined Nishikido stable in March 2012 and wrestled under the shikona Wakanoumi. His highest rank was makushita 18 and he retired from sumo in March 2022. Mitoyutaka's second youngest brother, Shintaro (born 1994), is a sandanme ranked yobidashi, belonging to Nishikido stable as well.

## **Fighting Style**

Mitoyutaka 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. His most often used winning kimarite was oshidashi (push out), followed by yorikiri (force out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 151-121-22/272 (43 basho)
* **Makushita:** 59-52-15/111 (18 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 76-64-7/140 (21 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-3/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Honda Ryo (2009.03 - 2010.05)
* Mitoyutaka Koki (2010.07 - 2016.05)

## **Gallery**

Mitoyutaka prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2009)Mitoyutaka trains in Nishikido stable (c. 2015)Mitoyutaka loses to future sekitori Ura (c. 2015)
## **Sources**

* Mitoyutaka Koki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Mitoyutaka Koki Rikishi Information
Oshima Stable

Oshima stable (大島部屋, Oshima-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Tatsunami ichimon or group of stables. It was set up in 1980 by former ozeki Asahikuni, who branched off from Tatsunami stable. The stable closed on 25 April 2012 when Oshima reached the mandatory retirement age of 65, with its wrestlers transferring to Tomozuna stable.

## **History**

Oshima Stable was established in 1980 by former ozeki Asahikuni, who branched off from Tatsunami stable. The head of Tatsunami stable opposed the setting up of the new stable, and did not speak to Ōshima until Asahifuji was promoted to ōzeki in 1987. In 1990, Asahifuji became the 62nd yokozuna, and thus the most successful rikishi from the stable.

in 1992 Ōshima became the first stablemaster to recruit Mongolians, with six joining for the March 1992 tournament. Two of them, Kyokushūzan and Kyokutenhō, reached the top division, rising to komusubi and sekiwake respectively. In all Ōshima produced ten sekitori, including komusubi Kyokudozan and Asahiyutaka.

Upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65 in April 2012 Ōshima stable was dissolved with its wrestlers moving to Tomozuna stable. Kyokutenhō, who had once been considered a future head of Ōshima stable, instead became head of Tomozuna stable in 2017.

## **Ring Name Conventions**

Most wrestlers' fighting names included the Chinese character "旭" meaning "sunrise", that can be read as either Asahi or Kyoku, taken from the founding stablemaster's shikona.

## **Owners**

* 1980-2012: 2nd Oshima (former ozeki Asahikuni)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

### **Sekiwake**

* Kyokutenho (former sekiwake) *- transferred to Tomozuna stable*

### **Komusubi**

* Kyokushuzan (former komusubi)
* Asahiyutaka (former komusubi)
* Kyokudozan (former komusubi)

### **Maegashira**

* Kyokushuho (former maegashira) *- transferred to Tomozuna stable*
* Kyokutaisei (best rank maegashira) *- transferred to Tomozuna stable*
* Kyokugozan (former maegashira)
* Asahisho (former maegashira) *- transferred to Tomozuna stable*
* Asahisato (former maegashira)
* Kyokunankai (former maegashira)

### **Lower Divisions**

* Asahizakura (former makushita)
* Kyokutenzan (former makushita)
* Kyokuhikari (former makushita) *- transferred to Tomozuna stable*
* Asahitaka (former sandanme)
* Akiasahi (former jonidan)
* Kyokujishi (former jonidan)
* Kyokusetsuzan (former jonidan)
Nakamura Stable (1925)

**Nakamura stable** (中村部屋, *Nakamura-beya*) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Nishonoseki group of stables. It was initially a stable that belonged in Osaka Sumo, but later merged with Tokyo sumo in 1925. It closed its doors in August 1961, and its staff and wrestlers transferred to Nishonoseki stable.

## **History**

The stable originally belonged in Osaka Sumo. After the official merger between the Tokyo and Osaka Sumo associations, the stable officially became a member of the Japan Sumo Association in 1925. The first top division wrestler produced was maegashira Tatekabuto in 1934 and he later took over the stable in 1943. The stable closed down in 1962 when only two wrestlers remained and they were all transferred to Nishonoseki stable.

## **Owners**

* 1943-1961: 5th Nakamura (former maegashira Tatekabuto)
* 1925-1943: 4th Nakamura (former juryo Ashinoura)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Wakashima (the 21st yokozuna)
* Tatekabuto (former maegashira)
* Daimonji (former maegashira) - *transferred to Nishonoseki stable before sekitori status*
* Tatekabuto (former maegashira)
* Sanbeyama (former juryo) - *transferred to Nishonoseki stable before sekitori status*
* Tenzan (former juryo) - *transferred to Nishonoseki stable*
Onaruto Stable

Onaruto stable (大鳴戸部屋, Onaruto-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Tatsunami ichimon or group of stables. It was set up in November 1975 by the former sekiwake Kotetsuyama, who branched out from Asahiyama stable. The stable closed in December 1994, with its personnel moving to Kiriyama stable.

## **History**

Onaruto stable was established in November 1975 by the former sekiwake Kotetsuyama, who branched out from Asahiyama stable. The stable produced the top division wrestler Itai and juryo Ishinriki. Onaruto stable closed in December 1994 and Onaruto oyakata left the Japan Sumo Association. Onaruto stable personnel moved to Kiriyama stable.

The stable recruited two Koreans in 1990, Harimayama and Nanzan. Harimayama and Nanzan coincidentally faced each other in the playoff for the jonokuchi yusho, with Nanzan coming up on top. Both Koreans couldn't reach sekitori status.

## **Owners**

* 1975-1995: 11th Onaruto (former sekiwake Kotetsuyama)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Itai (former komusubi)
* Ishinriki (former juryo)
* Harimayama (former makushita)
* Toyonofuji (former sandanme)
* Nanzan (former sandanme)
Nakanoumi Minoru

Nakanoumi Minoru - 中野海 実 (born December 5, 1986) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Sasebo, Nagasaki. He made his debut in March 2009 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. His highest rank was sandanme 81 and he retired in March 2010.

## **Early Life**

Minoru Nakano was born on December 5, 1986, in Sasebo, Nagasaki. After graduating from Nagasaki Kenritsu Yukokan High School, he attended a junior college called Hokkaido College - Senshu University, in Bibai, Hokkaido, where he was a member of the school's sumo cub. Upon graduating, he transferred to Kokushikan University in Setagaya, Tokyo, where he was also a member of the sumo club. After graduating from university, he joined Dewanoumi stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2009 and was given the shikona "Nakanoumi" (中野海). In his first official tournament, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record to claim the jonokuchi yusho. However, he missed the following July 2009 tournament. He returned to action in September 2009 and posted two winning records to earn a promotion to sandanme for the January 2010 tournament. However, he withdrew midway in the January tournament and retired after the following March 2010 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Nakanoumi 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.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 20-6-16/26 (7 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 2-3-2/5 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-3-14/14 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (May 2009)

## **Gallery**

Nakanoumi prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2009)
Oyamato Toyo

Oyamato Toyo - 大倭 東洋 (born January 21, 1971 - June 24, 2015) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Wajima, Ishikawa. He made his debut in March 1993 and wrestled for Irumagawa stable. He reached the juryo division in January 1994. His highest rank was juryo 12 and he retired in November 1996.

## **Early Life**

Toyo Shirasaki was born and raised in the city of Wajima in Ishikawa prefecture. He attended Kanazawa High School and was a member of the school's sumo club. He continued his amateur career at Nihon University where he had a successful career. After graduation, he was recruited into the newly established Irumagawa stable by the Irumagawa Oyakata (former sekiwake Tochitsukasa) who was also a Nihon University alumni.

## **Career**

Shirasaki made his debut in March 1993 and due to his amateur accomplishments he was granted makushita tsukedashi status which allowed him to debut at the bottom of the makushita division. He had a strong start where he posted five consecutive winning records and was promoted to juryo by his sixth tournament.

Upon promotion to juryo, Shirasaki changed his shikona to "Oyamato" (大倭). He was the first sekitori produced from Irumagawa stable. Oyamato could only manage 5 wins in his lone juryo tournament and he was demoted back down to makushita in March 1994.

In the March 1994 tournament, Oyamato injured his back after a match against Kotoryu on the 6th day. He subsequently withdrew from he tournament and continued to sit out of the following tournament. By then, he reverted back to his surname Shirasaki and his back pain gradually worsened where he fell all the way down to jonidan by March 1996. Shirasaki announced his retirement after the November 1996 tournament. Even though he rose to sekitori status, he never wrestled a match with an oichomage because his rise was so fast, but his sekitori experience did not last long.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, Shirasaki worked as an office worker. He suffered health problems and received artificial dialysis in his later years. He died on June 24th, 2015, at his home in Wajima, Ishikawa. He was 44 years old.

## **Fighting Style**

Oyamato 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 was oshidashi or a straightforward push out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 64-59-46/123 (23 basho)
* **Juryo:** 5-10/15 (1 basho)
* **Makushita:** 39-20-18/59 (11 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 11-17-7/28 (5 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 9-12-21/21 (6 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Shirasaki Toyo (1993.03 - 1993.11)
* Oyamato Toyo (1994.01 - 1994.03)
* Shirasaki Toyo (1994.05 - 1996.11)

## **Sources**

* Oyamato Toyo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Oyamato Toyo Rikishi Information
Naruto Stable (2017)

Naruto stable (鳴戸部屋, Naruto-beya) is a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Nishonoseki ichimon or group of stables It was established on April 1, 2017 by former ozeki Kotooshu, who branched off from Sadogatake stable.

As of January 2023 it has 15 active sumo wrestlers.

## **History**

Naruto stable was established on April 1, 2017 by former ozeki Kotooshu, who branched off from Sadogatake stable. One of the stable's early recruits was also a Bulgarian – former junior wrestling champion Ventsislav Katsarov (Torakio Daiki) who retired in April 2019 and returned to Bulgaria. The opening ceremony of the stable was attended by one hundred people including Kotooshu's former stablemate Kotoshogiku. Kotooshu commented, "I want to nurture a wrestler who will eclipse me."

Kotooshu became a naturalized Japanese citizen two months after his retirement in March 2014. His official name is Ando Karoyan. He is the first European-born stablemaster. He is also only the third foreign-born wrestler to open his own stable after Takamiyama and Musashimaru.

According to a report in May 2018, some wrestlers said that they chose Naruto stable because they had the most information when they searched the internet. Naruto stable is not related to Tagonoura stable which had the same name until 2013.

Naruto Oyakata suspended one of his wrestlers (reported to be a 20 year old sandanme level rikishi) from the January 2019 tournament after it emerged he had choked a more junior wrestler as a punishment. This is the first time the Compliance Committee and the Anti-Violence Provisions, which were established in December 2018, were applied. On February 19, 2019, an apology statement was posted on the official Twitter of Naruto stable *"To all of you who always support us. This time, I was very sorry for the trouble that occurred in the stable. We will reflect firmly and take the disposition of the Sumo Association seriously, and will provide guidance and supervision to prevent this from happening in the future."* and the official blog of Naruto oyakata.

In July 2022, Mongolian-born Oshoma became the stable's first sekitori.

## **Ring Name Conventions**

Many wrestlers in this stable have ring names or shikona that start in the character 欧 (read: o), meaning Europe, in deference to the head coach's shikona of Kotooshu (琴欧洲). Examples include Oshoma, Oshoumi and Oyamada.

Some wrestlers also have the character 洲 (read: shu), meaning continent, as another way of including parts of the stablemaster's shikona in their own. One example is Hoshuzan.

## **Owners**

* 2017–present: 15th Naruto Katsunori (iin, former ozeki Kotooshu)

## **Notable Active Wrestlers**

* Oshoma (best rank juryo)
* Oshoumi (best rank juryo)
* Oshoryu (best rank makushita)
* Hoshuzan (best rank makushita)
* Oyamada (best rank makushita)
* Kanazawa (best rank sandanme)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Hokuozan (former makushita)
* Sakurai (former makushita)
* Torakio (former sandanme)

## **Website**

* Naruto stable's website [1]
* Naruto stable's Twitter [2]
* Naruto stable's Instagram [3]