recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Dairyu Shiro

Dairyu Shiro - 大龍 志郎 (born February 18, 1927) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Taiki, Hokkaido. He made his debut in November 1946 and last wrestled for Minatogawa stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1953. His highest rank was maegashira 19 and he retired in July 1959.

## **Early Life**

After graduating from elementary school in Taiki, Hiroo district, Hokkaido, Takahashi worked at a local business and was active in the sumo club. He later met maegashira Tokachiiwa, who came from the same Hiroo district, and was recruited into professional sumo. He made his professional debut in November 1946.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Takahashi joined Minatogawa stable, but transferred to Nishonoseki stable in 1947 after his stable's closure. He would transfer back to Minatogawa stable in 1953 after it was revived by his recruiter, Tokachiiwa. Initially wrestling under the shikona "Dairyuyama" (大竜山), he was promoted to sandanme in November 1947 and makushita in May 1949. After two tournaments in makushita, he was promoted to juryo in January 1950.

### **Juryo Career**

In his first tournament as a sekitori, he finished with an 8-7 record. In May 1951, he changed his shikona to "Dairyu" (大龍). After the shikona change, he posted more consistent results and was promoted to makuuchi in January 1953.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Dairyu struggled in his top division debut, finishing with a poor 4-11 record and was demoted back down to juryo. He returned to makuuchi in September 1953, but again, finished with a 4-11 record. He never managed to return to makuuchi and was only ranked there for two tournaments. He spent the remaining six years of his career mainly in juryo.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Upon falling down to makushita in July 1959, he subsequently retired from sumo. After retiring, he opened up a chanko restaurant called "Dairyu" (大竜) in Kita, Tokyo.

## **Fighting Style**

Dairyu 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:** 322-321-17/641 (48 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 8-22/30 (2 basho)
* **Juryo:** 272-274-9/544 (37 basho)
* **Makushita:** 18-12-8/30 (3 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 19-11/30 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 3-2/5 (1 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 2-0/2 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Dairyuyama Shiro (1946.11 - 1951.01)
* Dairyu Shiro (1951.05 - 1959.07)

## **Sources**

* Dairyu Shiro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Dairyu Shiro Rikishi Information
Aobayama Tokuo

Aobayama Tokuo - 青葉山 徳雄 (born February 4, 1913 - March 1, 1972) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Sendai, Miyagi. He made his debut in January 1929 and wrestled for Jinmaku stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1937 and has one kinboshi. His highest rank was maegashira 4 and he retired in January 1944.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Tokuo Abe joined Jinmaku stable and made his professional debut in January 1929 under the shikona "Aobayama" (青葉山). He won the jonidan yusho in January 1931 with a perfect 6-0 record. He was subsequently promoted to sandanme where he won the sandanme yusho in January 1933. In May 1934, Aobayama won the makushita yusho with a dominant 11-0 record and was promoted to juryo for the following January 1935 tournament. After two years in juryo, he was promoted to makuuchi in May 1937.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Aobayama was ranked in the top division for a total of 14 tournaments, reaching as high as maegashira 4 in January 1941. In May 1941, he defeated yokozuna Minanogawa to earn his first and only kinboshi. He retired from sumo in January 1944 in order to avoid an inevitable demotion back down to juryo.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Two years before retiring, Aobayama inherited both the Jinmaku elder stock and Jinmaku stable. Upon retiring in January 1944, he became a full-time stablemaster, however, he handed the stable over to Onogawa Oyakata (former maegashira Kinkazan) in 1954 and he subsequently transferred to Dewanoumi stable where he worked as a coach. He left the sumo world all together in January 1959.

## **Fighting Style**

Aobayama 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:** 130-144-3-3d/276 (24 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 77-119-3-3d/198 (14 basho)
* **Juryo:** 30-25/55 (5 basho)
* **Makushita:** 11-0/11 (2 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 6-0/6 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-0/6 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (May 1934)
* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (January 1933)
* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (January 1931)

## **Sources**

* Aobayama Tokuo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Aobayama Tokuo Rikishi Information
Chiyonowaka Hidenori

Chiyonowaka Hidenori - 千代の若 秀則 (born March 8, 1972) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yabu, Hyogo. He made his debut in May 1987 and last wrestled for Kokonoe stable. He reached the juryo division in May 1996. His highest rank was juryo 9 and he retired in September 1997.

## **Early Life**

Negishi's parents ran a fruit and vegetable store in Yabu, Hyogo. In elementary school, he participated in swimming and at Yabu Shiritsu Yabu Junior High School he was a member of the table tennis club for one year. After graduating junior high school he joined Kokonoe stable.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Negishi made his professional debut in May 1987. Even though he was much bigger than his contemporaries, standing 1.92 cm (6 ft 3.5 in) and weighing 111 kg (248 Ib), he had no prior sumo experience and struggled to break through jonokuchi and jonidan. He changed his shikona to "Chiyonowaka" (千代の若) in March 1991. He was promoted to sandanme in March 1990 and makushita in September 1992. In March 1996, Chiyonowaka won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record at the rank of makushita 9 and was promoted to juryo in the following May 1996 tournament.

### **Juryo Career**

Chiyonowaka could only manage five wins in his sekitori debut and was demoted back down to makushita. He returned after one tournament in makushita and he posted a solid 9-6 record in his return. As a result, he was promoted to his highest rank of juryo 9 in November 1996. However, he produced a 7-8 record in this tournament and followed with a disastrous 3-12 record which sent him back down to makushita in March 1997.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After losing his sekitori status, Chiyonowaka continued to struggle and produce losing records. He subsequently announced his retirement after the September 1997 tournament at the age of 25. He currently works as the sole proprietor for his own company.

## **Fighting Style**

Chiyonowaka 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:** 229-224-13/452 (63 basho)
* **Juryo:** 24-36/60 (4 basho)
* **Makushita:** 79-69-13/148 (23 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 71-62/132 (19 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 39-45/84 (12 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 16-12/28 (4 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Negishi Hidenori (1987.05 - 1991.01)
* Chiyonowaka Hidenori (1991.03 - 1997.09)

## **Gallery**

Chiyonowaka after promotion to Juryo (c. 1996)Chiyonowaka as one of the Juryo promotions (c. 1996)Chiyonowaka with his kesho-mawashi (c. 1996)Chiyonowaka defeats Asashisato by yorikiri (c. 1996)Chiyonowaka (c. 1996)Chiyonowaka and stablemate Chiyotaikai (c. 1996)Chiyonowaka's tegata
## **Sources**

* Chiyonowaka Hidenori Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Chiyonowaka Hidenori Rikishi Information
Asakoki Yuki

Asakoki Yuki - 朝興貴 祐貴 (born December 19, 1990) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Takasago, Hyogo. He made his debut in March 2009 and currently wrestles for Takasago stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 11.

## **Early Life**

Yuki Kubota began practicing judo during his time at Takasago Shiritsu Tatsuyama Junior High School. He later attended Kokoku High School in Osaka, where he won second place for a judo tournament held in Osaka. After graduation, he aspired to become a sumo wrestler and joined Takasago stable with the help of the president of the supermarket chain Konomiya.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2009 and was given the shikona "Asakoki" (朝興貴). Due to his little sumo experience, Asakoki initially struggled and fell back down to jonokuchi on many occasions. He eventually reached sandanme in November 2011. In September 2012, he suffered an ankle injury and was demoted back down to jonidan. He won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in November 2012. He fell back down to jonidan in January 2014, but won all seven of his matches, however, he missed out on the championship after losing a playoff to Kotonisei. Nevertheless, Asakoki posted a string of strong results and was promoted to makushita in September 2014.

Asakoki would spend his majority of his career in makushita with brief spells in sandanme. He won his first sandanme yusho in July 2016 and his second in September 2018. He was promoted to a career-best makushita 11 in November 2018.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 297-292-13/589 (87 basho)
* **Makushita:** 144-172-6/316 (46 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 77-56-7/133 (20 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 64-55/119 (17 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 12-9/21 (3 basho)

### **Championships**

* 2 **Sandanme** Championship
	+ 1st (July 2016)
	+ 2nd (September 2018)
* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (November 2012)

## **Gallery**

Asakoki after winning the Jonidan Yusho (c. 2012)Asakoki congratulated on his Sandanme Yusho (c. 2016)Asakoki wins his first Sandanme Yusho (c. 2016)Asakoki wins his second Sandanme Yusho (c. 2018)Asakoki prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2019)Asakoki defeats Omoto (c. 2022)
## **Sources**

* Asakoki Yuki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Asakoki Yuki Rikishi Information
Arakawa Fumio

Arakawa Fumio - 荒川 文夫 (born January 1, 1940) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Takeo, Saga. He made his debut in May 1956 and last wrestled for Nishonoseki stable. He reached the juryo division in March 1964. His highest rank was juryo 8 and he retired in September 1966.

## **Career**

Born in Takeo, Saga, Arakawa joined Nishonoseki stable and made his professional debut in May 1956. He was promoted to sandanme in January 1958 and makushita in November 1958. In January 1964 he posted a 6-1 record at the rank of makushita 3 and was promoted to juryo for the following March 1964 tournament. Arakawa was ranked in juryo for a total of 12 tournaments, reaching as high as juryo 8 in May 1956. In January 1966, he suffered a left knee injury and pulled out on the 11th day after recording zero wins. He was demoted down to makushita in March 1966 and he retired from sumo in September 1966.

## **Fighting Style**

Arakawa 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:** 264-250-16/513 (60 basho)
* **Juryo:** 80-96-4/175 (12 basho)
* **Makushita:** 129-121-12/250 (36 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 26-14/40 (5 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 23-17/40 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-2/8 (1 basho)

## **Sources**

* Arakawa Fumio Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Arakawa Fumio Rikishi Information
Byakuhoyama Ozo

Byakuhoyama Ozo - 白法山 旺三 (born April 26, 1948) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kuga, Yamaguchi. He made his debut in March 1964 and last wrestled for Kasugayama stable. He reached the juryo division in March 1971. His highest rank was juryo 7 and he retired in January 1973.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 1964, wrestling for Kasugayama stable. He initially wrestled under his surname Kanamoto, before switching to "Kinryuzan" (金龍山) and "Kasugamine" (春日峰) in 1966. He was promoted to sandanme in September 1966 and makushita in November 1967. In November 1968, he changed his shikona to "Byakuhoyama" (白法山), and in January 1971 he produced a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 1 to earn a promotion to juryo in the following March 1971 tournament at the young age of 22.

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Byakuhoyama could only manage a 3-12 record and was demoted back down to makushita. He returned to juryo two tournaments later in September 1971 and was able to maintain his rank for five consecutive tournaments, reaching as high as juryo 7 in March 1972. After losing his sekitori status in May 1972, he remained in makushita for majority of his later career.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

He announced his retirement after the January 1973 tournament at the age of 24. After retiring, he opened up a chanko restaurant in his hometown of Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, called "Byakuhoyama" (白法山).

## **Fighting Style**

Byakuhoyama 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:** 213-192-14/405 (54 basho)
* **Juryo:** 38-52/90 (6 basho)
* **Makushita:** 94-81/175 (25 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 33-23/56 (8 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 39-31-14/70 (12 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 9-5/14 (2 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Kanamoto Tatsuo (1964.03 - 1965.01)
* Kinryuzan (1965.03 - 1966.01)
* Kasugamine (1966.03 - 1968.09)
* Byakuhoyama Ozo (1968.11 - 1973.01)

## **Gallery**

Byakuhouama during the juryo dohyo-iriByakuhoyama during his time as a sekitori (c. 1972)Byakuhoyama's chankonabe restaurant: Byakuhoyama
## **Sources**

* Byakuhoyama Ozo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Byakuhoyama Ozo Rikishi Information
Futagoiwa Denichi

Futagoiwa Denichi - 双子岩 傳一 (born February 11, 1923) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Wakayama City, Wakayama. He made his debut in January 1940 and wrestled for Tokitsukaze stable. He reached the makuuchi division in November 1945. His highest rank was maegashira 5 and he retired in November 1946.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

At the age of 16, Tsuchiyama joined Kumegawa stable and made his professional debut in January 1940. Upon closure of Kumegawa stable, he transferred to the Futabayama Dojo in 1941 (later renamed Tokitsukaze stable). He was promoted to sandanme in May 1941 and makushita in May 1942. He won the makushita yusho in January 1943 with a prefect 8-0 record and was promoted to juryo in January 1944. Upon promotion to juryo, Tsuchiyama was given the shikona "Futagoiwa" (双子岩). However, he finished with a poor 4-11 record in his first tournament as a sekitori and was demoted back down to makushita. He returned to juryo in November 1944 and was promoted to makuuchi in November 1945.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Futagoiwa produced a strong 7-3 record in his top division debut, however, he abruptly retired prior to the following November 1946 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Futagoiwa was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). He was fond of employing shitatenage (overarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 67-36-13/103 (14 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 7-3-13/10 (2 basho)
* **Juryo:** 16-16/32 (3 basho)
* **Makushita:** 20-9/29 (4 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 11-5/16 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 7-1/8 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-2/8 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (January 1943)

## **Shikona History**

* Tsuchiyama Denichi (1940.01 - 1943.05)
* Futagoiwa Denichi (1944.01 - 1946.11)

## **Sources**

* Futagoiwa Denichi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Futagoiwa Denichi Rikishi Information
Dewanoshima Hijiri

Dewanoshima Hijiri - 出羽の洲 聖 (born November 3, 1962 - October 9, 2021) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Niijima, Tokyo. He made his debut in March 1978 and last wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the juryo division in September 1982. His highest rank was juryo 7 and he retired in May 1989.

## **Career**

Ever since the fifth year of elementary school, Maeda was recommend to join professional sumo. By the time he graduated junior high school, he was already over 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in). He joined Dewanoumi stable and made his professional debut in March 1978 under the shikona "Dewanoshima" (出羽の洲). He was promoted to makushita in March 1981 and in May 1982, he participated in a seven-man playoff for the yusho. He defeated future yokozuna Kitao in the first round and Otsurugi in the second round, but lost to Wakasegawa in the final round. Nevertheless, he was promoted to juryo two tournaments later in September 1982.

Dewanoshima made his juryo debut in September 1982 and he was the youngest sekitori at only 19 years old. He finished with a solid 9-6 record in his debut and was projected to become a future ozeki. However, in the following November 1982 tournament, he finished with a poor 3-12 record and was demoted back down to makushita.

Dewanoshima remained in makushita for over six years where he won the makushita yusho on three different occasions, but never managed to return to sekitori during that timespan. In March 1988, he finished with a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 3 and was re-promoted to juryo after a 33 tournament gap from his last sekitori appearance. He remained in juryo for five tournaments before a disastrous 1-14 record in January 1989 regulated him back down to makushita. He announced his retirement shortly after in May 1989.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Dewanoshima worked for a transportation company, however, he collapsed due to a second heart attack and continued to recieve medical treatment.

### **Death**

Toward his later years, Dewanoshima developed pancreatic cancer which later spread through his whole body. He died on October 9, 2021, at a hospital in Chiba prefecture. He was 58 years old.

## **Fighting Style**

Dewanoshima 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:** 270-233-22/503 (68 basho)
* **Juryo:** 43-62/105 (7 basho)
* **Makushita:** 159-120-22/279 (43 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 47-37/84 (12 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 16-12/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 3 **Makushita** Championships
	+ 1st (January 1985)
	+ 2nd (September 1985)
	+ 3rd (January 1987)

## **Gallery**

Dewanoshima loses to future sekiwake Sakahoko (c. 1982)Dewanoshima (c. 1988)Dewanoshima after winning a match (c. 1988)Dewanoshima's tegata
## **Sources**

* Dewanoshima Hijiri Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Dewanoshima Hijiri Rikishi Information
Chikuozan Tomohisa

Chikuozan Tomohisa - 竹旺山 友久 (born March 12, 1921 - January 5, 1977) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Choshi, Chiba. He made his debut in May 1938 and last wrestled for Yamawake stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1948. His highest rank was maegashira 16 and he retired in January 1949.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Born in Choshi, Chiba, he joined Yamawake stable and made his professional debut in May 1938 under the shikona "Chikuozan" (竹旺山). He was promoted to sandanme in May 1940 and makushita in May 1941. Chikuozan was up the ranks at a consistent pace and was promoted to juryo in June 1945. At the time of his juryo debut, he had not produced a single losing record. After three years in juryo, Chikuozan was promoted to makuuchi in May 1948.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Chikuozan finished with a solid 6-5 record in his top division debut and was promoted to the rank of maegashira 16 for the October 1948 tournament. He finished with a poor 3-8 record in this tournament and retired prior to the start of the January 1949 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, Chikuozan left the Japan Sumo Association and became an actor. He mainly appeared in Toei historical films alongside yokozuna Azumafuji. Chikuozan died on January 5, 1977, at the age of 55.

## **Fighting Style**

Chikuozan was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). He was fond of employing uwatenage (overarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 94-77-13/171 (22 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 9-13-13/22 (3 basho)
* **Juryo:** 29-22/51 (5 basho)
* **Makushita:** 32-27/59 (8 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 10-6/16 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 9-7/16 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Sources**

* Chikuozan Tomohisa Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Chikuozan Tomohisa Rikishi Information
Verdant Woodland

**Verdant Woodland - Breathing Overgrowth** is a potential level 4 stage. It's a lush and dense forest filled with massive trees as tall as a skyscraper. Unlike most stages, this one is quite vertical. The walkable surfaces of the level are the trees' branches and leaves.

In the second loop and above, it becomes infested with Archer Bugs, who built their hives in it. Destroying all of the hives unlocks Chirr as a playable survivor.

This stage is the best place to find Duplicator Drones, as at least one always spawns.

The Artifact of Gathering can be found in this stage. It is located on the left-most upper corner of the map. You'll need to have high mobility and jumps to get there.

Stage Enemies
Araiso Stable

Araiso stable (荒磯部屋, Araiso-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Nishonoseki group of stables. It was founded in 1993 by former komusubi Futagodake of the Futagoyama stable. The stable was dissolved after the September 2008 tournament, as Futagodake was due to reach the mandatory retirement age of 65.

## **History**

Araiso stable was established in 1993 by former komusubi Futagodake, who branched off from Futagoyama stable. It was one of the smallest of all the sumo stables, with just three sumo wrestlers. The stable never produced any sekitori. The stable was dissolved after the September 2008 tournament, as Futagodake was due to reach the mandatory retirement age of 65. Two of the stable's wrestlers retired following the announcement, with the one remaining active wrestler, Mongolian Arawashi, moving to Hanakago stable. Futagodake worked at Matsugane stable until his retirement in November 2008.

Arawashi would go on to transfer to Hanakago stable where he would become a sekitori wrestler. Arawashi continued wrestling until January 2020, the last surviving member of the stable to retire.

## **Owners**

* 1993-2008: 12th Araiso (former komusubi Futagodake)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Arawashi (former maegashira) - *transferred to Hanakago stable before sekitori status*
Ashibayama Shichibee

Ashibayama Shichibee - 葦葉山 七兵衛 (born December 1, 1913 - February 28, 1962) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Minato, Tokyo. He made his debut in May 1928 and wrestled for Izutsu stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1943. His highest rank was maegashira 12 and he retired in November 1945.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Yokoyama joined Izutsu stable at the age of 14 and made his professional debut in May 1928. He was given the shikona Ashibayama in October 1931 and he won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 6-0 record in the same tournament. After 10 years in the unsalaried ranks, he was promoted to juryo in January 1938, but he was demoted back down to makushita after only one tournament. He eventually returned to juryo and was promoted to makuuchi in May 1943.

### **Makuuchi Career**

It had taken Ashibayama nearly 15 years to reach the top division and he was only ranked in makuuchi for three tournaments, reaching as high as maegashira 12 in May 1944. He retired from sumo in November 1945.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, Ashibayama remained in sumo as an elder of the Japan Sumo Association, working as a coach at Izutsu stable under the name Edagawa Oyakata.

### **Death**

He died on February 28, 1962, at the age of 48 due to heart disease.

## **Family**

Ashibayama's son-in-law is former maegashira Daiyu who also trained in Izutsu stable. His grandson is former makushita wrestler, Tatsukabuto, who trained in Kabutoyama stable.

## **Fighting Style**

Ashibayama 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:** 120-125-13/244 (26 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 8-27/35 (3 basho)
* **Juryo:** 52-55-13/106 (9 basho)
* **Makushita:** 41-32/73 (8 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 13-11/24 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-0/6 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Yokoyama Kiyu (1928.05 - 1931.05)
* Ashibayama (1931.10 - 1935.01)
* Kunimidake (1935.05 - 1935.05)
* Ashibayama Kosei (1936.01 - 1940.05)
* Ashibayama Shichibee (1941.01 - 1945.11)

## **Sources**

* Ashibayama Shichibee Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ashibayama Shichibee Rikishi Information
Fujinohana Rei

Fujinohana Rei - 藤の花 礼 (born December 19, 1986) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Watari, Miyagi. He made his debut in September 2009 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. His highest rank was sandanme 16 and he retired in September 2017.

## **Early Life**

Rei Saito was born in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, to an American solider, Daniel Edwards, and a Japanese mother, Yumiko Saito. He and his twin brother Jun grew up in Kakuda, Miyagi. After graduating from Kanazu Junior High School, he and his brother moved to Cut Bank, Montana, to live with their father. They attended Cut Bank High School and were members of the wrestling and American football teams. He and his brother learned about sumo through the internet and decided to give the sport a shot. They were subsequently accepted by Dewanoumi stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in September 2009 and was given the shikona "Fujinohana" (藤の花). He used his mother's hometown of Watari, Miyagi, as his official birthplace. In only his second tournament, he was aiming for the jonidan yusho, however, he lost his final match to Karatsuumi to finish with a 6-1 record. He reached the sandanme division in January 2011, however, he was unable to break through the division with his career-best rank being sandanme 16.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Fujinohana retired from sumo in September 2017. In December 2020, he and his brother began training at All Japan Pro Wrestling's Dojo (AJPW Dojo). He and his brother wrestle mainly for AJPW with brief spells in the US and the UK.

## **Fighting Style**

Fujinohana 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:** 164-150-15/314 (48 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 121-123-15/244 (37 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 38-25/63 (9 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Fujinohana joins Dewanoumi stable with his brother (c. 2009)Fujinohana during his time in Maezumo (c. 2009)Fujinohana defeats the gargantuan Orora (c. 2015)Fujinohana prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2016)Fujinohana's retirement ceremony (c. 2017)Fujinohana and his brother's new career in puroresu (c. 2021)

## **Sources**

* Fujinohana Rei Rikishi Information
* Nikkan Sports Article on Fujinoumi
* Shikoku News Article on Saito Twins
* Rei Saito Cagematch Profile
Fukunohana Shuji

Fukunohana Shuji - 福の花 修司 (born July 15, 1981) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yoshinogawa, Tokushima. He made his debut in March 2004 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. His highest rank was makushita 12 and he retired in September 2011.

## **Early Life**

Shuji Fukumoto was born in the town of Kamojima (later merged with nearby towns to form the city of Yoshinogawa) in Tokushima prefecture. He attended Asahi University in Gifu prefecture where he was a member of the school's sumo club. After graduating from university, he joined Dewanoumi stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2004 and was given the shikona "Asahisakari" (朝日盛) which is derived from his alma mater. In his first tournament in May 2004, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record, but missed out on the jonokuchi yusho after losing to stablemate Dewaotori in the playoff. He was promoted to sandanme in May 2005, but struggled to progress up the banzuke at a meaningful pace. After two years in sandanme, he reached makushita in July 2007.

In March 2009, he was given the shikona "Fukunohana" (福の花) which was also used by a sekiwake of the same name who also came from Dewanoumi stable. In July 2009, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record, but missed out on the sandanme yusho after losing to Takarafuji in the playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted to a career-best makushita 12 for the following September 2009 tournament. He retired from sumo in September 2011 after falling back down to sandanme.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 154-132-22/284 (45 basho)
* **Makushita:** 60-72-8/131 (20 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 70-56/125 (18 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-3-14/14 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 13-1/14 (2 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Asahisakari Shuji (2004.03 - 2009.01)
* Fukunohana Shuji (2009.03 - 2011.09)

## **Gallery**

Fukunohana loses the Jonokuchi Yusho playoff (c. 2004)Fukunohana prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2009)
Chisatoiwa Nagayoshi

Chisatoiwa Nagayoshi - 千里岩 永吉 (born August 17, 1937) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Osaka City, Osaka. He made his debut in January 1959 and wrestled for Tatsunami stable. His highest rank was makushita 5 and he retired in January 1964.

## **Early Life**

Nagayoshi Yamamura was born on August 17, 1937, in Osaka City's Miyakojima ward. He attended Kansai University where he was a member of the school's sumo club. He was later recruited into Tatsunami stable and became only the second wrestler from Kansai University to turn pro.

## **Career**

Yamamura made his professional debut in January 1959 and won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 8-0 record in his first official tournament in March 1959. He was promoted to sandanme in July 1959 and makushita in May 1960. He reached a career-best makushita 5 in March 1962, but could only manage a 3-4 record. In July 1962, he was given the shikona "Chisatoiwa" (千里岩). He retired from sumo in January 1964 after five years in the sport.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 126-87-5/213 (31 basho)
* **Makushita:** 81-76-5/157 (23 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 31-9/40 (5 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-2/8 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 8-0/8 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (March 1959)

## **Shikona History**

* Yamamura Nagayoshi (1959.01 - 1962.05)
* Chisatoiwa Nagayoshi (1962.07 - 1964.01)

## **Gallery**

Chisatoiwa commits to joining Tatsunami stable (c. 1959)
## **Sources**

* Chisatoiwa Nagayoshi Rikishi Information
* Kansai University Sumo Club Timeline
Akinomine Yoshinobu

Akinomine Yoshinobu - 安芸の嶺 良信 (born November 25, 1968) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kure, Hiroshima. He made his debut in March 1984 and wrestled for Mihogaseki stable. He reached the juryo division in November 1991. His highest rank was juryo 11 and he retired in January 1996.

## **Career**

Nagase joined Mihogaseki stable and made his professional debut in March 1984. He changed his shikona to "Akinomine" (安芸の嶺) in May 1985 and that same tournament he won all seven matches, but missed out on the jonidan yusho after losing to former juryo wrestler Ofuji in a playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted to sandanme in the following tournament. He fell briefly to jonidan in November 1987 but won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 7-0 in that tournament. He was promoted to makushita in May 1989 and in September 1991 he posted a 4-3 record (including a win over juryo-ranked wrestler Wakanoyama) at the rank of makushita 2 which earned him a promotion to juryo.

In his sekitori debut, Akinomine could only manage 5 wins (his wins came against Tsunenoyama, Kyokugozan, Enazakura, Teraki, and Tokitsunada) and was demoted back down to makushita. This proved to be his only appearance in juryo. He remained in the unsalaried ranks for a little over four years where he produced insignificant results.

## **Retirement from sumo**

He remained in makushita for majority of his career before falling to sandanme in September 1995. He subsequently announced his retirement after the January 1996 tournament at the age of 27. After retirement, he opened up a chankonabe restaurant in Neyagawa, Osaka, called "Akinomine" (安芸の嶺).

## **Fighting Style**

Akinomine 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:** 253-247-5/500 (72 basho)
* **Juryo:** 5-10/15 (1 basho)
* **Makushita:** 132-134/266 (38 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 67-73/140 (20 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 34-17-5/51 (8 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 15-13/28 (4 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (November 1987)

## **Shikona History**

* Nagase Yoshinobu (1984.03 - 1985.03)
* Akinomine Yoshinobu (1985.05 - 1996.01)

## **Gallery**

Akinomine's Juryo promotion party (c. 1991)Akinomine poses with his kesho-mawashi (c. 1991)Akinomine during the Juryo dohyo-iri (c. 1991)Akinomine's chankonabe restaurant named after his shikonaAkinomine's tegata
## **Sources**

* Akinomine Yoshinobu Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Akinomine Yoshinobu Rikishi Information
Chiyohakuryu Koto

Chiyohakuryu Koto - 千代白龍 光斗 (born June 11, 1983) is a former Chinese professional sumo wrestler from Inner Mongolia. He made his debut in January 2004 and wrestled for Kokonoe stable. His highest rank was sandanme 22 and he retired in May 2011.

## **Early Life**

Guangdou Bai was a basketball player in Inner Mongolia, China. He moved to Japan in July 2003 to study at a Japanese Language School. In December of that year, an acquaintance introduced Bai to 58th Yokozuna Chiyonofuji who was the owner of Kokonoe stable. He was accepted to the stable and was set to make his debut in January 2004.

## **Career**

He initially struggled and found it hard to accelerate past the jonidan division. Upon promotion to sandanme in March 2007, he changed his shikona to "Chiyohakuryu" (千代白龍). He bounced back and forth between sandanme and jonidan and struggled to make any meaningful progress. In May 2008, he pulled out of the tournament due to an injury and fell back down to jonidan for four tournaments. In September 2010, he was promoted to a career-best sandanme 22.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Chiyohakuryu announced his intention to retire in March 2011. His danpatsu-shiki, or retirement ceremony, was held on March 21st, 2011. Due to the cancellation of the March 2011 tournament due to a major match-fixing scandal, his retirement was officially announced after the May 2011 tournament.

He currently lives in Osaka, Japan, and works as an acupuncturist. After retirement, he also gained an interest for fitness and lost around 40 kg (88 Ib).

## **Personal Life**

* He acquired Japanese citizenship as an active sumo wrestler and changed his legal name from Bai Guandou to Haku Koto.
* According to his Facebook, he married a Chinese woman on October 3rd, 2016. He is also a graduate of Hohhot Nationality College (呼和浩特民族学院). He is fluent in Chinese, Japanese, and Mongolian.
* He served as Chiyohakuho's tsukebito, or personal servant.

## **Fighting Style**

Chiyohakuryu 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, followed closely by hatakikomi, or slap-down.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 145-129-27/274 (44 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 53-59-14/112 (18 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 75-65-7/140 (21 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 17-5-6/22 (4 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Haku Koto (2004.01 - 2007.01)
* Chiyohakuryu Koto (2007.03 - 2011.05)

## **Gallery**

Chiyohakuryu outside his stable, Kokonoe stableChiyohakuryu after winning a match (c. 2009)Chiyohakuryu's retirement ceremony (c. 2011)

## **Sources**

* Chiyohakuryu Koto Rikishi Information
* China News Article on Chiyohakuryu's Retirement
Ageshio Tomoya

Ageshio Tomoya - 上潮 智也 (born December 3, 1941) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shichijo, Kumamoto. He made his debut in March 1958 and last wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the juryo division in May 1968. His highest rank was juryo 2 and he retired in November 1971.

## **Career**

Born in Shichijo, Kumamoto, Furuichi joined Takasago stable and made his professional debut in March 1958. He was given the shikona "Ageshio" (上潮) and he rose up the ranks at a rather slow pace. He was promoted to sandanme in May 1960 and makushita in November 1961. In March 1968, he posted a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 1 and was promoted to juryo for the following May 1968 tournament.

Ageshio posted an 8-7 record in his fist juryo tournament, but followed with three consecutive losing records and was demoted back down to makushita in January 1969. He returned to juryo in March 1969 and after two 9-6 records, he was promoted to the rank of juryo 2 in November 1969. On the 7th day of the November 1969 tournament, he wrestled in makuuchi for the first time and defeated Yoshioyama. However, he finished this tournament with a 7-8 record and this proved to be his highest rank. He followed with two successive 4-11 records and was demoted down to makushita in May 1970. He returned to juryo in July 1971, but could only manage a 3-12 record. This was his last appearance as a sekitori and he announced his retirement after the November 1971 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, he became engaged in the restaurant industry. In 1972 he opened up a chanko restaurant called "Chanko Ageshio" (ちゃんこ上潮) in Fukuoka's Chuo Ward. As of 2017, at the age of 76, he still works at the restaurant and prepares the chankonabe.

## **Fighting Style**

Ageshio 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 uwatedashinage, or pulling overarm throw.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 341-330-4/671 (83 basho)
* **Juryo:** 78-102/180 (12 basho)
* **Makushita:** 167-151-4/318 (46 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 50-35/85 (12 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 41-39/80 (10 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-3/8 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Ageshio (1958.03 - 1962.05)
* Ageshio Tomoya (1962.07 - 1971.11)

## **Gallery**

Ageshio in his early career with his senior stablemate (c. 1961)Ageshio poses with his kesho-mawashiAgeshio as a sekitori with his white training mawashi (c. 1969)Ageshio's chanko restaurant: Chanko Ageshio (ちゃんこ上潮)Ageshio prepares chankonabe at the age of 70 (c. 2012)
## **Sources**

* Ageshio Tomoya Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ageshio Tomoya Rikishi Information
Asahitaka Koichi

Asahitaka Koichi - 旭鷹 光一 (born July 7, 1973) is a former Mongolian professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar. He made his debut in March 1992 and last wrestled for Oshima stable. His highest rank was sandanme 97 and he retired in September 1993.

## **Early Life**

Batjargal Tserenchimed was born on July 7th, 1983, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. In late 1991, a Japanese sumo training stable master, Oshima-oyakata (the former ozeki Asahikuni) went to Mongolia to recruit promising wrestlers for sumo. The young Tserenchimed happened to notice the advertisement and applied along with 120 others. He was selected and went to Japan with five others, including Kyukotenho and Kyokushuzan.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 1992 under the shikona "Asahitaka" (旭鷹). However six months later, due to cultural differences, language problems, and an extremely hard training regime, five of them including Asahitaka ran away from the training stable to the Mongolian embassy. He was eventually persuaded to return by his stablemaster's wife, and also Kyokutenzan. He reached a career-high sandanme 97 in January 1993.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After sitting out of four consecutive tournaments he was guaranteed to fall off the banzuke so his retirement was announced after the September 1993 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Like many of his Mongolian compatriots, Asahitaka was very technical in his sumo and won many bouts with trips and throws. His most common winning kimarite was ashitori, or leg pick. Out of his 22 career wins, he employed 13 different moves which involved extremely rare moves such as sotomuso (outer thigh propping twist down) and tsuriotoshi (lifting body slam). He never won a match by yorikiri (force out) which is the most common kimarite in sumo.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 22-13-28/35 (10 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 3-4/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 14-7-21/21 (6 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2-7/7 (2 basho)

## **Gallery**

Asahitaka (right of Oshima) gets recruited with six other MongoliansAsahitaka at the entrance of his Oshima stable (c. 1991)Asahitaka with his Mongolian stablemates (c. 1991)Asahitaka (second left) gets measured (c. 1992)Asahitaka (top, left) become Mongolian sumo pioneersAsahitaka (right) in Maezumo (c. 1992)

## **Sources**

* Asahitaka Koichi Rikishi Information
* BBM Article on Mongolians in Sumo
Arauma Toru

Arauma Toru - 荒馬 徹 (born October 26, 1996) is a Mongolian professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar. He made his debut in September 2020 and currently wrestles for Isenoumi stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 23.

## **Early Life**

Turtogtokh Battogtokh was born on October 26, 1996, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. He aspired to become a sumo wrestler in Japan and attended Tottori Johoku High School which is known for its strong sumo program. After high school, he enrolled at Doshisha University where he studied sociology and was a member of the school's sumo club as well. He achieved strong results on the national level and served as the captain of the sumo club during his fourth year. During his time as captain, he lead Doshisha to third place for the first time in 27 years at the National Student Sumo Championships. After graduating, he joined Isenoumi stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in September 2020 and was given the shikona "Arauma" (荒馬) which had been used by multiple wrestlers from Isenoumi stable. In January 2021, he finished with a strong 6-1 record and was placed in a three-way playoff for the jonokuchi yusho, however, he lost to Atamifuji in the final round. Arauma was promoted to sandanme in July 2021 and makushita in January 2022.

## **Fighting Style**

Arauma 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 oshidashi, or push out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 70-49-7/118 (19 basho)
* **Makushita:** 35-35-7/69 (11 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 19-9/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 10-4/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Arauma gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2020)Arauma during his time in Maezumo (c. 2020)Arauma loses to Ryutsukasa (c. 2021)Arauma battles Atamifuji for the Jonokuchi Yusho (c. 2021)Arauma loses the Sandanme Yusho match (c. 2021)Arauma prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2022)

## **Sources**

* Arauma Toru Rikishi Information
* Doshisha Sports Union Article on Arauma
Fujitoshi Ryuki

Fujitoshi Ryuki - 藤闘志 隆稀 (born November 23, 1998) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ageo, Saitama. He made his debut in March 2021 and currently wrestles for Fujishima stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 19.

## **Early Life**

Ryuki Suguro was born on November 23, 1998, in Ageo, Saitama. After graduating from Minoshima High School, he enrolled at Takushoku University where he was a member of the school's sumo club. His older brother Ibuki was also a sumo wrestler at the university. After graduating, he opted to go professional joined Fujishima stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2021 and initially wrestled under his surname Suguro. In May 2021, during his first official tournament, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record, but missed out on the jonokuchi yusho after losing to stablemate Fujiseiun in the playoff. In November 2021, he was given the shikona "Fujitoshi" (藤闘志). He was promoted to makushita in January 2022 after less than a year in sumo. At the time of his makushita debut, Fujitoshi had not posted a single losing record. He finished with a 6-1 record in his makushita debut and was promoted to a career-best makushita 19 for the following March 2022 tournament. However, his sumo progress has since stalled.

## **Personal Life**

* Fujitoshi's older brother is also a sumo wrestler from Fujishima stable who wrestles under their surname Suguro.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 60-30-8/89 (15 basho)
* **Makushita:** 25-23-8/47 (8 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 23-5/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Suguro Ryuki (2021.03 - 2021.09)
* Fujitoshi Ryuki (2021.11 - )

## **Gallery**

Fujitoshi prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2021)Fujitoshi defeats Kototaiki (c. 2021)Fujitoshi loses the Jonokuchi playoff to Fujiseiun (c. 2021)
## **Sources**

* Fujitoshi Ryuki Rikishi Information
* Livedoor Blog Article on Fujitoshi