recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Otogaiwa Tatsuo

Otogaiwa Tatsuo - 小戸ヶ岩 龍雄 (born March 25, 1914 - September 3, 1986) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Fukuoka City, Fukuoka. He made his debut in February 1932 and wrestled for Wakafuji stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1941. His highest rank was maegashira 15 and he retired in May 1948.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Tatsuo Tokistatsu joined Wakafuji stable in January 1932 and was given the shikona "Otogaiwa" (小戸ヶ岩). Otogaiwa was promoted to sandanme in May 1933 and makushita in January 1934. He reached the elite sekitori ranks of juryo in May 1935. He was unable to establish himself as a sekitori and was demoted back down to makushita on several occasions. Nevertheless, he was eventually promoted to makuuchi in May 1941.

### **Makuuchi Career**

In his top division debut, Otogaiwa finished with an 8-7 record and was promoted to a career-best maegashira 15 rank for the January 1942 tournament. However, he followed with two losing records and was demoted back down to juryo in January 1943 after a total of three tournaments in the top division. He eventually fell back down to makushita in June 1945 and retired from sumo in May 1948.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Otogaiwa ran an insurance agency in Edogawa, Tokyo.

### **Death**

Otogaiwa died on September 3, 1986, at a hospital in Chiba city due to lung cancer. He was 72 years old.

## **Personal Life**

Otogaiwa's grandson, Hirotake Nakano, was also a professional sumo wrestler from 1990 to 2003. He competed under the shikona "Otoryu" (小戸龍) and his highest rank was makushita 3.

## **Fighting Style**

Otogaiwa was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who preferred grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. His most common kimarite were yoritaoshi (crush out) and kirikaeshi (twisting backward knee trip).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 132-171/303 (29 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 18-27/45 (3 basho)
* **Juryo:** 67-102/169 (13 basho)
* **Makushita:** 47-42/89 (12 basho)

## **Sources**

* Otogaiwa Tatsuo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Otogaiwa Tatsuo Rikishi Information
Sagamigawa Yoshinobu

Sagamigawa Yoshinobu - 相模川 佶延 (born July 13, 1917 - January 22, 1987) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Atsugi, Kanagawa. He made his debut in May 1935 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1939 and has two kinboshi. His highest rank was sekiwake and he retired in May 1949.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Makoto Harashima joined Dewanoumi stable at the age of 17 and made his debut in May 1935 under the shikona "Sagamigawa" (相模川). Sagamigawa rose up the ranks at an extremely fast pace, spending just one tournament in the sandanme, makushita, and juryo divisions. Even during his time in makushita, Sagamigawa was already projected to become a future yokozuna. He was promoted to makuuchi in May 1939.

### **Makuuchi Career**

In January 1940, Sagamigawa defeated ozeki Haguroyama and handed him his first loss as ozeki. He would continue to perform well against Haguroyama with all his kinboshi coming against him. He was promoted to komusubi in January 1943 where he finished with a strong 10-5 record and was promoted to sekiwake in May 1943. Sagamigawa was ranked as sekiwake for three straight tournaments, but he fell back down to the maegashira ranks in November 1944. However, after the war, Sagamigawa's sumo declined and he wrestled in the lower maegashira ranks before retiring in May 1949.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, Sagamigawa was unable to acquire elder stock and left the sumo world. He managed a cabaret in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, after retirement. He died on January 22, 1987, at the age of 67, however, his death was not disclosed until the late Heisei period.

## **Fighting Style**

Sagamigawa was an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. His most common kimarite used were tsukiotoshi (thrust down), tsukidashi (thrust out) and hatakikomi (slap down).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 163-133-9/295 (29 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 127-120-9/246 (20 basho)
* **Juryo:** 9-4/13 (2 basho)
* **Makushita:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 9-4/13 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-1/6 (1 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 1-2/3 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (January 1938)
* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (May 1937)

## **Shikona History**

* Sagamigawa Takara (1935.05 - 1938.05)
* Sagamigawa Yoshinobu (1939.01 - 1946.11)
* Sagamiyama Yoshinobu (1947.06 - 1947.06)
* Sagamigawa Yoshinobu (1947.11 - 1949.05)

## **Gallery**

Sagamigawa poses with his kesho-mawashiSagamigawa reads the papers (c. mid 1940s)Sagamigawa with a fan (c. mid 1940s)
## **Sources**

* Sagamigawa Yoshinobu Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Sagamigawa Yoshinobu Rikishi Information
Omoto Takashi

Omoto Takashi - 大元 貴志 (born November 23, 1992) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Soja, Okayama. He made his debut in January 2015 and currently wrestles for Ikazuchi stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 13.

## **Early Life**

Omoto began sumo wrestling in junior high school after he was asked to participate in a team match during a tournament. His sumo improved in high school as he won the prefectural tournament in Okayama. After high school, he enrolled at Ritsumeikan University to continue his amateur career. In his second year, he placed second at the West Japan University Champions over 135 kg weight class. After graduating university, he joined Irumagawa stable (later renamed Ikazuchi stable).

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in January 2015 and defeated former juryo wrestler Hishofuji in maezumo (pre-sumo). He was promoted to sandanme in July 2015 and makushita in January 2016. At the time of his makushita debut, Omoto had not posted a single losing record. He finished with a 5-2 record in his makushita debut, but followed with a 3-4 record, his first career make-koshi. After that, Omoto's career progression slumped and he even fell down to sandanme on multiple occasions. In November 2017 he was given the shikona "Hotsukasa" (寶司), but reverted back to Omoto in September 2018 after falling back down to sandanme. He reached a career-best makushita 13 in September 2020, but could only manage three wins in the tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Omoto is proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His most often used winning kimarite is yorikiri (force out), followed by oshidashi (push out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 190-143-31/332 (53 basho)
* **Makushita:** 124-118-24/241 (38 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 55-22-7/77 (12 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Omoto Takashi (2015.01 - 2017.09)
* Hotsukasa Takashi (2017.11 - 2018.07)
* Omoto Takashi (2018.09 - )

## **Gallery**

Omoto gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2015)Omoto prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2022)Omoto battles Wakatakamoto (c. 2023)
## **Sources**

* Omoto Takashi Rikishi Information
* Ritsumeikan University Article on Omoto
Onomatsu Stable

Onomatsu stable (阿武松部屋, Onomatsu-beya) is a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Nishonoseki ichimon or group of stables. It was founded in its modern form on October 1st, 1994, by Masurao Hiroo, who branched off from the now defunct Oshiogawa stable. Ex-Masurao resigned from the Japan Sumo Association for health reasons on 26 September 2019 and was replaced by the former maegashira Daido.

As of January 2023 it has 13 active sumo wrestlers.

## **History**

Onomatsu stable was established on October 1st, 1994, by former sekiwake Masurao, who branched off from Oshiogawa stable. The stable produced their first sekitori when Komidori was promoted to juryo in 2001. They produced their first makuuchi rikishi in 2005 when Katayama was promoted. The now retired Wakakōyū reached komusubi in 2012, as did Ōnoshō in 2017. The stable's most successful foreign recruit has been the Russian former maegashira Amūru, who retired in 2018.

In January 2010 the stable, along with the Takanohana, Ōtake and Magaki stable, was forced to leave the Nishonoseki ichimon after former yokozuna Takanohana declared his intention to run as an unofficial candidate in the elections to the Sumo Association's board of directors. The ejected stables formed their own group, which gained ichimon status of its own in 2014. This was dissolved in 2018, with the Ōnomatsu, Ōtake and Chiganoura stables briefly forming Ōnomatsu ichimon before aligning themselves once again with the Nishonoseki group.

The stable's first sekitori, Komidori, later known as Furuichi, was dismissed for illegal gambling in 2010. Furuichi was sentenced to six years in prison.

Ex-Masurao resigned from the Japan Sumo Association for health reasons on 26 September 2019 and was replaced by the former maegashira Daidō.

Since the retirement of Amuru in 2018, in 2023 the stable had a new foreign recruit, Onokatsu from Mongolia who was able to use the makushita tsukedashi system.

## **Owners**

* 2019–present 13th Onomatsu Kenji (shunin, former maegashira Daido)
* 1994-2019: 12th Onomatsu Hiroo (former sekiwake Masurao)

## **Coaches**

* Shiranui Masaya (iin, former komusubi Wakakoyu)

## **Notable Active Wrestlers**

* Onosho (best rank komusubi)
* Keitenkai (best rank juryo)
* Yuma (best rank juryo)
* Tosamidori (best rank makushita)
* Onokatsu (best rank makushita)
* Nihonyanagi (best rank makushita)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

### **Makuuchi**

* Wakakoyu (former komusubi)
* Amuru (former maegashira)
* Daido (former maegashira)
* Katayama (former maegashira)

### **Juryo**

* Masuraumi (former juryo)
* Tanzo (former juryo)
* Furuichi (former juryo)

### **Lower Divisions**

* Fujiryu (former makushita)
* Yamatofuji (former makushita)
* Fujimoto (former makushita)
* Wakayama (former makushita)
* Genki (former makushita)
* Matsumidori (former makushita)
* Tennozan (former makushita)
* Tetsuyuzan (former makushita)
* Oruri (former makushita)

## **Hairdresser**

* Tokotaka (first class tokoyama)
* Tokoyu (third class tokoyama)

## **Website**

* Onomatsu stable's website [1]
* Onomatsu stable's Facebook [2]
Onoe Stable

Onoe stable (尾上部屋, Onoe-beya) is a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Dewanoumi ichimon, or group of stables. It was established in August 2006 by former komusubi Hamanoshima, who branched off from Mihogaseki stable and took several of its leading wrestlers with him.

As of January 2023 it has 12 active sumo wrestlers.

## **History**

Onoe stable was established in August 2006, by former komusubi Hamanoshima, who branched off from Mihogaseki stable. Onoe took with him six wrestlers he had recruited, including the top division wrestler Baruto and jūryō Satoyama. This marked the first time since Aobajō left Nishonoseki stable for Oshiogawa stable in 1975 that a makuuchi wrestler had left an established stable for a newly founded one. The Sumo Association subsequently tightened the rules for branching out, requiring elders wishing to set up their own stables to have at least 60 tournaments in the top division or 25 in san'yaku (which would have prevented Onoe from branching out had new rules been in place then).

For its first few years, Onoe stable was located in what was essentially a "converted garage," where numerous miscellaneous items were only about a meter away from the edge of the practice ring's straw bales.

Onoe stable's most successful rikishi, Baruto earned promotion to Ozeki in 2010 and captured his first makuuchi yusho in 2013, the stable highest accomplishment.

In April 2011 three of his wrestlers (Yamamotoyama, Shirononami and Sakaizawa) were forced to retire by the Japan Sumo Association because of match-fixing. Onoe was demoted two ranks in the Association' elder hierarchy as punishment. In the same month he was found by police to be allegedly driving while intoxicated. Onoe apologised for his actions at a press conference.

The retirements of Satoyama in November 2018 and Tenkaihō in March 2019 left the stable with no wrestlers in the top two divisions until Ryūkō reached jūryō in July 2019. As of January 2021, Onoe stable has 15 wrestlers. It has posted regular updates from its Facebook page since training at the stable was curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

## **Owners**

* 2006–present: 17th Onoe Keishi (shunin, former komusubi Hamanoshima)

## **Coaches**

* Chiganoura Kosaku (shunin, former maegashira Satoyama)
* Kitajin Takayuki (toshiyori, former maegashira Tenkaiho)

## **Notable Active Wrestlers**

* Hokutenkai (best rank makushita)
* Haruyama (best rank makushita)
* Shiroma (best rank sandanme)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

### **Makuuchi**

* Baruto (former ozeki) - *transferred from Mihogaseki stable*
* Yamamotoyama (former maegashira)
* Tenkaiho (former maegashira)
* Satoyama (former maegashira) - *transferred from Mihogaseki stable*
* Sakaizawa (former maegashira) - *transferred from Mihogaseki stable*

### **Juryo**

* Shirononami (former juryo) - *transferred from Mihogaseki stable*
* Ryuko (former juryo)

### **Lower Divisions**

* Satsumariki (former makushita) - *transferred from Mihogaseki stable*
* Yata (former jonokuchi)

## **Website**

* Onoe stable's website [1]
* Onoe stable's Facebook [2]
* Onoe stable's Instagram [3]
Rokuro (yobidashi)

Rokuro - 禄郎 (born October 4, 1974) is a Japanese professional sumo usher from Kyoto, Kyoto. He was recruited in June 1993 and debuted in the July 1993 tournament and he belongs to Nishonoseki stable. He reached the Juryo rank in January 2009.

## **Career**

* July 1993 - Had his ring debut under Oshiogawa stable
* July 1994 - Promoted to Jonokuchi yobidashi
* January 1996 - Promoted to Jonidan yobidashi
* January 1999 - Promoted to Sandanme yobidashi
* Janaury 2002 - Promoted to Makushita yobidashi
* May 2006 - Transferred to Oguruma stable due to the closure of Oshiogawa stable
* January 2009 - Promoted to Juryo yobidashi
* January 2022 - Transferred to Nishonoseki stable due to the closure of Oguruma stable

## **Sources**

* Rokuro (yobidashi) Japanese Wikipedia Article
* JSA Rokuro Personal Page
Raizan Yukichi

Raizan Yukichi - 雷山 勇吉 (born May 17, 1907 - January 7, 1973) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Arakawa, Tokyo. He made his debut in January 1923 and wrestled for Nishikijima stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1933. His highest rank was maegashira 12 and he retired in January 1935.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Toyota joined Isenoumi stable and made his professional debut in January 1923 under the shikona "Sumidagawa" (隅田川). In October 1931, he was given the shikona "Raizan" (雷山). In October 1932, he won the sandanme yusho with a perfect 6-0 record and was promoted to juryo in February 1932 due to a large amount of opening caused by the Shunjuen Incident.

### **Makuuchi Career**

In May 1933, upon promotion to makuuchi, he transferred to Nishikijima stable. He could only manage a 2-9 record in his lone top division tournament. He was given the prestigious "Kashiwado" (柏戸) shikona in January 1934, but he followed with three consecutive losing records and retired from sumo in January 1935.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, he remained in sumo as an elder of the Japan Sumo Association, working as a coach at Nishikijima stable under the name Tamanoi Oyakata. In January 1937, he switched to the Tatekawa name and left the sumo world all together in March 1955.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 48-47-5-1draw/96 (11 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 2-9/11 (1 basho)
* **Juryo:** 40-38-5-1draw/79 (8 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 6-0/6 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (October 1931)

## **Shikona History**

* Sumidagawa (1923.01 - 1931.05)
* Raizan Yukichi (1931.10 - 1933.05)
* Kashiwado Yukichi (1934.01 - 1935.01)

## **Sources**

* Raizan Yukichi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Raizan Yukichi Rikishi Information
Ohayama Yoshio

Ohayama Yoshio - 大覇山 芳夫 (born May 26, 1975) is a former Taiwanese professional sumo wrestler from Hsinchu County. He made his debut in March 1990 and wrestled for Takadagawa stable. His highest rank was makushita 53 and he retired in May 1995.

## **Career**

Kunfang Xie of Hsinchu County, Taiwan, joined Takadagawa stable, which already home to six other Taiwanese sumo wrestlers, in March 1990 at the age of 14. He was given the shikona Ohayama "大覇山" which takes inspiration from Dabajian Mountain (大霸尖山) from his native Hsinchu County.

He initially struggled in the first two division and did not break through the jonidan wall until May 1992. However, he breezed through sandanme and after only four tournaments he was promoted to the makushita division in January 1993. After producing a 3-4 record in his lone makushita tournament he was demoted back down to sandanme.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Immediately after demotion from makushita, he sat out of fourteen straight tournaments. After sitting out of fourteen straight tournaments and being unranked (banzuke-gai) for eight tournaments of this fourteen tournaments, his retirement was announced after the May 1995 tournament.

He participated in the 2006 Sumo World Cup with former stablemate Eigayama.

## **Personal Life**

* He is a graduate of Kuang-Fu High School (私立光復高中) in Hsinchu, Taiwan.

## **Fighting Style**

Ohayama is a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He won about 60% of his bouts with a straightforward yorikiri, or force out. He was also fond of employing uwatenage, or overarm throw.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 66-53-42/119 (24 basho)
* **Makushita:** 3-4/7 (1 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 18-10-14/28 (6 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 37-33-21/70 (13 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 8-6-7/14 (3 basho)

## **Sources**

* Ohayama Yoshio Rikishi Information
* TVBS Article on Taiwanese Sumo Wrestlers
Matsuyama Yoshihiro

Matsuyama Yoshihiro - 松山 佳弘 (born April 6, 1952 - December 27, 2019) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Itabashi, Tokyo. He made his debut in January 1971 and last wrestled for Miyagino stable. He reached the juryo division in May 1979. His highest rank was juryo 1 and he retired in March 1983.

## **Early Life**

Matsuyama was born on April 6, 1952, in Itabashi, Tokyo. Prior to sumo he practiced judo at junior high school and at Teikyo Senior High School. Upon graduating high school, he joined Miyagino stable and made his professional debut in January 1971.

## **Career**

Making his debut in January 1971, Matsuyama was already 18 years old which made him older and bigger than his other debutants. He changed his shikona from his surname to "Matsubayama" (松葉山) in January 1972. he quickly breezed through the bottom two divisions, but found it quite hard to reach the makushita division. He did not make it to makushita until July 1974. In March 1978, he reverted his shikona back to his surname Matsuyama. On year later, he won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record at the top of makushita and was promoted to juryo.

He made his juryo debut in May 1979. He produced consistent results and in May 1981, he was promoted to the top rank of juryo 1 east. However, he struggled in this tournament and could only record one win before pulling out on 12th day due to liver inflammation. After this, he fell down to makushita in September 1981, but ultimately returned in March 1982. However, after falling back down to makushita in January 1983, he announced his retirement after the folioing March 1983 tournament.

## **Death**

Matsuyama died on December 27, 2019, at the age of 67 due to visceral disease.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 334-319-10/652 (74 basho)
* **Juryo:** 130-152-3/281 (19 basho)
* **Makushita:** 119-98-7/217 (32 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 59-60/119 (17 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 20-8/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (March 1979)

## **Shikona History**

* Matsuyama Ikuo (1971.01 - 1971.11)
* Matsubayama Ikuo (1972.01 - 1978.01)
* Matsuyama Ikuo (1978.03 - 1979.07)
* Matsuyama Yoshihiro (1979.09 - 1983.03)

## **Gallery**

Matsuyama during his time as "Matsubayama" (c. 1972)Matsuyama prepares for his upcoming match (c. 1979)Matsuyama prepares for his upcoming match (c. 1981)
## **Sources**

* Matsuyama Yoshihiro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Matsuyama Yoshihiro Rikishi Information
Nishikijima Stable

Nishikijima stable (錦島部屋, Nishikijima-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Tokitsukaze ichimon or group of stables. It closed its doors in February 1964, and its staff transferred to Tokitsukaze stable.

## **History**

The stable was founded by former maegashira Orochigata Daigoro who ran the stable until his death in 1916. Former sekiwake Orochigata Kumezo then inherited the stable and ran it until his death in 1933. After Orochigata's death, former maegashira Orochiyama took charge of the stable until his death in 1956. After this, san'yaku gyoji Kimura Kesazo (at the time high-ranking gyoji could run stables - this practice is now forbidden) ran the stable until's its closure in 1964. The remaining wrestlers and staff subsequently transferred to the affiliated Tokitsukaze stable. The stable was known for producing Akita prefecture based wrestlers.

## **Owners**

* 1956-1964: 10th Nishikijima (former gyoji Kimura Kesazo)
* 1934-1956: 9th Nishikijima (former maegashira Orochiyama)
* 1917-1933: 8th Nishikijima (former sekiwake Orochigata)
* ?-1916: 7th Nishikijima (former maegashira Orochigata)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Noshirogata (former ozeki)
* Kashiwado (former maegashira)
* Orochigata (former maegashira)
* Tsukubane (former maegashira)
* Hiodoshi (former maegashira)
* Kainoyama (former maegashira)
* Ariake (former maegashira)
* Raizan (former maegashira)
* Yutakayama (former maegashira) - *transferred to Isenoumi stable before sekitori status*
* Hachiryu (former juryo) - *transferred to Tokitsukaze stable before sekitori status*
* Kainishiki (former juryo) - *transferred to Tokitsukaze stable before sekitori status*
Nishonoseki Gunemon

Nishonoseki Gunemon - 二所ノ関 軍右エ門 (born 1760 - February 5, 1823) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Waga District, Mutsu. He made his debut in March 1783 and wrestled for Isenoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in March 1790. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in February 1807.

## **Career**

Born in Waga District, Mutsu province (currently Kitakami, Iwate), he joined Isenoumi stable and made his professional debut in March 1783 under the shikona "Takinokami Tsukaemon" (瀧ノ上 塚右エ門). He later took the name "Nishikigi Tsukaemon" (錦木 塚右エ門) in November 1788 and reached makuuchi in March 1790. He was promoted to komusubi in March 1792 and sekiwake in October 1796. At the age of 44, he was promoted to ozeki in March 1804, but only lasted one tournament. He later changed his shikona to "Nishonoseki Gunemon" (二所ノ関 軍右エ門) in October 1806 before retiring in February 1807 at the age of 47.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, he remained in the sumo world as an elder and established Nishonoseki stable. He died on February 5, 1823, at the age of 63.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 89-29-104-16draws-4holds-9no results/147 (32 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 63-20-104-12draws-2holds-6no results/103 (23 basho)
* **Juryo:** 26-9-4draws-2holds-3no results/44 (9 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Takinokami Tsukaemon (1784.03 - 1788.04)
* Nishikigi Tsukaemon (1788.11 - 1806.02)
* Nishonoseki Gunemon (1806.10 - 1807.02)

## **Gallery**

19th century woodblock print of ozeki Nishonoseki Gunemon
## **Sources**

* Nishonoseki Gunemon Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Nishonoseki Gunemon Rikishi Information
Otsuji Riki

Otsuji Riki - 大辻 理紀 (born October 6, 2003) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kakogawa, Hyogo. He made his debut in March 2019 and currently wrestles for Takadagawa stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 5.

## **Early Life**

Otsuji initially practiced judo and gymnastics before taking up sumo wrestling during his third year at elementary school. He attended Hotoku Gakuen Junior High School and in his third year he achieved 3rd place at the All-Japan Junior High School Sumo Tournament, 2nd place at the National Junior High School Sumo Championship, and 2nd place at the Hakuho Cup. After graduating from junior high school, he opted to go pro and joined Takadagawa stable.

## **Career**

Otsuji made his professional debut in March 2019 alongside rival Yoshii. He posted a 4-3 record in his first professional tournament, but sat out the following tournament due to surgery on his dislocated left shoulder. In November 2019 Otsuji finished with a 6-1 record, but missed out on the jonokuchi yusho after losing to Tosamidori in the playoff. He was promoted to sandanme in March 2020 and makushita in November 2020.

At the time of his makushita debut, Otsuji was only 17 years old. He finished with a losing record in his first makushita tournament, but followed with 5 consecutive winning records and was promoted to a career-best makushita 8 for the November 2021 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Otsuji 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:** 103-71-15/173 (28 basho)
* **Makushita:** 71-60-2/130 (19 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 15-6/21 (3 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1-7/7 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 11-4-6/15 (3 basho)

## **Gallery**

Otsuji gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2019)Otsuji joins alongside Yoshii (c. 2019)Otsuji and Yoshii in Maezumo (c. 2019)Otsuji defeats Hattorizakura (c. 2019)Otsuji prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2022)Otsuji defeats college Yokozuna Kawazoe (c. 2022)
## **Sources**

* Otsuji Riki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Otsuji Riki Rikishi Information
Ryushoyama Katsushige

Ryushoyama Katsushige - 隆昌山 勝茂 (born October 20, 1942) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Sakito, Nagasaki. He made his debut in March 1958 and last wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the juryo division in September 1964. His highest rank was juryo 7 and he retired in May 1968.

## **Early Life**

Shigeru Hirato was born to a carpenter in the town of Sakito (currently Sakai city) in Nagasaki prefecture. During his second year of junior high school in 1956, Onogawa stable came to Nagasaki for their jungyo tour and komusubi Naruyama stayed over at his house. A year later in 1957, Hirato ands father were invited to Fukuoka to watch the November 1957 tournament. While at the tournament, Hirato told his father that he wanted to join professional sumo and after graduating junior high school, he joined Onogawa stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 1958 and was given the shikona "Hiraizumi" (平泉). He was promoted to sandanme in September 1960 and makushita in November 1961. In March 1963 he changed his shikona to "Homanzan" (宝満山). He was promoted to juryo in September 1964 and was ranked there for 12 tournaments. His Onogawa stable closed down in November 1964 and he transferred to Dewanoumi stable. He was given the shikona "Ryushoyama" (隆昌山) in March 1967 and rose to juryo 7 in November of the same year. He retired from sumo in May 1968.

## **Fighting Style**

Ryushoyama 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:** 274-239-15/513 (62 basho)
* **Juryo:** 80-100/180 (12 basho)
* **Makushita:** 112-77-7/189 (28 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 27-22/49 (7 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 52-35-8/87 (12 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 3-5/8 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Hirato Shigeru (1958.03 - 1960.01)
* Hiraizumi Shigeru (1960.03 - 1963.01)
* Homanzan Shigeru (1963.03 - 1966.07)
* Ryushoyama Shigeru (1966.09 - 1967.01)
* Ryushoyama Katsushige (1967.03 - 1968.05)

## **Sources**

* Ryushoyama Katsushige Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ryushoyama Katsushige Rikishi Information
Orochigata Kinsaku

Orochigata Kinsaku - 大蛇潟 金作 (born May 20, 1919 - March 21, 1986) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yokote, Akita. He made his debut in January 1937 and last wrestled for Nishikijima stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1948 and has one special prize as well as one kinboshi. His highest rank was maegashira 1 and he retired in November 1957.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

At the age of 17, Saito moved to Tokyo and joined Nishikijima stable, making his professional debut in January 1937. He initially wrestled under the shikona "Jumonji" (十文字) before switching to "Yatomeishi" (矢留石) in January 1939. He was promoted to sandanme in January 1940 and makushita in January 1942. He was promoted to juryo in January 1944, but was demoted back down to makushita in November 1945. Upon returning to juryo in June 1947, he was given the shikona "Orochigata" (大蛇潟) which had been used by former wrestlers belonging to the Nishikijima stable. He was promoted to makuuchi three tournaments later in May 1948.

### **Makuuchi Career**

In his top division debut, Orochigata was aiming for the makuuchi yusho for majority of the tournament. He lost on the final day to Tokachiiwa by utchari (backward pivot throw) to finish with a 9-2 record and was runner-up to yokozuna Azumafuji who finished with a 10-1 record. Nevertheless, he was awarded the Fighting Spirit prize. However, in the following October 1948 tournament, Orochigata injured his knee and withdrew from the tournament. Because of this, he never managed to reach the san'yaku ranks with his highest rank being maegashira 1. In March 1954, he defeated yokozuna Kagamisato to earn his first kinboshi at the age of 35. He retired from sumo in November 1957 after falling back down to juryo.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Orochigata remained in the Japan Sumo Association as an elder under the name Minato. In March 1960 he switched to the Kitajin elder name, but left the sumo world shortly after in March 1962. He ran an inn in his post sumo life.

### **Death**

Orochigata died on March 21, 1986, at a hospital in Chiyoda, Tokyo, due to liver cancer. He was 66 years old.

## **Fighting Style**

Orochigata 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:** 305-334-14/637 (57 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 214-257-14/469 (33 basho)
* **Juryo:** 33-30/63 (8 basho)
* **Makushita:** 28-16/44 (6 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 18-14/32 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 10-12/22 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 2-5/7 (1 basho)

### **Achievements**

* **Sansho:** Fighting Spirit Prize (1)
* **Kinboshi:** (1) Kagamisato

## **Shikona History**

* Jumonji Kinsaku (1937.01 - 1938.05)
* Yatomeishi Kinsaku (1939.01 - 1946.11)
* Orochigata Kinsaku (1947.06 - 1957.11)

## **Sources**

* Orochigata Kinsaku Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Orochigata Kinsaku Rikishi Information
Miyauchi Terukazu

Miyauchi Terukazu - 宮内 輝和 (born July 6, 1960) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Isesaki, Gunma. He made his debut in January 1981 and wrestled for Kasugano stable. His highest rank was makushita 30 and he retired in January 1992.

## **Early Life**

Terukazu Miyauchi was born on July 6, 1960, in Isesaki, Gunma. After graduating from Ashikaga University Senior High School, he enrolled at Nihon University where he was a member of the school's wrestling club. He was a successful amateur wrestler and he won the men 's Greco-Roman 100 kg class at the All Japan Championship. He was selected to represent Japan at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, however, he was unable to attend due to the Japan's boycott. After that, he dropped out of college to pursue a career in professional sumo.

## **Career**

Miyauchi joined Kasugano stable and made his professional debut in January 1981 alongside future yokozuna Asahifuji who also dropped out of university. In his first three tournaments, he finished with a strong 6-1 record and was promoted to sandanme in September 1981. He was promoted to makushita three tournaments later in March 1982. In January 1983, he snapped future ozeki Konishiki's 22 consecutive win streak since his debut. He wrestled mainly in the sandanme division, with his highest rank being makushita 30 in January 1986.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Miyauchi retired from sumo in January 1992 which coincided with Asahifuji's retirement as well. After retiring, he now works as an amateur wrestling coach in his hometown of Isesaki, Gunma.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 234-224-4/458 (67 basho)
* **Makushita:** 16-26/42 (6 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 200-195-4/395 (57 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 12-2/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Miyauchi gets recruited into Kasugano Stable (c. 1981)Miyauchi ends Konishiki's consecutive win streak (c. 1983)Miyauchi is interviewed after defeating Konishiki (c. 1983)
## **Sources**

* Miyauchi Terukazu Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Miyauchi Terukazu Rikishi Information
Meiji University

Meiji University (明治大学, Meiji Daigaku) is a private research university in Chiyoda City, the heart of Tokyo, Japan. Established in 1881 as Meiji Law School by three Meiji-era lawyers, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Japan. It has highly selective admissions, with an acceptance rate averaging around 15%. It is known to be Japan's most popular university with applications exceeding 100,000 annually.

The University's sumo club has produced a couple professional sumo wrestlers, with ozeki Miyabiyama being their most successful alumnus. A list of all wrestlers who were members of Meiji University's sumo club is provided below. As of 2023, 15 members of Meiji University's sumo club have turned professional with 7 reaching the elite sekitori ranks.

## **List**

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

Nanzan Shuko - 南山 洙亨 (born December 18, 1971) is a former South Korean professional sumo wrestler from Dongdaemun District, Seoul. He made his debut in January 1990 and wrestled for Onaruto stable. His highest rank was sandanme 54 and he retired in May 1992.

## **Early Life**

Suhyeong Che was raised in the Dongdaemun District of Seoul, South Korea. After graduating from Dongyang Technical High School (동양공업고등학교) in the spring of 1989, he entered sumo and joined Onaruto stable in January 1990.

## **Career**

He was given the shikona "Nanzan" (南山) which means south mountain. He had an awkward debut, where he pulled out of his first jonokuchi tournament and fell back down to maezumo (pre-sumo). Upon returning back to jonokuchi in July 1990, he won six of his seven matches and was placed in a five man playoff (his Korean stablemate Kanzan was in the playoff as well) for the yusho. After wrestling five playoff bouts, he won the jonokuchi yusho after defeating his two contenders consecutively (read kettei-sen for more information).

As a result he was promotes to jonidan and continued his impressive run as he posted three more consecutive winning records which sent him to the sandanme division. He reached a career-high sandanme 42 in January 1992.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After reaching a career-high sandanme 54 in January 1992, he sat out of this tournament and the following three. A fall back to jonokuchi was guaranteed so his retirement decision was announced after the May 1990 tournament.

Upon retirement he returned back to South Korea. In 2008 he opened up a sumo-themed restaurant called "Sumo-dori" (스모도리) in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul.

## **Fighting Style**

Nanzan is a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He won majority of his bouts with a straightforward yorikiri (force out). He was also fond of employing yoritaoshi (frontal crush out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 38-26-27/64 (15 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 14-14-7/28 (5 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 18-10-14/28 (6 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-2-6/8 (2 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (July 1990)

## **Gallery**

Nanzan (far right) after winning the jonokuchi yusho (c. 1990)Nanzan's sumo-themed restaurant, 'Sumo-dori"Sumo pictures in Nanzan's restaurant

## **Sources**

* Nanzan Shuko Rikishi Information
* Joonang Article on Nanzan
Omatsuda Shinya

Omatsuda Shinya - 大松田 慎哉 (born August 26, 1986) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nishinomiya, Hyogo. He made his debut in March 2005 and wrestled for Otake stable. His highest was sandanme 15 and he retired in September 2008.

## **Early Life**

Shinya Matsuda was born on August 26, 1986, in Nishinomiya, Hyogo. He attended Tottori Johoku High School where he was a member of the school's strong sumo club. After graduating from high school, he was recruited into Otake stable by Otake Oyakata (former sekiwake Takatoriki).

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2005 and was given the shikona "Omatsuda" (大松田). Already weighing 198 kg (437 lb), he was the second heaviest of the 70 new recruits, only behind Maeta who weighed 204 kg (450 lb). He got off to a solid start, finishing with four consecutive winning records and was promoted to sandanme in November 2005. He reached a career-best sandanme 15 in September 2007, but finished with a poor 1-6 record. He retired from sumo in September 2008 after sitting out of the previous three tournaments.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 68-58-21/126 (22 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 53-52-7/105 (16 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-3-14/14 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Omatsuda gets recruited into Otake Stable (c. 2005)Omatsuda awaits for his upcoming match (c. 2007)Omatsuda (right) prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2007)
Mifuneyama Daichi

Mifuneyama Daichi - 御船山 大地 (born March 12, 1991) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Takeo, Saga. He made his debut in March 2013 and wrestled for Kise stable. His highest rank was makushita 16 and he retired in January 2022.

## **Early Life**

Daichi Koba was born on March 12, 1991, in Takeo, Saga. After graduating high school, he enrolled at Kyushu Institute of Information Sciences where he was a member of the school's sumo club. During his time in college, Koba participated well on the national scene and reached the top 16 at the National Student Sumo Championship. Upon graduating university, he joined Kise stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2013 and wrestled under his surname "Koba" (古場). He finished with a 6-1 record in his first four tournaments and was promoted to makushita in January 2014. He immediately established himself as a makushita regular and reached a career-best makushita 16 in March 2019.

In March 2020, he was given the shikona "Mifuneyama" (御船山). However, shortly after in July 2020, he injured his left knee in a match against against Bushozan and had to withdraw from the tournament as a result. He sat out of the following five consecutive tournaments and was relegated back to the lowest jonokuchi division. In order to not fall completely off the banzuke, he returned to action on day 13 of the July 2021 tournament where he easily defeated Shonanzakura. He returned to full action in September 2021 and finished with a 6-1 record. He followed with a 5-2 record in November 2021, but ultimately retired from the sport in January 2022.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 175-132-57/306 (53 basho)
* **Makushita:** 129-121-16/249 (38 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 22-6-14/28 (6 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-3-21/14 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 13-2-6/15 (3 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Koba Daichi (2013.03 - 2020.01)
* Mifuneyama Daichi (2020.03 - 2022.01)

## **Gallery**

Mifuneyama defeats Shonanzakura (c. 2021)Mifuneyama after winning a match (c. 2021)Mifuneyama's retirement ceremony (c. 2022)
Onishiki Daigoro

Onishiki Daigoro - 大錦 大五郎 (born March 22, 1883 - May 18, 1943) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nabeta, Aichi. He made his debut in 1898 and last wrestled for Asahiyama stable. He reached the makuuchi division in 1906 and has 6 top division championships. He was the 28th yokozuna and he retired in January 1922.

## **Early Life**

Yamada Daigoro (山田 大五郎) was born the second son of a carpenter in Ama District, Aichi Prefecture, in what is now Yatomi City. There are several conflicting sources as to his specific birth date in 1883 (March 22, March 20, and July 22), and he later changed his surname to Torii (鳥井). Ever since he was a child, he participated in local children tournaments and was much stronger than his peers. After training under his father, Daigoro worked as a wheelwright in Kyoto before joining professional sumo.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He joined Kyoto sumo in 1898 and was given the shikona "Onishiki Daigoro" (大錦 大五郎), but soon transferred to Asahiyama stable (Osaka sumo) in January 1903 after Kyoto Sumo proved to be too easy. After spending only one tournament in juryo, he was promoted to makuuchi in February 1906.

### **Makuuchi Career**

In his top division debut, Onishiki finished with a decent 5-2-1-1draw-1hold record. He was eventually promoted to komusubi in June 1907. In his san'yaku debut he finished with a 6-3-1 record and was promoted to sekiwake in January 1908. After multiple strong showings as sekiwake, he was promoted to ozeki in June 1910.

### **Ozeki Career**

After his ozeki promotion, he was recommend by Yokozuna Hitachiyama to join the more prestigious Tokyo Sumo, but he refused as he wanted to stay loyal with his Asahiyama stable. In Osaka sumo, championships were not awarded, but he won the equivalent of six championships during his ozeki career.

### **Yokozuna Career**

After eight years as ozeki, in April 1918 he became the 28th yokozuna (the third in Osaka sumo). The reason for his promotion to yokozuna was cited as being because of his great dignity. He fought in eight tournaments as yokozuna, retiring after the January 1922 basho.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retirement he ran a tea house in Osaka. He died on May 18, 1943, at the age of 60. It is unknown whether a red tsuna was made for him for the kanreki dohyo-iri.

## **Fighting Style**

Onishiki 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 also adept with throwing techniques.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Makuuchi:** 162-50-74-14draws-10holds

### **Championships**

* 6 Unofficial **Makuuchi** Championships (Osaka Sumo)
	+ 1st (September 1911)
	+ 2nd (May 1913)
	+ 3rd (May 1914)
	+ 4th (January 1916)
	+ 5th (January 1917)
	+ 6th (January 1918)

## **Shikona History**

* Onishiki Daigoro (after 1898 - 1922.01)

## **Gallery**

Onishiki Daigoro - (Retrieved from the Nihon Sumo Kyokai)Onishiki's tegata
## **Sources**

* Onishiki Daigoro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Onishiki Daigoro Rikishi Information
Nekodamashi

**Nekodamashi** (猫騙し, ねこだまし) is an unconventional sumo wrestling technique, which involves a wrestler clapping his hands together in front of his opponent's face at the tachi-ai (start of the bout). The aim of this technique is to cause the opponent to close his eyes briefly, allowing the instigator to gain the advantage.

Nekodamashi requires there to be a fair amount of space between the wrestlers at the tachi-ai. Using the technique is also a gamble: if it miscarries, it leaves the wrestler wide open to his opponent's attack.

Nekodamashi is not listed as a kimarite (winning technique); even in the unlikely situation that a wrestler is so surprised by a nekodamashi that he falls over, the winning technique is simply recorded as hiwaza (non-technique victory).

Famous sumo wrestlers to have used the nekodamashi over the years include Mainoumi, Otsukasa, yokozuna Hakuho in November 2015, and former yokozuna Mienoumi.
Nakagawa Stable

Nakagawa stable (中川部屋 Nakagawa-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Tokitsukaze ichimon or group of stables. It was founded on January 26, 2017 with nine wrestlers, all of whom were previously members of Kasugayama stable. The stable was closed on July 13th, 2020. The remaining wrestlers and personnel was distributed to a further seven stables.

## **History**

Nakagawa stable was established on January 26, 2017, with nine nine wrestlers, all of whom were previously members of Kasugayama stable, by former maegashira Asahisato, branching out from Oitekaze stable.

In July 2020 Nakagawa stable was closed down by the Sumo Association after three wrestlers complained of verbal and physical abuse. Nakagawa was allowed to stay as an elder but was demoted two rungs in the Sumo Association's hierarchy to plain toshiyori status. He was transferred to Tokitsukaze stable with his wrestlers being dispersed among several different stables. Nakagawa apologized to the other stablemasters present at the disciplinary meeting, saying "I didn’t know that my disciples took my words and deeds as (abuse)." He escaped outright dismissal as the wrestlers were not injured and were not seeking further punishment.

The stable never produced any sekitori.

## **Owners**

* 2017 – 2020: 15th Nakagawa (iin, former maegashira Asahisato)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Kyokusoten (best rank juryo) - *transferred from Oitekaze stable, later* *transferred to Kataonami stable*
* Kasugakuni (former makushita) - *transferred from Oitekaze stable*
* Yoshii (best rank makushita) - *transferred to Tokitsukaze stable*
* Kasugaryu (former makushita) - *transferred from Oitekaze stable, later* *transferred to Tomozuna stable*