recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Yamanishiki Yoshiaki

Yamanishiki Yoshiaki - 山錦 喜章 (born May 22, 1965) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shuzenji, Shizuoka. He made his debut in March 1981 and last wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the juryo division in November 1990. His highest rank was juryo 10 and he retired in January 1993.

## **Early Life**

Yamazaki attended Izu Municipal Shuzenji Junior High School where played the setter position for the school's volleyball team. His father recommended that he try sumo so after graduating junior high school he joined Dewanoumi stable and made his professional debut in March 1981.

## **Career**

Yamazaki made his professional debut at the age of 15 in March 1981 and he was promoted to sandanme in September 1982 and makushita in July 1984. He changed his shikona to "Yamanishiki" (山錦) in March 1987 and he won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in January 1989 after defeating Kiyonofuji. He was promoted to juryo in January 1991. He only lasted two tournaments in juryo and was demoted back down to makushita in March 1991. Yamanishiki fell down to sandanme 1992 and he announced his retirement in the following January 1993 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retirement, he currently works for the Japan Sumo Association's repair department where he helped design and construct the Taiko Drum Tower at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. In addition, he was also a part-time student at Hitotsubashi High School and he also obtained the qualification to become a hazardous materials engineer.

## **Fighting Style**

Yamanishiki was a tsuki/oshi specialist, who prefers pushing and thrusting at his opponents rather than fighting on the mawashi or belt. His most common winning kimarite or technique was tsukiotoshi (thrust down) followed closely by oshidashi (push out) and yorikiri (force out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 266-247/513 (72 basho)
* **Juryo:** 10-20/30 (2 basho)
* **Makushita:** 162-160/322 (46 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 52-39/91 (13 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 38-25/63 (9 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (January 1989)

## **Shikona History**

* Yamazaki Yoshiaki (1981.03 - 1987.01)
* Yamanishiki Yoshiaki (1987.03 - 1993.01)

## **Sources**

* Yamanishiki Yoshiaki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Yamanishiki Yoshiaki Rikishi Information
Tokonao (tokoyama)

Tokonao - 床直 (born December 29, 1988) is a Japanese professional sumo hairdresser from Kiyosu, Aichi. He debuted in the March 2006 tournament and he belongs to Otake stable. He reached the Third class in January 2017.

## **Career**

* March 2006 - Joined Otake stable as a tokoyama
* January 2012 - Promoted to fourth class tokoyama (yonto - 四等)
* January 2017 - Promoted to third class tokoyama (santo - 三等)
Wakazakura Yasuyuki

Wakazakura Yasuyuki - 和歌桜 康幸 (born April 20, 1977) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Wakayama City, Wakayama. He made his debut in March 1993 and wrestled for Nakamura stable. His highest rank was jonidan 163 and he retired in September 1993.

## **Early Life**

Hirose was born in Wakayama city on April 20, 1977. He has always been a big child, and he did not dislike any food that was served to him. Since both his parents worked, he often ate by himself and was unable to control his eating habits. Therefore, by the time he was 5, he already weighed 50 kg (110 lb) and 150 kg (331 lb) during his time at Wakayama Municipality Nishiwaki Junior High School. After graduating junior high school, he joined Nakamura stable.

## **Career**

He made his debut in March 1993 and he was given the shikona "Hirosefuji" (廣瀬富士). In his first tournament, he missed out on his first two matches, but returned on the 5th day and won his remaining five matches, including a win over future maegashira Kotokusaga. He was given the new shikona "Wakazakura" (和歌桜) for the following July 1993 tournament, however, he finished with a 3-4 record in this tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After less than a year in sumo, he retired from sumo in September 1993 due to sickness caused by severe training. After retiring, he worked as a fisherman and a truck driver. He later enrolled at Shochiku Geino, a talent agency, and worked as a comedian under the stage name HIRO.

## **Fighting Style**

Wakazakura 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:** 8-4-9/12 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 3-4-7/7 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-0-2/5 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Hirose Yasuyuki (1993.03 - 1993.03)
* Hirosefuji Yasuyuki (1993.05 - 1993.05)
* Wakazakura Yasuyuki (1993.07 - 1993.09)

## **Gallery**

Wakazakura during his time in maezumo (c. 1993)
## **Sources**

* Wakazakura Yasuyuki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Wakazakura Yasuyuki Rikishi Information
Tokoshima (tokoyama)

Tokoshima - 床島 (born August 25, 1969) is a Japanese professional sumo hairdresser from Toyota, Aichi. He debuted in the March 1988 tournament and he belongs to Hanaregoma stable. He reached the First class in January 2019.

## **Career**

* March 1988 - Joined Futagoyama stable as a tokoyama using the name Tokoshimazu (床島津)
* March 1990 - Transferred to Matsugane stable due to a branch-out
* Before 1999 - Promoted to third class tokoyama (santo - 三等) sometime before 1999, the exact date is not published
* January 2009 - Promoted to second class tokoyama (nito - 二等)
* January 2019 - Promoted to first class tokoyama (itto - 一等)
Takageppo Masatada

Takageppo Masatada - 貴月芳 将匡 (born April 19, 1990) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Koshigaya, Saitama. He made his debut in January 2009 and wrestled for Takanohana stable. His highest rank was makushita 14 and he retired in May 2014.

## **Early Life**

Ogasawara began sumo wrestling with his younger twin brother Masaoki in the fifth grade. He attended Toyo University Affiliated Ushiku Senior High School in Ibaraki Prefecture where he led his team to team championship at the National High School Sumo Championship in 2008. After graduating from high school, he and his brother joined Takanohana stable off the recommendation of their father.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in January 2009 and was given the shikona "Takageppo" (貴月芳). He made his debut alongside Tokushoryu, Kimikaze, Azumaryu, Takarafuji, his brother Takatoshi and stablemate Takanoiwa.

He was promoted to sandanme in September 2009 and makushita in May 2010. He was unable to establish himself as a makushita regular until after winning the sandanme yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in November 2012. He was promoted to a career-best makushita 14 for the following January 2013 tournament, but he finished with a poor 2-5 record in this tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Takageppo retired from sumo from sumo in March 2014, and his danpatsu-shiki, or retirement ceremony, was held on April 12th. However, his name still appeared on the May 2014 banzuke. In 2018, he and his brother established "Ogasawara-gumi Co., Ltd.", an interior demolition company, and he serves as the representative director of the company.

## **Fighting Style**

Takageppo 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:** 108-99-10/206 (32 basho)
* **Makushita:** 45-71-3/115 (17 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 48-22-7/70 (11 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-3/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (November 2012)

## **Gallery**

Takageppo and his brother join Takanohana stable (c. 2009)Takageppo during his time in Maezumo (c. 2009)Takageppo prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2010)Takageppo defeats Daijo to win the Sandanme Yusho (c. 2012)Takageppo wins his first Sandanme Yusho (c. 2012)Takageppo's retirement ceremony (c. 2014)
## **Sources**

* Takageppo Masatada Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Takageppo Masatada Rikishi Information
Wakashoji Ano

Wakashoji Ano - 若勝獅 晏緒 (born January 3, 1995) is a former Chinese professional sumo wrestler from Jilin. He made his debut in March 2010 and last wrestled for Magaki stable. His highest rank was jonokuchi 22 and he retired in September 2010.

## **Early Life**

Yanxu Zhao (Japanese name: Ano Cho) was born in Jilin Province, China. He joined Magaki stable on March 2010. Once most foreigners pass physical examinations and join professional sumo, they have a few extra steps such as obtaining a sports visa. Zhao was able to skip this process as his stable contacted the Japan Immigration Bureau to prove to the Japan Sumo Association that he has a permanent residence visa prior to joining sumo.

## **Career**

He was given the shikona "Wakashoji" (若勝獅) after wrestling one tournament under his family name. In his first professional tournament he could only produce one win. Nonetheless he was promoted to a career-best jonokuchi 22 for the following tournament. In this tournament he posted two wins and retired after the September 2010 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Wakashoji 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**

### **Divison Results**

* **Total:** 3-11-7/14 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 3-11-7/14 (3 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Cho Ano (2010.03 - 2010.03)
* Wakashoji Ano (2010.05 - 2010.09)

## **Gallery**

Wakashoji (right) with his stablemate Shunba (c. 2010)Wakashoji awaits for his upcoming match (c. 2010)

## **Sources**

* Wakashoji Ano Rikishi Information
* China News Article about Wakashoji
Yuto (yobidashi)

Yuto - 悠斗 (born June 1, 1987) is a Japanese professional sumo usher from Kyoto, Kyoto. He was recruited in February 2006 and debuted in the March 2006 tournament and he belongs to Tatsunami stable. He reached the makushita rank in January 2020.

## **Career**

* March 2006 - Had his debut under Tatsunami stable as a Jonokuchi yobidashi
* January 2010 - Promoted to Jonidan yobidashi
* January 2014 - Promoted to Sandanme yobidashi
* January 2020 - Promoted to Makushita yobidashi
Tokai Gakuen University

Tokai Gakuen University (東海学園大学, *Tokai Gakuen Daigaku*), abbreviated as TGU, is a Japanese private university located in Miyoshi, Aichi within the Chubu of Japan. It has a campus in Tempaku-ku, Nagoya.The predecessor of the school was founded in 1888 and was chartered as a university in 1995.

The University has a sumo club. As of 2023, two members of Tokai Gakuen University's sumo club have turned professional, however, none have yet to reach the elite sekitori level.

## **List**

**List of All Sumo Wrestlers from Tokai Gakuen University**
 Asanishimura
Ryuga Tsunetaka

Ryuga Tsunetaka - 龍雅 常誉 (born May 11, 1999) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yokosuka, Kanagawa. He made his debut in September 2018 and wrestled for Nishikido stable. His highest rank was jonidan 80 and he retired in July 2020.

## **Early Life**

Corvin Ryuga Delzatto was born in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan, to an American father and a Japanese mother. In junior high school, he was ranked third in Kanagawa prefecture for judo. After graduating from Yokosuka Senior High School, he initially aspired to attend vocational school for hairdressing since his mother owned a salon, but he decided instead to try out sumo and subsequently joined Nishikido stable.

## **Career**

He made his debut in September 2018 and wrestled under his middle name Ryuga, but the kanji was changed from "龍我" to "龍雅". He missed the November 2018 tournament and fell off the banzuke as a result. He returned to sumo in March 2019 and had to redo maezumo (pre-sumo). Ryuga struggled and could only manage a winning record on two occasions with his highest rank being jonidan 80. He retired in July 2020.

## **Fighting Style**

Ryuga was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. Due to his judo background, he was fond of employing throws with shitatenage (underarm throw) being his most used kimarite. In July 2019, he employed the extremely rare nichonage, or body drop throw.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 16-26-14/42 (10 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 4-10-7/14 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 12-16-7/28 (5 basho)

## **Gallery**

Ryuga gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2018)Ryuga during his time in Maezumo (c. 2018)Ryuga (c. 2019)

## **Sources**

* Ryuga Tsunetaka Rikishi Information
* Sponichi Annex Article on Ryuga
Tokokuma (tokoyama)

Tokokuma - 床熊 (born December 25, 1989) is a Japanese professional sumo hairdresser from Morioka, Iwate. He debuted in the January 2006 tournament and he belongs to Kise stable. He reached the Third class in January 2017.

## **Career**

* January 2006 - Joined Kise stable as a tokoyama
* May 2010 - Transferred to Kitanoumi stable due to the closure of Kise stable
* January 2012 - Promoted to fourth class tokoyama (yonto - 四等)
* May 2012 - Transferred to Kise stable due to the stable being allowed to re-estabilish
* January 2017 - Promoted to third class tokoyama (santo - 三等)
Wakamiyama Mitsuo

Wakamiyama Mitsuo - 若美山 三雄 (born January 11, 1936) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Engaru, Hokkaido. He made his debut in September 1954 and last wrestled for Hanakago stable. He reached the juryo division in November 1960. His highest rank was juryo 15 and he retired in January 1962.

## **Career**

Born in Engaru, Hokkaido, he joined Hanakago stable and made his professional debut in September 1954. Initially wrestling under his surname Tsuchii, he was promoted to sandanme May 1955 and makushita in January 1957. He changed his shikona to "Wakamiyama" (若美山) in May 1960. In September 1960 he won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record at the rank of makushita 9 and was promoted to juryo for the following November 1960 tournament. He was ranked in juryo for a total of three tournaments, rising as high as juryo 15 in May 1961. He retired from sumo in January 1962.

## **Fighting Style**

Wakamiyama 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 kimaritewas yorikiri, or force out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 173-149/322 (39 basho)
* **Juryo:** 20-25/45 (3 basho)
* **Makushita:** 113-97/210 (27 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 27-21/48 (6 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-5/16 (2 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 2-1/3 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (September 1960)

## **Shikona History**

* Tsuchii Mitsuo (1954.09 - 1954.09)
* Wakakitami Mitsuo (1955.01 - 1955.01)
* Tsuchii Mitsuo (1955.03 - 1960.03)
* Wakamiyama Mitsuo (1960.05 - 1961.07)
* Tsuchii Mitsuo (1961.09 - 1962.01)

## **Sources**

* Wakamiyama Mitsuo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Wakamiyama Mitsuo Rikishi Information
Washigahama Otoemon I

## Washigahama Otoemon

Washigahama Otoemon - 鷲ヶ濱 音右エ門 (born 1756 - August 1802) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Niigata City, Niigata. He made his debut in March 1778 and last wrestled for Tamagaki stable. He reached the makuuchi division in March 1778. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in March 1797.

## **Career**

Otoichi Nose was born sometime in 1756 in modern day Niigata city. Standing at 1.97 m (6 ft 5.5 in), he towered over many of his compatriots. In this period, local men with a large physique but often little to no sumo background were asked to enter sumo tournaments. They would debut as kanban or "guest" ozeki and in most cases their "careers" were short-lived. This is how Nose, due to his size, debuted in 1778. He initially wrestled under the shikona "Narusawa Otoemon" (鳴沢 音右エ門) for his first two tournaments before changing it to "Washigahama Otoemon" (鷲ヶ濱 音右エ門). He was demoted to sekiwake on three separate occasions, but managed to return to ozeki. He was demoted from ozeki for the fourth time in November 1788 and never returned back to ozeki. In November 1792 he was given the shikona "Tamagaki Gakunosuke" (玉垣 額之助). He bounced back and forth between san'yaku and maegashira for the majority of his later career and retired from sumo In March 1797.

## **Record**

* **Total:** 140-37-114-22draws-5holds-4no results/208 (35 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 140-37-114-22draws-5holds-4no results/208 (35 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Narusawa Otoemon (1778.03 - 1778.11)
* Washigahama Otoemon (1779.03 - 1792.03)
* Tamagaki Gakunosuke (1792.11 - 1797.03)

## **Gallery**

Woodblock print of Washigahama with komusubi Kimenzan
## **Sources**

* Washigahama Otoemon Rikishi Information
Toma Tsuguto

Toma Tsuguto - 當眞 嗣斗 (born May 10, 2000) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Naha, Okinawa. He made his debut in March 2019 and wrestled for Miyagino stable. His highest rank was sandanme 1 and he retired in November 2021.

## **Early Life**

Tsugoto Toma was born on May 10, 2000, in Naha, Okinawa. He began sumo wrestling at the age of 6 after his father introduced him to the sport. During his time at Akebono Elementary School, he won a total of six national championships and earned national recognition for his dominance in the sport. As a result, Yokozuna Hakuho heard about Toma and was able to get in contact with him through the Okinawa sumo koenkai (support group). Toma received an invite to the Hakuho Cup which he subsequently won as well.

He went on to attend Urasoe Junior High School where he won a national championship as well. After junior high school, he wanted to join Hakuho's Miyagino stable, but Hakuho advised that he attend high school to build his body. He subsequently moved to Tottori where he attended Tottori Johoku High School which is known for its strong sumo program. During his time in high school, he did not perform as well compared to his elementary and junior high school days, but still managed to win the team competition at the inter-high school sumo tournament. After graduating from high school, he joined Miyagino stable.

## **Career**

Toma made his professional debut in November 2021. Already weighing at 211 kg (465 lb), he is the 2nd heaviest new recruit of all time, only behind Yamamotoyama who weighed at 233 kg (514 lb). He finished with five consecutive winning records from his debut and was promoted to the top of sandanme in March 2020. In this tournament, he finished with his first losing record. He followed with a disastrous 0-7 record in July 2020 and two more losing records which sent him back down to jonidan in January 2021. By then he had lost some weight and weighed in at 180 kg (397 lb). After a second COVID-19 outbreak in his stable, he retired from sumo in November 2021.

## **Fighting Style**

Toma 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:** 47-37-21/84 (16 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 25-31-14/56 (10 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 17-4-7/21 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Toma gets recruited into Miyagino stable (c. 2019)Toma gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2019)Toma joins alongside the future Kitanowaka (c. 2019)Toma defeats his opponent in Maezumo (c. 2019)Toma prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2021)Toma's retirement ceremony (c. 2021)

## **Sources**

* Toma Tsuguto Rikishi Information
* Ryuku Shimpo Article on Toma
Tochitaikai Jiro

Tochitaikai Jiro - 栃大海 次郎 (born January 16, 1968) is a former Sri Lankan professional sumo wrestler. He made his debut in March 1992 and last wrestled for Kasugano stable. His highest rank was jonokuchi 34 and he retired in May 1992.

## **Career**

Sri Aminda (or Chaminda) de Perera joined Kasugano stable in May 1992 and is the only Sri Lankan to join professional sumo. At the age of 24, he was the oldest of the 148 new recruits who were all about nine years younger than him. He was given the shikona "Tochitaikai Jiro" (栃大海 次郎), however he never fought a professional bout as he retired before the start of the May 1992 tournament.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 0-0-7/0 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 0-0-7/0 (1 basho)

### **Achievements**

* **1st** Sri Lankan to join professional sumo

## **Gallery**

Tochitaikai gets measured upon joining pro sumo (c. 1992)Tochitaikai converses with other new recruits (c. 1992)
Wakaarashi Takeshi

Wakaarashi Takeshi - 若嵐 武 (born June 9, 1924 - date of death unknown) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Saku, Nagano. He made his debut in January 1941 and last wrestled for Nishiiwa stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1951. His highest rank was maegashira 18 and he retired in January 1955.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Born in the town of Iwamurada (later merged into Saku City) in Nagano prefecture, he joined Wakamatsu stable (later Nishiiwa stable) and made his professional debut in January 1941. Wrestling under the shikona "Wakaarashi" (若嵐), he was promoted to sandanme in May 1943 and makushita in November 1946. In May 1949 he won the makushita yusho at the rank of makushita 6 and was promoted to juryo in October 1949.

### **Juryo Career**

In his fist tournament as a sekitori, Wakaarashi finished with a 9-6 record. After four tournaments in juryo, he was promoted to makuuchi in January 1951.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Wakaarashi struggled in his top division debut and finished with a disastrous 2-13 record. He was demoted back down to juryo and he never managed to return back to makuuchi. After a series of poor records, he changed his shikona to "Chikumanishiki" (千曲錦) in January 1953, but it did not boost his morale and he retired from sumo in January 1955.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Upon retirement from active competition, he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association, under the name Minato. He later borrowed the Nishiiwa name and left the sumo world in July 1967 as he did not own any permanent stock. After leaving, he worked for a security company in Osaka Prefecture. He later died due to illness, but the age and date of death are unknown.

## **Fighting Style**

Wakaarashi was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His favorite kimarite was tsuridashi (lift out) and uwatenage (overarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 195-210/405 (37 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 2-13/15 (1 basho)
* **Juryo:** 125-145/270 (18 basho)
* **Makushita:** 34-23/57 (7 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 20-16/36 (6 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 8-8/16 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-4/8 (1 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 2-1/3 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (May 1949)

## **Shikona History**

* Wakaarashi Takeshi (1941.01 - 1945.11)
* Shinanoyama Takeshi (1946.11 - 1946.11)
* Wakaarashi Takeshi (1947.06 - 1952.09)
* Chikumanishiki Takeshi (1953.01 - 1955.01)

## **Sources**

* Wakaarashi Takeshi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Wakaarashi Takeshi Rikishi Information
Tokotsuru (tokoyama)

Tokotsuru - 床鶴 (born July 22, 1960) is a Japanese professional sumo hairdresser from Matsumoto, Nagano. He debuted in the March 1976 tournament and he belongs to Otowayama stable. He reached the First class in January 2006 and the Special class in January 2021.

## **Career**

* March 1976 - Joined Kimigahama stable as a tokoyama and later transferred to Izutsu stable as the stables merged
* Before 1999 - Promoted to second class tokoyama (nito - 二等) sometime before 1999, the exact date is not published
* January 2006 - Promoted to first class tokoyama (itto - 一等)
* November 2019 - Transferred to Michinoku stable due to the closure of Izutsu stable
* January 2021 - Promoted to special class tokoyama (tokuto - 特等)
* January 2024 - Transferred to Otowayama stable due to a branch-off
Tsunenomatsu Hiroshi

Tsunenomatsu Hiroshi - 常の松 寛 (born September 13, 1936) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yamada, Fukuoka. He made his debut in May 1952 and last wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the juryo division in July 1960. His highest rank was juryo 13 and he retired in January 1963.

## **Career**

Born in Yamada, Fukuoka, Minamiguchi joined Dewanoumi stable and made his professional debut in May 1952. Initially wrestling under the shikona "Minamikuni" (南國), he was promoted to sandanme in January 1954 and makushita in September 1955. In May 1959 he changed his shikona to "Tsunenomatsu" (常の松). In March 1960 he won the makushita yusho with a 7-1 record after defeating three rikishi in a five-man playoff. He followed with a 6-2 record and was promoted to juryo in July 1960. Tsunenomatsu was ranked in juryo for a total of three tournaments, reaching as high as juryo 13 in September 1960. He retired from sumo in January 1963.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Tsunenomatsu 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:** 213-213-10/426 (54 basho)
* **Juryo:** 17-28/45 (3 basho)
* **Makushita:** 147-134-10/281 (38 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 29-27/56 (7 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 19-21/40 (5 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 1-3/4 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (March 1960)

## **Shikona History**

* Minamikuni Hiroshi (1952.05 - 1959.03)
* Tsunenomatsu Hiroshi (1959.05 - 1963.01)

## **Sources**

* Tsunenomatsu Hiroshi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Tsunenomatsu Hiroshi Rikishi Information
Yakatayama Kazue

Yakatayama Kazue - 八方山 主計 (born May 5, 1917 - March 4, 1977) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kikuchi District, Kumamoto. He made his debut in May 1934 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1941. His highest rank was maegashira 1 and he retired in January 1953.

## **Early Life**

Kazue Yasutake was born on May 5, 1917, in Kikuchi District, Kumamoto. He practiced kendo in Nishigoshi, Kumamoto, and was trained by kendo master Takeshi Ogata. Yasutake initially wanted to pursue a career in swordsmanship, however, Ogata noticed Yasutake's imposing stature and recommended that he try out sumo instead. He was later sent to Tokyo and subsequently joined Dewanoumi stable.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He made his professional debut in May 1934 and initially wrestled under his surname Yasutake. He was promoted to sandanme in January 1936 and makushita in January 1937. In May 1939 he was given the shikona "Yakatayama" (八方山) and he was promoted to juryo in May 1940. After only two tournaments in juryo, Yakatayama was promoted to makuuchi in May 1941.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Yakatayama was ranked in the top division for a total of 26 tournaments. He was unable to reach the elite san'yaku ranks with his highest rank being maegashira 1. In 1951, Yakatayama travelled to the United States alongside wrestlers Onoumi, Fujitayama and Takasago Oyakata (the 39th yokozuna Maedayama). He returned to Japan in 1952 and retired from sumo in January 1953 after falling back down to juryo.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Yakatayama remained in the Japan Sumo Association as an elder under the name Shiranui. He worked as a manager for Dewanoumi stable as well as serving as an advisor for the Sumo Association.

### **Death**

Yakatayama died on March 4, 1977, at a hospital in Ichikawa, Chiba, due to a myocardial infarction. He was 59 years old.

## **Fighting Style**

Yakatayama 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 were yorikiri (force out) and yoritaoshi (crush out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 212-228-44-1a/439 (42 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 143-174-28-1a/316 (26 basho)
* **Juryo:** 27-26-7/53 (4 basho)
* **Makushita:** 14-11-9/25 (4 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 19-14/33 (5 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 5-1/6 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-2/6 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Yasutake Kazue (1934.05 - 1939.01)
* Yakatayama Kazue (1939.05 - 1953.01)

## **Sources**

* Yakatayama Kazue Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Yakatayama Kazue Rikishi Information
Wakakoma Kenzo

Wakakoma Kenzo - 若駒 健三 (born April 20, 1937 - August 31, 2019) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Gojome, Akita. He made his debut in May 1952 and last wrestled for Hanakago stable. He reached the makuuchi division in September 1961. His highest rank was maegashira 8 and he retired in March 1962.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Kenzo joined Nishonoseki stable in May 1952 and was given the shikona "Ohibiki" (大響). He transferred to Shibatayama stable (later renamed Hanakago stable) in September 1952. He was promoted to sandanme in May 1954 and makushita in May 1955. In March 1960 he changed his shikona to "Wakakoma" (若駒). Three tournaments later in July 1960, he won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record at the rank of makushita 13 and was promoted to juryo for the following September 1960 tournament.

### **Juryo Career**

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Wakakoma finished with an 8-7 record. In the following November 1960 tournament, he won the juryo yusho with a strong 12-3 record. After two successive 10-5 records, he was promoted to makuuchi in September 1961.

### **Makuuchi Career**

He produced a solid 9-6 record in his top division debut, but followed with two consecutive losing records and was demoted back down to juryo after three tournaments in makuuchi. After falling down to juryo he abruptly announced his retirement after the March 1962 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

He left the sumo world upon retirement from active competition in March 1962. After leaving, he opened up a construction company and served as its representative.

He died on August 31, 2019, at the age of 82.

## **Fighting Style**

He was a yotsu-sumo wrestler, and his most common winning techniques were shitatehineri (twisting underarm throw), oshidashi (push out) and shitatenage (underarm throw). He preferred a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, left right inside) grip on his opponent's mawashi.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 219-153-48/372 (47 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 18-27/45 (3 basho)
* **Juryo:** 54-36/90 (7 basho)
* **Makushita:** 110-73-32/183 (27 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 20-12/32 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 13-3-8/16 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 0-0-8/0 (1 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 4-2/6 (2 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Juryo** Championship (November 1960)
* 1 **Makushita** Championship (July 1960)

## **Shikona History**

* Ohibiki Kenzo (1952.05 - 1957.03)
* Ugohibiki Kenzo (1957.05 - 1957.05)
* Ugohikari Kenzo (1957.09 - 1960.01)
* Wakakoma Kenzo (1960.03 - 1962.03)

## **Sources**

* Wakakoma Kenzo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Wakakoma Kenzo Rikishi Information
Wakayama Satoshi

Wakayama Satoshi - 若山 聡 (born April 26, 1992) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Katsuura, Chiba. He made his debut in July 2011 and wrestled for Onomatsu stable. His highest rank was makushita 6 and he retired in January 2022.

## **Early Life**

Wakayama's parents were both national level judokas and he practiced judo from an early age. He also practiced sumo wrestling on the side. After enrolling at Takushoku University Koryo High School, he solely devoted his time to sumo and he achieved 5th place at National Sports Festival of Japan in Chiba prefecture. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at Daito Bunka University where he was a member of the school's sumo club. However, he was eager to enter professional sumo and dropped out after two months at the school to join Onomatsu stable.

## **Career**

Wakayama made his professional debut in July 2011 and he took the jonokuchi and jonidan championships in his first two professional tournaments with perfect 7-0 records. He remained in sandanme for around two years before reaching makushita in September 2013. On the 4th day of the November 2015 tournament, Wakayama ruptured his right knee's anterior cruciate ligament in a match against Daiki and withdrew from the tournament. He underwent surgery in December and missed the following five tournaments. As a result, Wakayama had to redo maezumo (pre-sumo) in November 2016. He took the jonokuchi and jonidan championships in January and March 2017 and returned to makushita in March 2018. Wakayama reached a career-best makushita 6 in January 2021, but he could only manage a 2-5 record.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Wakayama retired from sumo in January 2022. His retirement ceremony, or danpatsu-shiki, was held on February 20 and he plans to attend a vocational school after retirement.

## **Personal Life**

* From 2013 to 2015, Wakayama was in charge of performing comic sumo displays (初っ切り, shokkiri) with stablemate Tennozan.
* Wakayama's hobby is playing the guitar.

## **Fighting Style**

Wakayama 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:** 196-153-78/346 (63 basho)
* **Makushita:** 77-83-15/158 (25 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 92-69-28/160 (27 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 14-0-21/14 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 13-1-14/14 (4 basho)

### **Championships**

* 2 **Jonidan** Championships
	+ 1st (November 2011)
	+ 2nd (March 2017)
* 2 **Jonokuchi** Championships
	+ 1st (September 2011)
	+ 2nd (January 2017)

## **Gallery**

Wakayama gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2011)Wakayama wins the Jonidan Yusho (c. 2011)Wakayama with stablemate Amuru (c. 2015)Wakayama throws and defeats Sasakiyama (c. 2018)Wakayama prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2020)Wakayama's retirement ceremony (c. 2022)
## **Sources**

* Wakayama Satoshi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Wakayama Satoshi Rikishi Information
Tochinosato Takamitsu

Tochinosato Takamitsu - 栃乃里 隆光 (born July 7, 1989) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nonoichi, Ishikawa. He made his debut in March 2008 and wrestled for Kasugano stable. His highest rank was makushita 4 and he retired in May 2015.

## **Early Life**

Yashiki attended Kanazawa Gakuin High School where he was a member of the school's sumo club. During his second year in high school, he finished 3rd at the National High School Sumo Championships. He was scouted by Kasugano Oyakata (former sekiwake Tochinowaka). during his time in high school and he subsequently joined Kasugano stable after graduating high school.

## **Career**

Yashiki made his professional debut in March 2008 and won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in his first professional tournament. He was promoted to sandanme in September 2008 and makushita in March 2009. At the time of his makushita debut, Yashiki had not posted a single losing record, however, he finished with a 3-4 record in his makushita debut. In September 2009, he was given the shikona "Tochiyashiki" (栃矢鋪).

In September 2012, while ranked at makushita 4, his record was 3-3 by the end of the 11th day. He was placed in an exchange match against juryo-ranked Tokushinho on the final day of the tournament. He lost by yoritaoshi, or frontal crush out, and injured his leg during the process. As a result, he went on to miss the following two tournaments. Upon returning to sumo in March 2013, he was given the new shikona "Tochinosato" (栃乃里). Plagued by a hernia in his neck, he was unable to establish himself in the upper-half of makushita towards his later career.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Around January 2014, a doctor told Tochinosato that it would be detrimental to his well-being if he continued to wrestle, so he subsequently retired from sumo in May 2015. After retiring, he got a job with a company in Saitama prefecture.

## **Fighting Style**

Tochinosato 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:** 153-106-35/259 (43 basho)
* **Makushita:** 104-85-28/189 (31 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 36-20-7/56 (9 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (May 2008)

## **Shikona History**

* Yashiki Kotaro (2008.03 - 2009.07)
* Tochiyashiki Kotaro (2009.09 - 2013.01)
* Tochinosato Takamitsu (2013.03 - 2015.05)

## **Gallery**

Tochinosato during a regional tour (c. 2010)Tochinosato defeats Wakakeisho (c. 2014)Tochinosato's retirement ceremony (c. 2015)
## **Sources**

* Tochinosato Takamitsu Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Tochinosato Takamitsu Rikishi Information
Tokonaka (tokoyama)

Tokonaka - 床中 (born October 27, 1960) is a Japanese professional sumo hairdresser from Ureshino, Saga. He was recruited in April 1978 and debuted in the May 1978 tournament and he belongs to Nishikido stable. He reached the First class in January 2009.

## **Career**

* May 1978 - Had his debut under Oshiogawa stable as a tokoyama
* May 1999 - Promoted to second class tokoyama (nito - 二等)
* May 2005 - Transferred to Nishikido stable due to the closure of Oshiogawa stable
* January 2009 - Promoted to first class tokoyama (itto - 一等)
Tsugarukuni Yoshitaka

Tsugarukuni Yoshitaka - 津軽國 芳隆 (born May 15, 1941) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nakasato, Aomori. He made his debut in January 1957 and last wrestled for Kasugano stable. He reached the juryo division in July 1964. His highest rank was juryo 3 and he retired in July 1967.

## **Early Life**

Akimoto has always been a big sumo fan ever since he was a child, so he visited Tokyo during the summer vacation of his third year at Nakadomari Choritsu Nakasato Junior High School. During the trip, he visited Kasugano stable which was home to makushita wrestler Tominoura who also came from the same town as Akimoto. He subsequently transferred to Tatekawa Junior High School which was near Kasugano stable and joined the stable upon graduating junior high school.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in January 1957 and initially wrestled under his surname Akimoto. He changed his shikona to "Tsugarukuni" (津軽國) in November 1959 and was promoted to makushita in January 1962. In May 1964 he produced a perfect 7-0 record at the rank of makushita 12, but missed out on the yusho after losing to Fukudayama and Fukunohana in the playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted to juryo for the following July 1964 tournament. However, he only lasted one tournament as he finished with a 4-11 record and did not return to juryo until May 1966. In July 1966 he posted a strong 11-4 record and was promoted to the rank of juryo 3 in September 1966. However, he sprained his left ankle and had to temporarily pull out of the tournament. After his ankle injury, Tsugarukuni struggled and eventually fell down to makushita in May 1967. He retired from sumo in the following July 1967 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Tsugarukuni 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 tsuridashi, or lift out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 258-241-10/498 (63 basho)
* **Juryo:** 43-60-2/102 (7 basho)
* **Makushita:** 101-81-7/182 (27 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 74-68-1/142 (19 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 35-29/64 (8 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-3/8 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Akimoto Hisago (1957.01 - 1959.09)
* Tsugarukuni Yoshitaka (1959.11 - 1967.07)

## **Sources**

* Tsugarukuni Yoshitaka Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Tsugarukuni Yoshitaka Rikishi Information
Tokoyama

A **tokoyama** (床山) is a hairdresser employed by the Japan Sumo Association to cut and prepare sumo wrestlers' hair, which is done in a chonmage style. The Sumo Association ranks them according to experience and ability and only the most senior tokoyama are entitled to prepare the more ornate oicho, or ginkgo leaf form of topknot, which sekitori ranked wrestlers wear in their bouts and on other formal occasions. It may not seem to the casual observer that such a position is necessary, but the elaborate hairstyle of sumo wrestlers, especially sekitori, combined with the combative nature of sumo bouts and sumo practice make it necessary for these professionals to be on hand to maintain the topknots as they are expected to look.

There are a total of about fifty tokoyama, and as in sumo and most other Japanese disciplines, they are divided into ranks. Just as with gyoji, yobidashi and most any other sumo related job, each tokoyama is attached to a sumo stable and has his own shikona. All of the shikona start with the kanji 床, pronounced toko. This kanji is also used for tokoya, a more traditional word for hairdresser in Japan.

The training for a tokoyama is lengthy, taking about 10 years. Beginners are in godō (五等 level 5) and are promoted along with their years of experience until they reach ittō (一等, level 1). When they have reached level 1 and have demonstrated exceptional skill, they can ascend to tokutō (特等), a tokoyama special class. There are normally only two tokoyama at this rank at any given time, and they are the only ones allowed to style the top knot of a yokozuna, the top rank in sumo.

Tokoyama's tools include a special kind of wooden comb, binzuke (special pomade), and waxed strips of paper for tying the knot. The wooden combs have been handmade for centuries by the Shingō Mori family. Each comb can take up to eight years to create. The size (length) of the comb is determined by the age of the bush the wood is taken from. A short comb is from a 50-year-old bush and the long comb can be from a 150-year-old bush.

The term tokoyama can also be used in its original form, which was for specialists who worked in hairstyling in the Japanese form of theatre called kabuki.
Yahatayama Sadakichi

Yahatayama Sadakichi - 八幡山 定吉 (born May 15, 1858 - March 11, 1914) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tosa District, Tosa. He made his debut in January 1884 and wrestled for Tomozuna stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1886 and has two top division championships. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in January 1894.

## **Career**

### **Osaka Sumo Career**

Sadaji Hirota was born in Tosa District, Tosa Province (currently Kochi city, Kochi) and he joined Osaka sumo's Inagawa stable. After reaching jonidan, he left Osaka sumo with his stablemate Kaizan for Tokyo sumo and subsequently joined Tomozuna stable.

### **Tokyo Sumo Career**

He made his Tokyo sumo debut in January 1884 at the juryo division under the shikona "Yahatayama" (八幡山). He was promoted to makuuchi in May 1886. He was promoted to komusubi in May 1890 and finished with a strong 6-1-1-1draw-1hold record which earned him a promotion to sekiwake in January 1891. He finished with another strong 6-2-1-1draw record and was subsequently promoted to ozeki in May 1891. Official championships were not recorded until 1909, but Yahatayama won the equivalent of two championships, first in May 1890 and second in May 1891. Towards his later career he dislocated his knees which forced him to withdraw and he ultimatley retired from sumo in January 1894.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Upon retiring from sumo he remained in the sumo world as an elder under the name Minatogawa. He initially worked as a coach for Tomozuna stable before transferring to Takasago stable. He left the sumo world in 1896 after a disagreement. After leaving, he returned back to his hometown and participated in amateur sumo while running a kimono dealership.

Yahatayama died on March 11, 1914, at the age of 55.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 69-32-60-19draws-10holds/130 (20 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 51-25-60-18draws-6holds/100 (16 basho)
* **Juryo:** 18-7-1draw-4holds/30 (4 basho)

### **Championships**

* 2 Unofficial **Makuuchi** Championships
	+ 1st (May 1890)
	+ 2nd (May 1891)

## **Shikona History**

* Yahatayama Sadakichi (1884.05 - 1894.01)

## **Gallery**

19th century woodblock print of ozeki Yahatayama
## **Sources**

* Yahatayama Sadakichi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Yahatayama Sadakichi Rikishi Information
Tokokyu (tokoyama)

Tokoken - 床健 (born July 24, 1972) is a Japanese professional sumo hairdresser from Inagi, Tokyo. He debuted in the March 1990 tournament and he belongs to Kokonoe stable. He reached the First class in January 2021.

## **Career**

* March 1990 - Joined Kokonoe stable as a tokoyama
* Before 1999 - Promoted to fourth class tokoyama (yonto - 四等) sometime before 1999, the exact date is not published
* January 2001 - Promoted to third class tokoyama (santo - 三等)
* January 2011 - Promoted to second class tokoyama (nito - 二等)
* January 2021 - Promoted to first class tokoyama (itto - 一等)
Yoshinoiwa Tomekichi

Yoshinoiwa Tomekichi - 吉野岩 留吉 (born March 8, 1906 - January 30, 1954) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Anan, Tokushima. He made his debut in January 1926 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1933. His highest rank was maegashira 5 and he retired in May 1935.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Takashima joined Dewanoumi stable and made his professional debut in January 1926. Upon promotion to juryo in May 1931 he was given the shikona "Yoshinoiwa" (吉野岩). He was demoted back down to makushita in January 1932, however, he was promoted to the top of juryo for the following May 1932 due to the number of open slots caused by the Shunjuen Incident. He was promoted to makuuchi in January 1933.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Yoshinoiwa finished with a 6-5 record in his first top division tournament and was promoted to a career-best maegashira 5 for the following May 1933 tournament. He was ranked in the top division for a total of 5 consecutive tournaments. He retired from sumo after falling back down to juryo in May 1935.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, he left the sumo world altogether and was engaged in the fishing industry, however, he died on January 30, 1954, at the age of 47, due to a marine accident.

## **Fighting Style**

Yoshinoiwa was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. His most common kimarite was yoritaoshi, or frontal crush out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 53-75/128 (12 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 22-33/55 (5 basho)
* **Juryo:** 31-42/73 (7 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Yoshinoiwa Tomekichi (1931.05 - 1935.05)

## **Sources**

* Yoshinoiwa Tomekichi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Yoshinoiwa Tomekichi Rikishi Information