Kansei Akimichi

Kansei Akimichi - 諫誠 章道 (born August 25, 1989) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Isahaya, Nagasaki. He made his debut in March 2008 and wrestled for Sakaigawa stable. His highest rank was makushita 3 and he retired in January 2019.

## **Early Life**

Miki began sumo wrestling during his first year at Unzen Shiritsu Minamikushi Daini Elementary School after he was recommended by the owner of a local chanko restaurant. In addition to sumo, he also practiced karate from his fourth to fifth year of elementary school. He participated in the National Wanpaku Sumo Tournament during his fifth and sixth year of elementary school. He then attended Unzen Shiritsu Minamigushi Junior High School where he was a member of the track and field club. After graduating junior high school, he enrolled at Isahaya Agricultural Senior High School where he was a member of the school's sumo club. After graduating high school, he initially aspired to become a civil servant, however, after visiting Sakaigawa stable in the November 2007 tournament, he decided to try out professional sumo.

## **Career**

Miki made his professional debut in March 2008 and was given the shikona "Isanokuni" (諫乃國). Already weighing 154 kg (340 Ib) when joining sumo, he reached sandanme in four tournaments, however, his sumo progression stalled after. Around this time, he became depressed and his weight dropped down to 130 kg (287 Ib). Sadanofuji, his senior stablemate, recommended that he visit the hospital which he agreed to, and it was discovered that he had two stomach ulcers. After this discovery, he began training harder and was given the new shikona "Kansei" (諫誠) in July 2011. He reached the makushita division in January 2012.

From January 2013, Kansei posted six consecutive winning records and was promoted to a career-best rank of makushita 3 in January 2014. He missed out on a juryo promotion after losing his final match to juryo-ranked Sakigake on the 14th day to finish with a 3-4 record. To make matters worse, Kansei injured his left knee in the following March 2014 tournament and had to sit out of five consecutive tournaments which resulted in a fall back down to the lowest jonokuchi division. He returned to sumo in January 2015, and won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. He followed with another flawless 7-0 record to claim the jonidan championship. He returned to makushita in July 2015 and rose as high as makushita 5 in July 2016. He retired from sumo in January 2019.

## **Fighting Style**

Kansei 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:** 233-169-46/401 (65 basho)
* **Makushita:** 123-104-18/226 (35 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 75-58-21/133 (22 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 23-5-7/28 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 12-2/14 (2 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (March 2015)
* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (January 2015)

## **Shikona History**

* Miki Akimichi (2008.03 - 2008.03)
* Isanokuni Akimichi (2008.05 - 2011.05)
* Kansei Akimichi (2011.07 - 2019.01)

## **Gallery**

Kansei wins the Jonokuchi Yusho (c. 2015)Kansei prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2015)Kansei defeats Oseumi to win the Jonidan Yusho (c. 2015)
## **Sources**

* Kansei Akimichi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kansei Akimichi Rikishi Information