Kasugaryu Kensei

Kasugaryu Kensei - 春日龍 健成 (born June 3, 1984) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yokohama, Kanagawa. He made his debut in September 2001 and last wrestled for Tomozuna stable. His highest rank was makushita 29 and he retired in January 2022.

## **Career**

Kenta Hidaka was born on June 3, 1984, in Yokohama's Tsuzuki ward. He joined Kasugayama stable and made his debut in September 2001. He initially wrestled under his surname Hidaka before he was given the shikona "Kasugaryu" (春日龍) in March 2002. Standing at only 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) and weighing 84 kg (185 lb), Kasugaryu struggled in his early career and did not establish himself in jonidan until March 2003. He gradually put on weight and progressed up the rankings, reaching sandanme in March 2006.

He reached the makushita division in September 2010. In July 2011, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record, however, he missed out on the sandanme yusho after losing to Amuru in a playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted to a career-best makushita 29 in the following September 2011 tournament, however, he was unable to establish himself in makushita, only wrestling a total of four tournaments in the division.

On October 19, 2016, Kasugayama stable closed down due to the resignation of his stablemaster (former maegashira Hamanishiki). As a result, he transferred and wrestled briefly in Oitekaze stable, before transferring to the newly opened Nakagawa stable in February 2017. From the second day of the March 2018 tournament, Kasugaryu began performing the official bow-twirling ceremony to mark the end of the tournament day, after replacing veteran Satonofuji. He performed the bow-twirling ceremony up until January 2020. After the July 2020 tournament, Nakagawa stable closed down due to inappropriate disciplinary actions from his stablemaster (former maegashira Asahisato) and as a result, he transferred to Tomozuna stable.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Kasugaryu retired from sumo in January 2022 after a little over 20 years in the sport. His danpatsu-shiki, or retirement ceremony, was held on February 19, 2022, at Ryogoku Daiichi Hotel. He intends to stay at Tomozuna stable where he'll work as a coach.

## **Personal Life**

* Kasugaryu is the second oldest wrestler to perform the bow-twirling ceremony after Satonofuji.
* Kasugaryu served as Yokozuna Hakuho's tsukebito, or personal servant.

## **Fighting Style**

Kasugaryu was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He won majority of his bouts with by uwatenage (overarm throw) followed by yorikiri (force out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 401-417-22/818 (121 basho)
* **Makushita:** 8-20/28 (4 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 266-281-20/547 (81 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 107-101-2/208 (30 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 20-15/35 (5 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Hidaka Kenta (2001.09 - 2002.01)
* Kasugaryu Kensei (2002.03 - 2022.01)

## **Gallery**

Kasugaryu preforms the bow-twirling ceremony (c. 2019)Kasugaryu serve as Yokozuna Hakuho's tsukebito (c. 2019)Kasugaryu's retirement ceremony (c. 2022)
## **Sources**

* Kasugaryu Kensei Rikishi Information
* Retirements after Hatsu 2022 Sumo Forum Thread