recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Takadagawa Stable (1917)

Takadagawa stable (高田川部屋, Takadagawa-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers. It was established in June 1917 by former Osaka sumo Hayasegawa. It closed its doors in February 1944, and its staff transferred to Takasago stable.

## **History**

Takadagawa stable was originally part of the Osaka Sumo Association, but it became an official stable under Japan Sumo Association in June 1917 after the merger between Osaka and Tokyo sumo. Former Osaka sumo wrestler Hayasegawa served as head coach from 1917 to 1931. The stable was home to yokozuna Miyagiyama who later established Shibatayama stable after retiring. Takadagawa stable then transferred all its personnel to Shibatayama stable in January 1932. In 1943, Shibatayama stable closed down due to the death of its stablemaster and Hayasegawa revived Takadagawa stable and took in all of Shibatayama stable's wrestlers in January 1944. However, he died shortly after in February 1944 with all the staff transferred to Takasago stable.

## **Owners**

* 1917-1944: 3rd Takadagawa (former Osaka sumo Hayasegawa)
Shikimori Kazuki

Shikimori Kazuki - 式守 一輝 (born August 12, 1987) is a Japanese professional sumo referee from Katano, Osaka. He was recruited in February 2005 and debuted in the March 2005 tournament and he belongs to Arashio stable. He reached the Makushita rank in January 2014.

## **Career**

* March 2005 - Had his ring debut under Arashio stable
* May 2005 - Promoted to Jonokuchi-kaku gyoji and took on the name Shikimori Kazuki (式守 一輝)
* January 2007 - Promoted to Jonidan-kaku gyoji
* January 2008 - Promoted to Sandanme-kaku gyoji
* January 2014 - Promoted to Makushita-kaku gyoji
Tachiwaka Minegoro

Tachiwaka Minegoro - 太刀若 峰五郎 (born October 1, 1903 - August 13, 1988) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ise, Mie. He made his debut in January 1918 and wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1934. His highest rank was maegashira 6 and he retired in May 1938.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Umaba was recruited into sumo by yokozuna Tachiyama during a tour in Ise, Mie. He made his professional debut in January 2018 and was given the shikona "Tachiwaka" (太刀若). He was promoted to makushita in January 1928 and reached the juryo division in January 1931. He left sumo in 1932 due to a strike called the "Shunjuen Incident", which was largely unsuccessful, so he returned to sumo in January 1933 and was promoted to makuuchi in January 1934.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Tachiwaka was ranked in the top division for a total of 8 tournaments, reaching as high as maegashira 6 in January 1937. He retired from sumo in May 1938.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, he remained in sumo as an elder of the Japan Sumo Association, working as a coach at Takasago stable under the name Tokiwayama Oyakata. He reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 in 1968. He died on August 13, 1988, at the age of 84.

## **Personal Life**

* Tachiwaka's hobby was photography.
* Tachiwaka was close friends with sekiwake Banjaku.

## **Fighting Style**

Tachiwaka 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:** 88-94/182 (21 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 38-54/92 (8 basho)
* **Juryo:** 50-40/90 (9 basho)
* **Makushita:** 0-0/0 (3 basho)

## **Sources**

* Tachiwaka Minegoro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Tachiwaka Minegoro Rikishi Information
Tetsuyuzan Suguru

Tetsuyuzan Suguru - 鐵雄山 卓 (born August 15, 1986) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Towada, Aomori. He made his debut in May 2009 and wrestled for Onomatsu stable. His highest rank was makushita 17 and he retired in September 2018.

## **Early Life**

Suguru Aisaka was born on August 15, 1986, in Towada, Aomori. He attended Aomori Prefectural Sanbongi Agricultural High School where he was a member of the school's sumo club. After high school, he enrolled at Senshu University to continue his amateur career. In 2007, he placed third at the East Japan Student Championship. After graduating university, he joined Onomatsu stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in May 2009 and won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in July 2009. In the following September 2009 tournament, Aisaka was aiming for the jonidan yusho and won his first six matches before losing to future maegashira Azumaryu in his final match. Nevertheless, he was promoted to sandanme in November 2009 and makushita in March 2010.

In January 2014, he was given the shikona "Tetsuyuzan" (鐵雄山). In September 2015, he finished with a 6-1 record and was placed in an eight-man playoff for the makushita yusho, however, he lost in the first round to Rikishin. He reached a career-best makushita 17 in January 2016, but could only manage a 2-5 record. He retired from sumo in September 2018.

## **Fighting Style**

Tetsuyuzan was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. His most common kimarite was yorikiri (force out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 201-170-14/371 (56 basho)
* **Makushita:** 91-112/203 (29 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 91-56-14/147 (23 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 12-2/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (July 2009)

## **Shikona History**

* Aisaka Suguru (2009.05 - 2013.11)
* Tetsuyuzan Suguru (2014.01 - 2018.09)

## **Gallery**

Tetsuyuzan prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2009)Tetsuyuzan throws and defeats Mugendai (c. 2015)Tetsuyuzan's retirement ceremony (c. 2018)
## **Sources**

* Tetsuyuzan Suguru Rikishi Information
* 2007 East Japan Sumo Championship
Sakurai Kotaro

Sakurai Kotaro - 櫻井 浩太郎 (born March 15, 1997) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Inashiki, Ibaraki. He made his debut in May 2019 and wrestled for Naruto stable. His highest rank was makushita 57 and he retired in September 2023.

## **Early Life**

Sakurai was born on March 15, 1997, in Inashiki, Ibaraki. He attended Nippon Sport Science University Kashiwa High School where he was a member of the school's sumo club. After high school, he enrolled at Nippon Sport Science University to continue his amateur career. In 2018, he suffered a serious injury to his left knee during the semi-finals of a tournament in Uwajima, Ehime. Nevertheless, upon graduating university, he opted to go pro and was recruited into Naruto stable by Naruto Oyakata (former ozeki Kotooshu).

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in May 2019 and in his first tournament, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record, but missed out on the jonokuchi yusho after losing to stablemate Motobayashi in a playoff. Nevertheless, he followed up with a 6-1 record and was promoted to sandanme in November 2019. He reached the makushita division in July 2021 but could only manage to stay in the division for one tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After spending one more year in sandanme, Sakurai seriously injured his knee, forcing him sit out of 4 straight tournaments, just appearing once in the May 2023 tournament to avoid falling off the banzuke completely. He returned to the dohyo in July 2023, where he posted a strong 6-1 record in jonokuchi. In September 2023, after posting another strong 5-2 result in jonidan, he suddenly had his retirement ceremony at the stable, indicating that he already intended to retire for some time. His retirement coincided with that of stablemate Anzai, whose retirement had been announced prior to September 2023 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Sakurai is a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He won most of his bouts with a straightforward yorikiri, or force out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 76-50-42/126 (25 basho)
* **Makushita:** 3-4/7 (1 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 48-42-22/90 (16 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-3-14/14 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 14-1-6/15 (3 basho)

## **Gallery**

Sakurai gets recruited into Naruto stable (c. 2019)Sakurai (third left) with his stablemates (c. 2019)Sakurai loses the Jonokuchi Yusho playoff (c. 2019)Sakurai prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2023)Sakurai after wrestling his final match (c. 2023)Sakurai has his hair-cutting ceremony (c. 2023)
## **Sources**

* Sakurai Kotaro Rikishi Information
* Sponichi Annex Article on Sakurai
Tatsunohana Ritsuei

Tatsunohana Ritsuei - 龍の華 立栄 (born December 20, 1972) is a former Taiwanese professional sumo wrestler from Taipei County. He made his debut in January 1989 and wrestled for Takadagawa stable. His highest rank was makushita 45 and he retired in January 1994.

## **Early Life**

Lirong Chen was born in Taipei County (now known as New Taipei City), Taiwan, on December 20th, 1972. He joined Takadagawa stable, which already home to three other Taiwanese sumo wrestlers, in January 1989 alongside fellow Taiwanese Maenoumi at the age of 16.

## **Career**

He was given the shikona "Tatsunohana" (龍の華) and made his debut in January 1989. He was promoted to the jonidan division, despite producing a losing score in jonokuchi. However, he proved himself as he accelerated in jonidan and was promoted to sandanme in July 1990 at the age of 17. He would remain in the sandanme division for the following two years. He was promoted to makushita in January 1993 and reached a career-best makushita 45 in July 1993.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After sitting out of the January 1994 tournament, his retirement from sumo was announced after the tournament. After retirement from sumo he worked for the Republic of China Army and was also a sumo coach for the Republic of China Sumo Association (秘書長兼選手教練).

## **Personal Life**

* As of 2018, he lives in Taipei, Taiwan. According to his Facebook account, he is a graduate of the Chinese Culture University (中國文化大學).

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 109-94-7/203 (31 basho)
* **Makushita:** 12-16-7/28 (5 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 64-55/119 (17 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 30-19/49 (7 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 3-4/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Tatsunohana Ritsuei (1989.01 - 1994.01)

## **Gallery**

Tatsunohana during his time in maezumo (c. 1989)Coach Chen (ex-Tatsunohana)

## **Sources**

* Tatsunohana Ritsuei Rikishi Information
* Tatsunohana Taiwan Sumo Profile
Takaazuma Katsushige

Takaazuma Katsushige - 孝東 克重 (born July 17, 1981) is a former Brazilian professional sumo wrestler from Guarulhos, Sao Paulo, Brazil. He made his debut in May 2004 and wrestled for Tamanoi stable. His highest rank was makushita 24 and he retired in September 2008.

## **Early Life**

Born in the city of Guarulhos, Sao Paulo, Cristiano Luiz de Sousa began practicing sumo at the Academy Sao Paulo with many Japanese-Brazilians. Due to his physical strength and build, he started to garner some attraction and was recruited into Tamanoi stable, which is a popular destination for many Brazilian sumo wrestlers.

## **Career**

He made his debut in May 2004 alongside Estonians Baruto and Kitaoji, and wrestled under the shikona "Takaazuma" (孝東). He had a strong start where he produced five straight winning records which sent him to the makushita division by his sixth professional tournament.

However, he pulled out on the first day of the May 2005 tournament and fell back down to sandanme. He wrestled in sandanme for five tournaments before injuring himself. As a result, he had to pull out of two consecutive tournaments which sent him back down to jonidan. He eventually returned to makushita in November 2007 and reached a career-best makushita 24 in March 2008.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Takaazuma suddenly announced his retirement after the September 2008 tournament due to injuries. After retirement, he did not return to Brazil and stayed in Japan. He currently operates a Brazilian food truck called Polpetta Rotisserie Chicken (ポルペッタロティサリーチキン) in Chiyoda, Tokyo.

## **Personal Life**

* Cristiano married a Japanese and has three kids.
* In 2015, he helped repair damages after the severe flood disaster in Joso, Ibaraki. His house was not swallowed by the mud, but the the water ruined the interior. Due to his proficiency in Japanese, Portuguese, English, Chinese, and Spanish (according to Facebook), he was able to help other foreigners by restoring damaged properties, doing translations and repair work.

## **Fighting Style**

Takaazuma was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He won most of his bouts with a straightforward yorikiri, or force out. He also won many bouts with oshidashi (push out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 99-63-20/161 (27 basho)
* **Makushita:** 20-23-6/42 (7 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 55-36-14/91 (15 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 18-3/21 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Takaazuma Katsushige (2004.05 - 2008.09)

## **Gallery**

Takaazuma defeats future ozeki Baruto (c. 2004)Takaazuma awaits his upcoming match (c. 2007)Takaazuma before his retirement ceremony (c. 2008)Takaazuma's retirement ceremony (c. 2008)Takaazuma after retirement (c. 2008)

## **Sources**

* Takaazuma Katsushige Rikishi Information
Tatsumi Yamamoto

Tatsumi Yamamoto - 辰美 山本 (born December 9, 1968) is a former Japanese-American professional sumo wrestler from Tokyo. He made his debut in September 1988 and wrestled for Magaki stable. His highest rank was jonokuchi 44 and he retired in November 1988.

## **Early Life**

Edward Tatsumi Yamamoto was born on December 9, 1968, in Stockton, California, to Japanese actress Satomi Oka and a second-generation Japanese-American father and thus holds US citizenship.

## **Career**

Yamamoto joined Magaki stable and made his professional debut in September 1988. He used Tokyo as his official birthplace instead of the United States so he is not listed as a foreign wrestler. He performed relatively well in maezumo (pre-sumo), but retired prior to the following November 1988 tournament.

## **Record**

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

## **Shikona History**

* Yamamoto (1988.09 - 1988.09)
* Tatsumi (1988.11 - 1988.11)

## **Gallery**

Tatsumi undergoes a physical exam upon joining sumo (c. 1988)Tatsumi converses with three Filipino sumo wrestlers (c. 1988)Tatsumi with his mother during his time in maezumo (c. 1988)

## **Sources**

* Honolulu Star-Bulletin, *Japanese Entertainment* by Dick Gima
* Tatsumi Rikishi Information
Sawaisamu Tomokazu

Sawaisamu Tomokazu - 澤勇 智和 (born February 7, 1977) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shinagawa, Tokyo. He made his debut in July 1992 and currently wrestles for Shikihide stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is jonidan 53.

## **Career**

Sawahara joined Shikihide stable and made his professional debut in July 1992 at the age of 15. He reached the jonidan division in January 1993, but he lost all seven matches in that tournament and was demoted back down to jonokuchi for March 1993. He sat out of the March 1993 tournament due to cervical spine injury and he fell off the banzuke as a result. He returned to sumo in ten tournaments in November 1994 and had to redo maezumo (pre-sumo). He was given the new shikona "Shikinokawa" (式乃川) in the following January 1995 tournament. Shikinokawa struggled to progress up the banzuke and spent most of his time in the lowest jonokuchi division. He never produced a 6-1 record, and only finished with a 5-2 record on two occasions (in November 1997 and July 1998). his longest spell in jonidan only lasted five tournaments, from January 1996 to September 1996.

In 2013, he told his stablemaster (former maegashira Kitazakura) that he was a fan of Japanese singer Momoko Tsugunaga. After that, in September 2013, he was given the new shikona "Momochizakura" (桃智桜). Momochi is the nickname of Momoko Tsugunaga and "zakura" is derived from his stablemaster's old ring name. Momochizakura reached a career-best jonidan 53 in July 2014, however, after this tournament he posted 17 consecutive losing records.

In January 2018, he changed his shikona to "Sawaisamu" (澤勇). The background behind this shikona is that it was his father's stage name as an Enka singer. His father had passed away in prior to the July 2017 tournament and he wanted to honor his father. Sawaisamu withdrew from the November 2020 tournament which was his first withdrawal since March 1993.

## **Fighting Style**

Sawaisamu 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:** 396-807-24/1199 (178 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 91-245/336 (48 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 305-562-24/863 (127 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Sawahara Tomokazu (1992.07 - 1994.11)
* Shikinokawa Tomokazu (1995.01 - 2013.07)
* Momochizakura Goromaru (2013.09 - 2017.11)
* Sawaisamu Tomokazu (2018.01 - )

## **Gallery**

Sawaisamu prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2013)Sawaisamu with his Oyakata and stablemates (c. 2017)Sawaisamu battles Suyama (c. 2022)
## **Sources**

* Sawaisamu Tomokazu Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Sawaisamu Tomokazu Rikishi Information
Tenchiyama Hitoshi

Tenchiyama Hitoshi - 天地山 人 (born November 18, 1941) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Joto-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. He made his debut in November 1958 and last wrestled for Tatsunami stable. He reached the juryo division in January 1966. His highest rank was juryo 12 and he retired in May 1967.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in November 1958, wrestling for Tatsunami stable. From 1959, he suffered from dental cavities and had to sit out of two consecutive tournaments in 1960 to undergo treatment. Initially wrestling under his surname Hayashi, he was promoted to sandanme in January 1961 and makushita in November 1961. In November 1963 he changed his shikona to "Tenchiyama" (天地山). In November 1965 he produced a 6-1 record at the rank of makushita 2 and was promoted to juryo for the January 1966 tournament.

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Tenchiyama finished with a 9-6 record and was promoted to the rank of juryo 12 for the March 1966 tournament. However, he followed with a 4-11 and a 6-9 record which resulted in a demotion back down to makushita. He was ranked in juryo for a total of three tournaments. Tenchiyama retired from sumo in May 1967.

## **Fighting Style**

Tenchiyama was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was yorikiri, or force out. He was also fond of employing sotogake (outside leg trip) and uwatenage (overarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 200-174-16/374 (52 basho)
* **Juryo:** 19-26/45 (3 basho)
* **Makushita:** 115-102/217 (31 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 17-11/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 45-31-16/76 (12 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** : 4-4/8 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Hayashi Takao (1958.11 - 1963.09)
* Tenchiyama Hitoshi (1963.11 - 1967.05)

## **Gallery**

Tenchiyama practiced teppo (striking a wooden poll) at his stable
## **Sources**

* Tenchiyama Hitoshi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Tenchiyama Hitoshi Rikishi Information
Tatsutano Kunikiyo

Tatsutano Kunikiyo - 立田野 邦清 (born April 14, 1918 - July 23, 1971) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Matto, Ishikawa. He made his debut in May 1931 and wrestled for Tatsunami stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1944. His highest rank was maegashira 7 and he retired in June 1947.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Kubokawa moved to Tokyo at the age of 13 and joined Tatsunami stable. He made his professional debut in May 1931 and was given the shikona "Ishinami" (石浪). He was promoted to sandanme in January 1936 and makushita in May 1936. He was given the new shikona "Tatsutano" (立田野) in May 1938 and was promoted to juryo in January 1940. He briefly fell back down to makushita in 1942, but returned to juryo in 1943 and was promoted to makuuchi in May 1944 after thirteen years in professional sumo.

### **Makuuchi Career**

In his top division debut, Tatsutano finished with a 6-4 record and was promoted to a career-best maegashira 7 rank for the November 1944 tournament. However, he followed with three losing records and was demoted back down to juryo in November 1946. He retired in June 1947 and going winless in the tournament. During his time in the top division, Tatsutano served as Yokozuna Haguroyama's sword bearer.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, Tatsutano ran a fish store in his hometown of Matto, Ishikawa. He died on July 23, 1971, at the age of 53.

## **Fighting Style**

Tatsutano as a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He was fond of employing throwing and twisting techniques.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 123-151/274 (27 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 12-25/37 (4 basho)
* **Juryo:** 53-75/128 (9 basho)
* **Makushita:** 43-42/85 (9 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 4-2/6 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-7/18 (3 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Ishinami (1931.05 - 1938.01)
* Tatsutano Kunikiyo (1938.05 - 1947.06)

## **Gallery**

Tatsutano poses with his kesho-mawashiTatsutano (second from right in back) during his retirement ceremony (c. 1947)Tatsutano's wife admires the June 1947 banzuke (Tatsutano's last tournament)
## **Sources**

* Tatsutano Kunikiyo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Tatsutano Kunikiyo Rikishi Information
Shosei Takeshi

Shosei Takeshi - 勝誠 剛 (born May 27, 1986) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Uken, Kagoshima. He made his debut in March 2005 and currently wrestles for Sakaigawa stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 3.

## **Early Life**

During his time in elementary school, Fukunaga won the National Wanpaku Sumo Tournament and was an elementary school yokozuna. For junior high school and high school, he left his hometown and studied abroad in Yamaguchi prefecture. He attended Yamaguchi Kenritsu Hibiki High School where he was a member of the school's sumo club. During his third year of high school he was recruited by Sakaigawa Oyakata (former komusubi Ryogoku). After graduation he decided to join Sakaigawa stable because his high school senior classmate Toyohibiki was already in the stable. He was below the minimum height requirement of 173 cm but was allowed to make his debut after passing a secondary physical exam.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2005 and regularly trained with high school rival and stablemate Goeido during their early years. Fukunaga reached the makushita division by March 2006 and had not posted a single losing record at the time. In November 2008 he was given the shikona "Satsumahibiki" (薩摩響) and he reached the rank of makushita 5 in January 2010.

In July 2011, Shosei was given the new shikona "Shosei" (勝誠) in July 2011. In November 2011 he finished with a 6-1 record and qualified for an eight-man playoff for the makushita yusho. He defeated Amuru in the first round, but lost to Sensho in the second round. He was promoted to a career-best makushita 3 in July 2012, but finished with a 2-5 record. He fell back down to sandanme in March 2018 and has since been bouncing back and forth between sandanme and makushita.

## **Fighting Style**

Shosei is a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He won majority of his bouts with a straightforward yorikiri, or force out. Due to his short stature, he usually goes extremely low during the tachi-ai, or initial charge. He is also fond of employing moves such as kainahineri (two-handed arm twist down) and zubuneri (head pivot throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 388-371-11/759 (111 basho)
* **Makushita:** 291-318/609 (87 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 85-51-11/136 (21 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Fukunaga Takeshi (2005.03 - 2008.09)
* Satsumahibiki Takeshi (2008.11 - 2011.05)
* Shosei Takeshi (2011.07 - )

## **Gallery**

Shosei battles Ura (c. 2016)Shosei prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2021)Shosei defeats Yoshii (c. 2021)
## **Sources**

* Shosei Takeshi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Shosei Takeshi Rikishi Information
Takanofuji Yukihiro

Takanofuji Yukihiro - 隆の富士 幸寛 (born May 22, 1980) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Seki, Gifu. He made his debut in September 1999 and wrestled for Naruto stable. His highest rank was makushita 14 and he retired in November 2007.

## **Early Life**

Tsuji began sumo wrestling during his fifth year of elementary school. He went on to attend Toyo University where he was a member of the school's sumo club, however, he dropped out after only two months and joined Naruto stable.

## **Career**

Tsuji made his professional debut in September 1999 and finished with a 6-1 in first official tournament in November 1999. He was placed in a five-man playoff which he won to claim the jonokuchi yusho. He followed with a perfect 7-0 record in January 2000 to claim the jonidan yusho. In July 2000, he was given the shikona "Takanofuji" (隆の富士) and reached the makushita division in July 2000. He reached a career-best makushita 14 in July 2003, but could only manage a 2-5 record in this tournament.

Prior to the March 2004 tournament, Takanofuji suffered an injury and had to miss the following four tournaments which resulted in him falling back down to the lowest jonokuchi division. He returned to action in November 2004 where he finished with a perfect 7-0 record to claim his second jonokuchi yusho. He followed with another perfect 7-0 record to claim his second jonidan yusho. He returned to makushita in January 2006, but was unable to establish himself in the division and had multiple stints in sandanme.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Takanofuji retired from sumo in November 2007. After retiring, he worked as a bodyguard before working as a plus-size model.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 169-140-34/309 (50 basho)
* **Makushita:** 43-69-7/112 (17 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 94-67-14/161 (25 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 19-3-13/22 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 13-1/14 (2 basho)

### **Championships**

* 2 **Jonidan** Championships
	+ 1st (January 2000)
	+ 2nd (January 2005)
* 2 **Jonokuchi** Championships
	+ 1st (November 1999)
	+ 2nd (November 2005)

## **Shikona History**

* Tsuji Yukihiro (1999.09 - 2000.05)
* Takanofuji Yukihiro (2000.07 - 2007.11)

## **Gallery**

Takanofuji prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2006)Takanofuji works as a model after retirement from sumo (c. 2016)
## **Sources**

* Takanofuji Yukihiro Rikishi Information
* Posi Big Interview with Takanofuji
Sekitori

A **sekitori** (関取) is a rikishi (力士, sumo wrestler) who is ranked in one of the top two professional divisions: makuuchi and juryo. The name literally translates to having taken the barrier, as only a relatively small fraction of those who enter professional sumo achieve sekitori status.

Currently there are 70 rikishi in these divisions. The benefits of being a sekitori compared to lower ranked wrestlers are significant and include:

* to receive a salary and bonus (those in the lower divisions merely receive an allowance)
* to have one's own supporters' club
* to wear high quality men's kimono and other items of attire
* to have a private room in the training stable
* to be able to get married and live away from the training stable
* to have junior rikishi to effectively act as their personal servants
* to wear a silk mawashi (called shimekomi) with stiffened cords (called sagari) in tournament bouts
* to participate in the ring entrance ceremony and wear a kesho-mawashi
* to wear the more elaborate oicho chonmage hairstyle in competition and on formal occasions
* to become an elder in the Sumo Association if one is sekitori for long enough

## **Memorabilia Associated With Sekitori**

The item of memorabilia most often associated with sumo wrestling is tegata (literally hand shape). Only sekitori are allowed to make them for fans. They could be equated to the sumo version of an autograph. Tegata consist of a print of a wrestler's hand using black or red ink accompanied by his ring name written in calligraphic style by the wrestler himself. Original tegata are given out to fans and members of one's supporter club. Printed copies of tegata can also be bought inexpensively.

## **Supporter Clubs**

When a wrestler achieves sekitori status, he is allowed to have a fan/supporter club called a koenkai if he has enough popularity. This is in addition to koenkai associated with his sumo stable. These clubs often pool their money to buy the wrestler such items as his decorative apron called a kesho-mawashi. For their support, supporter club members expect and receive access to the wrestlers and are given invitations to post-tournament parties and other events where they will have direct contact with them.
Takuro (yobidashi)

Takuro - 拓郎 (born February 24, 1956) is a retired Japanese professional sumo usher from Sapporo, Hokkaido. He debuted in the March 1975 tournament and last belonged to Kasugano stable. He reached the Makuuchi rank in January 1996 and the sanyaku rank in May 2002. He was promoted to deputy chief yobidashi in January 2008 and to chief yobidashi in November 2015. He retired in September 2019.

## **Career**

* March 1975 - Had his ring debut under Mihogaseki stable
* January 1995 - Promoted to Juryo yobidashi
* January 1996 - Promoted to Makuuchi yobidashi
* May 2002 - Promoted to Sanyaku yobidashi
* January 2008 - Promoted to deputy chief yobidashi
* November 2013 - Transferred to Kasugano stable due to the closure of Mihogaseki stable
* January 2015 - Became the most senior yobidashi, due to the retirement of chief yobidashi Hideo
* November 2015 - Promoted to chief yobidashi
* September 2019 - Effectively retired after this tournament after a violence controversy and suspension announcement

## **Controversy**

In October 2019, Takuro was suspended for two tournaments for hitting a junior yobidashi over the head after he caught him eating in the customer seating area on jungyo. Takuro announced his retirement after the announcement of the suspension, leaving the chief yobidashi rank empty until the promotion of Jiro to tate-yobidashi in January 2024.

## **Gallery**

Takuro serves as yobidashi for Kitanoumi's kanreki dohyo-iri (c. 2013)
## **Sources**

* Takuro (yobidashi) Japanese Wikipedia Article
Shikimori Kandayu (born 1968)

The 12th Shikimori Kandayu - 12代 式守 勘太夫 (born November 15, 1968) is a Japanese professional sumo referee from Igu, Miyagi. He was recruited in April 1984, debuting in the May 1984 tournament and he belongs to Asahiyama stable. He reached the Makuuchi rank in January 2009.

## **Career**

* May 1984 - Had his ring debut under Isegahama stable
* July 1984 - Promoted to Jonokuchi-kaku gyoji and took on the name Shikimori Kunihiro (式守 国浩)
* January 1985 - Promoted to Jonidan-kaku gyoji
* January 1988 - Promoted to Sandanme-kaku gyoji
* January 1991 - Promoted to Makushita-kaku gyoji
* January 2001 - Promoted to Juryo-kaku gyoji and took on the name Shikimori Kinnosuke (式守 錦之助)
* March 2007 - Transferred to Takashima stable due to the closure of Isegahama stable
* January 2009 - Promoted to Makuuchi-kaku gyoji and took on the name Shikimori Yodayu (式守 与太夫)
* July 2011 - Transferred to Kasugayama stable due to the closure of Takashima stable
* January 2016 - Took on the name Shikimori Yonokichi (式守 与之吉)
* November 2016 - Transferred to Oitekaze stable due to the closure of Kasugayama stable
* January 2017 - Transferred to Nakagawa stable due to a branch-out
* May 2019 - Took on the name Shikimori Kandayu (式守 勘太夫)
* July 2020 - Transferred to Miyagino stable due to the closure of Nakagawa stable
* September 2022 - Transferred to Asahiyama stable

## **Shikona History**

Shikimori Kunihiro (式守 国浩) → 8th Shikimori Kinnosuke (8代 式守 錦之助) → 12th Shikimori Yodayu (12代 式守 与太夫) → 10th Shikimori Yonokichi (10代 式守 与之吉) → 12th Shikimori Kandayu(12代 式守 勘太夫)

## **Sources**

* 12th Shikimori Kandayu Japanese Wikipedia Article
* JSA Shikimori Kandayu Personal Page
Taikan Muneyuki

Taikan Muneyuki - 大寛 宗之 (born October 20, 1944) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nakatane, Kagoshima. He made his debut in March 1962 and last wrestled for Michinoku stable. He reached the juryo division in March 1970. His highest rank was juryo 4 and he retired in January 1976.

## **Early Life**

Fuchigami initially played baseball but after enrolling at Tanegashima High School, he joined the judo club. Since he was the biggest member of the judo club, he was recommended to try out sumo and at the Kagoshima Prefectural tournament, he finished second. He was subsequently recruited for professional sumo by a sewanin from Izutsu stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 1962 and wrestled under his surname Fuchigami before changing it to "Satsumanada" (薩摩洋 ) in September 1964 and "Taikan" (大寛) in November 1969. He was promoted to sandanme in January 1963 and makushita in March 1965. In November 1969, he won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record and was promoted to the top of makushita where he produced a 5-2 record to earn a promotion to juryo in March 1970.

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Taikan finished with a solid 9-6 record and was promoted to the rank of juryo 4. However, this was to be his highest rank as he never managed to reach the makuuchi division. He was ranked in juryo for a total of 21 tournaments. His last appearance as a sekitori was in November 1973. In 1974 he transferred to the recently established Michinoku stable and changed his shikona to "Nishinoshima" (西ノ島) before quickly reverting back to Taikan in 1975.

Taikan announced his retirement after the January 1976 tournament. At the time of his retirement he had never missed a match and wrestled 742 consecutive matches. He currently resides in Nerima, Tokyo.

## **Fighting Style**

Taikan was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was yorikiri, or force out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 380-362-7/742 (84 basho)
* **Juryo:** 143-172/315 (21 basho)
* **Makushita:** 160-127-7/287 (42 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 58-54/112 (16 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 13-8/21 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (November 1969)

## **Shikona History**

* Fuchigami (1962.03 - 1964.07)
* Satsumanada (1964.09 - 1969.09)
* Taikan Muneyuki (1969.11 - 1972.05)
* Taikan Rikiyoshi (1972.07 - 1974.03)
* Nishinoshima (1974.05 - 1974.09)
* Taikan (1974.11 - 1976.01)

## **Gallery**

Taikan stands outside of his stableTaikan after retirement
## **Sources**

* Taikan Muneyuki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Taikan Muneyuki Rikishi Information
Shigetaro (yobidashi)

Shigetaro - 重太郎 (born August 22, 1979) is a Japanese professional sumo usher from Yonago, Tottori. He was recruited in February 1996 and debuted in the March 1996 tournament and he belongs to Kokonoe stable. He reached the Juryo rank in November 2015.

## **Career**

* February 1996 - Recruited into Kokonoe stable using his real given name of Katsunori (勝則) as his shikona
* March 1996 - Had his ring debut as a Jonokuchi yobidashi with the ringname Shigetaro (重太郎)
* January 2002 - Promoted to Jonidan yobidashi
* September 2002 - Promoted to Sandanme yobidashi
* January 2006 - Promoted to Makushita yobidashi
* November 2015 - Promoted to Juryo yobidashi

## **Sources**

* Shigetaro (yobidashi) Japanese Wikipedia Article
* JSA Shigetaro Personal Page
Takanishiki Akimasa

Takanishiki Akimasa - 高錦 昭應 (born February 12, 1934) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. He made his debut in May 1949 and wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1957. His highest rank was maegashira 11 and he retired in November 1963.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

After graduating from junior high school, he joined Takasago stable and made his professional debut in May 1949. Initially wrestling under the shikona "Arakiyama" (荒木山), he was promoted to sandanme in September 1950 and makushita in March 1953. In May 1955 he changed his shikona to "Takanishiki" (高錦) and was promoted to juryo four tournaments later in March 1956.

### **Juryo Career**

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Takanishiki won the juryo yusho with a strong 12-3 record. He followed with two consecutive 10-5 records and was promoted to makuuchi in September 1956 after only three tournaments in juryo.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Takanishiki posted three consecutive winning records from his debut and was promoted to his career-best rank of maegashira 12 in September 1957. However, he finished with a 7-8 record in this tournament and in the following November 1957 tournament, Takanishiki sat out of the tournament due to appendicitis. and was demoted back down to juryo in September 1958. He returned to makuuchi for one tournament in July 1959, but this proved to bis last appearance in the top division. He remained in juryo for majority of his later career. In March 1961, he won his second juryo yusho, but was not promoted back to makuuchi. In May 1963 he was demoted back down to makushita and he retired from sumo in November 1963 at the rank of makushita 44.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, he worked for a company in Tokyo before opening up a chanko restaurant in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, called "Chanko Takanishiki" (ちゃんこ高錦), however, the restaurant closed down in 2020.

## **Fighting Style**

Takanishiki was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was yorikiri, or force out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 419-418-32/835 (68 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 65-70-15/135 (10 basho)
* **Juryo:** 230-230-5/458 (31 basho)
* **Makushita:** 53-52-12/105 (15 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 48-44/92 (8 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 15-15/30 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 8-7/15 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 2 **Juryo** Championships
	+ 1st (March 1956)
	+ 2nd (March 1961)

## **Shikona History**

* Arakiyama (1949.05 - 1955.03)
* Takanishiki Akimasa (1955.05 - 1961.01)
* Takanishiki Teruo (1961.03 - 1963.11)

## **Gallery**

Takanishiki with his kesho-mawashiTakanishiki poses for a pictureTakanishiki's chanko restaurant: Chanko Takanishiki (ちゃんこ高錦)
## **Sources**

* Takanishiki Akimasa Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Takanishiki Akimasa Rikishi Information
Tegarayama Shigeemon

Tegarayama Shigeemon - 手柄山 繁右エ門 (born 1798 - June 25, 1858) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yokaichi, Shiga. He made his debut in October 1824 and wrestled for Onomatsu stable. He reached the makuuchi division in October 1829. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in March 1845.

## **Career**

Born in Yakaichi, Shiga, Yasugoro Yasumura joined Onomatsu stable and made his professional debut in October 1824 under the shikona "Koyanagi Harugoro" (小柳 春五郎). He reached makuuchi in October 1829 and later changed the second part of his shikona to "Chokichi" (長吉) in November 1833. Koyanagi was promoted to sekiwake in November 1834 and ozeki in February 1836. In October 1837 he changed his shikona to"Tegarayama Shigeemon" (手柄山 繁右エ門). He changed his shikona again to "Kotozan Bunemon" (湖東山 文右エ門) in November 1841, but was demoted from ozeki in the following February 1842 tournament. He changed his shikona one last time to "Takekuma Bunemon" (武隈 文右エ門) in October 1843 before retiring from sumo in March 1845.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 145-62-89-20draws-13holds-3no results/243 (36 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 120-52-89-19draws-13holds-3no results/207 (31 basho)
* **Juryo:** 25-10-1draw/36 (5 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Koyanagi Harugoro (1827.03 - 1833.02)
* Koyanagi Chokichi (1833.11 - 1837.01)
* Tegarayama Shigeemon (1837.10 - 1841.01)
* Kotozan Bunemon (1841.11 - 1843.01)
* Takekuma Bunemon (1843.10 - 1845.03)

## **Gallery**

Tegarayama during his time as Takekuma (c. 1843-1845)
## **Sources**

* Tegarayama Shigeemon Rikishi Information
Tachimochi

In professional sumo, the **tachimochi** (太刀持ち; lit.: sword carrier) is one of the two attendants that accompany a yokozuna when he performs his dohyo-iri, or ring entrance ceremony. The other attendant is called the tsuyuharai.

During the ceremony the tachimochi will follow the yokozuna, carrying his sword in his right hand, to the ring and squat on his right hand side. The yokozuna's sword is a traditional indication of his samurai status. After the yokozuna has completed his ceremonial dance the tachimochi will once again follow him off the dohyo.

The tachimochi must be a makuuchi ranked sumo wrestler (or rikishi) and is, if possible, from the same training stable (or heya) as the yokozuna. If there are no appropriate choices from within the stable then the tachimochi will normally be from another related stable (from the same stable grouping called an ichimon). The tachimochi is always the higher ranked wrestler of the two attendants.

All three wrestlers will wear a matching set of kesho-mawashi belonging to the yokozuna during the ceremony, and as the ceremony is directly after the ring entry ceremony for the makuuchi division wrestlers on a tournament day this means that the tachimochi will also wear the yokozuna's kesho-mawashi for his own entrance.

A wrestler who is scheduled to fight the yokozuna on a particular day of a honbasho (or tournament) will not act as his tachimochi.

In normal circumstances, the tachimochi will not be another yokozuna or an ozeki. An ozeki can act as a tachimochi during a wrestler's very first dohyo-iri, held at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. A yokozuna will only usually fulfil this role at another yokozuna's retirement ceremony, or at a special event after the other yokozuna has announced his retirement, but before the final ceremony.

## See Also

* Tsuyuharai
* Yokozuna Dohyo-iri
Shikimori Shinnosuke (born 1976)

The 5th Shikimori Shinnosuke - 5代 式守 慎之助 (born July 31, 1976) is a Japanese professional sumo referee from Ibusuki, Kagoshima. He was recruited and debuted in the November 1992 tournament and he belongs to Hanaregoma stable. He reached the Juryo rank in July 2013.

## **Career**

* November 1992 - Had his ring debut under Kataonami stable
* January 1993 - Promoted to Jonokuchi-kaku gyoji and took on the name Shikimori Tamao (式守 玉男)
* January 1994 - Promoted to Jonidan-kaku gyoji
* January 1999 - Promoted to Sandanme-kaku gyoji
* March 2006 - Changed his ringname to Shikimori Tamasaburo (式守 玉三郎)
* January 2007 - Promoted to Makushita-kaku gyoji
* July 2013 - Promoted to Juryo-kaku gyoji
* January 2014 - Took on the name Shikimori Shinnosuke (式守 慎之助)
* January 2015 - Transferred to Matsugane stable alongside his former stablemaster Tamarikido

## **Shikona History**

Shikimori Tamao (式守 玉男) → Shikimori Tamasaburo (式守 玉三郎) → 5th Shikimori Shinnosuke (5代 式守 慎之助)

## **Sources**

* 5th Shikimori Shinnosuke Japanese Wikipedia Article
* JSA Shikimori Shinnosuke Personal Page
Tamahikuni

Tamahikuni - 玉比国 - is a former Filipino professional sumo wrestler. He made his debut in September 1988 and wrestled for Kataonami stable. His highest rank was jonokuchi 30 and he retired in September 1989.

## **Early Life**

After watching a sumo documentary, a good number of young Filipinos were inspired to try the sport, so they wrote to the local office of the Japan Society to ask how to join the sport. Kataonami Oyakata (ex-sekiwake Tamanofuji) personally flew to Manila to interview and select three that he felt had the greatest potential. Jun Terrado was chosen alongside Angelito Labampa (Tamahinada) and Samson Pael (Tamahiryu).

## **Career**

Jun Terrado made his debut on September 1988 under the shikona "Tamahikuni" (玉比国). In his only first professional tournament he produced a losing record of 3-4 after losing his last three matches. He and his Fillipino stablemates ended up running out of the stable after a year. According to *Newsweek*, the three Filipinos took up sumo as a scam to get work visas.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 3-4-7/7 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 3-4-7/7 (2 basho)

## **Gallery**

Tamahikuni (second from right) joins sumo (c. 1988)Tamahikuni and his stablemates become the first Filipino rikishi (c. 1988)Tamahikuni (back row - right) in maezumo (c. 1988)

## **Sources**

* Tamahikuni Rikishi Information
* Newsweek Article about Foreign Rikishi
* Sharnoff, Lora (1993). *Grand Sumo*. Weatherhill
Shikimori Seisuke

Shikimori Seisuke - 式守 誠輔 (born March 22, 2000) is a Japanese professional sumo referee from Edogawa, Tokyo. He was recruited in June 2015 and debuted in the July 2015 tournament and he belongs to Miyagino stable.

## **Career**

* July 2015 - Had his ring debut under Miyagino stable
* September 2015 - Promoted to Jonokuchi-kaku gyoji and took on the name Shikimori Seisuke (式守 誠輔)
* January 2019 - Promoted to Jonidan-kaku gyoji
* January 2021 - Promoted to Sandanme-kaku gyoji
Soichi (yobidashi)

Soichi - 総一 (born January 2, 1981) is a Japanese professional sumo usher from Kasuya, Fukuoka. He was recruited and debuted in the January 2000 tournament and he belongs to Yamahibiki stable. He reached the Juryo rank in January 2022.

## **Career**

* January 2000 - Had his ring debut under Hatachiyama stable as a Jonokuchi yobidashi
* January 2004 - Promoted to Jonidan yobidashi
* July 2006 - Transferred to Kitanoumi stable due to the closure of Hatachiyama stable
* January 2007 - Promoted to Sandanme yobidashi
* January 2014 - Promoted to Makushita yobidashi
* January 2022 - Promoted to Juryo yobidashi

## **Sources**

* Soichi (yobidashi) Japanese Wikipedia Article
* JSA Soichi Personal Page