recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Sakaigawa Namiemon I

## Sakaigawa Namiemon

Sakaigawa Namiemon - 境川 浪右エ門 (born 1819 - September 8, 1867) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kuwana District, Mie. He made his debut in October 1843 and wrestled for Sakaigawa stable. He reached the makuuchi division in March 1850. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in October 1861.

## **Career**

Born in Kuwana District, Mie, Genjiro Furuma initally joined Osaka sumo's Mihogaseki stable before transferring to Edo sumo's Sakaigawa stable in 1843. He made his Edo sumo debut in October 1843 and was given the shikona "Masuizan Iwanosuke" (増位山 岩之助). He reached makuuchi in March 1850 and in February 1851 he was given the new shikona "Mutsugamine Iwanosuke" (六ツヶ峰 岩之助). He was promoted to komusubi in November 1850 and wrestled under the name "Kimenzan Tanigoro" (鬼面山 谷五郎) for one tournament before switching to "Sakaigawa Namiemon" (境川 浪右エ門) in January 1856. He was promoted to sekiwake in November 1856 and ozeki in November 1857. After four years as ozeki he retired in October 1861.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, he remained in the sumo world and inherited Sakaigawa stable. He died on September 8, 1867, at the age of 48. One of his many discples was future yokozuna Sakaigawa who took his shikona in 1870.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 123-38-40-11draws-2holds-1no result/175 (27 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 111-35-40-11draws-2holds-1no result/160 (23 basho)
* **Juryo:** 12-3/15 (4 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Masuizan Iwanosuke (1848.01 - 1850.11)
* Mutsugamine Iwanosuke (1851.02 - 1854.11)
* Kimenzan Tanigoro (1855.02 - 1855.02)
* Sakaigawa Namiemon (1856.01 - 1861.10)

## **Gallery**

Sakaigawa during his time as Mutsugamine (c. 1853)
Mudoho Kosei

Mudoho Kosei - 夢道鵬 幸成 (born September 18, 2001) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Koto, Tokyo. He made his debut in November 2019 and currently wrestles for Otake stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 13.

## **Early Life**

Kosei Naya was born the last of four sons and his father was the active (now retired) makuuchi wrestler Takatoriki and his mother is the daughter of the 48th yokozuna Taiho. He started sumo wrestling at the age of 5 and he participated at the All Japan Elementary School Sumo Tournament during his sixth year at Arima Elementary School. He went on to attend Saitamashiritsuomiyanishi Junior High School in Saitama prefecture and participated in the national prefectural junior high school sumo championship in his third year. He then attended Saitama Sakae High School, however, he did not produce any outstanding results in high school. After graduating from high school, Naya was recommended to continue his sumo career at the college level by his high school sumo coach, but Naya opted to join Otake stable as he could not resist the urge to go professional.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in November 2019 and was given the shikona "Mudoho" (夢道鵬). In his first tournament, Mudoho won his first six matches, but missed out on the jonokuchi yusho after losing to Nihonyanagi in his final match. He followed with another 6-1 record and was promoted to sandanme in July 2020. In his sandanme debut, he won all seven matches, but missed out on the yusho after losing to Fukai in the playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted to makushita for the following September 2020 tournament after spending only one tournament in each of the previous divisions. In July 2022, he withdrew from the tournament on the 4th day due to an injury on his right shoulder.

## **Family**

His father is former sekiwake Takatoriki and his grandfather is the 48th yokozuna Taiho. His oldest brother Yukio is a professional wrestler for the promotion DDT. His third oldest brother, Konosuke, better known as Oho, joined Otake stable in January 2018 and reached makuuchi in January 2022. His second oldest brother, Takamori, joined the stable in March 2020 after graduating from Chuo University and wrestled under the the name Hozan.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 90-66-5/155 (24 basho)
* **Makushita:** 61-60-5/120 (18 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 17-4/21 (3 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Mudoho gets recruited into Otake stable (c. 2019)Mudoho gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2019)Mudoho during his time in Maezumo (c. 2019)Mudoho defeats Tokunomusashi (c. 2020)Mudoho prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2020)Mudoho defeats Higonojo (c. 2021)
## **Sources**

* Mudoho Kosei Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Mudoho Kosei Rikishi Information
Midorikuni Masao

Midorikuni Masao - 緑國 政雄 (born August 5, 1919 - September 11, 1981) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Edogawa, Tokyo. He made his debut in May 1935 and last wrestled for Tatsunami stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1943. His highest rank was maegashira 9 and he retired in January 1951.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

At the age of 15, Takarata joined Tatsunami stable and made his professional debut in May 1935. He was given the shikona "Midorimatsu" (緑松) which is derived from his stablemaster, former komusubi Midorishima's shikona. He was promoted to sandanme in May 1937 and makushita in January 1939. He reached juryo in May 1940, but finished with a 4-11 record in his first tournament and was demoted back down to makushita. He changed his shikona to "Midorikuni" (緑國) in January 1942 and was promoted back to juryo in May 1942. He reached makuuchi in May 1943.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Midorikuni finished with an 8-7 record in his top division debut and was promoted to a career-best maegashira 9 in January 1944. He was ranked in makuuchi for 13 tournaments, wrestling mainly in the lower-maegashira ranks. Upon falling back down to juryo in January 1951, Midorikuni retired from sumo.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, Midorikuni remained in sumo as an elder of the Japan Sumo Association, working as a coach at Tatsunami stable under the name Hakkaku Oyakata.

### **Death**

Midorikuni died on September 11, 1981, at the age of 62 due to heart failure.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 157-167-13/323 (34 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 67-91-13/157 (13 basho)
* **Juryo:** 42-43/85 (8 basho)
* **Makushita:** 28-20/48 (6 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 12-9/21 (3 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 4-2/6 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-2/6 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Midorimatsu Masao (1935.05 - 1941.05)
* Midorikuni Masao (1942.01 - 1951.01)

## **Sources**

* Midorikuni Masao Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Midorikuni Masao Rikishi Information
Raiho Shintaro

Raiho Shintaro - 雷鵬 晋太郎 (born May 21, 1997) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Fujinomiya, Shizuoka. He made his debut in July 2021 and currently wrestles for Miyagino stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 43.

## **Early Life**

Shintaro Watanabe was born on May 21, 1997, in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka. He attended Nippon Sport Science University where he was a member of the school's sumo club. In 2017, he won the All Japan College Weight category championships -85 kg class. After graduating university, he continue to wrestle amateur sumo on the world stage while working at a local company in Shizuoka. He later received an invite into Miyagino stable by Yokozuna Hakuho which he accepted.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in July 2021 and was given the shikona "Raiho" (雷鵬). He missed his first official tournament in September 2021 due to COVID-19 outbreak in his stable. Nevertheless, he followed with four strong winning records and was promoted to makushita in July 2022. At the time of his makushita debut, Raiho had not posted a single losing record, however, he finished with a 3-4 record in his first makushita tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Raiho is a skilled technician who relies on his small size and speed to out maneuver his opponents. He is most fond of employing uchigake (inside leg trip). Raiho also regularly employs hatakikomi (slap down), shitatedashinage (pulling underarm throw) and shitatenage (underarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 55-36-7/91 (15 basho)
* **Makushita:** 24-25/49 (7 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 19-9/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1-7/7 (2 basho)

## **Gallery**

Raiho gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2021)Raiho receives advice from Miyagino Oyakata (c. 2022)Raiho prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2022)Raiho defeats Toshoyama (c. 2023)Raiho defeats Hodaka (c. 2023)Raiho trips and defeats the much larger Dewanojo (c. 2023)
## **Sources**

* Raiho Shintaro Rikishi Information
* Nikkan Sports Article on Raiho
Mitotsukasa Toshihiro

Mitotsukasa Toshihiro - 水戸司 俊洋 (born September 11, 1987) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Mito, Ibaraki. He made his debut in March 2009 and wrestled for Irumagawa stable. His highest rank was makushita 39 and he retired in November 2021.

## **Early Life**

Toshihiro Asai was born on September 11, 1987, in Mito, Ibaraki. He began sumo wrestling during his fourth year in elementary school. He belonged to his junior high school's sumo club and in his third year, he reached the best 64 at the National Junior High School Championship. He went on to attend Toyo University Senior High School where he continue to produce strong results on the high school sumo scene. After high school, he enrolled at Senshu University's Department of Economics and was also a member of the sumo club. He later dropped out during his third year to join Irumagawa stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2009 and wrestled under his surname "Asai" (浅井). He breezed through the first two divisions but struggled in sandanme. He reached the makushita division in September 2012 after three years in sandanme. Upon promotion to makushita, he was given the shikona "Mitotsukasa" (水戸司). However, he was unable to establish himself in makushita and mainly wrestled in the sandanme division. He retired from sumo in November 2021.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 249-233-36/481 (75 basho)
* **Makushita:** 27-54-3/81 (12 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 197-169-33/365 (57 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 20-8/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Asai Toshihiro (2009.03 - 2012.07)
* Mitotsukasa Toshihiro (2012.09 - 2021.11)

## **Gallery**

Mitotsukasa defeats the future Oho (c. 2019)Mitotsukasa prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2020)Mitotsukasa's retirement ceremony (c. 2023)

## **Sources**

* Mitotsukasa Toshihiro Rikishi Information
* Ameba Blog Post on Mitotsukasa
Matsuyama University

Matsuyama University (松山大学, *Matsuyama daigaku*) is a private university in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. The predecessor of the school was founded in 1923, and it was chartered as a university in 1949. The present name was adopted in 1989.

The University has a sumo club. As of 2023, Himekatsuyama is the only member of Matsuyama University's sumo club to turn professional.

## **List**

**List of All Sumo Wrestlers from Matsuyama University**
Otohira Hirokichi

Otohira Hirokichi - 大戸平 廣吉 (born September 13, 1866 - March 13, 1916) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Miyagi District, Mutsu. He made his debut in May 1895 and wrestled for Oguruma stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1891 and has two kinboshi and two top division championships. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in January 1899.

## **Early Life**

Hirokichi Ota was born the second son of a farmer in Miyagi District, Mutsu Province (currently Sendai, Miyagi). Since he was a child, he had a strong muscular body and participated in local amateur sumo tournaments. After moving to Tokyo, he joined Oguruma stable with the help of an acquintance.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He made his professional debut in May 1885 and was given the shikona "Otohira" (大戸平). He reached juryo in May 1890 and makuuchi in May 1890. He earned two kinboshi, both were against yokozuna Konishiki I. In January 1892, he finished with a strong 7-2-1 record which was the equivalent of his first championship, however, championships were not official until 1909 and he just finished with the best record. He was promoted to sekiwake for the following June 1892 tournament where he finished with a 6-1-1-2hold record. He was promoted to ozeki for the following January 1893 tournament after only three tournaments in makuuchi.

### **Ozeki Career**

In his ozeki debut, Otohira finished with a strong 8-0-1-1hold record which was the equivalent of winning his second championship. However, Otohira was an avid drinker which damaged his sumo performance and he constantly sat out from tournaments. He was eventually demoted to sekiwake in May 1897 and retired shortly after in January 1899.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo he remained in the sumo world and inherited Oguruma stable. At the time, sumo wrestling venues were held at Eko-in temple, however, since it was outdoors, they could only wrestle during sunny days, so Oguruma and Ikazuchi (the 15th yokozuna Umegatani I) were named to a construction committee. After construction of the stadium was completed in 1909, Otohira named it the Kokugikan, meaning "Stadium of the National Sport".

He died on March 13, 1916, at the age of 49.

## **Fighting Style**

Otohira 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). He was fond of emplyoying yori, or forcing, techniques.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 73-26-72-3draws-3holds/105 (18 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 59-23-72-3draws-3holds/88 (16 basho)
* **Juryo:** 14-3/17 (2 basho)

### **Championships**

* 2 Unofficial **Makuuchi** Championships
	+ 1st (January 1892)
	+ 2nd (January 1893)

## **Gallery**

Photograph of Otohira with his kesho-mawashi (c. 1896)
## **Sources**

* Otohira Hirokichi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Otohira Hirokichi Rikishi Information
Nagoya University

Nagoya University (名古屋大学, *Nagoya daigaku*), abbreviated to *Meidai* (名大) or NU, is a Japanese national research university located in Chikusa-ku, Nagoya. It was the seventh Imperial University in Japan, one of the first five Designated National University and selected as a Top Type university of Top Global University Project by the Japanese government. It is the 3rd highest ranked higher education institution in Japan (84th worldwide).

The University has a sumo club. In September 2006, engineering student Shuichi Tanaka joined Chiganoura stable to become the first wrestler from Nagoya University as well as an imperial university to join professional sumo.

## **List**

**List of All Sumo Wrestlers from Nagoya University**
Omisaki Otoemon

Omisaki Otoemon - 大見崎 音右エ門 (born unknown - August 3, 1814) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Sendai, Miyagi. He made his debut in November 1801 and wrestled for Hidenoyama stable. He reached the makuuchi division in November 1801. His highest rank was ozeki and he died while as an active wrestler in August 1814.

## **Career**

Born in Sendai, Miyagi, Tokuda joined Hidenoyama stable in 1801. Standing at 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in), he was immensely taller than his Japanese compatriates at the time and made his debut at ozeki due to his size alone. He initailly wrestled under the shikona "Sekinoto Otoemon" (関之戸 音右エ門) before changing it to "Omisaki Otoemon" (大見崎 音右エ門) in 1802. He was demoted from ozeki in November 1802 and wrestled mainly at the san'yaku ranks for the remainder of his career. He returned to ozeki twelve years later in April 1814, but could only manage one win. He died shortly after on August 3, 1814, while still an active wrestler.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 57-24-70-3draws-1hold-6no results/91 (17 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 57-24-70-3draws-1hold-6no results/91 (17 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Sekinoto Otoemon (1801.11 - 1802.01)
* Omisaki Otoemon (1802.11 - 1812.04)
* Omisaki Joemon (1812.11 - 1814.04)

## **Gallery**

19th century woodblock print of ozeki Omisaki Otoemon
## **Sources**

* Omisaki Otoemon Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Omisaki Otoemon Rikishi Information
Ryuji (yobidashi)

Ryuji - 隆二 (born July 23, 1970) is a Japanese professional sumo usher from Yokosuka, Kanagawa. He was recruited and debuted in the March 1986 tournament and he belongs to Miyagino stable. He reached the Makuuchi rank in September 2002.

## **Career**

* March 1986 - Had his ring debut under Miyagino stable
* July 1994 - Promoted to Sandanme yobidashi
* January 1995 - Promoted to Makushita yobidashi
* January 1997 - Promoted to Juryo yobidashi
* September 2002 - Promoted to Makuuchi yobidashi

## **Sources**

* Ryuji (yobidashi) Japanese Wikipedia Article
* JSA Ryuji Personal Page
Nagoya Keizai University

Nagoya Keizai University (名古屋経済大学, *Nagoya keizai daigaku*) is a private university in Inuyama, Aichi, Japan. The predecessor of the school, a junior college, was founded in 1965. The present name was adopted in 1983.

The university has a sumo club which was established by Lucas Kazuo Iima. After graduating from university, Iima joined Ajigawa stable to become the first professional sumo wrestler from Nagoya Keizai University.

## **List**

* Names in **bold** indicate a still active wrestler.

**List of All Sumo Wrestlers from Nagoya Keizai University**
Sadogatake Stable (Edo period)

Sadogatake stable (佐渡ヶ嶽部屋, Sadogatake-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers which was established in the Edo period and it closed down in 1924.

## **History**

Sadogatake stable had a long history, dating back to the Meiwa period. It was home to the 7th Yokozuna Inazuma Raigoro. It closed down in 1924 after the ninth Sadogatake Oyakata (former maegashira Tamanogawa Wakitaro) passed away.

It was revived in 1929 but closed in 1946 (*see Sadogatake stable (1929) for more information*). It was revived in 1955 and has become one of the strongest active stables (*see Sadogatake stable for more information*).

## **Owners**

* 1911-1924: 9th Sadogatake (former maegashira Tamanogawa)
* 1893-1907: 8th Sadogatake (former makushita Masaki)
* 1870-1890: 7th Sadogatake (former juryo Togamiyama)
* 1856-1869: 6th Sadogatake (Chimoto Chunosuke - *unverified*)
* 1825-1855: 5th Sadogatake (former *unknown rank* Matsunoura)
* 1818-1824: 4th Sadogatake (former maegashira Kakehashi)
* 1802-1817: 3rd Sadogatake (former komusubi Sekinoto)
* 1791-1816: 2nd Sadogatake (former *unknown rank* Gohyakugatake)
* 1780-1790: 1st Sadogatake (former maegashira Sadogatake)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Inazuma (the 7th yokozuna)
* Otorii (former ozeki)
Oitekaze Stable (1938)

Oitekaze Stable (追手風部屋, Oitekaze-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Tatsunami ichimon or group of stables. It was established in January 1938 by former ozeki Shimizugawa of the Hatachiyama stable. It closed its doors in January 1965, and its staff transferred to Tatsunami stable.

## **History**

In January 1938, former ozeki Shimizugawa, who retired in May 1937, branched out from his Hatachiyama stable and took three wrestlers alongside him to established Oitekaze stable. He produced his first sekitori, Shimizugawa (who assumed his stablemaster's shikona) in 1947, Kiunzan in 1955, and Oiteyama in 1959. In January 1965, Oitekaze Oyakata (former ozeki Shimizugawa) reached the mandatory retirement age of 65, and with no apparent successor available, the stable closed down with all its staff transferring to Tatsunami stable.

## **Owners**

* 1938-1965: 8th Oitekaze (former ozeki Shimizugawa)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Shimizugawa (former komusubi)
* Oiteyama (former maegashira) - *transferred to Tatsunami stable*
* Kiunzan (former maegashira)
Nachinoyama Kimiharu

Nachinoyama Kimiharu - 那智ノ山 公晴 (born August 15, 1920 - December 20, 1994) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yata, Wakayama. He made his debut in May 1937 and last wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in September 1950. His highest rank was maegashira 19 and he retired in January 1958.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Born in the village of Yata (currently Hidakagawa city) in Wakayama prefecture, he was recruited into Dewanoumi stable by Yokozuna Musashiyama and he made his professional debut in May 1937. He won the sandanme yusho in January 1941, but was drafted into the Imperial Japanese Army prior to the next tournament. He fought in the Sino-Japanese war in Hubei Province, however, during his service, he severely injured his right thigh and was discharged shortly thereafter. He returned to sumo in January 1943, but struggled due to his right thigh and remained in makushita for another four years. After intense physical rehabilitation, he overcame his thigh injury and was promoted to juryo in June 1947.

### **Juryo Career**

Upon promotion to juryo, he was given the shikona "Nachinoyama" (那智ノ山). In his first tournament as a sekitori, he finished with a 5-5 record. In May 1950, he posted a 10-5 record at the rank of juryo 4 and was promoted to makuuchi for the following September 1950 tournament.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Nachinoyama posted a 7-8 record in his top division debut. However, in the following tournament he sprained his left ankle and pulled out of the tournament which resulted in a demotion back down to juryo. He never returned to makuuchi and he remained in the juryo for the remaining eight years of his career.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Upon retirement from active competition, he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association, under the name Minezaki. He worked as a teacher at the sumo training school and reached the Sumo Association's mandatory retirement age in 1985.

### **Death**

He died at a hospital in Ichikawa, Chiba, on December 22, 1994, due to malignant lymphoma. He was 74 years old.

## **Fighting Style**

Nachinoyama 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 omata, or thigh scooping body drop.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 308-326-14/634 (54 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 11-14-5/25 (2 basho)
* **Juryo:** 246-275/521 (36 basho)
* **Makushita:** 22-21-8/43 (8 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 20-12/32 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 4-2-1/6 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (January 1941)

## **Shikona History**

* Kashiwagi Sahei (1937.05 - 1943.05)
* Nachinoumi (1944.01 - 1946.11)
* Nachinoyama Kimiharu (1947.06 - 1958.01)

## **Sources**

* Nachinoyama Kimiharu Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Nachinoyama Kimiharu Rikishi Information
Oishida Kenji

Oishida Kenji - 大石田 謙治 (born October 2, 1961) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Sagamihara, Kanagawa. He made his debut in March 1977 and last wrestled for Taiho stable. He reached the juryo division in September 1990. His highest rank was juryo 13 and he retired in September 1993.

## **Career**

Ishida joined Taiho stable and made his professional debut in March 1977 and was given the shikona "Oishida" (大石田). He was promoted to sandanme in January 1979 and makushita in July 1982. In January 1985, he produced a strong 6-1 record and qualified for a seven-man playoff for the makushita yusho, but he lost in the second round to former sekitori Onohana. He briefly wrestled under the shikona "Omitsuru" (大美鶴) in 1986 before reverting back to Oishida. In May 1989 he changed his shikona to "Daiyu" (太遊) but after a slew of bad results which resulted in a fall back down to sandanme, he reverted back to Oishida. After the shikona change, he immediately won the sandanme yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in January 1990 and spent three tournaments in makushita where he produced a 4-3, 5-2, and a 4-3 records before earning a promotion to juryo in September 1990.

In his sekitori debut Oishida won his first match against Tokitsunada by hikitoshi (pull down), but he went on to lose the following 13 matches. He won his last match against Saganobori but still finished with a poor 2-13 record.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Oishida eventually fell down to sandanme in November 1992 and he announced his retirement after the September 1993. At the time of retirement he only weighed 113 kg (249 Ib) which was 35 kg lighter than at his heaviest. After retirement, he ran a chankonabe restaurant in his hometown of Sagamihara, Kanagawa, but the restaurant closed down.

## **Fighting Style**

Oishida was proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His favored grip on his opponent's mawashi was hidari-yotsu, a right hand outside, left hand inside position. His most often used winning kimarite was hatakikomi (slap down), followed by yorikri (force out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 351-342-8/693 (100 basho)
* **Juryo:** 2-13/15 (1 basho)
* **Makushita:** 207-198-8/405 (59 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 104-99/203 (29 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 35-28/63 (9 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 3-4/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (January 1990)

## **Shikona History**

* Oishida Kenji (1977.03 - 1985.11)
* Omitsuru Kenji (1986.01 - 1986.05)
* Oishida Kenji (1986.07 - 1989.03)
* Daiyu Kenji (1989.05 - 1989.11)
* Oishida Kenji (1990.01 - 1993.09)

## **Gallery**

Oishida during the Juryo dohyo-iri (c. 1990)Oishida after retirement as a cook for his chankonabe restaurant
## **Sources**

* Oishida Kenji Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Oishida Kenji Rikishi Information
Mutsunosato Toshio

Mutsunosato Toshio - 陸奥ノ里 敏男 (born September 25, 1916 - date of death unknown) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ajigasawa, Aomori. He made his debut in May 1938 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1941. His highest rank was maegashira 6 and he retired in October 1948.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Yamaguchi initially joined the Kansai Sumo Assocition which was set up by former sekiwake Tenryu. Upon the closure of the Kansai Sumo Association in 1937, Yamaguchi transferred to the Japan Sumo Association and joined Dewanoumi stable. He made his debut in May 1938 and due to his previous professional sumo experience he made his debut at the makushita division under the shikona "Mutsunosato" (陸奥ノ里). After only two tournaments in makushita, he was promoted to juryo in May 1939. He continued to put up strong results and was promoted to makuuchi in January 1941.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Mutsunosato was able to establish himself in the top division and was promoted to a career-best maegashira 6 in May 1943. However, he was drafted for the military in 1944 and did not return to sumo until after the war in November 1945. He retired from sumo in October 1948.

## **Fighting Style**

Mutsunosato was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who preferred 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 utchari (backward pivot throw), uwatenage (overarm throw), shitatenage (underarm throw), and yorikiri (force out).

## **Records**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 116-98-26/214 (19 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 72-70-26/142 (13 basho)
* **Juryo:** 34-24/58 (4 basho)
* **Makushita:** 10-4/14 (2 basho)

## **Sources**

* Mutsunosato Toshio Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Mutsunosato Toshio Rikishi Information
Onoshima Shinichiro

Onoshima Shinichiro - 大ノ島 伸一郎 (born April 16, 1983) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Chichibu, Saitama. He made his debut in March 2006 and wrestled for Musashigawa stable. His highest rank was sandanme 32 and he retired in May 2008.

## **Early Life**

Shinichiro Oshima was born on April 16, 1983, in Chichibu, Saitama. He attended Daito Bunka University where he was a member of the school's sumo club. During his time in college, he did not win any major titles. After graduating, he joined Musashigawa stable alongside college teammate Mori.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2006 and was given the shikona "Onoshima" (大ノ島) which is derived from his surname. He finished with a winning record in his first five tournaments and was promoted to sandanme in January 2007. Onoshima struggled to make it out of sandanme and his highest rank was sandanme 32 which he earned in January 2008. He retired from sumo in May 2008.

## **Fighting Style**

Onoshima was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. His most common kimarite was yorikiri (force out), followed by yoritaoshi (frontal crush out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 43-34-14/77 (14 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 24-25-7/49 (8 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 14-7-7/21 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Onoshima Shinichiro (2006.03 - 2008.05)

## **Gallery**

Onoshima (right) with his college teammate Mori (c. 2006)
## **Sources**

* Onoshima Shinichiro Rikishi Information
* Shikoku News Article on Onoshima Joining Sumo
Oyashima Akira

Oyashima Akira - 大八洲 晃 (born March 10, 1906 - April 27, 1975) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Takaoka, Toyama. He made his debut in May 1927 and wrestled for Tatsunami stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1935. His highest rank was maegashira 10 and he retired in January 1939.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Takiji Higashizume initially started out as an actor for Shochiku before joining Tatsunami stable in 1927. He his professional debut in May 1927 under the shikona "Oyashima" (大八洲). He won the sandanme yusho in March 1930 with a perfect 6-0 record. During his time in makushita, stablemate Futabayama confessed to Oyashima that he could not see out of his right eye. This was kept a secret until Futabayama's retirement in 1945. Oyashima reached the juryo division in February 1932 and was promoted to makuuchi in January 1935.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Oyashima was ranked in the top division for six straight tournaments, reaching as high as maegashira 10 in May 1936. He was demoted back down to juryo in January 1938 and retired from sumo a year later in January 1939.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, he remained in sumo as an elder of the Japan Sumo Association, working as a coach at Tatsunami stable under the name Shiratama Oyakata. He reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 in 1971. Upon leaving the sumo world, he wrote articles about horse racing for sports newspapers.

## **Fighting Style**

Oyashima 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 yoritaoshi, or crush out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 92-104-1d/197 (19 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 29-39/68 (6 basho)
* **Juryo:** 57-65-1d/123 (11 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 6-0/6 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (March 1930)

## **Shikona History**

* Oyashima Takiji (1927.05 - 1932.01)
* Oyashima Akira (1932.02 - 1939.01)

## **Gallery**

Oyashima poses with his kesho-mawashiOyashima poses with his kesho-mawashiOyashima's tegata
## **Sources**

* Oyashima Akira Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Oyashima Akira Rikishi Information
Oryokko Toemon

Oryokko Toemon - 鴨緑江 渡右衛門 (born March 17, 1866 - March 19, 1938) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Mikamo, Tokushima. He made his debut in 1892 and wrestled for Musashigawa stable. His highest rank was makushita 4 and he retired in January 1916.

## **Early Life**

Taoka was born in Awa Province's Miyoshi District (modern day Mikamo, Tokushima) on March 17, 1866. After working as a combat engineer in Hiroshima, he joined Musashigawa stable in 1892.

## **Career**

He made his debut in 1892 and initially wrestled under the shikona "Kumahibiki" (熊響). In 1894, he was drafted for the First Sino-Japanese War where he served at the Korean Peninsula and he used his engineering background to defend of military bridges at the Yalu River. He later received a letter of appreciation from a commander and when the commander leaned that he was a sumo wrestler, he recommended that he change his shikona to "Oryokko" (鴨緑江), meaning the Yalu River. After the war, he returned to sumo and wrestled in makushita, reaching as high as makushita 4. In October 1904, he was drafted for the Russo-Japanese War and was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure for his bravery during battles in Manchuria. He returned to sumo after the war and in February 1911, he obtained the Musashigawa elder stock and became the stablemaster of his stable while still an active wrestler. He retired from sumo in January 1916 at the age of 49.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, Oryokko remained in the Japan Sumo Association as an elder under the name Musashigawa. He served as the stablemaster of Musashigawa stable, but he was unable to produce any sekitori. He died on March 19, 1938, at the age of 72.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 0-0/0 (1 basho)
* **Makushita:** 0-0/0 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Oryokko's name appears on the January 1900 banzuke
## **Sources**

* Oryokko Toemon Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Oryokko Toemon Rikishi Information
Nishinofuji Katsuji

Nishinofuji Katsuji - 西の富士 勝治 (born September 4, 1959) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nango, Miyazaki. He made his debut in March 1975 and wrestled for Kokonoe stable. He reached the juryo division in July 1981. His highest rank was juryo 10 and he retired in January 1983.

## **Early Life**

Shimoda practiced kendo in elementary school before switching to judo in junior high school. He submitted an application to Chinzei High School in Kumamoto, but was approached by Izutsu Oyakata (the 52nd yokozuna Kitanofuji) and persuaded to join sumo. He joined Izutsu stable and made his professional debut in March 1975.

## **Career**

Shimoda was promoted to sandanme in March 1976 and makushita in September 1977. In the same year (1977) he transferred to Kokonoe stable. He changed his shikona to "Nishinofuji" (西の富士) in May 1978. After six years in the unsalaried ranks, he was promoted to juryo in July 1981 at the age of 21.

He made his juryo debut alongside the Fukuzono brothers Kakureizan and Sakahoko. In his first juryo tournament, he finished with a satisfactory 9-6 record and was promoted to the rank of juryo 10 in the following September 1981 tournament. However, he struggled in that tournament and finished with a disastrous 2-13 record, with his only wins coming against Tamanofuji and Kotonoryu. He was demoted back down to makushita in the following tournament. After falling down to sandanme in November 1982, he announced his retirement after the following January 1983 tournament at the age of 23.

## **Fighting Style**

Nishinofuji 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:** 180-158-7/338 (48 basho)
* **Juryo:** 11-19/30 (2 basho)
* **Makushita:** 107-96-7/203 (30 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 40-30/70 (10 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 18-10/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Shimoda (1975.03 - 1978.03)
* Nishinofuji Katsuji (1978.05 - 1978.11)
* Shimoda (1979.01 - 1979.01)
* Nishinofuji Katsuji (1979.03 - 1983.01)

## **Gallery**

Nishinofuji during the juryo dohyo-iri (c. 1981)
## **Sources**

* Nishinofuji Katsuji Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Nishinofuji Katsuji Rikishi Information
Minatogawa Stable

Minatogawa Stable (湊川部屋, Minatogawa-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Nishonoseki ichimon or group of stables. The most recent re-incarnation was established before 1927 by former sekiwake Ayanami of the Oitekaze stable. It closed its doors in October 1964, and its staff transferred to Nishonoseki stable.

## **History**

The stable was established in its most recent form in 1927, however, the stable can be traced back to 1853 when it was first established before closing down in 1890. It was revived during a time ranging from 1916 to 1927 by former sekiwake Ayanami, but the stable closed down in October 1927 due to the death of Minatogawa oyakata. The stable was revived again by former maegashira Ayanishiki in May 1929 before the stable shut down in 1947. It was revived for a third time in May 1953 by former maegashira Tokachiiwa and it ran until October 1964, with all its staff transferring to Nishonoseki stable.

## **Owners**

* 1953-1964: 10th Minatogawa (former maegashira Tokachiiwa)
* 1947-1953: vacant
* 1929-1947: 9th Minatogawa (former maegashira Ayanishiki)
* 1927-1929: vacant
* 1927-1927: 8th Minatogawa (former sekiwake Ayanami)
* 1890-1927: vacant
* 1863-1890: 5th Minatogawa (former maegashira Minatogawa)
* 1853-1863: 4th Minatogawa (former makushita Fujinoto)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Kaneminato (former maegashira)
* Ayanishiki (former maegashira)
* Dairyu (former maegashira) - *transferred from Nishonoseki stable*
Saganoumi Terukazu

Saganoumi Terukazu - 佐賀ノ海 輝一 (born October 20, 1945 - October 3, 1999) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Morodomi, Saga. He made his debut in November 1965 and last wrestled for Kimigahama stable. He reached the juryo division in July 1972. His highest rank was juryo 11 and he retired in September 1975.

## **Baseball Career**

Haji attended Saga Prefectural Saga Industrial High School where he played for the baseball club. After graduating, he signed a professional contract with the Kintetsu Buffaloes of the Nippon Professional Baseball League in 1964. He played the position of pitcher, however, after two years he left the team without pitching a single baseball.

## **Sumo Career**

After leaving the Kintetsu Buffaloes, Haji joined professional sumo, making his debut in November 1965 and wrestling for Izutsu stable. He initially wrestled under his surname before switching to "Saganoumi" (佐賀ノ海) in November 1968. He was promoted to sandanme in September 1966 and makushita in May 1970. In March 1972, he transferred to the recently established Kimigahama stable and in May 1972, he produced a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 3 to earn a promotion to the salaried juryo division.

He made his juryo debut in July 1972, but could only manage a 3-12 record and was demoted back down to makushita. He changed his shikona back to his surname in January 1973 and returned to juryo in March 1975, but finished with a 6-9 record and was demoted back down to makushita. He announced his retirement after the September 1975 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, he opened up a chanko restaurant in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, called "Haji" (土師), which was his surname as well as his shikona at one point.

### **Death**

Saganoumi died on October 3, 1999, due to a traffic accident. He was 53 years old.

## **Fighting Style**

Saganoumi 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. He was also fond of employing uwatenage, or overarm throw.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 223-199-7/422 (60 basho)
* **Juryo:** 9-21/30 (2 basho)
* **Makushita:** 119-91-7/210 (31 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 69-71/140 (20 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 22-13/35 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Haji (1965.11 - 1968.09)
* Saganoumi Terukazu (1968.11 - 1972.11)
* Haji Kazuo (1973.01 - 1975.09)

## **Gallery**

Saganoumi launches at his opponent during a training sessionSaganoumi was a professional baseball player (c. 1967)
## **Sources**

* Saganoumi Terukazu Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Saganoumi Terukazu Rikishi Information
Narutaki Kazuki

Narutaki Kazuki - 鳴滝 翔月 (born November 13, 1998) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kyoto City, Kyoto. He made his debut in November 2016 and currently wrestles for Isenoumi stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 10.

## **Early Life**

Although he played baseball in elementary school, Hanai was invited by an advisor of the sumo club at Kyoto Municipal Saga Junior High School. Hanai accepted the invitation and began sumo wrestling during his first year of junior high school.

During his time at Hiyoshigaoka High School, Hanai made top 32 at the National High School Sumo Championship during his first and third year. After graduating high school, he joined Isenoumi stable because his brother was already a wrestler in the stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in November 2016 and was given the shikona "Narutaki" (鳴滝) which had been used by three makuuchi wrestlers in the Edo period. He finished with a 6-1 record in his first tournament, but missed out on the jonokuchi yusho after losing to Wakayama in the playoff. In September 2017, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record and won the jonidan yusho. He reached the makushita division in January 2019. In May 2021, he ruptured the muscle in his right arm and had to sit out of two tournaments which resulted in a drop back down to sandanme. Nevertheless, he returned to makushita in January 2022.

## **Family**

Narutaki's older brother, Yuto Hanai, is also a professional sumo wrestler at Isenoumi stable. He wrestles under the shikona "Kyonosato" (京の里) and has not made it pass the jonidan division.

## **Fighting Style**

Narutaki 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:** 156-121-10/275 (42 basho)
* **Makushita:** 84-81-3/163 (24 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 51-33-7/84 (13 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 15-6/21 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (September 2017)

## **Gallery**

Narutaki gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2016)Narutaki prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2017)Narutaki after winning the Jonidan Yusho (c. 2017)Narutaki with his brother Kyonosato (c. 2019)Narutaki loses the Sandanme Yusho match (c. 2021)Narutaki battles Kototebakari (c. 2022)
## **Sources**

* Narutaki Kazuki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Narutaki Kazuki Rikishi Information
Ryugi Takaaki

Ryugi Takaaki - 龍巍 生明 (born June 17, 1976) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Takahashi, Okayama. He made his debut in March 1992 and wrestled for Hanaregoma stable. His highest rank was makushita 2 and he retired in September 2009.

## **Career**

Toshiaki Moriyasu joined Hanaregoma stable and made his professional debut in March 1992 under the shikona "Mizuno" (水野). In March 1993, he was given the new shikona "Kaishozan" (魁松山). In March 1996, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record, but missed out on the jonidan yusho after losing to Asaota in the playoff.

He reached the makushita division in November 1999, but was unable to fully establish himself in makushita until November 2003. In September 2004, he finished with a 4-3 record at the rank of makushita 4 and was promoted to makushita 2 for the following November 2004 tournament. However, in this tournament, he finished with a 2-5 record and was unable to capitalize on a juryo promotion. Nevertheless, he still defeated juryo-ranked Hamanishiki on the 14th day.

In July 2005, he was given the new shikona "Ryugi" (龍巍). He remained in makushita for the remainder of his career and retired from sumo in September 2009.

## **Fighting Style**

Ryugi 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 (force out) and uwatenage (overarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 374-354-7/728 (106 basho)
* **Makushita:** 187-184-7/371 (54 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 96-93/189 (27 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 79-68/147 (21 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 12-9/21 (3 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Mizuno Toshiaki (1992.03 - 1993.01)
* Kaishozan Takaaki (1993.03 - 2005.05)
* Ryugi Takaaki (2005.07 - 2009.09)

## **Sources**

* Ryugi Takaaki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ryugi Takaaki Rikishi Information
Mori Tatsuo

Mori Tatsuo - 毛利 辰生 (born August 24, 1983) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nakatsu, Oita. He made his debut in March 2006 and wrestled for Musashigawa stable. His highest rank was makushita 27 and he retired in September 2008.

## **Early Life**

Tatsuo Mori was born on August 24, 1983, in Nakatsu, Oita. After graduating from Oita Prefectural Nakatsu Technical High School, he enrolled at Daito Bunka University where he was a member of the sumo club. During his time in college, he did not win any major titles. After graduating university, he joined Musashigawa stable alongside college teammate Onoshima.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2006 and wrestled under his surname "Mori" (毛利). He finished with a winning record in his first five tournaments. He was promoted to makushita in March 2008 and at the time had only posted one losing record (excluding the July 2007 tournament which he missed). He reached a career-best makushita 27 in July 2008.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Mori abruptly retired from sumo in March 2006 due to heart problems. After consulting several doctors, Mori retired from sumo after only two years in professional sumo. After retiring, he opened a chicken restaurant called "Karaage/Karaichi Yamagata Sohonten" (からあげ・からいち 山形総本店) in Yonezawa, Yamagata.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 60-32-13/91 (16 basho)
* **Makushita:** 12-9-7/21 (4 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 36-21-6/56 (9 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Mori prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2008)
## **Sources**

* Mori Tatsuo Rikishi Information
* Sumoforum Thread on Aki 2008 Retirements
* Shikoku News Article on Mori Joining Sumo
Kimura Kankuro

Kimura Kankuro - 木村 勘九郎 (born December 25, 1977) is a Japanese professional sumo referee from Kuma, Kumamoto. He was recruited and debuted in the May 1993 tournament and he belongs to Yamahibiki stable. He reached the Juryo rank in November 2014.

## **Career**

* May 1993 - Had his ring debut under Kitanoumi stable
* July 1993 - Promoted to Jonokuchi-kaku gyoji and took on the name Kimura Yoshimi (木村 佳己)
* November 1994 - Changed his ringname to Kimura Toshinosuke (木村 歳之助)
* January 1995 - Promoted to Jonidan-kaku gyoji
* January 2000 - Promoted to Sandanme-kaku gyoji
* September 2000 - Changed his ringname to Kimura Kankuro (木村 勘九郎)
* January 2007 - Promoted to Makushita-kaku gyoji
* November 2014 - Promoted to Juryo-kaku gyoji

## **Shikona History**

Kimura Yoshimi (木村 佳己) → Kimura Toshinosuke (木村 歳之助) → Kimura Kankuro (木村 勘九郎)

## **Sources**

* Kimura Kankuro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* JSA Kimura Kankuro Personal Page