recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Asaarashi Daizaburo

Asaarashi Daizaburo - 朝嵐 大三郎 (born July 8, 1943 - April 2, 2023) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Fukui City, Fukui. He made his debut in March 1959 and wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1969. His highest rank was maegashira 12 and he retired in March 1973.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

After graduating from junior high school in Osaka city, he moved to Tokyo and joined Takasago stable. He made his professional debut in May 1959 and was given the shikona "Asahibiki" (朝響). He was promoted to sandanme in November 1961 and makushita in November 1962. In May 1964, he changed his shikona to "Asaarashi" (朝嵐). In May 1966, he produced a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 2 and was promoted to juryo in July 1966.

### **Juryo Career**

Asaarashi was unable to establish himself in juryo until his fourth attempt in September 1968. After four consecutive winning records, he was promoted to makuuchi in May 1969.

### **Makuuchi Career**

In his makuuchi debut, Asaarashi could only manage a 5-10 record and was demoted back down to juryo. This proved to be his only tournament ranked in the top division.

### **Later Career**

He remained in juryo for majority of his later career, however, he was demoted back down to makushita in May 1971. He eventually returned to juryo in November 1971, but was unable to return to the top makuuchi division.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Upon retirement from active competition, he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association, under the name Takadagawa. He later acquired the Furiwake name (currently owned by Takamisakari) and reached the Sumo Association's mandatory retirement age in July 2008.

After leaving the sumo world, he published his autobiography in January 2010 called "大相撲 型破り交遊録".

### **Death**

Asaarashi died of a heart attack on April 2, 2023 at the Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center in Koshigaya, Saitama. He was 79 years old.

## **Fighting Style**

Asaarashi 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:** 403-425-7/828 (84 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 5-10/15 (1 basho)
* **Juryo:** 209-256/465 (31 basho)
* **Makushita:** 121-89-7/210 (31 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 26-16/42 (6 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 34-46/80 (11 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 8-8/16 (2 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Sasaki (1959.03 - 1959.07)
* Asahibiki (1959.09 - 1964.03)
* Asaarashi Daizaburo (1964.05 - 1973.03)

## **Gallery**

Asaarashi battles future Ozeki Takanohana in Juryo (c. 1968)Asaarashi poses with his kesho-mawashiAsaarashi goes for a strollAsaarashi after retirement as Furiwake Oyakata (c. 1985)Asaarashi's autobiography, 大相撲 型破り交遊録
## **Sources**

* Asaarashi Daizaburo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Asaarashi Daizaburo Rikishi Information
Akashiumi Hideaki

Akashiumi Hideaki - 明石海 秀昭 (born February 6, 1940) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Akashi, Hyogo. He made his debut in May 1956 and last wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the juryo division in May 1962. His highest rank was juryo 11 and he retired in January 1967.

## **Career**

Born in Akashi, Hyogo, Fujimoto joined Dewanoumi stable and made his professional debut in May 1956. Initially wrestling under his surname, he was later given the shikona "Akashiumi" (明石海) in May 1957. In July 1958 he won the sandanme yusho with a perfect 8-0 record and was promoted to makushita in September 1958. He was promoted to juryo in May 1962, but struggled and could only last four tournaments. He retired from sumo in January 1967.

## **Fighting Style**

Akashiumi 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:** 226-203-47/427 (62 basho)
* **Juryo:** 24-22-14/44 (4 basho)
* **Makushita:** 154-139-26/293 (44 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 27-28-7/55 (8 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 16-8/24 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-4/8 (1 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 1-2/3 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (July 1958)

## **Shikona History**

* Fujimoto Hideaki (1956.05 - 1957.03)
* Akashiumi Hideaki (1957.05 - 1967.01)

## **Sources**

* Akashiumi Hideaki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Akashiumi Hideaki Rikishi Information
Daishoma Takahito

Daishoma Takahito - 大翔馬 和侍 (born January 12, 1979) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nakamura, Kochi. He made his debut in January 2001 and wrestled for Oitekaze stable. His highest rank was makushita 4 and he retired in January 2009.

## **Early Life**

Saeki attended Saitama Sakae High School where he was captain of the school's sumo club. He then attended Nihon University where he served as the vice-captain of the sumo club during his final year at the school. Just before graduation, he felt that the social studies teacher's employment exam was more difficult than he expected, so he gave up on the teaching profession and joined Oitekaze stable instead.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in January 2001 and was given the shikona "Daishoma" (大翔馬). He finished with a 6-1 record in his first tournament, with his only lost coming against Ama. He followed by claiming the jonidan yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in May 2001. In the July 2001 tournament, he missed out on the sandanme yusho after losing his final match to Kainowaka. Nevertheless, he followed with a 6-1 record and was promoted to makushita in November 2001.

In September 2005, he reached a career-best rank of makushita 4, but failed to capitalize on a juryo promotion after losing an exchange match to juryo-ranked Ryuho. He returned to the rank of makushita 4 in January 2006, but he finished with a 2-5 record. Prior to the March 2008 tournament, Daishoma suffered a neck fracture during training and had to miss the following three tournaments. This resulted in a fall back down to jonidan and he retired shortly after in January 2009.

## **Personal Life**

* Daishoma's family runs an izakaya. a type of informal Japanese bar.
* Daishoma has a high school social studies teacher license.
* He wrestled a total of three matches in juryo, defeating Wakakirin in January 2006, but losing to Takanotsuru and Ryuho in September 2005.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 175-140-21/315 (49 basho)
* **Makushita:** 132-127-7/259 (38 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 24-11-14/35 (7 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 13-1/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Daishoma prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2005)
## **Sources**

* Daishoma Takahito Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Daishoma Takahito Rikishi Information
Hienriki Keisuke

Hienriki Keisuke - 飛燕力 敬介 (born March 6, 1983) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tsubame, Niigata. He made his debut in March 1998 and currently wrestles for Oshiogawa stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 29.

## **Career**

Kikkawa joined Oshiogawa stable and made his debut in March 1998 shortly after his 15th birthday. He made his professional debut alongside Hayateumi, Tamanoshima, Kitataiki, and Tamaasuka. In July 1999, he finished with a 6-1 record in jonokuchi and was placed in a six-man playoff for the yusho, however, he lost to eventual yusho winner Hasegawa in the final round.

He reached the sandanme division in September 2002, but was only ranked there for one tournament. In March 2003, he was given the shikona "Hienriki" (飛燕力). In March 2005, he transferred to Oguruma stable upon the closure of Oshiogawa stable.

In July 2014, Hienriki won his first six matches and was aiming for the sandanme yusho. On the 13th day, he defeated Abiko, who was on 20 match win streak since his entry into sumo, to claim the championship. He was promoted to makushita for the following September 2014 tournament, however, he finished with a 1-6 record in this tournament and was demoted back down to sandanme. This proved to be his only tournament in makushita.

Following the closure of Oguruma stable in January 2022, he moved to Oshiogawa stable in February 2022. As of 2023, he is the only remaining active wrestler to wrestle for the original Oshiogawa stable.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 519-541-4/1059 (153 basho)
* **Makushita:** 1-6/7 (1 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 261-288-4/548 (79 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 237-232/469 (67 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 20-15/35 (5 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (July 2014)

## **Shikona History**

* Kikkawa Keisuke (1998.03 - 2003.01)
* Hienriki Keisuke (2003.03 - )

## **Gallery**

Hienriki prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2009)Hienriki wins the Sandanme Yusho (c. 2014)Hienriki receives the Sandanme Yusho certificate (c. 2014)
## **Sources**

* Hienriki Keisuke Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Hienriki Keisuke Rikishi Information
Akiasahi Masashi

Akiasahi Masashi - 安芸旭 雅士 (born June 11, 1964) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Fuchu, Hiroshima. He made his debut in March 1983 and wrestled for Oshima stable. His highest rank was jonidan 18 and he retired in May 2005.

## **Career**

After graduating high school, Saraumi joined Oshima stable and made his professional debut in March 1983 under the shikona "Akiasahi" (安芸旭). He reached jonidan in January 1984, however, he was never able to overcome the division. In September 1992, he defeated future sekiwake Takanowaka on the 13th day to finish with a strong 6-1 record and was promoted to a career-best jonidan 18 for the following November 1992 tournament. However, after that he suffered many injuries such as cervical spine injuries and wrestled mainly in jonokuchi and lower jonidan. He was known for his chankonabe which was well received by many guests at Oshima stable.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Akiasahi retired from sumo in May 2005 at the age of 40 years and 10 months. After retiring, he briefly worked as the manager of Oshima stable. In September 2006, he opened up his restaurant, "Sozaiya Gocchan" (素材屋ごっちゃん) in Shibuya, Tokyo's Sasazuka district. The restaurant closed in September 2010 and he went on to work for chanko restaurant "Rikishi Ryouriizakaya Kinnabe" (力士料理金鍋) in Tsu, Mie.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 394-524-13/917 (134 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 260-392-13/652 (95 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 134-132/265 (38 basho)

## **Gallery**

Akiasahi (left) with stablemate Kyokukoyama
## **Sources**

* Akiasahi Masashi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Akiasahi Masashi Rikishi Information
Hirotsukasa Kodai

Hirotsukasa Kodai - 大司 航大 (born August 30, 1992) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Okazaki, Aichi. He made his debut in March 2015 and wrestled for Irumagawa stable. His highest rank was makushita 49 and he retired in September 2017.

## **Early Life**

Kodai Ota was born on August 30, 1992, in Okazaki, Aichi. He began sumo wrestling when he was six years and was trained by his father. He attended Aikodai Meiden High School where he was a member of the school's sumo club. In his second year of high school, Ota and his school finished second at the Inter-High School Team Competition, losing to the powerhouse Saitama Sakae in the finals. After high school, he enrolled at Doshisha University and joined their sumo club as well. Upon graduating university, he joined Irumagawa stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2015 and was given the shikona "Hirotsukasa" (大司). In March 2015, he was aiming for the sandanme yusho and won his first six matches before losing his final match to Kiribayama. He was promoted to makushita in May 2016 and had not posted a single losing record at the time. He injured his knee in his first match in makushita against Oyanagi and had to withdraw from the tournament. As a result he was demoted back down to sandanme, but he returned to makushita in September 2016. Nevertheless, he was unable to establish himself in makushita and retired from sumo in September 2017.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Hirotsukasa became a street performer under the name Gocchanko. He has performed in many parts of Japan as well as countries such as the USA, Mexico, Australia, Tokyo, India, and Taiwan. His performance usually includes singing and rapping as well as challenging passersby to sumo matches. In September 2022, he appeared in a video posted by VICE called "The Violent World of Sumo Wrestling."

## **Fighting Style**

Hirotsukasa was an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. His most common kimarite used was a straightforward oshidashi, or push out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 55-36-14/91 (16 basho)
* **Makushita:** 3-5-6/8 (2 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 37-26-7/63 (10 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 10-4/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-1-1/6 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Hirotsukasa joins alongside other collegiate hopefuls (c. 2015)Hirotsukasa graduates from sumo school (c. 2015)Hirotsukasa prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2016)
## **Sources**

* Hirotsukasa Kodai Rikishi Information
* Prime Article on Hirotsukasa
Enatsukasa Kazuhiro

Enatsukasa Kazuhiro - 恵那司 千浩 (born July 9, 1979) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Akechi, Gifu. He made his debut in May 1995 and wrestled for Irumagawa stable. His highest rank was makushita 20 and he retired in May 2011.

## **Early Life**

Mizuno was born in the town of Akechi in Gifu prefecture on July 9, 1979. He lost his father at the age of two and he and his older brother were raised by his mother. In elementary school, he helped support his family by delivering newspapers.

## **Career**

After graduating junior high school, he joined Irumagawa stable. He made his professional debut in May 1995 and initially wrestled under his surname Mizuno. Upon promotion to sandanme in September 1998 he was given the shikona "Enatsukasa" (恵那司). He reached makushita in March 2000 and was promoted to a career-best makushita 20 in September 2004. Towards his later career, he wrestled mainly in sandanme with a few spells in jonidan. In January 2011, he finished with a strong 6-1 record and was promoted back to makushita for the March 2011 tournament for the first time since May 2007. However, this tournament was cancelled due to the 2011 match-fixing scandal for which he was involved in.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

In February 2011, Enatsukasa admitted to fixing or throwing bouts. Other wrestlers to confess were maegashira Chiyohakuho and Takenawa Oyakata (former maegashira Kasuganishiki). Enatsukasa acted as the go-between and would arrange some of the bouts. His retirement papers were accepted on April 2, 2011, and his danpatsu-shiki, or retirement ceremony, was held on April 23, 2011, alongside stablemate Masatsukasa who also participated in the match-fixing scandal.

In November 2011, he passed the Certificate for Students Achieving the Proficiency Level of Upper Secondary School Graduates examination and in April 2012, he enrolled at a vocational school in Inazawa, Aichi, with the aim of becoming a judo therapist. After graduating, he earned for qualifications for judo therapy, acupuncture, and shiatsu, and worked at a clinic until December 2018. After that, he opened up his own clinic called "Ena Acupuncture Orthopedic Clinic" (えな鍼灸接骨院) in Nagoya.

## **Fighting Style**

Enatsukasa 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 yorikiri (force out), followed by oshidashi (push out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 335-320-3/655 (95 basho)
* **Makushita:** 64-90/154 (22 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 189-168/357 (51 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 73-57-3/130 (19 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 9-5/14 (2 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Mizuno Kazuhiro (1995.05 - 1998.07)
* Enatsukasa Kazuhiro (1998.09 - 2011.05)

## **Gallery**

Enatsukasa prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2005)
## **Sources**

* Enatsukasa Kazuhiro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Enatsukasa Kazuhiro Rikishi Information
Asahiryu Katsuhiro

Asahiryu Katsuhiro - 朝日龍 克宗 (born April 22, 1995) is a former Mongolian professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar. He made his debut in March 2016 and last wrestled for Asahiyama stable. His highest rank was makushita 23 and he retired in January 2019.

## **Early Life**

Denzensambu was born and raised in Mongolia and he practiced judo from an early age. He was ranked second in judo at the age of sixteen in Mongolia. He went to Japan to study abroad at Tottori Johoku High School in 2013. He was a member of the school's strong sumo club and he won the group competition with his school and finished 3rd in the individual competition. Upon graduating high school, he got a job at Tottori Prefectural Sports Association. However, due to his eagerness to join professional sumo, he was recruited by Asahiyama oyakata (ex-sekiwake Kotonishiki) to join Oguruma stable.

## **Career**

He made his debut in March 2016 under the shikona "Asahiryu" (朝日龍). On June 1st, 2016, he transferred to the newly opened Asahiyama stable after his recruiter Asahiyama oyakata opened it. In his jonokuchi debut, he produced a strong 6-1 record and was promoted to jonidan. In the following tournament, Asahiryu was gunning for the jonidan yusho, but lost his last match to finish with a 6-1 record. He was promoted to sandanme in the following tournament where he won all seven matches, but lost the playoff match to former komusubi Jokoryu. In his makushita debut he was in contention for the yusho, but lost his last match to finish with a 6-1 record. Nonetheless, he was promoted to a career-best makushita 23. Due to his struggle to put on weight, Asahiryu struggled to accelerate farther up the competitive makushita rankings.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After sitting out of the January 2019 tournament, Asahiryu was guaranteed to fall back down to sandanme. He announced his retirement through twitter on January 26th, 2019. After retirement, he returned to Ulaanbaatar to help with the family business.

## **Personal Life**

* Asahiryu's hobbies are reading and listening to music.
* He served as yokozuna Harumafuji's tsukebito, or personal servant, from January 2017 to November 2017.

## **Fighting Style**

Asahiryu 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 was also fond of employing sotogake (outside leg trip) and uwatenage (overarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 63-42-7/105 (18 basho)
* **Makushita:** 44-40-7/84 (13 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Asahiryu gets recruited into Asahiyama stable (c. 2016)Asashiryu battles Shuji in sandanme (c. 2016)Asahiryu prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2017)Asahiryu loses the Makushita Yusho match (c. 2017)Asahiryu and fellow Mongolian Kiribayama (c. 2018)Asahiryu's retirement is announced (c. 2019)

## **Sources**

* Asahiryu Katsuhiro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Asahiryu Katsuhiro Rikishi Information
Furanshisu Manabu

Furanshisu Manabu - 冨蘭志壽 学 (born August 4, 1998) is a Filipino professional sumo wrestler from Laguna. He made his debut in March 2016 and currently wrestles for Shikihide stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is sandanme 52.

## **Early Life**

Teodoro Francis Robert Valles was born on August 4, 1998, in Province of Laguna, Philippines. He moved to Japan during his third year of elementary school and was raised in Fussa, Tokyo. Up until junior high school, Valles practiced judo and even won a district tournament. In 2016, his father called Shikihide stable and asked if his son could join the stable due to his son's love of the sport. Valles was accepted into the stable as the stable is known for its open-door policy.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2016 and was given the shikona "Furanshisu" (冨蘭志壽), which is meant to sound like his name Francis. In his first tournament Furanshisu posted a strong 5-2 record and was immediately promoted to jonidan. Initially, he struggled in jonidan, but after a stellar 6-1 record in July 2017, he earned promotion to the sandanme division for the following tournament. He could only produce two wins in his sandanme debut and was regulated back down to jonidan. He remained in jonidan for the next two years where he produced mixed result. He was promoted back to sandanme in September 2019, but was demoted back down to jonidan for one tournament. He returned to sandanme in January 2020 and has mainly remained in the division. In July 2021 he withdrew for the first time on the fourth day of the tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Furanshisu 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. He is also fond of employing oshidashi (push out), uwatenage (overarm throw) and shitatenage (underarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Divison Results**

* **Total:** 154-154-7/307 (46 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 49-65-5/113 (17 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 100-87-2/187 (27 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Furanshisu in maezumo (c. 2016)Furanshisu with his Oyakata, the former Kitazakura (c. 2016)Furanshisu battles future sekitori, Hoshoryu (c. 2018)Furanshisu prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2021)Furanshisu loses to Wakatanaka by osakate (c. 2023)

## **Sources**

* Furanshisu Manabu Rikishi Information
* Sumo Forum Thread on New Recruits Haru 2016
Fujinishiki Chiyokichi

Fujinishiki Chiyokichi - 藤錦 千代吉 (born January 9, 1920 - June 28, 1961) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Suttsu, Hokkaido. He made his debut in May 1938 and last wrestled for Nishonoseki stable. He reached the makuuchi division in October 1948. His highest rank was maegashira 18 and he retired in May 1950.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Fukuta joined Nishonoseki stable at the age of 18 and made his professional debut in May 1938 under the shikona "Fujinishiki" (藤錦). During his time in sandanme, he ended future yokozuna Chiyonoyama's winning streak from his entry into sumo. Moreover, Fujinishiki won two championships in sandanme even though he briefly served in the military in 1942. He was promoted to juryo in November 1945 and makuuchi in October 1948.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Fujinishiki struggled in makuuchi and after only two tournaments he was demoted back down to juryo. He never managed to return to the top division and spent majority of his later career in juryo. He retired from sumo in May 1950 to avoid an inevitable demotion to makushita.

## **Fighting Style**

Ryukozan 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 using throwing techniques.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 109-104-20/211 (25 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 8-16/24 (2 basho)
* **Juryo:** 47-55-13/100 (9 basho)
* **Makushita:** 18-14-7/32 (6 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 27-13/40 (5 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 5-3/8 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 2 **Sandanme** Championships
	+ 1st (May 1941)
	+ 2nd (May 1943)

## **Shikona History**

* Fujinishiki Chiyokichi (1938.05 - 1950.05)

## **Sources**

* Fujinishiki Chiyokichi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Fujinishiki Chiyokichi Rikishi Information
Daio Norihisa

Daio Norihisa - 大凰 紀久 (born May 16, 1969) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Katsushika, Tokyo. He made his debut in January 1992 and wrestled for Nishonoseki stable. His highest rank was makushita 27 and he retired in November 1994.

## **Early Life**

In the third, fourth, and sixth grade, Akimoto won the National Wanpaku Sumo Tournament to earn the title of Elementary School Yokozuna. He attended Meitoku Gijuku Junior and Senior 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 his second year, he made it to the top 16 at the All Japan Sumo Championship and top 8 at the National Student Sumo Championship. After graduating, he joined Nishonoseki stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in January 1992 and was given the shikona "Daio" (大凰). Due to his amateur achievements, he was granted makushita tsukedashi status, allowing him to make his debut at the bottom of makushita. Already nearing 200 kg (441 lb), he was expected to be a dominant force, however, he posted three consecutive 3-4 records in his first three tournaments and was relegated to mid-sandanme. He returned to makushita in May 1993 after an eight tournament absence and rose as high as makushita 27 in September 1993. However, he continued to struggle and retired from sumo in November 1994.

## **Fighting Style**

Daio was an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. His most common kimarite used was a straightforward oshidashi, or push out.

## **Personal Life**

* Daio's older brother, Hisao Akimoto, was also a professional sumo wrestler. His grandfather is also former juryo wrestler Oyodo Magotaro.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 60-59-7/119 (18 basho)
* **Makushita:** 18-31/49 (7 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 42-28-7/70 (11 basho)

## **Gallery**

Daio weighs himself upon joining sumo (c. 1992)
## **Sources**

* Daio Norihisa Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Daio Norihisa Rikishi Information
Anosho Yamato

Anosho Yamato - 安大翔 大和 (born March 2, 2005) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kurihara, Miyagi. He made his debut in May 2023 and currently wrestles for Ajigawa stable. His highest rank as of 2024 is makushita 57.

## **Early Life**

Yamato Suzuki was born the second of three siblings in Kurihara, Miyagi. Suzuki took a liking to sumo and started training in the third grade. While attending Aomori Sanbongi Agricultural High School, he was ranked in the top 8 at the National High School Sumo Championships. After high school, he was recruited into Ajigawa stable by Ajigawa Oyakata (former sekiwake Aminishiki).

## **Career**

He was given the shikona or ringname of "Anosho" (安大翔) and made an immediate impact in his debut. He won all 3 of his matches in maezumo and in the July 2023 tournament he won all his 7 bouts, including a win over makushita-experienced Sakurai, and subsequently took the jonokuchi yusho. He was promoted to jonidan in September 2023 where he would again win all his matches, placing him in a playoff on the final day against Oki. In the playoff Anosho defeated Oki by uwatedashinage, or pulling overarm throw, to claim his second divisional championship in a row, and subsequently earning promotion to the sandanme division for November 2023 tournament. He finished with a solid 5-2 record in November and was promoted to makushita for the January 2024 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Anosho is an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. His most common kimarite used are oshidashi (push out) and yorikiri (force out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 19-2/21 (4 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (September 2023)
* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (July 2023)

## **Gallery**

Yamato gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2023)Anosho during his time in Maezumo (c. 2023)Anosho defeats Masarufuji to win the Jonokuchi Yusho (c. 2023)Anosho defeats Oki to win the Jonidan Yusho (c. 2023)Anosho wins his first Jonidan Yusho (c. 2023)Anosho prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2024)
## **Sources**

* Anosho Yamato Rikishi Information
* Sponichi Article on Anosho
Edonohana Shigenobu

Edonohana Shigenobu - 江戸の華 重信 (born December 24, 1952 - December 28, 2006) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Koto, Tokyo. He made his debut in May 1968 and wrestled for Mihogaseki stable. His highest rank was sandanme 37 and he retired in September 1982.

## **Career**

Yamamoto joined Mihogaseki stable and made his professional debut in May 1968 and wrestled under the shikona "Edonohana" (江戸の華). He reached the sandanme division in November 1972 and his highest rank was sandanme 37 which he earned in November 1976. In November 1971, he finished with a 6-1 record and was placed into a three-way playoff for the jonidan yusho, but he missed out on the yusho after losing to Kuninofuji in the first round. In November 1973, he finished with a 6-1 record, but missed out on the jonidan yusho after losing the playoff. In July 1981, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record, but missed out on the jonidan yusho for the third time after losing to Tonekaze in the playoff.

Starting from the 6th day of the July 1975 tournament, he began performing the bow-twirling ceremony. He served as the bow-twirler until his retirement from sumo in September 1982. As of January 2022, he is the longest serving bow-twirler.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Edonohana retired from sumo in September 1982 after 14 years in the sport. After retiring, he ran a restaurant in Taiwan before moving back to Japan after six months. After returning to Japan, he was re-employed at hotel management company and he moved to Hawaii in 1986 to become a hotel manager. He returned to Japan in 1994 and ran a snack bar. After that, he bounced back and forth between different jobs until his death in 2006.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 258-306-17/564 (86 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 62-118-2/180 (26 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 189-181-8/370 (54 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-7-7/14 (3 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Yamamoto (1968.05 - 1968.09)
* Edonohana Shigenobu (1968.11 - 1982.09)

## **Gallery**

Edonohana performs the bow-twirling ceremony (c. 1979)
## **Sources**

* Edonohana Shigenobu Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Edonohana Shigenobu Rikishi Information
Daisharin Matsugoro

Daisharin Matsugoro - 大車輪 松五郎 (born September 25, 1949) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Komatsu, Ishikawa. He made his debut in May 1964 and last wrestled for Tokitsukaze stable. He reached the juryo division in March 1973. His highest rank was juryo 6 and he retired in January 1980.

## **Early Life**

Yoshimasa Kosaka was born in Komatsu, Ishikawa, to farmers. He attended Marunouchi Junior High School before moving to Tokyo during his second year of junior high school. He transferred to Ryogoku Junior High School and upon graduation, he joined Tokitsukaze stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in May 1964 and was given the shikona to "Himenosato" (比咩の里). He was promoted to sandanme in July 1966 and makushita in July 1968. He changed his shikona to "Raigozan" (雷剛山) in September 1970 before changing it again to "Matsunoyama" (松の山) in March 1971.

He was promoted to juryo in March 1973, but could only retain his rank for two tournaments. He did not return to juryo until March 1977 after four years in the unsalaried ranks, but again could only retain his rank for two tournaments. In July 1978, he changed his shikona to "Daisharin" (大車輪) and was re-promoted to juryo in the following September 1978 tournament. This time he was able to stay as a sekitori for over a year and he rose as high as juryo 6 in September 1979, however, a 3-12 record in September 1979 sent him back down to makushita. He announced his retirement after the January 1980 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Daisharin 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:** 375-359-4/734 (95 basho)
* **Juryo:** 59-91/150 (10 basho)
* **Makushita:** 212-176-4/388 (56 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 61-51/112 (16 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 37-40/77 (11 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Osaka (1964.05 - 1966.01)
* Himenosato (1966.03 - 1970.07)
* Raigozan (1970.09 - 1971.01)
* Matsunoyama (1971.03 - 1971.03)
* Matsunoyama Yoshimasa (1971.05 - 1973.03)
* Matsunoyama Matsugoro (1973.05 - 1978.05)
* Daisharin Matsugoro (1978.07 - 1980.01)

## **Gallery**

Daisharin during his time in the unsalaried ranks (c. 1972)Daisharin prepares for his upcoming match (c. 1978)
## **Sources**

* Daisharin Matsugoro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Daisharin Matsugoro Rikishi Information
Fukujumaru Toshikatsu

Fukujumaru Toshikatsu - 福寿丸 敏勝 (born August 22, 1980) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Namegawa, Saitama. He made his debut in March 1999 and wrestled for Takasago stable. His highest rank was sandanme 15 and he retired in May 2006.

## **Career**

Toshikatsu Suzuki joined Takasago stable and made his professional debut in March 1999. Initially wrestling under his surname Suzuki, he reached the sandanme division in May 2001. In January 2002, he was given the shikona "Fukujumaru" (福寿丸). He reached a career-best sandanme 15 in March 2006, but finished with a poor 1-6 record. He retired after the following May 2006 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Fukujumaru was an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. His most common kimarite used was a straightforward oshidashi, or push out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 150-149-2/299 (44 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 86-108-2/194 (28 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 60-38/98 (14 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Suzuki Toshikatsu (1999.03 - 2001.11)
* Fukujumaru Toshikatsu (2002.01 - 2006.05)

## **Gallery**

Fukujumaru defeats Hirano (c. 2005)Portrait of Fukujumaru by Hiroshi Watanabe (c. 2005)Fukujumaru battles Toshinyama (c. 2006)

## **Sources**

* Fukujumaru Toshikatsu Rikishi Information
Danpatsu-shiki

Danpatsu-shiki (断髪式) - is the retirement ceremony for a recently retired sumo wrestler who is getting his top knot cut off.

## **Overview**

During the danpatsu-shiki, retired wrestlers, family, sponsors, friends, benefactors, and active wrestlers all take part in the cutting process of the danpatsu-shiki. They use a scissor under the guidance of a gyoji who instructs the guest where to cut. The final cut is always made by the head trainer of the stable the wrestler wrestled under.

Depending on the wrestler, there are usually 300-400 guests taking part in the danpatsu-shiki. There have been some exceptions, most notably, yokozuna Takanohana who insisted on only 50 guests taking part in his danpatsu-shiki.

Since women are prohibited from stepping on the dohyo, only men are allowed to take part in the danpatsu-shiki. However ozeki, Chiyotaikai insisted that his mother take part, so he got off the dohyo during the middle of the danpatsu-shiki, so his mother could be involved without having to step on the dohyo.

The chonmage is a very symbolic and precious part of a sumo wrestler's identity, so usually towards the end of the danpatsu-shiki, the sumo wrestler would shed a lot of tears.

After the chonmage is cut off, they would head back to the locker room where there is a professional barber waiting. He would cut and style the former sumo wrestler's hair. Then the sumo wrestler would dress up in a new suit and present himself in front of the crowd.

A wrestler must have fought as a sekitori in at least 30 tournaments to qualify for a ceremony at the Kokugikan. Many past sekitori wrestlers who haven't met this qualification would usually have their danpatsu-shiki at a hotel, while wrestlers who have never achieved sekitori status will usually have their danpatsu-shiki at their own stable.
Datenishiki Kazunari

Datenishiki Kazunari - 伊達錦 一成 (born November 12, 1937) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Wakuya, Miyagi. He made his debut in May 1954 and last wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the juryo division in July 1963. His highest rank was juryo 16 and he retired in May 1965.

## **Career**

Prior to joining sumo, Hirose was engaged in agriculture. He joined Dewanoumi stable and made his professional debut in May 1954, wrestling under the shikona "Datenishiki" (伊達錦). He was promoted to sandanme in May 1956 and makushita in November 1958. He was promoted to juryo in July 1963 and produced an 8-7 record in his first tournament. However, he was unable to establish himself as a sekitori and was demoted back down to makushita in November 1963. He returned to juryo for two more tournaments in 1964 before retiring from sumo in May 1965.

## **Fighting Style**

Datenishiki 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:** 235-230-10/465 (60 basho)
* **Juryo:** 25-35/60 (4 basho)
* **Makushita:** 135-118-10/253 (36 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 51-45/96 (12 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 22-26/48 (6 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 2-6/8 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Hirose Kazunari (1954.05 - 1955.01)
* Datenishiki Kazunari (1955.03 - 1965.05)

## **Sources**

* Datenishiki Kazunari Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Datenishiki Kazunari Rikishi Information
Chikara-mizu

Chikara-mizu (力水) is a ladleful of water with which a wrestler will ceremonially rinse out his mouth prior to a bout. It must be handed to him by a wrestler not tainted with a loss on that day, so it is either handed to him by the victorious wrestler of the previous bout if he was on the same side of the dohyo, or if that wrestler was defeated, by the wrestler who will fight in the bout following. This system works well until the last match of the day (musubi no ichiban, 結びの一番) when one side will not have someone to give them the power water. This is due to the fact that one of the sides from the previous match lost and there is no next match, so there is neither a winner from the previous match, nor a next wrestler to give them the water. In this case a winner from two or three prior matches will be the one to give them the power water. This wrestler is known as the kachi-nokori (勝ち残り), which means the winner who remains.

Kachi-nokori (勝ち残り) literally translates as the winner who remains. During a day of sumo the power water is only given to the next wrestler by either a previous winner on their side of the ring or the next wrestler to fight on their side of the ring so as not to receive the water from either the opposite side or from a loser, which would be bad luck. However at the end of the day, one side will not have a winner or a next wrestler to give them the water. In this case the wrestler who was the last to win from their side will remain at the ringside in order to give them the power water. This individual is known as the kachi-nokori.

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, wrestlers are still suppose to perform the same motion, but they can't rinse their mouth with the water. This was reverted back on day 1 of the November 2023 tournament, after almost 4 years since the suspension of the rinsing.
Akihikari Noriaki

Akihikari Noriaki - 昭光 徳昭 (born August 1, 1941) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ariake, Kumamoto. He made his debut in January 1957 and last wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the juryo division in March 1964. His highest rank was juryo 3 and he retired in May 1967.

## **Career**

Born in Ariake, Kumamoto, Goshima joined Dewanoumi stable and made his professional debut in January 1957 under the shikona "Akihikari" (昭光). He was promoted to sandanme in September 1959 and makushita in July 1960. In January 1964, he produced a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 2 and was promoted to juryo for the March 1964 tournament. Akihikari was ranked in juryo for a total of 12 tournaments and rose as high as juryo 3 in May 1965. He fell back down to makushita in May 1966 and retired from sumo a year later in May 1967.

## **Fighting Style**

Akihikari 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:** 276-251-10/527 (62 basho)
* **Juryo:** 81-99/180 (12 basho)
* **Makushita:** 114-89-7/203 (30 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 25-15/40 (5 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 54-47-3/101 (13 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 2-1/3 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Goshima Noriaki (1957.01 - 1959.03)
* Akihikari Noriaki (1959.05 - 1967.05)

## **Sources**

* Akihikari Noriaki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Akihikari Noriaki Rikishi Information
Akinomine Shoji

Akinomine Shoji - 秋乃峰 將司 (born March 20, 1977) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Odawara, Kanagawa. He made his debut in January 1995 and wrestled for Minezaki stable. His highest rank was makushita 26 and he retired in January 2013.

## **Career**

Ryuji Akiyama joined Minezaki stable during his third year at Soyo High School and he made his professional debut in January 1995. In May 1996, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record and defeated Hokutokawa and Yoshiazuma in a three-way playoff to claim the jonidan yusho. He was promoted to sandanme for the following July 1996 tournament and given the shikona "Akinoyama" (秋ノ山). However, he had a mediocre showing after the shikona change and reverted back to fighting under his surname in March 1997.

He was promoted to makushita in July 2000 and became the third makushita wrestler from his stable. He was unable to establish himself in makushita so he was given the shikona "Hakuonada" (白鴎洋) in March 2001, however, he reverted back to fighting under his surname in January 2002 after no progression in the rankings. In the January 2002 tournament, Akiyama won his first six matches, but missed out on the sandanme yusho after losing to Kokkai in his final match. He reached a career-best makushita 26 in July 2004. In March 2006, he was given the new shikona "Hajimeyama" (一山). A year later in March 2007, he was given the new shikona "Akinomine" (秋乃峰), his seventh shikona change. In January 2011, he injured his left knee ligament and had to miss the May 2011 tournament (the March 2011 tournament was cancelled due to the 2011 match-fixing scandal).

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Akinomine retired from sumo in January 2013. After retiring, he opened up a chanko restaurant called "Dosukoi Rikishi Shokudo" (どすこい 力士食堂) in his hometown of Odawara, Kanagawa.

## **Fighting Style**

Akinomine 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 uwatenage (overarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 380-354-15/733 (108 basho)
* **Makushita:** 67-86-1/152 (22 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 276-249-14/525 (77 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 32-17/49 (7 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Akiyama Ryuji (1995.01 - 1996.05)
* Akinoyama Ryuji (1996.07 - 1997.01)
* Akiyama Ryuji (1997.03 - 2001.01)
* Hakuonada Ryuji (2001.03 - 2001.11)
* Akiyama Ryuji (2002.01 - 2006.01)
* Hajimeyama Akinori (2006.03 - 2007.01)
* Akinomine Shudo (2007.03 - 2007.07)
* Akinomine Shoji (2007.09 - 2013.01)

## **Gallery**

Akinomine prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2009)Akinomine performs Jinku (c. 2012)Akinomine's retirement ceremony (c. 2013)
## **Sources**

* Akinomine Shoji Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Akinomine Shoji Rikishi Information
Anju Koichiro

Anju Koichiro - 安寿 浩一郎 (born May 10, 1979) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Miyakonojo, Miyazaki. He made his debut in January 1998 and wrestled for Isegahama stable. His highest rank was sandanme 94 and he retired in September 2008.

## **Career**

Koichiro Iwasaki joined Ajigawa stable (later renamed Isegahama stable) and made his professional debut in January 1998. Initially wrestling under his surname, he was given the shikona "Anju" (安寿) in May 1998. Anju struggled with injuries throughout his career and was a jonidan mainstay for majority of his career.

In January 2002, he won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. He was promoted to sandanme in July 2004, but could only manage two wins in this tournament and it proved to be his only showing in the sandanme division.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Anju retired from sumo in September 2008. After retiring, he returned back to his hometown of Miyakonojo, Miyazaki, where he opened up a chanko restaurant.

## **Personal Life**

* Anju served as Harumafuji's tsukebito, or personal servant.
* When joining sumo, Anju only weighed 105 kg (231 lb), but his weight increased tremendously towards his later career, with his peak weight being 207 kg (456 lb).

## **Fighting Style**

Anju 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:** 184-191-73/374 (65 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 2-5/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 142-159-49/300 (50 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 40-27-24/67 (13 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (January 2002)

## **Shikona History**

* Iwasaki Koichiro (1998.01 - 1998.03)
* Anju Koichiro (1998.05 - 2008.09)

## **Gallery**

Anju returns to his nursery school (c. 2004)Anju prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2007)Anju awaits for his upcoming match (c. 2008)

## **Sources**

* Anju Koichiro Rikishi Information
* Ameblo Blog Post on Anju