recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Kotonosato Eiichi

Kotonosato Eiichi - 琴の郷 栄一 (born January 3, 1951 - October 2, 1993) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido. He made his debut in March 1966 and wrestled for Sadogatake stable. He reached the juryo division in November 1973. His highest rank was juryo 11 and he retired in January 1980.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 1966, wrestling under the Sadogatake stable, and was given the shikona to "Asahinohana" (芦ノ花). He was promoted to sandanme in March 1968 and makushita in May 1971. In March 1973 he changed his shikona to "Kotonosato" (琴の郷). He was promoted to juryo in November 1973.

In his first tournament as a sekitori, he could only finish with a 5-10 record and was demoted back down to makushita. In September 1974 he won all seven matches, but missed out on the makushita yusho after losing to future yokozuna Chiyonofuji in the playoff. In November 1977, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record at the rank of makushita 15 and was promoted back to juryo. His last juryo appearance was in May 1978.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

He announced his retirement after the January 1980 due to a left thigh injury. After retiring, he opened up a restaurant in Shinjuku, Tokyo, called "Sutando Kappo Gin Tsuki" (スタンド割烹 吟月). He died on October 2, 1993, at the age of 42.

## **Fighting Style**

Kotonosato 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:** 303-277-25/579 (84 basho)
* **Juryo:** 14-24-7/37 (3 basho)
* **Makushita:** 185-147-18/332 (50 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 63-63/126 (18 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 37-40/77 (11 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (November 1977)

## **Shikona History**

* Sasaki (1966.03 - 1966.03)
* Ashinohana (1966.05 - 1973.01)
* Kotonosato Hideki (1973.03 - 1976.03)
* Kotonosato Eiichi (1976.05 - 1980.01)

## **Gallery**

Kotonosato during his time in the unsalaried ranks (c. 1972)
## **Sources**

* Kotonosato Eiichi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kotonosato Eiichi Rikishi Information
Kotonoryu Koji

Kotonoryu Koji - 琴の龍 功師 (born February 6, 1951) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka. He made his debut in May 1966 and wrestled for Sadogatake stable. He reached the juryo division in September 1979. His highest rank was juryo 11 and he retired in September 1984.

## **Career**

Seiji Maya was born in Fukuoka City's Chuo Ward in Fukuoka prefecture. He joined Sadogatake stable and made his professional debut in May 1966. He initially wrestled under his surname "Maya" (真野) before switching to "Kotonoryu" (琴の龍) in March 1971. He was promoted to sandanme in March 1969 and makushita in March 1972.

In July 1979, Kotonoryu produced a 6-1 record at the rank of makushita 3 and was promoted to juryo in the following September 1979 tournament. It had taken him 80 tournaments to reach the elite sekitori ranks. However, he could only manage a 4-11 record and was demoted back down to makushita in November. This proved to be his only tournament ranked as a sekitori.

In July 1981, Kotonoryu was gunning for a perfect 7-0 record and a return to juryo as he was ranked at makushita 12. However, he lost his final match to Oko to finish with a 6-1 record and he subsequently missed out on a direct promotion back to juryo. Nevertheless, he was placed in a seven man playoff, but he lost in the first round to Amamifuji.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After falling down to sandanme in July 1984, Kotonoryu announced his retirement prior to the following September 1984 tournament. After retiring, he opened up a chanko restaurant in Fukuoka's Hakata Ward called "Chanko Koto" (ちゃんこ琴).

## **Fighting Style**

Kotonoryu 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 technique used as a sekitori was uwatenage, or overarm throw.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 380-346-31/726 (109 basho)
* **Juryo:** 4-11/15 (1 basho)
* **Makushita:** 254-226-31/480 (73 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 75-65/140 (20 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 43-41/84 (12 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Maya (1966.05 - 1971.01)
* Kotonoryu Koji (1971.03 - 1984.09)

## **Gallery**

Kotonoryu during his time in makushita (c. 1972)Kotonoryu with his stablemate Kotokaze (c. 1979)Kotonoryu poses with his kesho-mawashi (c. 1979)Kotonoryu's chanko restaurant: Chanko KotoKotonoryu (right) after retirement with his kesho-mawashi and akeni box
## **Sources**

* Kotonoryu Koji Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kotonoryu Koji Rikishi Information
Otaka Masaki

Otaka Masaki - 大鷹 雅規 (born September 16, 1960) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Bizen, Okayama. He made his debut in March 1976 and last wrestled for Taiho stable. He reached the juryo division in September 1985. His highest rank was juryo 4 and he retired in January 1989.

## **Early Life**

During his third year in junior high school, Masayuki became fascinated with sumo, specifically yokozuna Taiho, and wrote a letter of intent to join sumo to Taiho stable. After graduating from junior high school, he joined Taiho stable.

## **Career**

Sadahisa made his professional debut in March 1976. He wrestled under the shikona's "Gyoho" (暁鵬) and "Gyokuho" (堯公鵬) before switching to "Otaka" (大鷹) in January 1983. After nine and a half years in the lower divisions, he was promoted to juryo in September 1985. Otaka spent a total of 13 tournaments in juryo, reaching as high as juryo 4 in January 1986. He was demoted from juryo in November 1987 and he announced his retirement after the January 1989 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Otaka 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:** 327-311-5/638 (78 basho)
* **Juryo:** 94-101/195 (13 basho)
* **Makushita:** 106-106-5/212 (31 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 75-58/133 (19 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 47-44/91 (13 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (January 1988)

## **Shikona History**

* Sadahisa Masayuki (1976.03 - 1978.11)
* Gyoho Masayuki (1979.01 - 1979.01)
* Gyokuho Masaki (1979.03 - 1982.11)
* Otaka Masaki (1983.01 - 1989.01)

## **Sources**

* Otaka Masaki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Otaka Masaki Rikishi Information
Playoff

Kettei-sen (決定戦) is a playoff between two or more wrestlers in a division who are tied for the lead on the last day of the tournament.

Since 1947 a playoff system (kettei-sen) has been in place to determine the winner of the yusho if two or more wrestlers finish with an identical score. Until then, the yusho would go to whoever was the higher in rank, as it was presumed they had faced better quality opposition, but this caused controversy in 1928, when ozeki Hitachiiwa was chosen over maegashira Misugiiso despite the fact that one of his wins had come by default. There was similar criticism when new maegashira Chiyonoyama was denied a championship in November 1945, despite winning all his matches.

Playoffs with more than two wrestlers involved are fairly common in lower divisions, but have only happened a handful of times in the top division. A three way playoff occurred three times in the 1990s, with a four way playoff in March 1997 and a unique five way playoff in November 1996. In such cases lots are drawn to decide who fights first, and the first wrestler to win two consecutive bouts takes the yusho. A playoff is the only occasion in which wrestlers from the same stable (or heya) and relatives can meet in tournament competition. The wrestlers who have taken part in the most top division playoffs are Takanohana II with ten (won five, lost five) and Hakuho with ten (won six, lost four). Chiyonofuji has the highest percentage of victories, with a perfect 6-0 playoff record.
Mikumayama Yoshio

Mikumayama Yoshio - 三熊山 美夫 (born July 20, 1908 - date of death unknown) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Sumoto, Hyogo. He made his debut in January 1923 and last wrestled for Kagamiyama stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1936. His highest rank was maegashira 12 and he retired in January 1938.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Yoshio Koizumi joined Kagamiyama stable and made his professional debut in January 1923 under the shikona "Mikumayama" (三熊山). He won the jonokuchi yusho in January 1925 with a perfect 6-0 record. He won back-to-back sandanme yusho's in January and May 1929, also with perfect 6-0 records. In February 1932, Mikumayama won the makushita yusho with a strong 7-1 record. He was subsequently promoted to juryo in May 1932, however, he was unable to establish himself in juryo. Nevertheless, he eventually reached makuuchi in January 1936.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Mikumayama posted a 6-5 record in his makuuchi debut and was promoted to a career-best maegashira 12 rank for the May 1936 tournament. However, he finished with a 4-7 record and was demoted back down to juryo. He returned to makuuchi in May 1937 but finished with a 5-8 record and was demoted back down to juryo. He went on to post a disastrous 1-12 record in January 1938 and immediately retired after.

## **Fighting Style**

Mikumayama was an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. His most common kimarite used was oshidashi (force out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 82-69/151 (18 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 15-20/35 (3 basho)
* **Juryo:** 34-45/79 (7 basho)
* **Makushita:** 15-4/19 (4 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 12-0/12 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-0/6 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (February 1932)
* 2 **Sandanme** Championship
	+ 1st (May 1929)
	+ 2nd (September 1929)
* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (January 1925)

## **Sources**

* Mikumayama Yoshio Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Mikumayama Yoshio Rikishi Information
Sadogashima Rinzo

Sadogashima Rinzo - 佐渡ヶ嶋 林藏 (born October 5, 1909 - March 17, 1955) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Sado, Niigata. He made his debut in January 1933 and last wrestled for Izutsu stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1940 and has one kinboshi. His highest rank was maegashira 12 and he retired in May 1943.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Rinzo Sasaki joined Izutsu stable and made his professional debut in January 1933 under the shikona "Sadogashima" (佐渡ヶ嶋). He was promoted to sandanme in January 1935 and makushita in May 1936. He reached the elite ranks of juryo in January 1939. After three tournaments in juryo, he was promoted to makuuchi in May 1940.

### **Makuuchi Career**

In his top division debut, Sadogashima finished with an 8-7 record and was promoted to a career-best maegashira 12 for the January 1941 tournament. Despite being low-ranked in this tournament, Sadogashima still faced multiple yokozuna's and ozeki's in this tournament and even defeated Yokozuna Minanogawa to earn his only kinboshi. However, he was drafted for the military in 1942. He retired from sumo after in May 1943.

## **Fighting Style**

Sadogashima was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who preferred grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. His most commonly used techniques in the top division were ketaguri (pulling ), utchari (backward pivot throw) and yoritaoshi (crush out).

## **Career**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 382-373/755 (79 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 187-218/405 (27 basho)
* **Juryo:** 26-16-1d/43 (3 basho)
* **Makushita:** 30-25/55 (5 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 10-8/18 (3 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 5-1/6 (1 basho)

## **Sources**

* Sadogashima Rinzo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Sadogashima Rinzo Rikishi Information
Kotootomo Shunpei

Kotootomo Shunpei - 琴大友 駿平 (born February 13, 1998) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Karuizawa, Nagano. He made his debut in March 2016 and wrestled for Sadogatake stable. His highest rank was sandanme 56 and he retired in May 2023.

## **Early Life**

Shunpei Otomo was born on February 13, 1998, in Karuizawa, Nagano. Prior to joining professional sumo, Otomo had no sumo experience and began practicing judo in the sixth grade of Karuizawa Tobu Elementary School. During his time at Karuizawa Junior High School, he participated in national judo competitions. He went on to attend Sakuchoseichu Senior High School where he was the Nagano Prefecture representative in the over 100-kilogram weight class at the Hokushinetsu High School Athletic Meet. He is second dan in judo.

When he was in high school, Otomo had an interest in computers and aspired to attend a design-focused vocational school. However, the school principal noticed Otomo, who was responsible for cleaning his office, and saw his aptitude for sumo. The school principal was a judo specialist who had trained Beijing Olympics women's judo bronze medalist Misato Nakamura, and he also had connections in the sumo world. Otomo was subsequently invited into Sadogatake stable by Sadogatake Oyakata (former sekiwake Kotonowaka).

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2016 alongside Asanoyama, Yutakayama, and Churanoumi, and was given the shikona "Kotootomo" (琴大友). He was promoted to sandanme in March 2018 and reached a career-best sandanme 56 in May 2019. On the sixth day of the September 2020 tournament, Kotootomo withdrew from the tournament and he continued to sit out of the following three tournaments which resulted in him falling completely off the banzuke by May 2021. He never returned to the dohyo and his retirement was announced two years later in May 2023.

## **Fighting Style**

Kotootomo 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. He was also fond of employing yoritaoshi, or frontal crush out. He also regularly employed uwatenage (overarm throw) and sukuinage (belt-less arm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 89-89-25/177 (30 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 26-33-4/58 (9 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 59-53-14/112 (18 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3-7/7 (2 basho)

## **Gallery**

Kotootomo during his time in Maezumo (c. 2016)Kotootomo loses to future maegashira Nishikifuji (c. 2016)Kotootomo prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2020)
## **Sources**

* Kotootomo Shunpei Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kotootomo Shunpei Rikishi Information
Musashiumi Yutaka

Musashiumi Yutaka - 武蔵海 豊 (born April 26, 1981) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Matsuyama, Ehime. He made his debut in March 1997 and currently wrestles for Fujishima stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 5.

## **Early Life**

Yamasaki began sumo wrestling during his fourth year of elementary school at a local sumo dojo in Matsuyama, Ehime. After graduating from junior high school, he was considering attending Nomura High School, but he greatly admired fellow Ehime-native Tamakasuga who was approaching the san'yaku ranks at the time. He was subsequently recruited by Musashigawa Oyakata (the 57th Yokozuna Mienoumi) who advised Yamasaki to join sumo as soon as possible if he wanted to emulate Tamakasuga.

## **Career**

Yamasaki made his professional debut in March 1997 alongside Buyuzan, Hokutoiwa, Tamarikido, and Dewataira. He initially struggled in jonidan and even lost all seven matches in March 1999, but he eventually reached sandanme in November 1999. He initially bounced back and forth between sandanme and jonidan and did not establish himself as a sandanme regular until May 2001. He was promoted to makushita in November 2003, but missed three tournaments from September 2005 until January 2006 due to injury. He returned to sumo in March 2006 and he won the jonidan yusho in May 2006 with a perfect 7-0 record. He was promoted back to makushita by November 2008. In March 2010, his stable was renamed to Fujishima stable and he was given the shikona "Musashimumi" (武蔵海). He reached a career-best makushita 5 in July 2014, but he finished with a 3-4 record in this tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Musashiumi is proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His favored grip on his opponent's mawashi is hidari-yotsu, a right hand outside, left hand inside position. His most often used winning kimarite is oshidashi (push out), followed by yorikiri (force out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 548-533-25/1081 (159 basho)
* **Makushita:** 249-251-11/500 (73 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 181-189-14/370 (55 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 114-89/203 (29 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Yamasaki Yutaka (1997.03 - 2010.01)
* Musashiumi Yutaka (2010.03 - )

## **Gallery**

Musashiumi prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2005)Musashiumi wins the Jonidan Yusho (c. 2006)Musashiumi battles future Ozeki Tochinoshin (c. 2014)
## **Sources**

* Musashiumi Yutaka Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Musashiumi Yutaka Rikishi Information
Oruri Takuya

Oruri Takuya - 大瑠璃 拓也 (born August 14, 1981) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shioya, Tochigi. He made his debut in March 2004 and wrestled for Onomatsu stable. His highest rank was makushita 45 and he retired in January 2014.

## **Early Life**

Takuya Saito was born on August 14, 1981, in the town of Shioya in Tochigi Prefecture. His first experience with sumo wrestling was in elementary school when he participated in a local tournament. After graduating junior high school, he attended Kurobane High School which had the strongest sumo program in Tochigi prefecture. After high school, he enrolled at Senshu University where he studied economics and was also a member of the school's sumo club. Upon graduating university, he was recruited into Onomatsu stable by Onomatsu Oyakata (former sekiwake Masurao).

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2004 and wrestled under his surname "Saito" (斎藤). In July 2004, he was aiming for the jonidan yusho and won his first six matches before losing his final match to Baruto. He was promoted to sandanme in March 2005 and makushita in May 2008. He reached a career-best makushita 45 in May 2009. In the November 2010 tournament Saito suffered an injury to his right knee's anterior cruciate ligament and had to undergo surgery. As a result, he had to miss the following four tournaments which caused him to fall down to the lowest jonokuchi division. Upon returning to sumo in November 2011 he was given the shikona "Oruri" (大瑠璃) and he won all seven bouts, but missed out on the jonokuchi yusho after losing to Ikeru in a playoff. He finished with a 6-1 record in the following January 2012 tournament and was promoted back to sandanme in March 2012.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Oruri retired from sumo in January 2014. After retiring, he became an administrative scrivener and has his own office in Osaka prefecture.

## **Fighting Style**

Oruri 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:** 196-167-43/359 (59 basho)
* **Makushita:** 13-20-2/32 (5 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 142-131-21/271 (42 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 29-13-14/42 (8 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 12-3-6/14 (3 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Saito Takuya (2004.03 - 2011.09)
* Oruri Takuya (2011.11 - 2014.01)

## **Gallery**

Oruri gets recruited into Onomatsu stable (c. 2004)An undated photograph of Oruri in his early careerOruri's retirement ceremony (c. 2014)
## **Sources**

* Oruri Takuya Rikishi Information
* Mainichi Article on Oruri
Onomori Kinichi

Onomori Kinichi - 大ノ森 金一 (born August 5, 1920 - date of death unknown) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Omori, Akita. He made his debut in January 1937 and wrestled for Isegahama stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1942. His highest rank was maegashira 5 and he retired in June 1947.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Daikoku moved to Tokyo at the age of 16 and joined Isegahama stable. He made his professional debut in January 1937 and was given the shikona "Onomori" (大ノ森) which is derived from his hometown of Omori in Akita prefecture. He was promoted to sandanme in January 1939 and makushita in May 1939. After winning the makushita yusho in January 1941, he was promoted to juryo in May 1941. He reached makuuchi two tournaments later in May 1942.

### **Makuuchi Career**

At the time of his makuuchi debut, Onomori had never produced a losing record, however, he finished with a 7-8 record in his top division debut. He followed with a 3-12 record and was demoted back down to juryo. He returned to makuuchi in January 1944 and rose as high as maegashira 5 in November 1946. However, he abruptly retired from sumo in the following June 1947 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Onomori ran a transportation business called "Kamitani" (神谷) in Tokyo.

## **Fighting Style**

Onomori was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who preferred 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:** 99-94-10/193 (21 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 38-57-10/95 (9 basho)
* **Juryo:** 28-17/45 (3 basho)
* **Makushita:** 20-12/32 (4 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (January 1941)

## **Sources**

* Onomori Kinichi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Onomori Kinichi Rikishi Information
Oshiogawa Stable

Oshiogawa stable (押尾川部屋, Oshiogawa-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Nishonoseki group of stables. In its modern form it dates from March 1975 when it was founded by Daikirin, a former Nishonoseki stable wrestler. In March 2005, with Oshiogawa approaching the mandatory retirement age and no obvious successor available, the stable was absorbed into the affiliated Oguruma stable.

## **History**

Founded in 1975 by Ozeki Daikirin after a succession dispute over Nishonoseki stable. The former head coach of Nishonoseki stable Saganohana died in 1975. His heir apparent and successor was thought to be Daikirin but after being unable to come to an agreement with Saganohana's widow. This was because wrestler Kongo who retired at only 28 to marry Saganohana's daughter and take over the stable was the widow's choice as the next head.

Daikirin realizing he now had no chance of taking over so instead he broke away and established his own Oshiogawa stable. He attempted to take a number of high-ranking wrestlers with him, such as Aobajo and Tenryu, but Nishonoseki stable objected to this. The Japan Sumo Association intervened and Tenryu was forced to return to Nishonoseki and, disillusioned, quit to become a professional wrestler. The stable would produce its first homegrown sekitori in January 1981 following Kinoarashi promotion to Juryo. This would be followed by Masurao promotion in July 1983. The stable would continue this trend producing 9 more sekitori overtime.

The stable took in its only foreigner in 1985 with Paraguayan Wakashio. Wakashio would never make it past the sandanme division and retired in 1989 after falling off the banzuke.

In March 2005, with Oshiogawa approaching the mandatory retirement age and no obvious successor available, his stable was absorbed into the affiliated Oguruma stable included in this was sekitori Wakatoba and Wakakirin. Oshiogawa retired from his position in the Sumo Association a year before reaching the mandatory retirement age, in June 2006.

## **Owners**

* 1975-2005: 17th Oshiogawa (former ozeki Daikirin)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

### **Makuuchi**

* Masurao (former sekiwake)
* Aobajo (former sekiwake) - *transferred from Nishonoseki stable*
* Enazakura (former maegashira)
* Kinoarashi (former maegashira)
* Daishi (former maegashira)
* Wakakirin (former maegashira) - *transferred to Oguruma stable*
* Wakatoba (former maegashira) - *transferred to Oguruma stable*
* Hitachiryu (former maegashira)
* Saganobori (former maegashira)

### **Juryo**

* Juzan (former juryo)
* Kenryu (former juryo) - *transferred from Nishonoseki stable*
* Tamakirin (former juryo)
* Seifuriki (former juryo)

### **Lower Divisions**

* Kiozan (former makushita) - *transferred to Oguruma stable*
* Hienriki (best rank makushita) - *transferred to Oguruma stable*
* Wakashio (former sandanme)
Oyazaki Takeo

Oyazaki Takeo - 大矢崎 武男 (born February 10, 1933) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tashiro, Akita. He made his debut in September 1953 and last wrestled for Isegahama stable. He reached the juryo division in March 1961. His highest rank was juryo 7 and he retired in September 1963.

## **Career**

Born in Tashiro, Akita, Kigoshi joined Araiso Stable (later renamed Isegahama stable) and made his professional debut in September 1953 at the age of 20. Wrestling under the shikona "Oyazaki" (大矢崎), he was promoted to sandanme in January 1955 and makushita in March 1956. He was promoted to juryo in March 1961, but only lasted one tournament. He returned to juryo in September 1961 and was ranked in the division for ten consecutive tournaments. He was demoted back down to makushita in May 1963 and retired from sumo shortly after in September 1963.

## **Fighting Style**

Oyazaki 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 hatakikomi (slap down) and tsukidashi (thrust out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 253-234/487 (53 basho)
* **Juryo:** 74-91/165 (11 basho)
* **Makushita:** 135-112/247 (32 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 24-16/40 (5 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 17-15/32 (4 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 3-0/3 (1 basho)

## **Sources**

* Oyazaki Takeo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Oyazaki Takeo Rikishi Information
Oitekaze Kitaro

Oitekaze Kitaro - 追手風 喜太郎 (born 1799 - May 4, 1865) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tsukui District, Kanagawa. He made his debut in October 1817 and wrestled for Oitekaze stable. He reached the makuuchi division in October 1824. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in March 1839.

## **Career**

Matsujiro Sato was born in Tsukui District, Kanagawa, and he joined Oitekaze stable in 1817. He made his professional debut in October 1817 and upon promotion to juryo in February 1823, he was given the shikona "Kuroyanagi Matsujiro" (黒柳 松治郎). He reached makuuchi in October 1824 and was given the shikona "Oitekaze Kitaro" (追手風) in February 1832. Oitekaze was promoted to komusubi in November 1833 and sekiwake in November 1834. He was promoted to ozeki in November 1836, but was demoted after only one tournament and he subsequently retired from sumo in March 1839.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, he remained in the sumo world and inherited Oitekaze stable. He died on May 4, 1865, at the age of 66.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 108-56-91-23draws-11holds-1no reuslt/199 (32 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 94-49-91-23draws-10holds-1no result/177 (29 basho)
* **Juryo:** 14-7-1hold/22 (3 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Kuroyanagi Matsujiro (1823.02 - 1828.10)
* Kuroyanagi Sumiemon (1829.02 - 1830.11)
* Oitekaze Kitaro (1831.02 - 1839.03)

## **Gallery**

19th century woodblock print of ozeki Oitekaze Kitaro
Sakaigawa Stable (Edo period)

Sakaigawa stable (境川部屋, Sakaigawa-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers which was established in the Edo period and was shut down during the Taisho period.

## **History**

The stable was established sometime in the Edo period by former ozeki Sakaigawa Namiemon I. In February 1877, the stable's top wrestler Sakaigawa Namiemon II was awarded the yokozuna license and is the stable's most successful sumo wrestler. The stable shut down during the Taisho period.

## **Owners**

* 1898-1925: 8th Sakaigawa (former makushita Sonoumi)
* 1889-1891: 7th Sakaigawa (former maegashira Yoshinoyama)
* 1870-1887: 6th Sakaigawa (the 14th yokozuna Sakaigawa)
* 1856-1867: 5th Sakaigawa (former ozeki Sakaigawa I)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Sakaigawa (the 14th yokozuna)
* Shiranui (the 11th yokozuna)
* Sakaigawa (former ozeki)
* Kimenzan (former ozeki)
Ryuonami Katsuteru

Ryuonami Katsuteru - 竜王浪 勝照 (born September 12, 1987) is a former Mongolian professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar. He made his debut in January 2010 and wrestled for Tatsunami stable. His highest rank was makushita 11 and he retired in March 2017.

## **Early Life**

Battugs Buyanjargal watched sumo on TV in Mongolia and from an early age he became interested in sumo. He came to Japan as an exchange student with future sekitori Azumaryu in 2003. He attended Meitoku Gijuku High School and was a member of their strong sumo program. In 2006 he and Azumaryu both enrolled at the Kyushu Institute of Information Sciences and became members of the university's sumo club. After graduating from university in 2010, he joined Tatsunami stable. The stable was already home to two Mongolians, Mokonami and Daionami, but since they both had Japanese citizenship, Buyanjargal was able to join. The Japan Sumo Association has since closed this loophole.

## **Career**

He was given the shikona "Ryuonami" (竜王浪) and in his first professional tournament, he won all seven matches to win the jonokuchi yusho. In the following tournament, he won all seven of his matches again, but lost the jonidan playoff to Chiyozakura. In the following tournament, he produced a 5-2 record which promoted him to makushita in November 2010. He produced his first losing record in his makushita debut and was demoted back to sandanme, but he was immediately promoted back to makushita after a 5-2 record. He rose up the makushita ranks quite quickly and was ranked at makushita 12. He remained in the mid-makushita ranks for majority of his career. In September 2015, he was promoted to a career-best makushita 11, but he could not accelerate further.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

In March 2017, Ryuonami was ranked at makushita 47 and he could only produce two wins. This would guarantee a fall back down to sandanme, so he announced his retirement after the tournament. His danpatsu-shiki, or retirement ceremony, was held on March 26th, 2017. In the ceremony, he revealed that after retirement, he would be engaged with a dismantling business in Yokohama.

## **Fighting Style**

Ryuonami 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 uwatenage, or overarm throw.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 156-129-2/285 (43 basho)
* **Makushita:** 132-125-2/257 (37 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 10-4/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (May 2010)

## **Gallery**

Ryuonami during his time in college sumo (c. 2009)Ryuonami wins the Jonokuchi yusho (c. 2010)Ryuonami prepares for his upcoming matchRyuonami defeats Kaonishiki (c. 2014)Ryuonami after wrestling his final match (c. 2017)Ryuonami's retirement ceremony (c. 2017)

## **Sources**

* Ryuonami Katsuteru Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ryuonami Katsuteru Rikishi Information
Mihamanada Toshiaki

Mihamanada Toshiaki - 三濱洋 俊明 (born March 10, 1919 - March 15, 1978) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Mihama, Mie. He made his debut in January 1937 and last wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1948. His highest rank was maegashira 20 and he retired in May 1949.

## **Early Life**

Toshiaki Enomoto was born in the town of Mihama in Mie Prefecture. After graduating from elementary school, Enomoto helped out with his father's work, but at the age of 17 he moved to Tokyo to pursue a career at sumo wrestling.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He joined Takasago stable and made his professional debut in January 1937 under the shikona "Mihamayama" (三濱山). He performed well at the now abolished Shinjo division, finishing with a 3-0 record, and was allowed to skip jonokuchi and wrestle at the jonidan division. In May 1939 he was given the new shikona "Onada" (大洋). Upon promotion to makushita in May 1941, he changed his shikona to "Mihamanada" (三濱洋). He was promoted to juryo in January 1944, but finished with a 5-10 record and was demoted back down to makushita. He returned to juryo in November 1944 and was making steady process, however, he was drafted for military service in 1945. He returned to sumo in November 1946 and was promoted to makuuchi in May 1948.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Mihamanada struggled in his top division debut and finished with a poor 1-10 record. He was demoted back down to juryo and he never managed to return to makuuchi. He retired in May 1949 to avoid an inevitable demotion back down to makushita.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring Mihamanada left the Japan Sumo Association and was engaged in civil engineering and fishing. He was also involved with the local sumo scene in his hometown.

### **Death**

Mihamanada died on March 15, 1978, at the age of 59 due to an illness.

## **Fighting Style**

Mihamanada 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). He was fond of employing tsuridashi (lift out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 96-90-4/186 (26 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 1-10/11 (1 basho)
* **Juryo:** 38-39/77 (10 basho)
* **Makushita:** 27-19/46 (6 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 22-20-4/42 (6 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 3-0/3 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Mihamayama (1937.01 - 1939.01)
* Onada (1939.05 - 1941.01)
* Mihamanada Toshiaki (1941.05 - 1949.05)

## **Sources**

* Mihamanada Toshiaki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Mihamanada Toshiaki Rikishi Information
Onoe Stable (1927)

Onoe Stable (尾上部屋, Onoe-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Takasago ichimon or group of stables. It was established before 1927 by former juryo Yashuzan. It closed its doors in April 1952, and its staff transferred to Takasago stable.

## **History**

Onoe stable was established by former juryo Yashuzan before 1927. The stable shut down in February 1931, with all its wrestlers transferring to Takasago stable, but was revived by Yashuzan in January 1950. The stable closed down again in August 1951 with the wrestlers transferring back to Takasago stable. In January 1952, the stable was revived again by Yashuzan and he recruited the future maegashira Oikawa who is the stable's only sekitori. The stable shut down again in April 1952 with all its personnel transferring back to Takasago stable for the third time. Yashuzan passed away in 1955 and Oikawa reached the top division in September 1957.

## **Owners**

* 1952-1952: 10th Onoe (former juryo Yashuzan)
* 1951-1951: defunct
* 1950-1951: 10th Onoe (former juryo Yashuzan)
* 1931-1949: defunct
* before 1927-1931: 10th Onoe (former juryo Yashuzan)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Oikawa (former maegashira) - *transferred to Takasago stable before sekitori status*
Midorishima Eizo

Midorishima Eizo - 緑嶋 英三 (born January 25, 1923 - date of death unknown) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ishikari, Hokkaido. He made his debut in January 1940 and last wrestled for Tatsunami stable. He reached the makuuchi division in June 1945. His highest rank was maegashira 4 and he retired in May 1949.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Imai moved to Tokyo at the age of 16 and joined Tatsunami stable. He made his professional debut in January 1940 and was given the shikona "Ishikariiwa" (石狩岩) which was derived from his hometown of Ishikari. He was promoted to sandanme in May 1941 and makushita in May 1942. Upon reaching juryo in January 1944, he was given the new shikona "Midorishima" (緑嶋). After three tournaments in juryo, he was promoted to makuuchi in June 1945.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Midorishima posted two winning records and was promoted to a career-best maegashira 4 rank for the November 1946 tournament. However, he was unable to establish himself in the upper-maegashira ranks and wrestled mainly in the lower-maegashira ranks. He retired from sumo in May 1949 due to back injuries.

## **Personal Life**

Midorishima's younger brother Toshichi Imai was also a sumo wrestler. He joined Kasugano stable in September 1957 and wrestled under his surname Imai. He rose as high as makushita 5 before retiring in September 1962.

## **Fighting Style**

Midorishima 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. He was fond of employing oshidashi (push out) and shitatehineri (twisting underarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 103-74-15/177 (20 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 43-43-15/86 (9 basho)
* **Juryo:** 20-15/35 (3 basho)
* **Makushita:** 16-8/24 (3 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 14-2/16 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 5-3/8 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-3/8 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Ishikariiwa Eizo (1940.01 - 1943.05)
* Midorishima Eizo (1944.01 - 1949.05)

## **Gallery**

Midorishima poses with his kesho-mawashiMidorishima during his time as a sekitori
## **Sources**

* Midorishima Eizo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Midorishima Eizo Rikishi Information
Okinofuji Kazuya

Okinofuji Kazuya - 隠岐の富士 和也 (born January 26, 1988) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Okinoshima, Shimane. He made his debut in March 2006 and currently wrestles for Hakkaku stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 11.

## **Early Life**

Kazuya Takedani was born on January 26, 1988, in the town of Okinoshima, located on Dogo Island in Shimane prefecture. His family was engaged in the fishing industry, but due to Takedani's proneness to sea sickness, he could not engage in his family's industry. He was later recruited by the manager of Hakkaku stable for professional sumo.

## **Career**

Takedani made his professional debut in March 2006 and was promoted to sandanme by his fifth professional tournament. He reached makushita in March 2009, but was unable to establish himself in the division. In March 2010, he was given the shikona "Okinofuji" (隠岐の富士). In November 2011, he finished with a 6-1 record and was placed in an eight-main playoff for the makushita yusho, however, he lost to future komusubi Chiyootori in the first round. Nevertheless, Okinofuji was able to establish himself as a makushita regular after this tournament. In January 2021, Okinofuji was promoted to a career-best makushita 11 rank.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 373-355/728 (105 basho)
* **Makushita:** 188-211/399 (57 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 170-138/308 (44 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-3/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Takedani Kazuya (2006.03 - 2010.01)
* Okinofuji Kazuya (2010.03 - )

## **Gallery**

Okinofuji with stablemate Okinoumi (c. 2010)Okinofuji battles Mudoho (c. 2021)Okinofuji battles Okinoumi in his retirement ceremony (c. 2023)
## **Sources**

* Okinofuji Kazuya Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Okinofuji Kazuya Rikishi Information
Sadogatake Stable (1929)

Sadogatake stable (佐渡ヶ嶽部屋, Sadogatake-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers. It was established in May 1929 by former maegashira Akutsugawa. It closed its doors in October 1946, and its staff transferred to Takasago stable.

## **History**

The stable was established by recently retired maegashira Akutsugawa who branched out from Takasago stable. Since Akutsugawa recruited future yokozuna Minanogawa when he was active, he wanted the future yokozuna to join his stable, but Takasago Oyakata did not want to let go his promising wrestler, so a compromise was made where Minanogawa divided his time between each stable. Minanogawa went on to be the only stable wrestler from this stable and it closed down in October 1946 with its staff transferring to Takasago stable.

In September 1955, the stable was revived by former komusubi Kotonishiki, and has since been a much more successful stable.

## **Owners**

* 1929-1946: 10th Sadogatake (former maegashira Akutsugawa)
Otorii Mondayu

Otorii Mondayu - 大鳥居 門太夫 (born 1754 - May 24, 1838) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yasugi, Shimane. He made his debut in October 1774 and last wrestled for Sadogatake stable. He reached the makuuchi division in October 1774. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in October 1804.

## **Career**

Sakiemon Amano was born in 1754 in modern day Yasugi, Shimane. Standing at 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in), he towered over many of his compatriots. In this period, local men with a large physique but often little to no sumo background were asked to enter sumo tournaments. They would debut as kanban or "guest" ozeki and in most cases their "careers" were short-lived. This is how Amano, due to his size, debuted in 1774. He initially wrestled under the shikona Otorii Mondayu" (大鳥居 門太夫) for his tournament before changing it to "Owatari Mondayu" (大渡 門太夫). He was only ranked as ozeki for his first two tournaments and bounced back and forth between the maegashira and juryo ranks for majority of his career. He reverted back to the Otorii ring name in October 1777, but was later given the shikona "Manazuru Sakiemon" (真鶴 咲右エ門) in March 1781 which he held for ten years. In November 1791, he was given the new shikona "Inazuma Sakiemon" (稲妻 咲右エ門). He retired from sumo in October 1804 after a 30 year career.

## **Personal Life**

His older brother was also an ozeki who wrestled under the shikona Shakagatake. They were the first pairs of brothers to wrestle in makuuchi. His brother is known for being the tallest ozeki in recorded history, standing at 2.23 m (7 ft 4 in).

He outlived many of his fellow wrestlers and died on May 24, 1838, at the age of 84.

## **Records**

* **Total:** 68-36-67-12draws-10holds-17no results/143 (32 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 46-17-67-6draws-5holds-10no results/84 (17 basho)
* **Juryo:** 22-19-6draws-5holds-7no results/59 (15 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Otorii Mondayu (1774.10 - 1774.10)
* Owatari Mondayu (1775.03 - 1777.04)
* Otorii Mondayu (1777.10 - 1780.10)
* Manazuru Sakiemon (1781.03 - 1791.06)
* Inazuma Sakiemon (1791.11 - 1804.10)

## **Gallery**

Otorii during his time as Manazuru with fellow wrestler Musashino (c. 1780)
Rakoten Keigo

Rakoten Keigo - 羅候天 啓剛 (born September 29, 1970) is a former Taiwanese professional sumo wrestler from Taipei County. He made his debut in September 1990 and last wrestled for Takadagawa stable. His highest rank was jonidan 106 and he retired in May 1991.

## **Career**

Qigang Zhen of Taipei County (now New Taipei City, Taiwan) joined Takadagawa stable in September 1990. There were seven other Taiwanese sumo wrestlers at Takadagawa stable and Zhen was the last Taiwanese recruited into professional sumo. He initially wrestled under his family name of "Shin" (甄), but switched to the shikona of "Rakoten" (羅候天) in his jonokuchi debut. In this tournament he produced a 5-2 record and even defeated future juryo wrestler Sunahama in his first professional match. As a result he was promoted to the jonidan division in January 1991, but sat out of this tournament and the following tournament. As a result, he fell off the banzuke and his retirement was announced after the May 1991 tournament.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 5-2-14/7 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 0-0-7/0 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2-7/7 (2 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Shin Keigo (1990.09 - 1990.09)
* Rakoten Keigo (1990.11 - 1991.05)
Rainoumi

Rainoumi - 雷ノ海 - was a Japanese-American professional sumo wrestler from California. His first recorded tournament was on January 1925 which was also the same time he made his juryo debut. His highest rank was juryo 7 and his last recorded tournament was in October 1927.

## **Early Life**

Toshio Koga was originally from California, United States. He was one of the first Japanese-Americans to join professional sumo, however, the exact date of when he made his professional debut is unclear.

## **Career**

As previously stated, the exact tournament he made his professional debut is unclear. It was likely that Koga did not use California as his shusshin (birthplace) because many sources state that Hiraga, who did not make his debut until 1934, was the first rikishi to use a foreign shusshin.

He reached the elite juryo division in January 1925 and adopted the shikona Rainoumi (雷ノ海). He lasted in juryo for only two tournaments and his highest rank was juryo 7. According to the book "Grand Sumo" by Lora Sharnoff, Toyonishiki, was the first Japanese-American to reach sekitori status, which was in 1943, however, Rainoumi is actually the first Japanese-American to reach sekitori in 1925, eighteen years earlier.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

His last recorded tournament was in October 1927, however, the exact date or tournament he announced his retirement is unknown.

Upon retirement from sumo, Toshio Koga returned to the United States. He was present to provide training at Seattle’s final prewar sumo tournament which took place at the Nippon Kan on Sunday, March 30, 1941. According to the Nichibei Shinbun, Toshio Koga trained young Japanese boys sumo in Los Angeles, California until May 23rd, 1941.

## **Records**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 5-7/12 (3 basho)
* **Juryo:** 5-7/12 (2 basho)
* **Makushita:** 0-0/0 (1 basho)

### **Achievements**

* **1st** Japanese-American to become a sekitori (January 1925)