recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Ryuozan Hikaru

Ryuozan Hikaru - 龍王山 光 (born March 25, 1910 - February 17, 1948) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Iizuka, Fukuoka. He made his debut in March 1930 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1938 and has one kinboshi. His highest rank was maegashira 2 and he retired in November 1944.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He joined Dewanoumi stable and made his professional debut in March 1930 under his family name Takanabe. He was given the shikona "Ryuozan" (龍王山) in January 1935 and was promoted to juryo in January 1936. In January 1938, he won the juryo yusho with a strong 11-2 record and was promoted to makuuchi for the following May 1938 tournament.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Ryuozan was ranked in the top division for a total of 10 tournaments, reaching as high as maegashira 2 in May 1939. His career highlight also came in this tournament where he defeated yokozuna Minanogawa to earn his first and only kinboshi. He fell back down to juryo in May 1942 and eventually retired in November 1944.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, Ryuozan was unable to obtain elder stock and left the Japan Sumo Association. Upon leaving he engaged in coaching kids sumo wrestling.

### **Death**

On February 17, 1948, Ryuozan incorrectly prepared fugu (pufferfish) and he and his wife both died from pufferfish poisoning. He was only 37 years old.

## **Fighting Style**

Ryuozan was an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. However, his most common kimarite used was yoritaoshi (frontal crush out), followed by hatakikomi (slap down).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 130-138-19-1d/267 (23 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 54-80-11-1d/134 (10 basho)
* **Juryo:** 45-34-8/78 (7 basho)
* **Makushita:** 31-24/55 (5 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Juryo** Championship (January 1938)

## **Shikona History**

* Takanabe Hikaru (1930.03 - 1934.05)
* Ryuozan Hikaru (1935.01 - 1944.11)

## **Sources**

* Ryuozan Hikaru Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ryuozan Hikaru Rikishi Information
Matsuragata Tatsuya

Matsuragata Tatsuya - 松浦潟 達也 (born May 27, 1915 - March 10, 1945) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nagoya, Saga. He made his debut in January 1930 and wrestled for Tatsutayama stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1938 and has 2 kinboshi. His highest rank was komusubi and he died while as an active wrestler in March 1945.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Torinosuke Makiyama joined Tatsutayama stable and made his professional debut in January 1930 under the shikona "Matsuragata" (松浦潟). He reached the juryo division in January 1936 and was promoted to makuuchi in January 1938.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Upon promotion to the top division he was given the new shikona "Orochigata" (大蛇潟) but he quickly reverted back to "Matsuragata" after two losing records. In May 1941, he finished with a strong 12-3 record at the rank of maegashira 2 and was promoted to komusubi for the following tournament. He could only manage a 6-9 record and this proved to be his only time ranked at the san'yaku level. In May 1943, he defeated Yokozuna's Terukuni and Akinoumi to earn his first and second career kinboshi.

## **Death**

Matsuragata was killed on March 10, 1945, during the Bombing of Tokyo. He was only 29 years old. On this day, in the midst of a large air raid, Matsuragata was working with his neighbors near his house in Sumida's Honjo neighborhood to put out a fire. He is said to have fled in the direction of Koto Ward's Fukugawa district. He was never seen again and it is presumed that he died later that day during the air raids. His body was never recovered. A few days later, a member of the Keidoban (Civil defense association), who was recovering bodies from the Fukugawa area, claimed that he found a large corpse, however, there was no way of confirming the identity.

## **Fighting Style**

Matsuragata 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 uwatenage, or overarm throw.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 144-130-9/273 (23 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 79-85-4/163 (12 basho)
* **Juryo:** 45-37-5/82 (7 basho)
* **Makushita:** 15-7/22 (2 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 5-1/6 (1 basho)

### **Achievements**

* **Kinboshi:** 2 (1) Terukuni, (1) Akinoumi

## **Shikona History**

* Matsuragata Tatsuya (1930.01 - 1937.05)
* Orochigata Tsuyoomi (1938.01 - 1938.05)
* Matsuragata Tatsuya (1939.01 - 1944.11)

## **Sources**

* Matsuragata Tatsuya Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Matsuragata Tatsuya Rikishi Information
Nishiiwa Stable

Nishiiwa stable (西岩部屋, Nishiiwa beya) is a heya of sumo wrestlers, part of the Nishonoseki ichimon or group of stables. It was established in February 2018 by the former sekiwake Wakanosato, who branched off from Tagonoura stable.

As of January 2023 it has 9 active sumo wrestlers.

## **History**

Nishiiwa stable was established in February 2018 by former sekiwake Wakanosato, who branched off from Tagonoura stable, taking two wrestlers from the jonidan division with him (Wakasatake and Wakanoguchi). The stable is situated in Asakusa, Tokyo.

Nishiiwa stable has yet to produce any sekitori.

## **Ring Name Conventions**

Wrestlers at this stable have taken ring names or shikona that begin with the character 若 (read:Waka), meaning young, followed by their surname, in deference to their coach and the stable's owner Wakanosato.

## **Owners**

* 2018–present: 12th Nishiiwa Shinobu (iin, former sekiwake Wakanosato)

## **Referee**

* Kimura Kazuma (makushita gyoji) - *Transferred from Minezaki stable*

## **Usher**

* Hiroyuki (juryo yobidashi) - *Transferred from Minezaki stable*
* Masao (juryo yobidashi) - *Transferred from Minezaki stable*
Mitsuaki (yobidashi)

Mitsuaki- 光昭 (born January 31, 1975) is a Japanese professional sumo usher from Honjo, Saitama. He was recruited and debuted in the March 1990 tournament and he belongs to Tagonoura stable. He reached the Makuuchi rank in January 2022.

## **Career**

* March 1990 - Had his ring debut under Naruto stable
* July 1994 - Promoted to Jonidan yobidashi
* January 1996 - Promoted to Sandanme yobidashi
* January 2001 - Promoted to Makushita yobidashi
* September 2002 - Promoted to Juryo yobidashi
* January 2022 - Promoted to Makuuchi yobidashi

## **Sources**

* Mitsuaki (yobidashi) Japanese Wikipedia Article
* JSA Mitsuaki Personal Page
Murakami Mitsuteru

Murakami Mitsuteru - 村上 光昭 (born December 1, 1943 - May 22, 2018) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kaminokuni, Hokkaido. He made his debut in May 1965 and wrestled for Izutsu stable. His highest rank was makushita 13 and he retired in September 1968.

## **Early Life**

Mitsuaki Murakami was born on December 1, 1943, in Kaminokuni, Hokkaido. He attended Chuo University where he was a member of the school's sumo club. Murakami excelled in academics and joined Izutsu stable in May 1965 even though he still had a year left until graduation; he had already acquired all the credits and only needed to complete his graduate research. He graduated from Chuo University in March 1966.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in May 1965 and wrestled under his surname "Murakami" (村上). He was granted makushita tsukedashi status due to his amateur background and started out at the bottom of the makushita division. In May 1966, he won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record and was promoted to a career-best makushita 13 rank. In January 1967, he was given the shikona "Shinko" (神光). He fell down to sandanme for the first time in May 1967, but finished with a strong 6-1 record. He retired from sumo in September 1968.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, Murakami established "Murakami Industry Co., Ltd." (株式会社 村上工業), a dismantling business in Ishikawa, Chiba. Many of his clients include local governments in Chiba prefecture and school corporations such his alma mater Chuo University.

In his later years, Murakami served as the chairman of the Chuo University sumo club. He died on May 22, 2018, at the age of 74.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 70-70-7/140 (21 basho)
* **Makushita:** 64-69-7/133 (20 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (May 1966)

## **Shikona History**

* Murakami Mitsuteru (1965.05 - 1966.11)
* Shinko Mitsuteru (1967.01 - 1968.09)

## **Gallery**

Murakami (middle) with his Chuo University teammates (c. 1964)Murakami during his time at Chuo University (c. 1964)
## **Sources**

* Murakami Mitsuteru Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Murakami Mitsuteru Rikishi Information
Miyama Teiji

Miyama Teiji - 三山 貞次 (born February 15, 1941) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kahoku, Yamagata. He made his debut in March 1959 and last wrestled for Tatsunami stable. He reached the juryo division in May 1968. His highest rank was juryo 5 and he retired in July 1970.

## **Career**

Takahashi joined Tatsunami stable made his professional debut in March 1959. He was promoted to sandanme in May 1960 and makushita in September 1961. He was promoted to juryo in May 1968, but could only finish with a 4-11 record. He subsequently changed his shikona to "Miyama" (三山) in the following July 1968 tournament and was promoted back to juryo in November 1968. He spent a total of eight tournaments in juryo, reaching as high as juryo 5 in March 1969. He announced his retirement in July 1970.

## **Fighting Style**

Miyama was a tsuki/oshi specialist, who prefers pushing and thrusting at his opponents rather than fighting on the mawashi or belt. His most common winning kimarite was oshidashi, or push out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 283-252-7/535 (69 basho)
* **Juryo:** 51-69/120 (8 basho)
* **Makushita:** 168-140-7/308 (45 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 37-27/64 (9 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 24-16/40 (5 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 3-0/3 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Takahashi Teiji (1959.03 - 1968.05)
* Miyama Teiji (1968.07 - 1970.07)

## **Sources**

* Miyama Teiji Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Miyama Teiji Rikishi Information
Rao Nozomu

Rao Nozomu - 羅王 希望 (born March 30, 1993) is a Japanese former professional sumo wrestler from Tokorozawa, Saitama. He made his debut in January 2011 and wrestled for Tatsunami stable. His highest rank was makushita 37 and he retired in January 2024.

## **Early Life**

Rao Ito was born in Tokorozawa, Saitama, on March 30, 1993, to a Filipino mother and a Japanese father. Ito began sumo wrestling during his third year of elementary school. In late 2010, he joined Tatsunami stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in January 2011 and was given the shikona "Raomaru" (羅王丸). He finished with solid 5-2 records in his first three tournaments and was promoted to sandanme in November 2011. In January 2015, he dropped the "Maru" (丸) in his shikona and began wrestling under his given name "Rao" (羅王). He reached the makushita division in November 2015 and was promoted to a career-best makushita 37 in September 2016. He missed two tournaments in March and May 2018 due to a right elbow injury and was demoted back down to jonidan. Upon returning to action in July 2018, Rao won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. He was promoted back to makushita in September 2019, but spent a majority of his time in sandanme.

Rao kept in Sandanme for the next 4 years with rare makushita appearances. In November 2023, Rao had decided to retire from active sumo after 12 years in the ring. In his last bout he was congratulated by his stablemates and brother backstage after the match. He posted a 2-5 losing record and soon after the basho, he had his hair-cutting ceremony. His retirement was officially listed after the January 2024 tournament.

## **Personal Life**

* His younger brother, Baraki, is also a professional sumo wrestler and wrestles in Shikihide stable.
* His given name Rao is derived from a character in the manga series Fist of the North Star.

## **Fighting Style**

Rao is proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. Due to his small size, he prefers a maemitsu grip on his opponent's mawashi or belt – grabbing the front part directly below the stomach area. His most often used winning kimarite is yorikiri (force out), followed by oshidashi (push out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 259-237-15/495 (74 basho)
* **Makushita:** 30-47/77 (11 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 201-183-8/383 (56 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 23-5-7/28 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Raomaru Nozomu (2011.01 - 2014.11)
* Rao Nozomu (2015.01 - 2023.11)

## **Gallery**

Rao gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2011)Rao prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2017)Rao defeats Wakazakura the Jonidan Yusho (c. 2018)Rao with his younger brother Baraki (c. 2023)Rao after wrestling his final match (c. 2023)Rao's retirement ceremony (c. 2023)

## **Sources**

* Rao Nozomu Rikishi Information
* Sponichi Annex Article on Rao Joining Sumo
* Nikkan Sports Article on Rao's Jonidan Yusho
Onogawa Stable (1947)

Onogawa Stable (小野川部屋, Onogawa-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Dewanoumi ichimon or group of stables. The most recent incarnation was established in June 1947 by former maegashira Kinkazan. It closed its doors in November 1964, and its staff transferred to Dewanoumi stable.

## **History**

The stable was established in the late Edo Period and was a member of the Osaka Sumo promotion. The stable was also known as **Jinmaku stable** on several different occasions.

The most recent incarnation of the stable was established by former maegashira Kinkazan in 1947. The stable was a relatively small stable, but it still produced a number of sekitori including sekwiake Kainoyama and Shinobuyama, and komusubi Naruyama. After Onogawa Oyakata (former maegashira Kinkazan) reached the mandatory retirement age of 65, the stable closed down in November 1964 and all its personnel transferred to Dewanoumi stable.

Currently, the building of the former Onogawa stable is currently a restaurant owned by a fan of the former stable.

## **Owners**

* 1947-1964: 15th Onogawa (former maegashira Kinkazan)
* 1944-1947: 13th Jinmaku (former maegashira Aobayama)
* 1942-1943: 14th Onogawa (former maegashira Ononishiki)
* 1938-1942: 13th Onogawa (former Osaka-sumo Kakogawa)
* 1934-1938: 12th Jinmaku (former Osaka-sumo Daimon)
* 1921-1933: 11th Onogawa (former Osaka-sumo Kakogawa)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Shinobuyama (former sekiwake)
* Kainoyama (former sekiwake) - *transferred to Dewanoumi stable*
* Naruyama (former komusubi)
* Aobayama (former maegashira)
* Ononishiki I (former maegashira)
* Ononishiki II (former maegashira)
* Ryushoyama (former juryo) - *transferred to Dewanoumi stable*
Ryoga Seiko

Ryoga Seiko - 凌駕 精考 (born January 20, 1948) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shimokawa, Hokkaido. He made his debut in May 1963 and last wrestled for Tatsunami stable. He reached the makuuchi division in March 1973. His highest rank was maegashira 13 and he retired in January 1974.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

After graduating from junior high school, Shirato moved to Tokyo and joined Tatsunami stable. He made his professional debut in May 1963, initially wrestling under his surname. In January 1965, he won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. He was promoted to makushita in May 1966 and he changed his shikona to "Ryoga" (凌駕) in September 1969. He was promoted to juryo three tournaments later in March 1970.

### **Juryo Career**

Ryoga's first stint as a sekitori only lasted four tournaments and he was demoted back down to makushita in January 1971. He returned to juryo in September 1971. In January 1973, he produced a 10-5 record at the rank of juryo 5 and was promoted to makuuchi in March 1973.

### **Makuuchi Career**

In his makuuchi debut, Ryoga could only manage 4 wins and was demoted back down to juryo. This proved to be his only tournament ranked in the top division.

### **Later Career**

Ryoga remained in juryo for another three tournaments after his emotion from makuuchi, but due to ankle and knee ligament injuries, he struggled and eventually fell down to makushita in November 1973. He announced his retirement after the following January 1974 tournament. He left the sumo world all together upon retiring from the sport.

## **Fighting Style**

Ryoga 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:** 294-283-15/575 (65 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 4-11/15 (1 basho)
* **Juryo:** 118-133-4/249 (17 basho)
* **Makushita:** 108-88-7/196 (29 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 27-29/56 (8 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 34-18-4/52 (8 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 3-4/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (January 1965)

## **Shikona History**

* Shirato Fumio (1963.05 - 1969.07)
* Ryoga Seiko (1969.09 - 1974.01)

## **Sources**

* Ryoga Seiko Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ryoga Seiko Rikishi Information
Ohata Ku

Ohata Ku - 大畑 空宇 (born October 24, 1996) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kurihara, Miyagi. He made his debut in November 2014 and currently wrestles for Tokitsukaze stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 31.

## **Early Life**

Ohata began sumo wrestling during his sixth year at elementary school. He attended Kurikoma Junior High School where he was a member of the school's sumo club. He later enrolled at Miyagiken Kogotanorinkoto School where he achieved solid results in the high school sumo scene. After graduating, he joined Tokitsukaze stable.

## **Career**

Ohata made his professional debut in November 2014 and reached the sandanme division by his forth tournament. He was promoted to makushita in May 2017, but due to worsening diabetes, Ohata followed with four consecutive losing records and was regulated back to lower sandanme. Ohata went on to win the sandanme yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in March 2018 and was promoted back to makushita for the following May 2018 tournament. In May 2019, Ohata was given the shikona "Obayama" (大葉山), however, he reverted back to wrestling under his surname in July 2021.

## **Fighting Style**

Ohata 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:** 190-181/371 (54 basho)
* **Makushita:** 75-100/175 (25 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 104-78/182 (26 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (March 2018)

## **Shikona History**

* Ohata Ku (2014.11 - 2019.03)
* Obayama Ku (2019.05 - 2021.05)
* Ohata Ku (2021.07 - )

## **Gallery**

Ohata first tournament of professional sumo (c. 2015)Ohata defeats Tochiminato (c. 2017)Ohata wins the Sandanme Yusho (c. 2018)Ohata defeats Kainoshima (c. 2019)Ohata prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2021)
## **Sources**

* Ohata Ku Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ohata Ku Rikishi Information
Ryujuyama Masao

Ryujuyama Masao - 龍授山 正男 (born June 12, 1961) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Soma, Fukushima. He made his debut in May 1979 and last wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the juryo division in November 1989. His highest rank was juryo 8 and he retired in September 1990.

## **Early Life**

Watanabe practiced judo from his 5th year at elementary school all the way to Tokyoto Tachikinutakogyo High School where he also worked part-time at a restaurant. While working at his part-time job, Nishikido Oyakata (former maegashira Otayama) visited his restaurant and recruited him for sumo. As a result, Watanabe dropped out of high school and joined Takasago stable where Nishikido Oyakata worked as a coach.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in May 1979 under the shikona "Watanabeyama" (渡辺山). He later changed his shikona to "Ryujuyama" (龍授山) in May 1980. He was promoted to sandanme in January 1981 and makushita in January 1983. He progressed through the makushita ranks at a rather slow pace and after seven year in makushita, he was promoted to juryo in November 1989. Ryujuyama posted a solid 9-6 record in his juryo debut and was promoted to a career-best juryo 8 in January 1990. However, he followed with a disastrous 3-12 record and was demoted back down to makushita. He never returned to sekitori status and announced his retirement after the September 1990 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Ryugahama 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:** 251-229-12/480 (69 basho)
* **Juryo:** 12-18/30 (2 basho)
* **Makushita:** 138-137-12/275 (41 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 46-31/77 (11 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 49-42/91 (13 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Watanabeyama Masao (1979.05 - 1980.03)
* Ryujuyama Masao (1980.05 - 1990.09)

## **Sources**

* Ryujuyama Masao Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ryujuyama Masao Rikishi Information
Minaminoshima Isamu

Minaminoshima Isamu - 南乃島 勇 (born June 2, 1983) is a former Tongan professional sumo wrestler from Nukuʻalofa. He made his debut in March 2001 and wrestled for Musashigawa stable. His highest rank was makushita 21 and he retired in September 2008.

## **Early Life**

Minaminoshima Isamu Falevai was born and raised in Tonga. His unique name came from his father, who had used that shikona during a two year stint at Asahiyama stable in the mid 1970s. As an amateur he competed in the middleweight category at the Junior World Sumo Championships in 2000 and won the bronze medal. He joined Musashigawa stable in March 2001 and became the first second-generation foreign sumo wrestler.

## **Career**

He wrestled under his real name of Minaminoshima (南乃島) and he breezed through the first two divisions. He was promoted to sandanme in January 2002, but found it much harder than the previous divisions. He finally broke through the sandanme wall in March 2004 after winning al seven matches and claiming the sandanme yusho. As a result he was promoted to makushita, but he only lasted there for three tournaments and was demoted back down to sandanme. He wrestled a couple brief stints in makushita in 2005 and 2006, but was more of a sandanme regular. In November 2007 he was promoted to a career-best makushita 21.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After posting two losing records in makushita, he was demoted back down to sandanme in July 2008. In this tournament he pulled out on the ninth day and sat out of the following tournament. His retirement was announced after the September 2008 tournament. *Sumo Fan Magazine* claimed that there were rumors that his mother pressured him to leave the sport.

After retirement, he returned to Tonga and worked as a police officer.

## **Fighting Style**

Minaminoshima was a 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:** 159-147-9/305 (46 basho)
* **Makushita:** 35-49/84 (12 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 101-86-9/186 (28 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 19-9/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (March 2004)

### **Achievements**

* **1st** second-generation foreign sumo wrestler

## **Shikona History**

* Minaminoshima Isamu (2001.03 - 2008.09)

## **Gallery**

Minaminoshima with fellow Tongan, Aotsurugi (c. 2001)Minaminoshima behind stablemate Yokozuna Musashimaru (c. 2002)Minaminoshima after winning the sandanme yusho (c. 2004)Minaminoshima gets his hair done (c. 2004)Minaminoshima throws his opponentMinaminoshima prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2006)
## **Sources**

* Minaminoshima Isamu Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Minaminoshima Isamu Rikishi Information
Ozakiumi Yoshinobu

Ozakiumi Yoshinobu - 尾崎海 善信 (born January 20, 1986) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yaizu, Shizuoka. He made his debut in May 2008 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. His highest rank was makushita 29 and he retired in September 2009.

## **Early Life**

Yoshinobu Ozaki was born on January 20, 1986, in Yaizu, Shizuoka. After graduating from Toyo University Affiliated Ushiku Senior High School, he enrolled at Toyo University where he studied corporate law and was a member of the sumo club as well. After graduating from university, he joined Dewanoumi stable because he had visited and trained there since his time in elementary school.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in May 2008 and was given the shikona "Ozakiumi" (尾崎海). In July 2008, in his first official tournament, he won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. In November 2008, he was aiming for the jonidan yusho and won his first six matches, however, he lost his final match to Toshinyama. Nevertheless, he was promoted to sandanme for the following January 2009 tournament and makushita in March 2009. At the time of his makushita debut, Ozakiumi had not posted a single losing record. He continued his strong and run and reached a career-best makushita 29 in July 2009.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

In the July 2009 tournament, Ozakiumi withdrew from the tournament due to neck and spinal injuries. He had suffered from a herniated disc and neck problems since December 2008 which had been caused from the traffic accident in the spring of 2006. Due to the traffic accident, he sprained his cervical vertebrae and was even initially reluctant to enter sumo. Ozakiumi officially retired from sumo in September 2009.

## **Fighting Style**

Ozakiumi 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:** 33-15-8/48 (9 basho)
* **Makushita:** 10-10-1/20 (3 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 6-1-7/7 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 10-4/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

## **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (July 2008)

## **Gallery**

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

* Ozakiumi Yoshinobu Rikishi Information
* Sumoforum Thread on Ozakiumi
Ryumon Yoshigoro

Ryumon Yoshigoro - 龍門 好五郎 (born 1807 - February 14, 1833) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Suo-Oshima, Yamaguchi. He made his debut in October 1828 and wrestled for Jinmaku stable. He reached the makuuchi division in October 1828. His highest rank was maegashira 7 and he retired in October 1828.

## **Career**

Yoshigoro Harihara was born sometime in 1807 in what is now Suo-Oshima, Yamaguchi. He initially started out sumo wrestling for Osaka sumo and wanted to test his ability in the more competitive Edo sumo. He joined Jinmaku stable and was suppose to make his Edo sumo debut in October 1828 under the shikona "Ryumon Yoshigoro" (龍門 好五郎), but he never arrived to Edo and remained in Osaka. Nevertheless, his name appeared on the October 1828 banzuke and his rank was listed as maegashira 7. He died in Osaka on February 14, 1833, at the age of 26.

## **Personal Life**

* Standing at 2.26 m (7 ft 5 in), Ryumon is the third tallest recorded sumo wrestler after Ikuzuki and Ozora.
* There is a monument of Ryumon's handprint in his hometown of Suo-Oshima, Yamaguchi.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 0-0-10/0 (1 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 0-0-10/0 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

19th century woodblock print of Ryumon Yoshigoro

## **Sources**

* Ryumon Yoshigoro Rikishi Information
* Sumo Digital Institute Article on Tall Rikishi
Ozora Buzaemon

Ozora Buzaemon - 大空 武左エ門 (born 1796 - September 5, 1832) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yabe, Kumamoto. He made his debut in March 1827 and wrestled for Katsunoura stable. He reached the makuuchi division in March 1827. His highest rank was maegashira 7 and he retired in March 1827.

## **Career**

Sakaguchi was born sometime in 1796 in what is now Yabe, Kumamoto. He travelled to Edo (now Tokyo) in 1827 to accompany a feudal lord due to the Sankin-kotai policy. Upon arriving to Edo, he became a sumo wrestler and joined Katsunoura stable. He was given the shikona "Ozora Buzaemon" (大空 武左エ門) and made his professional debut in March 1827. Standing at 2.27 m (7 ft 5 in), he is tied for being the tallest sumo wrestler alongside Ikuzuki. Due to his height, he became a tabloid sensation and his handprints and woodblock prints became cherished souvenirs. However, he disliked the public attention and left Edo to return home after only a short while. Despite being ranked as a maegashira 7 on the March 1827 banzuke, he never appeared in any matches and was essentially treated like a sideshow attraction. He died on September 5, 1832, at the age of 36 and his grave is located in Yabe, Kumamoto.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 0-0-7/0 (1 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 0-0-7/0 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

19th century woodblock print of Ozora Buzaemon

## **Sources**

* Ozora Buzaemon Rikishi Information
* *Portrait of Ozora Buzaemon*, 1827
* NPO Gyoji Article on Ozora
Nanyozakura

Nanyozakura - 南洋桜 (born January 22, 1966) is a former Samoan professional sumo wrestler from Apia, Upolu. He made his debut in September 1984 and wrestled for Takasago stable. His highest rank was makushita 48 and he retired in January 1988.

## **Early Life**

Faaleva was born and raised in Apia, Western Samoa. He joined Takasago stable in 1984, after he responded to a TV recruitment campaign placed by a Japanese businessman. He was picked out of a group of around 300 youths by the former sekiwake Takamiyama. Another Samoan, Nankairyu (Kilifi Sapa), joined at the same time.

## **Career**

Nanyozakura made his debut in September 1984. In his jonokuchi debut, he was in the yusho-race for majority of the tournament, however, he lost his last match to finish with a still impressive 6-1 record. Nanyozakura was promoted to the sandanme division in May 1986. After a succession of strong performances, he was promoted to makushita in July 1987. He was demoted back down to sandanme after producing a losing record in his lone makushita tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After the July 1987 tournament, he went to visit his ailing mother in the South Pacific later that summer and never returned to Japan. His retirement papers were ultimately handed in after the January 1988 tournament.

After retirement he moved to Sydney, Australia, and became a church minister, which he still performs as of 2018. Even though he left sumo under unusual circumstances he still kept up with sumo and knows most of the current makuuchi wrestlers. He visited Musashigawa stable with former stablemate Konishiki in January 2016.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 67-52-21/119 (21 basho)
* **Makushita:** 1-6/7 (1 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 22-13-14/35 (7 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 38-32-7/70 (11 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Nanyozakura during his time in maezumo (c. 1984)Nanyozakura with stablemate Konishiki (c. 1985)Nanyozakura celebrates Konishiki's ozeki promotion (c. 1987)
## **Sources**

* Nanyozakura Rikishi Information
* Sharnoff, Lora (1993). *Grand Sumo*. Weatherhill
Omidori Katsugoro

Omidori Katsugoro - 大緑 勝五郎 (born October 3, 1934) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ashibetsu, Hokkaido. He made his debut in September 1953 and wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the juryo division in July 1960. His highest rank was juryo 1 and he retired in March 1963.

## **Career**

Born in Ashibetsu, Hokkaido, Sarubata joined Takasago stable and made his professional debut in September 1953. Initially wrestling under the shikona "Hijoshiyama" (菱成山), he won the jonidan yusho in May 1954. He was promoted to sandanme in September 1954 and makushita in May 1955. In July 1958 he changed his shikona to "Omidori" (大緑) and was promoted to juryo in July 1960. He was ranked in juryo for 17 tournaments and rose all the way up to the rank of juryo 1 in July 1962. After falling back down to makushita in May 1963, he announced is retirement.

## **Fighting Style**

Omidori 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:** 261-253-7/514 (51 basho)
* **Juryo:** 115-140/255 (17 basho)
* **Makushita:** 110-98-7/208 (27 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 16-8/24 (3 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 18-6/24 (3 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 2-1/3 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Hishijoyama Katsushige (1953.09 - 1958.05)
* Omidori Katsugoro (1958.07 - 1963.05)

## **Sources**

* Omidori Katsugoro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Omidori Katsugoro Rikishi Information
Mitakayama Shogo

Mitakayama Shogo - 三鷹山 昌吾 (born September 27, 1947) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Mitaka, Tokyo. He made his debut in May 1962 and last wrestled for Tokitsukaze stable. He reached the juryo division in July 1966. His highest rank was juryo 17 and he retired in January 1968.

## **Early Life**

During his second year at Mitaka Secondary School, Saito already stood at 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) and weighed 298 Ib (135 kg). In order to lose weight, he took up judo, but was later recommended to try out sumo by Shikoroyama Oyakata (former komusubi Wakabayama), who was an acquaintance of Saito's judo teacher. He subsequently joined Tokitsukaze stable and transferred to the nearby Tatekawa Junior High School.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in May 1962 at the age of 14, wrestling under the shikona "Saitogawa" (斉藤川). He was promoted to sandanme in January 1963 and makushita in January 1964. In May 1966, he produced a perfect 7-0 record at the rank of makushita 29, but missed out on the yusho after losing the playoff to former collegiate sumo wrestler Murakami. Nevertheless, he was promoted to juryo for the following July 1966 tournament.

Upon promotion to juryo, he was given the shikona "Mitakayama" (三鷹山) which is derived from his hometown of Mitaka, Tokyo. At the time of his juryo promotion, he was only 18 years 8 months old and by far the youngest sekitori. He posted an 8-7 record in his debut, but followed with a 4-11 record which resulted in him falling back down to makushita. He never managed to return to juryo.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After falling down to sandanme, Mitakayama retired from the sport in January 1968 at the young age of 20. After retiring, he worked at a sushi restaurant.

## **Fighting Style**

Mitakayama was a tsuki/oshi specialist, who prefers pushing and thrusting at his opponents rather than fighting on the mawashi or belt. However, his most common winning kimarite or technique was yorikiri, or force out, which requires a belt grip.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 129-106-19/235 (35 basho)
* **Juryo:** 12-18/30 (2 basho)
* **Makushita:** 66-55-12/121 (19 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 36-27-7/63 (10 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 9-5/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Saito Shogo (1962.05 - 1962.05)
* Saitogawa Shogo (1962.07 - 1966.05)
* Mitakayama Shogo (1966.07 - 1968.01)

## **Gallery**

Mitakayama during his time in the unsalaried ranks (c. 1966)
## **Sources**

* Mitakayama Shogo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Mitakayama Shogo Rikishi Information
Oshiogawa Stable (2022)

Oshiogawa stable (押尾川部屋, Oshiogawa-beya) is stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Nishonoseki group of stables. It broke off from Oguruma stable by its founder, former sekiwake Takekaze, and officially opened in February 2022. The planned opening of the stable was first announced in April 2021, and was prompted by the imminent retirement of the head of Oguruma stable, ex-ozeki Kotokaze, who turns 65 years of age in April 2022.

As of January 2023 it has 6 active sumo wrestlers.

## **Ring Name Conventions**

Oshiogawa has announced that all his recruits will have the kanji *kaze* (風, wind) as a prefix in their *shikona*. In Oguruma stable, it was used as a suffix.

## **Owners**

* 2022-present: 22nd Oshiogawa Akira (shunin, former sekiwake Takekaze)

## **Coaches**

* Oguruma Koichi (sanyo, former ozeki Kotokaze)

## **Notable Active Wrestlers**

* Yago (best rank maegashira) - *transferred from Oguruma stable*
* Amakaze (best rank maegashira) - *transferred from Oguruma stable*
* Kazekeno (best rank makushita)
* Kazenoumi (best rank makushita)
* Hienriki (best rank makushita) - *transferred from Oguruma stable*

## **Other personnel**

* Nishikikaze Shingo (sewanin, former makushita)
Naoki (yobidashi)

Naoki - 直起 (born April 23, 1991) is a Japanese professional sumo usher from Kumamoto, Kumamoto. He was recruited in February 2008 and debuted in the March 2008 tournament and he belongs to Kise stable. He reached the Makushita rank in January 2020.

## **Career**

* March 2008 - Had his debut under Kise stable as a Jonokuchi yobidashi
* July 2010 - Transferred to Kitanoumi stable due to the closure of Kise stable
* January 2012 - Promoted to Jonidan yobidashi
* May 2012 - Transferred to Kise stable as it was allowed to reestabilish
* January 2017 - Promoted to Sandanme yobidashi
* January 2020 - Promoted to Makushita yobidashi
Nankaiyama Shigehide

Nankaiyama Shigehide - 南海山 成秀 (born July 1, 1950) is a former South Korean professional sumo wrestler from Namhaedo, Namhae County, South Gyeongsang Province. He made his debut in July 1969 and wrestled for Futagoyama stable. His highest rank was makushita 57 and he retired in September 1971.

## **Early Life**

Seongyang Kang was born in Namhae County, South Gyeongsang Province on July 1st, 1950. He was recruited alongside Koraiyama in 1968 after Futagoyama-Oyakata (the 45th yokozuna Wakanohana) went personally to South Korea to scout for new talents.

## **Career**

He made his debut in July 1969 under the shikona "Nankaiyama" (南海山). He took the jonokuchi yusho in his first professional tournament with a strong 6-1 record. He followed with another 6-1 record and a 5-2 record which sent him to the mid-sandanme ranks. However, he reached his first wall in sandanme and did not achieve promotion to makushita until May 1971. In his first and only makushita tournament, he produced a 2-5 record and was immediately demoted back down to sandanme.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After Nankaiyama's first makushita tournament he pulled out of the following two tournaments which resulted in a certain fall down to the jonidan division. He announced his retirement after the September 1971 tournament.

### **Professional Wrestling Career**

He made his debut in the professional wrestling scene on May 25th, 1971, at the International Wrestling Enterprise (IWE) in a match against Goro Tsurumi which ended in a draw. He wrestled with IWE from May 1971 to July 1973. He wrestled under the ring name of Nankaizan for majority of his IWE career. He then briefly wrestled at New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) under the ring name of Kang Sung Yung. He then transition to All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) where he was mainly in the tag-team scene. His signature move was the headbutt.

He later became a wrestling promoter in South Korea and appeared in four matches when AJPW was on tour in his native province of South Gyeongsang in 1982.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 47-30-14/77 (14 basho)
* **Makushita:** 2-5/7 (1 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 33-23-14/56 (10 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (September 1969)

### **Achievements**

* **1st** South Korean rikishi to win a lower divison championship

## **Shikona History**

* Nankaiyama Shigehide (1969.07 - 1971.09)

## **Gallery**

Nankaizan practices sumo after getting recruited (c. 1969)Nankaiyama after retirement as a pro-wrestler

## **Sources**

* Nankaiyama Shigehide Rikishi Information
* Article About Korean Sumo Wrestlers
Mineyaiba Kishamaru

Mineyaiba Kishamaru - 峰刃 幾叉丸 (born March 26, 1999) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Soka, Saitama. He made his debut in March 2019 and currently wrestles for Shikoroyama stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 4.

## **Early Life**

Ito started sumo wrestling during his third year at Yatsuka Elementary School. He participated at the Wanpaku National Sumo Tournament and made it to the top 8 during his fourth year. He went on to attend Soka Shiritsu Yatsuka Junior High School where he was a member of both the judo club and sumo club. After graduating junior high school, Ito attended Nippon Sport Science University Kashiwa High School where he performed well on the national level. After graduating high school, he attended Tokyo University of Agriculture, but dropped out during his second year. He was later recruited into Shikoroyama stable by Shikoroyama Oyakata (former sekiwake Terao).

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2019 alongside Kitanowaka, Tokihayate, Yoshii and Otsuji. In his first tournament, Ito won his first six matches, but missed out on the jonokuchi yusho after losing to Okinohama in his final match. He was promoted to sandanme in November 2019 and makushita in September 2020.

In November 2020, he was aiming for the makushita yusho, but lost his final match to Ryuko. He was given the shikona "Mineyaiba" (峰刃) in March 2021, however, he missed this tournament due to a retinal detachment. In March 2022, he suffered an orbital floor fracture and had to miss the tournament. In November 2022, he won his first six matches. but missed out on the makushita yusho after losing to Tamashoho in his final match.

## **Family**

* Mineyaiba's younger brother, Yasuki Ito, also joined Shikoroyama stable and made his debut in July 2021.

## **Fighting Style**

Mineyaiba is a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. His preferred grip is the hidari-yotsu, or a right hand outside, left hand inside grip on the opponent's mawashi. He won most of his bouts with a straightforward yorikiri, or force out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 108-68-13/175 (28 basho)
* **Makushita:** 64-49-13/112 (18 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 28-14/42 (6 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 10-4/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Ito Chikashi (2019.03 - 2021.01)
* Mineyaiba Jonosuke (2021.03 - 2021.03)
* Mineyaiba Kishamaru (2021.05 - )

## **Gallery**

Mineyaiba joins Shikoroyama stable (c. 2019)Mineyaiba during his time in Maezumo (c. 2019)Mineyaiba loses the Makushita Yusho match (c. 2020)Mineyaiba prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2021)Mineyaiba defeats Hayatefuji (c. 2021)Mineyaiba loses the Makushita Yusho match (c. 2022)
## **Sources**

* Mineyaiba Kishamaru Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Mineyaiba Kishamaru Rikishi Information
Osegawa Hangoro

Osegawa Hangoro - 大瀬川 半五郎 (born February 1, 1927 - date of death unknown) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Hirosaki, Aomori. He made his debut in May 1942 and last wrestled for Isegahama stable. He reached the makuuchi division in March 1954. His highest rank was maegashira 6 and he retired in May 1962.

## **Early Life**

After graduating from an elementary school in Hirosaki, Aomori, he moved to Tokyo and worked for a shipping company. He was later introduced into Isegahama stable by Tateyama Oyakata (former sekiwake Hatasegawa)

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He made his professional debut in May 1942 and initially wrestled under his surname Ishizaki before adopting the shikona "Hironoumi" (弘ノ海) in 1945. In June 1945, he was drafted into the Japanese Imperial Army for military service and he returned to sumo five months later. He was promoted to sandanme in November 1946 and makushita in November 1947. He reached the juryo division in May 1951.

### **Juryo Career**

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Hironoumi could only manage a 5-10 record and was demoted back down to makushita. After falling down to the unsalaried ranks, he changed his shikona to "Osegawa" (大瀬川) and was promoted back to juryo in January 1952. After two years in juryo, he was promoted to makuuchi in March 1954.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Osegawa was ranked in the top division for a total of 21 tournaments, but he struggled to progress to the upper-level ranks. The highest rank he held was maegashira 6 which he achieved in November 1957. In July 1959, he sprained his left ankle and withdrew from the tournament on the 10th day after only accumulating one win. He was demoted back down to juryo and he never managed to return to makuuchi. He remained in juryo for the majority of his later career before retiring in May 1962.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Upon retirement from active competition, he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association, under the name Kiriyama. Even though he had acquired the stock, he left the sumo world after the September 1968 tournament. After leaving, he opened up a chanko restaurant in Okayama city. He later passed away, but the time of death and date of death is unknown.

## **Fighting Style**

Osegawa 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:** 460-463-14/921 (72 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 148-162-5/309 (21 basho)
* **Juryo:** 219-229-2/447 (30 basho)
* **Makushita:** 75-60-7/135 (12 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 8-4/12 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-4/10 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 3-2/5 (1 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 1-2/3 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Ishizaki (1942.05 - 1944.11)
* Hironoumi (1945.06 - 1949.01)
* Ishizaki (1949.05 - 1951.01)
* Hironoumi Hangoro (1951.05 - 1951.05)
* Osegawa Hangoro (1951.09 - 1962.05)

## **Sources**

* Osegawa Hangoro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Osegawa Hangoro Rikishi Information