recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Arikawa Yoshikazu

Arikawa Yoshikazu - 有川 義一 (born October 9, 1988) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kagoshima City, Kagoshima. He made his debut in March 2009 and wrestled for Hanaregoma stable. His highest rank was sandanme 76 and he retired in January 2022.

## **Early Life**

Yoshikazu Arikawa was born on October 9, 1988, in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture. He attended Shonan High School where he was a member of the school's sumo club. After high school, he enrolled at Senshu University's School of Law and was a member of the sumo club as well. He later dropped out midway to join Matsugane stable (later renamed Nishonoseki stable in 2014 and Hanaregoma stable in 2021).

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2009 and wrestled under his surname "Arikawa" (有川). He finished with a strong 6-1 record in his first tournament and followed with a 5-2 record in July 2009. However, he soon began to struggle and he did not reach sandanme until November 2010. Arikawa was only ranked in sandanme for a total of three tournaments reaching as high as sandanme 76 in January 2017. From March 2012 to January 2015, he wrestled under the shikona "Gojinryu" (豪刃龍) before reverting back to Arikawa in March 2015. Arikawa retired from sumo in January 2022.

## **Fighting Style**

Arikawa was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. His most common kimarite was yorikiri (force out) followed by tsukitoshi (thrust down) and uwatenage (overarm throw). In January 2016, he defeated Fudano with the extremely rare tsutaezori, or underarm forward body drop.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 253-256-16/509 (76 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 5-16/21 (3 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 233-234-16/467 (69 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 15-6/21 (3 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Arikawa Yoshikazu (2009.03 - 2012.01)
* Gojinryu Yoshikazu (2012.03 - 2015.01)
* Arikawa Yoshikazu (2015.03 - 2022.01)

## **Gallery**

Arikawa gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2009)Arikawa prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2022)Arikawa's (left) retirement ceremony (c. 2022)
## **Sources**

* Arikawa Yoshikazu Rikishi Information
* Livedoor Blog Post on 2009 in Sumo
Dewahikari Tsutomu

Dewahikari Tsutomu - 出羽輝 努 (born May 23, 1985) is a former Mongolian professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar. He made his debut in September 2002 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. His highest rank was sandanme 3 and he retired in November 2009.

## **Career**

Ulziisuren Tsolmon of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, joined Dewanoumi stable in September 2002 and was given the shikona "Dewahikari" (出羽輝). He struggled in his first couple years in sumo and he spent multiple tournaments in the lowest jonokuchi division.

He was stuck in the jonidan division for around three years, before a 6-1 record in July 2006 sent him to the sandanme division. He gradually rose through the division and in September 2002 he was promoted to a career-best sandanme 3.

In January 2003, Dewahikari received two fusensho, or win by default consecutively. This contributed to a 4-3 record, however, this was the last tournament he wrestled in. Dewahikari sat out of the following five tournaments which sent him all the way back down to jonokuchi. As a result, his retirement was announced after the November 2009 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Dewahikari was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He won over half of his bouts with a straightforward yorikiri, or force out. He was also fond of employing yoritaoshi, or frontal crush out, and uwatenage (overarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 137-129-35/266 (44 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 50-48-14/98 (16 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 74-73-14/147 (23 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 13-8-7/21 (4 basho)

## **Gallery**

Dewahikari during a training session (c. 2008)Dewahikari prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2008)Dewahikari makes his way to the Kokugikan (c. 2008)
Eigayama Hiromasa

Eigayama Hiromasa - 栄華山 大政 (born May 10, 1969) is a former Taiwanese professional sumo wrestler from Taipei. He made his debut in September 1986 and wrestled for Takadagawa stable. His highest rank was makushita 32 and he retired in January 1993.

## **Early Life**

Zheng Zhi-min has always been a big kid and by the time he graduated elementary school, he weighed over 100 kg. At the time he would usually consume over 10 bowls of rice. His father, who was a fan of sumo, sent him to Japan at the age of 17 to learn sumo. He was the first of eight Taiwanese wrestlers to join Takadagawa stable. At first Zhi-min was scared, but since his father occupied his passport and ID, he had no where to run and in the end had to practice.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in September 1986 and wrestled under the shikona "Omasa" (大政) for one tournament before changing it to "Eigayama" (栄華山). He performed rather well for someone who had no previous experience and was promoted to the sandanme division in January 1988. Eigayama struggled in sandanme and did not earn promotion to makusitma until July 1991. He was promoted to a career-high rank of makushita 32 in March 1992.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Eigayama fell down to sandanme in 1993 and continued to produce losing records. He cited that he suffered from gouty arthritis due to his excessive eating which caused his early retirement.

Upon retirement from sumo he returned to Taiwan and was engaged in the real estate industry. He also served as the Chairman and coach at the Republic of China Sumo Association (秘書長兼選手教練).

## **Personal Life**

* He attended Guolidouliugaoji High School (国立斗六高级中学) in Douliu, Taiwan.
* In September 2017, he helped revive a sumo dohyo that was first built when Taiwan was occupied by Japan. When Taiwan became independent, the dohyo was transformed into an outdoor theater, but with the help of sumo enthusiasts and Japanese companies, the dohyo was revived.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 133-121-12/254 (39 basho)
* **Makushita:** 16-19/35 (5 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 81-85-9/166 (25 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 25-14-3/39 (6 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 11-3/14 (2 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Omasa (1986.09 - 1986.09)
* Eigayama Hiromasa (1986.11 - 1993.01)

## **Gallery**

Eigayama with Tochinohana, the only Taiwanese sekitori (c. 2010)Coach Zhi-min (ex-Eigayama) gets interviewed (c. 2014)

## **Sources**

* Eigayama Hiromasa Rikishi Information
* TVBS Article on Taiwanese Sumo Wrestlers
* Eigayama Taiwan Sumo Profile
Denzan Hiroyasu

Denzan Hiroyasu - 電山 博保 (born June 8, 1988) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ube, Yamaguchi. He made his debut in March 2004 and wrestled for Otake stable. His highest was makushita 29 and he retired in March 2023.

## **Career**

During his third year at Ube Shiritsu Kamiube Junior High School, Yoshino was scouted and recruited for professional sumo. After graduating junior high school, he entered Otake stable and made his debut in March 2004 alongside Homasho, Kimurayama, Sagatsukasa, Satoyama, and Shirononami. Yoshino was promoted to sandanme in January 2007 and makushita in September 2008.

In July 2009, he was given the unusual sounding shikona "Migikataagari" (右肩上り) and this garnered a lot of attention from the press. In July 2012, he was aiming for the sandanme yusho, however, he lost on the 9th day to Sensho. Nevertheless, he finished with a strong 6-1 record and was promoted to a career-best makushita 29 for the following September 2012 tournament.

In January 2015 he reverted his ring name back to his surname Yoshino because he "wanted to be known more for his sumo ability, not his rare shikona." Two tournaments later in May 2015, he was given the new shikona "Denzan" (電山). For the remainder of his later career, he bounced back and forth between sandanme and jonidan. He retired from sumo in March 2023.

## **Fighting Style**

Denzan 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. He is also fond of employing oshidashi (push out) and uwatenage (overarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 388-386-10/772 (113 basho)
* **Makushita:** 74-108/182 (26 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 229-199-6/427 (62 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 71-65-4/135 (20 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 14-14/28 (4 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Yoshino Hiroyasu (2004.03 - 2009.05)
* Migikataagari Hiroyasu (2009.07 - 2014.11)
* Yoshino Hiroyasu (2015.01 - 2015.03)
* Denzan Hiroyasu (2015.05 - 2023.03)

## **Gallery**

Denzan prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2009)Denzan outside his stable, Otake stable (c. 2009)Denzan battles Kanzaki (c. 2022)Denzan after wrestling his final match (c. 2023)Denzan's retirement ceremony (c. 2023)
## **Sources**

* Denzan Hiroyasu Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Denzan Hiroyasu Rikishi Information
Asanokiri Mitsuru

Asanokiri Mitsuru - 朝ノ霧 満 (born January 5, 1977) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Akashi, Hyogo. He made his debut in March 1992 and wrestled for Wakamatsu Stable. His highest rank was sandanme 56 and he retired in March 2001.

## **Career**

Yoshimura joined Wakamatsu Stable and made his professional debut in March 1992 under the shikona "Wakayoshimura" (若吉村). Due to his relatively small physique, he got injured on multiple occasions and it was thought that it would be a matter of time before he fled the stable. Nevertheless, he powered through and stayed in the stable. In November 1995, he was given the shikona "Asanokiri" (朝ノ霧). He reached the sandanme division in November 1998. His highest rank was sandanme 56 which he earned in January 1999.

## **Mawashi Incident**

On the seventh day of the May 2000 tournament, during match against Chiyohakuho, Asanokiri's mawashi loosened and his genitals became exposed before the gyoji could stop the match. As a result, Asanokiri was disqualified and the win was awarded to Chiyohakuho. This was the first time in 83 year since May 1917 when juryo wrestler Otokojima lost to makushita Tomonoyama in the same fashion. The match was featured on the front page of Nikkan Sports the next day, and was telegraphed to the world by Reuters. It was also listed in the Guinness Book of Records as "the rarest way to lose in sumo".

Even though this was Chiyohakuho and Asanokiri's only match with each other, Chiyohakuho still attended his danpatsu-shiki, or retirement ceremony in 2001. When Chiyohakuho was promoted to juryo in January 2005, Asanokiri was also interviewed by Nikkan Sports.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Asanokiri retired from sumo in March 2001. After retiring he worked for a supermarket.

## **Fighting Style**

Asanokiri 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 shitatenage (underarm throw) followed by uwatenage (overarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 173-205/378 (55 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 39-52/91 (13 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 3-238-8/240 (35 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 26-30/56 (8 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Wakayoshimura Fukumitsu (1992.03 - 1995.09)
* Asanokiri Mitsuru (1995.11 - 2001.03)

## **Gallery**

Asanokiri is interviewed after his disqualification (c. 2000)Asanokiri loses to Chiyohakuho by hansoku (c. 2000)Newspaper article of Asanokiri's disqualification loss (c. 2000)
## **Sources**

* Asanokiri Mitsuru Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Asanokiri Mitsuru Rikishi Infomation
Fujinoyama Yuto

Fujinoyama Yuto - 富士の山 優斗 (born July 26, 2000) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Fuji, Shizuoka. He made his debut in January 2019 and currently wrestles for Fujishima stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 11.

## **Early Life**

Suzuki started sumo wrestling during his fourth year at Oka Elementary School and participated at the Wanpaku National Sumo Tournament for three consecutive years, reaching the top 8 in his sixth year. At Fuji Shiritsu Gakuyo Junior High School, he was a member of the judo club, but continued to practice sumo at a local dojo and in his second year, he had the opportunity to train at Fujishima stable. He went on to attend Hiryu High School where he was active in team competitions since his first year. He performed well on the national level and received offers from major university sumo programs such as Toyo University. However, after graduation Suzuki opted to go pro and joined Fujishima stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in January 2019 and initially wrestled under his surname Suzuki. He was promoted to sandanme in September 2019 and makushita in March 2020. He reached a career-best makushita 11 in November 2020 and had not produced a losing record at the time. However, he finished this tournament with a 2-5 record and went on a losing slump, eventually falling back down to sandanme in July 2021. He returned to makushita in January 2022 and in January 2023, he was given the shikona "Fujinoyama" (富士の山).

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 109-87/196 (29 basho)
* **Makushita:** 69-64/133 (19 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 25-17/42 (6 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-3/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Suzuki Yuto (2019.01 - 2022.11)
* Fujinoyama Yuto (2023.01 - )

## **Gallery**

Fujinoyama gets recruited into Fujishima (c. 2018)Fujinoyama gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2019)Fujinoyama invites Tendozan to Fujishima stable (c. 2020)Fujinoyama defeats Tamakongo (c. 2021)Fujinoyama battles Tsukahara (c. 2022)Fujinoyama prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2022)
## **Sources**

* Fujinoyama Yuto Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Fujinoyama Yuto Rikishi Information
Arimayama Ryuemon

Arimayama Ryuemon - 有馬山 龍右エ門 (born 1785 - February 8, 1835) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Muko District, Settsu. He made his debut in October 1808 and wrestled for Katsunoura stable. He reached the makuuchi division in November 1813. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in January 1824.

## **Career**

Born in Muko District, Settsu Province (currently part of Nishinomiya, Hyogo), he initally joined Osaka sumo's Onogawa stable and was a disciple of the 5th yokozuna Onogawa. He wrestled under the shikona "Naruogata Zenta" (鳴尾潟 善太), however, he later left for Edo sumo in October 1808 and joined Katsunoura stable, making his debut at the juryo division. In 1810 he took the shikona "Tsuzumigataki Choemon" (鼓ヶ滝 調右エ門) and reached makuuchi in November 1813. He was promoted to sekiwake in October 1818 and was given the shikona "Arimayama" (有馬山) in March 1819, named after the mountains by Arima Onsen. He was promoted to ozeki in October 1821, but only lasted there for two tournaments and was demoted in October 1822. Upon demotion, he took the shikona "Iwamigata Joemon" (岩見潟 丈右エ門). He retired from sumo in January 1824.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, he remained in the sumo world as an elder under the name Onogawa. He died on February 8, 1835, at the age of 50.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 95-45-41-8draws-6holds-12no results/166 (23 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 84-29-41-4draws-4holds-11no results/132 (18 basho)
* **Juryo:** 11-16-4draws-2draws-1no result/34 (5 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Naruogata Zenta (1808.10 - 1808.10)
* Naruogata Zentaro (1809.02 - 1809.10)
* Tsuzumigataki Choemon (1811.02 - 1818.02)
* Onogawa Choemon (1818.10 - 1818.10)
* Arimayama Takiemon (1819.03 - 1820.03)
* Arimayama Ryuemon (1820.10 - 1822.01)
* Iwamigata Joemon (1822.10 - 1824.01)

## **Gallery**

19th century woodblock print of ozeki Arimayama Ryuemon
## **Sources**

* Arimayama Ryuemon Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Arimayama Ryuemon Rikishi Information
Amanakiyama Junichi

Amanakiyama Junichi - 天鳴山 淳一 (born June 18, 1951) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yaku, Kagoshima. He made his debut in July 1970 and wrestled for Futagoyama stable. His highest rank was makushita 44 and his last tournament was in September 1975.

## **Early Life**

Junji Iwakawa was born in the town of Yaku located on Yaku Island in Kagoshima prefecture. He attended Senshu University where he was a member of the school's sumo club. He later dropped out of school and joined Futagoyama stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in July 1970 and won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in the following September 1970 tournament. He was promoted to sandanme in January 1971 and was given the shikona "Amanakiyama" (天鳴山). He reached the makushita division in July 1972, but was unable to make a significant progress in the division with his highest rank being makushita 44. In January 1974, he finished with a strong 6-1 record and was placed in a 10-man playoff for the sandanme yusho, however, he missed out on the championship. He sat out of the January 1975 tournament and the following four tournaments which caused him to fell off the banzuke after the September 1975 tournament. He never returned to maezumo or any of the lower divisions which makes it unclear when he officially retired.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 94-86-37/180 (32 basho)
* **Makushita:** 13-29/42 (6 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 68-56-16/124 (20 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1-14/7 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0-7/7 (2 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (September 1970)

## **Shikona History**

* Iwakawa Junji (1970.07 - 1971.11)
* Amanakiyama Junichi (1972.01 - 1974.07)
* Iwakawa Junji (1974.09 - 1975.09)

## **Gallery**

Amanakiyama during his time in makushita (c. 1972)
## **Sources**

* Amanakiyama Junichi Rikishi Information
Daishoryu Haruchika

Daishoryu Haruchika - 大昇龍 知義 (born November 3, 2002) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Himeji, Hyogo. He made his debut in March 2021 and currently wrestles for Yamahibiki stable. His highest rank as of 2024 is makushita 36.

## **Early Life**

Haruchika Moji was born on November 3, 2002, in Himeji, Hyogo. He began sumo wrestling during the third grade and trained at the local Kamehama Dojo. He continued to practice sumo during his time at Himeji Shiritsu Shikamahigashi Junior High School. After junior high school, he moved to Wakayama prefecture and attended Minoshima High School where he was a member of the school's sumo club. After graduating high school, he joined Yamahibiki stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2021 and initially wrestled under his surname "Moji" (茂司). Moji was promoted to sandanme in November 2021 and makushita in March 2022. Prior to his makushita debut, Moji had not produced a single losing record, but he finished with a poor 1-6 record in his first makushita tournament. In March 2023, he was given the shikona "Daishoryu" (大昇龍). Daishoryu won the sandanme yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in the November 2022 tournament.

## **Personal Life**

* Daishoryu initially used Arida, Wakayama, as his shusshin (birthplace) when joining sumo, but later switched to his actual birthplace of Himeji, Hyogo. Arida, Wakayama, is the location of his high school.

## **Fighting Style**

Daishoryu is an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. His most common kimarite used is a straightforward oshidashi (push out), followed by tsukiotoshi (thrust down).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 65-40-7/104 (18 basho)
* **Makushita:** 10-25/34 (6 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 39-10-7/49 (8 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-3/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (November 2023)

## **Shikona History**

* Moji Haruchika (2021.03 - 2023.01)
* Daishoryu Haruchika (2023.03 - )

## **Gallery**

Daishoryu joins Yamahibiki stable (c. 2021)Daishoryu battles Otani (c. 2023)Daishoryu prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2023)Daishoryu defeats Nishida to win the Sandanme Yusho (c. 2023)Daishoryu wins his first Sandanme Yusho (c. 2023)
## **Sources**

* Daishoryu Haruchika Rikishi Information
* Sponichi Annex Article on Daishoryu
Arakiyama Tadashi

Arakiyama Tadashi - 荒岐山 正 (born January 5, 1940 - September 5, 1986) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture. He made his debut in March 1955 and last wrestled for Tokitsukaze stable. He reached the makuuchi division in March 1961. His highest rank was maegashira 11 and he retired in May 1963.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

After graduating from junior high school, he joined Tokitsukaze stable and made his professional debut in March 1955. Initially wrestling under his surname, he changed his shikona to "Minonishiki" (美濃錦) in September 1955. He later changed his shikona to "Arakiyama" (荒岐山) in 1957 and he was promoted to makushita in May 1959. In November 1959 he won the makushita yusho with a perfect 8-0 record and was promoted to juryo three tournaments in May 1960.

### **Juryo Career**

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Arakiyama finished with a solid 8-7 record. In September 1960 he won the juryo yusho with a strong 12-3 record. Two tournaments later he finished with an 11-4 record, but missed out on the yusho after losing to Yoshinomine in the playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted to makuuchi for the following March 1961 tournament.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Arakiyama fractured his right tibia in his top division debut and was demoted back down to juryo in July 1961. After winning his second juryo yusho in January 1962, he was promoted back to makuuchi for the following March tournament. However, he sprained his right knee prior to the July 1962 and subsequently sat out of the tournament. He was demoted back down to juryo in September 1962 and changed his shikona to "Niigiyama" (新岐山).

## **Retirement from Sumo**

He announced his retirement in May 1963 after falling back down to makushita. After retiring, he opened up a chanko restaurant in Gifu City called "Niigiyama" (新岐山).

### **Death**

At around 0:30 AM on September 5, 1986, he fell from Chusetsu Bridge in Gifu City. He was taken to a nearby hospital, but died at 5:05 AM on the same day. He was 46 years old.

## **Fighting Style**

Arakiyama 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:** 229-205-43/432 (45 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 22-37-16/58 (5 basho)
* **Juryo:** 96-94-5/189 (13 basho)
* **Makushita:** 33-15-7/48 (7 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 44-28-8/72 (10 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 25-24-7/49 (7 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 9-7/16 (2 basho)

### **Championships**

* 2 **Juryo** Championships
	+ 1st (September 1960)
	+ 2nd (January 1962)
* 1 **Makushita** Championship (November 1959)

## **Shikona History**

* Nagano Tadashi (1955.03 - 1955.05)
* Minonishiki Tadashi (1955.09 - 1958.11)
* Arakiyama Tadashi (1959.01 - 1962.07)
* Niigiyama Tadashi (1962.09 - 1963.05)

## **Sources**

* Arakiyama Tadashi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Arakiyama Tadashi Rikishi Information
Ariake Goro II

## Ariake Goro

Ariake Goro - 有明 五郎 (born September 1, 1912 - July 20, 1959) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shinjuku, Tokyo. He made his debut in May 1929 and wrestled for Nishikijima stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1941. His highest rank was maegashira 11 and he retired in November 1945.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Kaneko joined Nishikijima stable and made his professional debut in May 1929 under the shikona "Nishikidani" (錦谷). He won the sandanme yusho in May 1932 with an 8-3 record. After six years in the unsalaried ranks, he was promoted to juryo in January 1936. However, Nishikidani was unable to establish himself as a sekitori and was demoted back down to makushita on several occasions. He finally became a juryo regular by January 1939 and was promoted to makuuchi in January 1941.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Nishikidani posted a poor 4-11 record in his top division debut and was demoted back down to juryo. Upon returning to makuuchi in May 1943 he was given the shikona "Ariake Goro" (有明 五郎). He rose to a career-best maegashira 11 in May 1944, but eventually fell back down to juryo. He retired from sumo in November 1945.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Ariake remained in the Sumo Association as an elder under the name Shikihide. He worked as a coach for Nishikijima stable before establishing Shikihide stable in 1951. However, the stable closed shortly in February 1954 and he resumed his coaching duties at Nishikijima stable.

He died on July 20, 1959, at the age of 46.

## **Personal Life**

Ariake was known for his dark complexion and was nicknamed "Ethiopia".

Ariake's adopted son is the 34th Kimura Shonosuke.

## **Fighting Style**

Ariake was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who preferred grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a hidari-yotsu (right hand outside, left hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was utchari (backward pivot throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 145-165/310 (26 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 21-44/65 (5 basho)
* **Juryo:** 73-84/157 (12 basho)
* **Makushita:** 43-34/77 (7 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 8-3/11 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Nishikidani Gengoro (1929.05 - 1943.01)
* Ariake Goro (1943.05 - 1945.11)

## **Sources**

* Ariake Goro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ariake Goro Rikishi Information
Asawashi Toru

Asawashi Toru - 朝鷲 透 (born December 24, 1975) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Saku, Nagano. He made his debut in March 1993 and wrestled for Wakamatsu Stable. His highest rank was jonidan 42 and he retired in January 1999.

## **Career**

Initially aspiring to become a sumo wrestler like his father, Ito joined the Wakamatsu stable and adopted the shikona of "Asaito" (朝伊藤). He made his professional debut in March 1993 and reached the jonidan division in September 1993. In September 1994, he finished with a strong 6-1 record, but missed out on the jonokuchi yusho after losing to Tochimiyama in a playoff.

In July 1996, he injured his knee and subsequently fell off the banzuke. He returned to sumo in January 1997 under the new shikona "Asawashi" (朝鷲). He was promoted to a career-best jonidan 42 in January 1999, but retired after the tournament due to recurring knee injuries.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

### **Professional Wrestling Career**

After retiring, he worked as a chef until joining the Ultimo Dragon Gym in order to become a professional wrestler. He made his debut under his real name on September 2, 2000 in Mexico. He soon adopted the name of Toru Owashi and the character of a strong, villainous loner. After being moved along with his entire class to Toryumon 2000 Project, he went to gain victories over Shuji Kondo, Jun Ogawauchi and the Syachihoko Machines. He was made the enforcer of Hagure Gundan, also known as Aagan Iisou, a stable commanded by Kondo.

He also wrestled for Dragondoor and El Dorado Wrestling. In El Dorado he was the leader of the faction Animal Planets. Owashi won the UWA World Trios Championship with Takuya Sugawara and Nobutaka Araya on February 27, 2008 defeating Brahman Shu & Brahman Kei and Go of the HELL DEMONS faction.

In 2007 he joined Dramatic Dream Team, where he won the KO-D Openweight Championship by beating Danshoku Dino. He defended the championship vs Poison Sawada Julie on June 25, 2006 and a second time vs Kudo on August 27, 2006, but Owashi lost the KO-D Openweight Championship to Harashima on December 29, 2006. Owashi would originally retire from professional wrestling in 2010, but came out of retirement in 2012 and returned to the promotion.

## **Family**

Asawashi's father is former maegashira Owashi.

## **Fighting Style**

Asawashi 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:** 99-104-28/203 (35 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 60-80-21/140 (23 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 39-24-7/63 (10 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Asaito Toru (1993.03 - 1997.01)
* Asawashi Toru (1997.03 - 1999.01)

## **Sources**

* Asawashi Toru Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Asawashi Toru Rikishi Information
Asahakuryu Taro

Asahakuryu Taro - 朝白龍 太郎 (born January 8, 1999) is a Mongolian professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar. He made his debut in November 2022 and currently wrestles for Takasago stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 11.

## **Early Life**

Jamintogtokh Ragchaa was born and raised in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. His father held the rank equivalent to sekiwake in Bokh (Mongolian wrestling). He arrived to Japan alongside the future Hoshoryu and Oshoma to attend Nippon Sport Science University Kashiwa High School where he was a member of the sumo club. After graduating from high school, Ragchaa wanted to immediately enter professional sumo, however, no stables were available so he enrolled at Takushoku University. During his third year, he achieved top 8 at the National Student Weight Division Championships in the open category and in his fourth year, he achieved top 8 at the East Japan Student Championships and top 16 at the National Student Championships. After graduating university, he joined Takasago stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in November 2022 and was given the shikona "Asahakuryu" (朝白龍). In his first professional tournament in March 2023, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record to claim the jonokuchi yusho. In the May 2023 tournament, he finished with a strong 6-1 record with his only loss coming from Oshoryu. In the following July 2023 tournament, Asahakuryu finished with a flawless 7-0 record, but missed out on the sandanme yusho after losing to Wakaikari in a playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted to makushita for the following September 2023 tournament. In September, Asahakuryu posted a strong 6-1 record and was placed in a seven-man playoff for the makushita yusho, however, he lost in the first round to Kitadaichi.

## **Fighting Style**

Asahakuryu is proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His most common techniques are yorikiri (force out) and oshidashi (push out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 29-6/35 (6 basho)
* **Makushita:** 9-5/14 (2 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (March 2023)

## **Gallery**

Asahakuryu gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2022)Asahakuryu outside the Ryogoku Kokugikan (c. 2022)Asahakuryu defeats Tokinishiki (c. 2023)Asahakuryu wins the Jonokuchi Yusho (c. 2023)Asahakuryu prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2023)Asahakuryu defeats Oshoryu (c. 2023)

## **Sources**

* Asahakuryu Taro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Asahakuryu Taro Rikishi Information
Asashio Taro (born 1879)

## Asashio Taro

Asashio Taro - 朝潮 太郎 (born April 18, 1879 - April 30, 1961) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nii District, Ehime. He made his debut in May 1901 and wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1907. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in May 1919.

## **Early Life**

Chokichi Komota was born in Nii Distrcit (currently Saijo city) in Ehime prefecture. At the age of 20, he was extremey strong and was able to lift baggage that was three times his weight, and was invited by Sanoyama Oyakata (ozeki Asashio Taro I) to join professional sumo.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He joined Takasago stable and made his professional debut in May 1901 under the shikona "Asaarashi" (朝嵐). After four years in the lower divisions he was promoted to juryo in January 1906. Two tournaments later, he was promoted to makuuchi in January 1907.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Asaarashi steadily rose up the ranks and was promoted to komusubi in January 1909. Upon promotion to sekiwake in June 1910, he was given the shikona "Asashio Taro" (朝潮 太郎). He was unable to establish himself as a sekiwake and constantly bounced between maegashira and sekiwake. He was eventually promoted to ozeki in January 1915.

### **Ozeki Career**

Asashio strugggled as an ozeki and never wrestled two full tournaments consecutivley. He never managed to win a championship and subsequently retired from sumo in May 1919 after two straight losing records.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

While as an active wrestler in January 1915, Asashio inherited the Takasago elder name and was the head coach of Takasago stable. He was produced a number of top division wrestlers, including yokozuna Minanogawa and yokozuna Maedayama. In November 1941 he left the Japan Sumo Association and tranferred his stock to Maedayama.

He died on on April 30, 1961, at the age of 82.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 111-67-66-26draws-7holds/211 (28 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 98-64-66-25draws-7holds/194 (26 basho)
* **Juryo:** 13-3-1draw/17 (2 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Asaarashi Chotaro (1901.05 - 1905.05)
* Asashio Taro (1910.06 - 1919.05)

## **Sources**

* Asashio Taro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Asashio Taro Rikishi Information
Aranami Hideyoshi

Aranami Hideyoshi - 荒波 秀義 (born November 16, 1940 - September 2, 2010) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Chinzei, Saga. He made his debut in January 1956 and last wrestled for Tokitsukaze stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1963. His highest rank was maegashira 4 and he retired in July 1966.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Makiyama made his professional debut in January 1956, wrestling fro Tokitsukaze stable. He was promoted to sandanme in November 1957 and makushita in July 1959. In his second makushita tournament, Makiyama finished with a perfect 8-0 record, but missed out on the yusho after losing to Matsushima in the playoff. In July 1961 he posted a 6-1 record at the rank of makushita 5 and was promoted to juryo for the following September 1961 tournament.

### **Juryo Career**

In his juryo debut, he finished with an 8-7 record and was able to establish himself in the juryo division. In March 1962 he changed his shikona to "Aranami" (荒波). In March 1963 he finished with a 10-5 record at the rank of juryo 3 and was promoted to makuuchi in May 1963.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Aranami could only manage a 3-12 record in his top division debut and was demoted back down to juryo. He returned to makuuchi in January 1964 but finished with a poor 5-10 record. In November 1964 he produced his first top division winning record of 8-7 and followed with another 8-7 record in January 1965 to earn a promotion to the rank of maegashira 4. After falling back down to juryo in May 1966 he announced his retirement after the following July 1966 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, Aranami left the sumo world completely. He was engaged in the shipbuilding industry in Nagasaki Prefecture which is close to his home prefecture of Saga. After leaving the shipbuilding company he moved to Fukuoka and opened up a chanko restaurant called "Chanko Aranami" (ちゃんこ荒波), but the restaurant closed down by 2004.

He died on September 2, 2010, at the age of 69.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 338-322/660 (61 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 63-102/165 (11 basho)
* **Juryo:** 141-129/270 (19 basho)
* **Makushita:** 58-39/97 (13 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 49-31/80 (10 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 23-17/40 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-4/8 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Makiyama Michio (1956.01 - 1962.01)
* Aranami Hideyoshi (1962.03 - 1966.07)

## **Sources**

* Aranami Hideyoshi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Aranami Hideyoshi Rikishi Information
Ayagawa Goroji (born 1703)

## Ayagawa Goroji

Ayagawa Goroji - 綾川 五郎次 (born 1703 - March 14, 1765) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shimotsuke Province. He is formally recognized as the 2nd yokozuna.

## **Career**

Ayagawa came from Shimotsuke province (modern day Tochigi prefecture) and was promoted to ozeki in 1717. According to tradition, he was the strongest wrestler in the Genbun era. He was a famous sumo wrestler in Edo, Osaka and Kyoto. The 17th Oikaze of the Yoshida family, allowed Ayagawa to be his pupil. Very little is known about his sumo career. He was of legendary size, perhaps 2 m (6 ft 7 in) tall and 150 kg (330 lb) in weight.

He died on March 14, 1765. His grave can be found in Tochigi.

It was not until over 150 years after his death that he was recognised as the 2nd yokozuna by later yokozuna Jinmaku when he was compiling a formal list for a monument.

His career predates banzuke and tournament records so no record of his rank and bouts exists.

## **Gallery**

Woodblock print of the second yokozuna Ayagawa
## **Sources**

* Ayagawa Goroji Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ayagawa Goroji Rikishi Information
Amanoshima Nobuyuki

Amanoshima Nobuyuki - 海士の島 信之 (born October 30, 1992) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ama, Shimane. He made his debut in May 2011 and wrestled for Hakkaku stable. His highest rank was makushita 17 and he retired in July 2022.

## **Early Life**

Uno was born with intellectual disability, but this did not stop him from pursuing his dreams of becoming a professional sumo wrestler. To build a strong foundation, he started wrestling from an early age. He attended Shimane Kenritsu Okiyogo School, a special education school which had no wrestling club, so he practiced with the Shimane Kenritsu Okidozen High School's wrestling club. After high school, Hakkaku Oyakata (the 61st Yokozuna Hokutoumi), who has a history of supporting and donating to disabled facilities since his active days, recruited Uno for professional sumo.

## **Career**

Joining Hakkaku stable, he made his professional debut in May 2011 and initially wrestled under his surname Uno. In July 2012, he finished with a strong 6-1 record and was promoted to sandanme for the following September 2012 tournament. In July 2013, he was given the shikona "Amanoshima" (海士の島) and he reached the makushita division in September 2017. He was promoted to a career-best makushita 17 in July 2020, but he could only manage a 3-4 record. Prior to the July 2022 tournament, his danpatsu-shiki, or retirement ceremony, was held and his retirement was not announced until July 27, 2022, by Hakkaku stable's twitter account.

## **Personal Life**

* Amanoshima's hobbies are listening to music, playing games, and going on walks.

## **Fighting Style**

Amanoshima was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. His favorite kimarite was ashitori, or the leg pick.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 243-210-9/453 (67 basho)
* **Makushita:** 74-73-7/147 (22 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 139-120/259 (37 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 26-16/42 (6 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-1-2/5 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Uno Nobuyuki (2011.05 - 2013.05)
* Amanoshima Nobuyuki (2013.07 - 2022.07)

## **Gallery**

Amanoshima defeats Kotoozutsu (c. 2019)Amanoshima prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2021)Amanoshima's retirement ceremony (c. 2022)
## **Sources**

* Amanoshima Nobuyuki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Amanoshima Nobuyuki Rikishi Information
Banjaku Hirofumi

Banjaku Hirofumi - 磐石 博文 (born October 21, 1948 - August 22, 2001) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Gose, Nara. He made his debut in September 1962 and last wrestled for Asahiyama stable. He reached the juryo division in September 1969. His highest rank was juryo 8 and he retired in July 1974.

## **Early Life**

Hiroyuki Hagiyama was born and raised in Gose, Nara. While in junior high school, he was approached by Asahiyama Oyakata (former sekiwake Kozuzan) who recruited him for professional sumo. He subsequently moved to Tokyo and transferred to Tatekawa Junior High School.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in September 1962 at the age of 13, joining Asahiyama stable. He initially wrestled under the shikona's "Takatsuhana" (高津花) and "Futasehana" (二瀬花) before settling with his real name "Hagiyama" (萩山) in March 1966. In July 1969, he posted a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 2 and was promoted to juryo for the September 1969 tournament.

He posted a solid 9-6 record in his first tournament as a sekitori and was promoted to the rank of juryo 8. He subsequently changed his shikona to "Banjaku" (磐石), but after three consecutive losing records, he reverted back to his real name. After five years in the unsalaried ranks, he returned to juryo for five tournaments in 1973. Hagiyama announced his retirement after the July 1974 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, he was engaged in the restaurant industry before taking over his family's construction company called "Tsujikawa Komuten" (辻川工務店). He died on August 22, 2001, at the age of 52.

## **Personal Life**

His second son Junya (born 1987) joined Asahiyama stable in March 2002, and from 2014 to 2016, he used the "Banjaku" shikona. As of 2020, he is still active under the shikona "Mimurodake" (御室岳) and his highest rank is sandanme 55.

## **Fighting Style**

Banjaku 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:** 279-255-13/534 (72 basho)
* **Juryo:** 53-67/120 (8 basho)
* **Makushita:** 166-142-7/308 (45 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 46-38/84 (12 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-3/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 3-5-6/8 (2 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Takatsuhana (1962.09 - 1963.11)
* Futasehana (1964.01 - 1966.01)
* Hagiyama Hirofumi (1966.03 - 1969.09)
* Banjaku Hirofumi (1969.11 - 1969.11)
* Banjaku Tatsuhiko (1970.01 - 1970.05)
* Hagiyama Hirofumi (1970.07 - 1974.07)

## **Gallery**

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

* Banjaku Hirofumi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Banjaku Hirofumi Rikishi Information
Chikugoyama Kazumasa

Chikugoyama Kazumasa - 筑後山 一政 (born January 8, 1926 - March 12, 1978) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yanagawa, Fukuoka. He made his debut in May 1948 and last wrestled for Tatsunami stable. He reached the juryo division in March 1954. His highest rank was juryo 2 and he retired in January 1959.

## **Early Life**

Kazumasa Ishibashi was born in Yanagawa, Fukuoka, on January 8, 1926. He attended Denshukan High School and Chuo University and after graduating, he worked for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. He was recruited by Yokozuna Haguroyama during a tour in Yanagawa, and Ishibashi subsequently joined Tatsunami stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in May 1948 and wrestled under the shikona "Ishibashigawa" (石橋川). Upon promotion to sandanme in May 1949, he was given the new shikona "Chikugoyama" (筑後山). He was promoted to makushita in September 1950 and reached juryo in March 1954. In his first tournament as a sekitori, Chikugoyama finished with a strong 13-2 record, but missed out on the yusho after losing to Aichiyama in the playoff. He followed with two more winning records and was promoted to the rank of juryo 2 for the January 1955 tournament. However, in this tournament Chikugoyama struggled and withdrew on the 12th day due to back pain. He later suffered a knee injury and never managed to reach the top division. He changed his shikona to "Dairyuzan" (大柳山) in September 1956, but was demoted back down to makushita in September 1957. While in the unsalaried ranks, he reverted his ring name back to his surname and retired from sumo in January 1959.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Chikugoyama briefly worked at Tatsunami stable where he worked as an instructor. After that, he worked at Keihin Land Co., Ltd., which was managed by his uncle. Together with his relatives, he worked on a residential land development project in the Uragamidai area of ​​Yokosuka City. He died on March 12, 1978, at the age of 52.

## **Fighting Style**

Chikugoyama 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:** 246-268-3/513 (42 basho)
* **Juryo:** 96-111-3/206 (14 basho)
* **Makushita:** 103-121/224 (21 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 33-27/60 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 7-5/12 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-1/6 (1 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 2-3/5 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Ishibashigawa Kazumasa (1948.05 - 1949.05)
* Chikugoyama Kazumasa (1949.10 - 1956.05)
* Dairyuzan Kazumasa (1956.09 - 1957.09)
* Ishibashi Kazumasa (1957.11 - 1959.01)

## **Gallery**

Chikugoyama poses with his kesho-mawashi (c. 1955)Chikugoyama awaits for his upcoming matchChikugoyama during his time in the juryo division
## **Sources**

* Chikugoyama Kazumasa Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Chikugoyama Kazumasa Rikishi Information