recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Tochiizumi Takayuki

Tochiizumi Takayuki - 栃泉 隆幸 (born November 26, 1959) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Izumisano, Osaka. He made his debut in January 1975 and wrestled for Kasugano stable. He reached the juryo division in November 1982. His highest rank was juryo 3 and he retired in March 1990.

## **Early Life**

Nakayama played baseball in junior high school, but was scouted by Kasugano oyakata (the 44th yokozuna Tochinishiki) for sumo during his third year in junior high school. He joined Kasugano stable and made his professional debut in January 1975.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He initially wrestled under his surname Nakayama before switching to "Tochiizumi" (栃泉) in January 1979. He was promoted to sandanme in March 1978 and makushita in March 1979. After three years in makushita, he was promoted to juryo in November 1982.

### **Juryo Career**

He was promoted to juryo in November 1982, but could only finish with a 5-10 record. He returned to juryo in May 1983 and won the juryo yusho with a strong 11-4 record after defeating Wakanofuji during a playoff. He followed with an 8-7 record and was promotes to the rank of juryo 3 in September 1983, however, he went not to record only 7 wins out of 30 matches in the following two tournaments and was demoted back down to makushita in January 1984.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Tochiizumi remained in makushita for another six years before announcing his retirement after the March 1990 tournament. After retiring he learned how to chiropractor and in 1998, he opened up his own Seitai clinic (Japanese Seitai is a healing and Japanese therapeutic massage) in Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, called "Seitai Izumi-in" (整体いずみ院).

## **Fighting Style**

Tochiizumi 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 or technique was oshidashi or a straightforward push out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 343-324-10/667 (92 basho)
* **Juryo:** 31-44/75 (5 basho)
* **Makushita:** 206-190-10/396 (58 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 44-26/70 (10 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 60-59/119 (17 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 2-5/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Nakayama (1975.01 - 1978.11)
* Tochiizumi Takayuki (1979.01 - 1990.03)

## **Gallery**

Tochiizumi during his time in maezumo (c. 1975)Tochiizumi after retirement as a masseur
## **Sources**

* Tochiizumi Takayuki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Tochiizumi Takayuki Rikishi Information
Shiranui Mitsuemon

Shiranui Mitsuemon - 不知火 光右エ門 (born 1775 - July 14, 1804) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tamana, Kumamoto. He made his debut in October 1796 and wrestled for Yatsugamine stable. He reached the makuuchi division in October 1796. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in April 1800.

## **Career**

Hirano was born in modern day Tamana, Kumamoto, and he joined Yatsugamine stable in 1796. He made his professional debut in October 1796 at the rank of komusubi under the shikona "Banjaku Aragoro" (磐石 荒五郎). He was promoted to sekiwake in March 1797 and ozeki in March 1798. Upon promotion to ozeki, he was given the shikona "Shiranui Mitsuemon" (不知火 光右エ門). He was only ranked at ozeki for one tournament and retired shortly after in April 1800. He died on July 14, 1804, at the age of 29.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 34-17-18-2holds-1no result/54 (8 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 34-17-18-2holds-1no result/54 (8 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Banjaku Aragoro (1796.10 - 1797.10)
* Shiranui Mitsuemon (1798.03 - 1800.04)
Shiramayumi Hidaemon

Shiramayumi Hidaemon - 白真弓 肥太右エ門 (born 1829 - November 9, 1868) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ono, Gifu. He made his debut in November 1853 and wrestled for Urakaze stable. He reached the makuuchi division in November 1853. His highest rank was maegashira 1 and he died while as an active wrestler in November 1868.

## **Early Life**

Yukichi Higashiya was born in 1829 in what is now the town of Ono in Gifu prefecture. In 1852, he moved to Edo (now Tokyo) on the recommendation of Takakatsu Sashida who was an official of Takayama Jin'ya. He joined Urakaze stable and made his professional debut in November 1853 at the rank of maegashira 8.

## **Career**

He initially wrestled under the shikona "Shiramayumi" (白真弓) before switching to "Hiuchinada" (燧洋) in November 1858. He briefly wrestled under the ring name "Komagatake" (駒ヶ嶽) in October 1861 before switching back to Shiramayumi in November 1862. He then wrestled under his final shikona of "Urakaze" (浦風) from November 1866 up until his death in November 1868.

In 1865, he took over Urakaze stable while still an active wrestler, however, this practice is no longer allowed. He died on November 9, 1868, at the age of 39, while still an active wrestler.

## **Personal Life**

* When Matthew C. Perry arrived in Japan in 1854, Shiramayumi lifted up 12 bales of rice which impressed many American sailors.
* Standing at 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in), it is likely that Shiramayumi suffered from gigantism or acromegaly.
* He was born Yukichi Higashiya, but later changed his given to name to Okuemon.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 58-123-70-17draws-5holds/203 (30 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 58-123-70-17draws-5holds/203 (30 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Shiramayumi Hidaemon (1853.11 - 1858.01)
* Hiuchinada Aragoro (1858.11 - 1861.02)
* Komagatake Minegoro (1861.10 - 1862.03)
* Shiramayumi Hidaemon (1862.11 - 1866.03)
* Urakaze Rinemon (1866.11 - 1868.11)

## **Gallery**

18th century woodblock print of Shiramayumi Hidaemon

## **Sources**

* Shiramayumi Hidaemon Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Shiramayumi Hidaemon Rikishi Information
Tachikaze Yoshitsune

Tachikaze Yoshitsune - 太刀風 義経 (born August 2, 1930) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Hiwaki, Kagoshima. He made his debut in May 1949 and last wrestled for Izutsu stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1957. His highest rank was maegashira 20 and he retired in January 1960.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

At the age of 18, Iwashita left to Tokyo and joined Izutsu stable. He made his professional debut in May 1949 alongside Takanishiki and was given the shikona "Tachikaze" (太刀風). In his first tournament, he won the jonokuchi yusho with a 12-3 record (back then all divisions wrestled the full fifteen days). He was promoted to sandanme in May 1950 and makushita in May 1952. In September 1954 he posted a 5-3 record at the rank of makushita 1 and was promoted to juryo for the following November 1954 tournament.

### **Juryo Career**

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Tachikaze finished with an 8-7 record. In May 1956 he won the juryo yusho with an 11-4 record and was promoted to the top of juryo where he finished with a 9-6 record to earn promotion to makuuchi in January 1957.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Tachikaze could only manage a 4-11 record in his top division debut and was demoted back down to juryo. This proved to be his only appearance ranked in the top division. He remained in juryo for another two years before falling down to makushita in March 1959. He retired from sumo in January 1960.

## **Fighting Style**

Tachikaze 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. His favorite kimarite was shitatenage, or underarm throw.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 279-290/569 (45 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 4-11/15 (1 basho)
* **Juryo:** 143-157/300 (20 basho)
* **Makushita:** 67-74/141 (15 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 44-39/83 (6 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 9-6/15 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 12-3/15 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Juryo** Championship (May 1956)
* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (October 1949)

## **Shikona History**

* Tachikaze Yoshitsune (1949.05 - 1960.01)

## **Sources**

* Tachikaze Yoshitsune Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Tachikaze Yoshitsune Rikishi Information
Shikimori Kisaburo

Shikimori Kisaburo - 式守 鬼三郎 (born September 25, 2000) is a Japanese professional sumo referee from Hachinohe, Aomori. He was recruited in April 2019 and debuted in the May 2019 tournament and he belongs to Tokitsukaze stable.

## **Career**

* May 2019 - Had his ring debut under Tokitsukaze stable
* July 2019 - Promoted to Jonokuchi-kaku gyoji and took on the name Shikimori Tomokimi (式守 衆侯)
* January 2024 - Promoted to Jonidan-kaku gyoji and changed his ringname to Shikimori Kisaburo (式守 鬼三郎)
Tamahiryu

Tamahiryu - 玉比竜 - is a former Filipino professional sumo wrestler. He made his debut in September 1988 and wrestled for Kataonami stable. His highest rank was jonokuchi 2 and he retired in September 1989.

## **Early Life**

After watching a sumo documentary, a good number of young Filipinos were inspired to try the sport, so they wrote to the local office of the Japan Society to ask how to join the sport. Kataonami Oyakata (ex-sekiwake Tamanofuji) personally flew to Manila to interview and select three that he felt had the greatest potential. Samson Pael was chosen alongside Jun Terrado (Tamahikuni) and Angelito Labampa (Tamahinada).

## **Career**

Samson Pael made his debut on September 1988 under the shikona "Tamahiryu" (玉比竜). In his only first professional tournament he produced a winning record of 4-3. He and his Fillipino stablemates ended up running out of the stable after a year. According to *Newsweek*, the three Filipinos took up sumo as a scam to get work visas.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 4-3-7/7 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3-7/7 (2 basho)

## **Gallery**

Tamahiryu (far left) joins sumo (c. 1988)Tamahiryu and his stablemates become the first Filipino rikishi (c. 1988)Tamahiryu (back row - left) in maezumo (c. 1988)

## **Sources**

* Tamahiryu Rikishi Information
* Newsweek Article about Foreign Rikishi
* Sharnoff, Lora (1993). *Grand Sumo*. Weatherhill
Tagonoura Stable (2000)

Tagonoura stable (田子ノ浦部屋, Tagonoura-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Dewanoumi ichimon or group of stables. It was established in February 2000 by former maegashira Kushimaumi, who branched off from Dewanoumi stable. Following the death of Tagonoura in February 2012 the stable was dissolved, with half the wrestlers going to Dewanoumi stable and the other half going to Kasugano stable.

## **History**

Tagonoura stable was established in February 2000 by former Maegashira Kushimaumi, who branched off from Dewanoumi stable.

Tagonoura did not recruit any wrestlers from Nihon University, despite his own amateur sumo background there, and though he did recruit foreigners he avoided the most common sources such as Hawaii and Mongolia, instead taking in the Tongan Aotsurugi in 2001, and later the Bulgarian Aoiyama (Daniel Ivanov) who became the stable's first *sekitori* and reached the rank of *maegashira* 7 in January 2012.

The stable suffered a number of setbacks, including Tagonoura's heart attack in 2003, the death of a 17-year-old sandanme wrestler in 2004 and the death of a yobidashi in 2008. Following the death of Tagonoura in February 2012 the stable was dissolved, with half the wrestlers going to Dewanoumi stable and the other half, including Aoiyama, going to Kasugano stable.

## **Ring Name Conventions**

Many wrestlers from this stable took shikona that begin with the character 碧 (read: aoi), meaning blue. Examples include Aoiyama, Aokishin and Aozora.

## **Owners**

* 2000-2012: 14th: Tagonoura Keihito (former maegashira Kushimaumi)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Aoiyama (best rank sekiwake) - *transferred to Kasugano stable*
* Kairyu (best rank makushita) - *transferred to Dewanoumi stable*
* Aozora (former makushita) - *transferred to Kasugano stable*
* Aotsurugi (former sandanme)

## **Website**

* Tagonoura stable's blog [1]
* Tagonoura stable's Facebook [2]
* Tagonoura stable's Twitter [3]
Shikoroyama Stable

Shikoroyama stable (錣山部屋, Shikoroyama beya) is a stable of sumo wrestlers, formerly part of the Tokitsukaze ichimon or group of stables. It was established in its current form in February 2004 by former sekiwake Terao, who branched off from Izutsu stable.

As of January 2023 it has 14 active sumo wrestlers.

## **History**

Shikoroyama stable was established in February 2004 by former sekiwake Terao, who branched off from Izutsu stable. Due to Shikoroyama oyakata's popularity during his active days as Terao, the stable gained many new recruits. The stable produced their first sekitori when Homasho earned promotion to juryo in 2005, one year after the stable's establishment.

The stable's foreign recruit, Mongolian Seiro, earned promotion to makuuchi in 2015.

In December 2017 Shikoroyama Oyakata left the Tokitsukaze group along with Tatsutagawa Oyakata (ex-Homasho) and Minato Oyakata (ex-Minatofuji), announcing that he would not join any other ichimon but would support Takanohana in the January 2018 elections to the board of the Japan Sumo Association. In September 2018 the stable joined the Nishonoseki group.

In December 2023 Shikoroyama oyakata, who had been suffering from heart conditions for quite some time, was hospitilized and passed away due to heart failure. The stable was then inherited by assistant coach Tatsutagawa (former Homasho), who became the acting master while trying to adquire the Shikoroyama stock, despite still being coach Tatsutagawa the stable for this period is still known as Shikoroyama.

## **Ring Name Conventions**

Since the establishment of the stable, some wrestlers at this stable have taken ring names or shikona that begin with the characters 寺尾 (read: terao), in deference to their coach and the stable's owner, the former Terao. Examples include Teraoshō, Teraoumi and Teraowaka.

## **Owners**

* 2023-present: 19th Tatsutagawa Yosuke (iin, former komusubi Homasho)
* 2004-2023: 20th Shikoroyama Eiichi (former sekiwake Terao)

## **Notable Active Wrestlers**

* Abi (best rank sekiwake)
* Oki (best rank juryo)
* Mineyaiba (best rank makushita)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Homasho (former komusubi)
* Seiro (former maegashira)
* Irodori (former juryo)

## **Website**

* Shikoroyama stable's website [1]
* Shikoroyama stable's Facebook [2]
* Shikoroyama stable's Twitter [3]
* Shikoroyama stable's Instagram [4]
* Shikoroyama stable’s Youtube channel [5]
Tamaasahi

Tamaasahi - 玉旭 (born October 1, 1948) is a former Japanese-American professional sumo wrestler from Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. He made his debut in July 1965 and wrestled for Kataonami Stable. His highest rank was makushita 23 and his last tournament was in July 1975.

## **Early Life**

George Isomura was born on October 1, 1948, in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, and is a third-generation Japanese-American. His grandfather raised peanuts in Honolulu and his father, Tadao Isomura, was a United States Armed Forces civilian worker. George practiced sumo at the Oahu Sumo Club before leaving for Tokyo at the age of 16 to embark on a professional sumo career.

## **Career**

Isomura joined Kataonami stable and made his professional debut in July 1965. There are conflicting reports about what Isomura listed as his official birthplace when he joined professional sumo. The sumo database lists his birthplace as Hachioji, Tokyo, while some sumo directories list the United States as his birthplace. As a result, there is confusion as to whether Isomura is regarded as a foreign wrestler or not (for example, Colorado native Harley Ozaki used Fukuoka as his hometown and is therefore not considered to be a foreign wrestler). He also used the name Sadao Isomura with the Japanese media.

At the time of his debut, Isomura already weighed 283 pounds (128 kg) and was heavier than many of his contemporaries. Towards his later career, he weighed in at 370 pounds (168 kg) and was one of the heaviest wrestlers of his time. He was promoted to sandanme in November 1966 and was given the shikona "Tamakiyama" (玉城山), meaning jewelry mountain, in July 1967. He reached the makushita division in March 1970 and was given the new ring name "Tamaasahi" (玉旭) in November of that year. Tamaasahi reached a career-best makushita 23 in January 1973.

Tamaasahi withdrew from the November 1974 tournament and missed the following five tournaments. By July 1975, he had already fallen completely off the banzuke. He never returned to maezumo (pre-sumo) or any of the lower divisions which makes it unclear when he retired.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 188-190-42/378 (61 basho)
* **Makushita:** 57-69/126 (18 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 76-78-14/154 (24 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 47-37-21/84 (15 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 8-6-7/14 (3 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Isomura (1965.07 - 1967.05)
* Tamakiyama (1967.07 - 1970.07)
* Tamaasahi (1970.09 - 1975.07)

## **Gallery**

Article on George Isomura joining sumo (c. 1965)Sumo directory lists Tamaasahi's hometown as the USA (c. 1972)

## **Sources**

* Tamaasahi Rikishi Information
* Honolulu Advertiser, *George Isomura Embarks on "Sumo" Career*
* Honolulu Star-Bulletin, *Traditional Sumo Goes International by Hisashi Ono*
Shunsuke (yobidashi)

Shunsuke - 駿佑 (born October 4, 1986) is a Japanese professional sumo usher from Adachi, Tokyo. He was recruited in February 2005 and debuted in the March 2005 tournament and he belongs to Tamanoi stable. He reached the makushita rank in January 2019

## **Career**

* March 2005 - Had his debut under Tamanoi stable as a Jonokuchi yobidashi using the ringname Shigeru (繁)
* January 2009 - Promoted to Jonidan yobidashi
* September 2009 - Changed his ringname to Shunsuke (駿佑)
* January 2012 - Promoted to Sandanme yobidashi
* January 2017 - Promoted to Makushita yobidashi
Tatekabuto Sachio

Tatekabuto Sachio - 楯甲 幸男 (born October 27, 1924 - May 28, 2002) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Miyakubo, Ehime. He made his debut in January 1942 and last wrestled for Nakamura stable. He reached the makuuchi division in March 1954. His highest rank was maegashira 18 and he retired in July 1958.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Minami joined Nakamura stable at the age of 17 and made his professional debut in January 1942 under the shikona "Nojimashiro" (能嶋城). In June 1945, he was drafted into the Japanese Imperial Army for military service and he returned to sumo shortly after. In May 1949, he changed his shikona to "Imaoshima" (今大嶋) and was promoted to juryo in January 1951.

### **Juryo Career**

In his first tournament as a sekitori, he finished with a poor 6-9 record, but bounced back with a 9-6 record in May 1951. In May 1952, he won the juryo yusho with a strong 12-3 record, but was unable to capitalize on a makuuchi promotion. He later inherited his stablemaster's shikona of "Tatekabuto" (楯甲) in 1953 and was promoted to makuuchi in March 1954.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Tatekabuto struggled to establish himself in makuuchi due to his extreme nearsightedness. He was promoted to makuuchi on three different occasions, but could never manage to pull off a winning record. His highest rank was maegashira 18 and his last top division appearance was in March 1956.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

He fell down to makushita in May 1958 and subsequently retired from sumo in July 1958. After retiring, he worked as a salaryman for the Hitachi Zosen Corporation and also taught at the company's sumo club.

Tatekabuto died on May 28, 2002, at the age of 77.

## **Fighting Style**

Tatekabuto 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:** 293-297-25/589 (50 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 15-30/45 (3 basho)
* **Juryo:** 190-195-5/384 (26 basho)
* **Makushita:** 63-55-15/118 (13 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 8-2-5/10 (3 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 9-7/16 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 8-8/16 (2 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Nojimashiro (1942.01 - 1949.01)
* Imaoshima Sachio (1949.05 - 1952.09)
* Tatekabuto Sachio (1953.01 - 1958.07)

## **Gallery**

Tatekabuto during his time as "Imaoshima" in juryo (c. 1951)
## **Sources**

* Tatekabuto Sachio Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Tatekabuto Sachio Rikishi Information
Tamaryoma Kosaku

Tamaryoma Kosaku - 玉龍馬 耕作 (born July 15, 1975) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Otsuki, Kochi. He made his debut in November 1995 and wrestled for Kataonami Stable. His highest rank was makushita 21 and he retired in March 2009.

## **Early Life**

Kosaku Wada was born on July 15, 1975, in Otsuki, Kochi. He attended Meitoku Gijuku Senior High School where he was a member of the school's sumo club. After high school, he enrolled at Nippon Sport Science University to continue his amateur career, but dropped out midway and joined Kataonami stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in November 1995 and was given the shikona "Tamanotosa" (玉ノ土佐). In his first official tournament in January 1996, he won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. He was promoted to sandanme in July 1996 and makushita in January 1998. In March 2000, he was given the new shikona "Tamaryoma" (玉龍馬). He reached a career-best makushita 21 in November 2001, but finished with a disastrous 0-7 record in that tournament. In July 2002, he won the sandanme yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. Tamaryoma spent the majority of his later career bouncing back and forth between makushita and sandanme.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Tamaryoma retired from sumo in March 2009. After retiring, he founded his own Izakaya restaurant called "Ryoma" (どすこい酒場 龍馬).

## **Fighting Style**

Tamaryoma 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:** 281-258-21/538 (81 basho)
* **Makushita:** 68-101-13/169 (26 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 193-149-8/341 (50 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 13-8/21 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (July 2002)
* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (January 1996)

## **Shikona History**

* Wada Kosaku (1995.11 - 1995.11)
* Tamanotosa Kosaku (1996.01 - 2000.01)
* Tamaryoma Kosaku (2000.03 - 2009.03)

## **Gallery**

Tamaryoma's retirement ceremony (c. 2009)
## **Sources**

* Tamaryoma Kosaku Rikishi Information
* Tamaryoma Athlete Gai Profile
Tamadaiki Tsuyoshi

Tamadaiki Tsuyoshi - 玉大輝 剛志 (born November 2, 1988) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Noto, Ishikawa. He made his debut in March 2007 and wrestled for Kataonami Stable. His highest rank was makushita 16 and he retired in January 2016.

## **Early Life**

Tsuyoshi Hisayama attended Kanazawa Municipal Technical High School where he was a member of the school's sumo club. After graduating, he decided to go professional and joined Kataonami stable because their top wrestler, Tamanoshima, attended the same high school as Hisayama.

## **Career**

Hisayama made his professional debut in March 2007 alongside Tanzo, Tosayutaka, Tokushinho, Daishoumi, and Chiyoarashi. He was given the shikona "Tamadaiki" (玉大輝) and he finished with a strong 6-1 record in his first professional tournament, with his only lost coming against Tosayutaka. He was promoted to sandanme in November 2007 and makushita in November 2008. He reached a career-best makushita 16 in July 2012, but finished with a disastrous 1-6 record. He spent the majority of his later career bouncing back and forth between sandanme and makushita.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Tamadaiki retired from sumo in January 2016 and returned back to his hometown of Noto, Ishikawa, where he works for a local real estate agency.

## **Fighting Style**

Tamadaiki 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:** 185-158-21/343 (53 basho)
* **Makushita:** 104-113-14/217 (33 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 64-41-7/105 (16 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-3/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Hisayama Tsuyoshi (2007.03 - 2007.03)
* Tamadaiki Tsuyoshi (2007.05 - 2016.01)

## **Gallery**

Tamadaiki prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2010)Tamadaiki pounds mochi with stablemate Tamawashi (c. 2014)Tamadaiki's retirement ceremony (c. 2016)
## **Sources**

* Tamadaiki Tsuyoshi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Tamadaiki Tsuyoshi Rikishi Information
Soranoumi Ichiriki

Soranoumi Ichiriki - 空乃海 一力 (born September 7, 1983) is a former South Korean professional sumo wrestler from Seoul. He made his debut in May 1999 and last wrestled for Minezaki stable. His highest rank was makushita 25 and he retired in May 2019.

## **Career**

Sooyong Kim of Seoul, South Korea, joined Hanakago stable in May 1999 at the age of sixteen. He was initially given the shikona "Ryuki" (龍樹), before changing it to "Ryukiyama" (龍樹山) in the following tournament. He was stuck in the jonidan division for two years before reaching sandanme in November 2001. He bounced between sandanme and jonidan for two years, before becoming a sandanme mainstay by September 2003. He earned promotion to the makushita division in January 2007.

In May 2007, he sat out of three consecutive tournaments and was demoted back down to the makushita division. In September 2010, he changed his shikona to "Shiroryu" (白龍). In May 2012, his Hanakago stable closed down and he was transferred to Minezaki stable. He was promoted to a career-best makushita 25 in July 2015. He changed his shikona to " Ozora " (大空) in the following tournament. Throughout his later career he bounced between makushita and sandanme. He changed his shikona for the fifth time in November 2017 after changing it to "Soranoumi" (空乃海). His retirement from sumo was announced after the May 2019 tournament.

## **Personal Life**

* Shortly before retiring, Soranoumi got married.
* He obtained Japanese citizenship in March 2003 and changed his name from Sooyong Kim (김수영) to Juei Ozora (大空樹泳). Because of this he often switch back and forth between a Japanese and a Korean shusshin (birth-place). His Japanese shushhin was listed as Ota, Tokyo.

## **Fighting Style**

Soranoumi is 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:** 409-401-23/810 (120 basho)
* **Makushita:** 55-85/140 (20 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 269-256-14/525 (77 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 80-58-9/138 (21 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Ryuki Shoho (1999.05 - 1999.05)
* Ryukiyama Shoho (1999.07 - 2010.-7)
* Shiroryu Ichiriki (2010.09 - 2015.07)
* Ozora Ichiriki (2015.09 - 2017.09)
* Soranoumi Ichiriki (2017.11 - 2019.05)

## **Gallery**

Soranoumi with fellow foreigner Sokokurai (c. 2004)Soranoumi visits Kuwana city (c. 2018)Soranoumi prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2018)Soranoumi about to wrestle his final match (c. 2019)Soranoumi after wrestling his final match (c. 2019)Soranoumi's retirement ceremony (c. 2019)
Setsuo (yobidashi)

Setsuo - 節男 (born November 25, 1988) is a Japanese professional sumo usher from Hachioji, Tokyo. He was recruited in February 2007 and debuted in the March 2007 tournament and he belongs to Shikoroyama stable. He reached the Makushita rank in January 2020.

## **Career**

* March 2007 - Had his debut under Shikoroyama stable as a Jonokuchi yobidashi
* January 2012 - Promoted to Jonidan yobidashi
* January 2016 - Promoted to Sandanme yobidashi
* January 2020 - Promoted to Makushita yobidashi
Sandanme

Sandanme (三段目) is the fourth highest division. This level represents the first break point in the treatment a wrestler receives as he rises up the ranks. From sandanme he is allowed a better quality of dress, most notably he no longer needs to wear geta on his feet and can wear a form of overcoat over his yukata. However, the wrestlers are still considered to be in training, receiving only an allowance rather than a salary.

There is typically a set number of 200 wrestlers in sandanme and as with the other divisions below jūryō, wrestlers only compete in seven bouts, held roughly every other day.

## **See Also**

* Makuuchi
* Juryo
* Makushita
* Jonidan
* Jonokuchi
Tamazakura Hachiro

Tamazakura Hachiro - 玉櫻 八郎 (born January 19, 1920 - May 24, 1999) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kumamoto City, Kumamoto. He made his debut in January 1936 and last wrestled for Nishonoseki stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1948. His highest rank was maegashira 20 and he retired in October 1948.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

At the age of 15, Abe joined Nishonoseki stable and made his professional debut in January 1936 under the shikona "Tamazakura" (玉櫻). He was promoted to sandanme in May 1937 and makushita in May 1938. He was promoted to juryo in January 1943. After making steady process in juryo, he was drafted for military service in January 1944 and he did not return to sumo until November 1945. He was promoted to makuuchi in May 1948.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Tamazakura finished with a 4-7 record in his top division debut and was demoted back down to juryo for the following October 1948 tournament. After yet another disappointing 3-8 record in October 1948, Tamazakura retired from sumo after the tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Tamazakura left the Japan Sumo Association and worked at a restaurant in Sumida, Tokyo. He was later employed at Nippon Express until he reached the mandatory retirement age.

### **Death**

Tamazakura died on May 24, 1999, at the age of 79 due to an illness.

## **Fighting Style**

Tamazakura was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a hidari-yotsu (right hand outside, left hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). He was fond of employing tripping techniques.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 93-80-11/173 (23 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 4-7/11 (1 basho)
* **Juryo:** 42-43/85 (9 basho)
* **Makushita:** 32-23-7/55 (8 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 8-6/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 2-0-4/2 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-1/6 (1 basho)

## **Sources**

* Tamazakura Hachiro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Tamazakura Hachiro Rikishi Information
Tachi-ai

The **tachi-ai** (立合い) is the initial charge between two sumo wrestlers at the beginning of a bout.

There are several common techniques that wrestlers use at the tachi-ai, with the aim of getting a decisive advantage in the bout:

Charge head-first
Usually to attempt to use one's weight and momentum to force the opponent backwards out of the ring. Such a headlong charge in a low position can lead a more agile opponent to dodge out of the way and slap the charger on the back to push him to his knees.
Try to raise the opponent up into a vertical position
Makes the opponent more vulnerable to being pushed backwards toward the ring edge and also to certain types of throw and pull down moves.
Thrust the opponent's chest
Again force the opponent backwards towards the ringedge, or to unbalance him sufficiently to execute a beltless arm throw or a pull down move. Powerful thrusts can on occasion be enough to force the opponent to fall over in the ring.
Slap the opponent's face
Shock the opponent into lowering his guard to gain an advantageous position, in certain cases the slap has been known to be enough to stun an opponent into falling to his knees.
Grab the opponent's belt
Use the belt to gain leverage to force an opponent backwards, or to execute a belt throw
React to the opponent's move
Includes dodging out of the way of an incautious charge as described above (known as henka), or dodging the attempted slap and using the opponent's lack of balance to gain an advantageous position.
Jump over the opponent
Used famously by retired rikishi Hayateumi and Mainoumi, involves jumping high at the charge and hoping the opponent charges out of the ring.
Surprise the opponent
Includes such moves as clapping one hands in front of the opponent's face and using the momentary blink to duck underneath to get a strong belt or leg grip to try to subsequently throw the opponent. See also Henka.
Tachihikari Akihiro

Tachihikari Akihiro - 太刀光 昭洋 (born May 19, 1943) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi. He made his debut in January 1966 and wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the juryo division in March 1970. His highest rank was juryo 7 and he retired in November 1970.

## **Early Life**

Obe attended Otsu Ryokuyo High School Fisheries Campus where he was a member of the sumo club. He placed second at All Japan High School Sumo tournament but did not immediately join professional sumo thinking he was not big enough (around 180 cm, 100 kg). Instead, he attended Takushoku University and joined the sumo club. He won the Eastern Japan college tournament which qualified him for the makushita tsukedashi status.

## **Career**

After graduating university, he joined Takasago stable and made his professional debut in January 1966 at the age of 22. Due to his makushita tsukedashi status, he was allowed to make his debut at the rank of makushita 50. He was given the shikona "Tachihikari" (太刀光), however, he got off to a rather slow start. In January 1970, after four years in the unsalaried ranks, he produced a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 1 and was promoted to juryo in the following tournament.

He made his juryo debut in March 1970 and finished with an 8-7 record. He followed with another 8-7 record and was promoted to the rank of juryo 7 in July 1970. However, in this tournament, he finished with a poor 3-12 record and was demoted back down to makushita after three tournaments in juryo. This proved to be his last appearance as a sekitori.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After losing his sekitori status in July 1970, he produced a 1-6 record and was demoted outside the juryo-promotion range. As a result he announced his retirement prior to the following November 1970 tournament. After retiring, he went to work for the fishing industry.

## **Fighting Style**

Tachihikari 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, and tsukiotoshi, or thrust down.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 116-111-7/227 (30 basho)
* **Juryo:** 19-26/45 (3 basho)
* **Makushita:** 97-85-7/182 (27 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Obe Akihiro (1966.01 - 1966.11)
* Tachihikari Akihiro (1967.01 - 1970.11)

## **Gallery**

Tachihikari (left) joins professional sumo (c. 1966)Tachihikari during the juryo dohyo-iri (c. 1970)Tachihikari prepares for his upcoming match (c. 1970)
## **Sources**

* Tachihikari Akihiro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Tachihikari Akihiro Rikishi Information
Shibatayama Stable

Shibatayama Stable (Japanese: 芝田山部屋, Shibatayama-beya) is a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Nishonoseki ichimon or group of stables. It was founded in 1999 by former yokozuna Onokuni. In February 2013 the stable absorbed its parent Hanaregoma stable due to the imminent retirement of its stablemaster, former ozeki Kaiketsu.

As of January 2023 it has 8 active sumo wrestlers.

## **History**

Shibatayama stable was established in 1999 by former yokozuna Onokuni. In March 2008 the stable produced its first sekitori, Daiyūbu, but he spent only one tournament in jūryō and retired suddenly in June 2010 after falling out with his stablemaster. Daiyūbu filed a lawsuit in September claiming that he was slapped and punched, and his topknot was cut off against his will. Shibatayama was questioned by police over the alleged incidents. The case was eventually settled out of court.

In February 2013 the stable absorbed its parent Hanaregoma stable due to the imminent retirement of its stablemaster, former ōzeki Kaiketsu. Among the wrestlers transferring was another Mongolian, Sakigake, who was ranked in jūryō for five tournaments between January 2014 and January 2015. He remains the most senior wrestler at the stable and in January 2020 returned to jūryō after 30 tournaments away.

In March 2016 Shibatayama and wrestler Komatokuni were ordered by the Tokyo District Court to pay 32.4 million yen (287,500 USD) in compensation to a former wrestler who the court ruled had faced "daily abuse" since joining in 2008 and had to undergo four surgeries for a detached retina, eventually losing sight in the eye in 2013. Shibatayama appealed the ruling, and in November 2016 a court-mediated, confidential settlement was reached.

The stable is unusual in that its training dohyō is located in the basement.

## **Ring Name Conventions**

Many wrestlers at this stable take ring names or shikona that include either the character 大 (read: o or dai) or 国 (read: kuni), in deference to their coach and the stable's owner, the former Onokuni whose shikona included both characters.

## **Owners**

* 1999-present: 12th Shibatayama Yasushi (riji, the 62nd yokozuna Onokuni)

## **Coaches**

* Minezaki Nobutake (sanyo, former maegashira Misugiiso)

## **Notable Active Wrestlers**

* Shoketsu (best rank makushita)
* Komanokuni (best rank makushita)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Wakanoshima (former juryo)
* Sakigake (former juryo)
* Daiyubu (former juryo)
* Maeta (former makushita)
* Daishochi (former makushita)

## **Referee**

* Kimura Ginjiro (makuuchi gyoji) - *Transferred from Minezaki stable*
* Kimura Kichijiro (juryo gyoji) - *Transferred from Hanaregoma stable*

## **Usher**

* Katsuyuki (fuku tate yobidashi) - *Transferred from Hanaregoma stable*
* Keisuke (juryo yobidashi)

## **Other personnel**

* Hananokuni Akihiro (wakaimonogashira, former maegashira)

## **Website**

* Shibatayama stable's website [1]
* Shibatayama stable's Facebook [2]
Sanofuji Kiyohiko

Sanofuji Kiyohiko - 佐ノ藤 清彦 (born May 27, 1957) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Betsukai, Hokkaido. He made his debut in May 1973 and last wrestled for Kagamiyama stable. He reached the juryo division in November 1982. His highest rank was juryo 5 and he retired in January 1985.

## **Career**

He started sumo wrestling from an early age and won many tournaments in junior high school. He was introduced to Kagamiyama Oyakata (the 47th yokozuna Kashiwado) by an acquaintance and joined Kagamiyama stable in May 1973. He was given the shikona "Sanofuji" (佐ノ藤). He won the sandanme yusho in November 1981 and the makushita yusho in July 1982. He was promoted to juryo shortly in November 1982. Sanofuji was ranked in juryo for a total of six tournaments and raise as high as juryo 5 in January 1983. He announced his retirement after the January 1985 tournament due to injuries.

## **Fighting Style**

Sanofuji 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:** 266-242-32/508 (71 basho)
* **Juryo:** 36-54/90 (6 basho)
* **Makushita:** 133-117-32/250 (40 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 51-33/84 (12 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 41-36/77 (11 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (July 1982)
* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (November 1981)

## **Sources**

* Sanofuji Kiyohiko Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Sanofuji Kiyohiko Rikishi Information
Teruyama Omine

Teruyama Omine - 輝山 大峯 (born November 15, 1945) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kumamoto City, Kumamoto. He made his debut in July 1961 and wrestled for Kasugano stable. He reached the juryo division in July 1974. His highest rank was juryo 8 and he retired in January 1979.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in July 1961, wrestling for Kasugano stable. He install wrestled under his surname Nakahara before switching to "Teruyama" (輝山) in 1963. He was promoted to sandanme in July 1963 and makushita in September 1965. In May 1974, he produced a 6-1 record at the rank of juryo 7 and was promoted to juryo in the following July 1974 tournament.

Teruyama's first juryo run lasted four tournaments before a disastrous 1-14 record sent him back down to makushita in March 1975. He returned to juryo in November 1976, but could only maintain his sekitori status for three tournaments. He was ranked in juryo for a total of seven tournaments with his highest rank being juryo 8 which he achieved in November 1974. He announced his retirement after the January 1979 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Teruyama trained at "Chanko Ageshio" (ちゃんこ上潮), which was run by former juryo wrestler Ageshio, in Fukuoka's Chuo Ward, before branching out and opening his own chanko restaurant called "Chanko Teruyama" (ちゃんこ輝山) in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 407-382-2/789 (106 basho)
* **Juryo:** 43-62/105 (7 basho)
* **Makushita:** 269-228/497 (71 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 60-52/112 (16 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 27-29/56 (8 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 8-11-2/19 (3 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Nakahara (1961.07 - 1963.05)
* Teruyama Omine (1963.07 - 1979.01)

## **Gallery**

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

* Teruyama Omine Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Teruyama Omine Rikishi Information
Masumeidai Shuichi

Masumeidai Shuichi - 舛名大 周一 (born March 16, 1984) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Okazaki, Aichi. He made his debut in November 2006 and last wrestled for Chiganoura stable. His highest rank was sandanme 89 and he retired in May 2011.

## **Early Life**

Tanaka was born on March 16, 1984, in Okazaki, Aichi. He attended Kouzan Junior High School and Toyota Nishi High School. During his time in high school, he belonged on the swim team and specialized in freestyle. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at Nagoya University where he studied engineering.

In the summer of his first year in university, Tanaka took part at a sumo wrestling tournament at a school festival. This was is first time sumo wrestling and he subsequently joined the school's sumo club. From his second year onward, he became a regular at sumo tournaments and contributed wins at the National University Sumo Tournament in 2005 and 2006.

During a visit of Nagoya University's sumo club, he was scouted by Chiganoura Oyakata (former sekiwake Masudayama) for professional sumo. After failing the entrance exam for graduate school, Tanaka decided to join Chiganoura stable in September 2006. This made him the first sumo wrestler from Nagoya University to join professional sumo as well as the third from a National University (the first was Ichinoya from University of the Ryukyus and second was Yuminosato from Kochi University).

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in November 2006 and was given the shikona "Masumeidai" (舛名大) where the "Masu" (舛) is derived from his stablemaster's shikona and "Meidai" (名大) from his university. In his first tournament, he finished with a strong 6-1 record which qualified him for a three-way playoff for the jonokuchi yusho, however, he lost in the final round to Hisanoumi. He spent the next two years in jonidan and was promoted to sandanme in May 2009. He finished with a 2-5 record in his sandanme debut and this proved to be his only tournament in sandanme. He injured his neck prior to the September 2009 tournament and had to miss the following four tournaments which resulted in him falling completely off the banzuke.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Masumeidai retired from sumo in May 2011 after two years of sitting out due to a neck injury. After retirement, he worked as a reporter for the Chunichi Shimbun sports section.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 57-56-27/113 (21 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 2-5/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 48-50-14/98 (16 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-1-13/8 (3 basho)

## **Gallery**

Masumeidai prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2009)
## **Sources**

* Masumeidai Shuichi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Masumeidai Shuichi Rikishi Information
Takerufuji Mikiya

Takerufuji Mikiya - 尊富士 弥輝也 (born April 9, 1999) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Goshogawara, Aomori. He made his debut in September 2022 and currently wrestles for Isegahama stable. He reached the juryo division in January 2024 and his highest rank as of 2023 is juryo 10.

## **Early Life**

Ishioka began sumo wrestling when he was 6 years old at a local sumo club in Tsugaru, Aomori. He went on to attend Tsugaru Shiritsu Kizukuri Junior High School where he achieved third place at the National Junior High School Sumo Tournament. He then attended Tottori Johoku High School, known for its strong sumo program, and achieved top 8 at the National High School Kanazawa Tournament during his first year. In his third year, Ishioka finished third at the National High School Sumo Tournament. After high school, he enrolled at Nihon University to continue his amateur sumo career and won the All Japan University Selection Kanazawa Tournament during his second year. In his third year, he and his school won the National Student Championship group match. After graduating university, he joined Isegahama stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in September 2022 and was given the shikona "Takerufuji" (尊富士). He finished with perfect 7-0 records in his first two tournaments to claim the jonokuchi and jonidan championships. In the March 2023 tournament, he suffered his first loss on the 7th day after losing to fellow collegiate wrestler Toshunryu. Nevertheless, he finished with a strong 6-1 record and was promoted to makushita for the following May 2023 tournament. Takerufuji continued his dominant performance in makushita and was promoted to juryo in January 2024.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 43-6/49 (8 basho)
* **Makushita:** 23-5/28 (4 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (January 2023)
* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (November 2022)

## **Shikona History**

* Ishioka Mikiya (2022.09 - 2022.09)
* Takerufuji Mikiya (2022.11 - )

## **Gallery**

### **JSA Profile Pictures and Tegata**

Takerufuji Mikiya - 2024 (Retrieved from the JSA)Takerufuji Mikiya - 2023 (Retrieved from the JSA)
### **Career Overview**

Takerufuji gets recruited into Isegahama stable (c. 2022)Takerufuji gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2022)Takerufuji during his time in Maezumo (c. 2022)Takerufuji wins his first Jonokuchi Yusho (c. 2022)Takerufuji prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2023)Takerufuji wins his first Jonidan Yusho (c. 2023)Takerufuji ensures promotion to Juryo (c. 2023)Takerufuji after promotion to Juryo (c. 2023)Takerufuji's presented with his kesho mawashi (c. 2024)
## **Sources**

* Takerufuji Mikiya Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Takerufuji Mikiya Rikishi Information