recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Azumaumi Minoru

Azumaumi Minoru - 東海 稔 (born March 14, 1924 - June 10, 1963) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shinagawa, Tokyo. He made his debut in January 1939 and wrestled for Araiso stable. He reached the makuuchi division in March 1953. His highest rank was maegashira 14 and he retired in May 1959.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Born in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Kondo joined Isegahama stable (later renamed Araiso stable) and made his professional debut in January 1939 at the age of 14. He initially wrestled under the shikona "Gotenyama" (御殿山) which is derived from a mountain in Kitashinagawa, where he was born. He breezed through the bottom three divisions, spending just one tournament in each division and was promoted to makushita in May 1942. In June 1945, he was drafted for military service by the Imperial Japanese Army and left the military after the end of the Second World War. However, he did not return to sumo until May 1950, nearly five years later, and was given the new shikona "Azumaumi" (東海). After four consecutive winning records, he was promoted to juryo in January 1952.

### **Juryo Career**

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Azumaumi posted a solid 9-6 record. In January 1953, he produced an 11-4 record at the rank of juryo 2 and was promoted to makuuchi for the following March 1953 tournament. It had taken him 14 years and 2 months to reach the top division, even though he was out of the sumo world for nearly five years.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Peaking at 166 kg (366 Ib), he was one of the heaviest wrestlers in makuuchi, however, he struggled and posted three losing records which sent him back down to juryo in January 1954. He returned to makuuchi in March 1954, but posted a poor 3-12 record. After three years in juryo, he was promoted back to the top division in March 1957 and produced an 8-7 record which was his first and only winning record in makuuchi. He followed with three more losing records and was demoted back down to juryo in January 1958 where he would spent the majority of his later career.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Upon falling down to makushita in May 1959, he retired from sumo at the age of 35. After retiring, he worked at the Tokyo Central Post Office, but died in June 1963 at the age of 39.

## **Fighting Style**

Azumaumi 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:** 305-310-18/614 (52 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 44-76/120 (8 basho)
* **Juryo:** 180-175-5/354 (24 basho)
* **Makushita:** 62-54-13/116 (13 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 7-1/8 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 7-1/8 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-3/8 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Gotenyama (1939.01 - 1950.01)
* Azumaumi Minoru (1950.05 - 1959.05)

## **Sources**

* Azumaumi Minoru Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Azumaumi Minoru Rikishi Information
Daitenzan Noritaka

Daitenzan Noritaka - 大天山 教尚 (born November 29, 1980) is a former Mongolian professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar. He made his debut in January 2001 and last wrestled for Magaki stable. His highest rank was makushita 58 and he retired in January 2005.

## **Career**

20 year old Ganbat Batzaya joined Magaki stable alongside Naidan Bayarhu (Bontensho) in January 2001 and was given the shikona "Daitenzan" (大天山). He was a consistent sumo wrestler and in his rise to sandanme, he only produced one losing record. He earned promotion to the sandman division in May 2002. Initially, Daitenzan struggled in sandanme and he did not become a sandanme mainstay until July 2003. He was promoted to makushita in September 2004.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Daitenzan produced a 2-5 record in his lone makushita tournament and was demoted back down to sandanme. Following this, he sat out of two tournaments and his retirement was announced after the January 2005 tournament.

According to his Facebook, he currently resides in Evanston, Illinois.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 80-74-14/154 (25 basho)
* **Makushita:** 2-5/7 (1 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 31-32-14/63 (11 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 43-34/77 (11 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

A young Daitenzan awaits for his upcoming match (c. 2001)Daitenzan prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2004)
Fusensho

Fusensho (不戦勝) is a win by default because of the absence of the opponent. Recorded with a white square. A fusenpai (不戦敗) is a loss by default for not appearing at a scheduled bout. If a wrestler withdraws from the tournament (injury or retirement), one loss by default will be recorded against him on the following day, and simple absence for the remainder. Recorded with a black square.

## **History**

Until the Taisho Period, an absence would simply be recorded for both wrestlers, regardless of which one had failed to show. However as the championship system started to take place, major flaws in this system were acknowledged, especially after the controversial yusho of ozeki Hitachiiwa Eitaro.

Hitachiiwa won the yusho, but it stirred some controversy. In January 1928, he won his only top division yusho, or championship, but it caused great controversy. On Day 10, he scored a win by default (fusensho) against Nishinoumi Kajiro III, who was a no-show for the bout. His rival for the championship, veteran maegashira and former sekiwake Misugiiso, had won all his bouts in actual fights but was then defeated by strong komusubi Tamanishiki (later yokozuna) on the 11th day. At the end of the tournament they both had 10–1 records, as Hitachiiwa had defeated yokozuna Miyagiyama on the final day. Hitachiiwa and Misugiiso were too far apart in rank to have been paired against each other during the tournament, and as there was no playoff system in place at that time, Hitachiiwa, in the higher ozeki rank was awarded the yusho. Many people sympathized with Misugiiso as it had cost him his only chance to win a championship. Misugiiso was only able to win two more bouts in his career and retired a year later.

The controversy gathered around the system of keeping score for matches won by default as one wrestler does not appear for their scheduled fight (fusensho). At the time, only in the last two days of a tournament could a win by default be accepted, and there was no formal announcement (kachi-nanori) of the winner by default, so both wrestlers would be scored as not appearing for the match. In the following tournament in March 1928, the modern system was established where the winner by default was officially scored as a win and not a no-show, as it was in the past.

## **Modern System**

The current system is that when a wrestler withdraws it is counted as an official loss. The following days and remainder of the tournament will be counted as absence (even though that is equivalent of a loss; for example a 7-3-5 is equivalent to a 7-8 record). Now when a wrestler withdraws, a yobidashi would present the audience with a long white banner that reads, fusensho, win by default. The winner by default would accept his win, but he cannot accept kensho-kin (prize money). If a yokozuna withdraws and the winner by default is a maegashira, it will not count as a kinboshi (gold star).
Fujinawa Takashi

Fujinawa Takashi - 藤縄 隆 (born November 2, 1974) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tsukuba, Ibaraki. He made his debut in January 1993 and wrestled for Isenoumi stable. His highest rank was jonidan 15 and he retired in November 2004.

## **Career**

Takashi Sakamoto joined Isenoumi stable and made his professional debut in January 1993. He wrestled under his surname Sakamoto for the first four years of his career before he was given the shikona "Fujinawa" (藤縄) in July 1997. Initially weighing 145 kg (320 lb) when joining sumo, his weight increased up to 215.5 kg (475 lb) in his later career. Despite weighing more than majority of his opponents, he struggled immensely and could not make it past the jonidan division with his highest rank being jonidan 15 which he earned in January 1998.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Fujinawa retired from sumo in November 2004 after nearly 12 years in sumo. His retirement ceremony, or danpatsu-shiki, was held on October 3, 2004. After retiring, he worked at a restaurant in Osaka.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 223-253-21/473 (72 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 207-241-14/445 (66 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 16-12-7/28 (5 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Sakamoto Takashi (1993.01 - 1997.05)
* Fujinawa Takashi (1997.07 - 2004.11)

## **Gallery**

Fujinawa's retirement ceremony (c. 2004)Fujinawa after his retirement ceremony (c. 2004)

## **Sources**

* Fujinawa Takashi Rikishi Information
* WebLog Post on Fujinawa's Retirement Ceremony
Asawaka Kitaro

Asawaka Kitaro - 朝若 佐太郎 (born January 8, 1923 - November 25, 1969) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Matsuyama, Ehime. He made his debut in January 1939 and wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1950. His highest rank was maegashira 21 and he retired in January 1952.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Born in Matsuyama, Ehime, he joined Takasago stable and made his professional debut in January 1939. Wrestling under the shikona "Asawaka" (朝若), he was promoted to sandanme in May 1941 and makushita in May 1942. In November 1945, he won the makushita yusho with a perfect 5-0 record at the rank of makushita 12 and was promoted to juryo for the following November 1946 tournament.

### **Juryo Career**

Upon promotion to juryo, he changed his shikona to "Takashio" (高潮). After a series of lackluster results, he reverted back to the Asawaka ring name. After the shikona change, he posted two consecutive winning records and was promoted to makuuchi in May 1950.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Asawaka struggled in his top divison debut and finished with a poor 4-11 record which sent him back down to juryo. He never managed to return back to makuuchi. He withdrew on the fifth day in the September 1951 tournament after recording no wins and was demoted back down to makushita in January 1952 where he ultimately retired from sumo.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Upon retirement from active competition, he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association, under the name Takadagawa. He worked as a ringside judge during official tournaments.

### **Death**

He died on November 25, 1969, at the age of 46 due to uremia.

## **Fighting Style**

Asawaka 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:** 130-144-26-1d/273 (30 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 4-11/15 (1 basho)
* **Juryo:** 75-87-11-1d/161 (13 basho)
* **Makushita:** 28-25-15/53 (9 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 10-6/16 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-5/16 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 1-7/8 (1 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 1-3/4 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (November 1945)

## **Shikona History**

* Asawaka Satoshi (1939.01 - 1945.11)
* Takashio Satoshi (1946.11 - 1949.05)
* Asawaka Kitaro (1949.10 - 1952.01)

## **Sources**

* Asawaka Kitaro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Asawaka Kitaro Rikishi Information
Akinokuni Kazunori

Akinokuni Kazunori - 安芸の國 一典 (born April 11, 1942) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Hiroshima City, Hiroshima. He made his debut in March 1959 and wrestled for Tokitsukaze stable. He reached the juryo division in July 1965. His highest rank was juryo 9 and he retired in November 1968.

## **Career**

Shinto joined Tokitsukaze stable and made his professional debut in March 1959. Initially wrestling under his surname, he was promoted to sandanme in May 1961 and makushita in November 1962. He changed his shikona to "Akinokuni" (安芸の國) in 1962. In May 1965 he won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record at the rank of makushita 4 and was promoted to juryo for the following July 1965 tournament.

Akinokuni was ranked in juryo for a total of 14 tournaments, reaching as high as juryo 9. He was rather unspectacular in juryo, but very efficient and was always tinkering at the bottom of the division. In November 1967 he posted a disastrous 2-13 record and was demoted back down to makushita for the January 1968 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Upon losing his sekitori status, Akinokuni remained in makushita for another year before retiring from sumo in November 1968 at the young age of 26. After retiring, he opened up a chanko restaurant in Higashi-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, called "Chanko Akinokuni" (ちゃんこ料理 安芸の国).

## **Personal Life**

Outside of sumo, Akinokuni was an avid golfer and he participated at the Japan Amateur Golf Championship Tournament in 1983.

Akinokuni's nephew, Kiyofumi Ishikawa, was also a sumo wrestler from Tokitsukaze stable. He made his professional debut in March 1982 and his highest rank was makushita 1. He retired from sumo in January 1996 and currently manages Chanko Akinokuni.

## **Fighting Style**

Akinokuni 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 tsuridashi, or lift out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 258-244-2/502 (57 basho)
* **Juryo:** 98-112/210 (14 basho)
* **Makushita:** 82-65/147 (21 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 41-27-2/68 (10 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 26-24/50 (7 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 11-13/24 (3 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 0-3/3 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (May 1965)

## **Shikona History**

* Shinto Kazunori (1959.03 - 1962.05)
* Akinokuni Kazunori (1962.07 - 1968.01)
* Shinto Kazunori (1968.03 - 1968.05)
* Akinokuni Kazunori (1968.07 - 1968.11)

## **Gallery**

Akinokuni during his time as a juryo wrestler (c. 1966)The entrance to Akinokuni's restaurant: Chanko Akinokuni
## **Sources**

* Akinokuni Kazunori Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Akinokuni Kazunori Rikishi Information
Ajigawa Stable (2022)

Ajigawa stable (安治川部屋, Ajigawa-beya), is a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Isegahama ichimon or group of stables. It was formed by former sekiwake Aminishiki in December 2022 after he branched off from Isegahama stable.

As of November 2023, it has four wrestlers, including one foreigner, Aonishiki from Ukraine.

The stable is located in the Ishijima district of Koto ward in Tokyo. It was temporarily based in the Senda district until June 2023, while the Ishijima location was being built.

## **Ring Name Conventions**

Following the tradition of the previous incarnation of the stable, the stable's wrestlers have ring names starting with the kanji 安 (pronounced a or an, meaning peaceful). Also by having this character, it can be seen as a sign of deference to the stablemaster, the former Aminishiki. Examples of this convention are: Anzakura and Agora.

## **Owners**

* 2022-present: 8th Ajigawa Ryuji (shunin, former sekiwake Aminishiki)

## **Notable Active Wrestlers**

* Anosho (best rank makushita)
* Agora (best rank sandanme)
* Aonishiki (best rank jonidan)
Asaoka Isao

Asaoka Isao - 朝岡 勲 (born June 20, 1941 - June 10, 2006) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Sumoto, Hyogo. He made his debut in May 1962 and last wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the makuuchi division in March 1966. His highest rank was maegashira 10 and he retired in July 1969.

## **Early Life**

Asaoka began sumo wrestling during his time at Seiun Junior High School in Sumoto, Hyogo. After graduating, he later went on to work for Kawasaki Heavy Industries where he was a member of their sumo club. After this, he joined Takasago stable and made his professional debut in May 1962 at the age of 20.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

In his first professional tournament, Asaoka won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. Two tournaments later he won the jonidan yusho with another perfect 7-0 record. He reached makushita by March 1963 after less than a year in professional sumo. In September 1964, he produced a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 3 and was promoted to juryo in the following November 1964 tournament.

### **Juryo Career**

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Asaoka finished with a solid 9-6 record. Asaoka produced consistent, but unspectacular results. In January 1966 he finished with a 9-6 record at the rank of makushita 2 and was promoted to makuuchi for the following March 1966 tournament.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Asaoka finished with a 9-6 record in his top division debut and was promoted to the rank of maegashira 10 for the May 1966 tournament, however, he finished with a disastrous 2-13 record and was demoted back down to juryo. He returned to makuuchi two years later in March 1968, but could only manage a 6-9 record and was subsequently demoted back down to juryo.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

He eventually fell down to makushita in May 1969 and retired from the sport in the following July 1969 tournament. After retiring, he opened up a restaurant in Tokyo's Edogawa ward called "Asaoka" (あさをか).

### **Death**

He died at a hospital in Shinjuku, Tokyo, on June 10, 2006, due to lung cancer. He was 64 years old.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 263-245-9/507 (44 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 17-28/45 (3 basho)
* **Juryo:** 176-182-2/357 (24 basho)
* **Makushita:** 46-31-7/77 (12 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-3/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (November 1962)
* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (July 1962)

## **Gallery**

Asaoka (far right) wins the jonokuchi yusho (c. 1962)Asaoka with his kesho-mawashi
## **Sources**

* Asaoka Isao Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Asaoka Isao Rikishi Information
Arashi Tatsuma

Arashi Tatsuma - 嵐 立磨 (born March 27, 1971) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Fuchu, Hiroshima. He made his debut in March 1986 and last wrestled for Kokonoe stable. He reached the juryo division in November 1997. His highest rank was juryo 10 and he retired in January 2000.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Yamane joined Kokonoe stable and made his professional debut in March 1986. He got off to a slow start and could not breakthrough the jonokuchi division until May 1987. Not only that, but he struggled to rise pass jonidan. As a result, he was contemplating to quit, but Izutsu stable wrestler Akinoshu, who was also from Hiroshima, encouraged Yamane to persevere. He was promoted to sandanme in November 1989 and makushita in November 1991. In March 1994 he changed his shikona to "Arashi" (嵐). In September 1997, Arashi was ranked at makushita 1 and he produced a 4-3 record and was promoted to juryo for the following November 1997 tournament.

### **Juryo Career**

Arashi managed to secure a winning record in his sekitori debut and was promoted to his highest rank of juryo 10 in January 1998. However, in this tournament he could only manage three wins and was demoted back down to makushita.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Arashi remained in makushita for remainder of his post-sekitori career. Arashi announced his retirement after a fall to sandanme became a guarantee in January 2000. He currently works as the manager for a Hiroshima style okonomiyaki restaurant called "NEKI" in Chiyoda, Tokyo.

## **Fighting Style**

Arashi 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:** 302-295/597 (84 basho)
* **Juryo:** 11-19/30 (2 basho)
* **Makushita:** 137-143/280 (40 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 81-59/140 (20 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 54-51/105 (15 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 19-23/42 (6 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Yamane Ryoji (1986.03 - 1994.01)
* Arashi Tatsuma (1994.03 - 2000.01)

## **Gallery**

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

Arashi Tatsuma - 1997 (Retrieved from the JSA)Arashi's tegata
### **Career Overview**

Arashi after retirement working at the restaurant NEKI (c. 2017)
## **Sources**

* Arashi Tatsuma Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Arashi Tatsuma Rikishi Information
Banryunada Kenzo

Banryunada Kenzo - 幡龍洋 賢三 (born May 3, 1937) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Itayanagi, Aomori. He made his debut in May 1953 and last wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the juryo division in November 1963. His highest rank was juryo 17 and he retired in May 1965.

## **Career**

Born in Itayanagi, Aomori, Mito joined Dewanoumi stable and made his professional debut in May 1953. He was given the shikona "Banryunada" (幡龍洋) which is derived from a bridge in his hometown. He was promoted to sandanme in January 1955 and makushita in January 1956. In May 1959, he won the makushita yusho after winning a six-man playoff. He briefly fell back down to sandanme in 1962 but won the yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. He was promoted to juryo in November 1963, but could only last two tournaments. He retired from sumo in May 1965.

## **Fighting Style**

Banryunada 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:** 242-241-11/483 (64 basho)
* **Juryo:** 7-23/30 (2 basho)
* **Makushita:** 177-179-10/356 (49 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 35-19-1/54 (7 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 21-19/40 (5 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 2-1/3 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (May 1959)
* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (January 1962)

## **Sources**

* Banryunada Kenzo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Banryunada Kenzo Rikishi Information
Chonmage

The **chonmage** (Japanese: 丁髷) is a form of Japanese traditional topknot haircut worn by men. It is most commonly associated with the Edo period and samurai, and in recent times with sumo wrestlers. It was originally a method of using hair to hold a samurai helmet steady atop the head in battle, and became a status symbol among Japanese society.

In a traditional Edo-era chonmage the top of the head is shaved. The remaining hair was oiled and waxed before being tied into a small tail folded onto the top of the head in the characteristic topknot.

## **History**

In the Edo period of Tokugawa Shogunate Japan, orders were passed for Japanese men to shave the top, front of their head (the chonmage hairstyle) and shave their beards, facial hair and side whiskers. This was similar to the Qing dynasty queue order imposed by Dorgon making men shave the pates on the front of their heads.

## **Sumo**

In modern times, the only remaining wearers of the chonmage are kabuki actors and sumo wrestlers. The sumo style of the chonmage is slightly different, in that the pate is no longer shaved. However, the hair may be thinned in this region or the crown of the head shaved, called nakazori, to allow the topknot to sit more neatly.

Sumo wrestlers with sekitori status are required on certain occasions to wear their hair in a more elaborate form of topknot called an oicho or ginkgo leaf style, where the end of the topknot is splayed out to form a semicircle, resembling a hand fan (sensu). Given the uniqueness of the style in modern Japan, the Sumo Association employs specialist hairdressers called tokoyama to cut and prepare sumo wrestlers' hair.

The chonmage is of such symbolic importance in sumo that snipping it off is the centerpiece of a wrestler's retirement ceremony. Dignitaries and other important people in a wrestler's life are invited to take one snip, with the final one taken by his trainer.

## **In Modern Fashion**

Outside Japan, so-called "samurai buns" have been worn by a minority of young British, Australian, Canadian, European, and American men during the mid-2010s. Unlike the traditional chonmage, the hair on top of the head is kept long, and the back and sides are shaven This hairstyle, reminiscent of the samurai topknots in jidaigeki movies, was popularised by celebrities including Orlando Bloom, Jared Leto, Zayn Malik, TOWIE's Joey Essex, Harry Styles, and Brent Burns. Although this haircut is somewhat similar to the Japanese topknot, it is visually more closely related to the topknots worn by historic Western tribes, such as the Lombards, Vikings, and Cumans. The medieval historian Paul the Deacon, in his description of the traditional style of the Lombard nation, describes their hair thus so, "they uncovered the flesh of their heads by shaving all around the neck, sides, and back of the head until the nuchal zone. The hair on the top, left long, was parted in the middle and hung down to the corners of their mouths."
Abolished Sumo Systems/Rules

Sumo has a history that dates back since the beginning of Japan. There have been many rules and systems that have been abolished or replaced. The list below are just the major changes since the Edo Period.

**Azukari** **(預り)**: Hold or no decision, a kind of draw. After a mono-ii, the gyoji or the shimpan "holds" the result if it was too close to call. Recorded with a white triangle. In 1927, the system was abolished and a torinaoshi (rematch) now takes place instead; the last azukari was recorded in 1951.

**Hikiwake (引分):** A type of draw caused by a long bout that exhausted both wrestlers beyond the point of being able to continue. Also possibly known as a yasumi (休み). In modern sumo, this situation is resolved with a break and subsequent restart or rematch. Though common in early sumo, hikiwake are very rare in the modern age and have not been declared since 1974. Recorded with a white triangle.

**Itamiwake (痛み分け):** A draw due to injury. A rematch (torinaoshi) has been called but one wrestler is too injured to continue; this is no longer in use and the injured wrestler forfeits instead. The last itamiwake was recorded in 1999. Recorded with a white triangle.

**Kosho Siedo (公傷制度):** Public Injury System. Introduced in 1972, this system allowed a wrestler who had been injured in the ring during a tournament to sit out the next tournament without any effect on his rank. It was abolished at the end of 2003 because it was felt too many wrestlers were missing tournaments with minor injuries.

**Mushobu (無勝負):** No Result. A kind of draw; the gyoji doesn't count a win or a loss. This outcome was recognised in the Edo period.

**Shinjo (新序):** A designation given to wrestlers who had performed well in maezumo that allowed them to participate in jonokuchi in the same tournament. Additionally, if they performed well at this stage, they were allowed to skip straight to the jonidan rank in the next tournament. This system is no longer used.
Dewaminato Shuichi

Dewaminato Shuichi - 出羽湊 秀一 (born April 14, 1923 - September 16, 1979) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Iwaki, Aomori. He made his debut in May 1940 and last wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1953. His highest rank was maegashira 1 and he retired in September 1958.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He made his professional debut in May 1940, wrestling for Dewanoumi stable. Initially wrestling under his surname Kawada, he was promoted to sandanme in May 1942 and makushita in May 1943. In January 1944, he was drafted by the Imperial Japanese Army for military service and did not return to sumo until November 1947. Upon returning he was given shikona to "Dewaryu" (出羽竜) before changing it to "Iwakiyama" (岩木山).

### **Juryo Career**

Upon promotion to juryo in May 1949, he changed his shikona to "Dewaminato" (出羽湊). His first juryo run only lasted four tournaments and he was demoted back down to makushita in September 1950. He returned to juryo in May 1951 and after winning the juryo yusho in March 1953, he was promoted to makuuchi for the May 1953 tournament.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Dewaminato was ranked in the top division for a total of 20 tournaments. He was unable to reach the san'yaku level with his highest rank being maegashira 1 and he also never managed to defeat a yokozuna or achieve a special prize. In May 1957 he sprained his right ankle and eventually fell down to juryo in March 1958. He retired from sumo in September 1958.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Upon retirement from active competition, he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association, under the name Fujishima. He served as a judge during the official tournaments.

### **Death**

He died while as an active oyakata at a hospital in Tokyo due to bladder cancer. He was 56 years old.

## **Fighting Style**

Dewaminato was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite were ketaguri (pulling inside ankle sweep), sotogake (outside leg trip), yorikiri (force out). He was also fond of employing tsuppari, a series of rapid thrusts to the chest.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 310-306-25/614 (49 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 135-148-17/281 (20 basho)
* **Juryo:** 110-115/225 (15 basho)
* **Makushita:** 40-28-8/68 (8 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 11-5/16 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 10-6/16 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-4/8 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Kawada Shuichi (1940.05 - 1948.05)
* Dewaryu Shuichi (1948.10 - 1948.10)
* Iwakiyama Shuichi (1949.01 - 1949.01)
* Dewaminato Shuichi (1949.05 - 1958.09)

## **Gallery**

Dewaminato poses with his kesho-mawashiDewaminato (c. 1955)
## **Sources**

* Dewaminato Shuichi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Dewaminato Shuichi Rikishi Information
Amagiyama Idayu

Amagiyama Idayu - 天城山 猪太夫 (born August 17, 1906 - September 23, 1997) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ito, Shizuoka. He made his debut in January 1925 and wrestled for Tomozuna stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1936. His highest rank was maegashira 17 and he retired in January 1938.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Tokuro Ishikawa joined Tomozuna stable and made his professional debut in January 1925 under the shikona "Amagiyama" (天城山). From January to October 1927, he served in the military and did not return to sumo until January 1928. Due to the "Shunjuen Incident" where a number of top wrestlers went on strike, Amagiyama was promoted to juryo in February 1932 in order to fill up the vacant spots. Upon promotion to juryo, he was given the shikona "Hatsushima" (初嶋), but he reverted back to Amagiyama in January 1934. He briefly fell back down to makushita in May 1934, but quickly returned to juryo and was promoted to makuuchi in May 1936.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Amagiyama was only ranked in the top division for one tournament, finishing with a poor 3-8 record. Upon falling back down to juryo, Amagiyama continued to struggle and subsequently retired from the sport in January 1938.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, he remained in sumo as an elder of the Japan Sumo Association, working as a coach at Tomozuna stable under the name Azumazeki Oyakata. Upon Tomozuna Stable's closure in 1946, he transferred to Tatsunami stable where he continued his coaching duties. He reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 in August 1971.

### **Death**

Amagiyama died on September 23, 1997, at the age of 91. As of 2022, he is the only Oyakata to reach the age of 90 after the mandatory retirement age system was enforced in 1961.

## **Fighting Style**

Amagiyama 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 tsuridashi (lift out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 78-87/165 (16 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 3-8/11 (1 basho)
* **Juryo:** 69-74/143 (13 basho)
* **Makushita:** 6-5/11 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Amagiyama (1925.01 - 1932.01)
* Hatsushima Idayu (1932.02 - 1933.05)
* Amagiyama Idayu (1934.01 - 1938.01)

## **Sources**

* Amagiyama Idayu Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Amagiyama Idayu Rikishi Information
Daito Bunka University

Daito Bunka University (大東文化大学, *Daito Bunka Daigaku*, lit. Great East Culture University) is a medium-size four-year university with two campuses: one at Itabashi in Tokyo and the other at Higashi Matsuyama in Saitama, Japan. It is known as one of the top calligraphy schools in the nation and one of the few universities in Japan to teach Arabic and Urdu.

The University's sumo club has produced a couple professional sumo wrestlers, with maegashira Bushuyama being their most successful alumnus. As of 2023, 6 members of Daito Bunka University's sumo club have turned professional, with 1 reaching the elite sekitori status.

## **List**

* Green row indicates wrestler reached the elite sekitori ranks.
Azumanishiki Eizaburo

Azumanishiki Eizaburo - 東錦 栄三郎 (born October 2, 1940 - November 9, 1994) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shinjuku, Tokyo. He made his debut in May 1956 and wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the makuuchi division in September 1962. His highest rank was maegashira 15 and he retired in September 1967.

## **Early Life**

Eizaburo Hoshino was born in the Nishi-Shinjuku district in Tokyo. His parents ran a pork cutlet shop and his older brothers attended Meiji Univ. Nakano Junior & Senior High School and Meiji University where they played baseball. The young Hoshino initially intended to follow the same path, but he was recruited for professional sumo by Takasago stable's Azumafuji and Fujitayama while still in junior high school.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

After graduating junior high school he joined Takasago stable and made his professional debut in May 1956 under the shikona "Azumanishiki" (東錦). He was promoted to sandanme in January 1958 and makushita in March 1959. In January 1962 he posted a 6-1 record at the rank of makushita 3 and was promoted to juryo for the following March 1962 tournament.

### **Juryo Career**

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Azumanishiki finished with a solid 9-6 record and followed with an 8-7 record. In July 1962 he posted a strong 11-4 record, but missed out on the juryo yusho after losing to Miyanohana in the playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted to makuuchi for the following September 1962 tournament after only three tournaments in juryo.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Azumanishiki struggled in his makuuchi debut and finished with a poor 3-12 record. He was demoted back down to juryo and this proved to be his only tournament ranked in the top division. He remained in juryo for another five years, winning the juryo yusho in January 1966. After falling back down to makushita in September 1967, he announced his retirement.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Upon retiring from professional sumo, he returned back to his hometown and managed his family's pork cutlet shop. He died on November 9, 1954, at the age of 54.

## **Fighting Style**

Azumanishiki 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:** 375-352-13/726 (66 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 3-12/15 (1 basho)
* **Juryo:** 229-245-6/473 (32 basho)
* **Makushita:** 81-53-7/134 (19 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 34-22/56 (7 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 24-16/40 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-4/8 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Juryo** Championship (January 1966)

## **Shikona History**

* Hoshino Eizaburo (1956.05 - 1956.09)
* Azumanishiki Eizaburo (1957.01 - 1967.09)

## **Gallery**

Azumanishiki poses with his kesho-mawashi
## **Sources**

* Azumanishiki Eizaburo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Azumanishiki Eizaburo Rikishi Information
Akashi Shiganosuke

Akashi Shiganosuke - 明石 志賀之助 (born 1600 - 1649) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Utsunomiya, Shimotsuke. He is formally recognized as the 1st yokozuna.

## **Career**

Akashi Shiganosuke is purported to be a Japanese sumo wrestler in antiquity who is formally recognized as the first yokozuna. A legendary figure, his historical existence is disputed. He is said to have been active in the Kan'ei era (1624–1643). He was described as being of gigantic size, at 2.58 m (8 ft 6 in) tall and weighing 184 kg (406 lb).

He is said to have been born in Utsunomiya, Shimotsuke province (modern day Tochigi prefecture) in central Japan, the son of Yamanouchi Shuzen, a samurai who served Sumaura Rinemon.

According to sumo folklore, he took part in a sumo tournament in Yotsuya, Tokyo in 1624 and became an instant star, enabling sumo organisers to charge admission for the first time. He is said to have been given the title of Hinoshita Kaisan (a Buddhist term signifying a man of exceptional power) by the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu.

By 1800 his legendary reputation as a huge and powerful rikishi had been solidified and his exploits were retold and embellished through the years. He became so legendary that when the 12th yokozuna Jinmaku Kyugoro came to compile the first list of yokozuna in 1900, Akashi was placed at the beginning, followed by two dominant champions from the Edo period, Ayagawa Goroji and Maruyama Gondazaemon. Despite this, Tanikaze was the first to receive a yokozuna licence and perform the yokozuna dohyo-iri and so is often regarded as the first "real" yokozuna.

## **Gallery**

Woodblock print of 1st yokozuna Akashi Shiganosuke
## **Sources**

* Akashi Shiganosuke Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Akashi Shiganosuke Rikishi Information
Datenohana Shizuka

Datenohana Shizuka - 伊達ノ花 静 (born January 1, 1907 - December 11, 1944) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Wakuya, Miyagi. He made his debut in January 1923 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1935. His highest rank was maegashira 15 and he retired in January 1936.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Shizuka Fukuyama joined Dewanoumi stable and made his professional debut in January 1923 under the shikona "Sendai" (仙臺). He reached the elite juryo division in February 1932, but could only maintain his rank for two tournaments before falling back down to makushita in May 1932. Upon falling down to makushita, he was given the new shikona "Datenohana" (伊達ノ花). He was promoted back to juryo in May 1933 and eventually reached the top makuuchi division in May 1935.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Datenohana posted a poor 4-7 record in his top division debut. He followed with another 4-7 record in January 1936. In order to avoid an inevitable demotion back down to juryo, he retired from sumo immediately after the January 1936 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 37-47/84 (12 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 8-14/22 (2 basho)
* **Juryo:** 29-33/62 (6 basho)
* **Makushita:** 0-0/0 (3 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Sendai (1923.01 - 1932.03)
* Datenohana Shizuka (1932.05 - 1936.01)

## **Sources**

* Datenohana Shizuka Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Datenohana Shizuka Rikishi Information
Dewanoryu Kazuki

Dewanoryu Kazuki - 出羽ノ龍 和希 (born March 7, 2001) is a Mongolian professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar. He made his debut in September 2019 and currently wrestles for Dewanoumi stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 3.

## **Early Life**

Born and raised in Mongolia, Temuulen Tumurbaatar began sumo wrestling in elementary school. He came to Japan and attended Kibogaoka Senior High School, well known for its strong sumo program, in Fukuoka to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional sumo wrestler.

He participated in many national tournaments during high school and produced satisfactory results. He also represented Mongolia in the 2018 World Sumo Championships. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the prestigious Dewanoumi stable in September 2019 and was given the shikona "Dewanoryu" (出羽ノ龍).

## **Career**

In his first tournament, Dewanoryu produced a strong 6-1 record and was immediately promoted to the jonidan division. In his jonidan debut, he won all seven matches and took the yusho. As a result, he was promoted to sandanme in July 2020. Dewanoryu gradually rose through the sandanme ranks and after three tournaments, he was promoted to makushita in January 2021. In his makushita debut, Dewanoryu struggled and produced a lackluster 3-4 record. As a result, he fell back down to sandanme. He returned to makushita in May 2021, where he was in the yusho race for majority of the tournament, before losing to former komusubi Abi. He reached as high as makushita 3 in March 2022, but sat out of the tournament which resulted in a fall back to lower makushita. He had to withdraw from Day 7 of the July 2022 tournament after another COVID outbreak at Dewanoumi stable.

## **Fighting Style**

Dewanoryu is proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His most common techniques are yorikiri (force out), oshidashi (push out), and yoritaoshi (frontal crush down).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 95-56-10/150 (24 basho)
* **Makushita:** 64-45-10/108 (17 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 18-10/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Dewanoryu gets measured upon joining professional sumo (c. 2019)Dewanoryu (left) in maezumo (c. 2019)Dewanoryu defeats his opponent to win the Jonidan yusho (c. 2020)Dewanoryu wins his first Jonidan Yusho (c. 2020)Dewanoryu defeats Asakoki (c. 2022)Dewanoryu prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2023)

## **Sources**

* Dewanoryu Kazuki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Dewanoryu Kazuki Rikishi Information
Azumakaze Futoshi

Azumakaze Futoshi - 東風 太士 (born December 27, 1973) is a former Brazilian professional sumo wrestler from Sao Paulo. He made his debut in September 1991 and last wrestled for Tamanoi stable. His highest rank was sandanme 29 and he retired in January 1999.

## **Early Life**

Giuliano Kochinda Tussato was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil and is of Italian origin. He came to Japan in 1990 and stayed in a house with a family and he developed a close relationship with Tamanoi Oyakata (former sekiwake Tochiazuma). In 1991, Tuzatto returned to Japan and stayed there for another four months, before joining Tamanoi stable in September 1991.

## **Career**

He was given the shikona "Juriazuma" (樹里東), before changing it to "Azumakaze" (東風) two tournaments later. He struggled in his first couple of years in professional sumo and could not break through the jonidan wall. In May 1994, after three years in sumo, he was promoted to the sandanme division, but he did not become a division regular until July 1995. In January 1997, he was promoted to a career-best sandanme 29. He would remain in sandanme for the rest of his career.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After eight years of sumo, Azumakaze was forced to retire from sumo after he sustained an injury to his leg. His father also fell ill, so he had to return back to Sao Paulo. His retirement was announced after the January 1999 tournament.

As of 2009 he owns a bar in the Roppongi district of Tokyo. He stated in an interview with Reed Young, that owning a bar was harder than sumo, because it carried more responsibility.

## **Personal Life**

* He is of Italian origin, from Lucca.
* When he first arrived to Japan, he did not know the language and it took him three months to learn Japanese. He also had to regularly get up at night to endure extra training.

## **Fighting Style**

Azumakaze is 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.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 153-148-7/301 (45 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 84-91-7/175 (26 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 65-54/119 (17 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Juriazuma Futoshi (1991.09 - 1992.01)
* Azumakaze Futoshi (1992.03 - 1999.01)

## **Gallery**

Azumakaze during his time in maezumo (c. 1991)Azumakaze (second right) practices with his Brazilian stablematesAzumakaze (middle) with his Brazilian stablemates (c. 1998)

## **Sources**

* Azumakaze Futoshi Rikishi Information
* Sumo World July 2001 by Picolo Jean-Michel
* Reed Young Article On Retired Wrestlers
Fujimoto Yusuke

Fujimoto Yusuke - 藤本 悠介 (born June 9, 1986) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Fukuchi, Fukuoka. He made his debut in July 2003 and wrestled for Onomatsu stable. His highest rank was makushita 3 and he retired in November 2014.

## **Early Life**

Fujimoto was born the fourth of eight children in Fukuchi, Fukuoka. His parents operated a rice store and Fujimoto regularly helped out by carrying rice bags since an early age. During the fourth grade, he met Takatoriki and aspired to become a sumo wrestler. He attended Meitoku Gijuku Junior High School, which was known for its strong sumo program. In 2001, during his third year of junior high school, Fujimoto led his school to a victory at the National Junior High School Sumo Tournament. After junior high school, he attended Meitoku Gijuku Senior High School where he was classmates with the future Tochiozan and Tokushoryu. However, he decided to go professional and dropped out after a year in high school and joined Onomatsu stable.

## **Career**

He made his debut in July 2003 and in his first professional tournament, Fujimoto won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. He followed with five consecutive winning records, but found it difficult to break through the sandanme wall. He reached the makushita division in July 2006 and reached a career-best makushita 3 rank in November 2012. He retired from sumo in November 2014.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, Fujimoto serves as a member of the advisory staff for the company Baseball MAPS.

## **Fighting Style**

Fujimoto 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:** 249-220/469 (68 basho)
* **Makushita:** 144-157/301 (43 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 90-57/147 (21 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 8-6/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (September 2003)

## **Gallery**

A young Fujimoto joins Onomatsu stable (c. 2003)Fujimoto prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2007)Fujimoto's retirement ceremony (c. 2014)
## **Sources**

* Fujimoto Yusuke Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Fujimoto Yusuke Rikishi Information