recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Kitanokuni Hitoshi

Kitanokuni Hitoshi - 北ノ國 仁 (born January 15, 1938) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido. He made his debut in January 1956 and wrestled for Tatsunami stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1964. His highest rank was maegashira 10 and he retired in March 1968.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

At the age of 17, he was scouted by a Nakanoshima, who was a sewanin at Tatsunami stable. After overcoming his parent's opposition, he joined Tatsunami stable and made his professional debut in January 1956 under the shikona "Tatsunohana" (立ノ花). He was promoted to sandanme in May 1957 and makushita in November 1959. He changed his shikona to "Okuni" (大國) and was promoted to juryo in May 1962.

### **Juryo Career**

He was the first post-war sekitori from Sapporo, Hokkaido. In his first tournament as a sekitori, he finished with an 8-7 record and was able to establish himself in the juryo division. In September 1963 he changed his shikona to "Kitanokuni" (北ノ國). In March 1964 he produced an 11-4 record at the rank of juryo 2 and was promoted to makuuchi in May 1964.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Kitanokuni struggled to establish himself in the makuuchi division and was only ranked in the top division for eight tournaments. He posted two winning records during his time in makuuchi (May 1964 and March 1966) and rose as high as maegashira 10 in July 1964. His last makuuchi appearance was in September 1966. He fell back down to makushita in March 1968 where he finished with a 4-3 record at the rank of makushita 3. Even though he was considered for a re-promotion to juryo he still announced his retirement.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, Kitanokuni did not remain in the Japan Sumo Association and he left the sumo world completely. After leaving the sumo world, he returned back to his hometown and opened up a chanko restaurant in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

## **Fighting Style**

Kitanokuni 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:** 401-360-24/761 (71 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 52-68/120 (8 basho)
* **Juryo:** 204-201/405 (27 basho)
* **Makushita:** 70-46/116 (16 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 55-33-24/88 (14 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 16-8/24 (3 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-4/8 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Saito Hitoshi (1956.01 - 1956.03)
* Tatsunohana (1956.05 - 1959.07)
* Okuni Hitoshi (1959.09 - 1963.07)
* Kitanokuni Hitoshi (1963.09 - 1968.03)

## **Sources**

* Kitanokuni Hitoshi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kitanokuni Hitoshi Rikishi Information
Kusunishiki Masao

Kusunishiki Masao - 九州錦 正男 (born February 1, 1921 - October 9, 1972) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yahata, Fukuoka. He made his debut in January 1938 and last wrestled for Miyagino stable. He reached the makuuchi division in June 1945. His highest rank was maegashira 2 and he retired in September 1954.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Ishigami joined Miyagino stable led by the 24th Yokozuna Otori and made his professional debut in January 1938. Wrestling under the shikona "Kusunishiki" (九州錦), he was promoted to sandanme in January 1940 and makushita in May 1940. He reached juryo in May 1942 and in January 1944, he won the juryo yusho with a dominant 13-2 record. He was promoted to makuuchi three tournaments later in June 1945.

### **Makuuchi Career**

In his first two tournaments in the top division, Kusunishiki finished with winning records and was ranked at maegashira 2 by his third makuuchi tournament. However, he struggled at this rank and spent the majority of his career wrestling at the mid-lower maegashira ranks. After 24 tournaments in the top division, Kusunishiki fell back down to juryo in March 1954. He retired from sumo in September 1954 to avoid an inevitable demotion back down to makushita.

## **Fighting Style**

Kusunishiki was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who preferred grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was yorikiri, or force out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 242-257/499 (42 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 148-178/326 (24 basho)
* **Juryo:** 48-62/110 (8 basho)
* **Makushita:** 20-12/32 (4 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 14-2/16 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 7-1/8 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Ishigami Masao (1938.01 - 1939.01)
* Kusunishiki Masao (1939.05 - 1954.09)

## **Sources**

* Kusunishiki Masao Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kusunishiki Masao Rikishi Information
Maenoyu Taro

Maenoyu Taro - 前乃雄 太郎 (born April 28, 1984) is a former Mongolian professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar. He made his debut in January 2004 and last wrestled for Takadagawa stable. His highest rank was makushita 25 and he retired in March 2007.

## **Early Life**

Naranbat Gankhuyag was born and raised in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. He came to Japan as an exchange student and studied at Meitoku Gijuku High School, which was a sumo powerhouse. He joined the prestigious sumo club and made an immediate impact on the team. In 2003, he led the school to a national team championship and he was runner-up in the individual competition. After graduation from high school he joined Takadagawa stable.

## **Career**

He made his debut in January 2004 alongside fellow Mongolian Tamawashi under the shikona "Maenoyu" (前乃雄). He had an impressive start to his sumo career and produced seven straight winning records which sent him to a career-best makushita 25 in May 2005. However, he suffered back pains and had to pull out of the May 2005 tournament. As a result, he fell down to sandanme and was never the same. He occasionally returned back to makushita, but could not establish himself in the division.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Maenoyu announced his retirement from sumo after the March 2007 tournament due to his back pains at the age of 22. After retirement, he returned back to Mongolia. However, his attachment to sumo was not abandoned and he longed to join the sport again. After successful treatment on his back, he started to train for an amateur sumo career. He participated in the 2008 World Sumo Championships and achieved first place. After this, he was recommended to do collegiate sumo. He enrolled at the Kyushu Institute of Information Sciences and was a member of their sumo club. He continued to participate in international tournaments and won the open weight division in the 2012 World Sumo Championships in Hong Kong.

## **Fighting Style**

Unlike his Mongolian compatriots, Maenoyu 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:** 72-47-14/119 (20 basho)
* **Makushita:** 19-16-14/35 (7 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 36-27/63 (9 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 12-2/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Maenoyu gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2004)Maenoyu joins alongside future sekitori Tamawashi (c. 2004)Maenoyu on his way to the Kokugikan (c. 2005)

## **Sources**

* Maenoyu Taro Rikishi Information
* Rakuten Article on Maenoyu
Kongo Toshihiko

Kongo Toshihiko - 金剛 敏彦 (born September 24, 1940) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Mitagawa, Saga. He made his debut in March 1958 and wrestled for Nishonoseki stable. He reached the juryo division in July 1963. His highest rank was juryo 10 and he retired in January 1966.

## **Early Life**

Nakashima attended Yoshinogari Choritsu Mitagawa Junior High School where he was the captain of the table tennis club. He went on to attend Saga Prefectural Miyaki High School and during his time at the school, he received an offer to join professional sumo. Nakashima at the time rejected it as he wanted to continue with his studies and his parents also did not want him to join as he was their eldest son. However, in the end Nakashima moved to Tokyo and joined professional sumo.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in November 1958 wrestling for Nishonoseki stable. Initially wrestling under his surname, Nakashima was promoted to sandanme in May 1959 and makushita in May 1960. He as promoted to juryo in July 1963 and subsequently changed his shikona to "Kongo" (金剛). He was ranked in juryo for a total of eight tournaments and retired from sumo in January 1966.

## **Personal Life**

* In order to obtain his high school diploma while in sumo, he attended night classes at Yukigaya High School. He wanted to attend Kyushu University as it was near his hometown, but he would have to retire from sumo. Instead, he attended Takushoku University which was in Tokyo.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 220-182-4/402 (48 basho)
* **Juryo:** 51-69/120 (8 basho)
* **Makushita:** 109-77-4/186 (27 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 30-18/48 (6 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 27-13/40 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 3-5/8 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Nakajima Toshihiko (1958.03 - 1963.05)
* Kongo Toshihiko (1963.07 - 1965.03)
* Kongo Iwao (1965.05 - 1965.11)
* Nakajima Toshihiko (1966.01 - 1966.01)

## **Sources**

* Kongo Toshihiko Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kongo Toshihiko Rikishi Information
Kokushikan University

Kokushikan University (国士舘大学, *Kokushikan Daigaku*) is a private university in Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan. The basic origins of Kokushikan University lie in the Kokushikan private academy which was discovered in Tokyo's Azabu District in 1917, midway through Japan's turbulent Taisho period.

The University's sumo club has produced a couple professional sumo wrestlers, however, none have reached the elite sekitori ranks. As of 2023, 4 members of Kokushikan University's sumo club have turned professional.

## **List**

**List of All Sumo Wrestlers from Kokushikan University**
 Mugen
 Tamanoryu
 Nakanoumi | Minoru Nakano
Mankajo Hiroshi

Mankajo Hiroshi - 萬華城 博 (born February 10, 1990) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Miyazaki City, Miyazaki. He made his debut in March 2005 and last wrestled for Oitekaze stable. His highest rank was makushita 6 and he retired in November 2016.

## **Career**

Hiroshi So joined Kasugayama stable right when he turned 15 and made his professional debut in March 2005. Already weighing 190 kg (419 lb), he was the third heaviest of the 70 new recruits, only behind Omatsuda (198 kg) and Maeta (204 kg). He posted four consecutive winning records from his debut and reached sandanme in January 2006. Upon promotion to sandanme, he was given the shikona "Mankajo" (萬華城).

By March 2007, Mankajo was already weighing 227.6 kg (502 lb) and at only 17 years old, he was on track to become one of the heaviest if not the heaviest rikishi of all time (in comparison Orora, the heaviest recorded wrestler in sumo history, weighed in at 184 kg when he was 17). However, this proved to be Mankajo's heaviest as he would slim down towards his later career and wrestle at a constant weight of around 200 kg (441 lb).

Mankajo was promoted to makushita in January 2009 and reached a career-best rank of makushita 6 in March 2014. He would remain in makushita for majority of his later career.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

In October 2016, his stablemaster Kasugayama Oyakata (former maegashira Hamanishiki) was ordered to resign by the Japan Sumo Association. Mankajo and stablemate Mizuguchi held a press conference demanding that their stablemaster be reinstated, however, Kasugayama Oyakata accepted the resignation demand. As a result, Mankajo and his stablemates transferred to Oitekaze stable. Mankajo and 10 other stablemates subsequently retired from sumo prior to the upcoming November 2016 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Mankajo was proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His most often used winning kimarite was oshidashi (push out), followed by kotenage (arm lock throw) and yorikiri (force out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 248-228-7/475 (70 basho)
* **Makushita:** 115-123-7/237 (35 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 101-88/189 (27 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 27-15/42 (6 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* So Hiroshi (2005.03 - 2005.11)
* Mankajo Hiroshi (2006.01 - 2016.11)

## **Gallery**

Mankajo prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2009)Mankajo asks for Kasugayama Oyakata to be reinstated (c. 2016)Mankajo's retirement ceremony (c. 2016)

## **Sources**

* Mankajo Hiroshi Rikishi Information
* Shikoku News Article of Mankajo's Press Conference
Kototsubaki Katsuyuki

Kototsubaki Katsuyuki - 琴椿 克之 (born December 6, 1960) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Naha, Okinawa. He made his debut in March 1976 and wrestled for Sadogatake stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1991. His highest rank was maegashira 3 and he retired in March 1995.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Born in Naha, Okinawa, Tokashiki joined Sadogatake stable after being recruited by the 53rd yokozuna Kotozakura. He made his professional debut in March 1976 under the shikona "Kototsubaki" (琴椿) and he posted a strong 6-1 record in his first tournament. However, he did not accelerate up the banzuke and had a rather slow progression. He was promoted to sandanme in July 1978 and makushita in September 1980. After five years in makushita, Kototsubaki produced a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 1 and was promoted to juryo in November 1985.

### **Juryo Career**

Kototsubaki could only manage five wins his sekitori debut and was demoted back to makushita in the following tournament. He remained in makushita for nearly four years before retuning to juryo in September 1989. He was promoted to makuuchi in January 1991 after 89 tournaments in the previous divisions.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Kototsubaki stayed in makuuchi for a total of 15 tournaments where he rose as high as maegashira 3 in July 1992. In November 1992, Kototsubaki was in the makuuchi yusho race and heading into the 13th day, he had 10 wins and 2 losses. However, he lost to Wakahanada on the 13th day and suffered an injury which forced him to withdraw the following day. His last appearance in makuuchi was in January 1994.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Kototsubaki fell down to makushita in January 1995 and announced his retirement in the following March tournament. He stayed with the Sumo Association as a coach for Sadogatake stable, but could not obtain permanent elder stock and he borrowed instead. It was not until 2007, when he acquired the Shiratama stock and is now known as Shiratama oyakata.

## **Fighting Style**

Kototsubaki's favorite techniques were migi-yotsu, (a left hand outside, right hand inside grip on his opponents' mawashi) yorikiri, (force out) and uwatenage (overarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 530-481-51/1008 (115 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 100-104-21/202 (15 basho)
* **Juryo:** 133-135-2/267 (18 basho)
* **Makushita:** 189-156-5/345 (50 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 47-39-19/86 (15 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 55-46-4/101 (15 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

### **Achievements**

* **Record:** **5th** slowest progress to top division (89 tournaments)

## **Shikona History**

* Tokashiki Katsuyuki (1976.03 - 1976.03)
* Kototsubaki Katsuyuki (1976.05 - 1995.03)

## **Gallery**

Kototsubaki battles Wakashoyo in England (c. 1991)Kototsubaki (c. 1993)Kototsubaki with his kesho-mawashiKototsubaki after retirement as Shiratama Oyakata (c. 2018)Kototsubaki's tegata
## **Sources**

* Kototsubaki Katsuyuki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kototsubaki Katsuyuki Rikishi Information
Kimura Shonosuke (born 1948)

The 36th Kimura Shonosuke - 36代 木村 庄之助 (born May 16, 1948) was a Japanese professional sumo referee from Kawabe, Kagoshima. He debuted in the March 1964 tournament and last belonged to Izutsu stable. He reached the Makuuchi rank in January 1995 and the sanyaku rank in March 2006. He was promoted to the position of deputy chief gyoji (Shikimori Inosuke) in May 2008 and to the position of chief gyoji (Kimura Shonosuke) in November 2011 and he retired in May 2013. He passed away in November 23, 2022 at age 74.

## **Career**

* May 1964 - Had his ring debut under Kimigahama stable
* July 1964 - Promoted to Jonokuchi-kaku gyoji and took on the name Shikimori Toshihiro (式守 敏廣)
* November 1966 - Promoted to Jonidan-kaku gyoji
* July 1970 - Promoted to Sandanme-kaku gyoji
* January 1974 - Promoted to Makushita-kaku gyoji
* January 1978 - Transferred to Izutsu stable due to the closure of Kimigahama stable
* January 1985 - Promoted to Juryo-kaku gyoji
* January 1995 - Promoted to Makuuchi-kaku gyoji
* January 2001 - Took on the Shikimori Yonokichi (式守 與之吉)
* March 2006 - Promoted to Sanyaku-kaku gyoji
* September 2007 - Took on the name Shikimori Kandayu (式守 勘太夫)
* May 2008 - Promoted to Fuku-tate gyoji and took on the name Shikimori Inosuke (式守 伊之助)
* November 2011 - Promoted to Tate-gyoji and took on the name Kimura Shonosuke (木村 庄之助)
* May 2013 - Retired from sumo

## **Shikona History**

Shikimori Toshihiro (式守 敏廣) → 9th Shikimori Yonokichi (9代 式守 與之吉) → 10th Shikimori Kandayu (10代 式守 勘太夫) → 38th Shikimori Inosuke (38代 式守 伊之助) → 36th Kimura Shonosuke (36代 木村 庄之助)

## **Gallery**

36th Kimura Shonosuke38th Shikimori InosukeShikimori ToshihiroShonosuke writes the banzukeShonosuke serves as gyoji for Kitanoumi's kanreki dohyo-iri (c. 2013)Shonosuke is congratulated by Hakuho and Kakuryu on his retirement (c. 2013)Shonosuke announces his retirement (c. 2013)
## **Sources**

* 36th Kimura Shonosuke Japanese Wikipedia Article
Aonoumi Yuzo

Aonoumi Yuzo - 青ノ海 勇三 (born August 13, 1941 - August 2, 1994) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Imabetsu, Aomori. He made his debut in March 1957 and wrestled for Tomozuna stable. He reached the juryo division in September 1965. His highest rank was juryo 6 and he retired in May 1967.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He joined Takashima stable (later renamed Tomozuna stable) and made his debut in March 1957. Initially wrestling under his surname Ota, he was promoted to sandanme in January 1959 and makushita in July 1960. In March 1961, he changed his shikona to "Aonoumi" (青ノ海). In July 1965, he posted a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 4 and was promoted to juryo for the September 1965 tournament.

### **Juryo Career**

Aonoumi was ranked in juryo for a total of total of ten tournaments. He posted a career-best 10-5 record in May 1966 and was promoted to his highest rank of juryo 6 in July 1966. In March 1967, the Japan Sumo Association announced that they were going to reduce the capacity of juryo from 36 wrestlers to 28 wrestlers. Even though Aonoumi finished this tournament with a 7-8 record at the comfortable rank of juryo 11, he was still demoted back down to makushita as there were not enough available slots. He subsequently retired from sumo in the following May 1967 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 262-232-19/494 (61 basho)
* **Juryo:** 74-76/150 (10 basho)
* **Makushita:** 113-100-11/213 (32 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 40-32/72 (9 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 33-23/56 (7 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 0-0-8/0 (1 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 2-1/3 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Ota Yuzo (1957.03 - 1959.01)
* Yuriyama Yuzo (1959.03 - 1959.09)
* Ota Yuzo (1959.11 - 1961.01)
* Aonoumi Yuzo (1961.04 - 1967.05)

## **Gallery**

Aonoumi practiced teppo (striking a wooden poll) at his stable
## **Sources**

* Aonoumi Yuzo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Aonoumi Yuzo Rikishi Information
Kurojishi Yuzo

Kurojishi Yuzo - 黒獅子 勇蔵 (born February 2, 1939) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Misaki, Osaka. He made his debut in March 1957 and last wrestled for Nishonoseki stable. He reached the makuuchi division in July 1963. His highest rank was maegashira 12 and he retired in January 1965.

## **Early Life**

Osaki was born on February 2, 1939, in the town of Misaki in Osaka Prefecture. He attended Kishiwada City Industrial High School where he was a member of the sumo club. After graduating high school, he moved to Tokyo and joined Nishonoseki stable.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He made his debut in March 1957 at the age of 18 and initially wrestled under his surname Osaki. In his first professional tournament he won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 8-0 record. He was promoted to sandanme in November 1957 and makushita in March 1959. In July 1962 he produced a 6-1 record at the rank of makushita 3 and was promoted to juryo for the following September 1962 tournament.

### **Juryo Career**

Upon promotion to juryo he changed his shikona "Kurojishi" (黒獅子). In his first tournament as a sekitori, he finished with an 8-7 but followed with a 7-8 record in November. Nevertheless, he followed with three consecutive double-digit winning records and was promoted to makuuchi in July 1963.

### **Makuuchi Career**

In his first tournament ranked in the top division Kurojishi finished with an 8-7 record and was promoted to the rank of maegashira 12. However, he finished with a 3-12 record and was demoted back down to juryo. This proved to be his last tournament ranked in makuuchi. Due to injuries he eventually fell down to makushita in May 1964 and he announced his retirement after the January 1965 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring he returned back to his hometown and opened up a sushi restaurant. However, after his former stablemate Taiho opened up Taiho stable, he was invited by Taiho Oyakata to work as an unofficial coach which he agreed to. He left the sumo world in 1972 and returned to his hometown and became engaged in the construction industry.

## **Fighting Style**

Kurojishi 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:** 223-191-6/414 (47 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 11-19/30 (2 basho)
* **Juryo:** 60-60/120 (8 basho)
* **Makushita:** 99-85-6/184 (26 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 40-24/64 (8 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 5-3/8 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 8-0/8 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (May 1957)

## **Shikona History**

* Ozaki Isamu (1957.03 - 1962.07)
* Kurojishi Yuzo (1962.09 - 1965.01)

## **Gallery**

Kurojishi (center) with stablemate future Yokozuna Taiho (right)Kurojishi with his kesho-mawashi
## **Sources**

* Kurojishi Yuzo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kurojishi Yuzo Rikishi Information
Kenta (yobidashi)

Kenta - 健太 (born September 27, 2002) is a Japanese professional sumo usher from Sakai, Osaka. He was recruited in June 2018 and debuted in the July 2018 tournament and he belongs to Naruto stable. He reached the Jonidan rank in January 2024,

## **Career**

* July 2018 - Had his debut under Naruto stable as a Jonokuchi yobidashi
* January 2024 - Promoted to Jonidan yobidashi

## **Gallery**

Kenta (left) performs hane-daiko at the end of a tournament day (c. 2023)
Maruyama Gondazaemon

Maruyama Gondazaemon - 丸山 権太左衛門 (born December 23, 1713 - November 14, 1749) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nakatsuyama, Mutsu. He made his debut around the Genbun era and wrestled for Nanatsumori stable. He was the 3rd yokozuna and he died died while as an active wrestler in November 1749.

## **Career**

Maruyama went to Edo (now Tokyo) at the age of just 17, and was trained by Nanatsumori Oriemon (七ツ森折右衛門). His height was 197 cm and his weight was 166 kg. He left Edo to fight in Osaka sumo. In Osaka, he debuted at west ozeki in 1737. It is said that he lost only two bouts in his career.

He is considered to have been a strong wrestler but it has not been proven that he was awarded a yokozuna license. In honor of him, the house of Yoshida Tsukasa allowed him to be their disciple from August 1749 but this did not confer him the status of yokozuna. However, there are tales told that he wore a black-and-white rope. Though it was not a traditional shimenawa, Masahiko Nomi conjectured that it may have been related to the shimenawa.

## **Death**

Maruyama died in Nagasaki while an active sumo wrestler on November 14, 1749 possibly from dysentery. His grave lies in Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture. A statue of him stands in Yoneyama, Tome, Miyagi.

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

His life and career predate banzuke and tournament records, so no record of his rank and bouts exists.

## **Gallery**

Woodblock print of the third Yokozuna Maruyama
## **Sources**

* Maruyama Gondazaemon Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Maruyama Gondazaemon Rikishi Information
Kimura Kazuma

Kimura Kazuma - 木村 一馬 (born February 16, 1992) is a Japanese professional sumo referee from Osaka, Osaka. He was recruited in April 2009 and debuted in the May 2009 tournament and he belongs to Nishiiwa stable.

## **Career**

* May 2009 - Had his ring debut under Hanakago stable
* July 2009 - Promoted to Jonokuchi-kaku gyoji and took on the name Kimura Kazuma (木村 一馬)
* November 2011 - Promoted to Jonidan-kaku gyoji
* July 2012 - Transferred to Minezaki stable due to the closure of Hanakago stable
* January 2015 - Promoted to Sandanme-kaku gyoji
* January 2019 - Promoted to Makushita-kaku gyoji
* May 2021 - Transferred to Nishiiwa stable due to the closure of Minezaki stable
Kimenzan Yoichiemon

Kimenzan Yoichiemon - 鬼面山 与一右エ門 (born 1768 - July 10, 1832) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Inba District, Shimosa. He made his debut in March 1789 and wrestled for Sakaigawa stable. He reached the makuuchi division in November 1795. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in November 1813.

## **Career**

Yoheji Kunimoto was born in Inba District, Shimosa province (currently Tomisato, Chiba) in 1768. He joined Sakaigawa stable in 1789 and made his debut at the juryo division under the shikona "Iwagane Yoichiemon" (岩ヶ根 与一右エ門). He later changed his shikona to "Takaneyama Yoichiemon" (高根山 与一右エ門) and was promoted to makuuchi in November 1795. In November 1799, he changed his shikona to "Kimenzan Yoichiemon" (鬼面山 与一右エ門) and was promoted to komusubi in March 1801 and sekiwake in February 1802. In January 1813, at the age of 45, he was promoted to ozeki, but could only last one tournament and retired in the following November 1813 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, he remained in the sumo world as an elder under the name Katsunoura. He died on July 10, 1832, at the age of 64.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 127-59-47-43draws-9holds-6no results/244 (35 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 101-38-47-33draws-5holds-3no results/180 (24 basho)
* **Juryo:** 26-21-10draws-4holds-3no results/64 (11 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Iwagane Yoichiemon (1789.03 - 1793.03)
* Takaneyama Yoichiemon (1793.10 - 1799.10)
* Kimenzan Yoichiemon (1799.11 - 1813.11)

## **Gallery**

19th century woodblock print of ozeki Kimenzan Yoichiemon
## **Sources**

* Kimenzan Yoichiemon Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kimenzan Yoichiemon Rikishi Information
Katsunofuji Shuichi

Katsunofuji Shuichi - 克乃富士 修一 (born May 4, 1984) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tsugaru, Aomori. He made his debut in January 2003 and currently wrestles for Sakaigawa stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 15.

## **Career**

After graduating from Goshogawara Commercial High School, Tsuruga joined Sakaigawa stable and made his professional debut in January 2003 under the shikona "Katsunofuji" (克乃富士). He posted a strong 6-1 record in his debut and steadily progressed up the banzuke. He was promoted to sandanme in November 2003 and makushita in September 2005.

Prior to the July 2006 tournament, while training, Katsunofuji suffered a severe injury to his left knee's anterior cruciate ligament. He subsequently missed the following four tournaments and was regulated back down to lower jonidan in March 2007. He returned to action in March 2007 and won all seven matches, however, he missed out on the jonidan yusho after losing to Tochihiryu in a playoff. Nevertheless, he returned to makushita by January 2008. Katsunofuji reached a career-best makushita 15 in March 2009. He would spend the majority of his later career bouncing back and forth between makushita and sandanme.

## **Fighting Style**

Katsunofuji is a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favors a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite are yorikiri (force out) and oshidashi (push out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 432-383-46/814 (124 basho)
* **Makushita:** 165-199-14/364 (54 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 240-176-25/415 (63 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 21-7-7/28 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Tsuruga Shuichi (2003.01 - 2003.01)
* Katsunofuji Shuichi (2003.03 - )

## **Gallery**

Katsunofuji defeats Kotoeko (c. 2013)Katsunofuji serves as Myogiryu's tsukebito (c. 2016)Katsunofuji after winning a match (c. 2016)Katsunofuji defeats Kotodairyu (c. 2016)Katsunofuji defeats Maikeru (c. 2018)Katsunofuji prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2023)
## **Sources**

* Katsunofuji Shuichi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Katsunofuji Shuichi Rikishi Information
Magaki Stable

Magaki stable (間垣部屋, Magaki beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, formerly one of the Nishonoseki ichimon group of stables. Wakanohana Kanji II, the 56th yokozuna in sumo history, re-established the stable in 1983. It closed its doors in March 2013, and its staff and wrestlers transferred to Isegahama stable.

## **History**

Magaki stable was established in 1983 by former yokozuna Wakanohana Kanji II. The stable produced their first sekitori when Wakatosho was promoted to juryo in 1992, however Wakatosho couldn't make it above juryo. Its first wrestler to reach the top makuuchi division was the Hawaiian born Yamato in 1997, followed by Gojōrō and Wakanojō, also in 1997.

However the stable had less success in later years, with its decline dating from the death of Magaki Oyakata's wife and okamisan in 2005. Russian maegashira Wakanohō was thrown out of sumo in 2008 after being accused of cannabis possession, charges which were eventually dropped. In 2011, its highest ranked wrestler Wakatenrō was forced to retire because of accusations of match-fixing which he admitted to after being banned from competition.

In January 2010 the stable, along with the Takanohana, Ōnomatsu and Ōtake stable, was forced to leave the Nishonoseki ichimon after Takanohana declared his intention to run as an unofficial candidate in the elections to the Sumo Association's board of directors.

The stable closed after the March 2013 tournament, due to the poor health of Magaki-oyakata. The stable had just three wrestlers remaining at this point, all in the lowest three divisions, although this did include future yokozuna Terunofuji (then known as Wakamishō). Despite its small size Magaki did not believe in letting its wrestlers go and train at other stables (degeiko), which led to Terunofuji often training alone. The coach and remaining wrestlers transferred to Isegahama stable. The original plan had been to merge with Miyagino stable, but negotiations fell through.

## **Owners**

* 1983-2013: 18th Magaki (the 56th yokozuna Wakanohana Kanji II)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

### **Makuuchi**

* Wakamisho (later the 73rd yokozuna Terunofuji) - *transferred to Isegahama stable before sekitori status*
* Wakanoho (former maegashira)
* Gojoro (former maegashira)
* Wakanojo (former maegashira)
* Yamato (former maegashira)

### **Juryo**

* Wakatenro (former juryo)
* Wakatosho (former juryo)
* Hidenokuni (former juryo)
* Yamanakayama (former juryo)

### **Lower Divisions**

* Wakamifuji (former makushita)
* Shunba (former makushita) - *transferred to Isegahama stable*
* Wakachikara (former makushita)
* Wakamiume (former makushita)
* Wakaaoba (former makushita) - *transferred to Isegahama stable*
* Daitenzan (former makushita)
* Bontensho (former jonidan)
* Tatsumi (former jonokuchi)
Kimenryu Masaki

Kimenryu Masaki - 輝面龍 政樹 (born September 29, 1969) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yoro, Gifu. He made his debut in March 1985 and wrestled for Takasago stable. His highest rank was makushita 4 and he retired in September 2010.

## **Career**

After graduating Yoro Choritsu Takada Junior High School, Hibi joined Takasago stable and made his professional debut in March 1985. He initially wrestled under his surname Hibi before he was given the shikona "Kimenryu" (輝面龍) in July 1986. He was promoted to sandanme in July 1988 and makushita in September 1991.

In May 1997, he won the sandanme yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. He was promoted to a career-best makushita 4 in November 1999, however, he finished with a poor 1-6 record. In July and September 2003, he faced off against future yokozuna Hakuho and defeated him on both occasions. For the majority of his later career, Kimenryu bounced back and forth between makushita and sandanme before retiring from sumo in September 2010 at the age of 41. At the time of his retirement he was the second oldest active wrestler, behind Tochitenko who was 43 years old at the time.

## **Personal Life**

* Kimenryu's hobby is skiing.
* Kimenryu served as the personal servant, or tsukebito, to yokozuna Asashoryu. Prior to that, he served as the tsukebito for ozeki Konishiki.

## **Fighting Style**

Kimenryu 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 yorikiri (force out), followed by hatakikomi (slap down) and uwatenage (overarm throw).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 534-519-18/1053 (154 basho)
* **Makushita:** 320-327-11/647 (94 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 133-105-7/238 (35 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 65-68/133 (19 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 16-19/35 (5 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Hibi Masaki (1985.03 - 1986.05)
* Kimenryu Masaki (1986.07 - 2010.09)

## **Gallery**

Kimenryu prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2005)
## **Sources**

* Kimenryu Masaki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kimenryu Masaki Rikishi Information
Kuninosato Toshio

Kuninosato Toshio - 国乃里 登志男 (born August 14, 1964) is a former Brazilian professional sumo wrestler from Sao Paulo. He made his debut in March 1980 and last wrestled for Isegahama stable. His highest rank was makushita 23 and he retired in March 1992.

## **Career**

Japanese-Brazilian Robert Toshio Wada joined Isegahama stable, which was already home to fellow Japanese-Brazilian Kiyonomine, and made his professional debut in March 1980, fighting under his family name. Standing at 5 ft 7 in (1.72 m) and weighing only 190 pounds (86 kg) at the time of his debut, he initially struggled. In July 1980, he changed his shikona to "Hakuizumi" (伯泉), and later to "Kuninosato" (国乃里) two years later.

He was promoted to the sandanme division in May 1982 and the makushita division in May 1985. For majority of his career he bounced back and forth between sandanme and makushita. In January 1987, he produced a 6-1 record which qualified for a nine-man playoff, however, he lost to ex-juryo wrestler Dewanoshima by yorikiri (force out). He was promoted to his highest rank of makushita 23 in November 1987. He announced his retirement after the March 1992 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Kuninosato is a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He won about 70% of his bouts with a straightforward yorikiri, or force out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 259-243-2/502 (73 basho)
* **Makushita:** 97-113/210 (30 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 116-92-2/208 (30 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 39-31/70 (10 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-7/14 (2 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Wada (1980.03 - 1980.05)
* Hakuizumi (1980.07 - 1982.01)
* Kuninosato Toshio (1982.03 - 1992.03)

## **Gallery**

Kuninosato in maezumo (c. 1980)Kuninosato prepares for his upcoming match in MakushitaKuninosato right after retirement from sumo (c. 1992)
Kotozo (yobidashi)

Kotozo - 琴三 (born February 8, 1971) is a Japanese professional sumo usher from Unnan, Shimane. He was recruited and debuted in the March 1986 tournament and he belongs to Sadogatake stable. He reached the Makuuchi rank in January 2004.

## **Career**

* March 1986 - Had his ring debut under Sadogatake stable
* July 1994 - Promoted to Sandanme yobidashi
* January 1995 - Promoted to Makushita yobidashi
* September 1999 - Promoted to Juryo yobidashi
* January 2004 - Promoted to Makuuchi yobidashi

## **Sources**

* Kotozo (yobidashi) Japanese Wikipedia Article
* JSA Kotozo Personal Page
Kosei Ko

Kosei Ko - 高盛 強 (born September 18, 1985) is a former Chinese professional sumo wrestler from Liaoning Province. He made his debut in November 2003 and wrestled for Azumazeki stable. His highest rank was makushita 14 and he retired in January 2017.

## **Early Life**

Shiqiang Gao studied at the Liaoning Institute of Physical Education (辽宁体育运动学院) and was also a student athlete. In 2003, Azumazeki Oyakata (ex-sekiwake Takamiyama) personally came to Liaoning to scout for possible recruits. Out of 20 participants, he picked Gao because of his potential. At first Gao was reluctant to go to Japan, but changed his mind as he wanted to relieve his parents of future stress (filial piety).

## **Career**

He made his debut in November 2003 under the shikona "Kosei" (the kanji was initially 高世 but it later changed to 高盛). He had an impressive debut as he won his first six matches and was gunning for the jonokuchi yusho, but lost his last match to veteran Keno. He was immediately promoted to jonidan and after nine tournaments he earned promotion to the sandanme division. Kosei would spend majority of his career in this division and even though he had a body built for sumo, he struggled to accelerate up the ranks.

He finally earned promotion to makushita in May 2011 and actually performed quite well in his stint; he produced two winning records and was promoted to a career-high makushita 14 in his third makushita tournament. However, in this tournament Kosei pulled out from the tournament on the second day and as a result fell back down to sandanme two tournaments later. He returned to makushita several times, but could not manage to produce another winning record in the division.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After his sixth promotion back to makushita, Kosei once again produced a losing record and was demoted back down to sandanme in January 2017. He produced a 3-4 record in this tournament and announced his retirement after the tournament.

According to his Facebook, he currently resides in Sumida, Tokyo, after retirement.

## **Fighting Style**

Kosei 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:** 277-260-9/535 (79 basho)
* **Makushita:** 25-32-6/56 (9 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 199-186/385 (55 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 47-41-3/87 (13 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Kosei (background) during his time in maezumo (c. 2003)Kosei trains with stablemate Takamisakari (c. 2012)Kosei throws the much larger Orora (c. 2014)Kosei shows the new spelling of his shikona (c. 2014)Kosei defeats Hokutoshu (c. 2016)Kosei's retirement ceremony (c. 2017)

## **Sources**

* Kosei Ko Rikishi Information
* Sohu Article on Kosei
Kotoosako Shigeaki

Kotoosako Shigeki - 琴大迫 繁晃 (born May 2, 1975) is a former Brazilian professional sumo wrestler from Sao Paulo. He made his debut in May 1991 and wrestled for Sadogatake stable. His highest rank was jonidan 106 and he retired in January 1994.

## **Career**

Japanese-Brazilian Shigeaki Julio Osako joined Sadogatake stable in May 1991 at the age of 16. He was given the shikona "Kotoosako" (琴大迫). Standing at 1.97 m (6 ft 5.5 in), he was by far the tallest wrestler of the seventeen new recruits in May 1991, but he was also the fifth lightest at only 96.5 kg (213 Ib). Because of this he struggled to produce any meaningful results and his highest rank was jonidan 106.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Kotoosako pulled out of both the November 1993 and January 1994 tournaments. After three years of sumo with no signs of improvement, his retirement was announced after the January 1994 tournament.

Upon retirement, he returned back to Sao Paulo, Brazil. He joined "Sao Paulo Sumo Aikokai 相撲" which is an amateur sumo club based in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

## **Fighting Style**

Kotoosako 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:** 39-52-21/91 (17 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 23-33-14/56 (10 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 16-19-7/35 (6 basho)

## **Gallery**

Kotoosako during his time in maezumo (c. 1991)Julio Osako (Kotoosako) after retirement from professional sumo

## **Sources**

* Kotoosako Shigeki Rikishi Information
* São Paulo Sumo Aikokai Facebook Page
Kimura Sakuranosuke

Kimura Sakuranosuke - 木村 桜乃助 (born July 29, 1999) is a Japanese professional sumo referee from Mishima, Shizuoka. He was recruited in April 2015 and debuted in the May 2015 tournament and he belongs to Shikihide stable.

## **Career**

* May 2015 - Had his ring debut under Shikihide stable
* July 2015 - Promoted to Jonokuchi-kaku gyoji and took on the name Kimura Sakuranosuke (木村 桜乃助)
* Janaury 2018 - Promoted to Jonidan-kaku gyoji
* January 2019 - Promoted to Sandanme-kaku gyoji
* January 2024 - Promoted to Makushita-kaku gyoji
Kimura Yukihiro

Kimura Yukihiro - 木村 行宏 (born July 26, 1973) is a Japanese professional sumo referee from Miyazaki, Miyazaki. He was recruited and debuted in the January 1992 tournament and he belongs to Tamanoi stable. He reached the Juryo rank in November 2011.

## **Career**

* January 1992 - Had his ring debut under Tamanoi stable
* March 1992 - Promoted to Jonokuchi-kaku gyoji and took on the name Kimura Yukio (木村 行男)
* January 1994 - Promoted to Jonidan-kaku gyoji
* January 1996 - Changed his ringname to Kimura Kojiro (木村 幸二郎)
* January 1997 - Promoted to Sandanme-kaku gyoji
* January 2001 - Changed his ringname back to Kimura Yukio (木村 行男)
* March 2006 - Changed his ringname to Kimura Yunosuke (木村 行之介)
* January 2007 - Promoted to Makushita-kaku gyoji
* September 2009 - Changed his ringname to Kimura Yukihiro (木村 行宏)
* November 2011 - Promoted to Juryo-kaku gyoji

## **Shikona History**

Kimura Yukio (木村 行男) → Kimura Kojiro (木村 幸二郎) → Kimura Yukio (木村 行男) → Kimura Yunosuke (木村 行之介) → Kimura Yukihiro (木村 行宏)

## **Sources**

* Kimura Yukihiro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* JSA Kimura Yukihiro Personal Page
Kyoryu Yoshitsuru

Kyoryu Yoshitsuru - 京竜 善鶴 (born February 19, 1954) is a former South Korean professional sumo wrestler from Gyeonggi Province. He made his debut in November 1975 and wrestled for Kasugano stable. His highest rank was makushita 15 and he retired in November 1983.

## **Career**

Seonhak Park (박선학) of Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, made his professional sumo debut in November 1975. Wrestling under the shikona Kyoryu (京竜), he produced a strong 6-1 record in his jonokuchi debut. He was placed in a playoff for the jonokuchi yusho and he defeated Nakamoto by hatakikomi (slap down) in the first round and Fujinobori by kotenage (armlock throw) in the second round to claim his first of many lower division championships.

In 1976, he had to temporarily return back to South Korea to finish his incomplete obligated military service. When he returned he became a little more sluggish and was plagued with many injuries throughout his career. In March 1977, he claimed his first jonidan yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. As a result he was promoted to sandanme in May 1977, but fell back down to jonokuchi due to injury. He claimed his second Jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in the January 1978 tournament.

Kyoryu was promoted to makushita in March 1980. In January 1981, he was aiming for the makushita yusho, but lost on the last day to finish with a 6-1 record. In March 1982, he was ranked at makushita 54 and produced a 6-1 record. As a result he was placed in a nine-man playoff where he defeated Tominoumi by hatakikomi (slap down) in the first round, but lost to former maegashira Yamaguchi by yorikri (force out) in the second round.

He was promoted to a career-high makushita 15 in January 1983. After pulling out of three tournaments and producing a losing record, Kyoryu announced his retirement after the November 1983 tournament.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 150-107-72/257 (49 basho)
* **Makushita:** 55-50-21/105 (18 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 60-50-16/110 (18 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 16-5-28/21 (7 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 19-2-7/21 (4 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (March 1977)
* 2 **Jonokuchi** Championships
	+ 1st (January 1976)
	+ 2nd (January 1978)

## **Gallery**

Kyoryu prepares for his upcoming match (c. 1976)Kyoryu (middle) wins the jonidan yusho (c. 1977)Kyoryu (right) after winning the jonokuchi yusho (c. 1978)

## **Sources**

* Kyoryu Yoshitsuru Rikishi Information
* Joonang Article of Kyoryu's Military Service
List of European Sumo Wrestlers

This is a list of all sumo wrestlers who are from Europe. The first European sumo wrestler was English Nathan John Strange who joined Azumazeki stable in September 1989. However, he retired in May 1990 after failing to make it out of jonidan. In January 2004, Georgian wrestler Kokkai became the first European to reach the top division. Kotooshu from Bulgaria became the first European to reach the second highest rank of ozeki in January 2006 and also the first European to win a top division championship in May 2008.

As of 2023, there has been 18 sumo wrestlers from Europe with majority of them coming from Eastern Europe. Of the 18 European sumo wrestlers, 12 have reached the elite sekitori ranks.

This page also includes a separate list of Japanese sumo wrestlers of European descent.

## **European Sumo Wrestlers**

* Names in **bold** indicate a still active wrestler.
* Green row indicates wrestler reached the elite sekitori ranks.

## **Japanese Wrestlers of European Descent**

* Names in **bold** indicate a still active wrestler.
* Green row indicates wrestler reached the elite sekitori ranks.