recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Onosaki Shinsuke

Onosaki Shinsuke - 大野咲 慎祐 (born July 21, 1937) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Aikawa, Akita. He made his debut in September 1951 and last wrestled for Isegahama stable. He reached the juryo division in May 1961. His highest rank was juryo 4 and he retired in September 1963.

## **Career**

Born in Aikawa, Akita, Suzuki joined Isegahama stable and made his professional debut in September 1951. He initially wrestled under the shikona's "Futasui" (二ッ井) and "Aramasa" (荒政) before settling with "Onosaki" (大野咲) in 1959. He won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in March 1961 at the rank of makushita 5 and was promoted to juryo for the May 1961 tournament. He was ranked in juryo for seven consecutive tournaments, rising as high as juryo 4 in November 1964. He was demoted back down to makushita in September 1962 and retired a year later in September 1963.

## **Fighting Style**

Onosaki 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:** 248-256-12/504 (60 basho)
* **Juryo:** 54-66/120 (8 basho)
* **Makushita:** 137-120-11/257 (35 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 28-27-1/55 (7 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 28-36/64 (8 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 1-7/8 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (March 1961)

## **Shikona History**

* Futatsui (1951.09 - 1953.05)
* Aramasa Susumu (1953.09 - 1959.03)
* Onosaki Shinsuke (1959.05 - 1963.09)

## **Sources**

* Onosaki Shinsuke Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Onosaki Shinsuke Rikishi Information
Ohidake Eiryu

Ohidake Eiryu - 大日岳 栄隆 (born October 12, 1966) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Futaba, Fukushima. He made his debut in May 1982 and last wrestled for Tamanoi stable. He reached the juryo division in September 1993. His highest rank was juryo 7 and he retired in January 2004.

## **Early Life**

In junior high school, Idokawa played basketball. Although he had no experience sumo wrestling, he was introduced to Tamanoi Oyakata (former sekiwake Tochiazuma) who was a coach at Kasugano stable and was also from Fukushima. After graduating junior high school, he joined Kasugano stable.

## **Career**

Idokawa made his professional debut in May 1982. He was promoted to sandanme in January 1985 and in March 1987 he won all seven matches, but missed out on the sandanme yusho after losing to Daiko in a playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted to makushita in the following May 1987 tournament. In November 1988 he changed his shikona to "Tochihidake" (栃日岳).

In September 1989, Tochihidake was gunning for the makushita yusho, but lost on the final to Takahanada who won the championship. The match was viewed by many, because after wining the yusho, the immensely popular Takahanada became the youngest person promoted to juryo.

In January 1990, he transferred to the newly established Tamanoi stable. After transferring, he switched his shikona to "Ohidake" (大日岳). He was promoted to juryo in September 1993. He rose as high as juryo 7 in November 1993, but could only last a total of three tournaments as a sekitori.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Ohidake remained in the unsalaried ranks for another eleven years before retirement. He fell down to sandanme by September 1997 and remained in the division until January 2004 where he announced his retirement. After retirement he has remained in the Sumo Association as a sewanin.

## **Personal Life**

* Ohidake's uncle is Katsutaka Idogawa who served as the mayor of Futaba, Fukushima.
* After falling to the unsalaried ranks, Ohidake served as Tochiazuma's tsukebito, or personal servant.

## **Fighting Style**

Ohidake 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:** 461-461-12/922 (131 basho)
* **Juryo:** 19-26/45 (3 basho)
* **Makushita:** 193-194-5/387 (56 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 187-191-7/378 (55 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 45-39/84 (12 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 17-11/28 (4 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Idokawa Eiryu (1982.05 - 1988.09)
* Tochihidake Eiryu (1988.11 - 1990.11)
* Ohidake Eiryu (1991.01 - 2004.01)

## **Gallery**

Ohidake loses to future Yokozuna Takanohana (Takahanada) (c. 1989)Ohidake during the Juryo dohyo-iri (c. 1993)Ohidake's retirement ceremony (c. 2004)Ohidake after retirement as a SewaninOhidake's tegata
## **Sources**

* Ohidake Eiryu Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ohidake Eiryu Rikishi Information
Ritsumeikan University

Ritsumeikan University (立命館大学, Ritsumeikan Daigaku, abbreviated to Rits and 立命 Ritsumei) is a private university in Kyoto, Japan, that traces its origin to 1869. Ritsumeikan University is renowned for its International Relations (IR) and Science & Engineering departments, with the Graduate School of International Relations being the only Japanese member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs.

The University has a sumo club. As of 2023, only three members of Ritsumeikan University's sumo club have turned professional with none reaching the elite sekitori ranks. A list of all wrestlers who were members of Ritsumeikan University's sumo club is provided below.

## **List**

* Names in **bold** indicate a still active wrestler.

**List of All Sumo Wrestlers from Ritsumeikan University**
 Hidenofuji | Hidefumi Nakamura
 **Omoto** | Takashi Omoto
Oikawa Teruhisa

Oikawa Teruhisa - 及川 煌久 (born January 11, 1936) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Maesawa, Iwate. He made his debut in January 1952 and last wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the makuuchi division in September 1957. His highest rank was maegashira 10 and he retired in May 1962.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Oikawa made his professional debut in January 1952, joining Onoe stable before shortly transferring to Takasago stable in April 1952. He was promoted to sandanme in March 1953 and makushita in January 1955. After seven consecutive winning records in makushita, he was promoted to juryo in September 1956.

### **Juryo Career**

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Oikawa finished with an 8-7 record. He followed with a 13-2 record and won his first juryo yusho. In May 1957 he won his second juryo yusho with another 13-2 record at the rank of juryo 3 and was promoted to makuuchi in September 1957.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Oikawa was ranked in the top division for 21 tournaments, however, his progress was hindered by a right knee injury and he only managed to reach the rank of maegashira 10. He was demoted back down to juryo in March 1961 and after falling down to makushita in May 1962, he retired from sumo.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, he ran a Chinese restaurant in Taito, Tokyo.

## **Fighting Style**

Oikawa 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:** 300-307-19/605 (51 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 147-164-4/310 (21 basho)
* **Juryo:** 77-78-10/154 (11 basho)
* **Makushita:** 35-23-5/58 (8 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 31-25/56 (7 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 9-15/24 (3 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 1-2/3 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 2 **Juryo** Championships
	+ 1st (January 1957)
	+ 2nd (May 1957)

## **Shikona History**

* Oikawa Taro (1952.01 - 1960.03)
* Oikawa Teruhisa (1960.05 - 1962.05)

## **Gallery**

Oikawa with his kesho-mawashiTrading card of Oikawa
## **Sources**

* Oikawa Teruhisa Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Oikawa Teruhisa Rikishi Information
Narahikari Mikio

Narahikari Mikio - 奈良光 幹夫 (born February 5, 1972) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nara City, Nara. He made his debut in March 1987 and wrestled for Musashigawa stable. His highest rank was makushita 30 and he retired in May 2001.

## **Career**

After graduating junior high school, Nakahara joined Musashigawa stable and made his professional debut in March 1987. He initially wrestled under his surname Nakahara before he was given the shikona "Narahikari" (奈良光) in March 1989. He reached the sandanme division in March 1990 where he would remain for the following two years. Prior to the January 1993 tournament, he developed spondylolisthesis on his fifth lumbar vertebra and had to miss a year and a half of sumo. As a result, he dropped off the banzuke completely by January 1994.

Narahikari returned to sumo in September 1994 and had to redo maezumo (pre-sumo). In the following November 1994 tournament, he won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. In May 1995, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record, but lost to Shiga (future ozeki Tochiazuma) in a playoff for the jonidan yusho. Nevertheless, he posted consistent results and was promoted to makushita in July 1996. He reached a career-best makushita 30 in September 1997, but could only manage a 3-4 record in this tournament. He retired from sumo in May 2001 due to injuries.

## **Personal Life**

* Narahikari served as stablemate Wakanoyama's tsukebito, or personal servant.
* Narahikari performed sumo jinku, or sumo folk singing, during regional tours.
* After retiring, Narahikari currently resides in Nagoya, Aichi.

## **Fighting Style**

Narahikari was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. His most common kimarite was yorikiri, or force out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 264-252-44/516 (82 basho)
* **Makushita:** 54-79/133 (19 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 115-95-14/210 (32 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 73-60-21/133 (22 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 22-18-9/40 (7 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (November 1994)

## **Shikona History**

* Nakahara Mikio (1987.03 - 1989.01)
* Narahikari Mikio (1989.03 - 2001.05)

## **Gallery**

Narahikari prepares for his upcoming match
## **Sources**

* Narahikari Mikio Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Narahikari Mikio Rikishi Information
Sachinofuji Seiryu

Sachinofuji Seiryu - 幸乃富士 正龍 (born March 6, 2006) is a Mongolian-born Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yashio, Saitama. He made his debut in July 2022 and currently wrestles for Isegahama stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is jonidan 12.

## **Early Life**

Origil Ganzorig was born in Mongolia and moved to Japan at the age of 5. Although he had no sumo experience, he joined Isegahama stable in 2022 and trained at the stable for around half a year before making his professional debut in July 2022.

## **Career**

Since Isegahama stable was already home to fellow Mongolian Terunofuji, he used Yashio, Saitama, as his official birthplace in order to satisfy the one foreigner per stable policy. He made his professional debut in July 2022 and was given the shikona "Sachinofuji" (幸乃富士).

## **Fighting Style**

Sachinofuji is 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:** 26-17-13/43 (9 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 17-11-7/28 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 9-6-6/15 (3 basho)

## **Gallery**

Sachinofuji gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2022)Sachinofuji defeats Hamasaki in Maezumo (c. 2022)Sachinofuji during his time in Maezumo (c. 2022)

## **Sources**

* Sachinofuji Seiryu Rikishi Information
* Sponichi Annex Article on Sachinofuji
Matsunosato Naoichi

Matsunosato Naoichi - 松の里 直市 (born November 29, 1909 - January 26, 1985) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Goshogawara, Aomori. He made his debut in January 1926 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1939 and has one kinboshi. His highest rank was maegashira 3 and he retired in June 1945.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Naoichi Kudo joined Dewanoumi stable and made his professional debut in January 1926. He was given the shikona "Matsunosato" (松の里 and he won the sandanme yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in January 1930. However, in 1932 he was caught up in the so-called "Shunjuen Incident", when a number of top division wrestlers went on strike. He left the Japan Sumo Association in May 1934 and participated in the Kansai Sumo Association which was set up by former sekiwake Tenryu. Following the closure of the Kansai Sumo Association in January 1938 he returned to the Japan Sumo Association and restarted his career at the makushita division. He won the makushita yusho in May 1938 and was promoted to juryo in January 1939. After only one tournament in juryo, Matsunosato was promoted to makuuchi in May 1939.

### **Makuuchi Career**

In his makuuchi debut, Matsunosato finished with a strong 12-3 record and finished runner-up to Futabayama's 15-0 record. He was promoted to a career-best maegashira 3 rank in May 1942. Matsunosato defeated Yokozuna Futabayama in the January 1944 tournament to stop his winning streak at 36 and he also earned his first and only kinboshi.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Matsunosato retired from sumo in June 1945. After retiring he managed an inn and an apartment in his hometown. He died on January 26, 1985, at the age of 75.

## **Fighting Style**

Matsunosato 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 sotogake (outside leg trip) and yorikiri (force out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 117-87-11/201 (18 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 85-81-11/163 (13 basho)
* **Juryo:** 9-4/13 (1 basho)
* **Makushita:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 16-2/18 (2 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (May 1938)
* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (January 1930)

## **Shikona History**

* Kudo Naoichi (1926.01 - 1929.09)
* Matsunosato Naoichi (1930.01 - 1945.06)

## **Sources**

* Matsunosato Naoichi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Matsunosato Naoichi Rikishi Information
Nabatame Tatsuya

Nabatame Tatsuya - 生田目 竜也 (born February 22, 2002) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Sakura, Tochigi. He made his debut in January 2020 and currently wrestles for Futagoyama stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 7.

## **Early Life**

Tatsuya Nabatame was born on February 22, 2002, in Sakura, Tochigi, to a Japanese father and a Thai mother. He attended Yaita High School in Yaita, Tochigi, where he began sumo wrestling during his first year at the school. He quickly became the top wrestler in his school and helped bring Yaita High School into the Inter-High School Sumo Tournament for the first time in ten years during his first year. He also finished runner-up at a Kanto tournament in the fall of 2018. Due to his success, he was subsequently recruited into Futagoyama stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in January 2020 and wrestled under his surname Nabatame. In July 2020, he was aiming for the jonidan yusho and won his first six matches before losing his final match to Takeoka. He replicated this exact performance in the following September 2020 tournament where he won his first six matches before losing to Hokuseiho in his final match. Nevertheless, he was promoted to sandanme in November 2020 and makushita in July 2021.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 90-58-6/147 (23 basho)
* **Makushita:** 57-47-1/103 (15 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 16-7-5/23 (4 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 12-2/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Nabatame gets recruited into Futagoyama stable (c. 2020)Nabatame during his time in Maezumo (c. 2020)Nabatame loses the Jonidan Yusho match to Takeoka (c. 2020)Nabatame battles Onosato (c. 2023)Nabatame prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2023)Nabatame pushes out and defeats Terutsuyoshi (c. 2023)
## **Sources**

* Nabatame Tatsuya Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Nabatame Tatsuya Rikishi Information
Mihogaseki Stable

Mihogaseki stable (三保ヶ関部屋, Mihogaseki-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Dewanoumi ichimon or group of stables. It had a long history. It closed its doors in October 2013, and its staff and wrestlers transferred to Kasugano stable.

## **History**

Mihogaseki stable was established in 1950 by former ozeki Masuiyama I. After a long period without success, he eventually managed to produce some strong sekitori, including Kitanoumi who reached yokozuna in 1974, and his eldest son, Masuiyama Daishirō II, who was born in 1948, entered his father's stable in 1967 alongside Kitanoumi and reached the ōzeki rank in 1980. In November 1984 Masuiyama reached the mandatory retirement age set by the Japan Sumo Association and passed on control of Mihogaseki stable to his son. He died less than one year later. Kitanoumi, his most successful wrestler, missed his own father's funeral to attend Masuiyama's.

In November 1984 Masuiyama II succeeded his father as head coach of Mihogaseki stable, when the latter reached the retirement age of 65. His father died in 1986. He inherited ōzeki Hokutenyū, and produced four other top division wrestlers: Higonoumi, Hamanoshima, Baruto and Aran. In 2006 Baruto would transfer to Onoe stable and become an ozeki.

Being close to the mandatory retirement age, Mihogaseki wound his stable up in October 2013, with himself and his remaining wrestlers moving to Kasugano stable. Aran chose to retire instead.

## **Owners**

* 1984-2013: 10th Mihogaseki former ozeki Masuiyama Daishiro II
* 1950-1984: 9th Mihogaseki former ozeki Masuiyama Daishiro I

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

### **Ozeki**

* Hokutenyu (former ozeki)
* Baruto (former ozeki) - *transferred to Onoe stable*
* Masuiyama (former ozeki)

### **Sekiwake**

* Aran (former sekiwake)
* Toryu (former sekiwake)

### **Komusubi**

* Hamanoshima (former komusubi)
* Banryuyama (former komusubi)

### **Maegashira**

* Dairyugawa (former maegashira)
* Higonoumi (former maegashira)
* Yoshioyama (former maegashira)
* Satoyama (former maegashira) - *transferred to Onoe stable*
* Oiyama (former maegashira)
* Masumiyama (former maegashira)
* Sakaizawa (former maegashira) - *transferred to Onoe stable*

### **Juryo**

* Kanechika (former juryo) - *transferred to Kitanoumi stable before sekitori status*
* Shirononami (former juryo) - *transferred to Onoe stable*
* Masutsuyoshi (former juryo)
* Hidenoumi (former juryo)
* Taishin (former juryo) - *transferred to Kitanoumi stable before sekitori status*
* Akinomine (former juryo)

### **Lower Divisions**

* Koriyama (former makushita)
* Satsumariki (former makushita) - *transferred to Onoe stable*
* Edonohana (former sandanme)
Morinosato Harushige

Morinosato Harushige - 森乃里 治重 (born July 26, 1963) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Mori, Hokkaido. He made his debut in March 1979 and wrestled for Tatsutagawa stable. He reached the juryo division in March 1987. His highest rank was juryo 9 and he retired in September 1991.

## **Early Life**

Takamichi was born the eldest son of a construction worker. He practiced kendo from his second year at elementary school to his first year at junior high school. He also participated in swimming and skiing, but only sumo during festivals. By his third year in junior high school, he weighed 120 kg (265 Ib) and was starting to consider sumo. He consulted with his uncle who was a makushita wrestler and upon graduating junior high school, he joined Tatsutagawa stable.

## **Career**

Takamichi made his professional debut in March 1979. He was promoted to sandanme in November 1980 and makushita in March 1984. In January 1987, he produced a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 1 and was promoted to juryo in the following March 1987 tournament. He was Tatsutagawa stable's first sekitori.

Takamichi struggled in juryo and after three tournaments, he was demoted back down to makushita in September 1987. He injured his knee while in makushita and at one point considered retirement. However, he recovered and was promoted back to juryo in January 1989. Upon his return, he changed his shikona from his surname to "Morinosato" (森乃里). He remained in juryo for another three tournaments and his last appearance as a sekitori was in January 1990. He announced his retirement after the September 1991 tournament at the age of 28.

## **Personal Life**

At the time of his juryo promotion, Tatsutagawa stable was home to only four sumo wrestlers. Because of this, there were not enough wrestlers available to serve as his tsukebito, or personal servant, and he still had to do chores around his stable. In addition, when his stablemate Fukunosato was promoted to juryo in September 1989, Morinosato, who had fallen to makushita by then, had to serve as his tsukebito.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 299-265-10/564 (76 basho)
* **Juryo:** 36-54/90 (6 basho)
* **Makushita:** 155-120-6/275 (40 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 68-61-4/129 (19 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 35-28/63 (9 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Takamichi Osamu (1979.03 - 1988.11)
* Morinosato Harushige (1989.01 - 1991.09)

## **Gallery**

Morinosato during the juryo dohyo-iri (c. 1989)Morinosato waits for his upcoming bout (c. 1989)Morinosato and future Yokozuna Takanohana (c. 1989)Takamichi's tegataMorinosato's tegata
## **Sources**

* Morinosato Harushige Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Morinosato Harushige Rikishi Information
Nioyama Taro

Nioyama Taro - 仁王山 太郎 (born November 8, 1979) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yame, Fukuoka. He made his debut in March 1995 and wrestled for Takadagawa stable. His highest rank was sandanme 43 and he retired in November 2012.

## **Career**

Kazunobu Harashima joined Takadagawa stable and made his debut in March 1995 and initially wrestled under the shikona "Iwatoumi" (巖戸海). In January 1998, he was given the new shikona "Maenojin" (前乃迅), but four tournaments later in September 1998, he was given the shikona "Maenoshima" (前乃洲). He was promoted to sandanme in November 2000. He struggled with injuries throughout his career and wrestled mainly in the jonidan division with multiple spells in sandanme and jonokuchi as well. In January 2006, he had his fourth shikona change and was given the new shikona "Nioyama" (仁王山). He reached a career-best sandanme 43 in September 2006.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After 17 years in professional sumo, Nioyama retired after the September 2012. His retirement ceremony, or danpatsu-shiki, was held on September 24, 2012. However, his name still appeared on the November 2012 banzuke. According to his Facebook account, he now works at a chanko restaurant called "Chankonabe Wa" (ちゃんこ鍋 和) in his hometown of Yame, Fukuoka.

## **Fighting Style**

Nioyama 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 yorikiri (force out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 332-317-87/645 (106 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 76-122-12/197 (30 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 227-181-68/405 (68 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 29-14-7/43 (7 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Harashima Kazunobu (1995.03 - 1995.07)
* Iwatoumi Kazunobu (1995.09 - 1997.11)
* Maenojin Kazunobu (1998.01 - 1998.07)
* Maenoshima Kazunobu (1998.09 - 2005.11)
* Nioyama Taro (2006.01 - 2012.11)

## **Gallery**

Nioyama prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2007)Nioyama with stablemate Dairaido (c. 2012)Nioyama's retirement ceremony (c. 2012)

## **Sources**

* Nioyama Taro Rikishi Information
* Takadagawa Stable Blog Post on Nioyama's Retirement
Nobehara Toma

Nobehara Toma - 延原 闘真 (born June 9, 2002) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Osaka City, Osaka. He made his debut in May 2021 and currently wrestles for Futagoyama stable. His highest rank as of 2024 is makushita 24.

## **Early Life**

Toma Nobehara was born on June 9, 2002, in Osaka's Joto ward. He attended Tottori Johoku High School and was a member of the school's strong sumo club. During his third year, Nobehara achieved third place at the National High School Sumo Championship while his classmate Tetsuya Ochiai, who was one year below him, won the tournament. After graduating high school, Nobehara joined Futagoyama stable.

## **Career**

Nobehara made his professional debut in May 2021 alongside Mukainakano, Hitoshi, Kiryuko, Miyagi, and Shunrai. He achieved strong results in his first couple tournaments and was promoted to makushita in May 2022. At the time of his makushita debut, Nobehara had not posted a single losing record and he finished with a dominant 6-1 record in his first makushita tournament. He was subsequently promoted to a career-high makushita 24, but he finished with a 3-4 record, his first career make-koshi. His sumo progression has since stalled and Nobehara has fallen back down to sandanme on several occasions.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 63-40-5/102 (17 basho)
* **Makushita:** 19-21-5/39 (7 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 33-16/49 (7 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Nobehara during his time in Maezumo (c. 2021)Nobehara battles Kanzaki in Makushita (c. 2022)Nobehara prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2024)
## **Sources**

* Nobehara Toma Rikishi Information
* 2020 Match Records and Results
Onomatsu Stable (Edo period)

Onomatsu stable (阿武松部屋, Onomatsu-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers which was established in the Edo period by the 6th yokozuna Onomatsu Midorinosuke.

## **History**

The stable was established in March 1827 by the 6th yokozuna Onomatsu Midorinosuke. The stable was home to three ozeki during the 19th century but dwindled in size by the early 20th century and eventually closed down.

## **Owners**

* 1888-1900: 5th Onomatsu (former sekiwake Takamiyama)
* 1877-1881: 4th Onomatsu (former sekiwake Koyanagi II)
* ?-?: 3rd Onomatsu (former *unknown rank* Matsugae)
* 1852-1858: 2nd Onomatsu (former ozeki Koyanagi I)
* 1827-1851: 1st Onomatsu (the 6th yokozuna Onomatsu)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Tsurugizan I (former ozeki)
* Koyanagi I (former ozeki)
* Tegarayama (former ozeki)
Nippon Sport Science University

Nippon Sport Science University (日本体育大学, *Nippon taiiku daigaku*), abbreviated as *Nittaidai* (日体大), is a private university in Setagaya, Tokyo and Aoba-ku, Yokohama. The precursor of the school was founded in 1893, and it was chartered as a university in 1949. The school is known for the many famous athletes among its alumni.

The University has a strong sumo program and has produced several top division wrestlers including sekiwake's Yoshikaze and Myogiryu. A list of all wrestlers who were members of Nippon Sports Science University's sumo club is provided below. As of 2023, 25 members of Nippon Sport Science University's sumo club have turned professional with 14 reaching the elite sekitori ranks.

## **List**

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

Minezaki stable (峰崎部屋, Minezaki-beya) is a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Nishonoseki ichimon or group of stables. It was established on December 1st, 1988 by former maegashira Misugiiso, who branched off from Hanaregoma stable. After the May 2012 tournament it absorbed Hanakago stable, run by former Sekiwake Daijuyama, who became an assistant coach.

## **History**

Minezaki stable was established on December 1st, 1988 by former maegashira Misugiiso, who branched off from Hanaregoma stable and enrolled his younger brother as a wrestler. The stable had a long policy of no foreigners, but later disbanded the rule the they recruited Mongolian Torugawa. After the May 2012 tournament it absorbed Hanakago stable, run by former sekiwake Daijuyama, who became an assistant coach. The stable has yet to produce a sekitori wrestler on its own, but inherited Arawashi, previously of Hanakago and before that Araiso stable, who first reached jūryō in July 2011. Minezaki stable already had a Mongolian wrestler, Torugawa, but was allowed to take another foreigner because of the merger. Hanakago stable's Ryukiyama from South Korea was allowed to transfer for the same reason.

In March 2018 it emerged that a junior wrestler at the stable had been the victim of physical assault by a more senior wrestler and retired as a result. The incidents were not reported to Minezaki Oyakata at the time and he found out only after the victim's father sent him a letter saying his son was beaten four times at the stable between September 2017 and January 2018. The wrestler who allegedly carried out the assault was given a one tournament suspension by the Japan Sumo Association on March 29 and Minezaki Oyakata was given a 10% salary reduction for two months.

The demotion of Arawashi to makushita in July 2019 and subsequent retirement in January 2020 left the stable with no sekitori. It closed after the March 2021 tournament, ahead of Minezaki Oyakata reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65 in May, with its wrestlers, head coach and makuuchi referee transferring to Shibatayama stable. Other personnel were split between the Takadagawa and Nishiiwa stables.

## **Owners**

* 1988-2021: 7th Minezaki (iin, former maegashira Misugiiso)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Arawashi (former maegashira) - *transferred from Hanakago stable*
* Gochozan (former makushita)
* Soranoumi (former makushita) - *transferred from Hanakago stable*
* Akinomine (former makushita)
* Hikarugenji (former makushita) - *transferred from Hanakago stable*

## **Website**

* Minezaki stable's website [1]
* Minezaki stable's Facebook [2]
Miyanohana Hideteru

Miyanohana Hideteru - 宮ノ花 秀輝 (born January 30, 1938) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yawatahama, Ehime. He made his debut in May 1953 and last wrestled for Nishonoseki stable. He reached the makuuchi division in September 1962. His highest rank was maegashira 12 and he retired in September 1964.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

After graduating from junior high school, Miyawaki joined Nishonoseki stable and made his professional debut in May 1953. He initially wrestled under his surname before changing his shikona to "Miyanohana" (宮ノ花). He won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 8-0 record in January 1955 and was promoted to sandanme for the following tournament. He reached makushita in May 1956 and was promoted to juryo in July 1961 after eight years in the unsalaried ranks.

### **Juryo Career**

In his first tournament as a sekitori, Miyanohana finished with a solid 9-6 record. In May 1962 he posted a strong 11-4 record and was promoted to the rank of juryo 2 where he produced yet another 11-4 record, however, he missed out on the yusho after losing to Kotozakura in the playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted to makuuchi for the following tournament.

### **Makuuchi Career**

He made his makuuchi debut in September 1962 and he struggled, finishing 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.

During his lone makuuchi tournament he served as stablemate Yokozuna Taiho's tsuyuharai, or dew sweeper, during the yokozuna's ring entering ceremony.

### **Later Career**

Miyanohana remained in juryo for another two years before falling back down to makushita in May 1964. After losing his sekitori status, he remained in makushita for another three tournaments before retiring from the sport in September 1964 at the age of 26.

## **Fighting Style**

Miyanohana 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 shitatenage, or underarm throw. Due to his extreme nearsightedness, he struggled with extremely fast wrestlers.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 292-263-27/554 (60 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 3-12/15 (1 basho)
* **Juryo:** 117-114-9/230 (16 basho)
* **Makushita:** 122-99-18/221 (31 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 22-18/40 (5 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 24-16/40 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-4/8 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (January 1955)

## **Shikona History**

* Miyawaki Kuniyoshi (1953.05 - 1954.03)
* Miyanohana Kuniyoshi (1954.05 - 1956.05)
* Yahatahama (1956.09 - 1956.09)
* Miyanohana Hideteru (1957.01 - 1964.09)

## **Sources**

* Miyanohana Hideteru Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Miyanohana Hideteru Rikishi Information
Nomi no Sukune

**Nomi no Sukune** or **Nomino Sukune** (野見 宿禰) was a Japanese legendary sumo wrestler during Emperor Suinin era.

## **History**

Allegedly, in 23 B.C., the Emperor instructed Nomi no Sukune to deal with Taima no Kehaya (当麻蹴速) after he boasted that he was the strongest man “under the heavens." Nomi no Sukune engaged Taima no Kuyahaya in hand-to-hand combat and broke his ribs with one kick and his back with another, killing Taima no Kehaya. It was not modern sumo, but he is regarded as the human creator of sumo.

## **Descendants**

He was an ancestor of Sugawara no Michizane, who was a scholar, poet, and politician of the Heian Period of Japan. He is regarded as an excellent poet, particularly in Kanshi poetry, and is today revered in Shinto as the god of learning, Tenman-Tenjin (天満天神, often shortened to Tenjin).

## **Shrines Related to Nomi no Sukune**

* **Nominosukune Shrine** (Sumida, Tokyo, Japan) - This small shrine in Sumida ward is maintained by the JSA itself. In this shrine there is a large stone tablet with the name of all yokozuna. Newly promoted yokozuna perform their ceremonial dohyo-iri in front of the shrine, in respect to the creator of sumo. Before every tournament in Tokyo, the JSA chairman and directors pay a visit to the shrine. New wrestlers that have just joined sumo always come to clean the shrine as part of the sumo school 3 month-curriculum.
* **Nomi Shrine** (Takatsuki, Osaka Prefecture, Japan)

* **Katano Shrine** (Hirakata, Osaka Prefecture, Japan) - Legend claims that after Nomi no Sukune defeated Taima no Kuyahaya, Emperor Suinin awarded Nomi no Sukune with Kawachi Province (eastern part of modern day Osaka Prefecture). After receiving the province, Nomi no Sukune established the Katano Shrine which is located in Hirakata, Osaka.
* **Ishizu Shrine** (Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, Japan)
* **Kamosu Shrine** (Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, Japan) - According to folklore, the rocks in the back of the mountain of this shrine was where Nomi no Sukune trained.
* **Sugawara Shrine** (Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan) - Near this shrine is the tomb of Nomi no Sukune.
* **Onomijuku Reimei Shrine** (Tottori, Tottori Prefecture, Japan)
* **Junihashira Shrine** (Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, Japan)

A mural of him, removed from the old National Olympic Stadium in 2014, will be put on display at the new stadium in 2019 for the preparation of the 2021 summer Olympic Games held in Tokyo.

## **Sources**

* Nomi no Sukune Japanese Wikipedia Article
Otani Masatada

Otani Masatada - 大谷 真惟 (born December 25, 1999) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Okinawa City, Okinawa. He made his debut in July 2022 and currently wrestles for Miyagino stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is makushita 27.

## **Early Life**

Masatada Otani was born in Okinawa on December 25, 1999, and is a quarter American through his mother's side as his grandfather was American. He attended Nihon University where he was a member of the sumo club and he served as vice-captain of the club during his fourth year. During his final year of university, Otani lost in the first round of the All Japan Sumo Championships and regretted the loss. As a result, he opted to go professional and joined Miyagino stable after graduating university.

## **Career**

Otani made his professional debut in July 2022. He won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in his first tournament. In November 2022, he won his first six matches, but he missed out on the jonidan yusho after losing his final match to former juryo wrestler Asashiyu. Nevertheless, he followed up with another 6-1 record in January 2023 to earn promotion to makushita for the March 2023 tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Otani is proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His favored grip on his opponent's mawashi is migi-yotsu, a left hand outside, right hand inside position. His most often used winning kimarite is oshidashi (push out), followed by yorikiri (force out).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 36-20/56 (9 basho)
* **Makushita:** 17-18/35 (5 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (September 2022)

## **Gallery**

Otani gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2022)Otani during his time in Maezumo (c. 2022)Otani wins the Jonokuchi Yusho (c. 2022)Otani prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2022)Otani with his stablemaster, Miyagino Oyakata (c. 2022)Otani loses the Jonidan Yusho match (c. 2022)

## **Sources**

* Otani Masatada Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Otani Masatada Rikishi Information
Orochigawa Satoru

Orochigawa Satoru - 大蛇川 覚 (born April 10, 1938 - December 2, 1985) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yanagawa, Fukuoka. He made his debut in May 1955 and last wrestled for Nishonoseki stable. He reached the juryo division in March 1963. His highest rank was juryo 4 and he retired in September 1967.

## **Early Life**

After graduating from Kamachi Junior High School, Oka wanted to work for Nippon Express as a driver. However, he was recruited into Nishonoseki stable by Setonohana who was a sewanin.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in May 1955 and was given the shikona "Wakachikugo" (若筑後). He initially struggled and underwent right elbow surgery in his early career. He was also stuck in sandanme as he struggled with a knee injury. He was establish himself in makushita by July 1960 and was promoted to juryo in March 1963. Upon reaching the elite sekitori ranks, he changed his shikona to "Orochigawa" (大蛇川). He was ranked in juryo for a total of 25 tournaments, reaching as high as juryo 4 in July 1964. In this tournament, he was a makuuchi visitor and defeated maegashira Matsumaeyama, however, he finished the tournament with a 5-10 record. He was demoted back down to makushita in May 1967 and retired from sumo shortly after in September 1967.

He died on December 2, 1985, at the age of 47.

## **Fighting Style**

Orochigawa 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:** 351-343-17/694 (70 basho)
* **Juryo:** 174-201/375 (25 basho)
* **Makushita:** 77-57-7/134 (20 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 62-48-10/110 (15 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 34-30/64 (8 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-4/8 (1 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 0-3/3 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Oka Satoru (1955.05 - 1956.09)
* Wakachikugo (1957.01 - 1963.01)
* Orochigawa Satoru (1963.03 - 1963.03)
* Orochigawa Hiroshi (1963.05 - 1965.01)
* Orochigawa Satoru (1965.03 - 1967.09)

## **Sources**

* Orochigawa Satoru Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Orochigawa Satoru Rikishi Information
Musashibo Benkei

Musashibo Benkei - 武蔵坊 弁慶 (born November 12, 1969) is a former American professional sumo wrestler from Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii. He made his debut in September 1987 and last wrestled for Musashigawa stable. His highest rank was jonidan 59 and he retired in January 1988.

## **Early Life**

William Molina was born the son of Frank and Rose Molina in Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii on November 12, 1969. He attended Waiʻanae High School where he earned all-star honors in football and made the All-State first team in 1985 and 1986. He was also a talented wrestler and won the Hawaii State Heavyweight Championship in 1987. After graduating high school, Molina was recruited into professional sumo by Seigo Mase, a sumo instructor and brother-in-law of Musashigawa Oyakata (the 57th Yokozuna Mienoumi).

## **Career**

William Molina joined Musashigawa stable in September 1987 and he was the first foreign recruit of the stable. He took the shikona "Musashibo Benkei" (武蔵坊 弁慶) and impressed in his professional debut as he won all seven matches and claimed the jonokuchi championship. As a result he was promoted to jonidan for the January 1988 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Musashibo returned home to Oahu on January 3, 1988, because his mother was sick. The upcoming January 1988 tournament was scheduled to start on January 10th and Musashibo told his stablemaster that he would return to Tokyo in three days. However, he kept postponing his return and subsequently told his stablemaster that he could not come back. His retirement from sumo was announced after the January 1988 tournament.

His loss on the second day of the January 1988 tournament against Inoue was by default as he was in Hawaii at the time and is the only official loss of his career.

William Molina has since become a pastor.

## **Fighting Style**

Musashibo was an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. Musashibo was in sumo before kimarite for lower division matches were recorded so it is unknown what his most common kimarite was.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 7-1-6/8 (3 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 0-1-6/1 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championship (November 1987)

## **Gallery**

Musashibo during his time in maezumo (c. 1987)Musashibo does the splits during a training session (c. 1987)Musashibo eats chankonabe after finishing training (c. 1987)Musashibo wrestles a match in jonokuchi (c. 1987)Musashibo with his stablemaster, Musashigawa Oyakata (c. 1987)Musashibo after winning the Jonokuchi yusho (c. 1987)

## **Sources**

* Musashibo Benkei Rikishi Information
* Honolulu Star-Bulletin, *Moline to pursue sumo* by Rod Ohira
* Honolulu Star-Bulletin, *Hawaii's Molina quits sumo ring*
* Pastor William Molina at Waianae
* Waiʻanae All State Football List
Ogurayama Satoshi

Ogurayama Satoshi - 小倉山 敏志 (born May 15, 1984) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Usa, Oita. He made his debut in March 2004 and wrestled for Musashigawa stable. His highest rank was sandanme 95 and he retired in July 2006.

## **Early Life**

Satoshi Kamada was born on May 15, 1984, in Usa, Oita. After graduating from Usa High School of Industry and Science, he enrolled at Daito Bunka University where he was a member of the school's sumo club. He later dropped out after one year and joined Musashigawa stable which was already home to fellow Daito Bunka alumnus Bushuyama.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in March 2004 and was given the shikona "Ogurayama" (小倉山). He reached the sandanme division in May 2005, but was unable to establish himself in the division. He wrestled mainly in the jonidan division and was only ranked in sandanme for two tournaments. In March 2006, he defeated Sadanokuni with the rare ipponzeoi (one-armed shoulder throw) move. He retired from sumo in July 2006 after only two years in sumo with his highest rank being sandanme 95.

## **Fighting Style**

Ogurayama 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:** 52-40-6/91 (15 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 6-8/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 41-30-6/70 (11 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Ogurayama at the hall of the Ryogoku Kokugikan (c. 2005)Ogurayama launches at his opponent (c. 2005)Ogurayama outside the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium (c. 2006)
Oitekaze Stable (Edo period)

Oitekaze stable (追手風部屋, Oitekaze-beya) was a stable of sumo wrestlers which was established in the Edo period and was shut down in May 1929, with all personnel transferring to Takasago stable.

## **History**

The stable was established sometime in the Edo period (c. 1773) by a former wrestler who fought under the name Oitekaze Koemon. The stable was home to the 10th yokozuna Unryu Kyukichi who later became the fifth head coach of the stable. The stable closed in May 1929, after the 7th Oitekaze passed away and all personnel transferred to Takasago stable.

## **Owners**

* 1903-1929: 7th Oitekaze (former juryo Oitekaze)
* 1892-1901: 6th Oitekaze (former sekiwake Ayanami)
* 1865-1890: 5th Oitekaze (the 10th yokozuna Unryu)
* 1831-1865: 4th Oitekaze (former ozeki Oitekaze)
* 1816-1829: 3rd Oitekaze (former makushita Wadagahara)
* 1801-1815: 2nd Oitekaze (former komusubi Wadagahara)
* 1773-1800: 1st Oitekaze (former *unknown rank* Oitekaze)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Unryu (the 10th yokozuna)
* Oitekaze (former ozeki)
Mikiyama Teruo

Mikiyama Teruo - 三輝山 輝男 (born July 19, 1936) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Higashinari-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. He made his debut in September 1952 and last wrestled for Isegahama stable. He reached the juryo division in January 1964. His highest rank was juryo 8 and he retired in January 1967.

## **Early Life**

Yamamoto was born the eldest son of a shoe store owner in Osaka's Higashinari ward. By his third year of junior high school he already weighed 87 kg (192 Ib) and attended Josho Gakuen Junior and Senior High School where he practiced judo. He was introduced to Isegahama stable by two seniors at the school and he subsequently joined the stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in January 1967 and was given the shikona "Naniwayama" (浪花山). He was promoted to sandanme in September 1954 and makushita in September 1956. In May 1957 he won the makushita yusho with a perfect 8-0 record, but was unable to progress to the juryo division. In arch 1962 he was given the shikona "Mikiyama" (三輝山). He won his second makushita yusho at the rank of makushita 6 in November 1963 and was promoted to juryo for the January 1964 tournament. Mikiyama was ranked in juryo for a total of six tournaments before knee osteoarthritis sent him back down to makushita. He retired from sumo in January 1967.

## **Fighting Style**

Mikiyama 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). Peaking at 157 kg (346 Ib), he was very vulnerable to pulling attacks.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 307-307-3/613 (77 basho)
* **Juryo:** 36-51-3/86 (6 basho)
* **Makushita:** 212-195/407 (55 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 34-30/64 (8 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 21-27/48 (6 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-4/8 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 2 **Makushita** Championships
	+ 1st (May 1957)
	+ 2nd (November 1963)

## **Shikona History**

* Tamazukuri (1952.09 - 1952.09)
* Naniwayama Teruo (1953.01 - 1962.01)
* Mikiyama Teruo (1962.03 - 1967.01)

## **Sources**

* Mikiyama Teruo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Mikiyama Teruo Rikishi Information