recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Asanoumi Masakiyo

Asanoumi Masakiyo - 朝ノ海 正清 (born November 22, 1936) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Uken, Kagoshima. He made his debut in January 1953 and last wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the makuuchi division in July 1962. His highest rank was maegashira 9 and he retired in January 1964.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Born in the village of Uken in Kagoshima prefecture, he moved to Tokyo at the age of 16 and joined Takasago stable. He made his professional debut in January 1953 and was given the shikona "Asanoumi" (朝ノ海). He was promoted to sandanme in September 1953 and makushita in March 1955. In September 1958 he produced a 6-2 record at the rank of makushita 3 and was promoted to juryo in November 1958.

### **Juryo Career**

Asanoumi's first juryo run lasted eight tournaments before he was demoted back down to makushita in March 1960. He returned to juryo in November 1960 and after two years in the division, he was promoted to makuuchi in July 1962.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Asanoumi was ranked in makuuchi for only four tournaments, with his highest rank being maegashira 9. He mainly struggled due to his small build (peaking at 94 kg, or 207 Ib). He was demoted back down to juryo in March 1963 and he announced his retirement after the January 1964 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After losing his sekitori status, Asanoumi announced his retirement after the January 1964 tournament. After retiring he opened up a chanko restaurant called "Amami" (奄美) in the Sugamo neighborhood of Tokyo's Toshima Ward. He later opened up another restaurant called "Asanoumi" (朝ノ海) in Kisarazu, Chiba.

## **Fighting Style**

Asanoumi 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. He was also fond of employing tsuridashi, or lift out.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 319-320-7/639 (58 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 23-37/60 (4 basho)
* **Juryo:** 165-180/345 (23 basho)
* **Makushita:** 90-77-7/167 (22 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 23-17/40 (5 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 16-8/24 (3 basho)
* **Shinjo:** 2-1/3 (1 basho)

## **Sources**

* Asanoumi Masakiyo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Asanoumi Masakiyo Rikishi Information
Agora Kazuo

Agora Kazuo - 安強羅 一夫 (born August 6, 1999) is a Brazilian-Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kani City, Gifu. He made his debut in January 2023 and currently wrestles for Ajigawa stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is sandanme 56.

## **Early Life**

Lucas Kazuo Iima was born the youngest of four children to Brazilian parents in Kani, Gifu, Japan. His father is of Japanese and Brazilian descent and his mother is of French and Italian descent. He began playing basketball in his second year of junior high school and played the center and power forward positions. He then attended high school in Kochi prefecture, but returned home to Gifu due to an injury.

After high school, he was invited to join Nagoya Keizai University's rugby club by Kenji Murase, the manager of the school's rugby club. At Nagoya Keizai, he played the position of prop and made use of his big build. Even though he was passionate about rugby, Iima aspired to become a sumo wrestler. Iima was subsequently put in contact with Ajigawa Oyakata (former sekiwake Aminishiki) by an acquaintance. With the help of Kenji Murase, Iima set up a sumo club at Nagoya Keizai University and began participating in national collegiate tournaments. Upon graduating from university, he joined the recently established Ajigawa stable.

## **Career**

Iima made his professional debut in January 2023 and was given the shikona "Agora" (安強羅) which is meant to sound like the Portuguese word *agora*, meaning now. Agora got off to a slow start finishing with only one win out of his five maezumo (pre-sumo) matches and a 2-5 record in his first official tournament in March 2023. Nevertheless, he bounced back with two winning records in May and July and was promoted to sandanme in September 2023.

## **Personal Life**

* Agora is the first and only sumo wrestler from Nagoya Keizai University.
* Agora's parents are both Brazilian nationals from Londrina. He acquired Japanese citizenship in 2023, prior to joining professional sumo.

## **Fighting Style**

Agora 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:** 19-16/35 (6 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 6-8/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 11-3/14 (2 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 2-5/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Iima (2023.01 - 2023.01)
* Agora Kazuo (2023.03 - )

## **Gallery**

Agora gets measured upon joining sumo (c. 2022)Agora battles Satorufuji in Maezumo (c. 2023)Agora during his time in maezumo (c. 2023)Agora returns to his college, Nagoya Keizai University (c. 2023)Agora with his stablemaster, Ajigawa Oyakata (c. 2023)Agora battles Matsuda in Sandanme (c. 2023)

## **Sources**

* Agora Kazuo Rikishi Information
* Chunichi Shimbun Article on Agora
* Gifu Shimbun Article on Agora
Dewanohana Yoshihide

Dewanohana Yoshihide - 出羽ノ花 好秀 (born November 1, 1928 - March 3, 2011) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shariki, Aomori. He made his debut in November 1946 and last wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1954. His highest rank was maegashira 13 and he retired in March 1957.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Born in the village of Shariki (currently Tsugaru city) in Aomori prefecture, he joined Dewanoumi stable and made his professional debut in November 1946. Initially wrestling under his surname Osanai, he adopted the shikona "Ozakura" (大櫻) in 1949. He won the sandanme yusho in October 1948 and was eventually promoted to juryo in January 1952.

### **Juryo Career**

By the time he rose to juryo, he had already changed his shikona to "Dewanohana" (出羽ノ花) which was same shikona used by Musashigawa Oyakata (former maegashira Dewanohana Kuniichi). In his first tournament as a sekitori, Dewanohana could only manage a 5-10 record and was demoted back down to makushita. He did not return to juryo until March 1953 where he posted three consecutive double-digit winning records to earn a promotion to makuuchi for the January 1954 tournament.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Dewanohana struggled to establish himself in the top division until September 1955. He struggled to progress to the upper-levels of makuuchi due to his inability to put on weight. He rose as high as maegashira 13 in January 1957, but sat out this tournament due to injury.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

He retired in the March 1957 tournament after developing spondylosis. Upon retiring from sumo, he worked at Dewanoumi stable as a manager (he was unable to obtain elder stock and was not a member of the Japan Sumo Association). After this, he ran a coffee shop in Tokyo.

He died on March 3, 2011, at the age of 82.

## **Personal Life**

His cousin is sekiwake Dewanohana Yoshitaka.

## **Fighting Style**

Dewanohana 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 sotogake, or outside leg trip.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 236-204-30/440 (35 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 63-72-30/135 (11 basho)
* **Juryo:** 63-42/105 (7 basho)
* **Makushita:** 93-84/177 (12 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 10-2/12 (2 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 3-3/6 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-1/5 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Sandanme** Championship (October 1948)

## **Shikona History**

* Osanai Kiyomi (1946.11 - 1948.10)
* Ozakura (1949.01 - 1950.05)
* Dewanohana Yoshihide (1950.09 - 1957.03)

## **Gallery**

Dewanohana poses with his kesho-mawashiDewanohana (c. 1955)
## **Sources**

* Dewanohana Yoshihide Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Dewanohana Yoshihide Rikishi Information
Asahiyama Stable (2016)

Asahiyama stable (朝日山部屋, Asahiyama-beya) is a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Isegahama ichimon (or group of stables). It was set up in June 2016 by former sekiwake Kotonishiki, who branched off from Oguruma stable. In January 2017 the stable left the Nishonoseki ichimon and joined the Isegahama ichimon (to which the previous incarnation of Asahiyama stable had belonged).

As of January 2023 it has 7 active sumo wrestlers.

## **History**

The stable's predecessor in name had a very long history in sumo, however the current incarnation is unrelated to it. A year after the closing of the previous incarnation of the stable, the retired former Kotonishiki, after several years of borrowing elder names, finally acquired the vacant elder name of Asahiyama, and set up his own stable, a dream he had had from long before. He financed a building to house his stable in Kamagaya, Chiba near Kunugiyama Station on some land he had procured, quite near the stable he originally wrestled for, Sadogatake of the Nishonoseki ichimon. Owner Asahiyama's hope was that he could bring together the demanding training he learned as an active wrestler in his original stable, Sadogatake (one of the strongest stables in sumo) and the warmheartedness towards trainees that he later learned as a coach at Oguruma stable.

He took three low ranked wrestlers from the aforementioned Oguruma stable (which along with Sadogatake is also a member of the same Nishonoseki ichimon) to join his new stable. In January 2017 the stable left the Nishonoseki ichimon and joined the Isegahama ichimon(to which the previous incarnation of Asahiyama stable had belonged.) It was announced in February 2017 that Asahiyama Oyakata's 18 year old son, Akihide, would be joining the stable as a new recruit upon graduation from high school in March. He fights under the name Wakaseido. In January 2021, it had ten wrestlers, with no sekitori yet.

The stable recruited their first foreigner in 2016, when they recruited the future Asahiryu. Asahiryu reached Makushita 53 before retiring in January of 2019. Asahiyama stable recruited Bolivian, Daniel Velez Garcia, who joined as a Japanese. Garcia would take the shikona Kirameki. As of January 2021, Kirameki is the highest ranked rikishi of the stable.

## **Ring Name Conventions**

Currently, the wrestlers who branched out to the new stable with the former Kotonishiki have taken shikona starting with "Asahi", (朝日) meaning morning sun, and which are the first two characters in the owner's elder name and that of the stable.

## **Owners**

* 2016-present: 19th Asahiyama Katsuhiro (iin, former sekiwake Kotonishiki)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Asahiryu (former makushita) - *Transferred from Oguruma stable*
* Kirameki (former sandanme)
* Tokinishiki (former sandanme)

## **Referee**

* Shikimori Kandayu (makuuchi gyoji) - *Transferred from Miyagino stable*

## **Website**

* Asahiyama Stable's website [1]
* Asahiyama Stable's Twitter [2]
Asanonami Makoto

Asanonami Makoto - 朝乃濤 誠 (born June 19, 1971) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kodomari, Aomori. He made his debut in March 1990 and last wrestled for Wakamatsu stable. He reached the juryo division in January 1993. His highest rank was juryo 3 and he retired in July 1999.

## **Early Life**

Ota began sumo wrestling in elementary school and he participated in national competitions during his time at Goshogawara Agricultural & Forestry High School. The director of his sumo club introduced him to Wakamatsu oyakata (former ozeki Asashio) and he joined Wakamatsu Stable upon graduating high school.

## **Career**

Ota made his professional debut in March 1990 and won the jonokuchi yusho with a strong 7-0 record. He followed with a 6-1 record in jonidan and a 7-0 record in sandanme, but he missed out on the yusho after losing to Shibiyama in a playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted to makushita after only one tournament in the previous divisions.

In November 1992 he changed his shikona to "Asanonami" (朝乃濤) and produced an impressive 6-1 record at the rank of makushita 1 which resulted in a promotion to juryo (alongside stablemate Asanowaka) in the following January 1993 tournament. In his sekitori debut, Asanonami posted a 10-5 record and was promoted to juryo 3 in the March tournament. However, he pulled out of this tournament midway due to a contusion on his right knee joint but he later returned. Initially his knee injury was not too serious, but he insisted to keep on fighting which resulted in a torn cruciate ligament on his left knee. As a result he was demoted back down to makushita after three tournaments in juryo.

Due to his knee injury he fell all the way down to the rank of jonidan 160 in March 1996. By the time he changed his shikona to "Asaota" (朝太田). He won the jonidan yusho in his return, but was unable to make a strong return to juryo. He ultimately announced his retirement after going winless in July 1999.

## **Fighting Style**

Asanonami 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:** 199-166-52/359 (57 basho)
* **Juryo:** 17-19-9/35 (3 basho)
* **Makushita:** 75-79-8/153 (23 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 87-67-21/150 (25 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 13-1-14/14 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 7-0/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonidan** Championships (May 1990)
* 1 **Jonokuchi** Championships (March 1996)

## **Shikona History**

* Ota Makoto (1990.03 - 1992.09)
* Asanonami Makoto (1992.11 - 1995.03)
* Asaota Makoto (1995.05 - 1999.07)

## **Gallery**

Asanonami (farthest right) wins the jonokuchi yusho (c. 1990)Asanonami after promotion to Juryo (c. 1992)Asanonami suffers an injury to his right knee (c. 1993)Asaota after falling to the unsalaried ranks (c. 1998)Asanonami's tegata
## **Sources**

* Asanonami Makoto Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Asanonami Makoto Rikishi Information
Fukutsukasa Norihito

Fukutsukasa Norihito - 福司 智仁 (born November 24, 1983) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Hirata, Fukushima. He made his debut in March 1999 and wrestled for Irumagawa stable. His highest rank was sandanme 3 and he retired in November 2005.

## **Career**

Tomohito Majima joined Irumagawa stable and made his professional debut in March 1999. Initially wrestling under his surname, he was given the shikona "Fukutsukasa" (福司) in January 2000. Weighing in at a peak 210 kg (463 lb), he was much bigger than most of his opponents, but suffered from injuries throughout his later career. The highlight of his career came when he won the jonidan yusho in November 2003. He retired from sumo in November 2005 after failing to make it past the sandanme division.

## **Fighting Style**

Fukutsukasa 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:** 124-101-55/224 (41 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 41-47-31/88 (17 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 74-49-24/122 (21 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 9-5/14 (2 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (November 2003)

## **Shikona History**

* Majima Tomohito (1999.03 - 1999.11)
* Fukutsukasa Tomohito (2000.01 - 2005.01)
* Fukutsukasa Norihito (2005.03 - 2005.11)

## **Gallery**

Fukutsukasa awaits his jonidan yusho certificate (c. 2003)Fukutsukasa (2000-2005)

## **Sources**

* Fukutsukasa Norihito Rikishi Information
Arashio Stable

Arashio stable (荒汐部屋, Arashio-beya) is a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Tokitsukaze ichimon or group of stables. It was set up in June 2002 by former komusubi Oyutaka, who branched off from Tokitsukaze stable. In March 2020 Sokokurai became the new Arashio Oyakata when his stablemaster reached the mandatory retirement age of 65.

As of January 2023 it has 14 active sumo wrestlers.

## **History**

Arashio stable was established in June 2002 by former komusubi Oyutaka, who branched away from Tokitsukaze stable. At the start, the stable struggled to recruit and produce sekitori. However after a website was put out documenting the daily lifestyle, the number of rikishi increased. Arashio Oyakata also went on a trip to Inner Mongolia, China, where he recruited the future Sokokurai. In 2009, Sokokurai would end up being the first sekitori produced by Arashio stable.

In 2011, Sokokurai was expelled from sumo due to match-fixing allegations. Sokokurai would deny these charges and Arashio Oyakata would stand by and support Sokokurai. In June of 2011, Sokokurai filed a suit demanding his reinstatement in sumo. In March of 2013, Sokokurai won the court case against the JSA, and thus was reinstated into professional sumo.

In 2018, the stable produced their second sekitori when Wakatakakage was promoted. Wakatakakage's brother, Wakamotoharu, was also promoted to the salaried ranks in 2019. The stable is also home to the brother of Wakatakakage and Wakamotoharu, Wakatakamoto, who is hoping for promotion to Juryo in the seeable future, and of half-Filipino Kotokuzan who reached the Makuuchi division in 2022.

In March 2020, Sokokurai became the new Arashio Oyakata after the former Ōyutaka reached his mandatory retirement age of 65.

Apart from its human residents, the Arashio was home to the cats Moru and Mugi, former strays which were adopted by the stable. Mugi died in 2019. The stable is also popular with sumo fans as there is a large window for fans and tourists to view the training and photos with the sumo wrestlers are also allowed.

## **Owners**

* 2020-present: 9th Arashio Eikichi (toshiyori, former maegashira Sokokurai)
* 2002-2020: 8th Arashio Shuji (former komusubi Oyutaka)

## **Notable Active Wrestlers**

* Wakatakakage (best rank sekiwake)
* Wakamotoharu (best rank sekiwake)
* Kotokuzan (best rank maegashira)
* Wakatakamoto (best rank makushita)
* Taiga (best rank makushita)
* Daiseizan (best rank makushita)
* Tanji (best rank makushita)

## **Notable Former Wrestlers**

* Sokokurai (former maegashira)
* Fukugoriki (former makushita)

## **Hairdresser**

* Tokojin (first class tokoyama) - *transferred from Nakagawa stable*
* Tokomitsu (fourth class tokoyama)

## **Gallery of Notable Recent Wrestlers**

SokokuraiWakatakakageWakamotoharuKotokuzan
## **Website**

* Arashio Stable's website [1]

* Arashio Stable's Facebook [2]

* Arashio Stable's Twitter [3]

* Arashio Stable's Instagram [4]
Fujinoiwa Hideyuki

Fujinoiwa Hideyuki - 富士の岩 秀之 (born July 8, 1958) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yanagawa, Fukuoka. He made his debut in March 1974 and wrestled for Kokonoe stable. He reached the juryo division in May 1981. His highest rank was juryo 13 and he retired in March 1986.

## **Early Life**

Iwaki was a member of the baseball club in elementary school and played the second and third baseman positions. In addition, he also participated in judo from the fifth grade of elementary school. After entering junior high school, he started sumo wrestling and won many sumo tournaments. He was then scouted by Kokonoe Oyakata (the 41st yokozuna Chiyonoyama) who was out to find promising recruits. He joined Kokonoe stable after graduating junior high school.

## **Career**

Iwaki made his professional debut in March 1974 and was given the shikona "Fujinoiwa" (富士の岩). He was promoted to sandanme in September 1975 and makushita in March 1977. He was promoted to juryo in May 1981 after seven years in the lower divisions. In his juryo debut, he could only manage a 5-10 record and was demoted back down to makushita. This proved to be his only tournament ranked as a sekitori. In May 1984 he changed his shikona to "Arashifuji" (嵐富士) and he remained in the unsalaried ranks for the remainder of his career.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Fujinoiwa announced his retirement after the March 1986 tournament. He had suffered many injuries and illnesses throughout his career such as kidney stones and lacerations. After retirement, he opened up a chanko restaurant called "Chanko Fujinoiwa" (ちゃんこ富士の岩) in Kashihara, Nara.

## **Fighting Style**

Fujinoiwa was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. His favorite techniques were migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right hand inside grip) and yori (forcing).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 261-224-27/485 (73 basho)
* **Juryo:** 5-10/15 (1 basho)
* **Makushita:** 189-165-24/354 (54 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 29-24-3/53 (8 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 34-22/56 (8 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 4-3/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Iwaki (1974.03 - 1974.03)
* Fujinoiwa (1974.05 - 1978.07)
* Iwaki (1978.09 - 1978.11)
* Fujinoiwa Hideyuki (1979.01 - 1984.03)
* Arashifuji Hiroyuki (1984.05 - 1986.03)

## **Gallery**

Fujinoiwa loses to Kitao (future yokozuna Futahaguro) (c. 1983)Fujinoiwa's kesho-mawashi and akeni boxesFujinoiwa's kesho-mawashi
## **Sources**

* Fujinoiwa Hideyuki Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Fujinoiwa Hideyuki Rikishi Information
Asahidake Tsurunosuke

Asahidake Tsurunosuke - 朝日嶽 鶴之助 (born 1840 - April 4, 1882) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tsuruoka, Yamagata. He made his debut in October 1860 and wrestled for Tatsutagawa stable. He reached the makuuchi division in June 1868. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in June 1878.

## **Early Life**

Shozo Honma was born to farmers in Tsuruoka, Yamagata and he later worked for a fisherman as an indentured servant. He worked as a seaman and constantly travelled in and out of Shonai Domain before catching the attention of a feudal lord, who recommended that he join professional sumo.

## **Career**

He joined Tatsutagawa stable and made his professional debut in October 1860 under the shikona "Yuranoumi Shozo" (由良ノ海 庄蔵). In February 1862, he was given the shikona "Asahidake" (朝日嶽) which was dervied from his hometown mountian, Mount Asahi. After eight years in the lower divisions, he reached the top makuuchi division in June 1868. He was promoted to komusubi in June 1872 and sekiwake in March 1874. He was ranked in san'yaku for nine straight tournaments before earning a promotion to ozeki in December 1877. He only wrestled as ozeki for two tournaments and retired in June 1878.

In 1878, while visiting his hometown of Yamagata for a tour, the Ordinance of Yamagata, Mishima Michitsune, arranged for the House of Gojo to award Asahidake a yokozuna license. Asahidake accepted the license and performed the yokozuna dohyo-iri on multiple occasions, however, he is not formally recognized as an official yokozuna as the license was not awarded from the House of Yoshida.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring from sumo, he remained in the sumo world as an elder under the name Tatsutagawa. However, he was ill and died four years after his retirement on April 4, 1882, at the age of 42.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 104-45-45-42draws-7holds/198 (27 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 82-40-45-37draws-6holds/165 (21 basho)
* **Juryo:** 22-5-5draws-1hold/33 (6 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Yuranoumi Shozo (1860.10 - 1861.10)
* Asahidake Tsurunosuke (1862.03 - 1878.06)

## **Gallery**

Asahidake performs the yokozuna dohyo-iri (c. 1878)
## **Sources**

* Asahidake Tsurunosuke Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Asahidake Tsurunosuke Rikishi Information
Fujinoumi Jun

Fujinoumi Jun - 藤の海 順 (born December 19, 1986) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Watari, Miyagi. He made his debut in September 2009 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. His highest rank was makushita 47 and he retired in May 2017.

## **Early Life**

Jun Saito was born in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, to an American solider, Daniel Edwards, and a Japanese mother, Yumiko Saito. He and his twin brother Rei grew up in Kakuda, Miyagi. After graduating from Kanazu Junior High School, he and his brother moved to Cut Bank, Montana, to live with their father. They attended Cut Bank High School and were members of the wrestling and American football teams. He then attended Blackfeet Community College in Browning, Montana, and worked as a driver upon graduation. He and his brother learned about sumo through the internet and decided to give the sport a shot. They were subsequently accepted by Dewanoumi stable.

## **Career**

He made his professional debut in September 2009 and was given the shikona "Fujinoumi" (藤の海). He used his mother's hometown of Watari, Miyagi, as his official birthplace. He was promoted to sandanme in January 2011 and makushita in November 2012. During his four tournaments in makushita, Fujinoumi could never manage a winning record with his highest rank being makushita 47. He spent the majority of his career in the sandanme division.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

### **Professional Wrestling Career**

Fujinoumi retired from sumo in May 2017. In December 2020, he and his brother began training at All Japan Pro Wrestling's Dojo (AJPW Dojo). He and his brother wrestle mainly for AJPW with brief spells in the US and the UK.

## **Fighting Style**

Fujinoumi was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He won majority of his bouts with a straightforward yorikiri, or force out. He was also fond of employing uwatenage, or overarm throw.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 165-142-8/306 (46 basho)
* **Makushita:** 12-16/28 (4 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 118-105-8/223 (33 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 30-19/48 (7 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Fujinoumi joins Dewanoumi stable with his brother (c. 2009)Fujinoumi during his time in Maezumo (c. 2009)Fujinoumi battles Isamizuki (c. 2011)Fujinoumi prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2016)Fujinoumi's retirement ceremony (c. 2017)Fujinoumi and his brother's new career in puroresu (c. 2021)

## **Sources**

* Fujinoumi Jun Rikishi Information
* Nikkan Sports Article on Fujinoumi
* Shikoku News Article on Saito Twins
* Jun Saito Cagematch Profile
Sadeck and Mega Unity

Sadeck and Mega Unity were a dance group from Season 5.

## Background

Sadeck Waff was a member of Geometrie Variable from Season 2. He was eliminated along with his group in the semifinals thanks to JJ. He went back to the show 3 seasons later to prove that the judges, especially JJ were wrong about him with a whole new group to back him up, Mega Unity.

## Audition

Their audition in Episode 501 consists of performing a routine of synchro dance. All 4 judges voted yes, sending them to the next round.

## Judgment Week

Hwacha visited them on their training site and announced to them that they were one of the six acts who convinced the judges to send them to the live shows without having to perform.

## Quarterfinals

Their quarterfinals performance in Episode 510 consists of performing a routine of synchro dance, but more slick and with more intense music. Raynard, Hwacha, Hero, and SP all gave them standing ovations. Their performance was strong enough to send them to the semifinals instead of Cam Bertrand and Horse.

## Semifinals

Their semifinals performance in Episode 513 consisted of performing a routine of synchro dance. Their performance was strong enough to send them to the finals, instead of Travis Pastrana and Charles Peachock.

## Finals

Their finals performance in Episode 514 consisted of preforming a routine of synchro dance. Raynard, Hwacha, Hero, and SP all gave them standing ovations.

## After FanGT

The group competed on Season 18 of America’s Got Talent where they finished in 3rd place.
Daikichi (yobidashi)

Daikichi - 大吉 (born March 27, 1972) is a Japanese professional sumo usher from Hiroshima, Hiroshima. He was recruited and debuted in the March 1987 tournament and he belongs to Hakkaku stable. He reached the Makuuchi rank in November 2014.

## **Career**

* March 1987 - Had his ring debut under Azumazeki stable
* July 1994 - Promoted to Sandanme yobidashi
* January 1996 - Promoted to Makushita yobidashi
* January 2001 - Promoted to Juryo yobidashi
* November 2014 - Promoted to Makuuchi yobidashi
* May 2022 - Transferred to Hakkaku stable due to the closure of Azumazeki stable

## **Sources**

* Daikichi (yobidashi) Japanese Wikipedia Article
* JSA Daikichi Personal Page
Ayasegawa Sanzaemon I

## Ayasegawa Sanzaemon

Ayasegawa Sanzaemon - 綾瀬川 山左エ門 (born October 1835 - March 8, 1877) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Higashinari District, Settsu. He made his debut in April 1864 and last wrestled for Hidenoyama stable. He reached the makuuchi division in November 1868 and has one top division championship. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in April 1876.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

Tojiro Kawamura was born in Higashinari District, Settsu Province (currently Osaka). He joined Osaka sumo's Minato stable (owned by the 8th yokozuna Shiranui) and took the ring names "Noborifune" (登り舟) and "Tatsunomori" (達ノ森), however, he later for Edo sumo and joined Hidenoyama stable in 1861. He made his Edo sumo debut in October 1861 under the shikona "Tatugaseki" (達ヶ関) before changing he was given the shikona "Aioi" (相生) in April 1867.

### **Makuuchi Career**

He reached the top makuuchi division in November 1868. Upon promotion to komusubi in March 1871, he was given the shikona "Ayasegawa Sanzaemon" (綾瀬川 山左エ門). Furthermore, he finished with a strong 8-0-1-1draw record in his san'yaku debut which is equivalent of his first yusho (the modern yusho system was not introduced until 1909). From April 1870 to April 1872, he won 27 consecutive matches and was promoted to ozeki in April 1872. He was ranked as ozeki for four years before retiring from sumo in April 1876.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, he left the sumo world and ran a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) called "Ayasegawa" (綾瀬川) in Nihonbashi Kakigaracho which he already owned during his sumo career. He died on March 8, 1877, at the age of 41.

## **Personal Life**

Ayasegawa's son is actor Sagoro Kurishima and his grandaughter is actress Sumiko Kurishima.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 94-22-46-24draws-2holds/142 (19 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 71-19-46-22draws-2holds/114 (16 basho)
* **Juryo:** 23-3-2draws/28 (3 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 Unofficial **Makuuchi** Championship (March 1871)

## **Shikona History**

* Tatugaseki (1861.10 - 1866.11)
* Aioi Matsugoro (1867.04 - 1870.11)
* Ayasegawa Sanzaemon (1871.03 - 1876.04)

## **Gallery**

19th century woodblock print of ozeki Ayasegawa Sanzaemon
## **Sources**

* Ayasegawa Sanzaemon Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Ayasegawa Sanzaemon Rikishi Information
Dairyu Takahiro

Dairyu Takahiro - 大龍 隆寛 (born October 15, 1944 - July 27, 1999) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Suzuka, Mie. He made his debut in May 1961 and last wrestled for Tomozuna stable. He reached the juryo division in March 1966. His highest rank was juryo 6 and he retired in May 1970.

## **Career**

Matoba made his debut in May 1961, wrestling for Tomozuna stable. He was promoted to sandanme in November 1961 and makushita in March 1963. He changed his shikona to "Dairyu" (大龍) in November 1964. He was promoted to juryo in March 1966. He was ranked in juryo for a total of 11 tournaments, but he was very injury prone. He sprained his left knee in November 1966 which resulted in him falling back down to makushita. He returned to juryo in March 1969, but he fractured his right ankle in January 1970 and was demoted back down to makushita in March 1970.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After losing his sekitori status, he retired from sumo in May 1970. In 1972 he opened up a restaurant called "Matoba" (まと場) in Suzuka, Mie, which specializes in Japanese beef dishes.

### **Death**

He died on July 27, 1999, at the age of 54 due to liver cirrhosis.

## **Fighting Style**

Dairyu 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:** 244-194-28/437 (55 basho)
* **Juryo:** 74-80-11/153 (11 basho)
* **Makushita:** 120-89-15/209 (32 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 40-21-2/61 (9 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Matoba (1961.05 - 1964.07)
* Matobayama (1964.09 - 1964.09)
* Dairyu Takahiro (1964.11 - 1970.01)
* Hatsumuso (1970.03 - 1970.05)

## **Sources**

* Dairyu Takahiro Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Dairyu Takahiro Rikishi Information
Fukuryudake Shigeo

Fukuryudake Shigeo - 福龍岳 茂生 (born May 8, 1959) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kaho, Fukuoka. He made his debut in March 1975 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the juryo division in November 1987. His highest rank was juryo 12 and he retired in September 1992.

## **Early Life**

Nakao belonged in the volleyball club in junior high school. When he was nearing junior high school graduation, he was recommended to join professional sumo. After graduating junior high school he joined Dewanoumi stable.

## **Career**

Nakao made his professional debut in March 1975. He wrestled under many different shikona, or ring names, including Fukumidori, Fukuryuyama, and Fukuryudake. He also reverted back to his surname on multiple occasions. He was promoted to sandanme in November 1976 and makushita in July 1978. After 12 years in the lower divisions, Fukuryudake won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record at the rank of makushita 14. As a result he was promoted to juryo in the following November 1987 tournament. In his lone sekitori tournament, Fukuryudake finished with a 5-10 record and was demoted back down to makushita.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

By his later career, Fukuryudake fell down to sandanme due to injuries. He announced his retirement after the September 1992 tournament and has remained in the Japan Sumo Association as a sewanin, or assistant.

## **Fighting Style**

Fukuryudake 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:** 367-324-52/691 (106 basho)
* **Juryo:** 5-10/15 (1 basho)
* **Makushita:** 122-135-30/257 (41 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 184-139-20/323 (49 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 53-36-2/89 (13 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 3-4/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Makushita** Championship (September 1987)

## **Shikona History**

* Nakao Shigeo (1975.03 - 1978.03)
* Fukumidori Shigeo (1978.05 - 1984.05)
* Fukuryuyama Shigeo (1984.07 - 1984.07)
* Fukuryudake Shigeo (1984.09 - 1986.07)
* Nakao Shigeo (1986.09 - 1987.09)
* Fukuryudake Shigeo (1987.11 - 1988.07)
* Nakao Shigeo (1988.09 - 1991.09)
* Fukuryudake Shigeo (1991.11 - 1992.09)

## **Sources**

* Fukuryudake Shigeo Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Fukuryudake Shigeo Rikishi Information
Azumao Yasuhito

Azumao Yasuhito - 東旺 泰人 (born March 3, 1978) is a former Brazilian professional sumo wrestler from Sao Paulo. He made his debut in July 1994 and wrestled for Tamanoi stable. His highest rank was makushita 36 and he retired in March 2005.

## **Early Life**

Yasuhito Marcio Morita, a second generation Japanese-Brazilian, was born on March 3rd, 1978, to Yasue and Taiji Morita in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He began practicing judo at the age of five, before switching to sumo at the age of 12. He trained at a sumo club in Bom Retiro, Sao Paulo. At the age of 16 he decided to join professional sumo and was recruited into Tamanoi stable which was home to five Brazilians at the time. However, there was an unofficial ban on foreigners joining sumo from 1992 to 1998. As a result, Morita used Sumida, Tokyo, as his shusshin (birth-place). He would eventually revert back to his Brazil shusshin in July 1999.

## **Career**

Morita made his professional debut on July 1994, and in first first tournament he produced a 6-1 record and was placed in a seven man playoff for the jonokuchi yusho, however, he lost in the second round to Tochimiyama. In the November 1994 tournament, he changed his shikona from his family name to "Azumao" (東旺). Even though he produced a strong record in his first tournament, Azumao struggled for the next three years and was not promoted to the sandanme division until January 1998. Azumao remained in sandanme for the next six years where he produced mixed results. In May 2004, Azumao surprisingly won the sandanme yusho after defeating Bungonishiki on the 13th day. As a result, he was promoted to makushita in July 2004 after ten years in the lower three division. In his lone makushita tournament, Azumao could only record two wins and was demoted back down to sandanme.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After demotion from makushita, Azumao remained in sandanme for four more tournaments where he produced three losing records out of the four tournaments. His retirement from sumo was announced after the March 2005 tournament.

After retirement, according to his Facebook, Morita worked as a cook in Barikote Hakata Ramen (located in Suginami, Tokyo) from 2012 to 2014.

## **Fighting Style**

Azumao was proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His most common techniques were oshidashi (push-out), yorikiri (force-out), uwatenage (overarm-throw), and hatakikomi (slap-down).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 226-219-3/445 (65 basho)
* **Makushita:** 2-5/7 (1 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 130-140-3/270 (39 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 88-73/161 (23 basho)

* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Morita Yasuhito (1994.07 - 1994.09)
* Azumao Yasuhito (1994.11 - 2005.03)

## **Gallery**

Kitaazuma (far right) with his Brazilian stablemates (c. 1998)Azumao celebrates winning the sandanme yusho (c. 2004)Azumao (c. 2004)

## **Sources**

* Azumao Yasuhito Rikishi Information
* Nikkey Shimbun Article on Azumao
Chokairyu Hidetoshi

Chokairyu Hidetoshi - 鳥海龍 秀俊 (born May 19, 1965) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yuza, Yamagata. He made his debut in March 1981 and wrestled for Kagamiyama stable. He reached the juryo division in July 1993. His highest rank was juryo 9 and he retired in January 2000.

## **Early Life**

Sato practiced swimming in elementary school before switching to basketball in junior high school. Even though, he did not practice sumo he had always dreamed of becoming a sumo wrestler since the third grade and upon graduating junior high school he joined Kagamiyama stable in March 1981.

## **Career**

He initially wrestled under the shikona "Yusa" (遊佐) which is derived from his hometown of Yuza in Yamagata prefecture. He was promoted to sandanme in September 1982 and makushita in May 1984. He was able to establish himself in makushita, however, a series injuries sent him back down to jonidan in January 1987. During this time he changed his shikona to his surname "Sato" (佐藤). Upon his return he won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 7-0 record and in the following tournament he changed his shikona to "Chokairyu" (鳥海龍) which is derived from the volcano Mount Chokai located in his Yamagata prefecture.

In May 1993, Chokairyu posted a strong 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 4 and was promoted to juryo in the following July 1993 tournament. Chokairyu was ranked as a sekitori for a total of four tournaments where he rose as high as juryo 9 in November 1993. He was demoted back down to makushita in March 1994.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After falling to the unsalaried ranks, Chokairyu struggled with injuries and remained mostly in the sandanme and jonidan divisions in his later career. After retirement, he served as the manager of Kagamiyama stable.

## **Fighting Style**

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

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 401-360-62/761 (114 basho)
* **Juryo:** 27-33/60 (4 basho)
* **Makushita:** 129-126-32/255 (41 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 174-153-23/327 (50 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 66-46-7/112 (17 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Jonidan** Championship (January 1987)

## **Shikona History**

* Yusa Hidetoshi (1981.03 - 1986.05)
* Sato (1986.07 - 1987.01)
* Chokairyu Hidetoshi (1987.03 - 2000.01)

## **Gallery**

Chokairyu wrestles in juryo as a makushita visitor (c. 1993)Chokairyu's tegata
## **Sources**

* Chokairyu Hidetoshi Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Chokairyu Hidetoshi Rikishi Information
Aratoshi Mitsuo

Aratoshi Mitsuo - 荒闘司 三男 (born December 7, 1985) is a former Mongolian professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar. He made his debut in July 2008 and wrestled for Irumagawa stable. His highest rank was makushita 39 and he retired in January 2016.

## **Early Life**

Tserendorj Vanchigtseren was born and raised in Ulaanbaatar. He attended Tokyo University of Agriculture and was a member of their sumo club. Upon graduation from college, he was joined Irumagawa stable in July 2008. He was given the shikona "Aratoshi" (荒闘司).

## **Career**

Aratoshi had an impressive debut where he won all seven matches to claim the jonokuchi yusho. As a result, he was promoted to the jonidan division for the following tournament. He struggled in this tournament and barely produced a winning record. In the March 2009 tournament, Aratoshi was injured in the match and subsequently had to pull out of the tournament. He continued to sit out of the following six tournaments and fell off the banzuke in November 2009.

He returned to maezumo (pre-sumo) in July 2010 and won all three of his matches. In the following tournament he won all seven matches to win his second jonokuchi yusho. He was promoted back to sandanme in November 2010 and the makushita division in January 2012. In his makushita debut, he posted five wins and was promoted to a career-best makushita 39 in March 2012. However, Aratoshi could not establish himself in the makushita division and was demoted back to sandanme. He would remain in sandanme for the majority of his later career, with the occasional promotion back to makushita.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

Aratoshi was plagued with injuries for majority of his sumo career. After suffering yet another injury in November 2014, Aratoshi announced his retirement a little over a year later, after the January 2016 tournament.

Upon retirement from Sumo, Aratoshi remained in Japan. He currently operates a mutton barbecue restaurant in Ishiwara, Sumida Ward, Tokyo, called "Hokkaido Jingisukan" (北海道ジンギスカン).

## **Fighting Style**

Aratoshi was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. However, he won most of his bouts with oshidashi, or push out. He also won many bouts with uwatenage (overarm throw) and hatakikomi (slap down).

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 141-105-34/245 (42 basho)
* **Makushita:** 20-24-5/43 (7 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 88-72-8/160 (24 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 19-9-14/28 (6 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 14-0-7/14 (3 basho)

### **Championships**

* 2 **Jonokuchi** Championships
	+ 1st (September 2008)
	+ 2nd (July 2010)

## **Gallery**

Aratoshi awaits for his upcoming match (c. 2008)Aratoshi wins his first jonokuchi yusho (c. 2008)Aratoshi prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2009)Aratoshi throws and defeats Hokutoo (c. 2015)Aratoshi throws and defeats Ebisumaru (c. 2015)Aratoshi's retirement ceremony (c. 2016)

## **Sources**

* Aratoshi Mitsuo Rikishi Information
* Aratoshi's Restaurant Information on Tablelog
Arise Taketo

Arise Taketo - 有瀬 健人 (born February 16, 2000) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Usa, Oita. He made his debut in March 2022 and currently wrestles for Tokitsukaze Stable. His highest rank as of 2023 is sandanme 22.

## **Early Life**

Taketo Arise was born on February 16, 2000, in Usa, Oita. After graduating from Kibogaoka High School, he enrolled at Tokyo University of Agriculture where he was a member of the school's sumo club. During his first year, he placed third at the 100kg class in the East Japan Weight Category Championships. After graduating university, he joined Tokitsukaze stable.

## **Career**

Arise made his professional debut in March 2022. In May 2022, during his first official tournament, Arise finished with a strong 6-1 record and was placed in a three-man playoff for the jonokuchi yusho, however, he lost to Yamato in the first round. He reached sandanme in November 2022, but finished with a disastrous 0-7 record in this tournament.

## **Fighting Style**

Arise 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:** 38-32/70 (10 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 14-21/35 (5 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 18-10/28 (4 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 6-1/7 (1 basho)

## **Gallery**

Arise during his time in Maezumo (c. 2022)Arise defeats Nishikiori (c. 2022)Arise prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2023)
## **Sources**

* Arise Taketo Rikishi Information
* East Japan Weight Championship Results
Akitsukaze Otoemon

Akitsukaze Otoemon - 秋津風 音右エ門 (born 1800 - January 4, 1838) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Hashikami, Aomori. He made his debut in October 1818 and wrestled for Yotsugamine stable. He reached the makuuchi division in October 1821. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in January 1835.

## **Career**

Akedo Denzo was born in the village of Hashikami in Aomori prefecture and he joined Yotsugamine stable in 1818. He made his professional debut at the juryo division in October 1818 under the shikona "Chitosegawa Otomatsu" (千年川 音松). He reached makuuchi in October 1821 and was promoted to sekiwake in October 1824. In October 1825 he was given the shikona "Tetsuoiyama Keikichi" (鉄生山 珪吉) before switching to "Akitsukaze" (秋津風) in October 1828. He was promoted to ozeki in November 1834, but sat out in his ozeki debut and was demoted after just one tournament ranked as ozeki. He retired in the following January 1835 tournament.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 82-54-96-17draws-4holds-6no results/163 (29 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 64-40-96-15draws-1hold-4no result/124 (23 basho)
* **Juryo:** 18-14-2draws-3holds-2no results/39 (6 basho)

## **Shikona History**

* Chitosegawa Otomatsu (1818.10 - 1825.01)
* Tetsuoiyama Keikichi (1825.10 - 1828.03)
* Akitsukaze Okiemon (1828.10 - 1830.03)
* Akitsukaze Otoemon (1830.11 - 1835.01)

## **Gallery**

19th century woodblock print of Akitsukaze Otoemon
## **Sources**

* Akitsukaze Otoemon Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Akitsukaze Otoemon Rikishi Information