Kotogatake Koichi (born Yoshikazu Takeuchi; 24 September 1952 – 24 February 2024) was a Japanese sumo wrestler from…Kotogatake Koichi (born Yoshikazu Takeuchi; 24 September 1952 – 24 February 2024) was a Japanese sumo wrestler from Teshikaga, Hokkaidō. He made his professional debut in November 1967 and reached the top division in July 1976. His highest rank was maegashira 1. Upon retirement from active competition he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association. He left the Sumo Association in March 1995. Koichi died from heart failure on 24 February 2024, at the age of 71.
Zaōnishiki Toshimasa (3 September 1952 – 9 August 2020), birth name Toshimasa Adachi, was a sumo wrestler from…Zaōnishiki Toshimasa (3 September 1952 – 9 August 2020), birth name Toshimasa Adachi, was a sumo wrestler from Yamagata, Japan. He made his professional debut in September 1970, and reached the top division in November 1976. His highest rank was maegashira 1. He retired in January 1983 and served as an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under several successive names. He reached the retirement age for elders of 65 in September 2017, but stayed with the Sumo Association for an additional two years as a consultant.
Yamaguchi Hisashi (born Hisashi Yamaguchi; April 16, 1952 – October 19, 2010) was a sumo wrestler from Nakatsu Ōita…Yamaguchi Hisashi (born Hisashi Yamaguchi; April 16, 1952 – October 19, 2010) was a sumo wrestler from Nakatsu Ōita, Japan. He made his professional debut in January 1971, won the championship in his only sixth-division tournament, and another in March 1977 winning undefeated in third division. He reached the top division in May 1978, but struggled initially. After winning the second division in November, securing a second re-promotion, he reached his highest rank of maegashira 4 in March 1979. Upon initial promotion he had changed his shikona from his real name to Taniarashi Hisashi. He would drop back to the unsalaried ranks in 1980 Winning out in a rare nine-way playoff, he secured the third-division championship in March 1982, but retired soon after in November 1982. His son is Shun Yamaguchi, a former baseball player.
Dewanohana Yoshitaka (born 13 May 1951 as Soichi Nomura) is a former sumo wrestler from Nakasato, Aomori, Japan. He…Dewanohana Yoshitaka (born 13 May 1951 as Soichi Nomura) is a former sumo wrestler from Nakasato, Aomori, Japan. He made his professional debut in July 1974, and reached the top division in November 1977. His highest rank was sekiwake. He retired in January 1988 and became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Dekiyama. Upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65 in May 2016 he was re-hired by the Sumo Association for five years as a consultant.
Kurosegawa Kuniyuki (born 13 May 1951 as Kensaku Sakai) is a former sumo wrestler from Higashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan.…Kurosegawa Kuniyuki (born 13 May 1951 as Kensaku Sakai) is a former sumo wrestler from Higashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan. He made his professional debut in January 1966, and reached the top division in May 1978. His highest rank was komusubi. He retired in May 1984 and became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Kiriyama. In 1995 he branched out from Isegahama stable and established his own Kiriyama stable, which shut down in 2011. He reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 in May 2016, but was re-hired by the Sumo Association for five years as a consultant. In September 2016 he was re-appointed as a judge of tournament bouts, following the demotion of Kasugayama. He left the Sumo Association upon turning 70 in May 2021.
Banryūyama Takaharu (born Takaharu Taguchi, 4 May 1951) is a former sumo wrestler from Tatsuno, Hyōgo, Japan. He made…Banryūyama Takaharu (born Takaharu Taguchi, 4 May 1951) is a former sumo wrestler from Tatsuno, Hyōgo, Japan. He made his professional debut in November 1966, and reached the top division in March 1975. His highest rank was komusubi. He retired in November 1984 and became an elder of the Japan Sumo Association under the name Matsuchiyama. He worked as a coach at Mihogaseki stable until its closure in 2013 and then moved to Kasugano stable. Upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65 in May 2016 he was re-hired as a consultant for five more years. He left the Sumo Association upon turning 70 in May 2021.
Tamakiyama Masanori (born April 29, 1951 as Masanori Hagio) is a former sumo wrestler from Maebaru, Fukuoka, Japan. He…Tamakiyama Masanori (born April 29, 1951 as Masanori Hagio) is a former sumo wrestler from Maebaru, Fukuoka, Japan. He reached the rank of komusubi in July 1979 and retired in March 1984.
Masudayama Yasuhito (舛田山 靖仁, born 10 April 1951 as Shigeru Masuda) is a former sumo wrestler from Nanao, Ishikawa…Masudayama Yasuhito (舛田山 靖仁, born 10 April 1951 as Shigeru Masuda) is a former sumo wrestler from Nanao, Ishikawa, Japan. He made his professional debut in March 1974, and reached the top division in November 1976. His highest rank was sekiwake. He retired in July 1989 and became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Chiganoura. He was the oldest man in any of the professional sumo divisions at the time of his retirement. He set up Chiganoura stable (now renamed Tokiwayama stable) in 2004 at the age of 53, after he was passed over for the head coach position at Kasugano stable the previous year. He retired upon reaching 65 years of age in April 2016, but was re-employed by his stable as a consultant, which expired upon his 70th birthday in April 2021. He continued to live at the old Chiganoura stable premises after it relocated earlier in 2021.
Hachiya Toshiyuki (蜂矢敏行) (16 November 1950 – 27 January 2001) was a sumo wrestler from Motosu, Gifu, Japan. He made his…Hachiya Toshiyuki (蜂矢敏行) (16 November 1950 – 27 January 2001) was a sumo wrestler from Motosu, Gifu, Japan. He made his professional debut in September 1968. He holds the record jointly with Oshio for the most tournaments fought in the juryo division, at 55. He spent four tournaments in the top makuuchi division, peaking at maegashira 6 in November 1984. At around 108 kg (238 lb) he was one of the lightest sekitori. He retired in 1987 and became an elder of the Japan Sumo Association under the name Onogawa until his death in 2001.
Chiyozakura Teruo (千代櫻 輝夫; born 14 April 1950 as Teruo Saito) is a former sumo wrestler from Imakane, Hokkaidō, Japan.…Chiyozakura Teruo (千代櫻 輝夫; born 14 April 1950 as Teruo Saito) is a former sumo wrestler from Imakane, Hokkaidō, Japan. He made his professional debut in March 1966 and reached the top division in September 1976. His highest rank was maegashira 5. Upon retirement from active competition, he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Fujigane. He left the Sumo Association in March 1979. The wrestler name (shikona) "Chiyozakura" was later used by the jūryō division wrestler Chiyozakura Ukyo from 2010 until 2012.
Daiju Hisateru (born 19 March 1950 as Toshiaki Sakaiya) is a former sumo wrestler from Hokkaidō, Japan. His highest…Daiju Hisateru (born 19 March 1950 as Toshiaki Sakaiya) is a former sumo wrestler from Hokkaidō, Japan. His highest rank was ōzeki, but he held the rank for only five tournaments – fewer than any ōzeki in the modern era until Mitakeumi, who held the rank of ōzeki for only four tournaments in 2022. He won eleven sanshō or special prizes during his top division career which lasted from 1970 to 1977. He was the head coach of Asahiyama stable from 1997 until 2015.
Futatsuryū Jun'ichi (双津竜 順一, born Jun'ichi Yamamoto; February 28, 1950 – August 12, 2014) was a sumo wrestler from…Futatsuryū Jun'ichi (双津竜 順一, born Jun'ichi Yamamoto; February 28, 1950 – August 12, 2014) was a sumo wrestler from Hokkaidō, Japan. After retirement he became the head coach of Tokitsukaze stable. Following his involvement in the hazing and death of trainee Takashi Saito, in October 2007 he became the first serving stablemaster to be dismissed by the Japan Sumo Association. In May 2009 he was sentenced to six years in prison. He died on August 12, 2014, of lung cancer.
Takanohana Kenshi (貴ノ花 健士), born Mitsuru Hanada (花田 満, Hanada Mitsuru; February 19, 1950 – May 30, 2005), was a…Takanohana Kenshi (貴ノ花 健士), born Mitsuru Hanada (花田 満, Hanada Mitsuru; February 19, 1950 – May 30, 2005), was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Hirosaki, Aomori. Making his debut in May 1965, his highest rank was ōzeki, which he reached in November 1972. He then went on to hold the rank for what was then a record fifty tournaments, before retiring in January 1981. He was extremely popular and was nicknamed the "Prince of Sumo" (角界のプリンス, Kakukai no Purinsu) due to his good looks and relatively slim build. He was the younger brother of Wakanohana Kanji I, and the father of Wakanohana Masaru and Takanohana Kōji. After retiring from competition, he coached both of his sons to the rank of yokozuna as head of Futagoyama stable.
Genichiro Shimada (嶋田 源一郎, Shimada Gen'ichirō; born February 2, 1950), better known as Genichiro Tenryu (天龍 源一郎, Tenryū…Genichiro Shimada (嶋田 源一郎, Shimada Gen'ichirō; born February 2, 1950), better known as Genichiro Tenryu (天龍 源一郎, Tenryū Gen'ichirō) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler and professional wrestling promoter. At age 13, he entered sumo wrestling and stayed there for 13 years, after which he turned to Western-style professional wrestling. "Tenryu" was his shikona. He had two stints with All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), where he spent the majority of his career while also promoting Super World of Sports (SWS), Wrestle Association R (WAR) and Tenryu Project. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. At the time of his retirement, professional wrestling journalist and historian Dave Meltzer wrote that "one could make a strong case [that Tenryu was] between the fourth and sixth biggest native star" in the history of Japanese professional wrestling.
Taiga Satoru, born Satoshi Kawasaki (January 3, 1950 – July 16, 2009), was a sumo wrestler from Kanoya, Kagoshima…Taiga Satoru, born Satoshi Kawasaki (January 3, 1950 – July 16, 2009), was a sumo wrestler from Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan. He made his professional debut in March 1965, and reached the top division in July 1969. His highest rank was maegashira 1. He left the sumo world upon retirement in May 1977.
Arase Nagahide (荒勢 永英; 20 June 1949 – 11 August 2008), real name Arase Hideo (荒瀬 英生) was a sumo wrestler from Ino…Arase Nagahide (荒勢 永英; 20 June 1949 – 11 August 2008), real name Arase Hideo (荒瀬 英生) was a sumo wrestler from Ino, Agawa District, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan. His highest rank was sekiwake. After his retirement in 1981 he became a television personality and ran unsuccessfully for political office.
Yoshioyama Osamu (born 20 May 1949 as Osamu Yoshimura) is a former sumo wrestler from Yatsushiro, Kumamoto, Japan. He…Yoshioyama Osamu (born 20 May 1949 as Osamu Yoshimura) is a former sumo wrestler from Yatsushiro, Kumamoto, Japan. He made his professional debut in March 1965 and reached the top division in November 1969. His highest rank was maegashira 2. Upon retirement from active competition he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Onogawa. He left the Sumo Association in January 1977.
Yoshinotani Akitoshi (born Sakuri Yoshitani; April 23, 1949 – January 14, 2000) was a sumo wrestler from Miiraku…Yoshinotani Akitoshi (born Sakuri Yoshitani; April 23, 1949 – January 14, 2000) was a sumo wrestler from Miiraku, Nagasaki, Japan. He made his professional debut in May 1965 and reached the top division in January 1974. His shikona was adapted from own surname of Yoshitani after he had previously used Utonoyama. His highest rank was maegashira 4 and he fought in seven top division tournaments, although he struggled with a persistent elbow injury. He was one of the smallest sekitori, weighing less than 100kg for much of his career. He was a contemporary of Washuyama, another small wrestler from Dewanoumi stable. He won the jūryō division championship in September 1973 with an 11–4 record, despite losing his last three matches. In May 1978 he inflicted the first defeat of future ōzeki Asashio's career to secure his majority of wins on the final day of the tournament. His final tournament as a sekitori was in November 1978. He fought in 102 tournaments in total, 27 as a sekitori, with no bouts missed and 930 career matches. Upon retirement from active competition in May 1982 he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under a series of different names, since he didn't own a toshiyori-kabu of his own. He died while active as Onaruto-oyakata of multiple organ failure in January 2000, having been ill for several months.
Kongō Masahiro (18 November 1948 - 12 August 2014) was a former sumo wrestler from Hokkaidō, Japan. His highest rank…Kongō Masahiro (18 November 1948 - 12 August 2014) was a former sumo wrestler from Hokkaidō, Japan. His highest rank was sekiwake and he won a top division tournament championship in 1975. He was a sumo coach and head of the Nishonoseki stable from 1976 until 2013.
Masuiyama Daishirō (16 November 1948 – 15 June 2025) was a Japanese sumo wrestler and coach from Hyōgo. In 1980, he…Masuiyama Daishirō (16 November 1948 – 15 June 2025) was a Japanese sumo wrestler and coach from Hyōgo. In 1980, he became the oldest wrestler to be promoted to the rank of ōzeki in the modern era (since 1958). After retiring from active competition in 1981 he became a sumo coach and an elder of the Japan Sumo Association under the name Mihogaseki and produced several top-division wrestlers as head of Mihogaseki stable. In 2013, he stepping down from the stable at age 65. He was also an enka musician.
Aobajō Yukio (Japanese: 青葉城 幸雄; born 14 November 1948 as Yukio Shōji (庄司 幸雄)) is a Japanese former professional sumo…Aobajō Yukio (Japanese: 青葉城 幸雄; born 14 November 1948 as Yukio Shōji (庄司 幸雄)) is a Japanese former professional sumo wrestler from Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. He did not miss a single bout in his 22-year professional career, and held the record for the most consecutive matches fought, at 1,630, until September 10, 2024, when Tamawashi Ichirō broke the record. After his retirement from active competition, he served as an elder of the Japan Sumo Association and worked as a coach.
Kurohimeyama Hideo (12 November 1948 – 25 April 2019), born as Hideo Tanaka, was a sumo wrestler from Ōmi, Niigata…Kurohimeyama Hideo (12 November 1948 – 25 April 2019), born as Hideo Tanaka, was a sumo wrestler from Ōmi, Niigata, Japan.
Kazuo Sakurada (桜田 一男, Sakurada Kazuo; September 26, 1948 – January 12, 2020), better known as Mr. Sakurada, The…Kazuo Sakurada (桜田 一男, Sakurada Kazuo; September 26, 1948 – January 12, 2020), better known as Mr. Sakurada, The Dragonmaster, and as the Japanese version of Kendo Nagasaki (ケンドー・ナガサキ, Kendō Nagasaki), was a Japanese professional wrestler. He was best known for his work in Stampede Wrestling, National Wrestling Alliance, and World Championship Wrestling. Sakurada was also highly regarded by Bret Hart as one of his most significant trainers alongside Katsui Adachi or Mr. Hito, with whom he taught extensively in Hart Dungeon.
Kitaseumi Hiromitsu (Japanese: 北瀬海 弘光; July 2, 1948 – July 26, 2026), born Takashi Tsuchiya (土谷 孝), was a Japanese sumo…Kitaseumi Hiromitsu (Japanese: 北瀬海 弘光; July 2, 1948 – July 26, 2026), born Takashi Tsuchiya (土谷 孝), was a Japanese sumo wrestler from Kitahiyama, Hokkaidō. He made his professional debut in July 1964, and reached the top division in March 1972. His highest rank was sekiwake. He retired in May 1979 and was an active elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name "Kimigahama". As Kimigahama he first coached at Kokonoe stable, but in 1993, moved to Hakkaku stable when it was started up by former Kokonoe wrestler Hokutoumi (the 61st Yokozuna). He reached the Sumo Association's mandatory retirement age of 65 in July 2013. The Kimigahama toshiyori-kabu (or elder name) was acquired by Hakkaku wrestler Okinoumi in October 2013. Hiromitsu died at a hospital in Tokyo, on July 26, 2026, at the age of 78.
Asanobori Toshimitsu (born 3 June 1948 as Toshiaki Shimofuri) is a former sumo wrestler from Yubari, Hokkaidō, Japan.…Asanobori Toshimitsu (born 3 June 1948 as Toshiaki Shimofuri) is a former sumo wrestler from Yubari, Hokkaidō, Japan. He made his professional debut in July 1963 and reached the top division in March 1969. His highest rank was maegashira 2. Upon retirement from active competition he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association. He left the Sumo Association in June 1979.
Kaiketsu Masateru (Japanese: 魁傑 將晃, born Teruyuki Nishimori; February 16, 1948 – May 18, 2014) was a Japanese sumo…Kaiketsu Masateru (Japanese: 魁傑 將晃, born Teruyuki Nishimori; February 16, 1948 – May 18, 2014) was a Japanese sumo wrestler, who reached the second highest rank of ōzeki on two occasions. He also won two top division tournament championships. After his retirement in 1979 he became a coach under the name of Hanaregoma-oyakata and established Hanaregoma stable. He was also chairman of the Japan Sumo Association from 2010 to 2012.
Mienoumi Tsuyoshi (Japanese: 三重ノ海 剛司, Hepburn: Mienoumi Tsuyoshi; born February 4, 1948 as Gorō Ishiyama (石山五郎…Mienoumi Tsuyoshi (Japanese: 三重ノ海 剛司, Hepburn: Mienoumi Tsuyoshi; born February 4, 1948 as Gorō Ishiyama (石山五郎, Ishiyama Gorō)) is a Japanese former professional sumo wrestler from Matsusaka, Mie. He was the 57th yokozuna of the sport. After retiring he founded the Musashigawa stable and was a chairman of the Japan Sumo Association. He was the first rikishi in history who was demoted from the rank of Ozeki but still managed the promotion to Yokozuna.
Hiroshi Wajima (Japanese: 輪島大士, Hepburn: Wajima Hiroshi; 11 January 1948 – 8 October 2018) was a Japanese sumo and…Hiroshi Wajima (Japanese: 輪島大士, Hepburn: Wajima Hiroshi; 11 January 1948 – 8 October 2018) was a Japanese sumo and professional wrestler. Born in Nanao, Ishikawa, he was the sport's 54th yokozuna and is the first wrestler with a collegiate background to reach its highest rank. Entering professional sumo in January 1970, he won a total of 14 tournament championships or yūshō during his career before retiring in March 1981. He was nicknamed "Golden Left" (黄金の左, Ōgon no Hidari) in reference to his trademark gold mawashi and his preferred technique of a left-handed underarm throw. He was later head coach of Hanakago stable, but after several controversies, Wajima was forced to leave the sumo world and turned to professional wrestling, retiring in 1988.
Ōshio Kenji (born Kenji Hatano; 4 January 1948 – 25 May 2024) was a Japanese sumo wrestler from Kitakyushu. His highest…Ōshio Kenji (born Kenji Hatano; 4 January 1948 – 25 May 2024) was a Japanese sumo wrestler from Kitakyushu. His highest rank was komusubi. His career lasted twenty-six years, from 1962 until 1988, and he holds the record for the most bouts contested in professional sumo. After his retirement at the age of 40 he became an elder of the Japan Sumo Association and set up Shikihide stable in 1992. He left the Sumo Association upon turning 65 in 2013. He died in 2024.
Teruzakura Hiroyuki (born 5 December 1947 as Hiroyuki Ozaki) is a former sumo wrestler from Minoo, Osaka, Japan. He…Teruzakura Hiroyuki (born 5 December 1947 as Hiroyuki Ozaki) is a former sumo wrestler from Minoo, Osaka, Japan. He made his professional debut in May 1964, and reached the top division in July 1970. He fought for five tournaments in the top division and his highest rank was maegashira 7. He retired in January 1976 and became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Urakaze, working as a coach at Isegahama stable, Kiriyama stable and Asahiyama stable until reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65 in December 2012. The Urakaze name is now held by former maegashira Shikishima.
Yutakayama Hiromitsu (豊山広光; (22 October 1947 – 19 September 2020), born Hiromitsu Nagahama (長濱廣光, Nagahama Hiromitsu))…Yutakayama Hiromitsu (豊山広光; (22 October 1947 – 19 September 2020), born Hiromitsu Nagahama (長濱廣光, Nagahama Hiromitsu)) was a sumo wrestler from Shibata, Niigata, Japan. A former amateur champion, he turned professional in 1970. His highest rank was komusubi. He wrestled for Tokitsukaze stable and took his shikona or fighting name from the head coach who recruited him, former ozeki Yutakayama Katsuo. After his retirement in 1981 he became an elder of the Japan Sumo Association, and founded the Minato stable which he led from 1982 until 2010. He died of pancreatic cancer in 2020.
Tochiisami Yoshiharu (born 2 October 1947 as Tetsuo Abe) is a former sumo wrestler from Inakadate, Aomori, Japan. He…Tochiisami Yoshiharu (born 2 October 1947 as Tetsuo Abe) is a former sumo wrestler from Inakadate, Aomori, Japan. He made his professional debut in March 1963, and reached the top division in July 1969. His highest rank was maegashira 7. He retired in November 1979 and became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Iwatomo. He reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 in October 2012. The Iwatomo name is now owned by former maegashira Kimurayama, also of the Kasugano stable.
Tomotsugu Kutsuwada (轡田 友継, Kutsuwada Tomotsugu; May 1, 1947 – October 12, 2004) was a Japanese professional wrestler…Tomotsugu Kutsuwada (轡田 友継, Kutsuwada Tomotsugu; May 1, 1947 – October 12, 2004) was a Japanese professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Samson Kutsuwada (サムソン・クツワダ, Samuson Kutsuwada).
Masashi Ozawa (小沢 正志, Ozawa Masashi; March 6, 1947 – December 29, 2023) was a Japanese professional wrestler. Popularly…Masashi Ozawa (小沢 正志, Ozawa Masashi; March 6, 1947 – December 29, 2023) was a Japanese professional wrestler. Popularly known as Killer Khan, he was billed from Mongolia and had numerous high-profile matches with André the Giant in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during the 1980s, including a high-profile "Mongolian stretcher match". Khan used Asian mist against opponents.
Fujinokawa Takeo (born 26 September 1946 as Takeo Morita) is a former sumo wrestler from Otofuke, Hokkaido, Japan. He…Fujinokawa Takeo (born 26 September 1946 as Takeo Morita) is a former sumo wrestler from Otofuke, Hokkaido, Japan. He made his professional debut in May 1961 and reached a highest rank of sekiwake in May 1967. He was a runner-up in two top division (makuuchi) tournaments, finishing three wins behind Tamanoshima in May 1968 and losing a playoff to ozeki Kiyokuni in July 1969. He earned four kinboshi for defeating yokozuna and won seven special prizes. After his retirement in 1972 at the age of 26 he became an elder of the Japan Sumo Association and took over as head coach of Isenoumi stable in 1982. He left the Sumo Association in 2011 upon reaching 65 years of age.
Tomojiro Toda (30 June 1946 – 23 October 2016), known as Haguroiwa Tomomi, was a sumo wrestler from Nobeoka, Miyazaki…Tomojiro Toda (30 June 1946 – 23 October 2016), known as Haguroiwa Tomomi, was a sumo wrestler from Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan. He made his professional debut in May 1961, and reached the top division in January 1967. His highest rank was komusubi. He withdrew from active competition in January 1978 and remained in the Japan Sumo Association as an elder under the name Ikazuchi. He reached the mandatory retirement age of 65, and left the Sumo Association in June 2011.
Tochifuji Katsutake (born Haruo Kogure; June 8, 1946 – April 28, 2003) was a sumo wrestler from Kumagaya, Saitama…Tochifuji Katsutake (born Haruo Kogure; June 8, 1946 – April 28, 2003) was a sumo wrestler from Kumagaya, Saitama, Japan. He made his professional debut in May 1961, and reached the top division in September 1968. Upon retirement from active competition he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Yamawake. He coached at Kasugano-beya until 1990, when he joined Tamanoi-oyakata, who branched out to form Tamanoi-beya. He died on April 28, 2003, due to a myocardial infarction
Dairyūgawa Kazuo (born 21 January 1946 as Kazuo Wada) is a former sumo wrestler from Kakogawa, Hyōgo, Japan. He made…Dairyūgawa Kazuo (born 21 January 1946 as Kazuo Wada) is a former sumo wrestler from Kakogawa, Hyōgo, Japan. He made his professional debut in January 1961 and reached the top division in September 1968. His highest rank was maegashira 1. Upon retirement from active competition, he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association, under the name Kiyomigata. He reached the Sumo Association's mandatory retirement age in January 2011.
Wakanoumi Masateru II (born Akio Matsuda; October 25, 1945 – March 31, 1995) was a sumo wrestler from Ōhasama, Iwate…Wakanoumi Masateru II (born Akio Matsuda; October 25, 1945 – March 31, 1995) was a sumo wrestler from Ōhasama, Iwate, Japan.
Maenoyama Tarō (前の山 太郎; born as Kazuichi Kaneshima (金島和一, Kaneshima Kazuichi), 9 March 1945 – 11 March 2021) was a sumo…Maenoyama Tarō (前の山 太郎; born as Kazuichi Kaneshima (金島和一, Kaneshima Kazuichi), 9 March 1945 – 11 March 2021) was a sumo wrestler from Osaka Prefecture, Japan. He began his career in 1961, reaching the top makuuchi division in 1966. His highest rank was ōzeki which he held from 1970 until 1972. He retired in 1974 and became head coach of the Takadagawa stable. He left the Sumo Association in 2010 upon turning 65.
Tochiazuma Tomoyori (born 3 September 1944 as Hayao Shiga) is a former sumo wrestler from Sōma, Fukushima Prefecture…Tochiazuma Tomoyori (born 3 September 1944 as Hayao Shiga) is a former sumo wrestler from Sōma, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. His highest rank was sekiwake, which he held for one tournament in 1970. He won the top division championship in January 1972. After retirement he worked as a coach at his stable, Kasugano, until 1990 when he set up his own Tamanoi stable. He is the father of the former ōzeki Tochiazuma Daisuke, and upon his retirement as a coach in 2009 his son took over from him.
Hasegawa Katsutoshi (20 July 1944 – 31 May 2026) was a Japanese sumo wrestler from Kurisawa, Hokkaido (now a part of…Hasegawa Katsutoshi (20 July 1944 – 31 May 2026) was a Japanese sumo wrestler from Kurisawa, Hokkaido (now a part of Iwamizawa city). He began his professional career in 1960 and reached the top division in 1965. Hasegawa won eight special prizes for his achievements in tournaments and earned nine gold stars for defeating yokozuna. He won a tournament championship or yūshō in 1972 and was a runner-up in two other tournaments. His highest rank was sekiwake. Hasegawa retired in 1976 and became an elder of the Japan Sumo Association, working as a coach at Sadogatake stable until his retirement in 2009.
Tokibayama Toshio (born Toshio Haruki; May 5, 1944 - September 20, 1995) was a sumo wrestler from Nanao, Ishikawa…Tokibayama Toshio (born Toshio Haruki; May 5, 1944 - September 20, 1995) was a sumo wrestler from Nanao, Ishikawa, Japan. He made his professional debut in May 1961, and reached the top division in September 1967. Upon retirement from active competition he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Fujigane. He died while an active oyakata.
Tamanoumi Masahiro (Japanese: 玉の海 正洋; February 5, 1944 – October 11, 1971) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler…Tamanoumi Masahiro (Japanese: 玉の海 正洋; February 5, 1944 – October 11, 1971) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Aichi. He was the sport's 51st yokozuna. Making his professional debut in 1959, he reached the top makuuchi division in 1964. He won six tournament championships and was runner-up in 12 others. Earlier in his career he also earned six special prizes and four gold stars. He was promoted to yokozuna simultaneously with his friend and rival Kitanofuji in January 1970 and the two men represented the dawning of a new era after the dominance of Taihō. He died suddenly in October 1971 after a delayed appendectomy.
Shiratayama Hidetoshi (born 25 December 1943 as Hidetoshi Shirata) is a former sumo wrestler from Kagami, Kumamoto…Shiratayama Hidetoshi (born 25 December 1943 as Hidetoshi Shirata) is a former sumo wrestler from Kagami, Kumamoto, Japan. He made his professional debut in September July 1959 and reached the top division in March 1971. His highest rank was maegashira 4. Upon retirement from active competition he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association, under the name Tanigawa. He reached the Sumo Association's mandatory retirement age in December 2008.
Futagodake Takeshi (Japanese: 二子岳 武; born Takeshi Yamanaka (山中 武), November 15, 1943 – September 10, 2026) was a…Futagodake Takeshi (Japanese: 二子岳 武; born Takeshi Yamanaka (山中 武), November 15, 1943 – September 10, 2026) was a Japanese sumo wrestler from Kanagi, Aomori. He made his professional debut in January 1961, and reached the top division in January 1967. His highest rank was komusubi. He retired in September 1976 and became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association. In 1993 he branched out from Futagoyama stable and opened up Araiso stable. Araiso stable folded when Futagodake reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 in November 2008. In September 1974, his 11th day match with yokozuna Mienoumi was declared a draw (hikiwake) after multiple water breaks (mizu-iri) and a rematch (torinaoshi) failed to yield any progress. This was the first draw to be called in makuuchi since September 1963, and to date stands as the last such occurrence. Futagodake died from hepatocellular carcinoma on September 10, 2026, at the age of 82. The Japan Sumo Association announced his death on September 13.
Asaarashi Daizaburō (Japanese: 朝嵐 大三郎; 8 July 1943 – 2 April 2023), born Junji Sasaki (笹木 淳二, Sasaki Junji), was a…Asaarashi Daizaburō (Japanese: 朝嵐 大三郎; 8 July 1943 – 2 April 2023), born Junji Sasaki (笹木 淳二, Sasaki Junji), was a former sumo wrestler from Higashiyodogawa, Osaka, Japan. He made his professional debut in March 1959, and reached the top division in May 1969. His highest rank was maegashira 12. Upon retirement from active competition, he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association, under the name Takadagawa. He later acquired the Furiwake name (used afterward by Takamisakari and Hōchiyama) and reached the Sumo Association's mandatory retirement age in July 2008. Asaarashi died of a heart attack on 2 April 2023 at the age of 79.
Wakamiyama Kōhei (born 16 April 1943 as Toshihiko Kumano) is a former sumo wrestler from Toyama City, Japan. He made…Wakamiyama Kōhei (born 16 April 1943 as Toshihiko Kumano) is a former sumo wrestler from Toyama City, Japan. He made his professional debut in November 1957, and reached the top division in January 1964. His highest rank was sekiwake. He retired in November 1969.
Katsuhikari Toshio (born Toshio Sugiura; 9 August 1942 – 1 January 2018) was a Japanese sumo wrestler. He made his…Katsuhikari Toshio (born Toshio Sugiura; 9 August 1942 – 1 January 2018) was a Japanese sumo wrestler. He made his professional debut in November 1958 and reached the top division in September 1969. His highest rank was maegashira 1. Upon retirement from active competition he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Wakafuji. He reached the Sumo Association's mandatory retirement age in August 2007. He died from cancer of the bile duct on 1 January 2018 aged 75.
Kōtetsuyama Toyoya (高鉄山 豊也) (July 9, 1942 – April 14, 1996), born Kōnoshin Suga (菅 孝之進, Suga Kōnoshin), was a sumo…Kōtetsuyama Toyoya (高鉄山 豊也) (July 9, 1942 – April 14, 1996), born Kōnoshin Suga (菅 孝之進, Suga Kōnoshin), was a sumo wrestler from Otaru, Hokkaidō, Japan. His highest rank was sekiwake. After his retirement he became an elder of the Japan Sumo Association and the head coach of Onaruto stable.
