Ichiyamamoto Daiki (Japanese: 一山本 大生; born 1 October 1993 as Daiki Yamamoto (山本 大生, Yamamoto Daiki)) is a Japanese…Ichiyamamoto Daiki (Japanese: 一山本 大生; born 1 October 1993 as Daiki Yamamoto (山本 大生, Yamamoto Daiki)) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Iwanai, Hokkaido. A former amateur wrestler at Chuo University, he made his professional debut in January 2017, reaching the top makuuchi division in July 2021. His highest rank has been maegashira 1. He wrestles for Hanaregoma stable.
Kyokutaisei Takuya (Japanese: 旭大星 託也; born 18 October 1989 as Takuya Ōgushi (大串 拓也, Ōgushi Takuya)) is a Japanese…Kyokutaisei Takuya (Japanese: 旭大星 託也; born 18 October 1989 as Takuya Ōgushi (大串 拓也, Ōgushi Takuya)) is a Japanese former professional sumo wrestler from Asahikawa, Hokkaido. His debut in maezumō was in January 2008, and his first makuuchi division honbasho was the Natsu tournament in May 2018. His highest rank has been maegashira 8. He has one special prize for Fighting Spirit. He was a member of Ōshima stable and retired in December 2024.
Kazusada Higuchi (樋口和貞, Higuchi Kazusada; born October 24, 1988) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler and sumo…Kazusada Higuchi (樋口和貞, Higuchi Kazusada; born October 24, 1988) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler and sumo rikishi (sumo wrestler). He is best known for his time in Japanese professional wrestling promotion DDT Pro-Wrestling (DDT), where he is a two-time KO-D Openweight Champion. As a sumo rikishi, he was known as Hokudōzan (北道山); as a member of the Hakkaku stable, his highest rank was makushita 45. From January 2020 to July 2022, he was a member of Eruption (エラップション, Erappushon; stylized in English text), alongside Yukio Sakaguchi, Saki Akai, and later Hideki Okatani. Amid his departure, he created Harimao (ハリマオ, Harimao) with Naomi Yoshimura and Yuki Ishida. He captured both the KO-D Tag Team and KO-D 6-Man Tag Team titles in his run with both stables. He won the 2022 and 2025 King of DDT tournaments, won the vacant KO-D Openweight Championship in his first 2022 victory, and won the title in the challenge subsequent to the 2025 victory at the King of Kings event. He won the Japan Indie Awards' MVP Award in 2022 for his accomplishments in DDT. His retirement was announced on March 23, 2026, and his retirement ceremony to confirm it will be held on the April 5 DDT Korakuen Hall event.
Tatsuhikari Kumagoro (born Yoshimitsu Ishibashi, 25 October 1969 – February 24, 2011) was a former sumo wrestler from…Tatsuhikari Kumagoro (born Yoshimitsu Ishibashi, 25 October 1969 – February 24, 2011) was a former sumo wrestler from Shari, Hokkaidō, Japan. He made his professional debut in March 1985 and reached the top division in January 1992. His highest rank was maegashira 6. He retired from active competition in March 1999 and died in February 2011.
Kitakachidoki Hayato (born 1 January 1966 as Hayato Kuga) is a former sumo wrestler from Obihiro, Hokkaidō, Japan. He…Kitakachidoki Hayato (born 1 January 1966 as Hayato Kuga) is a former sumo wrestler from Obihiro, Hokkaidō, Japan. He made his professional debut in 1981, and reached the top division in 1989. His highest rank was maegashira 3. After retirement he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association. He took over as head coach at Isenoumi stable, when former head coach Fujinokawa reached mandatory retirement age in September 2011.
Hokutoumi Nobuyoshi (Japanese: 北勝海 信芳; born June 22, 1963 as Nobuyoshi Hoshi (保志 信芳)) is a Japanese former professional…Hokutoumi Nobuyoshi (Japanese: 北勝海 信芳; born June 22, 1963 as Nobuyoshi Hoshi (保志 信芳)) is a Japanese former professional sumo wrestler from Hokkaidō. He was the sport's 61st yokozuna and won eight top division championships. He wrestled for Kokonoe stable. In 1989 he and Chiyonofuji were the first yokozuna stablemates to take part in a play-off for the championship. After a number of injury problems he retired in 1992, and is now the head coach of Hakkaku stable. In November 2015 he was appointed chairman of the Japan Sumo Association, following the death of Kitanoumi, initially to serve until the end of March 2016. He was then elected as head for a full term by his fellow board members in a vote held in March 2016. He was reappointed to a full term as chairman five times, most recently in 2026.
Ōnokuni Yasushi (Japanese: 大乃国 康; born October 9, 1962 as Yasushi Aoki (青木 康)) is a Japanese former professional sumo…Ōnokuni Yasushi (Japanese: 大乃国 康; born October 9, 1962 as Yasushi Aoki (青木 康)) is a Japanese former professional sumo wrestler from Hokkaidō. Making his professional debut in 1978, he reached the top division in 1983. In 1987 he won his first yūshō or tournament championship with a perfect record and became the sport's 62nd yokozuna. However, he was only able to win one more championship before his retirement in 1991. He has remained in sumo as a coach and in 1999 became the head of Shibatayama stable. He was elected to the Japan Sumo Association's board of directors in 2018.
Kinoarashi Kazutoshi (born 9 July 1961 as Kazutoshi Ishiyama) is a former sumo wrestler from Yūbari, Hokkaidō, Japan.…Kinoarashi Kazutoshi (born 9 July 1961 as Kazutoshi Ishiyama) is a former sumo wrestler from Yūbari, Hokkaidō, Japan. He joined professional sumo in 1977 and reached the top makuuchi division in 1982. His highest rank was maegashira 2. He fell to the sandanme division through injury before staging a successful comeback to the top division in 1987. He retired in 1991.
Hokuten'yū Katsuhiko (北天佑 勝彦) (August 8, 1960 – June 23, 2006) was a sumo wrestler, from Muroran, Hokkaido, Japan. The…Hokuten'yū Katsuhiko (北天佑 勝彦) (August 8, 1960 – June 23, 2006) was a sumo wrestler, from Muroran, Hokkaido, Japan. The highest rank he achieved was ōzeki which he held for seven years from 1983 until 1990. He won two top division yūshō or tournament championships. After his retirement as an active wrestler he worked as a sumo coach until his death in 2006 from cancer.
Kotochitose Kosei (born 22 April 1957 as Minoru Yamamoto) is a former sumo wrestler from Chitose, Hokkaidō, Japan. In…Kotochitose Kosei (born 22 April 1957 as Minoru Yamamoto) is a former sumo wrestler from Chitose, Hokkaidō, Japan. In July 1971, he made his professional debut and he reached the top division in May 1981. His highest rank was maegashira 5. He retired from active competition in July 1986. He became a wakaimonogashira (assistant) at Sadogatake stable after his retirement.
Chiyonofuji Mitsugu (Japanese: 千代の富士 貢; June 1, 1955 – July 31, 2016), born Mitsugu Akimoto (秋元 貢, Akimoto Mitsugu)…Chiyonofuji Mitsugu (Japanese: 千代の富士 貢; June 1, 1955 – July 31, 2016), born Mitsugu Akimoto (秋元 貢, Akimoto Mitsugu), was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler and the 58th yokozuna of the sport. Chiyonofuji is considered one of the greatest yokozunas in sumo's history, winning 31 tournament championships (yūshō) at the top division (makuuchi). This was second only to Taihō at the time of Chiyonofuji's retirement. He was particularly remarkable for his longevity in sumo's top rank, which he held for a period of ten years from 1981 to 1991. Promoted at the age of twenty-six after winning his second championship, his performance improved with age, winning more tournaments in his thirties than any other wrestler and dominating the sport in the second half of the 1980s. He finally retired in May 1991, just short of his thirty-sixth birthday. Following his retirement as a wrestler, he became an elder (oyakata) of the Japan Sumo Association and became the Kokonoe-oyakata the following year in 1992, serving as the stable master of Kokonoe stable until his death. During his 21-year professional career, Chiyonofuji set records for most career victories (1045) and most wins in the top makuuchi division (807), earning an entry in the Guinness World Records, although both of these records were later broken by Kaiō. He won the November Kyushu tournament, one of the six annual honbasho, a record eight consecutive years from 1981 until 1988, and also set the record for the longest postwar run of consecutive wins (53 bouts in 1988). That record stood for 22 years until Hakuhō broke it with his 54th straight win in September 2010. In a sport where weight is often regarded as vital, Chiyonofuji was comparatively light at around 120 kg (260 lb), making him the lightest yokozuna since Tochinoumi during the 1950s and 60s; he primarily relied on his muscle and superior technique to defeat his opponents. Chiyonofuji was a popular sumo wrestler who also went by his nickname "The Wolf" (ウルフ, Urufu) due to his muscular build atypical of most other sumo wrestlers, his competitive ferocity, and his appeal as a sex symbol owing to his body and his masculine facial features.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Tamaarashi Kōhei (born Kōhei Narita; August 1, 1941 – February 28, 1993) was a sumo wrestler from Memuro, Hokkaidō…Tamaarashi Kōhei (born Kōhei Narita; August 1, 1941 – February 28, 1993) was a sumo wrestler from Memuro, Hokkaidō, Japan. He made his professional debut in September 1956, and reached the top division in July 1962. His highest rank was maegashira 4. He left the sumo world upon retirement in July 1967.
Masao Kimura (木村 政雄, Kimura Masao; June 30, 1941 – May 24, 2010) was a Japanese professional wrestler, best known by…Masao Kimura (木村 政雄, Kimura Masao; June 30, 1941 – May 24, 2010) was a Japanese professional wrestler, best known by his ring name Rusher Kimura (ラッシャー木村, Rasshā Kimura). He was a five-time IWA World Heavyweight Champion, making him a five-time world champion.
Taihō Kōki (Japanese: 大鵬 幸喜; born Kōki Naya (納谷 幸喜, Naya Kōki), Ukrainian: Іва́н Маркіянович Бори́шко, Ivan…Taihō Kōki (Japanese: 大鵬 幸喜; born Kōki Naya (納谷 幸喜, Naya Kōki), Ukrainian: Іва́н Маркіянович Бори́шко, Ivan Markiyanovych Boryshko; May 29, 1940 – January 19, 2013) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler. He became the 48th yokozuna in 1961 at the age of 21, the youngest ever at the time. Taihō won 32 tournament championships between 1960 and 1971, a record that was unequaled until 2014. His dominance was such that he won six tournaments in a row on two occasions, and he won 45 consecutive matches between 1968 and 1969, which at the time was the best winning streak since Futabayama in the 1930s. He is the only wrestler to win at least one championship every year of his top division career. He was a popular grand champion, especially amongst women and children. After retiring from active competition, he became a sumo coach, although health problems meant he had limited success. Taihō was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2004, and became the first sumo wrestler to be honored as a Person of Cultural Merit by the Japanese government in 2009. When he died in January 2013, he was widely cited as the greatest sumo wrestler of the post-war period.
Daishin Noboru (born August 2, 1937 as Tomeo Nagata; died March 20, 2012) was a sumo wrestler from Oshamambe, Hokkaidō…Daishin Noboru (born August 2, 1937 as Tomeo Nagata; died March 20, 2012) was a sumo wrestler from Oshamambe, Hokkaidō, Japan. His highest rank was maegashira 8. He was an original member of the Miyagino stable founded by yokozuna Yoshibayama. He made his professional debut in May 1956, reaching the top makuuchi division in July 1965. He won the jūryō division championship or yūshō in May 1966. He retired in March 1969.
Hagurohana Toji (born Susumu Chiba; March 28, 1936 - June 3, 1984) was a sumo wrestler from Nishiokoppe, Hokkaidō…Hagurohana Toji (born Susumu Chiba; March 28, 1936 - June 3, 1984) was a sumo wrestler from Nishiokoppe, Hokkaidō, Japan. He made his professional debut in September 1955, and reached the top division in September 1960. He was a prominent member of the top division during the Hakuho era, dominated by Taihō and Kashiwado. Upon retirement from active competition in 1965 at the early age of 29 he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Onaruto and later Tamagaki. He left the Sumo Association in October 1972. He died of cancer in 1984 at the age of 48.
Kitabayama Hidetoshi (17 May 1935 – 20 July 2010) was a former sumo wrestler and coach from Muroran, Hokkaidō, Japan.…Kitabayama Hidetoshi (17 May 1935 – 20 July 2010) was a former sumo wrestler and coach from Muroran, Hokkaidō, Japan. His highest rank was ōzeki.
Ōhikari Sadayuki (September 24, 1927 – January 14, 1996, real name Sadayuki Shibata) was a sumo wrestler and coach from…Ōhikari Sadayuki (September 24, 1927 – January 14, 1996, real name Sadayuki Shibata) was a sumo wrestler and coach from Kamiiso, Hokkaido, Japan. He made his professional debut in January 1944, reaching the top makuuchi division in 1950. His highest rank was komusubi. He was a runner-up in the May 1956 tournament and earned five kinboshi or gold stars for defeating yokozuna during his career. He retired in 1963 and became an elder of the Japan Sumo Association under the name Ōnomatsu Oyakata, working as a coach at Dewanoumi stable. He died in 1996 at the age of 68.
Kitanonada Noboru (February 1, 1923 – January 8, 2002), born Noboru Ogata, was a sumo wrestler from Abashiri, Hokkaido…Kitanonada Noboru (February 1, 1923 – January 8, 2002), born Noboru Ogata, was a sumo wrestler from Abashiri, Hokkaido, Japan. His highest rank was sekiwake. He was ranked in the top makuuchi division from 1950 until 1962 and earned ten gold stars for defeating yokozuna. After his retirement from active competition he was an elder of the Japan Sumo Association and worked as a coach at Tatsunami stable until his mandatory retirement in 1988 upon reaching 65 years of age. He then became a sumo TV commentator.
Yoshibayama Junnosuke (Japanese: 吉葉山 潤之輔; April 3, 1920 – November 26, 1977), real name Ikeda Junnosuke (池田 潤之輔), was a…Yoshibayama Junnosuke (Japanese: 吉葉山 潤之輔; April 3, 1920 – November 26, 1977), real name Ikeda Junnosuke (池田 潤之輔), was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Atsuta District, Hokkaido. He was the sport's 43rd yokozuna. He suffered a number of injuries and only won one tournament championship, but was a popular wrestler. He was a runner-up five times, and earned three special prizes and two gold stars in his top division career. After his retirement in 1958 he revived and led the Miyagino stable until his death in 1977.
Nayoroiwa Shizuo (名寄岩静男, September 27, 1914 – January 26, 1971) was a Japanese sumo wrestler from Nayoro, Hokkaidō…Nayoroiwa Shizuo (名寄岩静男, September 27, 1914 – January 26, 1971) was a Japanese sumo wrestler from Nayoro, Hokkaidō, Japan.
Tachihikari Denemon (Japanese: 太刀光 電右エ門; 29 March 1897 – 15 May 1952) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from…Tachihikari Denemon (Japanese: 太刀光 電右エ門; 29 March 1897 – 15 May 1952) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Mikasa, Hokkaido. His highest rank was ōzeki. He was a member of the Tomozuna and Takasago stable. After retiring in 1927 he was an elder of the Japan Sumo Association under the name of Naruto (鳴戸).