Takerufuji Mikiya (Japanese: 尊富士 弥輝也; born April 9, 1999, as Mikiya Ishioka (石岡 弥輝也, Ishioka Mikiya)) is a Japanese…
Takerufuji Mikiya (Japanese: 尊富士 弥輝也; born April 9, 1999, as Mikiya Ishioka (石岡 弥輝也, Ishioka Mikiya)) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Goshogawara, Aomori Prefecture. His highest rank is maegashira 4. Recognised as a wrestler of great potential, he stood out in 2024 by earning promotion straight into sumo's top division (makuuchi) after just one tournament in the second-highest jūryō division. In March 2024, he became the first wrestler in 110 years to win the championship in his inaugural top division tournament.
Famous People from Aomori Prefecture
Aomori Prefecture: 35 people
Hiyori Kon (Japanese: 今 日和) is a Japanese amateur sumo wrestler, who is known for advocating for equal rights for women…
Hiyori Kon (Japanese: 今 日和) is a Japanese amateur sumo wrestler, who is known for advocating for equal rights for women to compete professionally in Japan. She has been included in the BBC's list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2019.
Ōnoshō Fumiya (Japanese: 阿武咲 奎也; born July 4, 1996, as Fumiya Utetsu (打越 奎也, Utetsu Fumiya)) is a Japanese retired…
Ōnoshō Fumiya (Japanese: 阿武咲 奎也; born July 4, 1996, as Fumiya Utetsu (打越 奎也, Utetsu Fumiya)) is a Japanese retired professional sumo wrestler from Nakadomari, Aomori Prefecture. He debuted in professional sumo in January 2013 for Ōnomatsu stable and made his top division debut in May 2017. He won one championship in the second-highest jūryō division and four special prizes in his career, as well as two gold stars for defeating a yokozuna while ranked as a maegashira. His highest rank was komusubi.
Takarafuji Daisuke (Japanese: 宝富士 大輔; born February 18, 1987 as Daisuke Sugiyama (杉山 大輔, Sugiyama Daisuke)) is a former…
Takarafuji Daisuke (Japanese: 宝富士 大輔; born February 18, 1987 as Daisuke Sugiyama (杉山 大輔, Sugiyama Daisuke)) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler. He made his professional debut in January 2009, reaching the top makuuchi division in July 2011. He wrestled for the Isegahama Stable. The highest rank he reached was sekiwake. He did not miss a bout in his career.
Homarefuji Yoshiyuki (誉富士 歓之; born 6 May 1985 as Yoshiyuki Miura) is a retired professional sumo wrestler from the town…
Homarefuji Yoshiyuki (誉富士 歓之; born 6 May 1985 as Yoshiyuki Miura) is a retired professional sumo wrestler from the town of Ajigasawa in Aomori prefecture, Japan. A former amateur champion, he made his professional debut in January 2008 and wrestled for Isegahama stable, one of the more successful stables in sumo today. He reached the top makuuchi division for the first time in May 2013. His highest rank was maegashira 6. He retired in 2019 to become an elder of the Japan Sumo Association under the name Tateyama.
Masatsukasa Kōshin (born 7 June 1984 as Masahito Ono) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori Prefecture, Japan. His…
Masatsukasa Kōshin (born 7 June 1984 as Masahito Ono) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori Prefecture, Japan. His highest rank was maegashira 8. He was forced to retire in April 2011 after an investigation by the Japan Sumo Association found him guilty of match-fixing.
Hōchiyama Kōkan (born January 18, 1982, as Yukimi Munakata) is a former sumo wrestler from Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture…
Hōchiyama Kōkan (born January 18, 1982, as Yukimi Munakata) is a former sumo wrestler from Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. He joined professional sumo in 2000. His highest rank was maegashira 14, achieved in 2006. After illness saw him demoted to the third makushita division in 2008, he returned to the second highest jūryō division in 2010 and the top makuuchi division in September 2011. After winning the sandanme division he had just been demoted to in November 2013, he chose to retire. He is now a coach at Sakaigawa stable under the name of Tatsutagawa (立田川).
Aminishiki Ryūji (born October 3, 1978, as Ryūji Suginomori) is a retired Japanese sumo wrestler and the oyakata of the…
Aminishiki Ryūji (born October 3, 1978, as Ryūji Suginomori) is a retired Japanese sumo wrestler and the oyakata of the Ajigawa stable. He made his professional debut in 1997 and reached the top makuuchi division in 2000. He earned twelve special prizes and won eight kinboshi or gold stars for defeating yokozuna. He was twice runner-up in a tournament. The highest rank he reached was sekiwake. After more than 22 years as an active wrestler he retired in July 2019 at the age of 40. He is in the all-time top ten for a number of sumo records, including most career wins, most top division appearances and most tournaments ranked in the top division. He wrestled for Isegahama stable.
Jūmonji Tomokazu (born 9 June 1976) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Japan. Joining the professional ranks in…
Jūmonji Tomokazu (born 9 June 1976) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Japan. Joining the professional ranks in 1992, he reached the top division in 2000 and was ranked there for 34 tournaments until 2007. His highest rank was maegashira 6. He was forced to retire in April 2011 after an investigation by the Japan Sumo Association found him guilty of match-fixing.
Bushūyama Takashi (武州山 隆士; born May 21, 1976) is a Japanese former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Aomori Prefecture. He…
Bushūyama Takashi (武州山 隆士; born May 21, 1976) is a Japanese former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Aomori Prefecture. He made his professional debut in January 1999. At the age of 32, he was promoted to the top makuuchi division in the November 2008 tournament. His highest rank was maegashira 3. He is now a sumo coach.
Takamisakari Seiken (born May 12, 1976 as Seiken Katō) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori Prefecture, Japan. A…
Takamisakari Seiken (born May 12, 1976 as Seiken Katō) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori Prefecture, Japan. A former amateur champion, he turned professional in 1999 and established himself in the top division in 2002 after a brief appearance in 2000. He received five special prizes for his achievements in tournaments and earned two gold stars for defeating yokozuna. The highest rank he reached was komusubi, which he held on two occasions. He was one of the most popular wrestlers in sumo in his time, largely due to his eccentric warm-ups before his matches. He retired in January 2013 to become a coach at Azumazeki stable, having taken the toshiyori-kabu Furiwake-oyakata. In January 2020 he became head coach of Azumazeki stable, following the death of the former Ushiomaru.
Iwakiyama Ryūta (born March 2, 1976, as Ryūta Tsushima in Aomori Prefecture, Japan), is a former sumo wrestler. A…
Iwakiyama Ryūta (born March 2, 1976, as Ryūta Tsushima in Aomori Prefecture, Japan), is a former sumo wrestler. A former amateur sumo champion, he turned professional in 2000 and reached the top division at the end of 2002. The highest rank he reached was komusubi. He was a runner-up in one tournament and earned two special prizes in his career. After his retirement in 2010 he became an elder of the Japan Sumo Association under the name Sekinoto.
Asōfuji Seiya (born January 17, 1976, as Kiyotoshi Suginomori) is a retired sumo wrestler from Fukaura, Nishitsugaru…
Asōfuji Seiya (born January 17, 1976, as Kiyotoshi Suginomori) is a retired sumo wrestler from Fukaura, Nishitsugaru, Aomori, Japan. His highest rank was maegashira 13. He is the elder brother of Aminishiki.
Hayateumi Hidehito (born July 5, 1975 as Naohito Saitō) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Japan. His highest rank…
Hayateumi Hidehito (born July 5, 1975 as Naohito Saitō) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Japan. His highest rank was sekiwake. He is now a Liberal Democratic Party politician.
Kaihō Ryōji (born April 17, 1973 as Ryōji Kumagaya) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Japan. His highest rank was…
Kaihō Ryōji (born April 17, 1973 as Ryōji Kumagaya) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Japan. His highest rank was komusubi. An amateur champion at Nihon University, he entered professional sumo in 1996. He was one of the lightest sekitori wrestlers in recent years. He won two special prizes for Technique. He retired from active competition in 2010 and became a coach, but in April 2011 he was asked to resign from the Japan Sumo Association after being found guilty of match-fixing.
Takanonami Sadahiro (born Sadahiro Namioka October 27, 1971 – June 20, 2015) was a Japanese sumo wrestler and coach…
Takanonami Sadahiro (born Sadahiro Namioka October 27, 1971 – June 20, 2015) was a Japanese sumo wrestler and coach from Aomori. He held sumo's second highest rank of ōzeki from 1994 until 2000. He won two tournament championships, and was a runner-up in eight others. He was a sumo coach from his retirement in 2004 until his death in 2015 at the age of 43.
Naminohana Kazutaka (born 19 March 1969 as Kazuhiro Kudo) is a former sumo wrestler from Namioka, Aomori, Japan. He was…
Naminohana Kazutaka (born 19 March 1969 as Kazuhiro Kudo) is a former sumo wrestler from Namioka, Aomori, Japan. He was active from 1984 until 1997 and his highest rank was komusubi. He fought for Futagoyama stable and won one special prize for Fighting Spirit. After retiring at age 28 because of injury he went into the restaurant business.
Mainoumi Shūhei (born 17 February 1968 as Shūhei Nagao) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Japan. His highest rank…
Mainoumi Shūhei (born 17 February 1968 as Shūhei Nagao) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Japan. His highest rank was komusubi. During the 1990s, he was one of the most popular wrestlers in sumo due to his wide variety of techniques and great fighting spirit in battling opponents nearly twice his size.
Asahifuji Seiya (旭富士 正也; born Seiya Suginomori (杉野森 正也) on July 6, 1960) is a Japanese former professional sumo…
Asahifuji Seiya (旭富士 正也; born Seiya Suginomori (杉野森 正也) on July 6, 1960) is a Japanese former professional sumo wrestler from Aomori. He joined professional sumo in 1981, reaching the top makuuchi division just two years later. He reached the second highest rank of ōzeki in 1987 and became the 63rd yokozuna in the history of the sport in 1990 at the age of 30. He won four tournaments and was a runner-up on nine other occasions. He retired in 1992 and was the stablemaster of Isegahama stable from 1993 until 2025. As a coach he has produced two yokozuna, Harumafuji and Terunofuji.
Misugiiso Takuya (born 11 May 1956 as Hidenori Kamisawa) is a former sumo wrestler from Hachinohe, Aomori, Japan. He…
Misugiiso Takuya (born 11 May 1956 as Hidenori Kamisawa) is a former sumo wrestler from Hachinohe, Aomori, Japan. He made his professional debut in March 1971, and reached the top division in November 1977. His highest rank was maegashira 2. He was a member of Hanakago stable and served as sword-bearer to his stablemate Wajima during the yokozuna dohyo-iri. He retired in September 1986, and as of 2021 he is an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Minezaki. He was the head coach of Minezaki stable which he founded in 1988 until its closure in 2021. He speaks English due to his frequent trips to Hawaii. He is married with one son. After reaching 65 years of age in May 2021 he was re-employed for a further five years as a consultant and is currently working at Shibatayama stable. Nicknamed "Drone master", Misugiiso is known for his passion for drones piloting his own machines and having accumulated over 280 hours of flight handling. In December 2021, he was asked by the Japan Sumo Association to collaborate on an aerial photography project of the Ryōgoku Kokugikan.
Taikō Yoshio (born 30 October 1953 as Yoshio Yokoyama) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Japan. He made his…
Taikō Yoshio (born 30 October 1953 as Yoshio Yokoyama) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Japan. He made his professional debut in November 1968, and reached the top division in May 1978. His highest rank was maegashira 2. He left the sumo world upon retirement in November 1980.
Wakanohana Kanji (Japanese: 若乃花 幹士; 3 April 1953 — 16 July 2022) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ōwani…
Wakanohana Kanji (Japanese: 若乃花 幹士; 3 April 1953 — 16 July 2022) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ōwani, Aomori. He was the sport's 56th yokozuna. He was popular with sumo fans and was well-known for his rivalry with Kitanoumi. After retirement, he became the head coach of Magaki stable. Due to poor health, he left the Japan Sumo Association in December 2013. He died of lung cancer in July 2022 at the age of 69.
Takanosato Toshihide (Japanese: 隆の里 俊英; September 29, 1952 – November 7, 2011), real name Toshihide Takaya (高谷 俊英), was…
Takanosato Toshihide (Japanese: 隆の里 俊英; September 29, 1952 – November 7, 2011), real name Toshihide Takaya (高谷 俊英), was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Namioka, Aomori. He was the sport's 59th yokozuna from 1983 to 1986 and won four top division tournament championships. After retirement he established Naruto stable which he ran from 1989 until his death.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Futagoryu Isao (born 16 November 1941 as Isao Omura) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Japan. He made his…
Futagoryu Isao (born 16 November 1941 as Isao Omura) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Japan. He made his professional debut in September 1960 and reached the top division in January 1969. His highest rank was maegashira 5. He retired in March 1971.
Oiteyama Hirokuni, born Mitsugu Yamaguchi (16 June 1938 – 2 January 2014), was a sumo wrestler from Goshogawara…
Oiteyama Hirokuni, born Mitsugu Yamaguchi (16 June 1938 – 2 January 2014), was a sumo wrestler from Goshogawara, Aomori, Japan. He made his professional debut in May 1953 and reached the top division in May 1960. His highest rank was maegashira 6. Upon retirement from active competition he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association. He reached the Sumo Association's mandatory retirement age of 65 in June 2003.
Tochinoumi Teruyoshi (Japanese: 栃ノ海 晃嘉; born Shigehiro Hanada (花田 茂廣, Hanada Shigehiro); 13 March 1938 – 29 January…
Tochinoumi Teruyoshi (Japanese: 栃ノ海 晃嘉; born Shigehiro Hanada (花田 茂廣, Hanada Shigehiro); 13 March 1938 – 29 January 2021) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Aomori. He was the sport's 49th yokozuna, earning promotion in 1964. He was somewhat overshadowed by his yokozuna contemporaries Taihō and Kashiwado, but he was a noted technician and earlier in his career won six special prizes for Technique. He was one of the lightest yokozuna ever at just 110 kg. After his retirement from active competition in 1966 he was a coach at Kasugano stable, and was head coach from 1990 until his retirement in 2003.
Kagamiiwa Zenshirō (born Zenshirō Sasaki, 4 May 1902 – 5 August 1950) was a sumo wrestler from Aomori Prefecture…
Kagamiiwa Zenshirō (born Zenshirō Sasaki, 4 May 1902 – 5 August 1950) was a sumo wrestler from Aomori Prefecture, Japan. His highest rank was ōzeki.
Shimizugawa Motokichi (清水川 元吉, Shimizugawa Motokichi; 13 January 1900 – 5 July 1967) was a Japanese sumo wrestler from…
Shimizugawa Motokichi (清水川 元吉, Shimizugawa Motokichi; 13 January 1900 – 5 July 1967) was a Japanese sumo wrestler from Goshogawara, Aomori, Japan. His highest rank was ōzeki.
Ōnosato Mansuke (Japanese: 大ノ里 萬助; born Mansuke Tennai (天内 萬助), April 1, 1892 - January 22, 1938) was a Japanese…
Ōnosato Mansuke (Japanese: 大ノ里 萬助; born Mansuke Tennai (天内 萬助), April 1, 1892 - January 22, 1938) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from the Minamitsugaru District (now Fujisaki) in the Aomori Prefecture. Nicknamed Sumō no kami-sama (相撲の神様; Sumo god),, he was one of the leaders of the Shunjuen Incident.
Ichinoya Tōtarō (Japanese: 一ノ矢 藤太郎; born Tōtarō Fukushi (福士 藤太郎, Fukushi Tōtarō), March 25, 1856 – February 15, 1923)…
Ichinoya Tōtarō (Japanese: 一ノ矢 藤太郎; born Tōtarō Fukushi (福士 藤太郎, Fukushi Tōtarō), March 25, 1856 – February 15, 1923) was a Japanese sumo wrestler from Minamitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture (now Inakadate, Aomori), Japan. His highest rank was ōzeki. He is the third ōzeki from Aomori Prefecture and the first promoted at this rank in 55 years, after Akitsukaze's promotion in 1834.
Kashiwado Risuke (柏戸 利助, 1783 – December 3, 1828) was a sumo wrestler from Goshogawara, Aomori, Japan.