List of past sumo wrestlers

Last updated

This is a list of prominent past wrestlers (either retired or deceased) in the sport of professional sumo. They are listed in order of the year and tournament month that they made their professional debuts. The information listed below was gleaned from the wrestlers' individual articles; refer to their links for more details.

List

Ring name EnteredRetiredHighest rank Stable Career and other notes
Akashi Shiganosuke 1624?1643? Yokozuna N.A.yokozuna status conferred centuries later, historical existence disputed
Ayagawa Gorōji 1715?1745?YokozunaN.A.yokozuna status historically conferred, actual yokozuna license never proven
Maruyama Gondazaemon 1735?1749-11Yokozuna Nanatsumori yokozuna status historically conferred, died while an active wrestler
Miyagino Nishikinosuke 1766-101796-3 Sekiwake Sanoyama oldest top division wrestler at the age of 52, first Miyagino stablemaster
Tanikaze Kajinosuke 1769-41794-11Yokozuna Isenoumi streak of 63 wins held for 150 years, died while active
Onogawa Kisaburō 1779-101798-10Yokozuna Tamagaki first yokozuna to perform dohyo-iri along with Tanikaze
Raiden Tameemon 1790-111811-2 Ōzeki Urakaze
(Isenoumi)
considered one of the best wrestlers ever, but never promoted to yokozuna, likely for political reasons
Kashiwado Risuke 1806-101825-1Ōzeki Isenoumi rejected a yokozuna license to avoid conflict between prominent families
Tamagaki Gakunosuke 1806-101824-8Ōzeki Tamagaki like Kashiwado, a yokozuna strength wrestler who had to reject a license
Ōnomatsu Midorinosuke 1815-31835-11Yokozuna Takekuma was often criticized for number of false starts
Inazuma 1821-21839-11Yokozuna Sadogatake received yokozuna licenses from Gojo family and Yoshida family
Tsurugizan Taniemon 1827-31852-2Ōzeki Onomatsu offered a yokozuna license but rejected it
Hidenoyama Raigorō 1828-31850-3Yokozuna Hidenoyama shortest yokozuna ever, wrestlers outside his stable once staged a strike against his authority
Shiranui Dakuemon 1830-111844-1Yokozuna Urakaze coach of Shiranui Kōemon
Unryū Kyūkichi 1847-111865-2Yokozuna Oitekaze unryū dohyō-iri style named for him
Jinmaku 1850-111867-11Yokozuna Hidenoyama erected monument to former yokozuna, first time first 3 yokozuna recognized
Shiranui Kōemon 1850-111869-11Yokozuna Sakaigawa considered the actual innovator of the unryū dohyō-iri style
Kimenzan Tanigorō 1852-21870-11Yokozuna Takekuma at 43 oldest wrestler ever to be promoted to yokozuna
Sakaigawa Namiemon 1857-111881-1Yokozuna Sakaigawa a number of dubious yokozuna titles were awarded in his period, diluting the integrity of the title, his title is the only one from his time still recognized
Takasago Uragorō 1863-071873-12maegashiraChiganoura stableone of the first great reformers of professional sumo, and founder of Takasago stable
Umegatani I 1871-31885-5Yokozuna Ikazuchi died at 83, longest-lived yokozuna after retirement, helped build first Ryōgoku Kokugikan
Nishinoumi Kajirō I 1882-11896-1Yokozuna Takasago first wrestler actually listed on banzuke at the rank of yokozuna
Konishiki Yasokichi I 1883-51901-1Yokozuna Takasago although competitive, never won a championship as yokozuna
Ōzutsu Man'emon 1885-11908-1Yokozuna Oguruma strength greatly declined after fighting in Russo-Japanese War
Onigatani Saiji 1886-11907-1 Komusubi Ikazuchi retired from active sumo aged 51
Wakashima 1891-51907-1Yokozuna Tomozuna
Nakamura
first official yokozuna from Osaka sumo, retired young due to a cycling accident
Hitachiyama 1892-61914-5Yokozuna Dewanoumi last wrestler to win over .900 of his bouts in top division, considered to be the most honorable yokozuna ever by many, did much to increase the popularity of sumo
Umegatani II 1892-61915-5Yokozuna Ikazuchi youngest ever yokozuna at that time
Araiwa Kamenosuke 1894-11909-1Ōzeki Oguruma had a winning average of over .800
Takamiyama Torinosuke 1895-61913-5Sekiwake Takasago won first officially recognized sumo top division championship
Tamatsubaki Kentaro 1897-11916-1Sekiwake Ikazuchi at 158 cm, the shortest wrestler in history
Ōnishiki Daigorō 1898-111922-1Yokozuna Asahiyama active in Osaka sumo
Ōkido Moriemon 1899-91914-1Yokozuna Minato only yokozuna who spent his whole career in Osaka sumo
Nishinoumi Kajirō II 1900-11918-5Yokozuna Izutsu oldest wrestler to be promoted to yokozuna in the 20th century, committed suicide later in life
Tachiyama 1900-51918-1Yokozuna Tomozuna never had a losing tournament in 18-year career, only lost 3 bouts as a yokozuna
Ōtori Tanigorō 1903-51920-5Yokozuna Miyagino has a monument built for him in Inzai, Chiba
Ryōgoku Yūjirō 1909-61924-1Sekiwake Dewanoumi only wrestler to win the top division on his first attempt since the 1909 yusho system was established
Ōnishiki Uichirō 1910-11923-1Yokozuna Dewanoumi reached yokozuna after only 5 top division tournaments which is an all-time record, trained under Hitachiyama
Nishinoumi Kajirō III 1910-11928-10Yokozuna Izutsu promoted to yokozuna without winning any championships, which caused controversy
Tsunenohana 1910-11930-10Yokozuna Dewanoumi attempted suicide as a sumo elder after being blamed for JSA troubles
Miyagiyama 1910-61931-1Yokozuna Takadagawa achieved fame in Osaka, helped save integrity of much maligned Osaka sumo by achieving success in Tokyo after Osaka sumo was disbanded
Tochigiyama 1911-21925-5Yokozuna Dewanoumi lost only 3 bouts in rise to top division, ended the 56-victory streak of Tachiyama
Toyokuni Fukuma 1915-11930-10Ōzeki Izutsu only had two losing tournaments in his rise to ōzeki, had two makunouchi championships
Shimizugawa 1917-11937-5Ōzeki Hatachiyama won three top division championships, but never promoted to yokozuna
Hitachiiwa Eitarō 1917-51931-3Ōzeki Dewanoumi his only tournament championship caused great controversy
Tamanishiki 1919-11938-12Yokozuna Nishonoseki one of very few top division wrestlers who did not walk out in a strike, later brought great success to Nishonoseki stable as head
Tenryū Saburō 1920-11931-10Sekiwake Dewanoumi also an accomplished scholar, after being expelled as a leader of the Shunjuen Incident started an independent Ōsaka sumo group, and later became a pioneer in Aikido
Kagamiiwa Zenshirō 1922-51939-5Ōzeki Kumegawa discovered and mentored future yokozuna Kagamisato
Minanogawa Tōzō 1924-11942-1Yokozuna Takasago
Sadogatake
popular with public but won no championships at yokozuna rank
Dewanohana I 1925-11940-7 Maegashira 1 Dewanoumi went on to become chairman of the Japan Sumo Association from 1968–1974
Musashiyama Takeshi 1926-11939-5Yokozuna Dewanoumi promotion considered controversial by some, had only one kachi-koshi at yokozuna rank
Futabayama 1927-31945-11Yokozuna Tatsunami won 69 consecutive bouts, the longest run in the history of sumo, after retirement admitted was blind in one eye
Dewaminato I 1928-31944-11Sekiwake Dewanoumi took the championship in the same tournament Futabayama's winning streak was ended
Maedayama 1929-11949-10Yokozuna Takasago former head of Takasago stable
Akinoumi Setsuo 1932-21946-11Yokozuna Dewanoumi ended the 69-bout win streak of Futabayama
Nayoroiwa 1932-51954-10Ōzeki Tatsunami stablemate of Futabayama, fought until age forty, established Kasugayama stable after retirement
Haguroyama 1934-11953-9Yokozuna Tatsunami longest serving yokozuna in history until surpassed by Hakuhō in 2019
Saganohana 1934-51952-1Ōzeki KumegawaNishonoseki defeated four yokozuna in one tournament, coached Taihō, among other sumo greats
Terukuni 1935-11953-1Yokozuna Isegahama youngest yokozuna ever until Taihō
Masuiyama Daishirō I 1935-11950-1Ōzeki Dewanoumi father of ozeki Masuiyama Daishiro II, coach of Kitanoumi
Azumafuji Kin'ichi 1936-11954-9Yokozuna Takasago first yokozuna to turn to pro-wrestling after retiring
Bishūyama 1936-11955-3Sekiwake Isegahama, Araiso winner of the 1945 Summer tournament cut short due to Allied bombings
Mitsuneyama 1937-51960-1Ōzeki Takashima later head coach of Takashima stable
Tamanoumi Daitaro 1937-51961-1Sekiwake Nishonoseki first wrestler to wear a brightly colored mawashi, flouting JSA rules and won first championship with 15-0 record while wearing it, had 9 gold stars in career
Kotonishiki Noboru 1938-11955-5Komusubi Nishonoseki founder of Sadogatake stable, trained yokozuna Kotozakura
Toyonishiki 1938-11945-11Maegashira 17 Dewanoumi first Japanese-American to reach the top division
Yoshibayama 1938-51958-1Yokozuna Takashima though successful, he overall ability was hindered by injuries from World War II before he entered sumo
Tochinishiki 1939-11960-5Yokozuna Kasugano known for small size and his tenacity, once fought back from seven straight losses to win his kachi-koshi
Kitanonada 1940-11962-3Sekiwake Tatsunami won ten career kinboshi, retired at age 39
Rikidōzan 1940-51950-9Sekiwake Nishonoseki after retiring, moved on to become "the father of pro-wrestling in Japan"
Tokitsuyama 1940-51961-3Sekiwake Tatsunami makuuchi champion, known for using a variety of rare techniques
Kagamisato 1941-11958-1Yokozuna Tokitsukaze died at age 80, one of the longest-lived former yokozuna
Matsunobori 1941-11961-11Ōzeki Oyama head of small Oyama stable after retirement
Chiyonoyama 1942-11959-1Yokozuna Dewanoumi founded Kokonoe stable
Dewanishiki 1942-11956-11Sekiwake Dewanoumi had 10 gold stars, held komusubi rank 9 times before reaching sekiwake
Wakabayama 1942-11961-1Komusubi Tokitsukaze earned four gold stars, three grandsons all became rikishi
Ōuchiyama 1944-11959-3Ōzeki Tokitsukaze one of the tallest wrestlers ever at 202 cm
Kotogahama 1945-111962-11Ōzeki Nishonoseki five times a top division tournament runner-up, turned down opportunity to run Sadogatake stable
Wakanohana 1946-111962-5Yokozuna Nishonoseki
Shibatayama
Hanakago
former head of JSA, one of lightest yokozuna, older brother of Takanohana Kenshi
Toyonobori 1947-61954-9Maegashira 15 Izutsu went on to become a well-known professional wrestler
Tsurugamine 1947-61967-7Sekiwake Tomozuna holds record for most technique prizes at 10, had ten gold stars
Asashio III 1948-101962-1Yokozuna Takasago former head of Takasago stable
Wakahaguro 1949-101965-3Ōzeki Tatsunami died of stroke after retiring at age 34
Annenyama 1950-11965-3Sekiwake Tatsunami former head of Tatsunami stable, earned 10 gold stars
Fusanishiki 1952-11967-1Sekiwake Wakamatsu
Nishiiwa
Wakamatsu
former head coach of Wakamatsu stable 1979–1990
Oikawa 1952-11962-5Maegashira 10 Onoe
Takasago
two-time jūryō champion
Tochihikari 1952-51966-1Ōzeki Kasugano member of Kasugano stable, an ōzeki for 22 tournaments
Iwakaze 1952-51965-9Sekiwake Wakamatsu
Nishiiwa
Wakamatsu
jūryō champion
Wakakoma 1952-51962-3Maegashira 8 Nishonoseki
Shibatayama
Hanakago
jūryō champion
Kanenohana 1952-51967-9Komusubi Dewanoumi jūryō champion
Maedagawa 1952-91967-5Sekiwake Takasago runner-up in two top division tournaments
Kiyonomori 1953-11967-5Maegashira 9 Isegahama two-time jūryō champion, former head coach of Kise stable
Aonosato 1953-31969-3Sekiwake Tokitsukaze two-time jūryō champion, former head coach of Tatsutagawa stable 1988–2000
Fujinishiki 1953-31968-11Komusubi Takasago former head of Takasago stable, coached Konishiki, Mitoizumi to top division
Wakasugiyama 1953-31967-5Maegashira 1 Nishonoseki
Shibatayama
Hanakago
jūryō champion
Wakanokuni 1953-31969-9Maegashira 8 Shibatayama
Hanakago
three-time jūryō champion
Oiteyama 1953-51969-5Maegashira 6 Oitekaze
Tatsunami
jūryō champion
Kiminishiki 1953-51968-5Maegashira 3 Tatsunami jūryō champion
Kitabayama 1954-51966-5Ōzeki Tokitsukaze held ōzeki rank for 30 tournaments
Kashiwado 1954-91969-7Yokozuna Isenoumi former director of JSA, overshadowed by rival Taihō
Udagawa 1954-91967-7Maegashira 3 Takashima
Yoshibayama
Miyagino
jūryō champion
Myōbudani 1954-31969-11Sekiwake Miyagino took part in two top division championship playoffs
Wakachichibu 1954-51968-11Sekiwake Hanakago two-time jūryō champion, won two special prizes, former elder in the JSA
Wakamisugi 1955-31967-5Sekiwake Hanakago won a top division championship from the maegashira ranks
Wakatenryū 1955-31969-7Maegashira 1 Hanakago two-time jūryō champion
Niigiyama 1955-31963-5Maegashira 11 Tokitsukaze two-time jūryō champion
Kainoyama 1955-51970-1Sekiwake Onogawa
Dewanoumi
winner of six special prizes and five gold stars
Okanoyama 1955-51965-1Maegashira 5 Tokitsukaze jūryō champion
Amatsukaze 1955-51967-5Maegashira 3 Tokitsukaze two-time jūryō champion
Tochinoumi 1955-91966-11Yokozuna Kasugano former head of Kasugano stable, one of lightest yokozuna ever
Hagurohana 1955-91965-11Sekiwake Tatsunami former elder in the JSA
Sadanoyama 1956-11968-3Yokozuna Dewanoumi former head of JSA
Kairyūyama 1956-31968-3Sekiwake Araiso
Isegahama
jūryō champion, won eight gold stars
Daimonji 1956-31973-7Maegashira 5 Nakamura
Nishonoseki
jūryō champion, former Nishiiwa-oyakata
Daiyū 1956-51972-9Maegashira 1 Izutsu two-time jūryō champion, founder of Kabutoyama stable
Azumanishiki 1956-51967-9Maegashira 15 Takasago jūryō champion, one tournament in the top division
Tensuiyama 1956-51968-9Maegashira 10 Araiso
Isegahama
two-time jūryō champion
Kiyokuni 1956-91974-1Ōzeki Isegahama former head of Isegahama stable
Taihō 1956-91971-5Yokozuna Nishonoseki won 32 championships which stood as record until 2015, at the time was youngest yokozuna ever at 21
Sawahikari 1956-91964-11Komusubi Tokitsukaze jūryō champion
Tamaarashi 1956-91967-7Maegashira 4 Nishonoseki
Kataonami
two-time jūryō champion
Kitanofuji 1957-11974-7Yokozuna Dewanoumi
Kokonoe
former head of Kokonoe stable, coached Chiyonofuji and Hokutoumi to yokozuna
Ryūko 1957-11975-5Komusubi Hanakago after retiring, found success as a TV actor
Wakanami 1957-31972-3Komusubi Tatsunami only 103 kg at peak weight
Kōtetsuyama 1957-31975-1Sekiwake Asahiyama jūryō champion, founder of Onaruto stable
Asasegawa 1957-51971-5Maegashira 1 Araiso
Isegahama
two-time jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA
Wakamiyama 1957-111969-11Sekiwake Tatsunami jūryō champion
Fukunohana 1958-11975-11Sekiwake Dewanoumi won seven special prizes and five gold stars
Daikirin 1958-51974-11Ōzeki Nishonoseki sumo elder until June 2006
Hanahikari 1958-51970-9Maegashira 3 Hanakago jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA 1970–1975
Katsuhikari 1958-91973-3Maegashira 1 Araiso
Isegahama
jūryō champion, former head coach at Isegahama stable
Tochiōyama 1958-111972-1Maegashira 1 Kasugano jūryō champion
Kotozakura 1959-11974-7Yokozuna Sadogatake was head of Sadogatake stable during a very successful period
Tamanoumi 1959-31971-9Yokozuna Kataonami died during surgery while an active yokozuna
Asaarashi 1959-31973-3Maegashira 12 Takasago former elder in the JSA under the name Furiwake
Yoshinohana 1959-51973-7Maegashira 1 Dewanoumi two-time jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA
Shiratayama 1959-71977-7Maegashira 4 Takasago jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA
Tokibayama 1959-91975-3Maegashira 2 Tokitsukaze two-time jūryō champion, died while active as an elder in the JSA
Hasegawa 1960-31976-5Sekiwake Sadogatake unusually, kept his family name as his ring name, former director of the Nagoya tournament for the JSA
Arashiyama 1960-31972-5Maegashira 12 Miyagino jūryō champion
Toyokuni Susumu 1960-51968-1Komusubi Tokitsukaze won seven gold stars
Futagoryū 1960-91971-3Maegashira 5 Hanakago
Futagoyama
jūryō champion
Wakafutase 1960-91975-3Komusubi Onaruto
Asahiyama
two-time jūryō champion, former head coach of Asahiyama stable
Tochiazuma I 1960-111977-1Sekiwake Kasugano won ten special prizes, father of Ōzeki Tochiazuma
Dairyugawa 1961-11979-5Maegashira 1 Mihogaseki former elder in the JSA under the name Kiyomigata
Futagodake 1961-11976-9Komusubi Hanakago
Futagoyama
founder of Araiso stable
Maenoyama 1961-31974-3Ōzeki Takasago Korean descent, broke his stable off from Ichimon to become independent
Yutakayama 1961-31968-9Ōzeki Tokitsukaze runner-up for top division championship 8 times, former head of Tokitsukaze stable and JSA
Fujinokawa 1961-51972-11Sekiwake Isenoumi former head of Isenoumi stable and director of the JSA
Wakanoumi II 1961-51978-1Maegashira 2 Hanakago jūryō champion, active as an elder in the JSA for 14 years
Tochifuji 1961-51974-9Maegashira 3 Kasugano two-time jūryō champion
Haguroiwa 1961-51978-1Komusubi Tatsunami former elder in the JSA under the name Ikazuchi
Mutsuarashi 1961-91976-3Sekiwake Miyagino two-time jūryō champion, won five special prizes
Ōshio 1962-11988-1Komusubi Tokitsukaze all-time record for most bouts ever fought
Maruyama 1962-51976-9Maegashira 13 Tokitsukaze jūryō champion
Fujizakura 1963-31985-3Sekiwake Takasago former holder of the record for most consecutive professional bouts, now head of Nakamura stable
Tochiisami 1963-31979-11Maegashira 7 Kasugano jūryō champion, active as an elder in the JSA under the name Iwatomo
Asahikuni 1963-71979-9Ōzeki Tatsunami won 6 technique prizes, broke off to form own stable, Ōshima stable
Mienoumi 1963-71980-11Yokozuna Dewanoumi took an all-time record 97 tournaments to reach yokozuna
Asanobori 1963-71978-5Maegashira 2 Asahiyama four-time jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA
Futatsuryū 1963-91982-11Komusubi Tokitsukaze former Tokitsukaze stable head, stripped of position and arrested over hazing death scandal
Tenryū 1963-121976-9Maegashira 1 Nishonoseki after a dispute with the JSA, went on to be a pro wrestler
Takamiyama 1964-31984-5Sekiwake Takasago first foreigner to win top division championship, holds many longevity records, held the gold star record until Akinoshima
Aobajō 1964-31986-7Sekiwake Oshiogawa holds record for most consecutive career bouts
Kurohimeyama 1964-31982-1Sekiwake Tatsunami won eight special prizes and six gold stars
Tamakiyama 1964-51984-3Komusubi Kataonami not to be confused with the Hawaiian born Takamiyama
Kongō 1964-51976-9Sekiwake Nishonoseki now head of Nishonoseki stable
Wakajishi 1964-51983-5Komusubi Futagoyama jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA
Teruzakura 1964-51976-1Maegashira 7 Isegahama active as an elder in the JSA under the name Urakaze
Kitaseumi 1964-71979-5Sekiwake Dewanoumi
Kokonoe
jūryō champion, active as an elder in the JSA under the name Kimigahama
Yoshioyama 1965-31976-1Maegashira 2 Mihogaseki jūryō champion
Daiju 1965-31977-5Ōzeki Takashima briefly held ōzeki rank, then head of Asahiyama stable
Taiga 1965-31977-5Maegashira 1 Kimigahama two-time jūryō champion
Takanohana I 1965-51981-1Ōzeki Futagoyama held ōzeki rank for then record 50 tournaments, father of Yokozuna Takanohana II and Wakanohana III
Yoshinotani 1965-51982-5Maegashira 4 Dewanoumi jūryō champion, died as an active oyakata
Kaiki 1965-91987-3Sekiwake Tomozuna Now head of Tomozuna stable and on board of JSA
Kurosegawa 1966-11984-5Komusubi Isegahama jūryō champion, active as an elder in the JSA under the name Kiriyama
Chiyozakura 1966-31978-5Maegashira 5 Dewanoumi
Kokonoe
two-time jūryō champion
Daigō 1966-51982-3Maegashira 11 Hanakago jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA
Kaiketsu 1966-91979-1Ōzeki Hanakago two-time ōzeki, head of JSA from 2010-12 during the match-fixing scandal
Banryūyama 1966-111984-11Komusubi Mihogaseki persevered most of his career in the unsalaried ranks
Kitanoumi 1967-11985-1Yokozuna Mihogaseki youngest yokozuna ever, won 24 tournament titles, former head of Kitanoumi stable
Masuiyama II 1967-11981-3Ōzeki Mihogaseki at 31, oldest wrestler promoted to ōzeki until Kotomitsuki in modern era
Washūyama 1967-31985-11Sekiwake Dewanoumi small wrestler, popular with tournament crowds, now head of Dewanoumi stable
Kirinji 1967-51988-9Sekiwake Nishonoseki fought 84 top division tournaments, won a gold star at age 35
Tamanofuji 1967-51981-11Sekiwake Kataonami became head of Kataonami stable
Kotonofuji 1967-51982-1Maegashira 5 Sadogatake jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA
Kotogatake 1967-111984-3Maegashira 1 Sadogatake jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA
Daihi 1968-31983-5Maegashira 2 Oyama briefly head coach of Oyama stable before it was shut down in 1986, since 2011 a coach at Azumazeki stable
Ōnishiki 1968-51988-1Komusubi Dewanoumi Twenty-year career, now an elder in the JSA
Takanosato 1968-71986-1Yokozuna Futagoyama late bloomer who became yokozuna at nearly 31 years old, founded Naruto stable
Wakanohana II1968-71983-1Yokozuna Futagoyama now head of Magaki stable
Hachiya 1968–91987–9Maegashira 6 Kasugano lightweight who spent a record 55 tournaments in juryo
Kurama 1968-91989-9Sekiwake Tokitsukaze had 21-year career, died young of leukemia
Taikō 1968-111980-11Maegashira 8 Futagoyama two-time jūryō champion
Aobayama 1968-111982-9Komusubi Kise jūryō champion, died as an active elder in the JSA under the name Asakayama
Hidanohana 1969-31989-3Maegashira 1 Futagoyama jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA 1989–1994
Kaneshiro 1969-91987-5Sekiwake Kasugano won three special prizes for fighting spirit
Wajima 1970-11981-3Yokozuna Hanakago only former collegiate sumo wrestler promoted to yokozuna, or to keep his family name as his ring name, later became a pro wrestler
Tamaryū 1970-31992-1Komusubi Kataonami very long career, spent 11 years in the lower ranks
Yutakayama 1970-31981-5Komusubi Tokitsukaze former college champion, now head of Minato stable
Hoshiiwato 1970-51991-1Maegashira 14 Izutsu
Michinoku
former head coach of Michinoku stable
Chiyonofuji 1970-91991-5Yokozuna Kokonoe tournament wins third only to Hakuhō Shō and Taihō, won more championships than any other yokozuna in his thirties, continued to triumph though older and lighter than most opponents, holds record for most top division bouts won, and most bouts won overall
Zaōnishiki 1970-91983-1Maegashira 1 Isenoumi
Kagamiyama
jūryō champion, now a coach at Tokitsukaze stable under the name Nishikijima
Yamaguchi 1971-11982-11Maegashira 4 Hanakago
Hanaregoma
jūryō champion
Shishihō 1971-11987-5Maegashira 2 Nishonoseki
Taihō
three-time jūryō champion
Misugiiso 1971-31986-9Maegashira 2 Hanakago
Hanaregoma
jūryō champion, active as an elder in the JSA under the name Minezaki
Ōzutsu 1971-51992-5Sekiwake Taiho fought second-most consecutive bouts in top division history, earned ten gold stars
Daitetsu 1971-71990-9Komusubi Nishonoseki currently a coach at Nishonoseki stable, under the elder name Minatogawa.
Kotokaze 1971-71985-11Ōzeki Sadogatake set up own somewhat successful stable, Oguruma, often a commentator on sumo for NHK
Kotochitose 1971-71986-7Maegashira 5 Sadogatake two-time jūryō champion
Konuma 1971-71978-11Maegashira 9 Kagamiyama jūryō champion, promising career ruined by broken leg
Takarakuni 1971-71986-9Maegashira 2 Isegahama
Kiriyama
jūryō champion
Hō'ō 1971-91990-5Sekiwake Nishonoseki four-time jūryō champion
Iwashita 1971-111984-3Maegashira 8 Tatsunami jūryō champion
Arase 1972-11981-9Sekiwake Hanakago former college champion, became TV personality after retirement
Sadanoumi 1972-31988-7Komusubi Dewanoumi won five special prizes, former elder in the JSA under the name Tagonoura
Tochiakagi 1973-11990-3Sekiwake Kasugano jūryō champion, won eight special prizes and eight gold stars
Chikubayama 1973-31989-1Maegashira 13 Miyagino now Hakuhō's coach at Miyagino stable
Koboyama 1973-31990-11Sekiwake Takashima, Kumagatani after retirement re-established his old stable
Ōyutaka 1974-11987-1Komusubi Tokitsukaze spent 9 years in unsalaried ranks, founded Arashio stable in 2002
Tagaryū 1974-31991-5Sekiwake Kagamiyama once won a top division championship while a low ranked maegashira facing demotion, has exactly one championship in the top four of six divisions
Ōnohana 1974-31990-9Maegashira 13 Taihō two-time jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA
Tōryū 1974-31990-1Sekiwake Mihogaseki won two gold stars against Wakanohana II
Dewanohana II 1974-31988-1Sekiwake Dewanoumi jūryō champion, won ten special prizes, elder in the JSA under the name Dekiyama
Masudayama 1974-31989-7Sekiwake Kasugano jūryō champion, active as an elder in the JSA under the name Chiganoura
Takanomine 1974-91991-5Maegashira 12 Kimigahama
Izutsu
took him 88 tournaments to reach the makuuchi division
Tochiizumi 1975-11990-3 Jūryō 3 Kasugano jūryō champion
Tochimatoi 1975-11989-3Maegashira 11 Kasugano jūryō champion
Kirishima 1975-31996-3Ōzeki Izutsu took 91 tournaments for promotion to ōzeki, an all-time record
Ōnoumi 1975-31977-7Maegashira 4 Hanakago retired to become a pro wrestler
Daijuyama 1975-31991-5Sekiwake Futagoyama won three Fighting Spirit prizes, now head coach of the Hanakago stable
Wakashimazu 1975-31987-7Ōzeki Futagoyama started sumo after high school, which is unusually late; nicknamed "Black Panther" by fans for his good looks and lean figure
Sasshūnada 1976-11988-3Maegashira 1 Kimigahama
Izutsu
jūryō champion, now a coach at Michinoku stable under the name Tatsutayama
Hokuten'yū 1976-31990-9Ōzeki Mihogaseki one of the longest serving ōzeki, had storied rivalry with Chiyonfuji; his stable was folded into Kitanoumi stable upon his death
Hananoumi 1976-31989-3Komusubi Hanaregoma Injury prone but briefly a nemesis of Chiyonofuji in the late 1980s
Ishinriki 1976-31990-7Jūryō 1 Onaruto One of the smallest ever sekitori, later went into pro wrestling
Takamisugi 1976-31995-11Komusubi Futagoyama Had record 71 tournaments in top division without winning a special prize
Kototsubaki 1976-31995-3Maegashira 3 Sadogatake elder in the JSA under the name Shiratama
Amanoyama 1976-31986-11Maegashira 1 Tokitsukaze Died while active as Tatsutayama-oyakata in 1997
Fujinoshin 1976-31990-9Maegashira 1 Izutsu
Kokonoe
active as an elder in the JSA under the name Jinmaku
Dairyū 1976-51997-7Jūryō 4 Taihō became head coach of Ōtake stable after Takatōriki was fired by the JSA in July 2010
Maenoshin 1977-31990-3Komusubi Takadagawa became an elder after retirement but was fired in 1997
Kinoarashi 1977-31991-9Maegashira 2 Oshiogawa jūryō champion
Enazakura 1977-31994-7Maegashira 1 Oshiogawa jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA
Jingaku 1977-51991-9Komusubi Izutsu career restricted by nerves on the dohyo, scored only 2-13 and 3-12 in two attempts at komusubi rank
Sakahoko 1978-11992-9Sekiwake Izutsu served in top division at the same time as his brother Terao, a very rare occurrence; record for longest serving sekiwake
Asashio IV 1978-31989-3Ōzeki Takasago director of JSA until February 2008
Kotoinazuma 1978-31999-7Komusubi Sadogatake now coach at the very successful Sadogatake stable
Mitoizumi 1978-32000-9Sekiwake Takasago fan favorite known for throwing a huge handful of salt in pre-bout ritual, retired at the late age of 38
Ōnokuni 1978-31991-7Yokozuna Hanakago
Hanaregoma
often plagued by injury, also suffered from sleep apnea, published an autobiography in 2008
Wakasegawa 1978-31992-7Maegashira 1 Isegahama three-time jūryō champion
Kirinishiki 1978-31995-11Maegashira 2 Kagamiyama won three gold stars, active as an elder in the JSA under the name Katsunoura
Itai 1978-91991-9Komusubi Onaruto had the longest winning streak from entry into pro sumo until record broken by Jōkōryū more than 30 years later, after retirement made allegations of match-fixing
Misugisato 1979-11998-7Komusubi Futagoyama promoted to komusubi without ever facing any san'yaku wrestlers
Futahaguro 1979-31987-12Yokozuna Tatsunami only yokozuna to have never won a top division championship
Hokutoumi 1979-31992-5Yokozuna Kokonoe once one of four yokozuna, after his retirement the rank was vacant for 8 months until Akebono
Kotogaume 1979-31997-3Sekiwake Sadogatake last to defeat Chiyonofuji before his 53-win streak
Masurao 1979-31990-7Sekiwake Oshiogawa had a record 5 jūryō championships
Takanofuji 1979-31992-5Komusubi Kokonoe stablemate of Chiyonofuji and Hokutoumi, now a professional wrestler
Terao 1979-72002-11Sekiwake Izutsu has a long sumo pedigree, holds a number of longevity records
Tamakirin 1980-11987-7Jūryō 6 Oshiogawa quit to become a professional wrestler
Kotofuji 1980-31995-9Sekiwake Sadogatake won a tournament championship from the maegashira ranks
Hidenohana 1980-31994-3Jūryō 5 Hanakago
Hanaregoma
former jūryō champion, but never reached the makuuchi division
Kyokudōzan 1980-51996-11Komusubi Ōshima known for light weight, later became a politician
Asahifuji 1981-11992-1Yokozuna Ōshima his Isegahama has produced the very successful rikishi Harumafuji and Aminishiki.
Kasugafuji 1981-31996-9Maegashira 1 Kasugayama re-established Kasugayama stable, forced to resign from Japan Sumo Association after expenses scandal
Kotobeppu 1981-31997-11Maegashira 1 Sadogatake ring name comes from the famous hot spring resort city of Beppu, where he was born
Tochitsukasa 1981-31992-5Sekiwake Kasugano now head of Irumagawa stable
Daizen 1981-32002-3Komusubi Nishonoseki Twenty-two-year career, ranked in makuuchi at age 37
Toyonoumi 1981-31999-3Maegashira 1 Futagoyama
Fujishima
Futagoyama
two-time jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA
Asahisato 1981-31998-1Maegashira 14 Ōshima spent the majority of his career in the jūryō division, took over former Kasugayama stable
Kitakachidoki 1981-52000-9Maegashira 3 Isenoumi steady if unspectacular makuuchi career, now head of Isenoumi stable
Wakashoyo 1981-51997-11Sekiwake Futagoyama now a mixed martial artist
Akinoshima 1982-32003-5Sekiwake Futagoyama all-time gold stars record holder, 25% more than closest rival
Tamakairiki 1982-51996-3Maegashira 8 Kataonami later became a professional wrestler
Konishiki 1982-71997-11Ōzeki Takasago at 265 kilos, the heaviest wrestler ever, first foreign ōzeki, now a widely popular celebrity
Takatōriki 1983-32002-9Sekiwake Futagoyama record for most fighting spirit prizes, most gold stars against one opponent, Akebono; won his only top division championship while just above the demotion line
Hattori 1983-31987-7Maegashira 3 Isenoumi entered professional sumo as a makushita tsukedashi
Daigaku 1983-31993-9Jūryō 2 Tokitsukaze jūryō champion
Ryūkōzan 1983-31990-3Maegashira 5 Dewanoumi jūryō champion, died of heart attack whilst active
Oginohana 1983-71998-7Maegashira 2 Dewanoumi now head of Dewanoumi stable
Ichinoya 1983-112007-11 Sandanme 6 Takasago studied physics at university, retired at 46
Komafudō 1984-11985-11Maegashira 13 Hanakago
Hanaregoma
jūryō champion
Kotonishiki 1984-32000-9Sekiwake Sadogatake only wrestler ever to win two championships at maegashira
Kyokugōzan 1984-31996-9Maegashira 9 Ōshima jūryō champion
Daishi 1984-32002-3Maegashira 3 Oshiogawa had to leave the JSA in June 2003 when he couldn't acquire a permanent elder name
Minatofuji 1984-32002-9Maegashira 2 Minato jūryō champion, head coach of Mintao stable
Kotonowaka 1984-52005-11Sekiwake Sadogatake known for his countering techniques, and especially long bouts
Naminohana 1984-51997-3Komusubi Futagoyama part of huge sekitori contingent at Futagoyama stable in the mid 1990s
Nankairyu 1984-91988-11Maegashira 2 Takasago 3rd foreign wrestler to reach the top division, career short and troubled
Akinoshū 1984-92001-1Maegashira 9 Izutsu jūryō champion
Kenkō 1984-111998-3Komusubi Takadagawa career ended early by extremely rare form of leukemia
Ryōgoku 1985-31993-1Komusubi Dewanoumi currently head of one of the strongest stables, Sakaigawa
Tochinowaka 1985-31999-7Sekiwake Kasugano current head of Kasugano stable
Tatsuhikari 1985-31999-3Maegashira 6 Tatsunami two-time jūryō champion
Tokitsunada 1985-31999-9Maegashira 4 Tokitsukaze two-time jūryō champion
Aogiyama 1985-32003-11Maegashira 1 Tokitsukaze two-time jūryō champion, elder in the JSA under the name Edagawa
Kanechika 1985-92004-9Jūryō 2 Mihogaseki
Kitanoumi
elder in the JSA under the name Kumagatani
Kototenzan 1985-111986-7 Makushita 43 Sadogatake Canadian-born, found success early, but retired due to inability to adjust to sumo/Japanese life; later became pro wrestler
Ganyū 1986-32000-5Maegashira 1 Kitanoumi active as an elder in the JSA under the name Yamahibiki
Hanakaze 1986-32021-1Sandanme 18 Tatsunami longest career in history of sumo, aged 51 at retirement
Tomoefuji 1986-51998-9Komusubi Kokonoe former performer of the yumitori-shiki ceremony, fell to what at the time was lowest rank held by former san'yaku wrestler
Asahiyutaka 1987-31999-1Komusubi Ōshima now head coach of Tatsunami stable
Kitazakura 1987-32010-3Maegashira 9 Kitanoumi brother of Toyozakura, took 86 tournaments to reach top division, popular with sumo audiences
Kotoryū 1987-32005-5Maegashira 1 Sadogatake one of many top wrestlers at Sadogatake stable in the 1990s
Oginishiki 1987-32004-1Komusubi Dewanoumi his father and brother were also sumo wrestlers
Takanonami 1987-32004-5Ōzeki Futagoyama had longest single wrestler rivalry in history with Musashimaru, often appears on television due to accessible personality
Takamishu 1987-31989-7Makushita 2 Azumazeki Early star from Azumazeki stable before being overshadowed by stablemate Akebono. Actor with recurring role in Hawaii Five-0.
Hoshitango 1987-52004-1Jūryō 3 Michinoku first Jew in sumo, now a professional wrestler
Kushimaumi 1988-11998-11Maegashira 1 Dewanoumi highly successful amateur, head of Tagonoura stable until death due to heart disease at 46
Akebono 1988-32001-1Yokozuna Azumazeki first foreign yokozuna, later became a pro wrestler
Kaiō 1988-32011-7Ōzeki Tomozuna five-time yusho winner, holds records for most tournaments and most wins in top division
Takanohana II 1988-32003-1Yokozuna Futagoyama long sumo pedigree, set many youth related records, won 22 tournaments
Wakanohana III 1988-32000-3Yokozuna Futagoyama brother of Takanohana II, never won a tournament as yokozuna, now operates a chain of chankonabe restaurants
Wakanoyama 1988-32005-9Komusubi Musashigawa after demotion out of top division, fought his way back up after a record long 28 tournaments
Rikio 1988-31997-9Maegashira 4 Naruto now a pro wrestler
Sentōryū 1988-72003-11Maegashira 12 Tomozuna from St. Louis Missouri, only top division wrestler ever from mainland USA
Shikishima 1989-12001-5Maegashira 1 Tatsutagawa
Michinoku
jūryō champion, currently using Aminishiki's Ajigawa kabu
Kōbō 1989-32008-1Maegashira 9 Miyagino top wrestler at Miyagino stable before the emergence of Hakuho
Toyozakura 1989-32011-5Maegashira 5 Michinoku brother of Kitazakura, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal
Hidenokuni 1989-91990-5 Jonidan 89 Azumazeki first and only wrestler from the UK, short career
Daishōyama 1989-91995-11Maegashira 2 Tatsunami former amateur champion, retired due to hip injury, currently head coach of Oitekaze stable
Musashimaru 1989-92003-11Yokozuna Musashigawa born in Samoa and raised in Hawaii; second foreign yokozuna; injury free until near end of career
Gojōrō 1989-112005-11Maegashira 3 Magaki only rikishi to be disqualified twice in one tournament, had many injury problems
Daishōhō 1990-11999-7Komusubi Tatsunami career ended early due to pancreatic cancer
Terunoumi 1990-31993-5Maegashira 15 Musashigawa jūryō champion
Mainoumi 1990-51999-11Komusubi Dewanoumi very popular for small size and variety of techniques, now a popular TV personality and sumo announcer
Yamato 1990-111998-9Maegashira 12 Magaki after short career in sumo, started his own restaurant in Roppongi, Tokyo
Tōki 1991-12006-5Komusubi Takasago known for distinctive sideburns, and later a bright orange mawashi, involved in an auto accident scandal
Chiyotenzan 1991-32008-1Komusubi Kokonoe after quick rise to komusubi, eventually fell to the second-lowest rank ever held by a former san'yaku wrestler
Kasuganishiki 1991-32011-1Maegashira 5 Kasugano injury-plagued, widely accepted as a ring leader in 2011 match-fixing scandal
Kinkaiyama 1991-32006-5Maegashira 6 Dewanoumi three-time jūryō champion, now a coach at Dewanoumi stable under the name Tagonoura
Wakaazuma 1991-92003-5Jūryō 13 Tamanoi third brazilian to become a sekitori
Hamanoshima 1992-12004-5Komusubi Mihogaseki now head of Onoe stable
Higonoumi 1992-12002-11Maegashira 1 Mihogaseki held maegashira rank for a then-record 53 consecutive tournaments, opened up Kise stable after retirement
Ohinode 1992-12000-9Maegashira 9 Tatsunami spent 21 tournaments as a sekitori
Wakanojō 1992-12004-5Maegashira 6 Magaki jūryō champion
Asanowaka 1992-32005-5Maegashira 1 Wakamatsu
Takasago
the wrestler with the most wins in top division who never made san'yaku, popular with crowds for his ringside antics
Kyokushūzan 1992-32006-11Komusubi Ōshima first of a group of Mongolian wrestlers to make the top division, had an all-time record 58 consecutive tournaments in the maegashira ranks
Kyokutenhō 1992-32015-7Sekiwake Ōshima, Tomozuna three-time sekiwake, was last remaining member of first wave of Mongolians to enter sumo, oldest top division championship holder in the history of modern sumo, holds the record for the most top division bouts of all time
Kyokutenzan 1992-32007-11Makushita 13 Ōshima achieved only minor success, suspected of being involved in match-fixing
Shunketsu 1992-32008-3Maegashira 12 Hanaregoma lightweight wrestler, had several different ring names
Takanotsuru 1992-32006-5Maegashira 8 Naruto spent 10 years in the unsalaried ranks
Takanowaka 1992-32007-9Sekiwake Naruto father was a pro baseball player
Tomonohana 1992-32001-11Komusubi Tatsunami joined pro sumo at nearly 28 years of age
Harunoyama 1992-32006-11Maegashira 10 Matsugane former elder in the JSA
Asanosho 1992-32002-1Maegashira 2 Wakamatsu won a gold star against Akebono
Wakanosato 1992-32015-9Sekiwake Naruto seventeen-time sekiwake, makuuchi regular who held record for most consecutive tournaments in junior sanyaku ranks
Daimanazuru 1992-52010-1Maegashira 16 Asahiyama spent 11 years in unsalaried ranks, one of few wrestlers from Nara prefecture
Ryūkō 1992-51999-1Jūryō 8 Tamanoi Brazilian-born, first foreigner to be awarded makushita tsukedashi status
Chiyotaikai 1992-112010-1Ōzeki Kokonoe longest serving ōzeki in modern era, known for characteristic forward thrusting technique
Jūmonji 1992-112011-5Maegashira 6 Michinoku after a brief name change reverted to using own rare surname as his ring name, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal
Musōyama 1993-12004-11Ōzeki Musashigawa former college champion and member of dominant Musashigawa stable, injury-prone
Tochisakae 1993-12008-1Maegashira 1 Kasugano also had many injury problems, now a coach at Kasugano stable
Hokutōriki 1993-32011-5Sekiwake Hakkaku three-time tournament runner-up, ended Asashoryu's winning streak in 2004
Kotokasuga 1993-32011-5Maegashira 7 Sadogatake took 15 years to reach the top division, third-slowest ever, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal
Kyokunankai 1993-32011-5Maegashira 16 Ōshima took 17 years to reach the top division, second-slowest ever, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal
Ōga 1993-32007-5Jūryō 6 Takasago long serving bow-twirler at end of every tournament day
Ōtsukasa 1993-32009-3Maegashira 4 Irumagawa promoted to the top division on 11 different occasions
Ryūhō 1993-32012-5Maegashira 16 Michinoku spent 9 years in unsalaried ranks, sat out last year in sumo before finally retiring
Wakatoba 1993-32007-9Maegashira 11 Oguruma coached by former Daikirin, now has his elder name, Oshiogawa
Towanoyama 1993-112015-1Maegashira 13 Dewanoumi best-rank maegashira 13, yet through unlucky twist of fate never had a makuuchi bout
Asōfuji 1994-12011-5Maegashira 13 Isegahama very adept at throw techniques, brother of Aminishiki
Tamakasuga 1994-12008-9Sekiwake Kataonami had the longest ever gap between sanshō awards at 55 tournaments, has an asteroid named after him
Tosanoumi 1994-32011-1Sekiwake Isenoumi impressive special prize and gold star record, fought until age 38
Ushiomaru 1994-32009-5Maegashira 10 Azumazeki retired to take over as head coach of Azumazeki stable from former Takamiyama
Tochiazuma II 1994-112007-5Ōzeki Tamanoi won 12 special prizes, seven for technique, first wrestler since Kiyokuni to win top division in ōzeki debut
Tochinohana 1995-32008-1Komusubi Kasugano Won two special prizes in his debut top division tournament
Ōikari 1995-22004-11Maegashira 11 Isenoumi two-time jūryō champion, elder in the JSA under the name Kabutoyama
Wakatsutomu 1995-112006-7Maegashira 12 Matsugane jūryō champion
Kaihō 1996-12010-7Komusubi Hakkaku also an amateur champion, one of the lightest sekitori
Tochinonada 1996-12012-1Sekiwake Kasugano former sekiwake, tied for second on all-time kinboshi list
Yōtsukasa 1996-12005-11Maegashira 11 Irumagawa managed only two winning records in eight makuuchi appearances
Tokitsuumi 1996-32007-10Maegashira 3 Tokitsukaze former amateur, long time maegashira, retired to take over Tokitsukaze stable after former head removed over hazing death scandal
Dejima 1996-32009-7Ōzeki Musashigawa ōzeki from 1999 to 2001, once had the most feared tachi-ai in sumo but suffered injury problems in later career
Aminishiki 1997-12019-7Sekiwake Isegahama former sekiwake, all-time top ten for a number of sumo records, including most top division wins, most top division appearances and most tournaments ranked in the top division.
Buyūzan 1997-32007-11Maegashira 1 Musashigawa former amateur champion, another top division wrestler from Musashigawa stable
Tamarikidō 1997-32010-1Maegashira 8 Kataonami lowest-ranking former top division wrestler ever to regain sekitori status
Hayateumi 1998-32006-1Sekiwake Oitekaze former amateur champion, very promising career hampered and eventually ended by injury
Kaidō 1998-32006-9Jūryō 4 Tomozuna another former amateur but failed to make top division, stablemate of ozeki Kaiō
Kitataiki 1998-32018-1Maegashira 2 Yamahibiki best rank maegashira 2, held record for most consecutive bouts by an active wrestler at the end of his career
Tamaasuka 1998-32016-9Maegashira 9 Kataonami two-time jūryō winner, has been promoted to makuuchi 7 times
Tamanoshima 1998-32011-11Sekiwake Kataonami was the only Fukushima prefecture native sekitori for a number of years
Miyabiyama 1998-72013-3Ōzeki Fujishima promotion to ōzeki controversial, rose to top division so fast that he competed in his first top division tournaments with no top-knot, long-time makuuchi pusher thruster
Kasugaō 1998-112011-5Maegashira 3 Kasugayama only wrestler officially from Korean peninsula, forced to retired in match-fixing scandal
Asashōryū 1999-12010-1Yokozuna Takasago sole yokozuna from 2004–07, 4th-most top division championships in history, life in and out of ring filled with controversy
Bushūyama 1999-12013-1 Maegashira 3 Fujishima second-slowest progress to top division for any former collegiate champ
Tōōyama 1999-12007-9Makushita 7 Tamanoi jonokuchi champion, now works as actor, model and talent
Chiyohakuhō 1999-32011-5Maegashira 6 Kokonoe originally interested in judo, debuted the same tournament his former stablemate Chiyotaikai made Ōzeki, retired over match-fixing
Hamanishiki 1999-32012-3Maegashira 11 Oitekaze former maegashira 11, struggled in lower divisions, changed his ring name a number of times
Hananosato 1999-32010-5Makushita 8 Takasago former tsukebito of Asashoryu, once reached the cusp of sekitori but at 114 kg seemed to lack the requisite weight
Kirinowaka 1999-32011-5Jūryō 4 Michinoku was forced to retire due to his involvement in the 2011 match-fixing scandal
Kotomitsuki 1999-32010-7Ōzeki Sadogatake holds record for most tournaments at sekiwake, oldest wrestler promoted to ōzeki in modern era, forced to retire due to illegal gambling
Takamisakari 1999-32013-1Komusubi Azumazeki very popular with crowds for his energetic wrestling and spirited pre-bout ritual
Wakakirin 1999-32009-2Maegashira 9 Oguruma Protege of former ozeki Daikirin, dismissed for cannabis use
Wakakōyū 1999-32014-9Komusubi Onomatsu best-rank komusubi, second wrestler from Onomatsu stable to reach top division after Katayama
Hakuba 2000-12011-5Komusubi Michinoku fifty-tournament rise to top division is 2nd-longest after Sentoryu amongst foreign-born wrestlers, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal
Asasekiryū 2000-32017-5Sekiwake Takasago two time sekiwake, father held equivalent of komusubi in Mongolian wrestling
Hōchiyama 2000-32014-1Maegashira 14 Sakaigawa after soaring through jūryō into top division, was soon demoted and struggled in lower divisions
Ōrora 2000–32018-9Makushita 43 Yamahibiki first Russian to join professional sumo, became heaviest sumo wrestler ever
Ryūō 2000-32013-7Maegashira 8 Miyagino specialized in pushing techniques which is a rarity among Mongolian wrestlers
Shimotori 2000-52011-5Komusubi Tokitsukaze used own rare family name as his shikona, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal
Iwakiyama 2000-72010-9Komusubi Sakaigawa former high school sumo coach, retired due to cerebral infarction complications
Kōryū 2000-112011-5Maegashira 11 Hanakago first top division wrestler produced by Hanakago stable since it was re-established in 1992, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal
Harumafuji 2001-12017-11Yokozuna Isegahama Third Mongolian yokozuna, won nine tournament championships, retired after alleged assault on fellow wrestler Takanoiwa
Aotsurugi 2001-32009-5Sandanme 1 Tagonoura Originally from Tonga, acquired Japanese citizenship, missed a year through injury
Hakuhō 2001-32021-9Yokozuna Miyagino holds the records for most top division championships, most career wins, and most wins in a calendar year at 86
Mōkonami 2001-32011-5Maegashira 6 Tatsunami first from Tatsunami stable to be ranked in makuuchi since 1999, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal
Shōtenrō 2001-32018-1Maegashira 2 Fujishima best rank maegashira 2, former junior wrestling champion at Mongolian Naadam festival
Kokkai 2001-52012-9Komusubi Oitekaze former komusubi, first Caucasian wrestler to make top division, shikona came from Japanese name of the Black Sea of his home country
Daishochi 2001-72005-9Makushita 15 Shibatayama Mongolian now better known as amateur sumo champion
Kakizoe 2001-92012-5Komusubi Fujishima used own rare surname as his shikona
Takanoyama 2001-112014-7Maegashira 12 Tagonoura only wrestler ever from the Czech Republic
Kakuryū 2001-112021-3Yokozuna Izutsu
Michinoku
fourth Mongolian yokozuna, six makuuchi championships
Toyonoshima 2002-12020-5Sekiwake Tokitsukaze five-time runner-up, one of the shortest sekitori
Kotoshōgiku 2002-12020-11Ozeki Sadogatake In January 2016 he became the first Japanese-born wrestler in ten years to win a top-division tournament.
Kisenosato 2002-32019-1Yokozuna Tagonoura won two championships, in 2017 as first Japanese to be named yokozuna in almost 20 years he suffered a severe muscle tear winning his debut tournament and never fully recovered
Katayama 2002-32009-1Maegashira 13 Onomatsu did amateur sumo at university, used his given family name as his ring name.
Hakurozan 2002-52008-9Maegashira 2 Kitanoumi along with older brother Rohō, became first foreign siblings to wrestle in top division at the same time, later dismissed due to cannabis use
Rohō 2002-52008-9Komusubi Ōtake known for feisty nature, along with younger brother Hakurozan, was dismissed due to cannabis use
Amūru 2002-52018-5Maegashira 5 Ōnomatsu last Russian sekitori, injury-plagued career
Takekaze 2002-52019-1Sekiwake Oguruma jūryō champion, the oldest sekiwake debutant since the end of World War II at the age of 35 years two months, and holds record for longest time from makuuchi debut to sekiwake at 64 basho
Tokitenkū 2002-72016-11Komusubi Tokitsukaze two-time jūryō champ, won three consecutive championships from his debut
Kotoōshū 2002-112014-3Ōzeki Sadogatake lost ōzeki status after 8 straight years at that rank, first European to win a top division championship, now founder and head coach of Naruto stable
Arawashi 2002-112020-1Maegashira 2 Minezaki took over 11 years to reach makuuchi, last survivor from Araiso stable
Futen'ō 2003-12011-5Komusubi Dewanoumi collegiate sumo champ, sumo lover from very early age
Masatsukasa 2003-12011-5Maegashira 8 Irumagawa on promotion to sekitori ranks revealed to public he had a wife and son back home in Aomori Prefecture, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal
Sadanofuji 2003-32017-5Maegashira 7 Sakaigawa once released as Iwakiyama's tsukebito so he could concentrate on his wrestling
Kagamiō 2003-72023-3Maegashira 9 Kagamiyama Was first sekitori from his very small stable since the current coach Tagaryū was active in 1991, took jūryō championship after losing two playoffs in previous tournaments
Tokusegawa 2003-72011-5Maegashira 4 Kiriyama first wrestler from his stable to make top division, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal
Sōkokurai 2003-92020-3Maegashira 2 Arashio was expelled from sumo in 2011 due to alleged match-fixing but reinstated after winning a court case, became Arashio oyakata
Yoshikaze 2004-12019-9Sekiwake Oguruma four-time sekiwake, college sumo champion, at one time held record for most makuuchi appearances without a san'yaku promotion
Hōmashō 2004-32015-1Komusubi Shikoroyama three-time komusubi, first wrestler to make top division from former sekiwake Terao's stable
Kimurayama 2004-32014-1Maegashira 7 Kasugano one-time amateur champion, only sekitori from Wakayama prefecture for some time
Satoyama 2004-32018-11Maegashira 12 Onoe known for using a wide variety of techniques, used own rare surname as his ring name.
Baruto 2004-52013-9Ōzeki Onoe Estonian, tied for 3rd-fastest rise to top division, second European to win a championship
Gōeidō 2005-12020-1Ōzeki Sakaigawa held rank of sekiwake for a modern record 14 consecutive tournaments, one-time makuuchi champion
Tochiōzan 2005-12020-7Sekiwake Kasugano longtime rival of Gōeidō
Toyohibiki 2005-12021-7Maegashira 2 Sakaigawa On rise to top division, suffered only one make-koshi. Once held active record for most makuuchi appearances without a san'yaku promotion
Sagatsukasa 2005-12021-9Maegashira 9 Irumagawa High school yokozuna, one of the shortest recent sekitori
Okinoumi 2005-12023-1Sekiwake Hakkaku one of the few top wrestlers from Shimane Prefecture, a three time runner-up
Asahishō 2005-32021-7Maegashira 11 Tomozuna Was one of wrestlers who briefly took up Mitoizumi's trademark salt-throwing routine
Daidō 2005-32016-1Maegashira 8 Onomatsu former amateur wrestler at Senshu University
Ikioi 2005-32021-7Sekiwake Isenoumi had 1090 consecutive career matches
Wakanohō 2005-32008-8Maegashira 1 Magaki a fast-rising star, one of the most successful Russian wrestlers, first active wrestler to be dismissed by the Sumo Association (after arrest for cannabis possession)
Seirō 2005-72020-7Maegashira 14 Shikoroyama Mongolian wrestler first spotted by then-yokozuna Asashōryū in his younger years
Sakaizawa 2006-32011-5Maegashira 15 Mihogaseki
Onoe
jūryō champion, was forced to retire due to his involvement in the 2011 match-fixing scandal
Shōhōzan 2006-32022-6Komusubi Matsugane
Nishonoseki
Hanaregoma
five-time komusubi, returned from two tournament suspension for baseball gambling in 2010 to become makushita mainstay
Tochinoshin 2006-32023-5Ōzeki Kasugano former ōzeki, highest ranked Georgian and only one to win a makuuchi championship, won four consecutive lower-division championships while working way back up ranks after long injury absence
Chiyonokuni 2006-52023-7Maegashira 1 Kokonoe came back multiple times from injuries, two-time jūryō champion
Masunoyama 2006-72021-5Maegashira 4 Chiganoura first wrestler from his stable to make top division, but injuries and other health issues eventually led him to retire
Kaisei 2006-92022-9Sekiwake Tomozuna
Ōshima
first brazilian to reach makuuchi and sanyaku, now a coach at Ōshima stable under the name Tomozuna
Aran 2007-12013-9Sekiwake Mihogaseki former sekiwake, one of a handful of Russian sekitori, shares the place record for fastest rise to top division, after Jōkōryū
Kiyoseumi 2007-12011-5Maegashira 13 Kitanoumi pro sumo debut at Makushita #10 was the highest Makushita tsukedashi ever, forced to retire in bout-fixing scandal
Tochinowaka 2007-12015-1Maegashira 1 Kasugano had Korean background but Japanese citizenship, used his stablemaster's old shikona
Yamamotoyama 2007-12011-5Maegashira 9 Onoe heaviest sumo recruit ever at time of recruitment, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal
Tenkaihō 2007-12019-3Maegashira 8 Onoe one of many Nihon University alumni from his stable
Asabenkei 2007-32024-7Jūryō 7 Takasago earned a sandanme division championship
Chiyoarashi 2007-32024-1Jūryō 10 Kokonoe returned to jūryō after eight and a half years
Kotoekō 2007-32024-5Maegashira 4 Sadogatake first top division wrestler from Miyazaki since Kaneshiro in 1985
Tosayutaka 2007-32016-1Maegashira 1 Tokitsukaze first wrestler from his stable to reach the top division after the Tokitsukaze stable hazing scandal, injury-plagued career
Kyokushūhō 2007-52022-1Maegashira 4 Tomozuna long time jūryō, joined stable of his idol, fellow countryman Kyokutenhō
Akiseyama 2008-12023-9Maegashira 12 Kise had close friendship with fellow amateur yokozuna Kiyoseumi
Homarefuji 2008-12019-9Maegashira 6 Isegahama from the same town as Mainoumi and the same high school as Masatsukasa
Kotoyūki 2008-32021-4Sekiwake Sadogatake one-time sekiwake, jūryō champion, first Kagawa native to reach makuuchi since 1958
Chiyoōtori 2008-52021-11Komusubi Kokonoe had one tournament at komusubi rank, younger brother of Chiyomaru
Azumaryū 2009-12024-1Maegashira 11 Tamanoi Mongolian, jūryō stalwart, former amateur at Kyushu Institute of Information Sciences
Kimikaze 2009-12014-5Maegashira 13 Oguruma jūryō champion
Takanoiwa 2009-12018-12Maegashira 2 Takanohana
Chiganoura
jūryō champion; a year after his alleged assault by Harumafuji led to the Yokozuna's forced retirement, he himself allegedly assaulted one of his attendants and retired
Tokushōryū 2009-12023-9Maegashira 2 Kise best rank maegashira 2, won an upset makuuchi championship from the last position in the top division rankings
Jōkōryū 2011-52022-9Komusubi Kitanoumi
Kise
has the fastest rise to the top division in history, only taking him 9 tournaments. He also holds the record for most consecutive wins from entry into sumo.
Chiyotairyū 2011-52022-11Komusubi Kokonoe former amateur champion, reached the makuuchi division in one year.
Osunaarashi 2012-52018-3Maegashira 1 Otake first African sekitori, forced to retire after being involved in a traffic accident while driving without a license
Ishiura 2013-12023-6Maegashira 5 Miyagino third wrestler from Tottori Prefecture to reach top division since WWII, after retirement assumed the elder name Magaki and became coach at Miyagino stable
Takanofuji 2013-32019-10Jūryō 5 Takanohana
Chiganoura
identical twin of Takagenji, forced to retire after his second instance of allegedly assaulting his attendants
Takagenji 2013-32021-9Maegashira 10 Takanohana
Chiganoura
identical twin of Takanofuji, dismissed from sumo after admitting to smoking cannabis
Ichinojō 2014-12023-5Sekiwake Minato Second foreigner to be awarded makushita tsukedashi status, one-time makuuchi champion
Chiyonoumi 2015-52024-7Jūryō 12 Kokonoe won three lower division championships
Shōnanzakura 2015-92021-9Jonokuchi 9 Shikihide better known as Hattorizakura, had a record 104 consecutive losses
Yutakayama 2016-32022-11Maegashira 1 Tokitsukaze former amateur, one of three at his stable who have used this shikona
Wakaichirō 2016-112020-2Sandanme 32 Musashigawa African-American-Japanese, most recent American-born wrestler in sumo
Hokuseiho 2020-32024-2Maegashira 6 Miyagino Extremely long reach which he utilized to get to the belt, won first 21 matches, stood at 204 cm (6 ft 8)
Takakeishō 2014-112024-9Ōzeki Tokiwayama Best rank ōzeki. First recruited by former yokozuna Takanohana
Myōgiryū 2009-52024-9Sekiwake Sakaigawa Seven-time sekiwake, promising rise slowed due to injury in his jūryō debut
Aoiyama 2009-52024-9Sekiwake Kasugano Two-time sekiwake, second Bulgarian after Kotoōshū to enter makuuchi and to reach sekiwake

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sumo</span> Japanese martial art

Sumo is a form of competitive full-contact wrestling where a rikishi (wrestler) attempts to force his opponent out of a circular ring (dohyō) or into touching the ground with any body part other than the soles of his feet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kyokutenhō Masaru</span> Sumo wrestler

Kyokutenhō Masaru in Nalaikh, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolian People’s Republic is a former professional sumo wrestler. He fought out of Ōshima stable, with the first group of Mongolians ever to join the sport in Japan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Azumafuji Kin'ichi</span> Japanese sumo wrestler

Azumafuji Kin'ichi was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Taitō, Tokyo. He was the sport's 40th yokozuna, and later a professional wrestler.

Kinboshi is a notation used in professional sumo wrestling to record a lower-ranked (maegashira) wrestler's victory over a yokozuna.

<i>Honbasho</i> Official sumo tournament

A honbasho, or Grand Sumo Tournament in English, is an official professional sumo tournament. Only honbasho results matter in determining promotion and relegation for rikishi on the banzuke ranking. The number of honbasho held every year and their length has varied; since 1958 there are six tournaments held over 15 consecutive days in four locations every year. Since 1926 the honbasho are organized by the Japan Sumo Association, after the merger of the Tokyo and Osaka sumo associations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tochiazuma Daisuke</span>

Tochiazuma Daisuke is a retired sumo wrestler. He began his professional career in 1994, reaching the top division just two years later after winning a tournament championship in each of the lower divisions. After winning twelve special prizes and four gold stars, he reached his highest rank of ōzeki in 2002 and won three top division tournament championships before retiring because of health reasons in 2007 at the age of 30. In 2009 he became the head coach of Tamanoi stable.

Takeshi Inoue known by his stage name Takeshi Rikiō, is a Japanese retired professional wrestler, who worked for Pro Wrestling Noah. He is also a former sumo wrestler.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hiroshi Wajima</span> Japanese sumo wrestler

Hiroshi Wajima was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nanao, Ishikawa. He was the sport's 54th yokozuna and remains the only wrestler with a collegiate background to reach its highest rank. Entering professional sumo in 1970, he won a total of 14 tournament championships or yūshō during his career before retiring in March 1981. 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kotozakura Masakatsu I</span> Japanese sumo wrestler

Kotozakura Masakatsu was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kurayoshi, Tottori. He was the sport's 53rd yokozuna. He made his professional debut in 1959, reaching the top division in 1963. After several years at the second highest rank of ōzeki, in 1973 he was promoted to yokozuna at the age of thirty-two years two months, becoming the oldest wrestler to be promoted to yokozuna since 1958, when the current six tournaments system was established. After his retirement he was head coach of Sadogatake stable and produced a string of top division wrestlers.

Professional sumo as administered by the Japan Sumo Association is divided into six ranked divisions. Wrestlers are promoted and demoted within and between these divisions based on the merit of their win–loss records in official tournaments. For more information, see kachi-koshi and make-koshi. Wrestlers are also ranked within each division. The higher a wrestler's rank within a division is, the stronger the general level of opponents he will have to face becomes. According to tradition, each rank is further subdivided into East and West, with East being slightly more prestigious, and ranked slightly higher than its West counterpart. The divisions, ranked in order of hierarchy from highest to lowest, are as follows:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Takekaze Akira</span>

Takekaze Akira is a former professional sumo wrestler from Akita Prefecture, Japan. A former amateur sumo champion, he turned professional in 2002, reaching the top makuuchi division the following year. He was a runner-up in one tournament, earned two special prizes for Fighting Spirit, and one gold star for defeating a yokozuna. Takekaze is in first place for the slowest promotion from makuuchi debut to the third highest sekiwake rank in history. Aged 35 years and two months, he is in first place for the eldest to make his sekiwake debut post World War II. He was a member of Oguruma stable. He retired in January 2019 to become an elder of the Japan Sumo Association under the name Oshiogawa-oyakata.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tochinowaka Kiyotaka</span>

Tochinowaka Kiyotaka is a former sumo wrestler from Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. A former amateur champion, he turned professional in 1985, reaching the top makuuchi division in 1987. His highest rank was sekiwake. He was a runner-up in one tournament and earned six special prizes and four kinboshi. After 76 tournaments and 1114 bouts in the top division he retired in 1999. He is now an elder of the Japan Sumo Association and the head coach of Kasugano stable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tadao Yasuda</span> Japanese rikishi and professional wrestler

Tadao Yasuda is a Japanese retired sumo wrestler (rikishi), professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. He competed in sumo from 1979 to 1992 under the shikona of Takanofuji Tadao, achieving the rank of komusubi, and afterward turned to professional wrestling, in which he competed from 1994 to 2011, most notably in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he was a one-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion. He also fought in mixed martial arts from 2001 to 2003, holding a notable win over Jérôme Le Banner.

<i>Yūshō</i> Sports award

Yūshō is the term for a championship in Japanese. This article focuses on championships in the sport of professional sumo.

Hamanoshima Keishi is a former sumo wrestler from Uto, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. A former amateur champion, he turned professional in 1992, reaching the top makuuchi division in 1994. His highest rank was komusubi. After his retirement from active competition in 2004 he became an elder of the Japan Sumo Association and founded Onoe stable in 2006, which has produced a number of top division wrestlers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chiyomaru Kazuki</span> Japanese sumo wrestler

Chiyomaru Kazuki is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shibushi, Kagoshima. He made his professional debut in May 2007. He took the second division jūryō championship in his third tournament in the division in January 2014 and was promoted to the top makuuchi division in the following tournament. His highest rank has been maegashira 5 East. He is the older brother of fellow professional sumo wrestler Chiyoōtori, and has served as his younger brother's attendant or tsukebito.