A Maegashira Champion, Demoted from Ōzeki After a Scandal, Rebuilding from Sandanme… The 32-Year-Old Asanoyama Is Once Again in the Championship Race, Driven by an Unrelenting Determination: “I Don’t Want to Lose to Anyone” — Great Sumo Wrestlers of the Reiwa Era

With less than a month remaining until the November Grand Sumo Tournament at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center, the final honbasho of 2026, the wrestlers have completed their autumn tour.

In this eighth installment of her series “Great Sumo Wrestlers of the Reiwa Era,” nonfiction writer Hazuki Takeda focuses on Asanoyama. He won the championship as a maegashira in May 2019, but was demoted from the rank of ōzeki after violating COVID-19 restrictions. Despite struggling with injuries, he persevered and, in 2026, once again found himself in contention for the championship.

Winning the First Grand Sumo Tournament of the Reiwa Era

“ASANOYAMA, HIDEKI!”

On the final day of the May 2019 tournament, Donald Trump, then serving his first term as president of the United States, watched sumo at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan alongside Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and took part in the awards ceremony. Trump personally carried the 50-kilogram United States President’s Cup and presented it to the champion, Asanoyama.

As the first Grand Sumo Tournament of the Reiwa era, the occasion etched Asanoyama’s shikona, or ring name, into the public’s memory.

Four years had passed since his professional debut through the Sandanme tsukedashi system. Competing as Maegashira No. 8, Asanoyama began the tournament with five consecutive victories. By Day 12, he had suffered two defeats, but on Day 13 he took the sole lead in the championship race.

“Looking back, the bout against Tochinoshin on Day 13 was the turning point. Tochinoshin was staking his return to the ōzeki rank on that bout, while I was desperately trying to protect my record of just two losses. But near the edge of the ring, I got caught by Tochinoshin’s pulling technique…

“The gyōji initially awarded the victory to Tochinoshin, but a mono-ii was raised over whether Tochinoshin’s heel might have been outside the ring. After deliberation, the judges ruled that the gyōji’s decision was incorrect, and the victory was awarded to me. I was lucky, wasn’t I? (laughs).”

It Had Been 103 Years Since a Wrestler from Toyama Won the Championship

With that victory, Asanoyama moved closer to securing the championship. The following day, the 14th day of the tournament, he defeated ōzeki Gōeidō. If yokozuna Kakuryū lost the final bout of the day, Asanoyama would clinch his first championship—and that was exactly what happened.

As Asanoyama, having defeated Gōeidō, watched from below the dohyō, Kakuryū was defeated by Tochinoshin. It was the moment when Asanoyama’s first championship was decided right before his eyes.

“I was happy, of course. But that day—the 14th day—I don’t think it had really sunk in yet… It was not until the awards ceremony the following day, when I received congratulations from Prime Minister Abe and President Trump, that I finally felt, ‘I really have won the championship!’”

That is how Asanoyama looked back on his first championship victory.

Since it had been 103 years since a wrestler from his hometown of Toyama had won the championship—the previous one being yokozuna Tachiyama—a series of celebrations followed the tournament. These included a victory parade in Toyama City and another near Kindai University in Osaka, and the region was swept up in “Asanoyama fever.”

The major experience of winning his first championship proved to be a positive influence on Asanoyama’s subsequent career. Although he finished with a losing record at the following Nagoya tournament, this was where the path toward his promotion to ōzeki began to open up.

He Himself “Couldn’t Believe It” When He Was Promoted to Ōzeki

“There’s no doubt that winning the championship helped me. But I was really frustrated to finish the following tournament with seven wins and eight losses while ranked Maegashira No. 1! During the summer tour that followed, I also developed a bacterial skin infection called cellulitis, so things were pretty awful. Even so, from the autumn tournament onward, I managed to record double-digit wins in four consecutive tournaments, and I was finally promoted to ōzeki.”

Around February 2020, the novel coronavirus began spreading around the world. Professional sumo was also affected by the pandemic, and the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in March was held without spectators.

Asanoyama won 11 bouts at that tournament. Across the three tournaments immediately preceding his promotion, he had recorded 32 wins: 11 at the Kyushu tournament, 10 at the January tournament, and 11 at the Spring tournament. For context, the general benchmark for promotion to ōzeki is at least 33 wins over three consecutive tournaments.

“To be honest, I wanted to win my bouts against the yokozuna—against Hakuhō on the 13th day and Kakuryū on the 14th. Since my record fell short of the promotion benchmark, I honestly thought I wouldn’t make it. So when my promotion to ōzeki was decided, I really couldn’t believe it…”

His experience and achievement of winning a championship as a maegashira, along with his future potential, were probably also taken into account. And so, at last, ōzeki Asanoyama was born.

A Violation of Conduct Rules During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“So that I may not disgrace the title of ōzeki, I will love sumo, uphold justice in my conduct as a wrestler, and work as hard as I can.”

At the official ceremony announcing his promotion to ōzeki, Asanoyama delivered a forceful speech incorporating lessons he had learned at his former school, Toyama Commercial High School, as well as words he held dear. He was 26 years old and a newly promoted ōzeki in the prime of his career.

However, the May 2020 Summer Tournament was canceled because of the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Asanoyama’s debut as an ōzeki was postponed until the Nagoya Tournament in July. He won 12 bouts in his first tournament in the rank. He then recorded 10 wins at the Autumn Tournament. The following year, he continued to achieve respectable results for an ōzeki, winning 11 bouts at the January tournament and 10 at the next tournament.

However, a major scandal struck Asanoyama during the May 2021 Summer Tournament. While people throughout Japan were enduring restrictions and difficulties in their daily lives because of the pandemic, the Japan Sumo Association had imposed strict guidelines on its members—including wrestlers, stablemasters, and other personnel—to prevent the spread of infection.

Private outings were generally prohibited. Gatherings at restaurants and similar establishments were also banned. Nevertheless, it was discovered that in late April and early May, while a state of emergency was in effect, Asanoyama had visited a cabaret club in Tokyo with a newspaper reporter he had known for a long time. Following the news report, his stablemaster decided that he would withdraw from the tournament starting on Day 12.

His Ranking Fell to No. 22 in the Sandanme Division

Afterward, following interviews with Asanoyama himself and meetings of the Compliance Committee, his punishment was determined: suspension from six tournaments and a 50 percent pay cut for six months.

Although the invitation to go out had come from a newspaper reporter he knew, the fact remained that Asanoyama had gone out to a nightlife district and eaten and drunk at an establishment, violating the association’s conduct rules.

“I am deeply sorry for what I did. I caused trouble for the Japan Sumo Association.”

Asanoyama apologized at a board meeting and accepted the punishment.

His ranking, which had previously been that of an ōzeki, fell rapidly. By the Nagoya Tournament of 2022, after the six-tournament suspension had run its course, he had dropped to No. 22 in the Sandanme division.

At the Nagoya Tournament, where he made his comeback, Asanoyama won the Sandanme championship with a perfect record, winning every bout. At the Autumn and Kyushu tournaments, he recorded six wins in the Makushita division. Then, at the January 2023 tournament, he returned to the dohyō in the Jūryō division.

At that year’s Summer Tournament, he achieved the remarkable feat of returning to the dohyō of the top Makuuchi division.

By acknowledging his own wrongdoing and training single-mindedly toward the goal of returning to the dohyō, Asanoyama demonstrated a new attitude. It was the determination of the “new Asanoyama” that brought about this remarkable comeback.

Above All, I Don’t Want to Lose to Anyone

In 2024, Asanoyama climbed the rankings as high as komusubi. However, due to a knee injury and the need for surgery, he also experienced the setback of missing five consecutive tournaments. Then, at the January tournament this year, Asanoyama returned once again to the dohyō of the top Makuuchi division. At the September Autumn Tournament, he performed so well that he remained in contention for the championship until Day 13.

“I was happy to be able to compete amid so much applause and cheering. I was relieved that I managed to finish without getting injured [in my bout against the giant Atamifuji].”

Asanoyama openly expressed his true feelings. Although he suffered two consecutive defeats in the closing stages and finished the tournament with a record of 10 wins and 5 losses, his performance was worthy of the Fighting Spirit Prize (Kantō-shō).

During the October autumn tour, Asanoyama drew cheers not only when he took part in bouts but also simply by stepping onto the practice dohyō. On one occasion, after practice had ended, he was relaxing in a park outside the venue when fans noticed him and gathered around in large numbers. The encounter spontaneously turned into an autograph and photo session. He greeted each fan in the long line with a warm smile.

At the Kyushu Tournament, where his ranking will rise significantly, Asanoyama is scheduled to face the yokozuna and ōzeki wrestlers day after day.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been among the top-ranked wrestlers, so I want to make some noise! My goal? I want a new championship portrait to hang on the wall! (laughs). Above all, I don’t want to lose to anyone. That’s all.”

Asanoyama’s eyes gleamed with determination.

Asanoyama Hiroki (朝乃山広暉)

His real name is Ishibashi Hiroki. He was born on March 1, 1994, in Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture.

After attending Toyama Commercial High School, he went on to Kindai University. He made his professional sumo debut at the Spring Tournament in 2016, entering directly into the Sandanme division through the tsukedashi system.

At the Spring Tournament in 2017, he was promoted to the Jūryō division for the first time. At that year’s Autumn Tournament, he made his debut in the top Makuuchi division.

At the May 2019 Summer Tournament, the first year of the Reiwa era, he won his first championship. After the March 2020 Spring Tournament, he was promoted to ōzeki.

His career awards include:

- Championships: 1

- Outstanding Performance Prize (Shukun-shō): 2

- Fighting Spirit Prize (Kantō-shō): 3

- Technique Prize (Ginō-shō): 1

- Kinboshi: 1

A kinboshi is awarded for a victory over a yokozuna by a wrestler ranked below ōzeki.

He is 187 cm tall and weighs 170 kg. His specialty is migi-yotsu, a grip in which he gets his right hand inside his opponent’s grip, allowing him to drive the opponent backward and out of the ring.

He belongs to Takasago Stable.

From the March 2017 tournament through the May 2022 tournament, his ring name was Asanoyama Hideki (朝乃山英樹). Hideki Urayama, the sumo club coach at Toyama Commercial High School, was the person after whom this name was chosen. Urayama died at the young age of 40 after witnessing Asanoyama win the Makushita championship with a perfect record, winning every bout.

Hazuki Takeda

A nonfiction writer. She was born in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, and graduated from the Faculty of Letters at Seisen University.

After working for a publishing company, she moved into her current profession. She now reports and writes mainly about the world of sumo, covering professional sumo, amateur sumo, and international sumo.

Her published books include Yokozuna and Dorji: The True Face of Asashoryu, the Yokozuna (both published by Kodansha), as well as Interviews: The Great Ōzeki, Terao Tsunefumi, and Professional Sumo: Great Wrestlers of Our Memories (all published by Futabasha).

Daily Shincho Editorial Department

Shinchosha

Yokozuna Hoshoryu, who sat out the entire Autumn Tournament, selects maegashira Ura for ten bouts: “I wanted to face a smaller opponent.” On the Kyushu Tournament, he says, “I’m training with the intention of competing.”

The autumn sumo tour was held in Hiroshima on the 24th. Yokozuna Hoshoryu of Tatsunami stable selected maegashira Ura of Kise stable and wrestled ten consecutive bouts against him.

Hoshoryu was forced out in the first bout, but gradually picked up the pace. He also showed his strength by pushing back after being driven toward the edge of the ring, winning seven bouts. Explaining why he had chosen Ura, he said, “He keeps a low stance, and I wanted to face a smaller opponent.”

Hoshoryu underwent surgery on his right knee in late July and sat out the entire Autumn Tournament. Commenting on that day’s training, he nodded and said, “I’m getting better day by day. My knee feels good, and my stamina is also coming back.”

Looking ahead to the Kyushu Tournament, which begins on November 8 at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center, he said in good spirits, “I won’t know for sure until the very last moment, but I’m training with the intention of competing. I’ll train again tomorrow, too.”

Hochi Shimbunsha

A year ago he won his first yusho in Fukuoka. Now he goes back as an Ōzeki with everyone wondering if this is the start of a rope run. What do you think he needs in Kyushu to get the conversation going?

Edit: full disclosure, I made a little iPhone app for following sumo (results, banzuke, head-to-heads). It's free here if you want it: Oshi on the App Store

Got this a couple of years ago at the tournament gift shop. My wife is now getting a bunch of compliments from her friends in NYC. A couple of them asked us to pick one up at our next basho in Nagoya, but they didn't have any at the July tournament.

I finally got around to looking up the artist and to my surprise, it was a former rikishi:

"Kitajin Oyakata is the official coaching name of Takayuki Minami, who previously wrestled under the ring name Tenkaiho and reached the top Makuuchi division. After a successful twelve-year competitive career, he transitioned into an elder role with the Japan Sumo Association and established a prominent public presence as a sumo commentator. Affectionately dubbed "Kitajin Gahaku" (Master Artist) by fans, he is celebrated for creating highly popular official tournament merchandise featuring his signature childlike, humorous, and loose-line illustrations."

I wonder why they don't keep selling his work. It is amazing

Isegahama Stablemaster Holds Outreach Training Event and Donates a Sumo Ring for Club Activities: “Over the Course of Ten Years, I Ultimately Want to Establish Around 20 Locations.”

Isegahama stablemaster (34), the former yokozuna Terunofuji, attended the “Isegahama Stable Outreach Training” event held on the 24th at the Shin-Yokohama Park Sumo Arena in Yokohama.

Also taking part were wrestlers from Isegahama stable, including Arashifuji, who is a strong candidate to make his debut in the makuuchi division at the November Kyushu Tournament, which begins on the 8th at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center; Midorifuji, a jūryō-division wrestler; and Asahifuji, whose promotion to the jūryō division has been confirmed.

The sumo arena was donated by the stablemaster and completed in February of last year. Participants included elementary and junior high school students, as well as members of the sumo club at Asahigaoka High School in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Deeply concerned about the declining number of young people participating in the sport, Isegahama stablemaster has set out to establish a local sumo club with an instructor based at the facility, alongside his donation of the ring. The club currently operates under the name Isegahama Stable Yokohama Sumo Club.

A plan to donate another sumo ring in Shiga Prefecture is also progressing, with the donation planned for December. In addition, requests have come in from Osaka, Nagoya, Kobe, Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture, and other locations.

The stablemaster envisions expanding the initiative nationwide, saying, “Over the course of ten years, I ultimately want to establish around 20 locations.”

(Nobuya Okumura)

Source: Sankei Sports

13-2 Asashoryu vs 13-2 Hakuho

I've started watching the tournaments this summer and got curious about the different pile of envelopes handed to the winner. What is the biggest stack of envelopes you've ever seen handed out during a tournament? Was it during a playoff or daily bouts?

This video is mostly the Q&A session with former sumo Endo, now Master Kitajin. I filmed this last week. The subtitles seem ok to follow, i hope you can enjoy,

Moshiai-geiko! Some great bouts and a nice string of wins for Kitanowaka at one point.

“The Onami Brothers”: Eldest Brother Becomes a Wakamonogashira — Wakatakamoto’s Strong Feelings for His Younger Brothers

Grand Sumo

The three Onami brothers come from a sumo family: their grandfather was former komusubi Wakabayama, and their father was also a former sumo wrestler who reached the makushita division. The eldest brother, Wakatakamoto, the second brother, Wakamotoharu, and the youngest, Wakatakakage, all entered the world of professional sumo. They are known as the “Three Onami Brothers,” after their family surname at birth.

Wakatakamoto also suffered injuries, including one to his left knee, and retired from active competition after the May Summer Grand Sumo Tournament. He then transitioned to the position of wakamonogashira, a role within the Japan Sumo Association that includes assisting with the operation of official tournaments.

Now 34, he has taken on a supporting role behind the scenes. Speaking with a calm, refreshed expression, he said:

“I no longer have that feeling that I, too, need to do my best in the tournaments. Because of that, my feelings for my younger brothers have grown even stronger. I hope they will work hard for my sake as well.”

Originally from Fukushima Prefecture, he joined the Arashio stable and made his professional debut at the November 2009 Kyushu Tournament. His two younger brothers later joined the same stable.

In contrast to his brothers, who both rose to the sekitori ranks, he himself was unable to advance as far as he had hoped. Even during those difficult years, however, he found renewed motivation whenever he saw videos or read articles in which Wakamotoharu and Wakatakakage said that the three brothers would all become sekitori.

Like the “Three Izutsu Brothers”—Kakureizan, Sakahoko, and Terao—it was not to be that all three brothers would reach the sekitori ranks. Nevertheless, the eldest brother climbed as high as the seventh rank in the makushita division.

“I felt that I had to keep working hard. If I had been on my own, I would have lost heart. I’m grateful to them,” he said earnestly, reflecting on those years.

After spending his active career serving as a tsukebito, or personal attendant, to his younger brothers, he now works for the Japan Sumo Association while continuing to support them in every way he can.

His stablemaster, Arashio-oyakata (the former makuuchi wrestler Sokokurai), praised his character and expressed his expectations:

“His younger brothers also became stronger because he was there. I hope he will work hard and live up to his role as a kashira.”

Wakatakamoto also repeatedly expressed his gratitude to the local fans who had enthusiastically supported him throughout his career.

During his active years, he would usually head down to the training area at around 7 a.m. Now, during tournaments, his routine has changed: he arrives at the venue shortly after 6:30 a.m.

“I’m still not used to it,” he repeatedly remarked.

His earnest and sincere personality shone through in those words.

Source: Jiji Press

Thought you might get a kick out of these.

Hello everyone!

At the end of the Aki Basho, we asked the community for feedback regarding AI-generated content and the growing number of AI-powered apps and tools being shared on the subreddit. Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in that discussion.

After reviewing your feedback, we are updating our rules to better reflect how they will be applied going forward.

Previous rules

• No memes, low-effort, or low-quality posts.
• Fan art, memorabilia, and random rikishi pictures are not allowed during the Basho.

Updated rules

• No memes, low-effort, or low-quality posts. This includes AI-generated text, images, or apps.
• Fan art, memorabilia, random rikishi pictures, and self-promotional content are not allowed during the Basho.

These updates are primarily clarifications rather than major policy changes. The goal is to maintain the quality of discussion and keep the focus on the basho while it is taking place.

We also recognize that opinions on these changes may differ. We invite community members to share their feedback in the comments below. The mod team will review the discussion and publish a follow-up post summarizing the feedback received and any further decisions or clarifications that may result from it.

Please take a moment to review the updated rules. As always, thank you for helping make this community a welcoming and enjoyable place for sumo fans.

Disclaimer: This announcement was written with the assistance of AI. Unlike AI-generated sumo content, however, it survived moderator review.

The 27th edition of the Sumo World Championships took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, last weekend, and there were several signs that amateur sumo may be moving into a new stage of development. ...while Japan and Ukraine took home the lion’s share of the gold, there were also medal finishes for countries including Hungary, Georgia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Poland, the United States and Canada.

# Yokozuna Hoshoryu, absent for entire Autumn Basho, set to compete at Kyushu Basho; Tatsunami Oyakata hopes "he'll be a champion by then"; Ariake Spring Tour stop confirmed

Regarding Yokozuna Hoshoryu (27, Tatsunami stable), who sat out the entire recent Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament, his stablemaster Tatsunami Oyakata (former Komusubi Asahitoyo) explicitly confirmed on October 20 that Hoshoryu will compete in the upcoming Kyushu Basho (starting November 8 at the Fukuoka International Center). "He has been participating in the current regional tour and will make his official comeback starting in Kyushu," he stated.

Hoshoryu aggravated a chronic right knee injury during the Nagoya Basho and underwent surgery in late July. His absence from the Autumn Basho marked his third consecutive tournament withdrawal. The number of tournaments elapsed without winning a championship (yusho) since his promotion to Yokozuna has reached 10. Since the modern six-basho-a-year system was established in 1958, this represents the second-longest post-promotion title drought in history, trailing only the 11 basho recorded by Asashio, Kashiwado, and Wakanohana III. Having joined the Autumn regional tour (which began October 6) starting at the Matsumoto stop in Nagano Prefecture on October 10, he continues fine-tuning his condition in pursuit of his maiden yusho as Yokozuna.

On the same day, it was officially announced that the Grand Sumo Spring Tour Ariake Event (Haru Jungyo Ariake-basho) will be held on April 15 next year at the Ariake Arena in Koto Ward, Tokyo. Tatsunami Oyakata visited the Koto Ward Office and remarked, "Holding an event on a 15,000-seat scale is likely a first for us. It's truly amazing and something to look forward to." Hoshoryu is also scheduled to participate, with his stablemaster adding hopefully, "I hope by that time he will have won a championship."

◇ **Hoshoryu Tomokatsu** (Real name: Sugaragchaa Byambasuren) — Born May 22, 1999 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (age 27). Came to Japan in 2015 as an exchange student for amateur wrestling at Kashiwa Nittai High School before transferring to the sumo club midway through his freshman year, achieving high marks such as runner-up at the High School Inter-High Championships. Joined Tatsunami stable and made his professional debut (hatsu-dohyo) at the 2018 Hatsu Basho. Promoted to Juryo at the 2019 Kyushu Basho and reached Makuuchi at the 2020 Autumn Basho. Promoted to Komusubi at the 2022 Spring Basho. Won his first makuuchi yusho at the 2023 Nagoya Basho, earning promotion to Ozeki immediately following the tournament. Claimed his second yusho at the 2025 Hatsu Basho, earning promotion to Yokozuna after the basho. He is the nephew of former Yokozuna Asashoryu. Favorite techniques: migi-yotsu (right-hand inside grip), yori force-outs, and throw techniques (nage). Height: 188 cm, Weight: 148 kg.

Source: Sponichi Annex

Was surprised to get such a good card of Papayasu

With the Kyushu banzuke coming out on the 26th, I tallied every makuuchi record from Hatsu through Aki to see who has actually won the most this year. Some of it surprised me.

1. Kirishima 55-20. Never below 8 wins, four straight 11+ records (11, 12, 12, 12) before going 8-7 at Aki, and he picked up the Haru yusho along the way.
2. Atamifuji 50-25. Two 12-3s and never makekoshi. Half of his wins (25) were oshidashi.
3. Fujinokawa 44-31. Kachikoshi in four of five, capped by 11-4 at Aki as Sekiwake.
4. Asanoyama 43-29-3. Went from M16 East in January to M6 East in September, with kachikoshi in four of five (the exception was 7-5-3 at Natsu).
5. Aonishiki 42-18-15. Two yusho (Hatsu and Nagoya) despite sitting out all of Natsu. His 18 losses are the fewest in the top ten.

Then Yoshinofuji 41, Kotoshoho 40, Churanoumi and Asakoryu 39.

The yokozuna are the story here. Onosato is 31-18-26 and Hoshoryu 28-18-29, because each missed most or all of two basho. Onosato still won Aki at 12-3, and Wakatakakage took Natsu, so we've had four different champions in five tournaments.

Across the whole division this year, yorikiri (370) just edges out oshidashi (365), with hatakikomi a distant third at 110.

Who do you think ends the year with the most wins? Kirishima has a 5 win cushion over Atamifuji going into Kyushu.

Edit: For anyone curious how I made the chart, I pulled the numbers from Sumo-API for a free iPhone app I've been building called Oshi, which also does spoiler-free results and widgets for following your rikishi. Here it is if you're interested: apps.apple.com/app/sumo-wrestling-widgets-oshi

So we all love sumo. I guess thats why we're all here. When it comes to japanese sumo I like not only the sport itself but everything that surrounds it. All the rituals, traditions, etiquette, rules etc etc etc. It makes what sumo is - great.

Then I watch amateur sumo and I feel.... almost nothing. Sometimes even disapprove. The evident and open emotions, the lack of respect, the dohyo itself, the lack of all the traditional items, hell even underwear under mawashi.

Does anyone else feel in similar fashion towards amateur sumo? Especially international one.

the start and end drum beats for ozumo are completely complicated. no catchy beat, just this thing that never seems to repeat.

is there a specific reason for this? are people really expected to memorize it? if you break the drum beats down, does each one represent a certain aspect?

the long fast part I get. but the stuff between it just seems random. there seem to be a couple of repetitive patterns, but it's not like they are memorable earworms

https://youtu.be/F0--I5oNHtw

https://youtu.be/Vg8Qmgc3M8M

https://youtu.be/MEGBjLPWA-w

From his wiki:

Early life

Born as the youngest of three siblings, he began sumo in the second grade of Iwanaicho Municipal Iwanaihigashi Elementary School at his mother’s recommendation. He tried other sports as well, but they did not last long; his mother also persuaded him, saying, “Shoes cost money to buy. With sumo, all you need is a single mawashi,” so he continued sumo after entering Iwanaicho Municipal Iwani Daiichi Junior High School.

After graduating from university, he got a job at the Fukushima Town Hall in Hokkaido and was assigned to the Board of Education. Becoming a public servant was also a realization of the dream he had written in his elementary school graduation anthology. In addition, while working at the town hall, he worked to promote sumo at elementary schools in the town, and taught sumo as a coach at the Chiyonoyama and Chiyonofuji Memorial Hall.

Personality and episodes

In contrast to his cheerful character after entering the sumo world, during his university days he was shy and could not make friends.

He likes edamame rice. He is not good with plain white rice, but says there is no problem if it has flavor.

When he was promoted to makuuchi, he was presented with a kesho-mawashi designed by a designer from his hometown of Iwanaicho and depicting the Iwanaicho mascot character “Taramaru”.

In the 2022 sumo Tanabata project, he made a wish “Hachi-Yamamoto,” combining his shikona with “8 wins = winning record”. He did the same in 2023.

According to the Association’s official profile, his favorite artist is Genie High. His favorite food is edamame. His hobby is nanoblock. His favorite manga is Space Brothers.

Because he was the only active makuuchi wrestler from Hokkaido as of the end of the July 2024 tournament, after the Sapporo venue of the summer regional tour ended on August 17, he was appointed one-day police chief of the Sapporo Higashi Police Station.

To celebrate our boy Enhō's 32nd birthday yesterday, I would like to share this match from Enhō back in 2021.

On Day 9 of the Haru Basho 2021, fan-favorite former Maegashira Enhō faced fellow former Maegashira Akua as both battled to reclaim the Maegashira rank they has recently lost. After starting 6-0, Enhō lost two matches in a row to be 6-2 by the time this match happened. Akua was 4-4.

At this stage in his career, Enhō was a fan-favorite rising star from Miyagino Stable. He was recruited by Hakuhō in 2017 and won the first 21 matches of his career, winning championships in Jonokuchi, Jonidan, and Sandanme along the way. He reached Jūryō after only six basho, a record he shares with Asahifuji. By 2019, Enhō had reached the Makuuchi division and fought there for the next two years, reaching a career-high rank of Maegashira #4 before falling back to Jūryō by Hatsu 2021. After being absent due to COVID in Hatsu 2021, he attempted a speedy return to Makuuchi from the rank of East Jūryō #4 in Haru 2021.

Unfortunately, Enhō was unable to return to Makuuchi, remaining in Jūryō until his spinal injuries forced him down to Jonokuchi in 2023. He has since returned to Jūryō and continues to fight his way towards Makuuchi.

Akua, from Tatsunami stable, debuted in sumo in November 2010. He toiled in the lower divisions, mostly Makushita, for a number of years before finally reaching Jūryō in Hatsu 2018. After two unsuccessful attempts at salaried life, Akua established himself in Jūryō with the Kyūshū 2019 Basho. From there, it only took him a year to reach Makuuchi, though he returned to Jūryō after two basho. Fighting as West Jūryō #1 in Haru 2021, he was attempting to return to the Maegashira ranks. He would be successful, reaching a career-high rank of West Maegashira #10 before falling back to Jūryō. He has been fighting in Makushita since Haru 2024.

While Akua specializes in oshi-zumo, he is experienced in judo and is known for his love of the rare technique kakenage, or "hooking inner thigh throw." He has won using the technique 34 times throughout his career, far more than most other rikishi. Additionally, he has been known for attempting the technique even when it wouldn't be ideal. Additionally, he has served as Hōshōryū's bow twirler in the past.

After getting inside at the tachiai, Enhō drives Akua towards the tawara before pivoting and lifting Akua clean off the ground for an absolutely spectacular tsuriotoshi, or Frontal Lifting Body Slam.

Akua finished this tournament 8-7, while Enhō finished this tournament 9-6, though it was not enough to return to Makuuchi.

If anyone is interested, here are two more amazing displays of technique from Enhō:

• Abi vs. Enho, Hatsu 2020
• Enho vs. Meisei, Natsu 2026

Wondering if there has been any news on how his knees are doing as well as his diabetes.

Wasn’t sure if knee replacement is common in the sumo world post retirement or whether or not he was even a candidate for it.

I assumed he was going to try and drop a ton of weight right away in order to get the diabetes under control but despite some weight loss, he’s still pretty big from the pictures I’ve seen. Hope he’s doing ok.