List of past sumo wrestlers
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 Entered Retired Highest 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? Yokozuna N.A. yokozuna status historically conferred, actual yokozuna license never proven Maruyama Gondazaemon 1735? 1749-11 Yokozuna Nanatsumori yokozuna status historically conferred, died while an active wrestler Miyagino Nishikinosuke 1766-10 1796-3 Sekiwake Sanoyama oldest top division wrestler at the age of 52, first Miyagino stablemaster Tanikaze Kajinosuke 1769-4 1794-11 Yokozuna Isenoumi streak of 63 wins held for 150 years, died while active Onogawa Kisaburō 1779-10 1798-10 Yokozuna Tamagaki first yokozuna to perform dohyo-iri along with Tanikaze Raiden Tameemon 1790-11 1811-2 Ōzeki Urakaze
(Isenoumi)considered one of the best wrestlers ever, but never promoted to yokozuna, likely for political reasons Kashiwado Risuke 1806-10 1825-1 Ōzeki Isenoumi rejected a yokozuna license to avoid conflict between prominent families Tamagaki Gakunosuke 1806-10 1824-8 Ōzeki Tamagaki like Kashiwado, a yokozuna strength wrestler who had to reject a license Ōnomatsu Midorinosuke 1815-3 1835-11 Yokozuna Takekuma was often criticized for number of false starts Inazuma 1821-2 1839-11 Yokozuna Sadogatake received yokozuna licenses from Gojo family and Yoshida family Tsurugizan Taniemon 1827-3 1852-2 Ōzeki Onomatsu offered a yokozuna license but rejected it Hidenoyama Raigorō 1828-3 1850-3 Yokozuna Hidenoyama shortest yokozuna ever, wrestlers outside his stable once staged a strike against his authority Shiranui Dakuemon 1830-11 1844-1 Yokozuna Urakaze coach of Shiranui Kōemon Unryū Kyūkichi 1847-11 1865-2 Yokozuna Oitekaze unryū dohyō-iri style named for him Jinmaku 1850-11 1867-11 Yokozuna Hidenoyama erected monument to former yokozuna, first time first 3 yokozuna recognized Shiranui Kōemon 1850-11 1869-11 Yokozuna Sakaigawa considered the actual innovator of the unryū dohyō-iri style Kimenzan Tanigorō 1852-2 1870-11 Yokozuna Takekuma at 43 oldest wrestler ever to be promoted to yokozuna Sakaigawa Namiemon 1857-11 1881-1 Yokozuna 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 1863-07 1873-12 maegashira Chiganoura stable one of the first great reformers of professional sumo, and founder of Takasago stable Umegatani I 1871-3 1885-5 Yokozuna Ikazuchi died at 83, longest-lived yokozuna after retirement, helped build first Ryōgoku Kokugikan Nishinoumi Kajirō I 1882-1 1896-1 Yokozuna Takasago first wrestler actually listed on banzuke at the rank of yokozuna Konishiki Yasokichi I 1883-5 1901-1 Yokozuna Takasago although competitive, never won a championship as yokozuna Ōzutsu Man'emon 1885-1 1908-1 Yokozuna Oguruma strength greatly declined after fighting in Russo-Japanese War Onigatani Saiji 1886-1 1907-1 Komusubi Ikazuchi retired from active sumo aged 51 Wakashima 1891-5 1907-1 Yokozuna Tomozuna
Nakamurafirst official yokozuna from Osaka sumo, retired young due to a cycling accident Hitachiyama 1892-6 1914-5 Yokozuna 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 1892-6 1915-5 Yokozuna Ikazuchi youngest ever yokozuna at that time Araiwa Kamenosuke 1894-1 1909-1 Ōzeki Oguruma had a winning average of over .800 Takamiyama Torinosuke 1895-6 1913-5 Sekiwake Takasago won first officially recognized sumo top division championship Tamatsubaki Kentaro 1897-1 1916-1 Sekiwake Ikazuchi at 158 cm, the shortest wrestler in history Ōnishiki Daigorō 1898-11 1922-1 Yokozuna Asahiyama active in Osaka sumo Ōkido Moriemon 1899-9 1914-1 Yokozuna Minato only yokozuna who spent his whole career in Osaka sumo Nishinoumi Kajirō II 1900-1 1918-5 Yokozuna Izutsu oldest wrestler to be promoted to yokozuna in the 20th century, committed suicide later in life Tachiyama 1900-5 1918-1 Yokozuna Tomozuna never had a losing tournament in 18-year career, only lost 3 bouts as a yokozuna Ōtori Tanigorō 1903-5 1920-5 Yokozuna Miyagino has a monument built for him in Inzai, Chiba Ryōgoku Yūjirō 1909-6 1924-1 Sekiwake Dewanoumi only wrestler to win the top division on his first attempt since the 1909 yusho system was established Ōnishiki Uichirō 1910-1 1923-1 Yokozuna Dewanoumi reached yokozuna after only 5 top division tournaments which is an all-time record, trained under Hitachiyama Nishinoumi Kajirō III 1910-1 1928-10 Yokozuna Izutsu promoted to yokozuna without winning any championships, which caused controversy Tsunenohana 1910-1 1930-10 Yokozuna Dewanoumi attempted suicide as a sumo elder after being blamed for JSA troubles Miyagiyama 1910-6 1931-1 Yokozuna Takadagawa achieved fame in Osaka, helped save integrity of much maligned Osaka sumo by achieving success in Tokyo after Osaka sumo was disbanded Tochigiyama 1911-2 1925-5 Yokozuna Dewanoumi lost only 3 bouts in rise to top division, ended the 56-victory streak of Tachiyama Toyokuni Fukuma 1915-1 1930-10 Ōzeki Izutsu only had two losing tournaments in his rise to ōzeki, had two makunouchi championships Shimizugawa 1917-1 1937-5 Ōzeki Hatachiyama won three top division championships, but never promoted to yokozuna Hitachiiwa Eitarō 1917-5 1931-3 Ōzeki Dewanoumi his only tournament championship caused great controversy Tamanishiki 1919-1 1938-12 Yokozuna 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 1920-1 1931-10 Sekiwake 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 1922-5 1939-5 Ōzeki Kumegawa discovered and mentored future yokozuna Kagamisato Minanogawa Tōzō 1924-1 1942-1 Yokozuna Takasago
Sadogatakepopular with public but won no championships at yokozuna rank Dewanohana I 1925-1 1940-7 Maegashira 1 Dewanoumi went on to become chairman of the Japan Sumo Association from 1968–1974 Musashiyama Takeshi 1926-1 1939-5 Yokozuna Dewanoumi promotion considered controversial by some, had only one kachi-koshi at yokozuna rank Futabayama 1927-3 1945-11 Yokozuna Tatsunami won 69 consecutive bouts, the longest run in the history of sumo, after retirement admitted was blind in one eye Dewaminato I 1928-3 1944-11 Sekiwake Dewanoumi took the championship in the same tournament Futabayama's winning streak was ended Maedayama 1929-1 1949-10 Yokozuna Takasago former head of Takasago stable Akinoumi Setsuo 1932-2 1946-11 Yokozuna Dewanoumi ended the 69-bout win streak of Futabayama Nayoroiwa 1932-5 1954-10 Ōzeki Tatsunami stablemate of Futabayama, fought until age forty, established Kasugayama stable after retirement Haguroyama 1934-1 1953-9 Yokozuna Tatsunami longest serving yokozuna in history until surpassed by Hakuhō in 2019 Saganohana 1934-5 1952-1 Ōzeki Kumegawa→Nishonoseki defeated four yokozuna in one tournament, coached Taihō, among other sumo greats Terukuni 1935-1 1953-1 Yokozuna Isegahama youngest yokozuna ever until Taihō Masuiyama Daishirō I 1935-1 1950-1 Ōzeki Dewanoumi father of ozeki Masuiyama Daishiro II, coach of Kitanoumi Azumafuji Kin'ichi 1936-1 1954-9 Yokozuna Takasago first yokozuna to turn to pro-wrestling after retiring Bishūyama 1936-1 1955-3 Sekiwake Isegahama, Araiso winner of the 1945 Summer tournament cut short due to Allied bombings Mitsuneyama 1937-5 1960-1 Ōzeki Takashima later head coach of Takashima stable Tamanoumi Daitaro 1937-5 1961-1 Sekiwake 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 1938-1 1955-5 Komusubi Nishonoseki founder of Sadogatake stable, trained yokozuna Kotozakura Toyonishiki 1938-1 1945-11 Maegashira 17 Dewanoumi first Japanese-American to reach the top division Yoshibayama 1938-5 1958-1 Yokozuna Takashima though successful, he overall ability was hindered by injuries from World War II before he entered sumo Tochinishiki 1939-1 1960-5 Yokozuna Kasugano known for small size and his tenacity, once fought back from seven straight losses to win his kachi-koshi Kitanonada 1940-1 1962-3 Sekiwake Tatsunami won ten career kinboshi, retired at age 39 Rikidōzan 1940-5 1950-9 Sekiwake Nishonoseki after retiring, moved on to become "the father of pro-wrestling in Japan" Tokitsuyama 1940-5 1961-3 Sekiwake Tatsunami makuuchi champion, known for using a variety of rare techniques Kagamisato 1941-1 1958-1 Yokozuna Tokitsukaze died at age 80, one of the longest-lived former yokozuna Matsunobori 1941-1 1961-11 Ōzeki Oyama head of small Oyama stable after retirement Chiyonoyama 1942-1 1959-1 Yokozuna Dewanoumi founded Kokonoe stable Dewanishiki 1942-1 1956-11 Sekiwake Dewanoumi had 10 gold stars, held komusubi rank 9 times before reaching sekiwake Wakabayama 1942-1 1961-1 Komusubi Tokitsukaze earned four gold stars, three grandsons all became rikishi Ōuchiyama 1944-1 1959-3 Ōzeki Tokitsukaze one of the tallest wrestlers ever at 202 cm Kotogahama 1945-11 1962-11 Ōzeki Nishonoseki five times a top division tournament runner-up, turned down opportunity to run Sadogatake stable Wakanohana 1946-11 1962-5 Yokozuna Nishonoseki
Shibatayama
Hanakagoformer head of JSA, one of lightest yokozuna, older brother of Takanohana Kenshi Toyonobori 1947-6 1954-9 Maegashira 15 Izutsu went on to become a well-known professional wrestler Tsurugamine 1947-6 1967-7 Sekiwake Tomozuna holds record for most technique prizes at 10, had ten gold stars Asashio III 1948-10 1962-1 Yokozuna Takasago former head of Takasago stable Wakahaguro 1949-10 1965-3 Ōzeki Tatsunami died of stroke after retiring at age 34 Annenyama 1950-1 1965-3 Sekiwake Tatsunami former head of Tatsunami stable, earned 10 gold stars Fusanishiki 1952-1 1967-1 Sekiwake Wakamatsu
Nishiiwa
Wakamatsuformer head coach of Wakamatsu stable 1979–1990 Oikawa 1952-1 1962-5 Maegashira 10 Onoe
Takasagotwo-time jūryō champion Tochihikari 1952-5 1966-1 Ōzeki Kasugano member of Kasugano stable, an ōzeki for 22 tournaments Iwakaze 1952-5 1965-9 Sekiwake Wakamatsu
Nishiiwa
Wakamatsujūryō champion Wakakoma 1952-5 1962-3 Maegashira 8 Nishonoseki
Shibatayama
Hanakagojūryō champion Kanenohana 1952-5 1967-9 Komusubi Dewanoumi jūryō champion Maedagawa 1952-9 1967-5 Sekiwake Takasago runner-up in two top division tournaments Kiyonomori 1953-1 1967-5 Maegashira 9 Isegahama two-time jūryō champion, former head coach of Kise stable Aonosato 1953-3 1969-3 Sekiwake Tokitsukaze two-time jūryō champion, former head coach of Tatsutagawa stable 1988–2000 Fujinishiki 1953-3 1968-11 Komusubi Takasago former head of Takasago stable, coached Konishiki, Mitoizumi to top division Wakasugiyama 1953-3 1967-5 Maegashira 1 Nishonoseki
Shibatayama
Hanakagojūryō champion Wakanokuni 1953-3 1969-9 Maegashira 8 Shibatayama
Hanakagothree-time jūryō champion Oiteyama 1953-5 1969-5 Maegashira 6 Oitekaze
Tatsunamijūryō champion Kiminishiki 1953-5 1968-5 Maegashira 3 Tatsunami jūryō champion Kitabayama 1954-5 1966-5 Ōzeki Tokitsukaze held ōzeki rank for 30 tournaments Kashiwado 1954-9 1969-7 Yokozuna Isenoumi former director of JSA, overshadowed by rival Taihō Udagawa 1954-9 1967-7 Maegashira 3 Takashima
Yoshibayama
Miyaginojūryō champion Myōbudani 1954-3 1969-11 Sekiwake Miyagino took part in two top division championship playoffs Wakachichibu 1954-5 1968-11 Sekiwake Hanakago two-time jūryō champion, won two special prizes, former elder in the JSA Wakamisugi 1955-3 1967-5 Sekiwake Hanakago won a top division championship from the maegashira ranks Wakatenryū 1955-3 1969-7 Maegashira 1 Hanakago two-time jūryō champion Niigiyama 1955-3 1963-5 Maegashira 11 Tokitsukaze two-time jūryō champion Kainoyama 1955-5 1970-1 Sekiwake Onogawa
Dewanoumiwinner of six special prizes and five gold stars Okanoyama 1955-5 1965-1 Maegashira 5 Tokitsukaze jūryō champion Amatsukaze 1955-5 1967-5 Maegashira 3 Tokitsukaze two-time jūryō champion Tochinoumi 1955-9 1966-11 Yokozuna Kasugano former head of Kasugano stable, one of lightest yokozuna ever Hagurohana 1955-9 1965-11 Sekiwake Tatsunami former elder in the JSA Sadanoyama 1956-1 1968-3 Yokozuna Dewanoumi former head of JSA Kairyūyama 1956-3 1968-3 Sekiwake Araiso
Isegahamajūryō champion, won eight gold stars Daimonji 1956-3 1973-7 Maegashira 5 Nakamura
Nishonosekijūryō champion, former Nishiiwa-oyakata Daiyū 1956-5 1972-9 Maegashira 1 Izutsu two-time jūryō champion, founder of Kabutoyama stable Azumanishiki 1956-5 1967-9 Maegashira 15 Takasago jūryō champion, one tournament in the top division Tensuiyama 1956-5 1968-9 Maegashira 10 Araiso
Isegahamatwo-time jūryō champion Kiyokuni 1956-9 1974-1 Ōzeki Isegahama former head of Isegahama stable Taihō 1956-9 1971-5 Yokozuna Nishonoseki won 32 championships which stood as record until 2015, at the time was youngest yokozuna ever at 21 Sawahikari 1956-9 1964-11 Komusubi Tokitsukaze jūryō champion Tamaarashi 1956-9 1967-7 Maegashira 4 Nishonoseki
Kataonamitwo-time jūryō champion Kitanofuji 1957-1 1974-7 Yokozuna Dewanoumi
Kokonoeformer head of Kokonoe stable, coached Chiyonofuji and Hokutoumi to yokozuna Ryūko 1957-1 1975-5 Komusubi Hanakago after retiring, found success as a TV actor Wakanami 1957-3 1972-3 Komusubi Tatsunami only 103 kg at peak weight Kōtetsuyama 1957-3 1975-1 Sekiwake Asahiyama jūryō champion, founder of Onaruto stable Asasegawa 1957-5 1971-5 Maegashira 1 Araiso
Isegahamatwo-time jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA Wakamiyama 1957-11 1969-11 Sekiwake Tatsunami jūryō champion Fukunohana 1958-1 1975-11 Sekiwake Dewanoumi won seven special prizes and five gold stars Daikirin 1958-5 1974-11 Ōzeki Nishonoseki sumo elder until June 2006 Hanahikari 1958-5 1970-9 Maegashira 3 Hanakago jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA 1970–1975 Katsuhikari 1958-9 1973-3 Maegashira 1 Araiso
Isegahamajūryō champion, former head coach at Isegahama stable Tochiōyama 1958-11 1972-1 Maegashira 1 Kasugano jūryō champion Kotozakura 1959-1 1974-7 Yokozuna Sadogatake was head of Sadogatake stable during a very successful period Tamanoumi 1959-3 1971-9 Yokozuna Kataonami died during surgery while an active yokozuna Asaarashi 1959-3 1973-3 Maegashira 12 Takasago former elder in the JSA under the name Furiwake Yoshinohana 1959-5 1973-7 Maegashira 1 Dewanoumi two-time jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA Shiratayama 1959-7 1977-7 Maegashira 4 Takasago jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA Tokibayama 1959-9 1975-3 Maegashira 2 Tokitsukaze two-time jūryō champion, died while active as an elder in the JSA Hasegawa 1960-3 1976-5 Sekiwake Sadogatake unusually, kept his family name as his ring name, former director of the Nagoya tournament for the JSA Arashiyama 1960-3 1972-5 Maegashira 12 Miyagino jūryō champion Toyokuni Susumu 1960-5 1968-1 Komusubi Tokitsukaze won seven gold stars Futagoryū 1960-9 1971-3 Maegashira 5 Hanakago
Futagoyamajūryō champion Wakafutase 1960-9 1975-3 Komusubi Onaruto
Asahiyamatwo-time jūryō champion, former head coach of Asahiyama stable Tochiazuma I 1960-11 1977-1 Sekiwake Kasugano won ten special prizes, father of Ōzeki Tochiazuma Dairyugawa 1961-1 1979-5 Maegashira 1 Mihogaseki former elder in the JSA under the name Kiyomigata Futagodake 1961-1 1976-9 Komusubi Hanakago
Futagoyamafounder of Araiso stable Maenoyama 1961-3 1974-3 Ōzeki Takasago Korean descent, broke his stable off from Ichimon to become independent Yutakayama 1961-3 1968-9 Ōzeki Tokitsukaze runner-up for top division championship 8 times, former head of Tokitsukaze stable and JSA Fujinokawa 1961-5 1972-11 Sekiwake Isenoumi former head of Isenoumi stable and director of the JSA Wakanoumi II 1961-5 1978-1 Maegashira 2 Hanakago jūryō champion, active as an elder in the JSA for 14 years Tochifuji 1961-5 1974-9 Maegashira 3 Kasugano two-time jūryō champion Haguroiwa 1961-5 1978-1 Komusubi Tatsunami former elder in the JSA under the name Ikazuchi Mutsuarashi 1961-9 1976-3 Sekiwake Miyagino two-time jūryō champion, won five special prizes Ōshio 1962-1 1988-1 Komusubi Tokitsukaze all-time record for most bouts ever fought Maruyama 1962-5 1976-9 Maegashira 13 Tokitsukaze jūryō champion Fujizakura 1963-3 1985-3 Sekiwake Takasago former holder of the record for most consecutive professional bouts, now head of Nakamura stable Tochiisami 1963-3 1979-11 Maegashira 7 Kasugano jūryō champion, active as an elder in the JSA under the name Iwatomo Asahikuni 1963-7 1979-9 Ōzeki Tatsunami won 6 technique prizes, broke off to form own stable, Ōshima stable Mienoumi 1963-7 1980-11 Yokozuna Dewanoumi took an all-time record 97 tournaments to reach yokozuna Asanobori 1963-7 1978-5 Maegashira 2 Asahiyama four-time jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA Futatsuryū 1963-9 1982-11 Komusubi Tokitsukaze former Tokitsukaze stable head, stripped of position and arrested over hazing death scandal Tenryū 1963-12 1976-9 Maegashira 1 Nishonoseki after a dispute with the JSA, went on to be a pro wrestler Takamiyama 1964-3 1984-5 Sekiwake Takasago first foreigner to win top division championship, holds many longevity records, held the gold star record until Akinoshima Aobajō 1964-3 1986-7 Sekiwake Oshiogawa holds record for most consecutive career bouts Kurohimeyama 1964-3 1982-1 Sekiwake Tatsunami won eight special prizes and six gold stars Tamakiyama 1964-5 1984-3 Komusubi Kataonami not to be confused with the Hawaiian born Takamiyama Kongō 1964-5 1976-9 Sekiwake Nishonoseki now head of Nishonoseki stable Wakajishi 1964-5 1983-5 Komusubi Futagoyama jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA Teruzakura 1964-5 1976-1 Maegashira 7 Isegahama active as an elder in the JSA under the name Urakaze Kitaseumi 1964-7 1979-5 Sekiwake Dewanoumi
Kokonoejūryō champion, active as an elder in the JSA under the name Kimigahama Yoshioyama 1965-3 1976-1 Maegashira 2 Mihogaseki jūryō champion Daiju 1965-3 1977-5 Ōzeki Takashima briefly held ōzeki rank, then head of Asahiyama stable Taiga 1965-3 1977-5 Maegashira 1 Kimigahama two-time jūryō champion Takanohana I 1965-5 1981-1 Ōzeki Futagoyama held ōzeki rank for then record 50 tournaments, father of Yokozuna Takanohana II and Wakanohana III Yoshinotani 1965-5 1982-5 Maegashira 4 Dewanoumi jūryō champion, died as an active oyakata Kaiki 1965-9 1987-3 Sekiwake Tomozuna Now head of Tomozuna stable and on board of JSA Kurosegawa 1966-1 1984-5 Komusubi Isegahama jūryō champion, active as an elder in the JSA under the name Kiriyama Chiyozakura 1966-3 1978-5 Maegashira 5 Dewanoumi
Kokonoetwo-time jūryō champion Daigō 1966-5 1982-3 Maegashira 11 Hanakago jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA Kaiketsu 1966-9 1979-1 Ōzeki Hanakago two-time ōzeki, head of JSA from 2010-12 during the match-fixing scandal Banryūyama 1966-11 1984-11 Komusubi Mihogaseki persevered most of his career in the unsalaried ranks Kitanoumi 1967-1 1985-1 Yokozuna Mihogaseki youngest yokozuna ever, won 24 tournament titles, former head of Kitanoumi stable Masuiyama II 1967-1 1981-3 Ōzeki Mihogaseki at 31, oldest wrestler promoted to ōzeki until Kotomitsuki in modern era Washūyama 1967-3 1985-11 Sekiwake Dewanoumi small wrestler, popular with tournament crowds, now head of Dewanoumi stable Kirinji 1967-5 1988-9 Sekiwake Nishonoseki fought 84 top division tournaments, won a gold star at age 35 Tamanofuji 1967-5 1981-11 Sekiwake Kataonami became head of Kataonami stable Kotonofuji 1967-5 1982-1 Maegashira 5 Sadogatake jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA Kotogatake 1967-11 1984-3 Maegashira 1 Sadogatake jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA Daihi 1968-3 1983-5 Maegashira 2 Oyama briefly head coach of Oyama stable before it was shut down in 1986, since 2011 a coach at Azumazeki stable Ōnishiki 1968-5 1988-1 Komusubi Dewanoumi Twenty-year career, now an elder in the JSA Takanosato 1968-7 1986-1 Yokozuna Futagoyama late bloomer who became yokozuna at nearly 31 years old, founded Naruto stable Wakanohana II 1968-7 1983-1 Yokozuna Futagoyama now head of Magaki stable Hachiya 1968–9 1987–9 Maegashira 6 Kasugano lightweight who spent a record 55 tournaments in juryo Kurama 1968-9 1989-9 Sekiwake Tokitsukaze had 21-year career, died young of leukemia Taikō 1968-11 1980-11 Maegashira 8 Futagoyama two-time jūryō champion Aobayama 1968-11 1982-9 Komusubi Kise jūryō champion, died as an active elder in the JSA under the name Asakayama Hidanohana 1969-3 1989-3 Maegashira 1 Futagoyama jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA 1989–1994 Kaneshiro 1969-9 1987-5 Sekiwake Kasugano won three special prizes for fighting spirit Wajima 1970-1 1981-3 Yokozuna 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 1970-3 1992-1 Komusubi Kataonami very long career, spent 11 years in the lower ranks Yutakayama 1970-3 1981-5 Komusubi Tokitsukaze former college champion, now head of Minato stable Hoshiiwato 1970-5 1991-1 Maegashira 14 Izutsu
Michinokuformer head coach of Michinoku stable Chiyonofuji 1970-9 1991-5 Yokozuna 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 1970-9 1983-1 Maegashira 1 Isenoumi
Kagamiyamajūryō champion, now a coach at Tokitsukaze stable under the name Nishikijima Yamaguchi 1971-1 1982-11 Maegashira 4 Hanakago
Hanaregomajūryō champion Shishihō 1971-1 1987-5 Maegashira 2 Nishonoseki
Taihōthree-time jūryō champion Misugiiso 1971-3 1986-9 Maegashira 2 Hanakago
Hanaregomajūryō champion, active as an elder in the JSA under the name Minezaki Ōzutsu 1971-5 1992-5 Sekiwake Taiho fought second-most consecutive bouts in top division history, earned ten gold stars Daitetsu 1971-7 1990-9 Komusubi Nishonoseki currently a coach at Nishonoseki stable, under the elder name Minatogawa. Kotokaze 1971-7 1985-11 Ōzeki Sadogatake set up own somewhat successful stable, Oguruma, often a commentator on sumo for NHK Kotochitose 1971-7 1986-7 Maegashira 5 Sadogatake two-time jūryō champion Konuma 1971-7 1978-11 Maegashira 9 Kagamiyama jūryō champion, promising career ruined by broken leg Takarakuni 1971-7 1986-9 Maegashira 2 Isegahama
Kiriyamajūryō champion Hō'ō 1971-9 1990-5 Sekiwake Nishonoseki four-time jūryō champion Iwashita 1971-11 1984-3 Maegashira 8 Tatsunami jūryō champion Arase 1972-1 1981-9 Sekiwake Hanakago former college champion, became TV personality after retirement Sadanoumi 1972-3 1988-7 Komusubi Dewanoumi won five special prizes, former elder in the JSA under the name Tagonoura Tochiakagi 1973-1 1990-3 Sekiwake Kasugano jūryō champion, won eight special prizes and eight gold stars Chikubayama 1973-3 1989-1 Maegashira 13 Miyagino now Hakuhō's coach at Miyagino stable Koboyama 1973-3 1990-11 Sekiwake Takashima, Kumagatani after retirement re-established his old stable Ōyutaka 1974-1 1987-1 Komusubi Tokitsukaze spent 9 years in unsalaried ranks, founded Arashio stable in 2002 Tagaryū 1974-3 1991-5 Sekiwake 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 1974-3 1990-9 Maegashira 13 Taihō two-time jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA Tōryū 1974-3 1990-1 Sekiwake Mihogaseki won two gold stars against Wakanohana II Dewanohana II 1974-3 1988-1 Sekiwake Dewanoumi jūryō champion, won ten special prizes, elder in the JSA under the name Dekiyama Masudayama 1974-3 1989-7 Sekiwake Kasugano jūryō champion, active as an elder in the JSA under the name Chiganoura Takanomine 1974-9 1991-5 Maegashira 12 Kimigahama
Izutsutook him 88 tournaments to reach the makuuchi division Tochiizumi 1975-1 1990-3 Jūryō 3 Kasugano jūryō champion Tochimatoi 1975-1 1989-3 Maegashira 11 Kasugano jūryō champion Kirishima 1975-3 1996-3 Ōzeki Izutsu took 91 tournaments for promotion to ōzeki, an all-time record Ōnoumi 1975-3 1977-7 Maegashira 4 Hanakago retired to become a pro wrestler Daijuyama 1975-3 1991-5 Sekiwake Futagoyama won three Fighting Spirit prizes, now head coach of the Hanakago stable Wakashimazu 1975-3 1987-7 Ōzeki Futagoyama started sumo after high school, which is unusually late; nicknamed "Black Panther" by fans for his good looks and lean figure Sasshūnada 1976-1 1988-3 Maegashira 1 Kimigahama
Izutsujūryō champion, now a coach at Michinoku stable under the name Tatsutayama Hokuten'yū 1976-3 1990-9 Ōzeki Mihogaseki one of the longest serving ōzeki, had storied rivalry with Chiyonfuji; his stable was folded into Kitanoumi stable upon his death Hananoumi 1976-3 1989-3 Komusubi Hanaregoma Injury prone but briefly a nemesis of Chiyonofuji in the late 1980s Ishinriki 1976-3 1990-7 Jūryō 1 Onaruto One of the smallest ever sekitori, later went into pro wrestling Takamisugi 1976-3 1995-11 Komusubi Futagoyama Had record 71 tournaments in top division without winning a special prize Kototsubaki 1976-3 1995-3 Maegashira 3 Sadogatake elder in the JSA under the name Shiratama Amanoyama 1976-3 1986-11 Maegashira 1 Tokitsukaze Died while active as Tatsutayama-oyakata in 1997 Fujinoshin 1976-3 1990-9 Maegashira 1 Izutsu
Kokonoeactive as an elder in the JSA under the name Jinmaku Dairyū 1976-5 1997-7 Jūryō 4 Taihō became head coach of Ōtake stable after Takatōriki was fired by the JSA in July 2010 Maenoshin 1977-3 1990-3 Komusubi Takadagawa became an elder after retirement but was fired in 1997 Kinoarashi 1977-3 1991-9 Maegashira 2 Oshiogawa jūryō champion Enazakura 1977-3 1994-7 Maegashira 1 Oshiogawa jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA Jingaku 1977-5 1991-9 Komusubi Izutsu career restricted by nerves on the dohyo, scored only 2-13 and 3-12 in two attempts at komusubi rank Sakahoko 1978-1 1992-9 Sekiwake Izutsu served in top division at the same time as his brother Terao, a very rare occurrence; record for longest serving sekiwake Asashio IV 1978-3 1989-3 Ōzeki Takasago director of JSA until February 2008 Kotoinazuma 1978-3 1999-7 Komusubi Sadogatake now coach at the very successful Sadogatake stable Mitoizumi 1978-3 2000-9 Sekiwake Takasago fan favorite known for throwing a huge handful of salt in pre-bout ritual, retired at the late age of 38 Ōnokuni 1978-3 1991-7 Yokozuna Hanakago
Hanaregomaoften plagued by injury, also suffered from sleep apnea, published an autobiography in 2008 Wakasegawa 1978-3 1992-7 Maegashira 1 Isegahama three-time jūryō champion Kirinishiki 1978-3 1995-11 Maegashira 2 Kagamiyama won three gold stars, active as an elder in the JSA under the name Katsunoura Itai 1978-9 1991-9 Komusubi 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 1979-1 1998-7 Komusubi Futagoyama promoted to komusubi without ever facing any san'yaku wrestlers Futahaguro 1979-3 1987-12 Yokozuna Tatsunami only yokozuna to have never won a top division championship Hokutoumi 1979-3 1992-5 Yokozuna Kokonoe once one of four yokozuna, after his retirement the rank was vacant for 8 months until Akebono Kotogaume 1979-3 1997-3 Sekiwake Sadogatake last to defeat Chiyonofuji before his 53-win streak Masurao 1979-3 1990-7 Sekiwake Oshiogawa had a record 5 jūryō championships Takanofuji 1979-3 1992-5 Komusubi Kokonoe stablemate of Chiyonofuji and Hokutoumi, now a professional wrestler Terao 1979-7 2002-11 Sekiwake Izutsu has a long sumo pedigree, holds a number of longevity records Tamakirin 1980-1 1987-7 Jūryō 6 Oshiogawa quit to become a professional wrestler Kotofuji 1980-3 1995-9 Sekiwake Sadogatake won a tournament championship from the maegashira ranks Hidenohana 1980-3 1994-3 Jūryō 5 Hanakago
Hanaregomaformer jūryō champion, but never reached the makuuchi division Kyokudōzan 1980-5 1996-11 Komusubi Ōshima known for light weight, later became a politician Asahifuji 1981-1 1992-1 Yokozuna Ōshima his Isegahama has produced the very successful rikishi Harumafuji and Aminishiki. Kasugafuji 1981-3 1996-9 Maegashira 1 Kasugayama re-established Kasugayama stable, forced to resign from Japan Sumo Association after expenses scandal Kotobeppu 1981-3 1997-11 Maegashira 1 Sadogatake ring name comes from the famous hot spring resort city of Beppu, where he was born Tochitsukasa 1981-3 1992-5 Sekiwake Kasugano now head of Irumagawa stable Daizen 1981-3 2002-3 Komusubi Nishonoseki Twenty-two-year career, ranked in makuuchi at age 37 Toyonoumi 1981-3 1999-3 Maegashira 1 Futagoyama
Fujishima
Futagoyamatwo-time jūryō champion, former elder in the JSA Asahisato 1981-3 1998-1 Maegashira 14 Ōshima spent the majority of his career in the jūryō division, took over former Kasugayama stable Kitakachidoki 1981-5 2000-9 Maegashira 3 Isenoumi steady if unspectacular makuuchi career, now head of Isenoumi stable Wakashoyo 1981-5 1997-11 Sekiwake Futagoyama now a mixed martial artist Akinoshima 1982-3 2003-5 Sekiwake Futagoyama all-time gold stars record holder, 25% more than closest rival Tamakairiki 1982-5 1996-3 Maegashira 8 Kataonami later became a professional wrestler Konishiki 1982-7 1997-11 Ōzeki Takasago at 265 kilos, the heaviest wrestler ever, first foreign ōzeki, now a widely popular celebrity Takatōriki 1983-3 2002-9 Sekiwake 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 1983-3 1987-7 Maegashira 3 Isenoumi entered professional sumo as a makushita tsukedashi Daigaku 1983-3 1993-9 Jūryō 2 Tokitsukaze jūryō champion Ryūkōzan 1983-3 1990-3 Maegashira 5 Dewanoumi jūryō champion, died of heart attack whilst active Oginohana 1983-7 1998-7 Maegashira 2 Dewanoumi now head of Dewanoumi stable Ichinoya 1983-11 2007-11 Sandanme 6 Takasago studied physics at university, retired at 46 Komafudō 1984-1 1985-11 Maegashira 13 Hanakago
Hanaregomajūryō champion Kotonishiki 1984-3 2000-9 Sekiwake Sadogatake only wrestler ever to win two championships at maegashira Kyokugōzan 1984-3 1996-9 Maegashira 9 Ōshima jūryō champion Daishi 1984-3 2002-3 Maegashira 3 Oshiogawa had to leave the JSA in June 2003 when he couldn't acquire a permanent elder name Minatofuji 1984-3 2002-9 Maegashira 2 Minato jūryō champion, head coach of Mintao stable Kotonowaka 1984-5 2005-11 Sekiwake Sadogatake known for his countering techniques, and especially long bouts Naminohana 1984-5 1997-3 Komusubi Futagoyama part of huge sekitori contingent at Futagoyama stable in the mid 1990s Nankairyu 1984-9 1988-11 Maegashira 2 Takasago 3rd foreign wrestler to reach the top division, career short and troubled Akinoshū 1984-9 2001-1 Maegashira 9 Izutsu jūryō champion Kenkō 1984-11 1998-3 Komusubi Takadagawa career ended early by extremely rare form of leukemia Ryōgoku 1985-3 1993-1 Komusubi Dewanoumi currently head of one of the strongest stables, Sakaigawa Tochinowaka 1985-3 1999-7 Sekiwake Kasugano current head of Kasugano stable Tatsuhikari 1985-3 1999-3 Maegashira 6 Tatsunami two-time jūryō champion Tokitsunada 1985-3 1999-9 Maegashira 4 Tokitsukaze two-time jūryō champion Aogiyama 1985-3 2003-11 Maegashira 1 Tokitsukaze two-time jūryō champion, elder in the JSA under the name Edagawa Kanechika 1985-9 2004-9 Jūryō 2 Mihogaseki
Kitanoumielder in the JSA under the name Kumagatani Kototenzan 1985-11 1986-7 Makushita 43 Sadogatake Canadian-born, found success early, but retired due to inability to adjust to sumo/Japanese life; later became pro wrestler Ganyū 1986-3 2000-5 Maegashira 1 Kitanoumi active as an elder in the JSA under the name Yamahibiki Hanakaze 1986-3 2021-1 Sandanme 18 Tatsunami longest career in history of sumo, aged 51 at retirement Tomoefuji 1986-5 1998-9 Komusubi Kokonoe former performer of the yumitori-shiki ceremony, fell to what at the time was lowest rank held by former san'yaku wrestler Asahiyutaka 1987-3 1999-1 Komusubi Ōshima now head coach of Tatsunami stable Kitazakura 1987-3 2010-3 Maegashira 9 Kitanoumi brother of Toyozakura, took 86 tournaments to reach top division, popular with sumo audiences Kotoryū 1987-3 2005-5 Maegashira 1 Sadogatake one of many top wrestlers at Sadogatake stable in the 1990s Oginishiki 1987-3 2004-1 Komusubi Dewanoumi his father and brother were also sumo wrestlers Takanonami 1987-3 2004-5 Ōzeki Futagoyama had longest single wrestler rivalry in history with Musashimaru, often appears on television due to accessible personality Takamishu 1987-3 1989-7 Makushita 2 Azumazeki Early star from Azumazeki stable before being overshadowed by stablemate Akebono. Actor with recurring role in Hawaii Five-0. Hoshitango 1987-5 2004-1 Jūryō 3 Michinoku first Jew in sumo, now a professional wrestler Kushimaumi 1988-1 1998-11 Maegashira 1 Dewanoumi highly successful amateur, head of Tagonoura stable until death due to heart disease at 46 Akebono 1988-3 2001-1 Yokozuna Azumazeki first foreign yokozuna, later became a pro wrestler Kaiō 1988-3 2011-7 Ōzeki Tomozuna five-time yusho winner, holds records for most tournaments and most wins in top division Takanohana II 1988-3 2003-1 Yokozuna Futagoyama long sumo pedigree, set many youth related records, won 22 tournaments Wakanohana III 1988-3 2000-3 Yokozuna Futagoyama brother of Takanohana II, never won a tournament as yokozuna, now operates a chain of chankonabe restaurants Wakanoyama 1988-3 2005-9 Komusubi Musashigawa after demotion out of top division, fought his way back up after a record long 28 tournaments Rikio 1988-3 1997-9 Maegashira 4 Naruto now a pro wrestler Sentōryū 1988-7 2003-11 Maegashira 12 Tomozuna from St. Louis Missouri, only top division wrestler ever from mainland USA Shikishima 1989-1 2001-5 Maegashira 1 Tatsutagawa
Michinokujūryō champion, currently using Aminishiki's Ajigawa kabu Kōbō 1989-3 2008-1 Maegashira 9 Miyagino top wrestler at Miyagino stable before the emergence of Hakuho Toyozakura 1989-3 2011-5 Maegashira 5 Michinoku brother of Kitazakura, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal Hidenokuni 1989-9 1990-5 Jonidan 89 Azumazeki first and only wrestler from the UK, short career Daishōyama 1989-9 1995-11 Maegashira 2 Tatsunami former amateur champion, retired due to hip injury, currently head coach of Oitekaze stable Musashimaru 1989-9 2003-11 Yokozuna Musashigawa born in Samoa and raised in Hawaii; second foreign yokozuna; injury free until near end of career Gojōrō 1989-11 2005-11 Maegashira 3 Magaki only rikishi to be disqualified twice in one tournament, had many injury problems Daishōhō 1990-1 1999-7 Komusubi Tatsunami career ended early due to pancreatic cancer Terunoumi 1990-3 1993-5 Maegashira 15 Musashigawa jūryō champion Mainoumi 1990-5 1999-11 Komusubi Dewanoumi very popular for small size and variety of techniques, now a popular TV personality and sumo announcer Yamato 1990-11 1998-9 Maegashira 12 Magaki after short career in sumo, started his own restaurant in Roppongi, Tokyo Tōki 1991-1 2006-5 Komusubi Takasago known for distinctive sideburns, and later a bright orange mawashi, involved in an auto accident scandal Chiyotenzan 1991-3 2008-1 Komusubi Kokonoe after quick rise to komusubi, eventually fell to the second-lowest rank ever held by a former san'yaku wrestler Kasuganishiki 1991-3 2011-1 Maegashira 5 Kasugano injury-plagued, widely accepted as a ring leader in 2011 match-fixing scandal Kinkaiyama 1991-3 2006-5 Maegashira 6 Dewanoumi three-time jūryō champion, now a coach at Dewanoumi stable under the name Tagonoura Wakaazuma 1991-9 2003-5 Jūryō 13 Tamanoi third brazilian to become a sekitori Hamanoshima 1992-1 2004-5 Komusubi Mihogaseki now head of Onoe stable Higonoumi 1992-1 2002-11 Maegashira 1 Mihogaseki held maegashira rank for a then-record 53 consecutive tournaments, opened up Kise stable after retirement Ohinode 1992-1 2000-9 Maegashira 9 Tatsunami spent 21 tournaments as a sekitori Wakanojō 1992-1 2004-5 Maegashira 6 Magaki jūryō champion Asanowaka 1992-3 2005-5 Maegashira 1 Wakamatsu
Takasagothe wrestler with the most wins in top division who never made san'yaku, popular with crowds for his ringside antics Kyokushūzan 1992-3 2006-11 Komusubi 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 1992-3 2015-7 Sekiwake 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 1992-3 2007-11 Makushita 13 Ōshima achieved only minor success, suspected of being involved in match-fixing Shunketsu 1992-3 2008-3 Maegashira 12 Hanaregoma lightweight wrestler, had several different ring names Takanotsuru 1992-3 2006-5 Maegashira 8 Naruto spent 10 years in the unsalaried ranks Takanowaka 1992-3 2007-9 Sekiwake Naruto father was a pro baseball player Tomonohana 1992-3 2001-11 Komusubi Tatsunami joined pro sumo at nearly 28 years of age Harunoyama 1992-3 2006-11 Maegashira 10 Matsugane former elder in the JSA Asanosho 1992-3 2002-1 Maegashira 2 Wakamatsu won a gold star against Akebono Wakanosato 1992-3 2015-9 Sekiwake Naruto seventeen-time sekiwake, makuuchi regular who held record for most consecutive tournaments in junior sanyaku ranks Daimanazuru 1992-5 2010-1 Maegashira 16 Asahiyama spent 11 years in unsalaried ranks, one of few wrestlers from Nara prefecture Ryūkō 1992-5 1999-1 Jūryō 8 Tamanoi Brazilian-born, first foreigner to be awarded makushita tsukedashi status Chiyotaikai 1992-11 2010-1 Ōzeki Kokonoe longest serving ōzeki in modern era, known for characteristic forward thrusting technique Jūmonji 1992-11 2011-5 Maegashira 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 1993-1 2004-11 Ōzeki Musashigawa former college champion and member of dominant Musashigawa stable, injury-prone Tochisakae 1993-1 2008-1 Maegashira 1 Kasugano also had many injury problems, now a coach at Kasugano stable Hokutōriki 1993-3 2011-5 Sekiwake Hakkaku three-time tournament runner-up, ended Asashoryu's winning streak in 2004 Kotokasuga 1993-3 2011-5 Maegashira 7 Sadogatake took 15 years to reach the top division, third-slowest ever, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal Kyokunankai 1993-3 2011-5 Maegashira 16 Ōshima took 17 years to reach the top division, second-slowest ever, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal Ōga 1993-3 2007-5 Jūryō 6 Takasago long serving bow-twirler at end of every tournament day Ōtsukasa 1993-3 2009-3 Maegashira 4 Irumagawa promoted to the top division on 11 different occasions Ryūhō 1993-3 2012-5 Maegashira 16 Michinoku spent 9 years in unsalaried ranks, sat out last year in sumo before finally retiring Wakatoba 1993-3 2007-9 Maegashira 11 Oguruma coached by former Daikirin, now has his elder name, Oshiogawa Towanoyama 1993-11 2015-1 Maegashira 13 Dewanoumi best-rank maegashira 13, yet through unlucky twist of fate never had a makuuchi bout Asōfuji 1994-1 2011-5 Maegashira 13 Isegahama very adept at throw techniques, brother of Aminishiki Tamakasuga 1994-1 2008-9 Sekiwake Kataonami had the longest ever gap between sanshō awards at 55 tournaments, has an asteroid named after him Tosanoumi 1994-3 2011-1 Sekiwake Isenoumi impressive special prize and gold star record, fought until age 38 Ushiomaru 1994-3 2009-5 Maegashira 10 Azumazeki retired to take over as head coach of Azumazeki stable from former Takamiyama Tochiazuma II 1994-11 2007-5 Ōzeki Tamanoi won 12 special prizes, seven for technique, first wrestler since Kiyokuni to win top division in ōzeki debut Tochinohana 1995-3 2008-1 Komusubi Kasugano Won two special prizes in his debut top division tournament Ōikari 1995-2 2004-11 Maegashira 11 Isenoumi two-time jūryō champion, elder in the JSA under the name Kabutoyama Wakatsutomu 1995-11 2006-7 Maegashira 12 Matsugane jūryō champion Kaihō 1996-1 2010-7 Komusubi Hakkaku also an amateur champion, one of the lightest sekitori Tochinonada 1996-1 2012-1 Sekiwake Kasugano former sekiwake, tied for second on all-time kinboshi list Yōtsukasa 1996-1 2005-11 Maegashira 11 Irumagawa managed only two winning records in eight makuuchi appearances Tokitsuumi 1996-3 2007-10 Maegashira 3 Tokitsukaze former amateur, long time maegashira, retired to take over Tokitsukaze stable after former head removed over hazing death scandal Dejima 1996-3 2009-7 Ōzeki Musashigawa ōzeki from 1999 to 2001, once had the most feared tachi-ai in sumo but suffered injury problems in later career Aminishiki 1997-1 2019-7 Sekiwake 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 1997-3 2007-11 Maegashira 1 Musashigawa former amateur champion, another top division wrestler from Musashigawa stable Tamarikidō 1997-3 2010-1 Maegashira 8 Kataonami lowest-ranking former top division wrestler ever to regain sekitori status Hayateumi 1998-3 2006-1 Sekiwake Oitekaze former amateur champion, very promising career hampered and eventually ended by injury Kaidō 1998-3 2006-9 Jūryō 4 Tomozuna another former amateur but failed to make top division, stablemate of ozeki Kaiō Kitataiki 1998-3 2018-1 Maegashira 2 Yamahibiki best rank maegashira 2, held record for most consecutive bouts by an active wrestler at the end of his career Tamaasuka 1998-3 2016-9 Maegashira 9 Kataonami two-time jūryō winner, has been promoted to makuuchi 7 times Tamanoshima 1998-3 2011-11 Sekiwake Kataonami was the only Fukushima prefecture native sekitori for a number of years Miyabiyama 1998-7 2013-3 Ōzeki 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 1998-11 2011-5 Maegashira 3 Kasugayama only wrestler officially from Korean peninsula, forced to retired in match-fixing scandal Asashōryū 1999-1 2010-1 Yokozuna Takasago sole yokozuna from 2004–07, 4th-most top division championships in history, life in and out of ring filled with controversy Bushūyama 1999-1 2013-1 Maegashira 3 Fujishima second-slowest progress to top division for any former collegiate champ Tōōyama 1999-1 2007-9 Makushita 7 Tamanoi jonokuchi champion, now works as actor, model and talent Chiyohakuhō 1999-3 2011-5 Maegashira 6 Kokonoe originally interested in judo, debuted the same tournament his former stablemate Chiyotaikai made Ōzeki, retired over match-fixing Hamanishiki 1999-3 2012-3 Maegashira 11 Oitekaze former maegashira 11, struggled in lower divisions, changed his ring name a number of times Hananosato 1999-3 2010-5 Makushita 8 Takasago former tsukebito of Asashoryu, once reached the cusp of sekitori but at 114 kg seemed to lack the requisite weight Kirinowaka 1999-3 2011-5 Jūryō 4 Michinoku was forced to retire due to his involvement in the 2011 match-fixing scandal Kotomitsuki 1999-3 2010-7 Ōzeki Sadogatake holds record for most tournaments at sekiwake, oldest wrestler promoted to ōzeki in modern era, forced to retire due to illegal gambling Takamisakari 1999-3 2013-1 Komusubi Azumazeki very popular with crowds for his energetic wrestling and spirited pre-bout ritual Wakakirin 1999-3 2009-2 Maegashira 9 Oguruma Protege of former ozeki Daikirin, dismissed for cannabis use Wakakōyū 1999-3 2014-9 Komusubi Onomatsu best-rank komusubi, second wrestler from Onomatsu stable to reach top division after Katayama Hakuba 2000-1 2011-5 Komusubi Michinoku fifty-tournament rise to top division is 2nd-longest after Sentoryu amongst foreign-born wrestlers, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal Asasekiryū 2000-3 2017-5 Sekiwake Takasago two time sekiwake, father held equivalent of komusubi in Mongolian wrestling Hōchiyama 2000-3 2014-1 Maegashira 14 Sakaigawa after soaring through jūryō into top division, was soon demoted and struggled in lower divisions Ōrora 2000–3 2018-9 Makushita 43 Yamahibiki first Russian to join professional sumo, became heaviest sumo wrestler ever Ryūō 2000-3 2013-7 Maegashira 8 Miyagino specialized in pushing techniques which is a rarity among Mongolian wrestlers Shimotori 2000-5 2011-5 Komusubi Tokitsukaze used own rare family name as his shikona, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal Iwakiyama 2000-7 2010-9 Komusubi Sakaigawa former high school sumo coach, retired due to cerebral infarction complications Kōryū 2000-11 2011-5 Maegashira 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 2001-1 2017-11 Yokozuna Isegahama Third Mongolian yokozuna, won nine tournament championships, retired after alleged assault on fellow wrestler Takanoiwa Aotsurugi 2001-3 2009-5 Sandanme 1 Tagonoura Originally from Tonga, acquired Japanese citizenship, missed a year through injury Hakuhō 2001-3 2021-9 Yokozuna Miyagino holds the records for most top division championships, most career wins, and most wins in a calendar year at 86 Mōkonami 2001-3 2011-5 Maegashira 6 Tatsunami first from Tatsunami stable to be ranked in makuuchi since 1999, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal Shōtenrō 2001-3 2018-1 Maegashira 2 Fujishima best rank maegashira 2, former junior wrestling champion at Mongolian Naadam festival Kokkai 2001-5 2012-9 Komusubi Oitekaze former komusubi, first Caucasian wrestler to make top division, shikona came from Japanese name of the Black Sea of his home country Daishochi 2001-7 2005-9 Makushita 15 Shibatayama Mongolian now better known as amateur sumo champion Kakizoe 2001-9 2012-5 Komusubi Fujishima used own rare surname as his shikona Takanoyama 2001-11 2014-7 Maegashira 12 Tagonoura only wrestler ever from the Czech Republic Kakuryū 2001-11 2021-3 Yokozuna Izutsu
Michinokufourth Mongolian yokozuna, six makuuchi championships Toyonoshima 2002-1 2020-5 Sekiwake Tokitsukaze five-time runner-up, one of the shortest sekitori Kotoshōgiku 2002-1 2020-11 Ozeki Sadogatake In January 2016 he became the first Japanese-born wrestler in ten years to win a top-division tournament. Kisenosato 2002-3 2019-1 Yokozuna 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 2002-3 2009-1 Maegashira 13 Onomatsu did amateur sumo at university, used his given family name as his ring name. Hakurozan 2002-5 2008-9 Maegashira 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 2002-5 2008-9 Komusubi Ōtake known for feisty nature, along with younger brother Hakurozan, was dismissed due to cannabis use Amūru 2002-5 2018-5 Maegashira 5 Ōnomatsu last Russian sekitori, injury-plagued career Takekaze 2002-5 2019-1 Sekiwake 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 2002-7 2016-11 Komusubi Tokitsukaze two-time jūryō champ, won three consecutive championships from his debut Kotoōshū 2002-11 2014-3 Ōzeki 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 2002-11 2020-1 Maegashira 2 Minezaki took over 11 years to reach makuuchi, last survivor from Araiso stable Futen'ō 2003-1 2011-5 Komusubi Dewanoumi collegiate sumo champ, sumo lover from very early age Masatsukasa 2003-1 2011-5 Maegashira 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 2003-3 2017-5 Maegashira 7 Sakaigawa once released as Iwakiyama's tsukebito so he could concentrate on his wrestling Kagamiō 2003-7 2023-3 Maegashira 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 2003-7 2011-5 Maegashira 4 Kiriyama first wrestler from his stable to make top division, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal Sōkokurai 2003-9 2020-3 Maegashira 2 Arashio was expelled from sumo in 2011 due to alleged match-fixing but reinstated after winning a court case, became Arashio oyakata Yoshikaze 2004-1 2019-9 Sekiwake Oguruma four-time sekiwake, college sumo champion, at one time held record for most makuuchi appearances without a san'yaku promotion Hōmashō 2004-3 2015-1 Komusubi Shikoroyama three-time komusubi, first wrestler to make top division from former sekiwake Terao's stable Kimurayama 2004-3 2014-1 Maegashira 7 Kasugano one-time amateur champion, only sekitori from Wakayama prefecture for some time Satoyama 2004-3 2018-11 Maegashira 12 Onoe known for using a wide variety of techniques, used own rare surname as his ring name. Baruto 2004-5 2013-9 Ōzeki Onoe Estonian, tied for 3rd-fastest rise to top division, second European to win a championship Gōeidō 2005-1 2020-1 Ōzeki Sakaigawa held rank of sekiwake for a modern record 14 consecutive tournaments, one-time makuuchi champion Tochiōzan 2005-1 2020-7 Sekiwake Kasugano longtime rival of Gōeidō Toyohibiki 2005-1 2021-7 Maegashira 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 2005-1 2021-9 Maegashira 9 Irumagawa High school yokozuna, one of the shortest recent sekitori Okinoumi 2005-1 2023-1 Sekiwake Hakkaku one of the few top wrestlers from Shimane Prefecture, a three time runner-up Asahishō 2005-3 2021-7 Maegashira 11 Tomozuna Was one of wrestlers who briefly took up Mitoizumi's trademark salt-throwing routine Daidō 2005-3 2016-1 Maegashira 8 Onomatsu former amateur wrestler at Senshu University Ikioi 2005-3 2021-7 Sekiwake Isenoumi had 1090 consecutive career matches Wakanohō 2005-3 2008-8 Maegashira 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 2005-7 2020-7 Maegashira 14 Shikoroyama Mongolian wrestler first spotted by then-yokozuna Asashōryū in his younger years Sakaizawa 2006-3 2011-5 Maegashira 15 Mihogaseki
Onoejūryō champion, was forced to retire due to his involvement in the 2011 match-fixing scandal Shōhōzan 2006-3 2022-6 Komusubi Matsugane
Nishonoseki
Hanaregomafive-time komusubi, returned from two tournament suspension for baseball gambling in 2010 to become makushita mainstay Tochinoshin 2006-3 2023-5 Ōzeki 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 2006-5 2023-7 Maegashira 1 Kokonoe came back multiple times from injuries, two-time jūryō champion Masunoyama 2006-7 2021-5 Maegashira 4 Chiganoura first wrestler from his stable to make top division, but injuries and other health issues eventually led him to retire Kaisei 2006-9 2022-9 Sekiwake Tomozuna
Ōshimafirst brazilian to reach makuuchi and sanyaku, now a coach at Ōshima stable under the name Tomozuna Aran 2007-1 2013-9 Sekiwake Mihogaseki former sekiwake, one of a handful of Russian sekitori, shares the place record for fastest rise to top division, after Jōkōryū Kiyoseumi 2007-1 2011-5 Maegashira 13 Kitanoumi pro sumo debut at Makushita #10 was the highest Makushita tsukedashi ever, forced to retire in bout-fixing scandal Tochinowaka 2007-1 2015-1 Maegashira 1 Kasugano had Korean background but Japanese citizenship, used his stablemaster's old shikona Yamamotoyama 2007-1 2011-5 Maegashira 9 Onoe heaviest sumo recruit ever at time of recruitment, forced to retire in match-fixing scandal Tenkaihō 2007-1 2019-3 Maegashira 8 Onoe one of many Nihon University alumni from his stable Asabenkei 2007-3 2024-7 Jūryō 7 Takasago earned a sandanme division championship Chiyoarashi 2007-3 2024-1 Jūryō 10 Kokonoe returned to jūryō after eight and a half years Kotoekō 2007-3 2024-5 Maegashira 4 Sadogatake first top division wrestler from Miyazaki since Kaneshiro in 1985 Tosayutaka 2007-3 2016-1 Maegashira 1 Tokitsukaze first wrestler from his stable to reach the top division after the Tokitsukaze stable hazing scandal, injury-plagued career Kyokushūhō 2007-5 2022-1 Maegashira 4 Tomozuna long time jūryō, joined stable of his idol, fellow countryman Kyokutenhō Akiseyama 2008-1 2023-9 Maegashira 12 Kise had close friendship with fellow amateur yokozuna Kiyoseumi Homarefuji 2008-1 2019-9 Maegashira 6 Isegahama from the same town as Mainoumi and the same high school as Masatsukasa Kotoyūki 2008-3 2021-4 Sekiwake Sadogatake one-time sekiwake, jūryō champion, first Kagawa native to reach makuuchi since 1958 Chiyoōtori 2008-5 2021-11 Komusubi Kokonoe had one tournament at komusubi rank, younger brother of Chiyomaru Azumaryū 2009-1 2024-1 Maegashira 11 Tamanoi Mongolian, jūryō stalwart, former amateur at Kyushu Institute of Information Sciences Kimikaze 2009-1 2014-5 Maegashira 13 Oguruma jūryō champion Takanoiwa 2009-1 2018-12 Maegashira 2 Takanohana
Chiganourajūryō 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 2009-1 2023-9 Maegashira 2 Kise best rank maegashira 2, won an upset makuuchi championship from the last position in the top division rankings Jōkōryū 2011-5 2022-9 Komusubi Kitanoumi
Kisehas 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 2011-5 2022-11 Komusubi Kokonoe former amateur champion, reached the makuuchi division in one year. Osunaarashi 2012-5 2018-3 Maegashira 1 Otake first African sekitori, forced to retire after being involved in a traffic accident while driving without a license Ishiura 2013-1 2023-6 Maegashira 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 2013-3 2019-10 Jūryō 5 Takanohana
Chiganouraidentical twin of Takagenji, forced to retire after his second instance of allegedly assaulting his attendants Takagenji 2013-3 2021-9 Maegashira 10 Takanohana
Chiganouraidentical twin of Takanofuji, dismissed from sumo after admitting to smoking cannabis Ichinojō 2014-1 2023-5 Sekiwake Minato Second foreigner to be awarded makushita tsukedashi status, one-time makuuchi champion Chiyonoumi 2015-5 2024-7 Jūryō 12 Kokonoe won three lower division championships Shōnanzakura 2015-9 2021-9 Jonokuchi 9 Shikihide better known as Hattorizakura, had a record 104 consecutive losses Yutakayama 2016-3 2022-11 Maegashira 1 Tokitsukaze former amateur, one of three at his stable who have used this shikona Wakaichirō 2016-11 2020-2 Sandanme 32 Musashigawa African-American-Japanese, most recent American-born wrestler in sumo Hokuseiho 2020-3 2024-2 Maegashira 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 2014-11 2024-9 Ōzeki Tokiwayama Best rank ōzeki. First recruited by former yokozuna Takanohana Myōgiryū 2009-5 2024-9 Sekiwake Sakaigawa Seven-time sekiwake, promising rise slowed due to injury in his jūryō debut Aoiyama 2009-5 2024-9 Sekiwake Kasugano Two-time sekiwake, second Bulgarian after Kotoōshū to enter makuuchi and to reach sekiwake
See also
- List of active sumo wrestlers
- List of heaviest sumo wrestlers
- List of non-Japanese sumo wrestlers
- List of sumo elders
- List of sumo record holders
- List of sumo tournament top-division champions
- List of sumo tournament second-division champions
- List of sumo stables
- List of yokozuna
- Glossary of sumo terms