Takanohana Kōji: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Japanese sumo wrestler}} |
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{{redirect|Takanohana|the first Takanohana|Takanohana Kenshi}} |
{{redirect|Takanohana|the first Takanohana|Takanohana Kenshi}} |
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{{Hatnote|In this Japanese [[shikona]] name, the surname is Takanohana.}} |
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{{Infobox sumo wrestler |
{{Infobox sumo wrestler |
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| native_name = 貴乃花 光司 |
| native_name = 貴乃花 光司 |
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| name = Takanohana Kōji |
| name = Takanohana Kōji |
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| image = Takanohana.jpg |
| image = Takanohana.jpg |
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| caption = Takanohana, January 2015 |
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| birth_name = Kōji Hanada |
| birth_name = Kōji Hanada |
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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1972|08|12}} |
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1972|08|12}} |
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| highestrank = Yokozuna (November 1994) |
| highestrank = Yokozuna (November 1994) |
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| retireddate = January, 2003 |
| retireddate = January, 2003 |
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| yushos = 22 (Makuuchi)<br/>2 (Makushita) |
| eldername = Takanohana |
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| yushos = 22 (Makuuchi)<br />2 (Makushita) |
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| prizes = Outstanding Performance (4)<br/>Fighting Spirit (2)<br/>Technique (3) |
| prizes = Outstanding Performance (4)<br />Fighting Spirit (2)<br />Technique (3) |
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| goldstars = 1 ([[Chiyonofuji]]) |
| goldstars = 1 ([[Chiyonofuji]]) |
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| update = |
| update = June 2020 |
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}} |
}} |
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{{nihongo|'''Takanohana |
{{nihongo|'''Takanohana Kōji'''|貴乃花 光司|Takanohana Kōji|born August 12, 1972, as {{nihongo|'''Kōji Hanada'''|花田 光司|Hanada Kōji}}|lead=yes}} is a Japanese former professional [[sumo]] wrestler and coach. He was the 65th man in history to reach sumo's highest rank of ''[[yokozuna]]'', and he won 22 tournament championships between 1992 and 2001, the sixth highest total ever. The son of a popular ''[[Makuuchi#Ōzeki|ōzeki]]'' ranked wrestler from the 1970s, Takanohana's rise through the ranks alongside his elder brother [[Wakanohana Masaru|Wakanohana]] and his rivalry with the foreign born ''yokozuna'' [[Akebono Tarō|Akebono]] saw interest in sumo and attendance at tournaments soar during the early 1990s.<ref name="jt">{{cite web | title=Injured Takanohana retires from sumo | publisher=Japan Times Online | url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20030121a2.html | date=2003-01-21 | access-date=2007-05-12 | archive-date=2008-04-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407152516/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20030121a2.html | url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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Takanohana was the youngest ever to reach the top division at just 17, and he set a number of other age-related records. He had a solid but aggressive style, looking to get a right hand grip on his opponents' ''[[mawashi]]'' and move them quickly out of the ring.<ref name="jt"/> He won over half his bouts by a straightforward ''[[ |
Takanohana was the youngest ever to reach the top division at just 17, and he set a number of other age-related records. He had a solid but aggressive style, looking to get a right hand grip on his opponents' ''[[mawashi]]'' and move them quickly out of the ring.<ref name="jt"/> He won over half his bouts by a straightforward ''[[yorikiri]]'', or force out.<ref name="kimarite"/> In his later career he suffered increasingly from injuries, and he retired in January 2003 at the age of 30. He became the head coach of [[Takanohana stable]] in 2004 and was on the board of directors of the [[Japan Sumo Association]] from 2010 until January 2018, when he was removed and demoted in the Sumo Association's hierarchy. He resigned from the Sumo Association in September 2018. |
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==Background== |
==Background== |
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Takanohana comes from a family with a great sumo history, sometimes called the "Hanada Dynasty."<ref name="lewin">{{cite web | author=Lewin, Brian | title=What will become of the dynasty? | publisher=Sumo Fan Magazine | url=http://www.sumofanmag.com/content/Issue_2/Hanada.htm|date=August 2005 | |
Takanohana comes from a family with a great sumo history, sometimes called the "Hanada Dynasty."<ref name="lewin">{{cite web | author=Lewin, Brian | title=What will become of the dynasty? | publisher=Sumo Fan Magazine | url=http://www.sumofanmag.com/content/Issue_2/Hanada.htm|date=August 2005 | access-date=2007-07-18}}</ref> His uncle [[Wakanohana Kanji I]] was a ''yokozuna'' from 1958 to 1962, and his father [[Takanohana Kenshi]] had held the second highest rank of ''ōzeki'' for a then record 50 tournaments from 1972 to 1981. Upon his retirement his father established the training stable (''[[Heya (sumo)|heya]]'') [[Fujishima stable (1982)|Fujishima stable]]. The young Kōji Hanada had been practicing sumo since elementary school and won the equivalent of a ''yokozuna'' title in junior high school.<ref name="Sharnoff">{{Cite book |author=Sharnoff, Lora |title=Grand Sumo|publisher=Weatherhill |year=1993 |isbn=0-8348-0283-X}}</ref> Upon his graduation in 1988 he formally joined his father's stable. His elder brother Masaru had been planning to complete high school but dropped out so as not to lag behind his brother.<ref name="Sharnoff"/> |
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==Early career== |
==Early career== |
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[[File:Takanohana tegata DSC 0156 PS lvl cr.jpg|100 px|left|thumb|Tegata (hand print autograph) of Takanohana |
[[File:Takanohana tegata DSC 0156 PS lvl cr.jpg|100 px|left|thumb|''Tegata'' (hand print autograph) of Takanohana]] |
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Takanohana and his brother made their professional debuts together in March 1988, with future rival [[Akebono Tarō|Akebono]] also beginning his career in the same month.<ref name="Panek">{{Cite book |author=Panek, Mark |title=Gaijin Yokozuna|publisher=University of Hawaii Press |year=2006 |isbn=0-8248-3043-1}}</ref> The two brothers had to move from the family quarters in the stable and join the communal room with all the other new recruits.<ref name="asahi">{{cite web|author=Akamoto, Makiro |title=Scandals push sumo's grand family |publisher=Asahi Evening News |url=http://www.banzuke.com/00-6/msg00628.html |date=2000-10-27 | |
Takanohana and his brother made their professional debuts together in March 1988, with future rival [[Akebono Tarō|Akebono]] also beginning his career in the same month.<ref name="Panek">{{Cite book |author=Panek, Mark |title=Gaijin Yokozuna |publisher=University of Hawaii Press |year=2006 |isbn=0-8248-3043-1 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/gaijinyokozuna00mark }}</ref> The two brothers had to move from the family quarters in the stable and join the communal room with all the other new recruits.<ref name="asahi">{{cite web|author=Akamoto, Makiro |title=Scandals push sumo's grand family |publisher=Asahi Evening News |url=http://www.banzuke.com/00-6/msg00628.html |date=2000-10-27 |access-date=2008-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417050202/http://www.banzuke.com/00-6/msg00628.html |archive-date=2009-04-17 }}</ref> They were also instructed not to refer to their parents as "father" and "mother" any more but as "oyakata" and "okamisan" (coach and coach's wife).<ref name="clyde">{{cite book|author=Newton, Clyde|title=Dynamic Sumo|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|year=1994|pages=124|isbn=4-7700-1802-9}}</ref> Kōji initially wrestled under the name {{nihongo|'''Takahanada'''|貴花田}}, and it was understood that he would only be allowed to adopt his father's ''[[shikona]]'' of Takanohana (meaning ''noble flower'')<ref>{{cite book | last=Hall | first=Mina | title=The Big Book of Sumo | type=Paperback | publisher=Stone Bridge Press | year=1997 | location=Berkeley, CA, USA | isbn=1-880656-28-0 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/bigbookofsumohis00hall/page/89 89] | url-access=registration | url=https://archive.org/details/bigbookofsumohis00hall/page/89 }}</ref> when he reached the rank of ''ōzeki''.<ref name="Panek"/> |
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Their early career attracted much publicity, with each divisional promotion regarded by the media as part of an inevitable rise to the top ranks.<ref name="lewin"/> Takahanada's progress was rapid and he set numerous age-related records, including the youngest ever ''[[ |
Their early career attracted much publicity, with each divisional promotion regarded by the media as part of an inevitable rise to the top ranks.<ref name="lewin"/> Takahanada's progress was rapid and he set numerous age-related records, including the youngest ever ''[[makushita]]'' division tournament champion (16 years 9 months),<ref name="Sharnoff"/> youngest ever promoted to the second highest ''[[jūryō]]'' division (17 years 3 months),<ref name="Sharnoff"/> and the youngest ever promoted to the top ''[[makuuchi]]'' division (17 years 8 months).<ref name="Sharnoff"/> |
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In March 1991, in his fourth top division tournament, Takahanada was runner-up with twelve wins, and became the youngest ever ''[[Sanshō (sumo)|sanshō]]'' or special prize winner, receiving awards for Fighting Spirit and Technique. In the following tournament in May 1991 he defeated veteran ''yokozuna'' [[Chiyonofuji Mitsugu|Chiyonofuji]] in a match watched by 44 percent of the Japanese population on TV,<ref name="Panek"/> |
In March 1991, in his fourth top division tournament, Takahanada was runner-up with twelve wins, and became the youngest ever ''[[Sanshō (sumo)|sanshō]]'' or special prize winner, receiving awards for Fighting Spirit and Technique. In the following tournament in May 1991 he defeated veteran ''yokozuna'' [[Chiyonofuji Mitsugu|Chiyonofuji]] in a match watched by 44 percent of the Japanese population on TV,<ref name="Panek"/> becoming the youngest ever to [[kinboshi|defeat]] a ''yokozuna.''<ref name="Sharnoff"/> Chiyonofuji retired two days afterwards.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE7DE123CF93BA15756C0A967958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all|title=Little Big Man Of Sumo Retires|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=1991-05-28|access-date=2008-06-23 | first=James | last=Sterngold}}</ref> In January 1992, he became the youngest ever top division tournament champion (19 years 5 months).<ref name="Sharnoff"/> He was too young to drink the celebratory [[sake]] at the after tournament party, and had to make do with [[oolong tea]] instead.<ref name="Sharnoff"/> After his second championship in September 1992, followed by two good scores of 10–5 and 11–4 in the next two tournaments, he was promoted to ''ōzeki'' in January 1993, the same tournament in which Akebono was elevated to ''yokozuna''.<ref name="Panek"/> |
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During this period the two brothers created a so-called "Waka-Taka boom" and were credited with restoring sumo's popularity, particularly amongst younger audiences.<ref name="salon">{{cite web|author=Kennedy, Gabrielle |title=Sumo's setting sun | |
During this period the two brothers created a so-called "Waka-Taka boom" and were credited with restoring sumo's popularity, particularly amongst younger audiences.<ref name="salon">{{cite web|author=Kennedy, Gabrielle |title=Sumo's setting sun |work=[[Salon magazine|Salon]] |url=http://archive.salon.com/people/feature/2001/05/09/sumo/index.html |date=2001-05-09 |access-date=2008-06-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603024613/http://archive.salon.com/people/feature/2001/05/09/sumo/index.html |archive-date=2008-06-03 }}</ref> Interest in sumo rose to its highest level since the era of [[Futabayama Sadaji|Futabayama]] in the 1930s,<ref name="clyde"/> with official tournaments ''([[honbasho]])'' selling out of tickets every day. Both Takahanada and his brother became [[sex symbols]].<ref name="Schilling">{{cite book|author=Schilling, Mark|title=Sumo: A Fan's Guide|publisher=[[Japan Times]]|year=1994|isbn=4-7890-0725-1}}</ref> |
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==Promotion to yokozuna== |
==Promotion to ''yokozuna''== |
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Now known as Takanohana, he was also the youngest ever to be promoted to ''ōzeki'' at 20 years 5 months.<ref name="trends">{{cite web|title=Farewell Takanohana:Record-Setting Sumo Grand Champion Retires|publisher=Trends in Japan|url=http://web-japan.org/trends01/article/030310spo_r.html|date=2003-03-10| |
Now known as {{nihongo|Takanohana|貴ノ花}}, he was also the youngest ever to be promoted to ''ōzeki'' at 20 years 5 months.<ref name="trends">{{cite web|title=Farewell Takanohana:Record-Setting Sumo Grand Champion Retires|publisher=Trends in Japan|url=http://web-japan.org/trends01/article/030310spo_r.html|date=2003-03-10|access-date=2008-06-03}}</ref> With the foreign born Akebono as sumo's only ''yokozuna'', there was a great weight of expectation on Takanohana to make the next step up.<ref name="Panek"/> However, his lack of consistency, and Akebono's dominance, delayed his promotion to ''yokozuna''.<ref name="Panek"/> He won his third championship in May 1993, but lost a playoff to Akebono in the following tournament in July, and even produced a ''[[make-koshi]]'' or losing record of 7–8 in November. In 1994, a year in which Akebono suffered several injury problems, Takanohana won the January and May tournaments, but was then outshone by [[Musashimaru Kōyō|Musashimaru]], who won in July with a perfect 15–0 record.<ref name="Panek"/> After taking the September 1994 championship, Takanohana now had six top division titles, but none had been won consecutively. No previous wrestler had ever accumulated so many titles before reaching sumo's highest rank. The Sumo Association nominated him for ''yokozuna'' after the September tournament, but the [[Yokozuna Deliberation Council]] failed to endorse it by the required two-thirds majority, the first time this had happened in twenty five years.<ref>{{cite book|author=Vlastos, Stephen|title=Mirror of Modernity:Invented Traditions in Modern Japan|publisher=[[University of California Press]]|year=1998|pages=187|isbn=0-520-20637-1}}</ref> They insisted that two consecutive championships were required, having demanded the same of Akebono before his promotion.<ref name="Panek"/> After changing the spelling of his ''shikona'' in November 1994, Takanohana at last managed to win two consecutive tournaments, with his second consecutive unbeaten 15–0 score, and his promotion was confirmed.<ref name="Panek"/> He had been at the ''ōzeki'' rank for 11 tournaments, or nearly two years. However, at 22 years and 3 months, he was still the third youngest ''yokozuna'' ever at the time.<ref>{{cite web|author=Buckton, Mark|title=Hakuho wrestles his way into the history books|publisher=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20070529a1.html|date=2007-05-27|access-date=2008-06-02}}</ref> |
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==Yokozuna career== |
==''Yokozuna'' career== |
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===1995–1997=== |
===1995–1997=== |
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Takanohana's total of seven tournament championships by the start of 1995 was the same as the total won by Akebono, who had reached the ''yokozuna'' rank two years before him.<ref name="lewin"/> However, Takanohana now pulled ahead of his rival. He was at his peak as a ''yokozuna'' between 1995 and 1997, during which time he won 11 of the 17 tournaments he entered, finishing runner-up in the other six.<ref name="sumodb"/> He produced two more perfect scores of 15–0, in September 1995 and September 1996. Overall he won 80 out of 90 bouts he fought in 1995, 70 out of 75 in 1996, and 78 out 90 in 1997, far ahead of any other wrestler. In three of the tournaments Takanohana did not win during this period, he was defeated by stablemates in playoffs: once to Wakanohana and twice to ''ōzeki'' [[Takanonami Sadahiro|Takanonami]].<ref name="basho">{{cite web|title=Takanohana bouts by basho|publisher=Sumo Reference|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=2| |
Takanohana's total of seven tournament championships by the start of 1995 was the same as the total won by Akebono, who had reached the ''yokozuna'' rank two years before him.<ref name="lewin"/> However, Takanohana now pulled ahead of his rival. He was at his peak as a ''yokozuna'' between 1995 and 1997, during which time he won 11 of the 17 tournaments he entered, finishing runner-up in the other six.<ref name="sumodb"/> He produced two more perfect scores of 15–0, in September 1995 and September 1996. Overall he won 80 out of 90 bouts he fought in 1995, 70 out of 75 in 1996, and 78 out 90 in 1997, far ahead of any other wrestler. In three of the tournaments Takanohana did not win during this period, he was defeated by stablemates in playoffs: once to Wakanohana and twice to ''ōzeki'' [[Takanonami Sadahiro|Takanonami]].<ref name="basho">{{cite web|title=Takanohana bouts by basho|publisher=Sumo Reference|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=2|access-date=2008-06-17}}</ref> Sumo rules prevent wrestlers from the same ''[[Heya (sumo)|heya]]'' meeting in regular tournament bouts (playoffs excepted) which meant Takanohana avoided not only his brother and Takanonami but also ''[[sekiwake]]'' [[Akinoshima Katsumi|Akinoshima]] and [[Takatōriki Tadashige|Takatōriki]].<ref name="Panek"/> The merger of his father's Fujishima stable with his uncle's Futagoyama stable in 1993 had added even more top division wrestlers to this list, giving him an advantage over Akebono, who had to face them all.<ref name="Panek"/> By September 1996 Takanohana had won 15 tournament championships, and was still only 24 years old. However, after sitting out the first tournament of his career in November 1996 due to a back injury suffered on a regional tour, he put on more weight and began to be more susceptible to injury and illness.<ref name="jt"/> |
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===1998–2000=== |
===1998–2000=== |
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Takanohana was affected by a [[liver]] disorder in the first half of 1998, which caused him withdraw from the January 1998 tournament and miss the opening ceremony of the [[1998 Winter Olympics|Winter Olympics]] in [[Nagano (city)|Nagano]] (his place was taken by Akebono).<ref>{{cite news|title=Winter Olympics: Akebono to lead sumo's debut on Olympic stage|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19980129/ai_n9651719|archive-url=https://archive. |
Takanohana was affected by a [[liver]] disorder in the first half of 1998, which caused him to withdraw from the January 1998 tournament and miss the opening ceremony of the [[1998 Winter Olympics|Winter Olympics]] in [[Nagano (city)|Nagano]] (his place was taken by Akebono).<ref>{{cite news|title=Winter Olympics: Akebono to lead sumo's debut on Olympic stage|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19980129/ai_n9651719|archive-url=https://archive.today/20071228212101/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19980129/ai_n9651719|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-12-28|date=1998-01-29|access-date=2007-08-23 }}</ref> He pulled out of the March 1998 tournament as well and was still below his best in May. Shunning the traditional treatment methods available from his stable, he turned instead to a physical therapist called Tashiro Tomita, who had a considerable influence over him.<ref name="lewin"/> He became increasingly isolated from his father and brother, with his father claiming Takanohana had been "brainwashed" by Tomita.<ref name="lewin"/> Despite his brother's promotion to ''yokozuna'' that year, creating the first ever sibling grand champions,<ref name="trends"/> the two were barely on speaking terms.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sumo forced to wrestle with media pack|work=[[The Guardian]]|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/jan/30/5|date=1999-01-30|access-date=2008-06-02 | location=London}}</ref> Takanohana recovered to win the July and September 1998 tournaments, and was runner-up that November. In 1999, however, he was even more badly affected by injuries, including a dislocated shoulder,<ref name="jt"/> and managed only one score in double digits all year.<ref name="sumodb"/> |
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After making peace with his family,<ref>{{cite web|author=Adams, Andy|title=Osaka to see yokozuna battle|publisher=[[Japan Times]] |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20000312a1.html|date=2000-03-12| |
After making peace with his family,<ref>{{cite web|author=Adams, Andy|title=Osaka to see yokozuna battle|publisher=[[Japan Times]] |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20000312a1.html|date=2000-03-12|access-date=2008-06-04}}</ref> Takanohana regained some of his consistency in 2000, although he was temporarily sidelined by an elbow injury suffered in the July tournament.<ref name="clyde 2">{{cite web|author=Newton, Cldye|title=Big guns head for Kyushu tourney|publisher=[[Japan Times]] |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20001105a1.html|date=2000-11-05|access-date=2008-06-19}}</ref> His brother had retired in March, and several other members of his stable were now past their best.<ref name="clyde"/> With Akebono dominant once more, his best results that year were two runner-up performances. |
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===2001–2003=== |
===2001–2003=== |
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Takanohana won his first tournament in over two years in January 2001, winning his first fourteen bouts and then defeating fellow ''yokozuna'' [[Musashimaru Kōyō|Musashimaru]] in a playoff on the final day. He won his final championship in May 2001, again in a playoff against Musashimaru, but it came at a great cost. He had suffered serious knee ligament damage in a loss to [[Musōyama Masashi|Musōyama]] on the 14th day but he insisted on fighting |
Takanohana won his first tournament in over two years in January 2001, winning his first fourteen bouts and then defeating fellow ''yokozuna'' [[Musashimaru Kōyō|Musashimaru]] in a playoff on the final day. He won his final championship in May 2001, again in a playoff against Musashimaru, but it came at a great cost. He had suffered serious knee ligament damage in a loss to [[Musōyama Masashi|Musōyama]] on the 14th day but he insisted on fighting until the end of the tournament.<ref name="lewin"/> As a result, he then missed an unprecedented seven consecutive tournaments, undergoing surgery in [[Paris]] in July 2001 and having a lengthy recuperation after that.<ref>{{cite web|title= Takanohana still star of the no-show|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2002/05/12/sumo/takanohana-is-still-star-of-the-no-show/#.XXvc8eSWyUk|publisher=[[Japan Times]]|date=12 May 2002|access-date=13 September 2019}}</ref> |
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Takanohana finally returned to the ring in September 2002, after the [[Sumo Association]] declared he must compete or retire.<ref>{{cite web|title= Last hurrah for Takanohana?|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20021109a1.html|publisher=[[Japan Times]]|date=2002-09-08| |
Takanohana finally returned to the ring in September 2002, after the [[Sumo Association]] declared he must compete or retire.<ref>{{cite web|title= Last hurrah for Takanohana?|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20021109a1.html|publisher=[[Japan Times]]|date=2002-09-08|access-date=2007-08-23}}</ref> He finished behind Musashimaru on 12–3, the 16th time he had been a tournament runner-up. Considering how long he had been away, it was seen as an impressive comeback.<ref>{{cite web|title=Maru overpowers Taka to take title|publisher=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20020923a1.html|date=2002-09-23|access-date=2007-08-23}}</ref> However, he sat out the next tournament with a recurrence of the knee injury.<ref>{{cite web|title=Takanohana out again because of knee injury|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20020908a1.html|publisher=[[Japan Times]]|date=2002-11-09|access-date=2007-08-23}}</ref> He made another comeback in January 2003, making a late decision to compete. A shoulder injury caused him to miss two days, and after suffering successive losses to [[Dejima Takeharu|Dejima]] and [[Aminishiki Ryūji|Aminishiki]] he announced his retirement.<ref name="jt"/> He said he had no regrets and was thankful to have achieved so much in sumo.<ref name="jt"/> His father spoke of his relief at the decision, after seeing his son battle through so many injuries.<ref name="jt"/> Takanohana's record of 22 tournament championships was the fourth best in sumo history, behind only [[Taihō Kōki|Taihō]], [[Chiyonofuji Mitsugu|Chiyonofuji]] and [[Kitanoumi Toshimitsu|Kitanoumi]] at the time.<ref name="watts">{{cite news|author=Watts, Jonathan|title=Sumo's star leaves the ring to darkness|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/jan/21/japan.jonathanwatts|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=2003-01-21 |access-date=2008-06-02 | location=London}}</ref> [[Junichiro Koizumi]], the [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]], was among those paying tribute.<ref name="watts"/> His retirement left no Japanese born wrestlers at the ''yokozuna'' rank and was widely regarded as being the end of an era.<ref name="watts"/> |
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Takanohana's ''[[danpatsu-shiki]] |
Takanohana's ''[[danpatsu-shiki]]'', or official retirement ceremony, was held at the [[Ryōgoku Kokugikan]] on June 1, 2003. Unusually, Takanohana allowed only 50 guests on stage to take a snip of his hair, instead of the normal 300 to 400.<ref name="nail">{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/04/04/national/takanohana-nail-sumo-pounded/#.XXvkCOSWyUk|title=Takanohana: The nail that sumo pounded down|last=Gunning|first=John|date=4 April 2019|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=13 September 2019}}</ref> The ceremony, and the party held afterwards at the [[Imperial Hotel, Tokyo|Imperial Hotel]], were both broadcast live on [[Fuji TV]].<ref>{{cite web|title=A cut above|publisher=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fd20030601cs.html|date=2003-06-01|access-date=17 February 2009}}</ref> |
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==Fighting style== |
==Fighting style== |
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Takanohana was largely a ''yotsu-sumo'' wrestler, |
Takanohana was largely a ''yotsu-sumo'' wrestler, favoring techniques which involved grabbing his opponent's ''[[mawashi]]'' or belt. His preferred grip was ''migi-yotsu'' (right hand inside, left hand outside his opponent).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/ozumo_meikan/rikishi_joho/rikishi_1.html|title=Takanohana – goo Sumo|publisher=[[Japan Sumo Association]]|access-date=2009-08-15|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209064224/http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/ozumo_meikan/rikishi_joho/rikishi_1.html|archive-date=2010-02-09}}</ref> His most common winning ''[[kimarite]]'' by far was ''yori-kiri'', a simple force out, which accounted for 52 percent of his victories.<ref name="kimarite">{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_kim.aspx?r=2|title=Takanohana bouts by kimarite|publisher=Sumo Reference|access-date=2009-08-15}}</ref> He also regularly employed ''uwatenage'', or overarm throw, and this was the technique he used to defeat [[Asashōryū Akinori|Asashōryū]] in the second of their two meetings, in September 2002.<ref name="kimarite"/> |
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==Retirement from sumo== |
==Retirement from sumo== |
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[[File:Takanohana II Osaka 2005.jpg|thumb|right|Takanohana as a [[Judge (sumo)|judge]] in March 2005]] |
[[File:Takanohana II Osaka 2005.jpg|thumb|right|Takanohana as a [[Judge (sumo)|judge]] in March 2005]] |
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After his retirement he became an [[toshiyori|elder]] (or member) of the [[Japan Sumo Association]]. Because of his great achievements in sumo he was given a bonus of 130 million yen and was also made a "one generation" elder without having to purchase a share in the Association.<ref name="jt"/> This enabled him to keep his [[shikona|fighting name]] and he |
After his retirement he became an [[toshiyori|elder]] (or member) of the [[Japan Sumo Association]]. Because of his great achievements in sumo he was given a bonus of 130 million yen and was also made a "one generation" elder without having to purchase a share in the Association.<ref name="jt"/> This enabled him to keep his [[shikona|fighting name]] and he was now known as Takanohana Oyakata.<ref name="jt"/> With his father's health failing, he took over the operation of his training stable in January 2004, renaming it [[Takanohana stable]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Perran, Thierry|title=Reflections on the world of sumo by Takanohana Oyakata|publisher=Le Monde Du Sumo|url=http://www.lemondedusumo.com/english/MDS3_reflections_takanohana.php?mag=mds&num=3|date=April 2004|access-date=2008-06-04}}</ref> Its last ''[[sekitori]]'', [[Takanonami Sadahiro|Takanonami]] retired shortly afterwards.<ref name="lewin"/><ref name="takanoiwa">{{Cite web | url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=11724 | title=Takanoiwa Yoshimori Rikishi Information }}</ref> During 2008, he added four new recruits to his stable, the first for several years, bringing the total number of wrestlers in his charge up to ten.<ref>{{cite web|title=Takanohana-beya adds another recruit|publisher=Sumotalk|url=http://www.sumotalk.com/news.htm|date=2008-06-04|access-date=2008-06-02}}</ref> These include his first foreign recruit, a [[Mongolian people|Mongolian]] with amateur sumo experience named [[Takanoiwa Yoshimori|Takanoiwa]],<ref>{{cite web|title=New Mongolian for Takanohana beya|publisher=Sumo Forum|url=http://www.sumoforum.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=16501&hl=takanohana|date=2008-12-23|access-date=2009-02-10}}</ref> and two twins.<ref>{{cite web|title= New recruits for Hatsu 2009|publisher=Sumo Forum|url=http://www.sumoforum.net/forums/topic/16846-new-recruits-for-hatsu-2009/?do=findComment&comment=159622|date=2008-12-23|access-date=2019-10-31}}</ref> In July 2012 Takanohana produced his first ''sekitori'' level wrestler when Takanoiwa was promoted to the second highest ''jūryō'' division. He won the ''jūryō'' championship in January 2013 and a year later was promoted to the top ''makuuchi'' division. Takanohana also coached [[Takakeishō Mitsunobu|Takakeishō]], who reached the top division in January 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=12191|title=Takakeisho Mitsunobu Rikishi Information|publisher=Sumo Reference|access-date=13 September 2019}}</ref> |
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Takanohana became a [[judge (sumo)|judge]] of tournament bouts in February 2004, only a year after his retirement, a role for which elders normally have to wait at least four years.<ref>{{cite web|author=Fureland, Gilles|title=Takanohana: new life, new challenges|publisher=Le Monde Du Sumo|url=http://www.lemondedusumo.com/english/PBI2_takanohana.php?mag=pbi&num=2|date=March 2004| |
Takanohana became a [[judge (sumo)|judge]] of tournament bouts in February 2004, only a year after his retirement, a role for which elders normally have to wait at least four years.<ref>{{cite web|author=Fureland, Gilles|title=Takanohana: new life, new challenges|publisher=Le Monde Du Sumo|url=http://www.lemondedusumo.com/english/PBI2_takanohana.php?mag=pbi&num=2|date=March 2004|access-date=2008-06-03}}</ref> After the election of the Association's Board of Directors in February 2008, the Association appointed Takanohana as {{nihongo|Associate Manager of Judging|審判部副部長|shimpanbu-fukubuchō}}, replacing former ''yokozuna'' [[Chiyonofuji Mitsugu|Chiyonofuji]] who was elected to serve the Board as a director.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://124.83.183.242/select/today/archive/news/2008/02/04/20080204k0000e050061000c.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205182744/http://124.83.183.242/select/today/archive/news/2008/02/04/20080204k0000e050061000c.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-12-05|script-title=ja:大相撲:貴乃花親方が役員待遇・審判部副部長に|language=ja|publisher=[[Mainichi Shimbun]]|date=2008-02-04|access-date=2008-07-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sanspo.com/sports/top/sp200802/sp2008020501.html|script-title=ja:【大相撲】スピード出世!貴乃花親方、35歳で役員待遇|language=ja|publisher=[[Sankei Sports]]|date=2008-02-05|access-date=2008-07-13 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080308235545/http://www.sanspo.com/sports/top/sp200802/sp2008020501.html |archive-date = March 8, 2008}}</ref> For an organization that tends to follow seniority over achievement in its organization appointment, it was highly unusual for them to place a 35-year-old to such an influential position. However both former ''yokozuna'', [[Kitanoumi Toshimitsu|Kitanoumi]] and Chiyonofuji whom Takanohana is often compared to, served a stint as Associate Manager of Judging prior to their becoming the Board director.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/p-sp-tp3-20080204-316327.html|script-title=ja:貴乃花親方が審判部副部長に|language=ja|publisher=[[Nikkan Sports]]|date=2008-02-04|access-date=2008-07-13}}</ref> In February 2009 he was moved from the judging department to the ''[[Glossary of sumo terms#jungyō|jungyō]]'' (regional tour) department, a less high-profile position.{{Citation needed|date=August 2019}} |
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Takanohana mentioned in October 2009 that he was interested in running for a spot on the Board of Directors in the February 2010 elections, and confirmed in January that he would stand, despite the fact that this would mean opposing the two officially sanctioned candidates of the Nishonoseki ''[[ichimon]]'' or group of stables. As a result, Takanohana and six of his supporters, Ōtake (the former [[Takatōriki]]), Futagoyama (the former [[Dairyū]]), Otowayama (the former [[Takanonami]]), Tokiwayama (the former [[Takamisugi]]), Ōnomatsu (the former [[Masurao Hiroo|Masurao]]), and Magaki (the former [[Wakanohana Kanji II|Wakanohana II]]) left the Nishonoseki ''ichimon''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gould|first=Chris|title=SFM Election Special Takanohana Controversially Joins |
Takanohana mentioned in October 2009 that he was interested in running for a spot on the Board of Directors in the February 2010 elections, and confirmed in January that he would stand, despite the fact that this would mean opposing the two officially sanctioned candidates of the Nishonoseki ''[[ichimon]]'' or group of stables. As a result, Takanohana and six of his supporters, Ōtake (the former [[Takatōriki]]), Futagoyama (the former [[Dairyū]]), Otowayama (the former [[Takanonami]]), Tokiwayama (the former [[Takamisugi]]), Ōnomatsu (the former [[Masurao Hiroo|Masurao]]), and Magaki (the former [[Wakanohana Kanji II|Wakanohana II]]) left the Nishonoseki ''ichimon''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gould|first=Chris|title=SFM Election Special Takanohana Controversially Joins Sumo's Board|url=http://www.sumofanmag.com/content/Issue_29/Rijikai_elections.pdf|publisher=Sumo Fan Magazine|access-date=24 June 2011|date=February 2010}}</ref> Takanohana told a press conference, "I will leave the faction. I bid farewell to everyone in my greetings at the meeting. I have stepped into the race as a candidate."<ref>{{cite web|title=Takanohana leaves Nishonoseki faction|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20100109a1.html|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=25 June 2011|date=9 January 2011}}</ref> The first contested elections since 2002, they took place by secret ballot on February 1, and Takanohana was elected to the board, replacing [[Asahikuni|Ōshima]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20100202a1.html|title=Reformer Takanohana elected to sumo board|date=2 February 2010|publisher=[[Japan Times]]|access-date=24 June 2011}}</ref> Seen as a reformer, he favored revamping the current ticket sales system and improving support for ex-''rikishi'', as well as encouraging sumo in primary schools, raising the pay of ''[[gyōji]]'', ''[[yobidashi]]'' and ''[[tokoyama]]'', and making public the Sumo Association's accounts and assets.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article7005369.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604165531/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article7005369.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 4, 2011|title=Wrestler Takanohana takes on the Japanese sumo establishment|last=Parry|first=Richard Lloyd|date=28 January 2010|work=[[The Times]]|access-date=1 February 2010 | location=London}}</ref> His victory was praised by the Japanese Prime Minister [[Yukio Hatoyama]], who said Takanohana had let in "a new wind of change."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703422904575038750096678436?mod=WSJ_latestheadlines|title=Reformer wins a sumo board seat |date=1 February 2010|publisher=[[Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=1 February 2010 | first=Yuka | last=Hayashi}}</ref> In 2014, the JSA made the decision to recognize the Takanohana group formed from the stables ousted in 2010, as an official ''ichimon''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/p-sp-tp3-20140524-1306036.html|title=Takanohana group certified as ichimon |date=24 May 2014|publisher=[[Nikkan Sports]]|access-date=12 March 2015 }}</ref> |
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In July 2010, in the wake of a scandal involving several wrestlers admitting to illegal gambling, he denied he had connections with members of the [[yakuza]] underworld after media reports that he was seen with a mobster during a visit to [[Ehime Prefecture]] to recruit new apprentices.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ex-star of sumo seen with mobster|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100717a1.html|publisher=Japan Times| |
In July 2010, in the wake of a scandal involving several wrestlers admitting to illegal gambling, he denied he had connections with members of the [[yakuza]] underworld after media reports that he was seen with a mobster during a visit to [[Ehime Prefecture]] to recruit new apprentices.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ex-star of sumo seen with mobster|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100717a1.html|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=25 June 2011|date=17 July 2010}}</ref> |
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Following the election of [[Kaiketsu Masateru|Hanaregoma]] as the new head of the Sumo Association in August 2010, Takanohana returned to the judging department as director of judging.<ref>{{cite web|last=Buckton |first=Mark |title=Does a new Sumo Association boss signal a new direction? |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20100827mb.html |publisher=Japan Times | |
Following the election of [[Kaiketsu Masateru|Hanaregoma]] as the new head of the Sumo Association in August 2010, Takanohana returned to the judging department as director of judging.<ref>{{cite web|last=Buckton |first=Mark |title=Does a new Sumo Association boss signal a new direction? |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20100827mb.html |publisher=Japan Times |access-date=25 June 2011 |date=27 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100905104535/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20100827mb.html |archive-date=5 September 2010 }}</ref> At 38 he was the second youngest director of judging in the history of the Sumo Association.<ref name="demote">{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/28/national/sumo-body-looks-demote-stablemaster-takanohana-harumafuji-scandal/#.WkULNU2Wzoo|title=Sumo body looks to demote stablemaster Takanohana over Harumafuji scandal|date=28 December 2017|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=28 December 2017}}</ref> The following month he and his wife were awarded ¥8.47 million in damages by the Tokyo High Court over 13 articles published by the ''[[Shukan Gendai]]'' and ''[[Gekkan Gendai]]'' in 2004 and 2005 concerning match-fixing allegations and the controversy over his father's inheritance.<ref>{{cite web|title=Takanohana wins Kodansha libel suit|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100930b2.html|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=24 June 2011|date=30 September 2010}}</ref> He left the judging department once again in 2012 and became the director of the [[Osaka]] tournament.{{Citation needed|date=August 2019}} |
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Having reached a peak weight of {{convert|160|kg|lb|abbr=on}} as an active wrestler, he has lost a great deal of weight since his retirement (more than retired wrestlers typically do) and is now around {{convert|90|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/p-sp-tp3-20071109-280679.html|script-title=ja:貴親方公約2年以内にフルマラソン完走|language= |
Having reached a peak weight of {{convert|160|kg|lb|abbr=on}} as an active wrestler, he has lost a great deal of weight since his retirement (more than retired wrestlers typically do) and is now around {{convert|90|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/p-sp-tp3-20071109-280679.html|script-title=ja:貴親方公約2年以内にフルマラソン完走|language=ja|publisher=[[Nikkan Sports]]|date=2007-11-09|access-date=2008-07-13 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080112195122/http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/p-sp-tp3-20071109-280679.html |archive-date = January 12, 2008}}</ref> In 2009 he published a book detailing his weight loss methods.{{Citation needed|date=August 2019}} |
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He ran for the chairmanship of the Sumo Association in 2016, but was defeated by Hakkaku Oyakata (ex-''yokozuna'' [[Hokutoumi]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/30/national/wake-harumafuji-scandal-sumo-body-urged-probe-violence-sport-make-changes/#.WiAsEk2Wzoo|title=Sumo wrestles with history of violence outside the ring|date=30 November 2017|publisher=Japan Times| |
He ran for the chairmanship of the Sumo Association in 2016, but was defeated by Hakkaku Oyakata (ex-''yokozuna'' [[Hokutoumi]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/30/national/wake-harumafuji-scandal-sumo-body-urged-probe-violence-sport-make-changes/#.WiAsEk2Wzoo|title=Sumo wrestles with history of violence outside the ring|date=30 November 2017|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=30 November 2017}}</ref> Following this he was replaced as General Enterprises Director, seen as the third highest position in the Association's hierarchy, by [[Tagaryu|Kagamiyama Oyakata]], and became the ''jungyo'' (regional tour) director.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.daily.co.jp/newsflash/sumo/2016/03/30/0008942232.shtml|title=貴乃花理事は巡業部長、相撲協会/デイリースポーツ online|website=デイリースポーツ online|language=ja|access-date=2019-10-17}}</ref> |
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===Takanoiwa affair and resignation=== |
===Takanoiwa affair and resignation=== |
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Takanohana was criticized for his delay in notifying the Sumo Association that Takanoiwa would miss the November 2017 tournament because of injuries allegedly sustained in an assault by the ''yokozuna'' [[Harumafuji]] at a restaurant in bar in Tottori Prefecture in late October.<ref name="assault">{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/21/national/crime-legal/sumo-champion-harumafuji-referred-prosecutors-alleged-assault-drunken-brawl/#.WhXbvU2Wzoo|title=Sumo champion Harumafuji to be referred to prosecutors for alleged assault in drunken brawl|date=21 November 2017|publisher=Japan Times| |
Takanohana was criticized for his delay in notifying the Sumo Association that Takanoiwa would miss the November 2017 tournament because of injuries allegedly sustained in an assault by the ''yokozuna'' [[Harumafuji]] at a restaurant in bar in Tottori Prefecture in late October.<ref name="assault">{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/21/national/crime-legal/sumo-champion-harumafuji-referred-prosecutors-alleged-assault-drunken-brawl/#.WhXbvU2Wzoo|title=Sumo champion Harumafuji to be referred to prosecutors for alleged assault in drunken brawl|date=21 November 2017|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=22 November 2017}}</ref> Takanohana reported the incident to the police but did not submit a medical certificate for his wrestler until near the start of the tournament.<ref name="assault"/> Takanohana refused to speak to the press about the incident or co-operate with the Sumo Association's investigation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20171123/k00/00m/050/067000c|title=相撲協会の貴ノ岩聴取 貴乃花親方が拒否|date=22 November 2017|publisher=the Mainichi|language=ja|access-date=22 November 2017}}</ref> An editorial in the ''[[Nikkei Asian Review]]'' compared his actions to "an executive withholding from top management information that could rock the company."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Life/Sumo-gives-governance-in-Japan-another-black-eye|title=Sumo gives governance in Japan another black eye|date=1 December 2017|publisher=Nikkei Asian Review|access-date=7 December 2017}}</ref> Sumo writer Chris Gould said Takanohana was under fire for breaking sumo's code of secrecy by going to the police, whereas "in most other sports he'd be lauded as a whistleblowing hero."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42178483|title=Inside the scandal-hit world of Japan's sumo wrestlers|last=Seales|first=Rebecca|date=1 December 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=7 December 2017}}</ref> It was announced after a meeting of sumo elders on December 1, 2017 that Takanohana would only talk to the Sumo Association's crisis management team once the police investigation was concluded.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/01/national/takanohana-cooperate-sumo-associations-probe-harumafuji-assault-case/#.WiGTSU2Wzoo|title=Takanohana to cooperate with sumo association's probe into Harumafuji assault case|date=1 December 2017|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=1 December 2017}}</ref> On December 28 an emergency meeting of the board of directors recommended unanimously to dismiss Takanohana as a director for failing to promptly report Takanoiwa's injuries to the Sumo Association, and for failing to co-operate with the investigation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201712280045.html|title=JSA to oust Takanohana as director over beating scandal|date=28 December 2017|publisher=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=28 December 2017}}</ref> Their recommendation was certified by a meeting of Sumo Association councilors and external members on January 4, with Takanohana demoted two rungs in the hierarchy.<ref name="demote"/> It is the first time that a director has been dismissed before the end of his scheduled term.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/01/04/national/stablemaster-takanohana-dismissed-post-director-japan-sumo-association/#.Wk-Mtk2Wzoo|title=Stablemaster Takanohana dismissed from post as director at Japan Sumo Association|date=4 January 2018|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=5 January 2018}}</ref> He failed to gain re-election to the board in the February 2018 elections, receiving only two votes in the ballot.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/02/02/national/sumo-elder-takanohana-fails-regain-director-seat-jsa-board/#.WnSEreSWyUk|title=Sumo elder Takanohana fails to regain director seat on JSA board|date=2 February 2018|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=2 February 2018}}</ref> The Takanohana group had selected Ōnomatsu Oyakata (the former ''sekiwake'' [[Masurao]]), as their preferred candidate and he was duly elected, but Takanohana decided to run as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201802030025.html|title=Takanohana stumbles badly in bid to shake up sumo world|date=3 February 2018|publisher=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=5 February 2018|archive-date=6 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206131442/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201802030025.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In March 2018 Takanohana was demoted again, to the lowest rank of ''toshiyori'', due mainly to the behavior of his wrestler [[Takayoshitoshi]], who was suspended for one tournament for punching his attendant in the dressing room after a match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201803290057.html|title=JSA demotes Takanohana again over 2nd assault incident|date=29 March 2018|publisher=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=29 March 2018}}</ref> He returned to the ''shimpan'' or judging committee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201803280000463.html|title=貴乃花親方は審判部・指導普及部に配属 理事会 - 大相撲 : 日刊スポーツ|website=nikkansports.com|language=ja|access-date=2019-10-17}}</ref> |
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On September 25, 2018 Takanohana announced his resignation from the Japan Sumo Association, after refusing to disavow the allegations in a letter of complaint that he filed with the [[Cabinet Office (Japan)|Cabinet Office]] on March 9 over the Association's handling of the Takanoiwa affair. Although he withdrew the letter later that month following Takayoshitoshi's misbehavior, in August the Association demanded that he disavow what he wrote as "totally false," but he refused.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201809250052.html|title=Takanohana resigns from JSA after lengthy controversies|date=25 September 2018|publisher=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=25 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102043230/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201809250052.html |archive-date=2 January 2019}}</ref> He also announced that Takanohana stable will be dissolved with its wrestlers transferring to [[Chiganoura stable]]. He called his decision "agonizing and gut-wrenching" but said he could not "bend the truth and say that what was in my complaint was untrue."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/sumo-boss-takanohana-resigns-over-assault-row-103132888.html|title=Sumo boss Takanohana resigns over assault row|date=25 September 2018|publisher=Yahoo News Singapore/AFP|access-date=13 September 2019}}</ref> The JSA in response denied pressuring Takanohana to do this, or to align his stable with an ''ichimon'', and spokesman [[Onokuni|Shibatayama]] said they had not yet accepted his resignation as Takanohana had not used the correct documents.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201809260043.html|title=JSA denies putting pressure on Takanohana to clear its name|date=26 September 2018|publisher=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=26 September 2018}}</ref> They accepted Takanohana's retirement, and the closure of Takanohana stable, on October 1, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-sg/news/other/sumo-jsa-approves-takanohanas-retirement-transfer-of-stable/ar-BBNMiRV|title=SUMO/ JSA approves Takanohana's retirement, transfer of stable|date=1 October 2018|publisher=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=3 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003181749/https://www.msn.com/en-sg/news/other/sumo-jsa-approves-takanohanas-retirement-transfer-of-stable/ar-BBNMiRV|archive-date=2018-10-03|url-status=dead}}</ref> He received 10 million yen for retirement and bonuses, and has been allowed to use the name "Takanohana" outside of the sumo world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.daily.co.jp/general/2018/10/02/0011694118.shtml|title=貴乃花親方、退職金&功労金で約1000万円 芸能活動など「貴乃花」の使用は可能|date=2 October 2018|publisher=daily.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2 October 2018}}</ref> |
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In a press conference on May 19, 2019 Takanohana announced he would be establishing the Takanohana [[ |
In a press conference on May 19, 2019 Takanohana announced he would be establishing the Takanohana [[Dojo]] organization to promote sumo worldwide. He also ruled out any suggestion that he would enter Japanese politics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201905190029.html|title=Former yokozuna Takanohana sets out to spread sumo worldwide|date=19 May 2019|publisher=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=21 May 2019|archive-date=21 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521094914/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201905190029.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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==Relationship with family== |
==Relationship with family== |
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The Hanada family had generally received very positive press coverage while Takanohana and Wakanohana were active wrestlers, with the press holding them up as the ideal Japanese family and tending to ignore any splits between them.<ref name="brasor">{{cite web|author=Brasor, Philip|title=Takanohana vs. Wakanohana: The final faceoff|publisher=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fd20050619pb.html|date=2005-06-16| |
The Hanada family had generally received very positive press coverage while Takanohana and Wakanohana were active wrestlers, with the press holding them up as the ideal Japanese family and tending to ignore any splits between them.<ref name="brasor">{{cite web|author=Brasor, Philip|title=Takanohana vs. Wakanohana: The final faceoff|publisher=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fd20050619pb.html|date=2005-06-16|access-date=2008-06-03}}</ref> Their different attitudes towards both sumo philosophy and the outside world had been noted, with Takanohana being regarded as somewhat aloof and reserved and Wakanohana having a warmer personality.<ref name="brasor"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Taka blasts Waka about inheritance|publisher=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/weekly/news/nn2005/nn20050709a6.htm|date=2005-07-09|access-date=2008-06-23}}</ref> However, upon their father's death from cancer on May 30, 2005, a bitter rift between the brothers was widely reported in the Japanese media.<ref name="brasor"/><ref name="brotherly">{{cite web|title=Brotherly rift surfaces following funeral|publisher=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/sp20050604a1.html|date=2005-06-04|access-date=2008-06-04}}</ref> Takanohana felt he should be the chief mourner at the funeral as he had remained in the Sumo Association whilst his brother had left to become a [[Tarento|TV celebrity]], but the role went to Wakanohana as the elder brother, as is traditional.<ref>{{cite web|title=Father's funeral fails to heal royal 'Waka-Taka' rift|publisher=[[Taipei Times]]|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/sport/archives/2005/06/04/2003257965|date=2005-06-04|access-date=2008-06-02}}</ref> However, with their father reported to have left no will, it was suggested that the feud revolved around control of his estate.<ref>{{cite news|author=Richard Lloyd Parry|title=No holds barred as warring brothers shock sumo world|work=[[The Times]]|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article531730.ece|date=2005-06-10|access-date=2008-06-02 | location=London}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> |
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However, with their father reported to have left no will, it was suggested that the feud revolved around control of his estate.<ref>{{cite news|author=Richard Lloyd Parry|title=No holds barred as warring brothers shock sumo world|publisher=[[The Times]]|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article531730.ece|date=2005-06-10|accessdate=2008-06-02 | location=London}}</ref> |
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Takanohana also condemned his mother for her extramarital affair, which led to her divorce from |
Takanohana also condemned his mother for her extramarital affair, which led to her divorce from his father and exit from the stable in July 2001, and had only been rumored up to that point.<ref>{{cite web | title=Sumo's fairy tale family feud leaves brothers grim | publisher=Mainichi Daily News | url=http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/waiwai/face/archive/news/2005/20050618p2g00m0dm004000c.html | date=2005-06-18 | access-date=2007-05-12 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> She has now reverted to her old name of Noriko Fujita and published a book and appeared on TV, revealing details of life as a stablemaster's wife that are seldom heard outside the sumo world.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Hanada Dynasty|publisher=[[Japan Omnibus]]|url=http://www.japan-zone.com/omnibus/hanada.shtml|access-date=2008-06-02}}</ref> Takanohana has rarely spoken to her since.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stablemaster's ex-wife tells all about Futagoyama stable|publisher=[[Japan Today]]|url=http://archive.japantoday.com/jp/shukan/249|date=2004-10-08|access-date=2008-06-02}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In June 2008 he spoke of his distress at the news that she had been named as a defence witness in a [[civil lawsuit]] brought by the Sumo Association against the tabloid magazine ''[[Shūkan Gendai]]'' over allegations that his father benefited from a thrown match for the championship in 1975, saying, "she will essentially be fighting against me."<ref>{{cite web|title=Takanohana's mother to testify against Kitanoumi Rijicho|publisher=Sumotalk|url=http://www.sumotalk.com/news.htm|date=2008-06-01|access-date=2008-06-02}}</ref> He said he would take responsibility by resigning from the Sumo Association if she took the stand. In a radio interview Fujita said she would not testify, saying, "I will not drag my child down". |
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==Marriage== |
==Marriage== |
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In late 1992 Takanohana announced his engagement to actress [[Rie Miyazawa]], news which sparked a similar amount of coverage to the royal wedding held that year.<ref name="watts"/> However the engagement was broken off the following year, reportedly because Miyazawa was seen by Takanohana's parents and the Sumo Association as being unwilling to sacrifice her career to become a regular stable wife.<ref name="watts"/> The role of the wife of a head coach in looking after the stable's recruits and liaising with supporter's groups is regarded as a full-time job.<ref name="Schilling"/> |
In late 1992 Takanohana announced his engagement to actress [[Rie Miyazawa]], news which sparked a similar amount of coverage to the Japanese royal wedding held that year.<ref name="watts"/> However the engagement was broken off the following year, reportedly because Miyazawa was seen by Takanohana's parents and the Sumo Association as being unwilling to sacrifice her career to become a regular stable wife.<ref name="watts"/> The role of the wife of a head coach in looking after the stable's recruits and liaising with supporter's groups is regarded as a full-time job.<ref name="Schilling"/> In May 1995 Takanohana married television announcer Keiko Kono, eight years older than him.<ref name="brasor"/> They have a son and two daughters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/gendai/kiroku2003/0301-4.html|script-title=ja:クローズアップ現代 放送記録|language=ja|publisher=[[NHK|NHK Online]]|date=January 2003|access-date=2008-07-14|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050906221945/http://www.nhk.or.jp/gendai/kiroku2003/0301-4.html|archive-date=2005-09-06}}</ref> His son Yuuichi is a [[shoemaker]] and radio personality who is married to the daughter of former sumo wrestler [[Fujinoshin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/20171003/geo17100316530032-n1.html|title=花田優一氏、結婚説や熱愛説を否定「彼女はいません。そんな暇はないです |date=3 October 2017|publisher=Sanspo|language=ja|access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2017/10/31/kiji/20171030s00041000358000c.html|title=貴乃花親方の長男・花田優一さんが結婚 お相手は陣幕親方の娘|date=31 October 2017|publisher=Sponichi|language=ja|access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref> It was reported in November 2018 that Takanohana and Kono had divorced.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2018/11/27/sumo/former-stablemaster-takanohana-wife-get-divorced/#.W_62quSWymQ|title=Former stablemaster Takanohana, wife get divorced|date=27 November 2018|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=28 November 2018}}</ref> |
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In May 1995 Takanohana married television announcer Keiko Kono, eight years older than him.<ref name="brasor"/> They have a son and two daughters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/gendai/kiroku2003/0301-4.html|script-title=ja:クローズアップ現代 放送記録|language=Japanese|publisher=[[NHK|NHK Online]]|date=January 2003|accessdate=2008-07-14|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050906221945/http://www.nhk.or.jp/gendai/kiroku2003/0301-4.html|archivedate=2005-09-06|df=}}</ref> His son Yuuichi is a [[shoemaker]] and radio personality who is married to the daughter of former sumo wrestler [[Fujinoshin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/20171003/geo17100316530032-n1.html|title=花田優一氏、結婚説や熱愛説を否定「彼女はいません。そんな暇はないです |date=3 October 2017|publisher=Sanspo|language=Japanese|accessdate=25 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2017/10/31/kiji/20171030s00041000358000c.html|title=貴乃花親方の長男・花田優一さんが結婚 お相手は陣幕親方の娘|date=31 October 2017|publisher=Sponichi|language=Japanese|accessdate=25 April 2018}}</ref> It was reported in November 2018 that Takanohana and Kono had divorced.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2018/11/27/sumo/former-stablemaster-takanohana-wife-get-divorced/#.W_62quSWymQ|title=Former stablemaster Takanohana, wife get divorced|date=27 November 2018|publisher=Japan Times|accessdate=28 November 2018}}</ref> |
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In September 2023, Takanohana's management office confirmed that he had married another woman in August 2023; the new spouse's identity was not disclosed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202309270000935.html|title=元横綱貴乃花の花田光司氏が8月一般女性と再婚と文春オンライン マネジメント会社「事実です」|date=28 September 2023|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=28 September 2023|lang=ja}}</ref> |
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==Career record== |
==Career record== |
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{{Sumo record box start|Takanohana Kōji<ref name="sumodb">{{cite web | title=Takanohana Kōji Rikishi Information | publisher=Sumo Reference| url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=2| date |
{{Sumo record box start|Takanohana Kōji<ref name="sumodb">{{cite web | title=Takanohana Kōji Rikishi Information | publisher=Sumo Reference| url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=2| access-date=13 September 2019}}</ref>}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{ |
{{commons category|Takanohana Kōji}} |
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*{{Goo Sumo|1|Takanohana Kōji}} |
*{{Goo Sumo|1|Takanohana Kōji}} |
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{{Yokozuna box | previous = [[Akebono Tarō]] | number = 65th | active = 1994–2003 | next = [[Wakanohana Masaru]]}} |
{{Yokozuna box | previous = [[Akebono Tarō]] | number = 65th | active = 1994–2003 | next = [[Wakanohana Masaru]]}} |
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[[Category:1972 births]] |
[[Category:1972 births]] |
Latest revision as of 03:50, 27 September 2024
Takanohana Kōji | |
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貴乃花 光司 | |
Personal information | |
Born | Kōji Hanada August 12, 1972 Suginami, Tokyo, Japan |
Height | 185 cm (6 ft 1 in) |
Weight | 154 kg (340 lb) |
Career | |
Stable | Fujishima → Futagoyama |
Record | 794-262-201 |
Debut | March, 1988 |
Highest rank | Yokozuna (November 1994) |
Retired | January, 2003 |
Elder name | Takanohana |
Championships | 22 (Makuuchi) 2 (Makushita) |
Special Prizes | Outstanding Performance (4) Fighting Spirit (2) Technique (3) |
Gold Stars | 1 (Chiyonofuji) |
* Up to date as of June 2020. |
Takanohana Kōji (Japanese: 貴乃花 光司, Hepburn: Takanohana Kōji, born August 12, 1972, as Kōji Hanada (花田 光司, Hanada Kōji)) is a Japanese former professional sumo wrestler and coach. He was the 65th man in history to reach sumo's highest rank of yokozuna, and he won 22 tournament championships between 1992 and 2001, the sixth highest total ever. The son of a popular ōzeki ranked wrestler from the 1970s, Takanohana's rise through the ranks alongside his elder brother Wakanohana and his rivalry with the foreign born yokozuna Akebono saw interest in sumo and attendance at tournaments soar during the early 1990s.[1]
Takanohana was the youngest ever to reach the top division at just 17, and he set a number of other age-related records. He had a solid but aggressive style, looking to get a right hand grip on his opponents' mawashi and move them quickly out of the ring.[1] He won over half his bouts by a straightforward yorikiri, or force out.[2] In his later career he suffered increasingly from injuries, and he retired in January 2003 at the age of 30. He became the head coach of Takanohana stable in 2004 and was on the board of directors of the Japan Sumo Association from 2010 until January 2018, when he was removed and demoted in the Sumo Association's hierarchy. He resigned from the Sumo Association in September 2018.
Background
[edit]Takanohana comes from a family with a great sumo history, sometimes called the "Hanada Dynasty."[3] His uncle Wakanohana Kanji I was a yokozuna from 1958 to 1962, and his father Takanohana Kenshi had held the second highest rank of ōzeki for a then record 50 tournaments from 1972 to 1981. Upon his retirement his father established the training stable (heya) Fujishima stable. The young Kōji Hanada had been practicing sumo since elementary school and won the equivalent of a yokozuna title in junior high school.[4] Upon his graduation in 1988 he formally joined his father's stable. His elder brother Masaru had been planning to complete high school but dropped out so as not to lag behind his brother.[4]
Early career
[edit]Takanohana and his brother made their professional debuts together in March 1988, with future rival Akebono also beginning his career in the same month.[5] The two brothers had to move from the family quarters in the stable and join the communal room with all the other new recruits.[6] They were also instructed not to refer to their parents as "father" and "mother" any more but as "oyakata" and "okamisan" (coach and coach's wife).[7] Kōji initially wrestled under the name Takahanada (貴花田), and it was understood that he would only be allowed to adopt his father's shikona of Takanohana (meaning noble flower)[8] when he reached the rank of ōzeki.[5]
Their early career attracted much publicity, with each divisional promotion regarded by the media as part of an inevitable rise to the top ranks.[3] Takahanada's progress was rapid and he set numerous age-related records, including the youngest ever makushita division tournament champion (16 years 9 months),[4] youngest ever promoted to the second highest jūryō division (17 years 3 months),[4] and the youngest ever promoted to the top makuuchi division (17 years 8 months).[4]
In March 1991, in his fourth top division tournament, Takahanada was runner-up with twelve wins, and became the youngest ever sanshō or special prize winner, receiving awards for Fighting Spirit and Technique. In the following tournament in May 1991 he defeated veteran yokozuna Chiyonofuji in a match watched by 44 percent of the Japanese population on TV,[5] becoming the youngest ever to defeat a yokozuna.[4] Chiyonofuji retired two days afterwards.[9] In January 1992, he became the youngest ever top division tournament champion (19 years 5 months).[4] He was too young to drink the celebratory sake at the after tournament party, and had to make do with oolong tea instead.[4] After his second championship in September 1992, followed by two good scores of 10–5 and 11–4 in the next two tournaments, he was promoted to ōzeki in January 1993, the same tournament in which Akebono was elevated to yokozuna.[5]
During this period the two brothers created a so-called "Waka-Taka boom" and were credited with restoring sumo's popularity, particularly amongst younger audiences.[10] Interest in sumo rose to its highest level since the era of Futabayama in the 1930s,[7] with official tournaments (honbasho) selling out of tickets every day. Both Takahanada and his brother became sex symbols.[11]
Promotion to yokozuna
[edit]Now known as Takanohana (貴ノ花), he was also the youngest ever to be promoted to ōzeki at 20 years 5 months.[12] With the foreign born Akebono as sumo's only yokozuna, there was a great weight of expectation on Takanohana to make the next step up.[5] However, his lack of consistency, and Akebono's dominance, delayed his promotion to yokozuna.[5] He won his third championship in May 1993, but lost a playoff to Akebono in the following tournament in July, and even produced a make-koshi or losing record of 7–8 in November. In 1994, a year in which Akebono suffered several injury problems, Takanohana won the January and May tournaments, but was then outshone by Musashimaru, who won in July with a perfect 15–0 record.[5] After taking the September 1994 championship, Takanohana now had six top division titles, but none had been won consecutively. No previous wrestler had ever accumulated so many titles before reaching sumo's highest rank. The Sumo Association nominated him for yokozuna after the September tournament, but the Yokozuna Deliberation Council failed to endorse it by the required two-thirds majority, the first time this had happened in twenty five years.[13] They insisted that two consecutive championships were required, having demanded the same of Akebono before his promotion.[5] After changing the spelling of his shikona in November 1994, Takanohana at last managed to win two consecutive tournaments, with his second consecutive unbeaten 15–0 score, and his promotion was confirmed.[5] He had been at the ōzeki rank for 11 tournaments, or nearly two years. However, at 22 years and 3 months, he was still the third youngest yokozuna ever at the time.[14]
Yokozuna career
[edit]1995–1997
[edit]Takanohana's total of seven tournament championships by the start of 1995 was the same as the total won by Akebono, who had reached the yokozuna rank two years before him.[3] However, Takanohana now pulled ahead of his rival. He was at his peak as a yokozuna between 1995 and 1997, during which time he won 11 of the 17 tournaments he entered, finishing runner-up in the other six.[15] He produced two more perfect scores of 15–0, in September 1995 and September 1996. Overall he won 80 out of 90 bouts he fought in 1995, 70 out of 75 in 1996, and 78 out 90 in 1997, far ahead of any other wrestler. In three of the tournaments Takanohana did not win during this period, he was defeated by stablemates in playoffs: once to Wakanohana and twice to ōzeki Takanonami.[16] Sumo rules prevent wrestlers from the same heya meeting in regular tournament bouts (playoffs excepted) which meant Takanohana avoided not only his brother and Takanonami but also sekiwake Akinoshima and Takatōriki.[5] The merger of his father's Fujishima stable with his uncle's Futagoyama stable in 1993 had added even more top division wrestlers to this list, giving him an advantage over Akebono, who had to face them all.[5] By September 1996 Takanohana had won 15 tournament championships, and was still only 24 years old. However, after sitting out the first tournament of his career in November 1996 due to a back injury suffered on a regional tour, he put on more weight and began to be more susceptible to injury and illness.[1]
1998–2000
[edit]Takanohana was affected by a liver disorder in the first half of 1998, which caused him to withdraw from the January 1998 tournament and miss the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Nagano (his place was taken by Akebono).[17] He pulled out of the March 1998 tournament as well and was still below his best in May. Shunning the traditional treatment methods available from his stable, he turned instead to a physical therapist called Tashiro Tomita, who had a considerable influence over him.[3] He became increasingly isolated from his father and brother, with his father claiming Takanohana had been "brainwashed" by Tomita.[3] Despite his brother's promotion to yokozuna that year, creating the first ever sibling grand champions,[12] the two were barely on speaking terms.[18] Takanohana recovered to win the July and September 1998 tournaments, and was runner-up that November. In 1999, however, he was even more badly affected by injuries, including a dislocated shoulder,[1] and managed only one score in double digits all year.[15]
After making peace with his family,[19] Takanohana regained some of his consistency in 2000, although he was temporarily sidelined by an elbow injury suffered in the July tournament.[20] His brother had retired in March, and several other members of his stable were now past their best.[7] With Akebono dominant once more, his best results that year were two runner-up performances.
2001–2003
[edit]Takanohana won his first tournament in over two years in January 2001, winning his first fourteen bouts and then defeating fellow yokozuna Musashimaru in a playoff on the final day. He won his final championship in May 2001, again in a playoff against Musashimaru, but it came at a great cost. He had suffered serious knee ligament damage in a loss to Musōyama on the 14th day but he insisted on fighting until the end of the tournament.[3] As a result, he then missed an unprecedented seven consecutive tournaments, undergoing surgery in Paris in July 2001 and having a lengthy recuperation after that.[21]
Takanohana finally returned to the ring in September 2002, after the Sumo Association declared he must compete or retire.[22] He finished behind Musashimaru on 12–3, the 16th time he had been a tournament runner-up. Considering how long he had been away, it was seen as an impressive comeback.[23] However, he sat out the next tournament with a recurrence of the knee injury.[24] He made another comeback in January 2003, making a late decision to compete. A shoulder injury caused him to miss two days, and after suffering successive losses to Dejima and Aminishiki he announced his retirement.[1] He said he had no regrets and was thankful to have achieved so much in sumo.[1] His father spoke of his relief at the decision, after seeing his son battle through so many injuries.[1] Takanohana's record of 22 tournament championships was the fourth best in sumo history, behind only Taihō, Chiyonofuji and Kitanoumi at the time.[25] Junichiro Koizumi, the Prime Minister, was among those paying tribute.[25] His retirement left no Japanese born wrestlers at the yokozuna rank and was widely regarded as being the end of an era.[25]
Takanohana's danpatsu-shiki, or official retirement ceremony, was held at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan on June 1, 2003. Unusually, Takanohana allowed only 50 guests on stage to take a snip of his hair, instead of the normal 300 to 400.[26] The ceremony, and the party held afterwards at the Imperial Hotel, were both broadcast live on Fuji TV.[27]
Fighting style
[edit]Takanohana was largely a yotsu-sumo wrestler, favoring techniques which involved grabbing his opponent's mawashi or belt. His preferred grip was migi-yotsu (right hand inside, left hand outside his opponent).[28] His most common winning kimarite by far was yori-kiri, a simple force out, which accounted for 52 percent of his victories.[2] He also regularly employed uwatenage, or overarm throw, and this was the technique he used to defeat Asashōryū in the second of their two meetings, in September 2002.[2]
Retirement from sumo
[edit]After his retirement he became an elder (or member) of the Japan Sumo Association. Because of his great achievements in sumo he was given a bonus of 130 million yen and was also made a "one generation" elder without having to purchase a share in the Association.[1] This enabled him to keep his fighting name and he was now known as Takanohana Oyakata.[1] With his father's health failing, he took over the operation of his training stable in January 2004, renaming it Takanohana stable.[29] Its last sekitori, Takanonami retired shortly afterwards.[3][30] During 2008, he added four new recruits to his stable, the first for several years, bringing the total number of wrestlers in his charge up to ten.[31] These include his first foreign recruit, a Mongolian with amateur sumo experience named Takanoiwa,[32] and two twins.[33] In July 2012 Takanohana produced his first sekitori level wrestler when Takanoiwa was promoted to the second highest jūryō division. He won the jūryō championship in January 2013 and a year later was promoted to the top makuuchi division. Takanohana also coached Takakeishō, who reached the top division in January 2017.[34]
Takanohana became a judge of tournament bouts in February 2004, only a year after his retirement, a role for which elders normally have to wait at least four years.[35] After the election of the Association's Board of Directors in February 2008, the Association appointed Takanohana as Associate Manager of Judging (審判部副部長, shimpanbu-fukubuchō), replacing former yokozuna Chiyonofuji who was elected to serve the Board as a director.[36][37] For an organization that tends to follow seniority over achievement in its organization appointment, it was highly unusual for them to place a 35-year-old to such an influential position. However both former yokozuna, Kitanoumi and Chiyonofuji whom Takanohana is often compared to, served a stint as Associate Manager of Judging prior to their becoming the Board director.[38] In February 2009 he was moved from the judging department to the jungyō (regional tour) department, a less high-profile position.[citation needed]
Takanohana mentioned in October 2009 that he was interested in running for a spot on the Board of Directors in the February 2010 elections, and confirmed in January that he would stand, despite the fact that this would mean opposing the two officially sanctioned candidates of the Nishonoseki ichimon or group of stables. As a result, Takanohana and six of his supporters, Ōtake (the former Takatōriki), Futagoyama (the former Dairyū), Otowayama (the former Takanonami), Tokiwayama (the former Takamisugi), Ōnomatsu (the former Masurao), and Magaki (the former Wakanohana II) left the Nishonoseki ichimon.[39] Takanohana told a press conference, "I will leave the faction. I bid farewell to everyone in my greetings at the meeting. I have stepped into the race as a candidate."[40] The first contested elections since 2002, they took place by secret ballot on February 1, and Takanohana was elected to the board, replacing Ōshima.[41] Seen as a reformer, he favored revamping the current ticket sales system and improving support for ex-rikishi, as well as encouraging sumo in primary schools, raising the pay of gyōji, yobidashi and tokoyama, and making public the Sumo Association's accounts and assets.[42] His victory was praised by the Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who said Takanohana had let in "a new wind of change."[43] In 2014, the JSA made the decision to recognize the Takanohana group formed from the stables ousted in 2010, as an official ichimon.[44]
In July 2010, in the wake of a scandal involving several wrestlers admitting to illegal gambling, he denied he had connections with members of the yakuza underworld after media reports that he was seen with a mobster during a visit to Ehime Prefecture to recruit new apprentices.[45]
Following the election of Hanaregoma as the new head of the Sumo Association in August 2010, Takanohana returned to the judging department as director of judging.[46] At 38 he was the second youngest director of judging in the history of the Sumo Association.[47] The following month he and his wife were awarded ¥8.47 million in damages by the Tokyo High Court over 13 articles published by the Shukan Gendai and Gekkan Gendai in 2004 and 2005 concerning match-fixing allegations and the controversy over his father's inheritance.[48] He left the judging department once again in 2012 and became the director of the Osaka tournament.[citation needed]
Having reached a peak weight of 160 kg (350 lb) as an active wrestler, he has lost a great deal of weight since his retirement (more than retired wrestlers typically do) and is now around 90 kg (200 lb).[49] In 2009 he published a book detailing his weight loss methods.[citation needed]
He ran for the chairmanship of the Sumo Association in 2016, but was defeated by Hakkaku Oyakata (ex-yokozuna Hokutoumi).[50] Following this he was replaced as General Enterprises Director, seen as the third highest position in the Association's hierarchy, by Kagamiyama Oyakata, and became the jungyo (regional tour) director.[51]
Takanoiwa affair and resignation
[edit]Takanohana was criticized for his delay in notifying the Sumo Association that Takanoiwa would miss the November 2017 tournament because of injuries allegedly sustained in an assault by the yokozuna Harumafuji at a restaurant in bar in Tottori Prefecture in late October.[52] Takanohana reported the incident to the police but did not submit a medical certificate for his wrestler until near the start of the tournament.[52] Takanohana refused to speak to the press about the incident or co-operate with the Sumo Association's investigation.[53] An editorial in the Nikkei Asian Review compared his actions to "an executive withholding from top management information that could rock the company."[54] Sumo writer Chris Gould said Takanohana was under fire for breaking sumo's code of secrecy by going to the police, whereas "in most other sports he'd be lauded as a whistleblowing hero."[55] It was announced after a meeting of sumo elders on December 1, 2017 that Takanohana would only talk to the Sumo Association's crisis management team once the police investigation was concluded.[56] On December 28 an emergency meeting of the board of directors recommended unanimously to dismiss Takanohana as a director for failing to promptly report Takanoiwa's injuries to the Sumo Association, and for failing to co-operate with the investigation.[57] Their recommendation was certified by a meeting of Sumo Association councilors and external members on January 4, with Takanohana demoted two rungs in the hierarchy.[47] It is the first time that a director has been dismissed before the end of his scheduled term.[58] He failed to gain re-election to the board in the February 2018 elections, receiving only two votes in the ballot.[59] The Takanohana group had selected Ōnomatsu Oyakata (the former sekiwake Masurao), as their preferred candidate and he was duly elected, but Takanohana decided to run as well.[60] In March 2018 Takanohana was demoted again, to the lowest rank of toshiyori, due mainly to the behavior of his wrestler Takayoshitoshi, who was suspended for one tournament for punching his attendant in the dressing room after a match.[61] He returned to the shimpan or judging committee.[62]
On September 25, 2018 Takanohana announced his resignation from the Japan Sumo Association, after refusing to disavow the allegations in a letter of complaint that he filed with the Cabinet Office on March 9 over the Association's handling of the Takanoiwa affair. Although he withdrew the letter later that month following Takayoshitoshi's misbehavior, in August the Association demanded that he disavow what he wrote as "totally false," but he refused.[63] He also announced that Takanohana stable will be dissolved with its wrestlers transferring to Chiganoura stable. He called his decision "agonizing and gut-wrenching" but said he could not "bend the truth and say that what was in my complaint was untrue."[64] The JSA in response denied pressuring Takanohana to do this, or to align his stable with an ichimon, and spokesman Shibatayama said they had not yet accepted his resignation as Takanohana had not used the correct documents.[65] They accepted Takanohana's retirement, and the closure of Takanohana stable, on October 1, 2018.[66] He received 10 million yen for retirement and bonuses, and has been allowed to use the name "Takanohana" outside of the sumo world.[67]
In a press conference on May 19, 2019 Takanohana announced he would be establishing the Takanohana Dojo organization to promote sumo worldwide. He also ruled out any suggestion that he would enter Japanese politics.[68]
Relationship with family
[edit]The Hanada family had generally received very positive press coverage while Takanohana and Wakanohana were active wrestlers, with the press holding them up as the ideal Japanese family and tending to ignore any splits between them.[69] Their different attitudes towards both sumo philosophy and the outside world had been noted, with Takanohana being regarded as somewhat aloof and reserved and Wakanohana having a warmer personality.[69][70] However, upon their father's death from cancer on May 30, 2005, a bitter rift between the brothers was widely reported in the Japanese media.[69][71] Takanohana felt he should be the chief mourner at the funeral as he had remained in the Sumo Association whilst his brother had left to become a TV celebrity, but the role went to Wakanohana as the elder brother, as is traditional.[72] However, with their father reported to have left no will, it was suggested that the feud revolved around control of his estate.[73]
Takanohana also condemned his mother for her extramarital affair, which led to her divorce from his father and exit from the stable in July 2001, and had only been rumored up to that point.[74] She has now reverted to her old name of Noriko Fujita and published a book and appeared on TV, revealing details of life as a stablemaster's wife that are seldom heard outside the sumo world.[75] Takanohana has rarely spoken to her since.[76] In June 2008 he spoke of his distress at the news that she had been named as a defence witness in a civil lawsuit brought by the Sumo Association against the tabloid magazine Shūkan Gendai over allegations that his father benefited from a thrown match for the championship in 1975, saying, "she will essentially be fighting against me."[77] He said he would take responsibility by resigning from the Sumo Association if she took the stand. In a radio interview Fujita said she would not testify, saying, "I will not drag my child down".
Marriage
[edit]In late 1992 Takanohana announced his engagement to actress Rie Miyazawa, news which sparked a similar amount of coverage to the Japanese royal wedding held that year.[25] However the engagement was broken off the following year, reportedly because Miyazawa was seen by Takanohana's parents and the Sumo Association as being unwilling to sacrifice her career to become a regular stable wife.[25] The role of the wife of a head coach in looking after the stable's recruits and liaising with supporter's groups is regarded as a full-time job.[11] In May 1995 Takanohana married television announcer Keiko Kono, eight years older than him.[69] They have a son and two daughters.[78] His son Yuuichi is a shoemaker and radio personality who is married to the daughter of former sumo wrestler Fujinoshin.[79][80] It was reported in November 2018 that Takanohana and Kono had divorced.[81]
In September 2023, Takanohana's management office confirmed that he had married another woman in August 2023; the new spouse's identity was not disclosed.[82]
Career record
[edit]Year | January Hatsu basho, Tokyo |
March Haru basho, Osaka |
May Natsu basho, Tokyo |
July Nagoya basho, Nagoya |
September Aki basho, Tokyo |
November Kyūshū basho, Fukuoka |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1988 | x | (Maezumo) | East Jonokuchi #11 5–2 |
West Jonidan #101 6–1 |
West Jonidan #31 6–1 |
East Sandanme #74 5–2 |
1989 | East Sandanme #41 5–2 |
West Sandanme #13 5–2 |
East Makushita #48 7–0 Champion |
East Makushita #6 3–4 |
West Makushita #9 7–0 Champion |
West Jūryō #10 8–7 |
1990 | West Jūryō #6 9–6 |
West Jūryō #3 9–6 |
East Maegashira #14 4–11 |
East Jūryō #5 8–7 |
East Jūryō #2 10–5 |
West Maegashira #12 8–7 |
1991 | West Maegashira #9 6–9 |
East Maegashira #13 12–3 TF |
West Maegashira #1 9–6 O★ |
West Komusubi #1 11–4 TO |
West Sekiwake #1 7–8 |
East Maegashira #1 7–8 |
1992 | East Maegashira #2 14–1 TOF |
West Sekiwake #1 5–10 |
West Maegashira #2 9–6 |
East Komusubi #2 8–7 |
West Komusubi #1 14–1 O |
West Sekiwake #1 10–5 |
1993 | East Sekiwake #1 11–4 |
East Ōzeki #1 11–4 |
East Ōzeki #1 14–1 |
East Ōzeki #1 13–2–P |
East Ōzeki #1 12–3 |
East Ōzeki #1 7–8 |
1994 | West Ōzeki #1 14–1 |
East Ōzeki #1 11–4 |
West Ōzeki #1 14–1 |
East Ōzeki #1 11–4 |
West Ōzeki #2 15–0 |
East Ōzeki #1 15–0 |
1995 | East Yokozuna #1 13–2–P |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2 |
West Yokozuna #1 14–1 |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2 |
East Yokozuna #1 15–0 |
East Yokozuna #1 12–3–P |
1996 | East Yokozuna #1 14–1–P |
East Yokozuna #1 14–1 |
East Yokozuna #1 14–1 |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2 |
East Yokozuna #1 15–0 |
East Yokozuna #1 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
1997 | West Yokozuna #1 13–2 |
East Yokozuna #1 12–3–PP |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2–P |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2 |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2–P |
East Yokozuna #1 14–1–P |
1998 | East Yokozuna #1 8–5–2 |
West Yokozuna #1 1–4–10 |
West Yokozuna #1 10–5 |
West Yokozuna #1 14–1 |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2 |
East Yokozuna #1 12–3 |
1999 | East Yokozuna #1 8–7 |
West Yokozuna #1 8–3–4 |
East Yokozuna #1 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
West Yokozuna #2 9–6 |
East Yokozuna #2 0–3–12 |
West Yokozuna #2 11–4 |
2000 | West Yokozuna #1 12–3 |
East Yokozuna #1 11–4 |
West Yokozuna #1 13–2 |
West Yokozuna #1 5–3–7 |
East Yokozuna #2 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
East Yokozuna #2 11–4 |
2001 | East Yokozuna #2 14–1–P |
East Yokozuna #1 12–3 |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2–P |
East Yokozuna #1 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
West Yokozuna #1 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
West Yokozuna #1 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
2002 | West Yokozuna #1 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
West Yokozuna #1 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
West Yokozuna #1 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
West Yokozuna #1 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
West Yokozuna #1 12–3 |
West Yokozuna #1 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
2003 | West Yokozuna #1 Retired 4–4–1 |
x | x | x | x | x |
Record given as wins–losses–absences Top division champion Top division runner-up Retired Lower divisions Non-participation Sanshō key: F=Fighting spirit; O=Outstanding performance; T=Technique Also shown: ★=Kinboshi; P=Playoff(s) |
See also
[edit]- List of yokozuna
- List of sumo tournament top division champions
- List of sumo tournament top division runners-up
- List of sumo record holders
- Glossary of sumo terms
- List of past sumo wrestlers
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- ^ "Stablemaster's ex-wife tells all about Futagoyama stable". Japan Today. 2004-10-08. Retrieved 2008-06-02.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Takanohana's mother to testify against Kitanoumi Rijicho". Sumotalk. 2008-06-01. Retrieved 2008-06-02.
- ^ クローズアップ現代 放送記録 (in Japanese). NHK Online. January 2003. Archived from the original on 2005-09-06. Retrieved 2008-07-14.
- ^ "花田優一氏、結婚説や熱愛説を否定「彼女はいません。そんな暇はないです" (in Japanese). Sanspo. 3 October 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- ^ "貴乃花親方の長男・花田優一さんが結婚 お相手は陣幕親方の娘" (in Japanese). Sponichi. 31 October 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- ^ "Former stablemaster Takanohana, wife get divorced". Japan Times. 27 November 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
- ^ "元横綱貴乃花の花田光司氏が8月一般女性と再婚と文春オンライン マネジメント会社「事実です」" (in Japanese). Nikkan Sports. 28 September 2023. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
External links
[edit]- Takanohana Kōji's official biography (English) at the Grand Sumo Homepage