shin-makushita

Natsu 2026: Shin-Makushita

hochiyama Makushita (幕下) ,

Here is how our last tournament debutants did:

Agōra handled his makushita debut about as well as could reasonably be expected given his background and late start. He secured enough wins to remain competitive without ever looking overmatched. There were clear limitations in speed and adaptability against sharper technicians, He will need more experience to hold his own against makushita level opponents, something he will gain via a drop back to Sandanme for Natsu 2026. He defeated fellow rookie Yabugasaki, but lost to Gōhakuun.

Okada’s first makushita appearance was uneven but informative.His style produced early momentum in some matches, particularly when he was able to dictate terms at the tachiai, but more experienced opponents exposed his relative lack of polish once initial attacks stalled. He managed to defeat the Shikoroyama-beya prospect Tenrōsei, and fellow rookie Yabugasaki. He can expect a small jump up the banzuke.

After three straight kachi‑koshi earned his promotion, Gōhakuun just snuck in to Makushita at the bottom rank (60 West). He finished with a losing record and will be back in Sandanme for Natsu. His first victory was a fusen, and even with that he started 1-3. He managed a small comeback, defeating two in a row (including Agōra) before losing to Fudōhō in is last bout., The slide back should provide another opportunity to rebuild momentum.

Yabugasaki finished 2-5, with losses to Okada and Agōra. He also was unable to defeat Tenrōsei. It appeared that he was not yet able to match the speed and strength of his opponents or control his bouts consistently.

I am taking a small time-out here, as there were some questions raised as to why I did not really rank Yabugasaki as a sekitori prospect, despite his rapid ascent up the rankings. There were questions as to how I decided to lump in his chances with those of Okada. Let’s just say that there is little statistical underlying my assessments. It is more of a feeling of how I think each wrestler will progress given the bouts that I have seen and their pedigree.

In this case, Yabugasaki is not a “cream of the crop” high school talent. Many of these high schoolers who are not in the elite tend to peak in mid-to upper makushita unless they make some serious changes. In the matches I saw earlier in his career, he just did not have the “special something” that I see in some real talents. I am happy to be proven wrong. Please remember that my grading style is more of an art form than a science (and I have no official border lines between my subjective judgement calls) and that lots can happen in sumo to alter the trajectory of a career. Anyway, back to Sandanme with Yabugasaki for Natsu.

Ryūhō had a higher debut and started with a 4-0 streak before finishing 5-2. His makushita debut further reinforced his status as one of the sport’s elite young prospects. He carried over the maturity and balance that defined his lower‑division run, dispatching experienced opponents with calm grip work and disciplined ring sense. He lost to Sandanme champ (and former sekitori) Nabatame and former Sandanme champ Daimasakari. However, he defeated some high-school prospects (Fujinoyama and Anōshō) as well as former sekitori Kaishō. Unlike the others on this list, he competed quite consistently and convincingly in Makushita and will be in the top half of the division in Natsu. Among this group, he emerged as the clearest near‑term sekitori candidate.

Kinoshita, who received the shikona of Fudōhō (不動豊) got his winning record on the last day against Gōhakuun. He had a bit more trouble against the borderline Makushita/Sandanme wrestlers than would normally be expected of a Makushita Tsukedashi with such a university pedigree His bouts did not show that he was overly ranked, but with wins and losses against opponents of a similar depth, I can say that it was a bit of a disappointing debut. A jump toward the top of makushita will happen as he gains professional seasoning. His shikona was given my his master, intended to convey an “unshakable heart” and with the 豊 coming from the stable’s naming convention. The Fudō is “immovable” or steadfast and is often associated with a symbolizing Buddhist resolve and discipline.

Onto the Natsu 2026 Makushita rookies (and a bonus catch-up):

Kōseiryū (光星竜)

Stable: Otowayama
Age: 25
Height (cm/feet-inches): 174 / 5’8”
Weight (kg/lbs): 125 / 275
Home prefecture: Tokyo
High School: Yasuda Gakuen
University: University of Nevada
Career Record and notes: 29-8-5 (.784)
Debut: Hatsu 2025
Notes: Jonidan Yūshō in January 2026
Father is former Maegashira Akinoshū
Possibility of reaching sekitori: I’ll say likely, as it would make a great story.

Kōseiryū has a rather unconventional background and atypical pathway into professional sumo. He is the eldest son of former top-division wrestler Akinoshū (安芸ノ州). However, sumo was not at the forefront of his activities for much of his life. Instead, he excelled in jūdō and his studies, going so far as to get a degree in aerospace engineering in Nevada. In other words, he seemed closer to being a rocket scientist than a master of the dōhyō.

Apparently, he was greatly cherished by his father’s senior stablemate Terao, who was so delighted at Kōsei’s birth that he named him, and even celebrated it as if he were his own child. Despite growing up in the sumo world, he took his competitiveness onto the jūdō mat and became known on the national level – placing third in the National Junior Championships while in 4th grade (only losing to a future Olympic silver medalist). He excelled during his time at Yasuda Gakuen Middle and High School (the alma mater of Terao). He moved to the US and managed to balance his engineering studies.

He first enrolled at Orange Coast College, a community college in Costa Mesa, California where he studied aerospace engineering, served as the president of the Japanese Student Association. In 2022, he won the National Collegiate Judo Championship and the U.S. Open Judo Championships. After graduating from Orange Coast College, he transferred to the University of Nevada to complete his aerospace engineering degree. His goal was to work in rocket manufacturing. He was invited to join the U.S. national judo team, but he declined because it would have required changing his nationality.

The turning point for him came in 2023 when former Sekiwake Terao passed away. Terao had been a great friend of his father, and supposedly helped to even name the newborn Kōsei.. Before his death, Terao supposedly said “I wish I could have seen you in a mawashi” and those words weighed heavily on Kōseiryū as he approached the sumo entrance age limit. He dipped his toes into sumo during the 2024 U.S. Sumo Open, where he finished second in the light heavyweight division.

As the Sumo Association had just allowed inexperienced individuals under 25 to join (after taking a special physical ability test), he quit the US Judo circuit and joined the new Otowayama stable under Kakuryū. Kakuryū belonged to Izutsu stable, the same as Terao and his father. He took the shikona Kōseiryū as a way to honor Terao (by using his given name) and combining it with the dragon (ryū) from his stablemaster. His younger brother attends Chuo University where he is a member of the school’s sumo club.

He describes his sumo as an application of his physics education – applying leverage, balance, center of gravity, and timing to compensate for his lack of traditional sumo training. He favors jūdō-like throws and counters. Following an injury that knocked him back to jonidan, he took the yūshō (despite cracking the middle finger on his left hand on Day 1) and rocketed up the rankings. His promotion to makushita will mark a great test of his abilities against some seasoned vets and upcoming prospects.
His hobbies include surfing, golf, baseball, stargazing, building LEGO Star Wars sets, watching comedy, and appreciating art.

Kasshō (滑翔)

Stable: Yamahibiki
Age: 23
Height (cm/feet-inches): 176 / 5’9”
Weight (kg/lbs): 136 / 300
Home country: Hyōgō
High School: Tsushima High
University: —
Career Record and notes: 110-87-13 (.558)
Debut: 2021 Haru
Notes: None
Possibility of reaching sekitori: Very unlikely

Another name to watch as he settles into the makushita ranks is Kasshō, a Hyōgo native whose rise has been closely followed back home. Hailing from Shinonsen Town (Hamasaka area), Kasshō is celebrated locally as part of a rare trio of active professional rikishi produced by the same small community, alongside Gōhakuun of Takekuma stable (see last post about shin-makushita for Haru 2026) and Daishōki of Oitekaze.

Kasshō’s sumo roots were planted at Hamasaka Junior High School, where he was already active in the sport before moving on to Tsushima High School, a program known for steady national‑level participation. He became a key member of the sumo team, performing well enough in inter‑high and national tournaments to get on the radar of professional scouts. Sumo is very much a family affair as well – his younger sisters (one a university sophomore and the other a high‑school freshman) are both active members of their respective school sumo clubs.

His sumo career came full circle during a spring jungyō two years ago, when Kasshō returned to his old high school while touring as a professional. For a wrestler still early in his career, the visit symbolized both how far he had already come. He started his career with some very good results in 2021-2022, despite missing two tournaments with injury. He was in Sandanme in less than two years from his debut. It took some time for him to settle into the division, where he had been since Haru 2024. He finally settled into the top half of the division in mid-2025 and on the back of two 5-2 records will enter Makushita.

His shikona means to glide (if you look at it on Google, you will see lots of images of hang-gliding). It could also be interpreted as “moving smoothly and effortlessly” and was likely given to him by his stable master as a sort of objective. Additionally, the shikona uses a part of his first name, Hishō.

Honoikazuchi (火雷)

Stable: Ikazuchi
Age: 22
Height (cm/feet-inches): 191 / 6’3”
Weight (kg/lbs): 166 / 365
Home prefecture: Kanagawa
High School: Mukainooka Technical High
University: Nippon Sports Science University
Career Record and notes: 0-0-0 (.000)
Debut: 2026 Natsu, Makushita Tsukedashi
Notes: None

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Quite likely

One of the more intriguing new faces to reach makushita is Bill Christopher Lee, a Kawasaki native whose development reflects both a long athletic arc. Growing up, Lee split his time between basketball and karate before committing to sumo at the Kawasaki Sumo Club during elementary school. By high school, his physical gifts were already evident: standing 191 cm, he attended Kanagawa Prefectural Mukonooka Technical High School, a program with deep sumo credentials (and lots of recruits in Futagoyama stable).  He helped the team to a third‑place finish at the Inter‑High, putting him as a top level university recruit.

Lee’s true breakthrough came after being recruited to Nippon Sport Science University (NSSU), where the club’s legendary director helped him to use his raw power and develop his own style. Despite his size, Lee was intentionally steered away from reactive or tentative sumo and instead drilled relentlessly in forward‑moving oshi‑sumo, a transformation that paid dividends. By his sophomore year, he finished third at the All Japan Student Sumo Championships, and as a senior he emerged as the team’s captain.

His senior year at NSSU capped his amateur career. Lee finished runner‑up at the National Sports Festival and added another strong finish (3rd place) at the All‑Japan Student Championships. These performances earned him the makushita tsukedashi eligibility. Long an admirer of former NSSU sumo club legend, Ōnosato, Lee has noted that his goal has evolved from simply looking up to the yokozuna to one day testing himself directly against him. Lee enters makushita as a physically imposing, purpose‑built prospect whose ceiling will be measured by how quickly that forward pressure translates against seasoned professional opposition. On April 17, it was announced that his shikona is Honoikazuchi (火雷), with the latter character coming from the stable name.

Despite his English sounding legal name (a result of his mixed heritage), he was born and raised in Japan and will not count as a foreign rikishi. Ikazuchi-beya already has its foreigner slot occupied by the Ukrainain, Shishi.

Ōmori (大森)

Stable: Oitekaze
Age: 22
Height (cm/feet-inches): 185 / 6’0”
Weight (kg/lbs): 120 / 264
Home prefecture: Ishikawa
High School: Kanazawa Gakuin High
University: Kanazawa Gakuin University
Career Record and notes: 0-0-0 (.000)
Debut: 2026 Natsu, Makushita Tsukedashi
Notes: ..

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Quite likely

Ōmori enters grand sumo with a Strong amateur background.  From Ishikawa prefecture, he began sumo in the first grade inspired by watching the legendary Chiyonofuji with his father. He continued with sumo through elementary school, but then quit during middle school to join the baseball club. 

At the end of middle school, he resolved to return to sumo and “become strong”. He left his hometown to live in the dorm at Kanazawa Gakuin High School. By the time he was a junior, he had become a national level contender in tournaments, finishing as runner-up in both individual and team competitions at the Inter-High High School Championships and the Kanazawa High School Sumo Tournament. He proceeded up the direct pipeline from the attached high school to Kanazawa Gakuin University.

As a freshman, he won the West Japan Rookie title. As a Junior, he won the individual and team championships at the 78th National Sports Festival in Saga. Suffering from a dislocated shoulder as a senior (one that required surgery), he was still 2nd at the All-Japan Sumo Championships. This earned him the coveted makushita tsukedashi status he now takes advantage of.

He is quite lighter than many others coming in via the tsukedashi route, with his sumo built on speed, balance, and forward pressure. His technical grounding and versatility should enable him to make an immediate impact on the dohyo. He was persuaded to go professional though his hometown ties to Kitajin Oyakata (former Endō) and has expressed a desire to represent his earthquake-impacted hometown on the national stage. Like Kaki, he is likely an uchi-deshi of Endō and may branch out, should Kitajin decide to open his own stable. There has not yet been any media reporting of a proper shikona and my feeling is that he will start under his family name.

Gōnoshō (豪ノ勝)

Stable: Takekuma
Age: 20
Height (cm/feet-inches): 189 / 6’2”
Weight (kg/lbs): 144 / 318
Home prefecture: Saitama
High School: Saitama Sakae High School
University: – –
Career Record and notes: 36-20-0 (.643)
Debut: 2024 Kyushu
Notes: Brother is Gōseiryū

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Unlikely

Gōnoshō is a steadily developing rikishi from Aomori prefecture, who has followed his elder brother, Gōseiryū, into sumo. He began sumo at age four, influenced by his older brother. He continued through school, appearing in elementary, middle, and high school All-Japan tournaments.

He attended powerhouse Saitama Sakae High School (which is the fishing grounds for former alumn Takekuma Oyakata). Under his high school coach, he developed a technically grounded style that heled his team win the Kantō High School Championship and qualify the team for the Inter-High. Individually, he finished in the top eight at the All-Japan High School Tournament and the top 16 at the National Sports Festival (Kokutai). This reveals that he is a competitive prospect, but not quite the level of a breakout star.

Many college recruits tried to lure him to their programs, including NSSU and Nihon University. Nevertheless, he opted to become pro right after high school on advice from his father that he would develop quicker and more rounded through regular professional keiko rather than amateur competition. He selected Takakuma stable, to join his brother. He had also been impressed by Takekuma’s training regime during his visits.

He has made steady progress through the lower divisions. He made it to mid-Sandanme before his first make-koshi. His 6-1 record in March from Sandanme 44 was a nice breakout tournament that earned the promotion to Makushita. At this point in his career, Gōnoshō is a clear yotsu‑zumo specialist, favoring belt engagement over extended pushing exchanges. He shows a preference for a right‑hand inside grip and forward‑moving sumo, with yorikiri as his most common winning technique. Gōnoshō already possesses the size expected of a future sekitori, but his career profile to this point suggests a longer‑horizon development path rather than an immediate rise. His Shikona from oyakata, his first name, and 豪ノ勝 literally means “mighty victory” or “victory through strength.”

Tatsubayama (龍葉山)

Stable: Tokitsukaze
Age: 20
Height (cm/feet-inches): 189 / 6’2”
Weight (kg/lbs): 153 / 336
Home prefecture: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
High School: Meitoku Gijuku High School
University: —
Career Record: 23-3-2 (.885)
Debut: Natsu 2025
Notes: Jonokuchi Yūshō Nagoya 2025

Possibility of reaching sekitori: I believe so, from what I have seen so far – provided injuries do not derail him

Born in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, as Buyantogtokh Munkh‑Erdene, Tatsubayama began athletic training in Mongolian wrestling (Bökh) as a child. That background provided a natural foundation for his eventual transition to Japanese sumo. Tatusbayama was scouted at age 15 and moved to Japan to attend Meitoku Gijuku High School, one of the strongest amateur sumo programs in the country and famously the alma mater of Yokozuna Asashōryū. He became a regular presence on the national stage. During his high‑school career, he appeared in major tournaments, steadily building experience against elite domestic competition.

In his third year (2024), he served as a key pillar of the team, helping his high school team to secure a top‑eight finish in the team competition at the Inter‑High School Championships. Individually, he reached the later rounds of several major national events, including the National High School Sumo Invitational Tournament in Umi and the Kanazawa High School Sumo Tournament, and represented Kochi Prefecture at the National Sports Festival (Kokutai), advancing into the final stages of the individual competition. At the Inter‑High School Sumo Championships, he reached the quarterfinals, finishing one win short of qualifying for sandanme tsukedashi.

Tatsubayama was recruited into Tokitsukaze stable by Tokitsukaze oyakata (former maegashira Tosayutaka) and, with special permission, he began training at the stable while still completing his high school studies, to help him transition into professional life. Although initially cleared to debut in May 2025, his professional start was delayed by an early setback: in January 2025, he underwent surgery to address a recurring dislocation of his right shoulder, postponing his entry into ozumō until the 2025 Nagoya basho.

He was given the shikona “Tatsubayama”, a name explicitly designed as a tribute to two of the sport’s greatest figures. The “Tatsu (dragon)” (龍) is taken from Asashōryū, his high‑school senior at Meitoku Gijuku, while “bayama” (葉山) comes from Futabayama, the legendary 35th yokozuna and founder of his  Tokitsukaze stable.

In his first official tournament in September 2025, he went 7–0 to claim the jonokuchi yūshō, displaying composure and physical dominance despite recently recovering from surgery. In the November 2025 tournament, he was 6-0 and ready to go into the final bout to force at least a playoff (if not take the championship outright) but was forced to withdraw after contracting cellulitis, which required eight days of hospitalization and resulted in a loss of roughly 10 kilograms.

Still only 20 years old, Tatsubayama profiles with a high ceiling. He is a technique‑reliable prospect whose amateur pedigree, physical readiness, and early professional results point toward an easy transition to makushita in the near term. The key question ahead is not whether he belongs above sandanme, but whether his deliberate, grip‑centric style can continue to hold up against heavier, more tactically disruptive opponents as the margin for error narrows.

Takahara (髙𠩤)

Stable: Futagoyama
Age: 19
Height (cm/feet-inches): 173 / 5’8”
Weight (kg/lbs): 116 / 254
Home prefecture: Kanagawa
High School: Asahigaoka High School
University: —
Career Record and notes: 22-6 (.786)
Debut: Nagoya 2025
Notes: —

So much optimism this time – as I think its likely!

Takahara is a Kanagawa‑born prospect whose profile blends long‑term competitive sumo training with explosive athleticism and an unusually strong mental drive. Takahara began practicing sumo in elementary school, starting in the 5th grade. Takahara attended Odawara Municipal Izumi Junior High School, where his development accelerated. He achieved an individual third place result in a regional tournament and helped his middle school team qualify for the national middle‑school championships, a first for his school. They finished in the top 32 nationally.

In parallel with sumo, Takahara pursued full‑contact karate at Sōtenjuku. His results were very impressive as he was a national runner‑up in 2020 and won a national championship in 2021. His dual‑sport background is widely credited with contributing to his explosive tachiai, body control, and speed. These are all traits that distinguish him from more orthodox amateur sumo prospects.

Takahara continued his sumo career at Shinmei Gakuen Asahigaoka High School, one of the stronger sumo programs (that of prospect Asahifuji). His high‑school achievements include winning the Kanagawa Prefectural Inter‑High qualifier in the open‑weight division and advancing to the top 32 nationally at the 2024 Inter‑High School Championships. As a sophomore, he won the Kantō Select Tournament and in 2024 he won the Kanagawa Prefecture individual open‑weight title. His sumo club coach provided good direction, technical instruction, and connections to the professional world. Takahara entered the “Mita connection”, a loose but influential pipeline of wrestlers developed under the guidance of the father of Mita (Futagoyama-beya). Mita’s father is a respected figure in amateur sumo training and one who has been influential in channeling his pupils to Futagoyama‑beya. Recruitment came directly and personally, as Futagoyama Oyakata visited Takahara’s school after being impressed. He joined Futagoyama stable immediately after high school despite suffering a significant setback: a shoulder surgery during his last year of high school.

Inside the stable, Takahara has quickly developed a reputation for intensity. He is frequently featured in Futagoyama‑beya’s YouTube channel, where he stands out for his go‑getter attitude, willingness to push himself during training, and visible competitiveness. Despite saying he is naturally shy, those around him note a clear “switch” that flips during training, marked by heightened focus, aggression, and decisiveness. He has also spoken openly about his admiration for senior stablemate Nabatame. His victories in mae-zumo against Tatsubayama (see above) and Nishimura (Ryūhō, see last entry) solidified him as a prospect among keen sumo watchers like Kintamayama – who automatically added him to the coveted “lover division celebs” list. His long‑term objective is explicit and ambitious: to reach sekitori status by the age of 20, a goal he has stated publicly and framed as a personal benchmark.

Takahara is a high‑energy, high‑intent prospect whose ceiling will depend on how effectively his athleticism can be integrated into the more punishing, tactically complex environment of Makushita. He represents one of Futagoyama stable’s most intriguing prospects.His shikona is currently his family name, but he uses kanji variants for both the Taka (like Takayasu) and the Hara characters.

Ōkaryū (大花竜)

Stable: Tatsunami
Age: 24
Height (cm/feet-inches): 178 / 5’9”
Weight (kg/lbs): 159 / 31349
Home prefecture: Aomori
High School: Sanbongi Agricultural High
University: Kinki University
Career Record and notes: 57-27-0 (.679)
Debut: Natsu 2024: Sandanme Tsukedashi
Notes: —

Possibility of reaching sekitori: 100%

I should miss a few of these entries more often. I was too busy with work to make the Kyushu 2024 update of this series and missed two “future” sekitori – both Toshinofuji (see last entry) and Ōkaryū. Maybe skipping these posts is good luck for new makushita aiming for the salaried ranks?

Ōkaryū’s rise to sekitori status has been built on elite amateur credentials, physical density, and a notably efficient transition from student sumo to the professional ranks. He comes from a deep sumo lineage. Like both his grandfather and father, he is an alumnus of the Sanbongi Agricultural High School Sumo Club, one of Aomori’s most productive amateur pipelines. He distinguished himself early at the national level: as a freshman, he placed third at the National Selection Hirosaki Tournament; as a sophomore, he reached the top eight at both the National Selection Towada Tournament and the National Sports Festival (Kokutai); and in his junior year, he placed third in the All‑Japan Weight‑Class Junior Heavyweight Division (100 kg+), and again reached the top eight at the Towada national selection event.

After graduating high school, Ōkaryū enrolled at Kinki University (Kindai). His breakthrough came in his third university year, when he captured the National Student Individual Weight‑Class Championship in the 135 kg+ division, defeating Ōnosato of Nippon Sport Science University (who was already amateur Yokozuna) in the final. This victory was Ōkaryū’s first national individual title and established him as one of the leading heavyweights in university sumo. As a senior, he served as vice‑captain of the Kindai team that  won the National Student Sumo Championship, ending a prolonged team title drought for the school. Individually, he advanced to the round of 16 at the National Sports Festival (Kokutai), a result that secured him sandanme tsukedashi eligibility. Over the course of his university career, he accumulated four major amateur titles. Through ties that included junior teammate Kiryūkō at Sanbongi High, he elected to join Tatsunami stable upon graduation.

On his professional debut as a Sandanme tsukedashi in May 2024, he took the shikona Ōkaryū (大花竜). The meaning of his shikona blends family symbolism with ambition. The character “花” (flower) was chosen deliberately, as it appears in the names of both of his sisters, while “竜” (dragon) reflects the aspiration to rise powerfully and continuously. At his first professional bout, the name was repeatedly misread aloud as “Daikaryū”. In his debut, he finished 6-1, with his only loss coming to Kyokukaiyū.

Technically, Ōkaryū is a fundamentals‑heavy yotsu specialist. His most frequent winning technique is yorikiri, though he is equally comfortable finishing with oshidashi or capitalizing on overextensions via hatakikomi. His sumo is built around absorption and control rather than speed, a style that has translated particularly well as the quality of opposition has risen.

Haru 2026: Shin-Makushita

hochiyama Haru 2026 ,

Here is how our last tournament debutants did:
Mukaida, debuting in makushita under the shikona Awanoumi (淡の海)—with “Awa” taken from his
hometown of Awaji—struggled at the higher level. He finished 2–5, with wins only over lower
makushita and upper sandanme opponents. A return to sandanme next tournament should place
him in a more comfortable competitive range.

Buckchuluun, now competing as Wakanofuji (和歌ノ富士)—taking “Waka” from his shishō
Tochinowaka—largely met expectations. The former university champion posted an excellent 6–1
record. His lone loss came on Day 7 against sandanme Tsurubayashi, but otherwise he dispatched
experienced makushita journeymen and mid‑tier prospects. A mid‑makushita rank next tournament
should better clarify his short‑term ceiling.

Kaki turned in a strong showing at Makushita 21, finishing 5–2 and positioning himself squarely in
the promotion zone. His wins included former collegiate wrestlers Shiroma and Osanai, as well as
former sandanme tsukedashi Ikarigata, demonstrating that he can compete effectively at this level.

Rakanji avoided bow‑twirling duties this tournament due to Hōshōryū being the highest‑ranked
active yokozuna, placing that role with Tatsunami stable. Unfortunately, an early injury derailed his
campaign, and he finished 1–3–3. He did manage a win over fellow rookie Awanoumi but lost to
Wakanofuji. His climb through makushita will have to restart next tournament.

Sōma ended at 3–4 and is likely to sit near the makushita/sandanme boundary next time out. He
defeated Daihishō but struggled against former collegiate wrestlers Shimizuumi and Asashiyū, as
well as makushita veterans Sadanohikari and Kaigō. This next rank should be a useful proving
ground as he looks to stabilize his form.

Seiyū rebounded well after a 1–3 start, finishing with a winning record. His victories over
Nihonyanagi, Kirinryū, and former sekitori Tsushimanada and Yago underline that he belongs at the
makushita level and should take confidence from this performance.

Yumenofuji also recovered from an 0–3 start to secure a winning record. His wins mostly came
against lower makushita and upper sandanme opposition, confirming basic competence at this tier,
though further development will likely be needed for upward movement.

Uzumasa, just 17 years old, recorded a winning record in makushita against notably tougher
opposition. His victories included Anhibiki (former sandanme tsukedashi qualifier), Gōseizan (former
high‑school standout), Daimasakari (former sandanme champion), and Chiyodaigo. His losses
came against more experienced opponents such as Shimizuumi, Fukai, and Tosamidori. Compared
to Yumenofuji, Uzumasa clearly faced—and defeated—higher‑caliber competition, making his
performance particularly encouraging.

Agōra (安強羅)

Stable: Ajigawa
Age: 26
Height (cm/feet-inches): 185 / 6’0”
Weight (kg/lbs): 160 / 353
Home prefecture: Gifu
High School: Tōnō High School
University: Nagoya University of Economics
Career Record and notes: 65-59-2 (.524)
Debut: Hatsu 2023
Notes: None

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Very Unlikely

Agōra was born in Gifu Japan, to parents who are both Brazilian nationals. His father is of Japanese and Brazilian descent, while his mother has French and Italian roots. Agōra acquired his Japanese citizenship prior to entering sumo. Rather than coming up through the traditional amateur sumo system, he initially focused on rugby, joining the Nagoya Economics University rugby team as a forward. In rugby, he learned strength, balance, and body positioning.

While at university, he was introduced by an acquaintance to Ajigawa-oyakata (former Aminishiki). With encouragement from the stablemaster and his mother, he made a rather unusual decision for such a late age to pursue a career in sumo. However, his university did not have an established sumo program. Thus, to meet eligibility requirements for experienced amateurs, Agōra founded a sumo club during his senior year while training with Aichi Gakuin University’s sumo club. This allowed him to compete in events such as the West Japan intercollegiate open-weight event and the All-Japan Amateur Championships, clearing the pathway for his entry into professional sumo.

He initially competed under his family name – Iima (which sounds like the Japanese word, Ima (今) – meaning “now” or “the present time”). To reflect both his Brazilian heritage, and to incorporate the “A/安” character associated with his stable and stablemaster, he chose the shikona “Agōra”. Agora is the Portuguese word meaning “now”. So he has a very meaningful shikona.

Since turning professional, he has progressed steadily and slowly though the lower divisions. He earns his promotion to Makushita following strong 6-1 record at Sandanme 41. He had previously reached Sandanme 8 before consecutive 1-6 records sent him into Jonidan. This career path reflects his challenges of his late start and his gradual technical development. Agōra is primarily a yotsu-sumo wrestler, preferring belt engagement and forward pressure. His most frequent winning technique is yorikiri (force out), reflecting his background in rugby.

Okada (岡田)

Stable: Takadagawa
Age: 23
Height (cm/feet-inches): 172 / 5’7”
Weight (kg/lbs): 162 / 357
Home country: Shimane
High School: Ikuei High School (Kobe)
University: Tōkai University
Career Record and notes: 33-15-1 (.688)
Debut: 2024 Kyushu
Notes: None

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Unlikely

Okada was born in Shimane Prefecture. He began practicing judo at the age of five and developed as a heavyweight competitor through his school years. During junior high school, he placed fifth in the +90 kg division at a national‑level junior‑high tournament, while his school team advanced to the round of 16 in the boys’ team competition.

Okada later attended Tokai University, enrolling in the Faculty of Physical Education (Martial Arts Department) and joining the university’s highly regarded men’s judo club. Competing in the +100 kg class, he appeared regularly in national‑level collegiate tournaments. His best result came at the 2022 Tokyo Student Judo Weight‑Class Championships, where he finished third in the over‑100 kg division.

In October 2024, Okada announced his decision to enter professional sumo by joining Takadagawa stable, becoming the first member of Tokai University’s judo club to transition into professional sumo. His move was influenced by Aaron Wolf, the Olympic gold‑medalist judoka and senior alumnus of the same judo club. Through training visits arranged in connection with Wolf’s YouTube and keiko sessions, Okada was introduced to life and training at the stable.

Reflecting on his decision, Okada explained that he often struggled in judo because he was slow to execute techniques, sometimes losing by penalties or marginal decisions. By contrast, he found sumo appealing because matches are decided quickly and clearly, a competitive environment he felt better suited his strengths. He also noted that he had long watched sumo with his grandfather, and that experiencing the sport firsthand during repeated training visits convinced him to pursue it seriously, with the goal of eventually reaching the top division.

Competing under his family name, Okada has established himself as an oshi‑sumo wrestler, favoring aggressive forward pressure and pushing attacks rather than extended belt battles. His early success has come primarily through oshidashi (push out), with hatakikomi (slap down) also featuring among his common winning techniques—an approach consistent with his judo background.

Gōhakuun (豪白雲)

Stable: Takekuma
Age: 20
Height (cm/feet-inches): 173 / 5’8”
Weight (kg/lbs): 136 / 298
Home prefecture: Hyōgo
High School: Saitama Sakae
University: —
Career Record and notes: 72-58-3 (.554)
Debut: 2022 Kyushu
Notes: None

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Very Unlikely

Gōhakuun is an alumnus of Saitama Sakae High School, one of Japan’s premier high‑school sumo programs and a prolific producer of sekitori, including his stablemaster, former ōzeki Gōeidō. Like many wrestlers at Takekuma stable, his shikona begins with the character “Gō” (豪), reflecting the stable’s naming convention in deference to its founder and coach. Gōhakuun is from Hyōgo Prefecture and the latter part of his shikona, “White Cloud” (白雲), echoes a local place name and hot‑spring area in his home region.

Before high school, he developed as a sumo wrestler at Hamasaka Junior High School, where he was coached by Tatsuya Yamada, the twin brother of Michinori Yamada, the long‑time head coach of Saitama Sakae High School. This background helped pave his path into the powerhouse program. At Saitama Sakae, Gōhakuun competed as a member of the school’s sumo club and was part of the 2022 team that finished runner‑up at the National High School Sumo Championships. Individually, he also achieved success at the regional level, placing second in the 115‑kg division at the Kantō High School Sumo Championships. In his third year of high school, Gōhakuun chose to turn professional rather than pursue a university career, explaining that he wanted to “go pro and see how far I could go.”

He rose quickly to Sandanme 29 before getting a make-koshi. After almost two years in sumo, he reached his career high rank of Sandanme 7 before a few winless tournaments helped him settle into the middle of the sandanme division. He is coming off of three consecutive kachi-koshi to gain promotion to Makushita. Stylistically, Gōhakuun favors a yotsu‑sumo–oriented approach, seeking inside grips and sustained belt contact rather than immediate pushing exchanges. His most frequent winning technique is yorikiri (frontal force out), followed by oshidashi (push out) and yoritaoshi (frontal force down).

Yabugasaki (藪ヶ﨑)

Stable: Yamahibiki
Age: 19
Height (cm/feet-inches): 180 / 5’10”
Weight (kg/lbs): 168 / 369
Home prefecture: Hyōgo
High School: Minoshima High School
University: – –
Career Record and notes: 22-6
Debut: 2025 Natsu
Notes: No make-koshi in his career to date. Brother is Hakuōnada.

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Unlikely

Yabugasaki is a young and rapidly rising rikishi, also from Hyōgo Prefecture, a region that has long supplied Yamahibiki stable with technically polished lower‑division talent. He entered sumo with a solid amateur background. Yabugasaki entered professional sumo with a solid amateur background. As a child, he began training at Kamehama Dōjō, where he showed early promise. In 2015, he won the individual third‑grade division at the 6th Maido Osaka Sumo Tournament. He continued his development at Minoshima High School, where he was a regular member of the school’s sumo team. Individually, he competed in Inter‑High qualifying events, and as part of the Minoshima squad, he contributed to a top‑eight finish at the national Inter‑High championships.

Turning professional in May 2025, he joined his older brother Hakuōnada (白旺灘) at Yamahibiki stable. Like his brother, they have wrestled under their family name to start. From his very first basho, Yabugasaki made an immediate impact. He posted winning records in each of his first four professional tournaments, including three consecutive 6–1 performances, carrying him from jonokuchi through jonidan and rapidly into sandanme. By January 2026, he had already reached West Sandanme 5, an unusually fast ascent for a teenage rikishi and notably quicker than his older brother’s progression through the banzuke.

Physically, Yabugasaki already possesses the frame of a classic oshi‑specialist: at 180 cm and nearly 168 kg, he combines mass with forward momentum. Unsurprisingly, his sumo is built primarily around pushing and thrusting attacks, with oshidashi (push out) accounting for the largest share of his victories, followed by okuridashi (rear push out). He remains very much a work in progress, but his early results already mark him as one of Yamahibiki stable’s most promising recent recruits.

Ryūhō (竜鳳)

Stable: Otowayama
Age: 18
Height (cm/feet-inches): 175 / 5’8”
Weight (kg/lbs): 150 / 329
Home prefecture: Kyōtō
High School: Tottori Johoku High School
University: – –
Career Record and notes: 19-2 (.905)
Debut: 2025 Nagoya
Notes: Jonidan Yūshō – Kyushu 2025. No make-koshi yet in his career.

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Likely

Ryūhō hails from Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, and his path to sumo was shaped as much by imagination as by physical talent. In early childhood, he was deeply influenced by his grandfather’s love of historical period dramas, developing a powerful admiration for samurai and warriors—an image of disciplined strength that would later resonate strongly with sumo. His father, who had played baseball at the corporate (industrial league) level, initially encouraged his energetic and mischievous eldest son to pursue baseball. However, Nishimura himself gravitated naturally toward combat sports, particularly sumo and judo. Beginning in the first grade, he attended the Kyoto Sumo Training School, and by the third grade, he had also taken up judo at a local dojo.

His judo talent proved exceptional. Recognized early on, he transferred to the prestigious Ōishi Dōjō in Aichi Prefecture, committing to a punishing routine that involved a three‑hour round trip from home. The effort paid off: he made his national judo debut in the fourth grade and went on to place third nationally in the fifth grade. During this period, his daily routine often consisted of sumo training in the morning and judo practice in the afternoon.

Upon entering middle school, however, Nishimura confronted the limits of time and stamina. A series of encounters pushed him toward a decisive choice. Through long‑standing training connections, he regularly interacted with wrestlers from Minato stable, who used local facilities during Osaka tournaments. Among them was Ichinojō, then active in the top division, who offered advice that would prove pivotal: “There are excellent instructors in Tottori. If you’re going to commit fully to sumo, why not take the plunge and challenge yourself?” The decision soon crystallized. By sixth grade, Nishimura already weighed around 110 kg, and his judo coaches began urging weight reduction to preserve speed and endurance. He loved eating, felt increasingly constrained by judo’s weight expectations, and sensed that sumo better suited both his body and temperament. Though his judo coaches regretted the choice, he resolved to pursue sumo exclusively.

At just 13 years old, he left his parents’ home to attend Tottori (Tōhaku) Junior High School, immersing himself in strict training and dormitory life. The results were immediate and emphatic: in his third year of middle school, he won the National Junior High School Athletic Meet, earning the title of “Junior High Yokozuna,” and also captured individual victory at the Hakuho Cup, establishing himself as the country’s top talent in his age group.

He continued on to Tottori Jōhoku High School, one of Japan’s premier sumo powerhouses. As a freshman, he finished runner‑up at the National High School Inter‑High, becoming only the fourth freshman ever to reach the final, the most recent precedent being Ōnosato. In his second year, he won both the National High School Kanazawa Tournament and the National High School Selection Tournament in Towada, effectively claiming a high‑school double crown. After his second year, facing what official sources describe as “various circumstances,” Nishimura withdrew from high school and chose to enter professional sumo. He joined Otowayama stable, newly established by former yokozuna Kakuryū, who recognized both his talent and his need for a stable, family‑like environment.

Initially competing under his family name Nishimura—using a rare kanji variant for “Nishi”—he later adopted the shikona Ryūhō. The name combines “Ryū” (dragon) from his stablemaster Kakuryū’s ring name and “Hō” (phoenix) from the Phoenix Hall (Byōdō‑in) in his hometown of Uji. Both are auspicious symbols, and seeing the two characters together, he felt they mirrored his own journey and sensed a feeling of destiny.

Ryūhō’s start in professional sumo has been nothing short of spectacular. He debuted in July 2025, went 6–1 in jonokuchi, followed by a perfect 7–0 jonidan championship, and then posted another 6–1 to reach Sandanme 33 by January 2026, compiling a 19–2 career record across his first four tournaments. Still only 18 years old, Ryūhō already displays a mature, well‑rounded style, blending belt control inherited from judo with confident forward pressure. His early trajectory places him firmly among the most promising young rikishi.

Kinoshita (木下)

Stable: Tokitsukaze
Age: 23
Height (cm/feet-inches): 183 / 6’0”
Weight (kg/lbs): 160 / 352
Home prefecture: Nagasaki
High School: Isahaya Agricultural High School
University: Tokyo University of Agriculture (Tōnōdai)
Career Record and notes: 0-0-0
Debut: Haru 2026
Notes: Makushita Tsukedashi

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Let’s see his debut first, but odds are good given his pedigree.

Kinoshita hails from Nagasaki Prefecture, and his rise through the amateur ranks followed one of the most established and reliable pathways into professional sumo. He attended Isahaya Agricultural High School, a program with deep regional ties to elite amateur sumo and a long‑standing reputation as a recruitment zone for Sakaigawa stable. During his time there, Kinoshita was a core member of a high‑school sumo team that collected numerous prefectural titles, marking him early as a top‑tier prospect.

After graduating high school, Kinoshita advanced to the Tokyo University of Agriculture, one of the most storied institutions in collegiate sumo. The university boasts producing multiple sekitori and maintains an especially close relationship with Tokitsukaze stable, to the point that it is often informally referred to as a Tokitsukaze pipeline. Indeed, the majority of Nōdai graduates who turn professional enter sumo through Tokitsukaze, a tradition stretching back decades.

At university, Kinoshita established himself as one of the most dominant heavyweights. Competing primarily in the 135 kg‑and‑over division, he amassed an exceptional list of achievements. He captured the regional East Japan Student Sumo Championship (135 kg+) and, on the national stage, his success continued. He won the All‑Japan University Invitational Tournament in Uwajima, one of the key proving grounds for elite student rikishi, and followed that by claiming the National Student Sumo Weight‑Class Championship (135 kg+), confirming his status as one of Japan’s top collegiate heavyweights. Kinoshita also proved that his skills translated beyond weight‑class competition.

In open‑weight events, he reached the quarterfinals of the All‑Japan Sumo Championship, placing himself among the nation’s best amateurs regardless of size. Most notably, he finished runner‑up at the National Collegiate Sumo Championship, falling just one bout short of the coveted University Yokozuna title. In recognition of his accomplishments, Kinoshita was also awarded the Nagasaki Prefecture Special Sports Award, honoring his success as one of the region’s most accomplished amateur athletes.

These cumulative achievements earned Kinoshita the prestigious Makushita Tsukedashi dispensation, allowing him to bypass the lower professional divisions. The Japan Sumo Association formally approved his tsukedashi status in January 2026, at the same time confirming his entry into Tokitsukaze stable.
Stylistically, Kinoshita built his collegiate reputation around a powerful, low tachiai and an aggressive forward‑moving approach. Rather than relying on finesse or reactive sumo, he consistently sought to seize the initiative at the tachiai. This style proved especially effective in the heavyweight division, where his combination of mass, balance, and commitment to forward pressure overwhelmed many opponents before extended grappling could develop.

Entering sumo as a makushita tsukedashi, Kinoshita arrives not as a developmental project but as a fully formed amateur champion. His background places him squarely within the traditional Tokitsukaze lineage of university‑trained rikishi, and his early professional progress will be closely watched as a test of how quickly elite collegiate success can translate to the professional ranks.

Bonus – catch up on one I missed – and who makes his sekitori debut this time!

Toshinofuji (寿之富士)

Stable: Isegahama
Age: 25
Height (cm/feet-inches): 195 / 6’4”
Weight (kg/lbs): 141 / 310
Home prefecture: Mongolia – Ulaan-Baatar
High School: Tottori Johoku High School
University: Dōshisha University
Career Record and notes: 54-23 (.701)
Debut: Hatsu 2024
Notes: Jonidan Yusho (Nagoya 2024)

Possibility of reaching sekitori: 100%

Toshinofuji, formerly known as Seihakuhō (聖白鵬), hails from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and comes from a distinguished lineage in bökh (Mongolian wrestling). Both his father and great‑grandfather were celebrated bökh champions, and his great‑grandfather was among the early coaches of Hakuhō’s father, establishing a multigenerational connection between the two families. Through these ties, the young Toshinofuji developed a close relationship with the future yokozuna from an early age.

At Hakuhō’s suggestion, he moved to Japan in 2017 and enrolled at Tottori Jōhoku High School (see above) as a second‑year student. Despite having no prior experience in sumo, he joined the school’s prestigious sumo club and began learning the sport from the ground up at an age when most elite prospects are already deeply seasoned. Tottori Jōhoku’s environment—closely linked to Hakuhō’s own scouting network—proved formative in accelerating his technical and physical development.

After graduating high school, he advanced to Dōshisha University, enrolling in the Faculty of Theology. During his university career, he recorded steady results at the national level, including third‑place finishes at the West Japan Student Sumo Championships in multiple seasons. His breakthrough came in his senior year, when he captured individual victory at the All‑Japan University Selection Sumo Tournament in Kanazawa, establishing himself as a credible top‑tier amateur despite his late start in the sport.
In January 2023, he received a singular honor when he was selected as one of the final opponents in Hakuhō’s intai‑zumo (retirement ceremony)—a role reserved for individuals of deep personal and symbolic significance to the yokozuna.

Upon graduating from Dōshisha, he entered professional sumo under his mentor at Miyagino stable. He was given the ring name Seihakuhō, derived partly from the meaning of his Mongolian given name—“holy sea”—and partly from the exceptionally high expectations placed upon him as a direct disciple of Hakuhō. After completing a required training and visa period, he made his professional debut in March 2024, with age‑limit exemptions applied due to his late start.

His early professional ascent was swift. In July 2024, competing in the jonidan division, he captured a perfect‑record championship, signaling his readiness for upper‑division competition. He climbed rapidly through sandanme and into makushita, reaching Makushita 28, where he recorded his first—and to date only—losing record. Following the closure of Miyagino stable, he transferred along with his stablemates to Isegahama stable. As part of a formal, stable‑wide renaming announced for the January 2026 tournament, he adopted the ring name Toshinofuji, aligning with Isegahama’s traditional naming conventions.

Entering the January 2026 basho ranked West Makushita 2, Toshinofuji posted a 5–2 record, highlighted by a decisive victory over a jūryō‑ranked wrestler in a de facto promotion bout. The result secured his advancement into the salaried jūryō ranks, marking a major milestone in a career that began unusually late but has shown remarkable consistency. A tall, technically inclined yotsu‑sumo wrestler, Toshinofuji relies on balance, reach, and belt control—favoring force‑outs and throws over pushing attacks, His style shows clear influence from Mongolian wrestling fundamentals, particularly in his comfort with throws once grips are established. He has been working on a gradual refinement to his technique, with fewer forced attacks, improved patience at the edge of the ring, and a greater willingness to reset grips instead of overcommitting.

Hatsu 2026: Shin-Makushita

hochiyama Makushita (幕下)

Here is how our previous debutants did in Kyushu:
Kazeeidai was overranked after his 6-1 record at Sandanme propelled him to Makushita 38. He finished 2-5, and will likely be at a rank more around his current ability for Hatsu. Still, he defeated former top division’s Daishōmaru and prospect Yonezawaryū (by non-technique tsukihiza). He did have a tough schedule, facing former Makuuchi Akua and former Jūryō Tsushimanada, though.

Kyokumizuno similarly leaped up the banzuke from his 6-1 record at Sandanme 23 to be ranked Makushita 44 and pulled out a 4-3 record. He defeated former top division Daishōhō and some Makushita veterans for his kachi-koshi.

The new year starts with eight 3rd division debuts and one catch-up for me. There is a good mix of former collegiate wrestlers, high schoolers, and few young prospects entering Makushita at the age of 17 – already reaching this level with many more years of potential development ahead of them! Let’s hope for their bright futures. However, lets start with some age before beauty!

Mukaida (向田)

Stable: Naruto
Age: 27
Height (cm/feet-inches): 186 / 6’1”
Weight (kg/lbs): 141 / 309
Home prefecture: Hyōgō
High School: Yanagi Gakuen
University: —
Career Record and notes: 157-143-8 (.523)
Debut: Natsu 2018
Notes:

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Very unlikely

Mukaida has taken seven years to reach Makushita, despite almost reaching it in Kyushu 2021 (ranked Sandanme 2). While typically a lower Sandanme wrestler, he has improved over the 2025 to settle into the top half of the division and reach Sandanme 3 in Aki 2025.

Mukaida had no sports experience until high school. He started Judo at Yanagi High (now Sōkai High) and managed to get to the top 16 of the over 90kg category at the prefectural high school championships his junior year. After graduating, he secured a job on Awaji island but decided to pursue his dream of entering the sumo world. As a child he had been fascinated watching sumo on TV, so after a year of slogging it out in the private sector he entered the sumo world.

He joined Naruto stable, led by his idol – former Ōzeki Kotoōshū. He remarked that even after many years in retirement, he can hardly push his master out of the ring. His current shikona is his family name.

BUCKCHULUUN (ブフチョローン) – proper shikona TBD

Stable: Kasugano
Age: 24
Height (cm/feet-inches): 182 / 5’11”
Weight (kg/lbs): 126 / 277
Home country: Mongolia
High School: Nittaidai affiliated Kashiwa High
University: Nittai Daigaku (Nihon Sports Science University – NSSU)
Career Record and notes: 0-0
Debut: 2026 Hatsu – Makushita Tsukedashi

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Likely

Buckchuluun (Buck, for now) is the 2024 Student Yokozuna. He had to sit out the requisite time as a foreigner before securing his work visa and only took the new entrant exam in Kyushu. It has been a while, as he entered Kasugano as a trainee in February 2025. As a university Yokozuna and winner of the National Student Championships he qualified for special dispensation to enter at the bottom of Division 3. At his entrance exam he expressed his impatience to join “I feel like the moment has finally come. I want to work hard and aim for the top.” We do not yet know his shikona.

He first came to Japan at the age of 16 as a wrestler. Shortly after this, his father passed away. His father, a former Mongolian wrestler, had urged him to become a sumo wrestler. Thus, he is working to honor his late father’s words by growing stronger and taking the path of a sumo wrestler. After becoming a high school wrestling champion in freestyle wrestling – 92 kg (Inter-High, National Sports Festival, National High School Selection), he joined the Nittaidai sumo club with confidence. He is following in the path of fellow Mongolian, Ōshōma, by making the transition from high-school “regular” wrestler to sumo after joining the university.

During his time at the university, he was known for his powerful throwing techniques. As a freshman, he weighed in the 90kg range and debuted in the East Japan Student Rookie Tournament, losing in the second round. The next year, however, he made a name for himself – helping Nittaidai win the East Japan Student Championship and claim its 3rd consecutive team title. In the final match he (as a Sophomore). He faced Nihon University’s Kawakami (current Oitekaze-beya’s Ryūshō) and defeated him with an uchi-muso (inner thigh grab). Following that, he won two consecutive open weight titles at the National Student Weight-Class Championships.

His Junior Year, he was 3rd at the Wakayama University/Corporate tournament, 3rd at the East Japan Studen Championship, he won the 115kg weight class at the National College Sumo Individual Weight-Class Championship taking on Kusano (current Yoshinofuji) in the open-weight class division – the first match was too close to call, and a rematch was called, where Buck defeated Kusano with a kake-nage, and 3rd at the National Student Championship.

His senior year, he was 3rd again at the Wakayama tournament, 3rd at the East Japan Championship, 2nd at the Kanazawa University Selection tournament and then – he won the open-weight title his senior year. Finally, he earned the title of University Yokozuna at the National Student Sumo Championship in 2024. His championship match was the first ever for the National Student Championship between two foreigners (he took on Delgerbat, a NSSU freshman).

He is the fifth foreign born student Yokozuna, the first since Chojil (current Ōnokatsu). He said he wants to follow in the paths of Ōshōma. Ōnosato, and Ōnokatsu who all came from NSSU and earned their Makushita Tsukedashi qualification.

Kaki (可貴)

Stable: Oitekaze
Age: 23
Height (cm/feet-inches): 190/ 6’2”
Weight (kg/lbs): 139/ 306
Home prefecture: Ishikawa
High School: Kanazawa Gakuin Associated High
University: Kanazawa Gakuin Daigaku
Career Record and notes: 20-1 (.952)
Debut: Natsu 2025
Notes: Jonokuchi Yusho (Nagoya 2025), Jonidan Yusho (Aki 2025), Sandanme Yusho (Kyushu 2025)

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Likely

Kaki, a Kanazawa Gakuin University graduate is from Oitekaze stable and likely an uchi-deshi of fellow-Ishikawa home-towner Kitajin Oyakata (former Endō). Endō specifically scouted Kaki to join Oitezake stable. Known for his deep stance and use of his 190 cm height, he has notable achievements such as a third place team finish at the National Junior High School Championships, and runner-up at the National High School Usa Tournament. After high school, Kaki enrolled at Kanazawa Gakuin University and was a member of the school’s sumo club, finishing runner-up in the under-135 kg category at the National Student Weight Class Championships and third in the Western Japan Student Championships. He became the third wrestler from Kanazawa Gakuin University, following current makushita wrestlers Enhō and former makushita Yoshiyasu. His shikona is currently his family name.

He has won three-straight lower division titles since becoming pro – exactly like his senior Enhō. He has been receiving excellent advice from recently retired Endō saying “I’m grateful to Kitajin stablemaster for watching my training, and I hope this victory is a small way to repay him” as Oitekaze Oyakata was hospitalized at the end of the tournament and was unable to provide last minute support before the championship match on Day 13. I recall him suffering an ankle injury in his last official Jonokuchi bout, but he came back to win a tomoe-sen against Kyoda (Futagoyama stable) and Yabugasaki (Yamahibiki stable).

Rakanji (羅漢児)

Stable: Nishonoseki
Age: 21
Height (cm/feet-inches): 178/ 5’9”
Weight (kg/lbs): 130/ 287
Home prefecture: Oita
High School: Nakatsu Higashi High School
University: – –
Career Record and notes: 84-70 (.545)
Debut: Haru 2022
Notes: Yumitori shiki performer

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Unlikely

Rakanji is already known among sumo fans even though he has only wrestled so far in Division 4 and below. This is because he performs the bow twirling ceremony at the end of each day. Traditionally, the one who performs the bow twirling ceremony (yumitori shiki) is from the same stable as the top ranked (and participating) Yokozuna. Being part of Nishonoseki stable, he typically is performing following a win by stable-mate Ōnosato. He only began performing this ceremony in August, and was already able to join the London tour and perform internationally a few weeks later. As performer of the yumitori shiki, he is already able to wear his hear in the ōichō style during the tournament and to wear a keishō mawashi (of the Nihon Sumo Kyokai). He is already asked for autographs, which he must decline as he is not a sekitori.

His motto is “different strokes for different folks” coming from a 4-kanji combo literally meaning 10-people, 10 colors. His shikona comes from a historic zen temple in Nakatsu City (Oita). Rakan means one who has attained enlightenment. Since he is still a trainee, the suffix “ji”, meaning child, was added.
He appears to be a solid case for a “poached” uchi-deshi, something that I think happened during the time Nakamura Oyakata was a part of Nishonoseki stable. Nakamura Oyakata is from Oita, fought at the same sumo club and attended the same high school – so he is his senpai. He was the first from this high school since Yoshikaze in 18 years (another was just recruited and was in mae-zumo last tournament).

Apparently, Rakanji even used Yoshikaze as the subject matter for a speech that won a national-level high school competition. So, it is curious that he did not join Nakamura stable when it branched out. Let’s not also forget that Yoshikaze is a NSSU graduate that has (had?) a lot of strong connections to the university, bringing in fellow alumni Tomokaze and Miyanokaze. He also likely played a strong role in recruiting Ōnosato, Shirokuma, and Kayō to Nishonoseki – but somehow only managed to “keep” Kayō. My suspicion is that neither Rakanji nor Ōnosato would be in Nishonoseki without Nakamura Oyakata – yet they did not join him when he was able to branch out for some reason. Just another piece of bad luck for Nakamura Oyakata?

Sōma (相馬)

Stable: Futagoyama
Age: 21
Height (cm/feet-inches): 179/ 5’10”
Weight (kg/lbs): 146/ 321
Home prefecture: Tochigi
High School: Kurobane High School
University: – –
Career Record and notes: 66-46 (.589)
Debut: Haru 2023
Notes: Three-brother combo

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Unlikely

Sōma is one of three bothers in Futagoyama stable.  The first to join in 2018 is Kotakiyama, the chanko-cho of the stable.  The younger brother, Shunta, joined Futagoyama stable last spring.  Currently, the only brother using the family name as his shikona, Sōma may have the biggest prospects.  He began with sumo in elementary school. He was part of Tochigi Prefecture’s first-ever national junior high school team championship in 2019 and helped Kurobane high school reach the Top 8 at the Interhigh before becoming a pro. He is one of the Tochigi-Futagoyama pipeline, along with fellow Kurobane High graduate Mita and fellow former sekitori, Nabatame. Futagoyama had been repeatedly pleading for Sōma to join the sumo world.

Following on the outstanding performance to lead Tochigi’s junior high team to the championship, he joined Kurbane High school. He helped them to enter the top 8 for the first time in over a decade in the 2022 Interhigh.  He also finished consecutively in third place at the Kanto High School Individual Competition’s open weight division.

All this time, he trained under coach Naoki Mita – who is the father of Mita – Sōma’s stablemate at Futagoyama and one who has channeled the Sōma trio, his own son, and Keiga to Futagoyama. 

One final family connection to sumo – the Great Grandfather of the three brothers was also apparently a former sumo wrestler called Kotakiyama. Apparently, they were able to use their Great Grandfather’s keisho mawashi for their introduction to the sumo world.

Kiyonohana (清の花)

Stable: Dewanoumi
Age: 20
Height (cm/feet-inches): 178/ 5’9”
Weight (kg/lbs): 104/ 229
Home prefecture: Fukushima
High School: – –
University: – –
Career Record and notes: 105-88-3 (.544)
Debut: Haru 2021
Notes: Another three-brother combo

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Very Unlikely

Taking a moment out of the newbies to catch up on one of my missed basho (I did not submit this report for Hatsu 2025, when Kiyonohana made his division 3 debut). He is returning now to division 3, so this is a time to catch up with him. Kiyonohana is another 1/3 of a set of brothers at his stable, Dewanoumi. He joins Kiyota and Kiyonoyama. Kiyota is 22, and joined in 2019. The youngest is 17-year-old Kiyonoyama.

All three are the sons of former Makushita wrestler Kiyonoumi (not the current Kiyonoumi). Like the Ōnami brothers are heroes in their local community, the three Kiyota brothers wish to become well known in Fukushima and to encourage the local community. His shikona comes from his name (Kiyota) with a typical Dewanoumi ending of “nohana”, like the Oyakata former Oginohana.

Kiyonohana joined at the age of 15, so he does not have any high school sumo experience. He likes ramen, baseball, and café-au-lait. He wants to visit China. He was very skinny when he joined and could not do proper splits (matawari). He has gradually been building his weight and working on his uwatenage. For just being now over 100kg, he has steadily climbed the ranks to reach division 3 in his teens. He has managed three 6-1 records over his career and, despite a large jump in rank from Sandanme 42 to Makushita 55 in Hatsu 2025, he still managed a 3-4 record. He spent the past year in division 4, and may be at a point where he can become a lower division 3 regular.

Seiyū (誠雄)

Stable: Hidenoyama
Age: 20
Height (cm/feet-inches): 173/ 5’8”
Weight (kg/lbs): 128 / 282
Home prefecture: Fukuoka
High School: Omuta High School
University: – –
Career Record and notes: 46-24 (.657)
Debut: Haru 2024
Notes: None

Possibility of reaching sekitori: 50/50

The first Makushita wrestler out of the newly formed Hidenoyama stable is Seiyū. He initially joined Sadogatake stable, but as an uchideshi of former Kotoshōgiku, he branched out when Hidenoyama stable started. His initial ring-name, Kotokōguchi (the Sadogatake koto prefix plus the family name) was changed to his first name “Seiyū” when the new stable was formed.

He has connections to Kotoshōgiku, being that they are both from Yanagawa City, Fukuoka. He had experience as a sumo wrestler as a child. During his time at Higashi-Miyanaga Elementary School—also the Oyakata’s alma mater—he excelled in sumo tournaments. He was scouted out of Omuta High School, where he was Vice-Captain of the judo club. In his senior year, he helped his team place third in the team competition at the Kinshuki High School Judo Tournament.

Despite being primarily a judoka at high school, he has returned to his sumo roots. Although his coach hoped he would continue judo at university, after Seiyū expressed his determination, the coach gave him a warm send-off. Seiyū says, “when you think of Yanagawa, you think of sumo. I had wanted to become a wrestler since childhood, but I was advised, ‘Start with judo first,’ so I pursued judo for a while. Later, when my stablemaster decided to open a new stable, I joined.”

Koguchi admired the way Hidenoyama did sumo head-on, and that he did keiko without compromise. Although fairly small in stature at 173cm and 128kg, Hidenoyama believes Seiyū has a solid foundation in judol, and wants him to use it.

Yumenofuji (夢之富士)

Stable: Isegahama
Age: 17
Height (cm/feet-inches): 183/ 6’0”
Weight (kg/lbs): 151 / 333
Home prefecture: Ehime
High School: – –
University: – –
Career Record and notes: 60-45-7 (.571)
Debut: Haru 2024
Notes: None

Possibility of reaching sekitori: I think so.

The first of the two young 17-year-olds making their Makushita debut is Yumenofuji. Taking his shikona from his first name (Yumejiro) and the “nofuji” suffix of Isegahama stable, the young lad from Ehime is poised to become a force at an already powerful stable. Not too humble, upon joining he said his dream (yume) is to become Yokozuna. He started sumo in 4th grade. In middle school, he finished 5th in a national tournament where he was noticed by an Isegahama stable supporter who referred him to join. He had originally planned to go to Nomura high school but elected the sumo world instead.

He already has picked up a large following on social media (for those who scour the lower divisions for talent). In his debut tournament, he blew away his opponent with two thrusts. Sumo fans commented that he had “so much presence!” and asked that he “go easy on” his fellow division 6 opponents. His size and aura already seemed out of place in the lower divisions and may be more of a fit in Makushita.

Yumenofuji has been on a tear to get to Makushita. After muddling around in jonidan for a year and a half (despite his aura), he was injured and fell back to jonokuchi. Since, he has been on a 6 bashō winning streak – moving from Jonokuch 11 to Sandanme 7. His best record was a 6-1 performance at Sandanme 61 in September. The kachi-koshi record of 4-3 from Sandanme 7 will bring him into lower Makushita to start 2026.

Uzumasa (太秦)

Stable: Isenoumi
Age: 17
Height (cm/feet-inches): 183/ 6’0”
Weight (kg/lbs): 128 / 282
Home prefecture: Kyōtō
High School: – –
University: – –
Career Record and notes: 44-26 (.629)
Debut: Haru 2024
Notes: None

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Yes!

The second of the 17-year-old phenoms to make Makushita is Uzumasa. A Kyōtō native, possibly scouted by former Maegashira (and Uzumasa’s idol) Ōikari, he uses the shikona “Uzumasa” from the name of his middle school. Uzumasa also is a place name in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City where there was a clan temple of the Hata family. The Hata family was given the title of “Uzumasa” because were so rich they could pile silk ‘in high heaps.’ Later in history, this many film companies flocked to the area, and Uzumasa came to be called ‘Japan’s Hollywood.

This Uzumasa is the third of four brothers. He started sumo in the second grade of elementary school and reached the best 32 at the national middle school championships before joining the sumo world. He aims to become like Kabutoyama-oyakata.

While Yumenofuji already had a career setback (injury that sent him back to division 6), Uzumasa has only had two tournaments with losing records and appears to be gaining power and skill with each passing bashō. His 6-1 record from Sandanme 18 will see him firmly into mid-Makushita.

Kyushu 2025: Shin-Makushita

hochiyama Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho

Here is how our last tournament debutants did:

Kobayashi followed up his Sandanme Yūshō with an injury related absence.  It was a disappointing 0-0-7 debut, but I imagine he will be back, provided he can recover.  He already fell to Jonokuchi once after injury. I hope repeated injuries do not take a collective toll.

Ryūji, Harunishiki, and Kōki finished with not unexpected 3-4 records and will have to try for a kachi-koshi on their second go-around (should the opportunity arise).

Tenrōsei appears to have “hit the wall” in lower Makushita.  I doubt that this is, indeed, his ceiling and expect him to bounce back at some point as he continues to develop his sumo skills. This time I only expect two new Makushita debuts: Kazeeidai and Kyokumizuno.  This is actually a small number of debutants!  Unfortunately, I have been very busy professionally and thus will not be able to leverage this opportunity to catch up on a few prospects whose debuts I have missed.  I will try and get to Seihakuhō, Ōkaryū, and Suyama at some point soon.

Kazeeidai (風栄大)

Stable: Oshiogawa
Age: 21
Height (cm/feet-inches): 183 / 5’11”
Weight (kg/lbs): 108 / 238
Home prefecture: Saitama
High School: Saitama Sakae
University: —
Career Record and notes: 70-49 (.588)
Debut: Kyushu 2022
Notes:

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Not likely.

Kazeeidai is a lightweight out of Saitama Sakae High School (a teammate of last basho’s debutant Kobayashi). It is hard for me to think, but he is lighter than I was when I went on the dōhyō at the Sumo and Sushi Event. I will keep telling myself that I had to “build my body” to be able to compete there! Since then, I am now way less than a Kazeeidai!

Kazeeidai indicated that his father and those around him were all sumo enthusiasts. Thus, he began participating in children’s sumo tournaments from primary school. He is from Kawagoe, in Saitama Prefecture. He entered Saitama Sakae and became a regular on the team, which did finish second one time in the team competition. He reached the best 16 at the National Select Tournament.

Oshiogawa Oyakata (former Takekaze) was the first to approach him and inquire if he wanted to go pro. He aspires to become a sekitori and hopes to repay his hometown for its support by “performing well and showing what I can do”. His family has some other ties to Oshiogawa stable. His father is acquainted with ex-Motohashi (本橋), who was active from 1995-2004 in the prior incarnation of Oshiogawa-beya. The former Motohashi runs a Chanko restaurant in the father’s hometown.

His shikona takes the stable’s Kaze (風) and adds a part of his high school name, Sakae (栄). This pattern seems to exist in Oshiogawa stable who has Kazekōdai (風紅大) from Takushoku University affiliated Kōryō (紅陵) High School.

Kyokumizuno (旭水野)

Stable: Ōshima
Age: 21
Height (cm/feet-inches): 170 / 5’7”
Weight (kg/lbs): 156 / 344
Home prefecture: Tōyama
High School: Tōyama Shōgyō (Commercial) High
University: —
Career Record and notes: 80-65-2 (.552)
Debut: 2022 Haru

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Not likely.

Kyokumizuno is a half Filipino, who comes out of the same prefecture and high school as senpai Asanoyama and recent recruit Kakueizan. As a large junior high school graduate (Asahi Junior High) and with good martial arts skills, he had already been approached by stable masters to go pro. However, he continued with judo in high school. He remained a dedicated judo student, even taking a prefectural judo champoinship in the over 100kg category. Having felt he accomplished all he could in judo, he transferred to the high school sumo club in his junior year. He quickly performed well, wining 2nd place in the team event at the prefectural championships.

He excels at pushing and thrusting. He said “being shorter and with shorter arms, I prefer a style where I surge forward decisively, rather than grappling”. His mother, Irene, said that he could eat 2.4 liters of rice per day (between lunch and dinner). He could easily eat enough grilled meat for ten “normal” people.
He is the first graduate of Asahi Junior High to enter the sumo world and has received lots of local support. The mayor wished him well when he went pro, saying “I hope you settle into he stable as quickly as possible. Ideally, I want to watch your matches on TV in the late evening. I am also looking forward to seeing you face your high school senpai, Asanoyama”. The reference to the late evening implying that he will have reached the top divisions!

Upon joining, he indicated he wanted to grow as a person and become the first sekitori from Ōshima-beya. He wants to repay those who supported him and aims for Yokozuna. When he joined he indicated Kyokutaisei was the wrestler he admired most given his continued determination after all his injuries.
He reached his career high of Sandanme 14 in Spring 2024 – stalling out in Sandanme after that. He questioned himself – wondering if all his efforts were meaningless. Then, he was spurred on my the success of Kyokukaiyū (who became the stable’s first sekitori last tournament). Witnessing Kyokukaiyū’s rapid rise has served to intensify his determination. He had a chance to practice against his senpai, Asanoyama, earlier in the year – while the former Ōzeki was rehabilitating at Takasago-beya. This left a lasting impression and also fueled his resolve to continue with sumo.