Asaoka Isao - 朝岡 勲 (born June 20, 1941 - June 10, 2006) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Sumoto, Hyogo. He made his debut in May 1962 and last wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the makuuchi division in March 1966. His highest rank was maegashira 10 and he retired in July 1969.
Early Life[]
Asaoka began sumo wrestling during his time at Seiun Junior High School in Sumoto, Hyogo. After graduating, he later went on to work for Kawasaki Heavy Industries where he was a member of their sumo club. After this, he joined Takasago stable and made his professional debut in May 1962 at the age of 20.
Career[]
Early Career[]
In his first professional tournament, Asaoka won the jonokuchi yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. Two tournaments later he won the jonidan yusho with another perfect 7-0 record. He reached makushita by March 1963 after less than a year in professional sumo. In September 1964, he produced a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 3 and was promoted to juryo in the following November 1964 tournament.
Juryo Career[]
In his first tournament as a sekitori, Asaoka finished with a solid 9-6 record. Asaoka produced consistent, but unspectacular results. In January 1966 he finished with a 9-6 record at the rank of makushita 2 and was promoted to makuuchi for the following March 1966 tournament.
Makuuchi Career[]
Asaoka finished with a 9-6 record in his top division debut and was promoted to the rank of maegashira 10 for the May 1966 tournament, however, he finished with a disastrous 2-13 record and was demoted back down to juryo. He returned to makuuchi two years later in March 1968, but could only manage a 6-9 record and was subsequently demoted back down to juryo.
Retirement from Sumo[]
He eventually fell down to makushita in May 1969 and retired from the sport in the following July 1969 tournament. After retiring, he opened up a restaurant in Tokyo's Edogawa ward called "Asaoka" (あさをか).
Death[]
He died at a hospital in Shinjuku, Tokyo, on June 10, 2006, due to lung cancer. He was 64 years old.
Fighting Style[]
Asaoka was a tsuki/oshi specialist, who prefers pushing and thrusting at his opponents rather than fighting on the mawashi or belt. His most common winning kimarite was oshidashi, or push out.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 263-245-9/507 (44 basho)
- Makuuchi: 17-28/45 (3 basho)
- Juryo: 176-182-2/357 (24 basho)
- Makushita: 46-31-7/77 (12 basho)
- Sandanme: 6-1/7 (1 basho)
- Jonidan: 11-3/14 (2 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 7-0/7 (1 basho)
Championships[]
- 1 Jonidan Championship (November 1962)
- 1 Jonokuchi Championship (July 1962)
Shikona History[]
- Asaoka Isao (1962.05 - 1969.07)
Gallery[]
