Asashio Taro - 朝潮 太郎 (born April 18, 1879 - April 30, 1961) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Nii District, Ehime. He made his debut in May 1901 and wrestled for Takasago stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1907. His highest rank was ozeki and he retired in May 1919.
Early Life[]
Chokichi Komota was born in Nii Distrcit (currently Saijo city) in Ehime prefecture. At the age of 20, he was extremey strong and was able to lift baggage that was three times his weight, and was invited by Sanoyama Oyakata (ozeki Asashio Taro I) to join professional sumo.
Career[]
Early Career[]
He joined Takasago stable and made his professional debut in May 1901 under the shikona "Asaarashi" (朝嵐). After four years in the lower divisions he was promoted to juryo in January 1906. Two tournaments later, he was promoted to makuuchi in January 1907.
Makuuchi Career[]
Asaarashi steadily rose up the ranks and was promoted to komusubi in January 1909. Upon promotion to sekiwake in June 1910, he was given the shikona "Asashio Taro" (朝潮 太郎). He was unable to establish himself as a sekiwake and constantly bounced between maegashira and sekiwake. He was eventually promoted to ozeki in January 1915.
Ozeki Career[]
Asashio strugggled as an ozeki and never wrestled two full tournaments consecutivley. He never managed to win a championship and subsequently retired from sumo in May 1919 after two straight losing records.
Retirement from Sumo[]
While as an active wrestler in January 1915, Asashio inherited the Takasago elder name and was the head coach of Takasago stable. He was produced a number of top division wrestlers, including yokozuna Minanogawa and yokozuna Maedayama. In November 1941 he left the Japan Sumo Association and tranferred his stock to Maedayama.
He died on on April 30, 1961, at the age of 82.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 111-67-66-26draws-7holds/211 (28 basho)
- Makuuchi: 98-64-66-25draws-7holds/194 (26 basho)
- Juryo: 13-3-1draw/17 (2 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Asaarashi Chotaro (1901.05 - 1905.05)
- Asashio Taro (1910.06 - 1919.05)
Gallery[]
