Azumakaze Futoshi - 東風 太士 (born December 27, 1973) is a former Brazilian professional sumo wrestler from Sao Paulo. He made his debut in September 1991 and last wrestled for Tamanoi stable. His highest rank was sandanme 29 and he retired in January 1999.
Early Life[]
Giuliano Kochinda Tussato was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil and is of Italian origin. He came to Japan in 1990 and stayed in a house with a family and he developed a close relationship with Tamanoi Oyakata (former sekiwake Tochiazuma). In 1991, Tuzatto returned to Japan and stayed there for another four months, before joining Tamanoi stable in September 1991.
Career[]
He was given the shikona "Juriazuma" (樹里東), before changing it to "Azumakaze" (東風) two tournaments later. He struggled in his first couple of years in professional sumo and could not break through the jonidan wall. In May 1994, after three years in sumo, he was promoted to the sandanme division, but he did not become a division regular until July 1995. In January 1997, he was promoted to a career-best sandanme 29. He would remain in sandanme for the rest of his career.
Retirement from Sumo[]
Azumakaze at his bar in Roppongi, Tokyo (c. 2005)
After eight years of sumo, Azumakaze was forced to retire from sumo after he sustained an injury to his leg. His father also fell ill, so he had to return back to Sao Paulo. His retirement was announced after the January 1999 tournament.
As of 2009 he owns a bar in the Roppongi district of Tokyo. He stated in an interview with Reed Young, that owning a bar was harder than sumo, because it carried more responsibility.
Personal Life[]
- He is of Italian origin, from Lucca.
- When he first arrived to Japan, he did not know the language and it took him three months to learn Japanese. He also had to regularly get up at night to endure extra training.
Fighting Style[]
Azumakaze is a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He won over half of his bouts with a straightforward yorikiri, or force out. He was also fond of employing yoritaoshi, or frontal crush out.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 153-148-7/301 (45 basho)
- Sandanme: 84-91-7/175 (26 basho)
- Jonidan: 65-54/119 (17 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 4-3/7 (1 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Juriazuma Futoshi (1991.09 - 1992.01)
- Azumakaze Futoshi (1992.03 - 1999.01)
Gallery[]
