Banjaku Hirofumi - 磐石 博文 (born October 21, 1948 - August 22, 2001) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Gose, Nara. He made his debut in September 1962 and last wrestled for Asahiyama stable. He reached the juryo division in September 1969. His highest rank was juryo 8 and he retired in July 1974.
Early Life[]
Hiroyuki Hagiyama was born and raised in Gose, Nara. While in junior high school, he was approached by Asahiyama Oyakata (former sekiwake Kozuzan) who recruited him for professional sumo. He subsequently moved to Tokyo and transferred to Tatekawa Junior High School.
Career[]
He made his professional debut in September 1962 at the age of 13, joining Asahiyama stable. He initially wrestled under the shikona's "Takatsuhana" (高津花) and "Futasehana" (二瀬花) before settling with his real name "Hagiyama" (萩山) in March 1966. In July 1969, he posted a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 2 and was promoted to juryo for the September 1969 tournament.
He posted a solid 9-6 record in his first tournament as a sekitori and was promoted to the rank of juryo 8. He subsequently changed his shikona to "Banjaku" (磐石), but after three consecutive losing records, he reverted back to his real name. After five years in the unsalaried ranks, he returned to juryo for five tournaments in 1973. Hagiyama announced his retirement after the July 1974 tournament.
Retirement from Sumo[]
After retiring from sumo, he was engaged in the restaurant industry before taking over his family's construction company called "Tsujikawa Komuten" (辻川工務店). He died on August 22, 2001, at the age of 52.
Personal Life[]
His second son Junya (born 1987) joined Asahiyama stable in March 2002, and from 2014 to 2016, he used the "Banjaku" shikona. As of 2020, he is still active under the shikona "Mimurodake" (御室岳) and his highest rank is sandanme 55.
Fighting Style[]
Banjaku was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was yorikiri, or force out.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 279-255-13/534 (72 basho)
- Juryo: 53-67/120 (8 basho)
- Makushita: 166-142-7/308 (45 basho)
- Sandanme: 46-38/84 (12 basho)
- Jonidan: 11-3/14 (2 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 3-5-6/8 (2 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Takatsuhana (1962.09 - 1963.11)
- Futasehana (1964.01 - 1966.01)
- Hagiyama Hirofumi (1966.03 - 1969.09)
- Banjaku Hirofumi (1969.11 - 1969.11)
- Banjaku Tatsuhiko (1970.01 - 1970.05)
- Hagiyama Hirofumi (1970.07 - 1974.07)
Gallery[]
