Dairyu Shiro - 大龍 志郎 (born February 18, 1927) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Taiki, Hokkaido. He made his debut in November 1946 and last wrestled for Minatogawa stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1953. His highest rank was maegashira 19 and he retired in July 1959.
Early Life[]
After graduating from elementary school in Taiki, Hiroo district, Hokkaido, Takahashi worked at a local business and was active in the sumo club. He later met maegashira Tokachiiwa, who came from the same Hiroo district, and was recruited into professional sumo. He made his professional debut in November 1946.
Career[]
Early Career[]
Takahashi joined Minatogawa stable, but transferred to Nishonoseki stable in 1947 after his stable's closure. He would transfer back to Minatogawa stable in 1953 after it was revived by his recruiter, Tokachiiwa. Initially wrestling under the shikona "Dairyuyama" (大竜山), he was promoted to sandanme in November 1947 and makushita in May 1949. After two tournaments in makushita, he was promoted to juryo in January 1950.
Juryo Career[]
In his first tournament as a sekitori, he finished with an 8-7 record. In May 1951, he changed his shikona to "Dairyu" (大龍). After the shikona change, he posted more consistent results and was promoted to makuuchi in January 1953.
Makuuchi Career[]
Dairyu struggled in his top division debut, finishing with a poor 4-11 record and was demoted back down to juryo. He returned to makuuchi in September 1953, but again, finished with a 4-11 record. He never managed to return to makuuchi and was only ranked there for two tournaments. He spent the remaining six years of his career mainly in juryo.
Retirement from Sumo[]
Upon falling down to makushita in July 1959, he subsequently retired from sumo. After retiring, he opened up a chanko restaurant called "Dairyu" (大竜) in Kita, Tokyo.
Fighting Style[]
Dairyu 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: 322-321-17/641 (48 basho)
- Makuuchi: 8-22/30 (2 basho)
- Juryo: 272-274-9/544 (37 basho)
- Makushita: 18-12-8/30 (3 basho)
- Sandanme: 19-11/30 (4 basho)
- Jonidan: 3-2/5 (1 basho)
- Shinjo: 2-0/2 (1 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Dairyuyama Shiro (1946.11 - 1951.01)
- Dairyu Shiro (1951.05 - 1959.07)
Gallery[]
