Dewaminato Shuichi - 出羽湊 秀一 (born April 14, 1923 - September 16, 1979) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Iwaki, Aomori. He made his debut in May 1940 and last wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in May 1953. His highest rank was maegashira 1 and he retired in September 1958.
Career[]
Early Career[]
He made his professional debut in May 1940, wrestling for Dewanoumi stable. Initially wrestling under his surname Kawada, he was promoted to sandanme in May 1942 and makushita in May 1943. In January 1944, he was drafted by the Imperial Japanese Army for military service and did not return to sumo until November 1947. Upon returning he was given shikona to "Dewaryu" (出羽竜) before changing it to "Iwakiyama" (岩木山).
Juryo Career[]
Upon promotion to juryo in May 1949, he changed his shikona to "Dewaminato" (出羽湊). His first juryo run only lasted four tournaments and he was demoted back down to makushita in September 1950. He returned to juryo in May 1951 and after winning the juryo yusho in March 1953, he was promoted to makuuchi for the May 1953 tournament.
Makuuchi Career[]
Dewaminato was ranked in the top division for a total of 20 tournaments. He was unable to reach the san'yaku level with his highest rank being maegashira 1 and he also never managed to defeat a yokozuna or achieve a special prize. In May 1957 he sprained his right ankle and eventually fell down to juryo in March 1958. He retired from sumo in September 1958.
Retirement from Sumo[]
Upon retirement from active competition, he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association, under the name Fujishima. He served as a judge during the official tournaments.
Death[]
He died while as an active oyakata at a hospital in Tokyo due to bladder cancer. He was 56 years old.
Fighting Style[]
Dewaminato 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 were ketaguri (pulling inside ankle sweep), sotogake (outside leg trip), yorikiri (force out). He was also fond of employing tsuppari, a series of rapid thrusts to the chest.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 310-306-25/614 (49 basho)
- Makuuchi: 135-148-17/281 (20 basho)
- Juryo: 110-115/225 (15 basho)
- Makushita: 40-28-8/68 (8 basho)
- Sandanme: 11-5/16 (2 basho)
- Jonidan: 10-6/16 (2 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 4-4/8 (1 basho)
Championships[]
- 1 Juryo Championship (March 1953)
Shikona History[]
- Kawada Shuichi (1940.05 - 1948.05)
- Dewaryu Shuichi (1948.10 - 1948.10)
- Iwakiyama Shuichi (1949.01 - 1949.01)
- Dewaminato Shuichi (1949.05 - 1958.09)
Gallery[]
