Fujinohana Rei - 藤の花 礼 (born December 19, 1986) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Watari, Miyagi. He made his debut in September 2009 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. His highest rank was sandanme 16 and he retired in September 2017.
Early Life[]
Rei Saito was born in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, to an American solider, Daniel Edwards, and a Japanese mother, Yumiko Saito. He and his twin brother Jun grew up in Kakuda, Miyagi. After graduating from Kanazu Junior High School, he and his brother moved to Cut Bank, Montana, to live with their father. They attended Cut Bank High School and were members of the wrestling and American football teams. He and his brother learned about sumo through the internet and decided to give the sport a shot. They were subsequently accepted by Dewanoumi stable.
Career[]
He made his professional debut in September 2009 and was given the shikona "Fujinohana" (藤の花). He used his mother's hometown of Watari, Miyagi, as his official birthplace. In only his second tournament, he was aiming for the jonidan yusho, however, he lost his final match to Karatsuumi to finish with a 6-1 record. He reached the sandanme division in January 2011, however, he was unable to break through the division with his career-best rank being sandanme 16.
Retirement from Sumo[]
Fujinohana retired from sumo in September 2017. In December 2020, he and his brother began training at All Japan Pro Wrestling's Dojo (AJPW Dojo). He and his brother wrestle mainly for AJPW with brief spells in the US and the UK.
Fighting Style[]
Fujinohana defeats Matsubayama by yorikiri (force out)
Fujinohana was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He won majority 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: 164-150-15/314 (48 basho)
- Sandanme: 121-123-15/244 (37 basho)
- Jonidan: 38-25/63 (9 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 5-2/7 (1 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Fujinohana Rei (2009.09 - 2017.09)
Gallery[]
