Hagane Kazuyuki

Hagane Kazuyuki - 鋼一幸 (born August 29, 1981) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kariya, Aichi. He made his debut in March 2000 and currently wrestles for Otowayama stable. His highest rank as of 2025 is makushita 16.

Early Life[]

Kazuyuki Maeda was born on August 29, 1981, in Kariya, Aichi. Maeda liked sumo wrestling since he was little, but because there were limited opportunities to practice sumo nearby, he got deeply involved in soccer from the fourth grade of elementary school until high school graduation.^[1]

After his father's sudden passing during his second year of high school, he began seriously contemplating his post-high school plans, aiming to move forward without burdening his mother. After graduating Daido University Daido Senior High School, Maeda decided to joined Izutsu stable.^[1]

Career[]

Maeda made his professional debut in March 2000 and initially wrestled under his surname. Despite having no prior sumo experience, he finished with a strong 6-1 record in his first official tournament in May 2000, with his only loss coming against future juryo wrestler Saita. However, his sumo progression stalled afterwards and he did not reach sandanme until January 2002.

In March 2003, he was given the shikona "Kakureizan" (鶴嶺山), a prestigious Izutsu stable ring name which had been used by his stablemaster's (former sekiwake Sakahoko) father, brother, and cousin. However, he continued to struggle and did not reach makushita until July 2004. From January 2005, Kakureizan posted five consecutive winning records and was promoted to a career-best makushita 16 in November 2005. He returned to the rank of makushita 16 in March 2006, but finished with a winless 0-7 record.

In July 2011, he was given the new shikona "Hagane" (鋼). In September 2012, Hagane won all seven of his matches to claim the sandanme yusho. After the September 2019 tournament, he moved to the Michinoku stable after the tournament, following the death of his stablemaster Izutsu Oyakata, the former Sakahoko.

In January 2024, Hagane moved to the newly established Otowayama stable, which was founded by the former Kakuryu. He trained with the former Yokozuna Kakuryu, both in the former Izutsu stable and the Michinoku stable. Kakuryu, who joined sumo 1 year and 8 months later than Hagane, was his senior disciple and they share a close relationship.^[2]

Personal Life[]

Special Relationship With Kakuryu[]

Hagane served as a mentor for Kakuryu, who arrived at Izutsu stable at the age of 16 in November 2001. In addition to being mindful of Kakuryu's diet, he was close enough to speak to Kakuryu casually even after Kakuryu was promoted to Yokozuna, and he encouraged Kakuryu when he was down after a loss. When Kakuryu established Otowayama stable, he transferred there as a disciple.^[3]

During his time at the Izutsu stable, Hagane served as the head chef, with a variety of 13 different types of chankonabe, and he continues to serve as the head chef at Otowayama stable. Kakuryu calls Hagane "Mr. Maeda," using his real name with honorifics and respectful language, showing his continued respect for Hagane even after rising in rank.^[2]

Fighting Style[]

Hagane is an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. His most common kimarite used is a straightforward oshidashi (push out).^[4]