Hananoumi Matsuemon - 花の海 松右衛門 (born April 25, 2003) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Chofu, Tokyo. He made his debut in January 2022 and currently wrestles for Nishonoseki stable. His highest rank as of 2025 is makushita 10.
Early Life[]
Kai Hanafusa was born on April 15, 2003, in Chofu, Tokyo. He started sumo wrestling at the age of six. After graduating from Chofu Shiritsu Jindai Junior High School, he attended Toyo University Ushiku Senior High School. During his first year, he and his school achieved fifth place at the National Sports Festival. In his third year, he won the individual open-weight championship at the Kanto High School Sumo Tournament. After graduating high school, he was recruited into Nishonoseki stable by Nishonoseki Oyakata (the 72nd Yokozuna Kisenosato).[1]
Career[]
Hanafusa made his professional debut in January 2022 alongside Kototebakari, Wakanosho, and Daiseizan. In May 2022, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record, but missed out on the jonidan yusho after losing to Kototebakari in the playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted to sandanme for the following July 2022 tournament. In November 2022, he finished with a 3-4 record, his first career make-koshi, or losing record. He bounced back with a strong 6-1 record in January 2023 and was promoted to makushita for the following March 2023 tournament.[2]
In January 2024, he was given the shikona "Hananoumi" (花の海). Beginning in March 2025, Hananoumi began performing the bow-twirling ceremony which takes place at the end of every tournament day.[3]
Fighting Style[]
Hananoumi defeats Kotodaigo by oshidashi (push out)
Hananoumi 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, or push out.[4]
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 85-54-1/139 (21 basho)
- Makushita: 49-41-1/90 (13 basho)
- Sandanme: 24-11/35 (5 basho)
- Jonidan: 7-0/7 (1 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 5-2/7 (1 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Hanafusa Kai (2022.01 - 2023.11)
- Hananoumi Matsuemon (2024.01 - )
Gallery[]
(c. 2024)
