Hikarifuji Wataru - 輝富士 航 (born January 26, 1999) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Yoshioka, Gunma. He made his debut in November 2016 and wrestled for Isegahama stable. His highest rank was makushita 12 and he retired in January 2023.
Early Life[]
Having a large build since a young age, Kawajiri first practiced judo in his first year of elementary school at a local sports youth club. He began focusing on sumo during his time at Shibukawa Seisui High School, but the school had no sumo club. He was somewhat pressured into taking up sumo by his judo coach who was a big fan of the sport and Kawajiri would practice on a makeshift dohyo. As he trained with his friends, he became drawn to the sport and was able to achieve victories in national competitions. In 2016, he entered Isegahama stable.[1]
Career[]
He made his professional debut in November 2016 and was given the shikona "Hikarifuji" (輝富士). He was promoted to sandanme in May 2018. In November 2018, he was aiming for the sandanme yusho and won his first six matches, however, he lost his final match to Ura. Hikarifuji reached the makushita division in May 2021 and was immediately able to establish himself in the division. He was promoted to a career-best makushita 12 in May 2022, however, he could only manage a 1-6 record in that tournament.[2]
Retirement from Sumo[]
In December 2022, Hikarifuji and another junior wrestler in Isegahama stable were found to have acted violently against younger wrestlers, with the victims beaten with wooden beams and burned with chankonabe hot water poured on their backs. Hikarifuji submitted his retirement papers, while the other junior wrestler was handed a two-tournament suspension. Hikarifuji was never publicly named to be involved in the controversy, as lower ranked wrestlers are usually not named during controversies, however, his abrupt retirement in January 2023 makes him the most likely culprit of the hazing scandal. Following the investigation, stablemaster Isegahama (Asahifuji) resigned his seat on the Sumo Association's board of directors.[3]
Fighting Style[]
Hikarifuji defeats Tochinobori by oshidashi (push out)
Hikarifuji was an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. His most common kimarite used was a straightforward oshidashi (push out) followed by hatakikomi (slap down).[4]
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 132-113-7/245 (37 basho)
- Makushita: 38-32-7/70 (11 basho)
- Sandanme: 58-54/112 (16 basho)
- Jonidan: 31-25/56 (8 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 5-2/7 (1 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Hikarifuji Wataru (2016.11 - 2023.01)
Gallery[]
(c. 2021)
