Hirakagawa Daiji - 平鹿川 泰二 (born March 31, 1924 - April 11, 1992) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Hiraka, Akita. He made his debut in January 1941 and wrestled for Tatsunami stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1956. His highest rank was maegashira 13 and he retired in September 1959.
Early Life[]
After graduating from an elementary school in Akita prefecture, Sato moved to Tokyo and was employed at a pharmaceutical company in Kamata ward (currently Ota ward). At the age of 16, he decided to become a professional sumo wrestler and joined Kasugayama stable.
Career[]
Early Career[]
He made his professional debut in January 1941 and was given the shikona "Hirakagawa" (平鹿川). He was promoted to sandanme in May 1942 and makushita in May 1944. In November 1946, he transferred to Tatsunami stable after his Kasugayama stable closed down. In November 1947, he posted a 4-2 record at the rank of makushita 5 and was promoted to juryo in May 1948.
Juryo Career[]
In his first tournament as a sekitori, Hirakagawa finished with a 5-6 record. From October 1949 to September 1950, he wrestled under the shikona "Urashima" (浦嶋) before reverting back to Hirakagawa. After seven years in juryo, he won the juryo yusho in May 1955 with a strong 12-3 record. He followed with a 10-5 record at the rank fo juryo 2 and was promoted to makuuchi in January 1956.
Makuuchi Career[]
Hirakagawa posted an 8-7 record in his top division debut. In March 1957 he injured his right knee on the 9th day in a match against Wakasegawa and subsequently withdrew from the tournament on the 10th day. Unusually he was promoted to maegashira 13 (his highest rank) for the following May 1957 tournament, even though he finished with a losing record. Nevertheless, he continued to sit out in the May 1957 tournament and was demoted down to juryo after seven consecutive tournaments in makuuchi. Due to his injury, he remained in juryo for majority of his later career and was eventually demoted down to makushita in May 1959.
Retirement from Sumo[]
Hirakagawa retired from sumo in September 1959. After retiring, he opened up a sushi restaurant in Chuo, Tokyo. He died on April 11, 1992, at the age of 68.
Fighting Style[]
Hirakagawa was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a hidari-yotsu (right hand outside, left hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was uwatenage, or overarm throw.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 337-338-47/672 (60 basho)
- Makuuchi: 44-41-20/84 (7 basho)
- Juryo: 187-210-15/395 (29 basho)
- Makushita: 70-64-8/134 (14 basho)
- Sandanme: 25-18-4/43 (7 basho)
- Jonidan: 7-1/8 (1 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 4-4/8 (1 basho)
Championships[]
- 1 Juryo Championship (May 1955)
Shikona History[]
- Hirakagawa Daiji (1941.01 - 1949.05)
- Urashima Daiji (1949.10 - 1950.09)
- Hirakagawa Daiji (1951.01 - 1959.09)
Gallery[]
