Hokutojo Tsutomu - 北勝城 勲 (born October 22, 1980) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Osaka City, Osaka. He made his debut in March 1996 and wrestled for Hakkaku stable. His highest rank was makushita 4 and he retired in January 2008.
Early Life[]
Yamaguchi was born on October 22, 1980, in Osaka City's Nishinari ward. He began sumo wrestling during his time in elementary school. After graduating junior high school, he joined Hakkaku stable which was already home to his older brother Hajime.
Career[]
He made his professional debut in March 1996 and was given the shikona "Kitayamaguchi" (北山口). He withdrew on the 14th day of the July 1996 tournament and missed the following two tournaments as well. Upon returning to sumo in January 1997, he had to redo maezumo (pre-sumo). In July 1997, he finished with a perfect 7-0 record, but missed out on the jonidan yusho after losing to Raiho in a playoff. Nevertheless, he was promoted to sandanme for the following September 1997 tournament.
In January 1999, he was given the new shikona "Hokutojo" (北勝城). He reached the makushita division in January 2002. In July 2003, he won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record and was promoted to the rank of makushita 4 for the following September 2003 tournament. In this tournament, Raiko's record was 3-3 by the end of the 11th day. On the 13th day, he wrestled an exchange match against juryo-ranked Juzan, but lost the match and was unable to capitalize on a promotion to juryo. He remained in makushita for the remainder of his career and retired from sumo in January 2008.
Personal Life[]
- Hokutojo's brother, Hajime Yamaguchi, better known as Raiko, was also a sumo wrestler in Hakkaku stable. He made his debut in March 1994 with his highest rank being juryo 11. He retired from sumo in March 2008, one tournament after Hokutojo.
Fighting Style[]
Hokutojo defeats Musashiryu by yorikiri (force out)
Hokutojo's favored techniques are yori (forcing) and hidari-yotsu, a right hand outside, left hand inside position. His most common winning kimarite is a straightforward yorikiri or force out.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 245-205-40/448 (72 basho)
- Makushita: 116-113-9/229 (34 basho)
- Sandanme: 85-74-16/159 (25 basho)
- Jonidan: 33-15-8/46 (8 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 11-3-7/14 (3 basho)
Championships[]
- 1 Makushita Championship (January 2002)
Shikona History[]
- Kitayamaguchi Isao (1996.03 - 1998.11)
- Hokutojo Isao (1999.01 - 2005.01)
- Hokutojo Tsutomu (2005.03 - 2008.01)