Hokutosora Masaki - 北勝空 将輝 (born September 22, 2000) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Hokuto, Hokkaido. He made his debut in March 2019 and wrestled for Hakkaku stable. His highest rank was jonidan 15 and he retired in January 2022.
Early Life[]
Masaki Akiyama was born on September 22, 2003, in Hokuto, Hokkaido. Due to the influence of his father, Takahiro, who is a former member of the Hokkaido Ono Agricultural High School's sumo club, he started doing sumo and won a prefectural tournament in the fifth grade of elementary school. In his second and third years at Hokuto Shiritsu Kamiiso Junior High School, he participated at national level competitions.[1]
He went on to attend Hokkaido Ono Agricultural High School and competed at the Inter-High and National Sports Festival (Kokutai) in 2018. However, after that, he injured his left knee and subsequently underwent surgery. Nevertheless, Akiyama wanted to pursue a career in professional sumo despite his father's opposition and joined Hakkaku stable. Hakkaku stable had been keeping an eye on Akiyama, who stood out in both skill and physique, since his elementary school days and had continued to support him with encouragement.[1]
Career[]
He made his professional debut in March 2019 and initially wrestled under his surname Akiyama. When joining professional sumo, he weighed 185 kg (408 lb), however, he struggled to produce any meaningful results. He later slimmed down to 146 kg (322 lb) by 2021. In May 2021, he was given the shikona "Hokutosora" (北勝空). He never managed to make it out of the jonidan division and retired from sumo in January 2022.[2]
Fighting Style[]
Hokutosora defeats Mogaminishiki by yorikiri (force out)
Hokutosora was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He won majority of his bouts with a straightforward yorikiri, or force out.[3]
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 46-55-11/100 (17 basho)
- Jonidan: 27-39-11/65 (11 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 19-16/35 (5 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Akiyama Masaki (2019.03 - 2021.03)
- Hokutosora Masaki (2021.05 - 2022.05)
Gallery[]
