Ichinoya Totaro - 一乃矢 藤太郎 (born June 30, 1937 - April 29, 1977) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Inakadate, Aomori. He made his debut in May 1953 and last wrestled for Kasugano stable. He reached the makuuchi division in July 1961. His highest rank was maegashira 4 and he retired in July 1964.
Early Life[]
Ryoichi Sudo's great grandfather was the former ozeki Ichinoya Totaro. He was recruited into Kasugano stable by juryo wrestler Tochinoseki who also came from Inakadate, Aomori. After graduating from junior high school, he was personally picked up by Tochinoseki and he moved to Tokyo to join Kasugano stable.
Career[]
Early Career[]
He made his professional debut in May 1953 and initially wrestled under his surname Sudo. He was promoted to sandanme in March 1954 and makushita in September 1955. In March 1957, he adopted his great grandfather's shikona, Ichinoya Totaro. In March 1958, he produced a 6-2 record at the rank of makushita 1 and was promoted to juryo for the following May 1958 tournament.
Juryo Career[]
In his first tournament as a sekitori, he finished with an 8-7 record, but suffered an injury in the following tournament and was demoted back down to makushita in September 1958. He returned to juryo in March 1959, but could only last for four tournaments. He returned to juryo for a third time in May 1960 and was promoted to makuuchi in July 1961.
Makuuchi Career[]
Ichinoya was ranked in makuuchi for a total of seven straight tournaments. His highest rank was maegashira 4 which he achieved in March 1962. He struggled in this tournament, achieving his only actual win on the last day (his other win was win by default). His last makuuchi was in July 1962. He remained in juryo for another year before falling back down to makushita in November 1963.
Retirement from Sumo[]
He announced his retirement after the July 1964 tournament. After retiring he opened up a ramen restaurant in Hirosaki, Aomori, called "Ichinoya Cafeteria" (一乃矢食堂).
Death[]
He died on April 19, 1977, at the age of 39 due to a heart attack.
Fighting Style[]
Ichinoya was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was yorikiri, or force out.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 317-323-7-2d/641 (59 basho)
- Makuuchi: 44-61/105 (7 basho)
- Juryo: 133-159-7-1d/292 (20 basho)
- Makushita: 98-78-1d/177 (23 basho)
- Sandanme: 29-19/48 (6 basho)
- Jonidan: 10-6/16 (2 basho)
- Shinjo: 3-0/3 (1 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Sudo Ryoichi (1953.05 - 1957.01)
- Ichinoya Totaro (1957.03 - 1964.07)
Gallery[]
