Kazuma Torakaze - 一意 虎風 (born November 12, 2001) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kanazawa, Ishikawa. He made his debut in July 2024 and currently wrestles for Kise stable. His highest rank as of 2025 is makushita 49.
Early Life[]
Kazuma Kawabuchi was born on November 12, 2001, in Osaka's Minato Ward. He started sumo wrestling at a young age at the Higashiosaka Sumo Dojo. In the fourth grade, he won the All Japan Elementary Sumo School Championships. He then moved to Ishikawa, Kanazawa, to attend Kanazawa Shiritsu Saisei Junior High School for sumo, and in his third year, Kawabuchi and his school won the National Junior High School Prefectural Tournament.[1]
Kawabuchi after winning the East Japan Sumo Championship (c. 2023)
During his second year at Kanazawa Gakuin University High School, Kawabuchi won the National High School Selection Tournament. In his third year, he won the All Japan Weight Class Junior Division (over 100 kg), the National High School Selection Towada Tournament, the National High School Selection Usa Tournament, and the World Junior Championship in the heavyweight division.[1]
He went on to attend Nihon University where he continued to impress and won a total of six titles, including the individual competition in the men’s division at the 78th National Sports Festival which qualified him for makushita tsukedashi. Kawabuchi did not participate in any tournaments during his third year as he had to rehabilitate from a serious left knee injury. During his time in university, Kawabuchi was one of the few wrestlers who defeated Daiki Nakamura, doing so on two occasions. After graduating university, he opted to go professional and joined Kise stable because Kise Oyakata (former maegashira Higonoumi) was also an alumnus of Nihon University.[1]
Career[]
Kawabuchi was granted makushita tsukedashi status due to his amateur accomplishments and he started at the bottom of the makushita division for his debut tournament in July 2024. Since his older brother, Kazuto Kawabuchi, was wrestling under their family name, he took his given name "Kazuma" (一意) as his shikona. In this tournament, he won his first four matches, however, on Day 9 he lost his first match to Tokitenran. To make matters worse, Kazuma injured his right knee during the match and had to withdraw from the tournament.[2]
After missing four consecutive tournaments, Kazuma returned to the dohyo in May 2025, having fallen down to the lowest jonokuchi division. He won all seven matches in this tournament and claimed the jonokuchi yusho.[3]
Personal Life[]
- Kazuma's older brother, Kazuto (born October 21, 2000) is also a professional sumo wrestler who wrestles for Shikoroyama stable.[1]
- During his time in college, Kazuma's weight exceeded 220 kg (485 lb), however, when he joined professional sumo, his weight was 195 kg (430 lb).[4]
- Even though Kazuma was born in Osaka, he uses Kanazawa, Ishikawa, as his shusshin, or birthplace, when entering professional sumo.[1]
Fighting Style[]
Kazuma defeats Hoshuzan by yorikiri (force out)
Kazuma is proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His most common kimarite used are yorikiri (force out) and oshidashi (push out).[5]
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 11-1-30/8 (6 basho)
- Makushita: 4-1-9/5 (2 basho)
- Sandanme: 0-0-7/0 (1 basho)
- Jonidan: 0-0-14/0 (2 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 7-0/7 (1 basho)
Championships[]
- 1 Jonokuchi Championship (May 2025)
Shikona History[]
- Kazuma Torakaze (2024.07 - )
Gallery[]
(c. 2024)
