Kotonishiki Noboru - 琴錦 登 (born March 7, 1922 - July 14, 1974) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kanonji, Kagawa. He made his debut in January 1938 and last wrestled for Nishonoseki stable. He reached the makuuchi division in November 1944 and has one special prize as well as seven kinboshi. His highest rank was komusubi and he retired in January 1938.
Career[]
Early Career[]
Fujimura joined Nishonoseki stable and made his professional debut in January 1938. He was given the shikona "Kotonishiki" (琴錦) which is derived from the Kotohiki Hachiman Shrine in his hometown of Kanonji, Kagawa. He won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 8-0 record in May 1939 and was promoted to sandanme for the following January 1940 tournament. He was promoted to makushita in May 1941 and juryo in May 1943. After three tournaments in juryo, Kotonishiki was promoted to makuuchi for the November 1944 tournament.
Makuuchi Career[]
Kotonishiki was ranked in the top division for 31 consecutive tournaments. His highest rank was komusubi which he achieved three times. He also won seven kinboshi, defeating the likes of Chiyonoyama, Azumafuji, Terukuni, and Haguroyama. In January 1949, Kotonishiki finished with a strong 10-3 record and was runner-up to yokozuna Azumafuji's 10-2-1draw record. In September 1953, Kotonishiki finished with a 10-5 record and also defeated a yokozuna to earn the Fighting Spirit prize. Towards his later career, Kotonishiki suffered from various injuries and retired from sumo in May 1955.
Retirement from Sumo[]
After retiring from sumo, Kotonishiki remained in the Japan Sumo Association and established Sadogatake stable. He produced many sekitori, including Yokozuna Kotozakura and sekiwake Hasegawa. He died on July 14, 1974, just 10 days after Kotozakura's retirement. After his death, Kotozakura took over Sadogatake stable.
Fighting Style[]
Kotonishiki was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who preferred 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: 258-256-23/512 (45 basho)
- Makuuchi: 188-215-23/401 (31 basho)
- Juryo: 25-15/40 (3 basho)
- Makushita: 19-13/32 (4 basho)
- Sandanme: 14-10/24 (3 basho)
- Jonidan: 8-0/8 (1 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 4-3/7 (1 basho)
Championships[]
- 1 Jonidan Championship (May 1939)
Achievements[]
- Sansho: Fighting Spirit Prize (1)
- Kinboshi: 7: (3) Chiyonoyama, (2) Azumafuji, (1) Terukuni, (1) Haguroyama
Shikona History[]
- Kotonishiki Noboru (1938.01 - 1955.05)
Gallery[]
