Kotonoumi Koyo - 琴ノ海 幸洋 (born May 22, 1980) is a former Chinese-Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Hachioji, Tokyo. He made his debut in March 1997 and wrestled for Sadogatake stable. His highest rank was sandanme 37 and he retired in September 2005.
Early Life[]
Chen Shicong was born on May 22, 1980, in Shanghai, China. He grew up in Hengshan Road before moving to Japan with his parents at the age of 15. Upon the request of a friend, he entered professional sumo and joined Sadogatake stable. He joined under the name Satoshi Ishii and listed his birthplace as Hachioji, Tokyo, so he is not listed as a foreign wrestler.
Career[]
He made his professional debut in March 1997 and was given the shikona "Kotoishii" (琴石井). In May 2001, he was given the new shikona "Kotonoumi" (琴ノ海). After four years in jonidan he reached the sandanme division in November 2001. However, he was unable to establish himself in sandanme until November 2003. He earned a career high ranking of sandanme 37 on the banzuke for the September 2005 tournament, but before the banzuke was released, Kotonoumi retired without competing at that rank.
In June 2004, the Japan Sumo Association went on a tour in China and Kotonoumi returned to Shanghai for the first time in seven years. During the tour, Kotonoumi visited relatives and was actively interviewed by local media. It was also during this trip where Kotonoumi revealed his Chinese background to the public.
Personal Life[]
- Born Shicong Chen (陈 诗聪), he joined sumo under the name Satoshi Ishii (石井 聡詩). Upon receiving Japanese citizenship in 2000, he changed his name to Koyo Maegawa (前川 幸洋).
- He served as the tsukebito, or personal servant, to Hidenoyama Oyakata (former sekiwake Hasegawa).
Fighting Style[]
Kotonoumi 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. He was also fond of employing uwatenage, or overarm throw.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 176-171-10/346 (52 basho)
- Sandanme: 49-62-8/111 (17 basho)
- Jonidan: 107-96/203 (29 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 20-13-2/32 (5 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Kotoishii Satoshi (1997.03 - 2001.03)
- Kotonoumi Koyo (2001.05 - 2005.09)
Gallery[]
