Okinofuji Kazuya - 隠岐の富士 和也 (born January 26, 1988) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Okinoshima, Shimane. He made his debut in March 2006 and wrestled for Hakkaku stable. His highest rank was makushita 11 and he retired in March 2024.
Early Life[]
Kazuya Takedani was born in the town of Okinoshima, located on Dogo Island in Shimane prefecture. His family was engaged in the fishing industry, but due to Takedani's proneness to sea sickness, he could not engage in his family's industry. He was later recruited by the manager of Hakkaku stable for professional sumo.[1]
Career[]
Takedani made his professional debut in March 2006 and was promoted to sandanme by his fifth professional tournament. Takedani reached the makushita division in March 2009, but was unable to establish himself in the division. In March 2010, he was given the shikona "Okinofuji" (隠岐の富士). In November 2011, he finished with a 6-1 record and was placed in an eight-man playoff for the makushita yusho, however, he lost to future komusubi Chiyootori in the first round. Nevertheless, Okinofuji was able to establish himself as a makushita regular after this tournament.[2]
In January 2021, Okinofuji was promoted to a career-best makushita 11 rank, however, he finished with a poor 1-6 record. By 2023, Okinofuji had fallen back down to sandanme where he remained for the majority of his later career.[2]
Retirement from Sumo[]
Okinofuji retired from sumo after the March 2024 tournament. After retiring, Okinofuji has remained in the Japan Sumo Association as a sewanin, or assistant.[3]
Fighting Style[]

Okinofuji defeats Kirinofuji by yorikiri (force out)
Okinofuji is 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.[4]
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 380-362/742 (107 basho)
- Makushita: 188-211/399 (57 basho)
- Sandanme: 177-145/322 (46 basho)
- Jonidan: 11-3/14 (2 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 4-3/7 (1 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Takedani Kazuya (2006.03 - 2010.01)
- Okinofuji Kazuya (2010.03 - 2024.03)
Gallery[]
External Links[]
- Okinofuji Kazuya Japanese Wikipedia Article
- Okinofuji Kazuya Rikishi Information
- Okinofuji Kazuya JSA Profile Page
References[]
- ↑ "Sumo Journal" December 2014 Issue p. 100
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Okinofuji Rikishi Information
- ↑ Sanspo: Kairyu and 3 others appointed as caretakers of the association
- ↑ Okinofuji Kimarite Information