Raiho Shintaro - 雷鵬 晋太郎 (born May 21, 1997) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Fujinomiya, Shizuoka. He made his debut in July 2021 and currently wrestles for Isegahama stable. His highest rank as of 2025 is makushita 43.
Early Life[]
Shintaro Watanabe was born on May 21, 1997, in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka. He attended Nippon Sport Science University where he was a member of the school's sumo club. In 2017, he won the All Japan College Weight category championships -85 kg class.[1] After graduating university, he continue to wrestle amateur sumo on the world stage while working at a local company in Shizuoka. He later received an invite into Miyagino stable by Yokozuna Hakuho which he accepted.[1]
Career[]
He made his professional debut in July 2021 and was given the shikona "Raiho" (雷鵬). He missed his first official tournament in September 2021 due to COVID-19 outbreak in his stable.[2] Nevertheless, he followed with four strong winning records and was promoted to makushita in July 2022. At the time of his makushita debut, Raiho had not posted a single losing record, however, he finished with a 3-4 record in his first makushita tournament.
At the end of March 2024 it was confirmed that Raiho, and all the wrestlers and coaches from Miyagino stable, would be transferred to Isegahama stable for an indefinite period of time following the abuse case and the retirement of then-Miyagino's top ranker, Hokuseiho.[3]
Fighting Style[]
Raiho defeats Dewanojo by susoharai (rear foot sweep)
Raiho is a skilled technician who relies on his small size and speed to out maneuver his opponents. He is most fond of employing uchigake (inside leg trip). Raiho also regularly employs hatakikomi (slap down), shitatedashinage (pulling underarm throw) and shitatenage (underarm throw).[4]
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 58-40-28/97 (19 basho)
- Makushita: 24-25/49 (7 basho)
- Sandanme: 22-13-14/34 (7 basho)
- Jonidan: 6-1-7/7 (2 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 6-1-7/7 (2 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Raiho Shintaro (2021.07 - )
Gallery[]
