Ranbo Shosuke

Ranbo Shosuke - 嵐望将輔 (born July 2, 1972) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Fussa, Tokyo. He made his debut in March 1988 and wrestled for Takanohana stable. His highest rank was makushita 13 and he retired in May 2013.

Career[]

After graduating from a junior high school in Fussa, Tokyo, Inoue joined Futagoyama stable (later renamed Takanohana stable) and made his professional debut in March 1988 alongside ozeki Kaio and future yokozuna's Akebono, Takanohana, and Wakanohana.

He initially fought under the shikona "Wakainoue" (若井上), however, after a couple of mediocre results, he was given the new shikona "Fukunoryu" (福の隆) in May 1990. He reached the sandanme division four tournaments later in November 1990 and was promoted to makushita two years later in November 1992.

Prior to the November 1996 tournament, he suffered an injury and had to miss the following three tournaments which resulted in a fall back down to jonidan. Upon returning to sumo in May 1997, he took the jonidan yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. In January 1999, he won the sandanme yusho with a perfect 7-0 record and reached a career-best makushita 13 in May 1999.

In May 2000, he was given the new shikona "Fusanohana" (福生乃花). In September 2001, he finished with a disastrous 0-7 record and this proved to be his final tournament in makushita. By 2007, he had become a jonidan regular with a few stints in sandanme. He had his fourth shikona change in May 2011 when he was given the shikona "Ranbo" (嵐望).

Retirement from Sumo[]

Ranbo retired from sumo in May 2013 after 25 years in the sport. He was the last wrestler from the prestigious March 1988 class and he was also the last recruit of the 45th Yokozuna Wakanohana to retire. After retiring, he remained in the Japan Sumo Association as a sewanin, or assistant.

Personal Life[]

In 2013, Ranbo married a former office worker. A wedding reception was held on October 28, 2013, at hotel in Tokyo and around 130 people attended.
Ranbo served as bow-twirler three times during his career. His first time was at Takanonami's retirement ceremony in 2005, second time was Wakanoyama's retirement ceremony in 2006 and his third time was at Kaio's retirement ceremony in 2012.
Ranbo's hobbies are mountain climbing, fishing, and hot springs. His favorite food is Tuna and his nickname is Rambo.

Fighting Style[]

Ranbo was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a hidari-yotsu (right hand outside, left hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was yorikiri, or force out.