Rao Nozomu - 羅王 希望 (born March 30, 1993) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tokorozawa, Saitama. He made his debut in January 2011 and wrestled for Tatsunami stable. His highest rank was makushita 37 and he retired in January 2024.
Early Life[]
Rao Ito was born in Tokorozawa, Saitama, on March 30, 1993, to a Filipino mother and a Japanese father.[1] Ito began sumo wrestling in the fifth grade at Iruma Shonen Sumo Club. After graduating junior high school, he attended Kibogaoka High School in Fukuoka and was a member of the school's sumo club. After finishing high school, he joined Tatsunami stable in late 2010.[2]
Career[]
He made his professional debut in January 2011 and was given the shikona "Raomaru" (羅王丸). He finished with solid 5-2 records in his first three tournaments and was promoted to sandanme in November 2011. In January 2015, he dropped the "Maru" (丸) in his shikona and began wrestling under his given name "Rao" (羅王). He reached the makushita division in November 2015 and was promoted to a career-best makushita 37 in September 2016. He missed two tournaments in March and May 2018 due to a right elbow injury and was demoted back down to jonidan. Upon returning to action in July 2018, Rao won the jonidan yusho with a perfect 7-0 record. He was promoted back to makushita in September 2019, but spent a majority of his time in sandanme.[3]
Retirement from Sumo[]
In November 2023, Rao had decided to retire from active sumo after 12 years in the ring. In his last bout he was congratulated by his stablemates and brother backstage after the match. He posted a 2-5 losing record and shortly after the tournament, he had his retirement ceremony, or danpatsu-shiki. His retirement was officially listed after the January 2024 tournament. After retirement, he plans to work in Nagoya while aiming to obtain a caregiver qualification. He was recommended for this job by supporters, as it suits his kind personality.[2]
Personal Life[]
- His younger brother, Baraki, was also a professional sumo wrestler and wrestled in Shikihide stable.[2]
- His given name Rao is derived from a character in the manga series Fist of the North Star.[4]
Fighting Style[]
Rao defeats Masuminato by uwatenage (overarm throw)
Rao is proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. Due to his small size, he prefers a maemitsu grip on his opponent's mawashi or belt – grabbing the front part directly below the stomach area.[5] His most often used winning kimarite is yorikiri (force out), followed by oshidashi (push out) and uwatenage (overarm throw).[6]
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 263-247-15/509 (76 basho)
- Makushita: 30-47/77 (11 basho)
- Sandanme: 205-193-8/397 (58 basho)
- Jonidan: 23-5-7/28 (5 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 5-2/7 (1 basho)
Championships[]
- 1 Jonidan Championship (July 2018)
Shikona History[]
- Raomaru Nozomu (2011.01 - 2014.11)
- Rao Nozomu (2015.01 - 2023.11)
Gallery[]
(c. 2023)