Saganoumi Terukazu - 佐賀ノ海 輝一 (born October 20, 1945 - October 3, 1999) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Morodomi, Saga. He made his debut in November 1965 and last wrestled for Kimigahama stable. He reached the juryo division in July 1972. His highest rank was juryo 11 and he retired in September 1975.
Baseball Career[]
Haji attended Saga Prefectural Saga Industrial High School where he played for the baseball club. After graduating, he signed a professional contract with the Kintetsu Buffaloes of the Nippon Professional Baseball League in 1964. He played the position of pitcher, however, after two years he left the team without pitching a single baseball.
Sumo Career[]
After leaving the Kintetsu Buffaloes, Haji joined professional sumo, making his debut in November 1965 and wrestling for Izutsu stable. He initially wrestled under his surname before switching to "Saganoumi" (佐賀ノ海) in November 1968. He was promoted to sandanme in September 1966 and makushita in May 1970. In March 1972, he transferred to the recently established Kimigahama stable and in May 1972, he produced a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 3 to earn a promotion to the salaried juryo division.
He made his juryo debut in July 1972, but could only manage a 3-12 record and was demoted back down to makushita. He changed his shikona back to his surname in January 1973 and returned to juryo in March 1975, but finished with a 6-9 record and was demoted back down to makushita. He announced his retirement after the September 1975 tournament.
Retirement from Sumo[]
After retiring, he opened up a chanko restaurant in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, called "Haji" (土師), which was his surname as well as his shikona at one point.
Death[]
Saganoumi died on October 3, 1999, due to a traffic accident. He was 53 years old.
Fighting Style[]
Saganoumi 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. He was also fond of employing uwatenage, or overarm throw.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 223-199-7/422 (60 basho)
- Juryo: 9-21/30 (2 basho)
- Makushita: 119-91-7/210 (31 basho)
- Sandanme: 69-71/140 (20 basho)
- Jonidan: 22-13/35 (5 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 4-3/7 (1 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Haji (1965.11 - 1968.09)
- Saganoumi Terukazu (1968.11 - 1972.11)
- Haji Kazuo (1973.01 - 1975.09)
Gallery[]
