Sakuranishiki Morihiro - 櫻錦 守弘 (born June 26, 1916 - June 4, 1962) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Itayanagi, Aomori. He made his debut in January 1938 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1940 and has one special prize as well as two kinboshi. His highest rank was komusubi and he retired in May 1951.
Career[]
Early Career[]
In August 1932, Aizu joined the Kansai Sumo Association which was set up by former sekiwake Tenryu. Upon the closure of the Kansai Sumo Association in 1937, Sugiyama transferred to the Japan Sumo Association and joined Dewanoumi stable. He made his debut in January 1938 under the shikona "Sakuranishiki" (櫻錦) and due to his previous professional sumo experience he made his debut at the makushita division. In his first tournament, Sakuranishiki won the makushita yusho and was promoted to juryo in January 1939. After two tournaments in juryo he was promoted to makuuchi in January 1940.
Makuuchi Career[]
In only his second top division tournament, Sakuranishiki defeated Yokozuna Futabayama on their first meeting to earn his first kinboshi. Two tournaments later in May 1941, Sakuranishiki defeated Futabayama again to earn his second kinboshi. After seven years in the maegashira ranks, Sakuranishiki was promoted to komusubi in November 1947. However, he finished with a 5-6 record and record and was demoted. He returned back to komusubi in October 1948 and defeated Yokozuna Maedayama in that tournament, however, he still ended up with a losing record. In January 1951, Sakuranishiki finished with a strong 12-3 record and was awarded the Technique prize. However, he retired in the following May 1951 tournament due to an injury.
Retirement from Sumo[]
After retiring, Sakuranishiki remained in the Sumo Association as an elder under the name Takasaki. He worked as a coach for Dewanoumi stable until his death in June 1962.
Fighting Style[]
Sakuranishiki was proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His favored grip on his opponent's mawashi was hidari-yotsu, a right hand outside, left hand inside position. His most often used winning kimarite was oshidashi (push out), followed by yorikiri (force out).
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 184-158-52/340 (30 basho)
- Makuuchi: 149-146-51/293 (26 basho)
- Juryo: 20-8/28 (2 basho)
- Makushita: 15-4-1/19 (2 basho)
Championships[]
- 1 Makushita Championship (January 1938)
Achievements[]
- Sansho: Technique Prize (1)
- Kinboshi: (2) Futabayama
Shikona History[]
- Sakuranishiki Riichi (1938.01 - 1947.11)
- Sakuranishiki Morihiro (1948.05 - 1951.05)
Gallery[]
