Takanofuji Yukihiro - 隆の富士 幸寛 (born May 22, 1980) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Seki, Gifu. He made his debut in September 1999 and wrestled for Naruto stable. His highest rank was makushita 14 and he retired in November 2007.
Early Life[]
Tsuji began sumo wrestling during his fifth year of elementary school. He went on to attend Toyo University where he was a member of the school's sumo club, however, he dropped out after only two months and joined Naruto stable.
Career[]
Tsuji made his professional debut in September 1999 and finished with a 6-1 in first official tournament in November 1999. He was placed in a five-man playoff which he won to claim the jonokuchi yusho. He followed with a perfect 7-0 record in January 2000 to claim the jonidan yusho. In July 2000, he was given the shikona "Takanofuji" (隆の富士) and reached the makushita division in July 2000. He reached a career-best makushita 14 in July 2003, but could only manage a 2-5 record in this tournament.
Prior to the March 2004 tournament, Takanofuji suffered an injury and had to miss the following four tournaments which resulted in him falling back down to the lowest jonokuchi division. He returned to action in November 2004 where he finished with a perfect 7-0 record to claim his second jonokuchi yusho. He followed with another perfect 7-0 record to claim his second jonidan yusho. He returned to makushita in January 2006, but was unable to establish himself in the division and had multiple stints in sandanme.
Retirement from Sumo[]
Takanofuji retired from sumo in November 2007. After retiring, he worked as a bodyguard before working as a plus-size model.
Fighting Style[]
Takanofuji defeats Kainohama by yorikiri (force out)
Takanofuji was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He won majority of his bouts with a straightforward yorikiri, or force out.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 169-140-34/309 (50 basho)
- Makushita: 43-69-7/112 (17 basho)
- Sandanme: 94-67-14/161 (25 basho)
- Jonidan: 19-3-13/22 (5 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 13-1/14 (2 basho)
Championships[]
- 2 Jonidan Championships
- 1st (January 2000)
- 2nd (January 2005)
- 2 Jonokuchi Championships
- 1st (November 1999)
- 2nd (November 2005)
Shikona History[]
- Tsuji Yukihiro (1999.09 - 2000.05)
- Takanofuji Yukihiro (2000.07 - 2007.11)
Gallery[]
