Tamagaki Gakunosuke - 玉垣 額之助 (born 1784 - August 5, 1824) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Takaki District, Hizen. He made his debut in October 1806 and wrestled for Tamagaki stable. He reached the makuuchi division in October 1810 and has four top division championships. His highest rank was ozeki and he died while as an active wrestler in August 1824.
Career[]
Born Okada Kinsaku (he later changed his given name to Tanaka) in Takaki District, Hizen Province (currently Minamitakaki District, Nagasaki), he initally wrestled for Osaka sumo before joining Edo sumo's Tamagaki stable in 1806. Upon promotion to makuuchi in October 1810 he was given the shikona "Koshinoumi Yuzo" (越ノ海 勇藏). He later took the shikona "Tamagaki Gakunosuke" (玉垣 額之助) in 1814. In April 1814, he was ranked at maegashira 1, but in the very next November 1814 tournament, he was ranked at ozeki. The reason was that the banzuke (the sumo wrestlers' hierarchy) was changed to that based on real ability.
In June 1823, Tamagaki and Kashiwado were awarded yokozuna licences by the Gojo family. However, after Kashiwado rejected the licence, he also rejected his. In the next year, he died while being an active wrestler.
In the top makuuchi division, he achieved the best record in only four tournaments, but his win ratio finally reached .815. Rival Kashiwado won 16 tournaments, but he recorded the win ratio .810.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 114-27-67-13draws-1hold-14no results/169 (25 basho)
- Makuuchi: 114-27-67-13draws-1hold-14no results/169 (25 basho)
Championships[]
- 4 Unofficial Makuuchi Championships
- 1st (April 1812)
- 2nd (November 1814)
- 3rd (February 1818)
- 4th (October 1820)
Shikona History[]
- Koshinoumi Yuzo (1810.10 - 1813.11)
- Tamagaki Banemon (1814.04 - 1814.04)
- Tamagaki Gakunosuke (1814.11 - 1824.01)
Gallery[]
