Terunofuji Haruo

Terunofuji Haruo - 照ノ富士春雄 (born November 29, 1991) is a former Mongolian professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar. He made his debut in January 2011 and wrestled for Isegahama stable. He reached the makuuchi division in March 2014 and has 9 special prizes and 10 top division championships. He was the 73rd yokozuna and he retired in January 2025.

Early Life[]

Gantulgyn Gan-Erdene was born on November 29, 1991, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. His father was employed in the mining industry. Gan-Erdene had no experience with sumo until he was 17, but as a child, he was coached in judo by Jigjidiin Mönkhbat, the father of Yokozuna Hakuho.^[1]

TerunofujiHS2010 — Terunofuji during his time in high school (c. 2010)

In 2007, he visited Japan with his mother on a sightseeing trip, during which he was unexpectedly approached by a sumo stable official. After observing training sessions for several days, he became fascinated by the world of sumo. It is said that during his stay, he spent every day watching sumo training instead of sightseeing. He was also an excellent student and was allowed to skip grades, gaining admission to a technical university at the age of 17. Although his parents wanted him to become an engineer, he decided to pursue sumo training abroad.^[1]

With the help of Hakuho's father, Jigjidiin Mönkhbat, who recognized his natural talent for sumo, he was able to move to Japan and enroll at Tottori Johoku High School, known for its prestigious sumo program.^[2] Future top division wrestlers Ichinojo and Mitoryu travelled with him and joined the same school.^[2] He continued his rivalry with Ichinojo into the professional ranks, remarking in 2015, "What matters is who will make it to the ozeki rank first."^[3] As a third year student, Gan-Erdene's team took the championship at a national inter-high school sumo tournament.^[4]

Career[]

Early Career[]

Upon graduating, he chose to turn professional and joined Magaki stable. He entered the ring in the same tournament as soon to be well-known Chiyotairyu and Jokoryu. Upon entering he was given the shikona surname of Wakamisho (若三勝). From his first pro tournament in July 2011 he excelled, posting only three losses in three tournaments and spending only one tournament in each of the lower divisions of jonokuchi, jonidan and sandanme.

G20150528010431860 view — Wakamisho after winning a bout in maezumo (c. 2011)

In his sandanme tournament in November 2011, he had a perfect 7–0 record and participated in a playoff for the championship, which he lost to the aforementioned Jokoryu, then still known as Sakumayama. From his third division makushita debut in January 2012, he had three consecutive 5–2 records before posting two consecutive losing tournaments in July and September 2012, the only two of his career up to that point. He bounced back from this in the following November tournament, garnering a 4–3 record. ^[5]

During the period, his stable closed, and he transferred to Isegahama stable.^[6] He had become frustrated with a lack of training opportunities at the small Magaki stable, as with the ill health of his stablemaster and various scandals there were sometimes no other coaches or wrestlers present during training.^[7] At Isegahama by contrast he was able to practice with many higher ranked wrestlers, such as Harumafuji and Aminishiki, to improve his technique.^[6] His 6–1 record at makushita 4 in July 2013 was enough to earn him promotion to the salaried ranks of juryo for the September 2013 tournament.^[5]

Juryo Career[]

Upon entering juryo he changed his shikona surname to Terunofuji, a combination of two former yokozuna, Terukuni and Asahifuji (his own stablemaster), and a reflection of the high expectations placed on him.^[3] He took the juryo championship in his debut tournament, beating future maegashira Kagamio on the last day to even their records and forcing a playoff bout against Kagamio, which he also won. This success followed in the footsteps of the popular Endo who in the previous tournament also took the juryo championship in his debut in said division. An 8–7 record in the following November tournament and an even more impressive 12–3 record against a host of wrestlers with makuuchi experience in the January 2014 tournament earned him promotion to the top makuuchi division in March 2014.^[5]

Makuuchi Career[]

TerunofujiArawashi2014 — Terunofuji defeats fellow Mongolian Arawashi (c. 2014)

His debut in the makuuchi division looked to be a disaster, and he had only a 2–7 record on the 9th day. However, from then on he won 6 straight bouts in 6 days to pull out a kachi-koshi or winning tournament. Then in the following May tournament he started out with an unpromising 4–6 record, but then won 5 straight to finish with a strong showing of 9–6. Two tournaments later in the September 2014 tournament at maegashira 1 he was up against top notch competition, including several san'yaku or titled wrestlers, and he only managed to eke out a 6–9 record. This was only his third make-koshi or losing record in a tournament in his career and his first in the salaried rank. He only fell to maegashira 2 though, being helped by bad showings from several other wrestlers. It was in this tournament in November 2014 that he truly began to show his mettle in the top division; after going only 4–6, he beat an ozeki and two sekiwake in the last 5 days to pull off an 8–7. In the January 2015, he defeated the ozeki Goeido and Kisenosato, the sekiwake Aoiyama and both active komusubi on the way to an 8–7 record. He was awarded the Fighting Spirit Prize, his first special prize.^[5]

He was promoted to the rank of sekiwake for the next tournament. In the March Grand Tournament of 2015, he defeated yokozuna Hakuho (unbeaten in his last 36 matches) for the first time in four meetings,^[8] and finished runner-up with a 13–2 record, having also defeated both komusubi as well as the ozeki Goeido and Kotoshogiku. He received his second Fighting Spirit Prize and was also awarded the prize for Outstanding Performance. After his final contest he said "I’ll shoot for double-digit wins at the next tournament and hopefully that will lead to victory. Now I just want to take a long rest".^[9]

TerunofujiFirstYusho2015 — Terunofuji receives the Emperor's Cup after winning his first yusho (c. 2015)

In May 2015, Terunofuji was beaten on the opening day of the Natsu basho by Sadanoumi, but won his next seven including victories over both komusubi and the ozeki Kotoshogiku. After defeats by Tokushoryu on day nine and Hakuho on day eleven he recovered to win his next three matches including victories over Kisenosato and the sekiwake Myogiryu to enter the final day in a tie for first place with Hakuho. In his final match he defeated the Bulgarian maegashira Aoiyama by yorikiri or force-out, and then saw Hakuho lose to Harumafuji. The result was that Terunofuji, in his eighth top-division tournament, was handed his first championship with a 12–3 record and was awarded the Fighting Spirit Prize for the third time.^[10] Terunofuji admitted that he had been "almost in tears" at the conclusion of the tournament and said, "When I was 15 years old I watched sumo and wanted to become a sumo wrestler and so came to Japan. It was a dream of mine to win the championship. To actually win it is like a dream." A few days after the tournament, Terunofuji's official promotion to ozeki was announced in a press conference.^[11] He was the first to be promoted to ozeki having previously spent only two tournaments in san'yaku since Yoshibayama 64 years earlier. As Yoshibayama's promotion came before the six-tournaments per year system, Terunofuji was the first to be promoted after only four months in sanyaku.^[12]

Ozeki Career[]

On his first appearance at his new rank Terunofuji won nine of his first ten matches to reach a tie for the lead, but losses to Hakuho, Kakuryu and Kotoshogiku saw him end the tournament with an 11–4 record. In September he won his first eleven matches to establish a clear lead over the opposition, but then lost to Tochiozan and Kisenosato, sustaining a knee injury in the latter match.^[13] Another loss to Goeido saw him enter the final day with eleven wins, one behind the yokozuna Kakuryu. In the final scheduled match on day 15 Terunofuji defeated Kakuryu to level their scores but lost the ensuing play-off. Terunofuji's knee injury continued to trouble him in November but he posted nine wins including victories over the yokozuna Kakuryu and Hakuho.^[5]

TerunofujiKyokushuho2016 — Terunofuji suffers an injury after a match against Kyokushuho (c. 2016)

In January 2016 Terunofuji won three of his first five bouts before withdrawing from the tournament with a broken right collar bone and damaged meniscus in his left knee, after a bout with Kyokushuho.^[14] This was the first withdrawal of his career. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee shortly afterwards.^[15] Despite his injury problems he announced that he would contest the next tournament in March, where he was kadoban, or in danger of demotion from ozeki rank. In March 2016, Terunofuji still seemed well below his best, but maintained his rank with eight wins. In May however his form slumped as he lost his last thirteen matches to end with a career-worst record of 2–13. He just managed to preserve his rank on the final day of the following Nagoya tournament by defeating Kaisei for an 8–7 record, but was kadoban yet again after recording only four wins in September. In November 2016 things did not look good as he was kadoban and under danger of demotion if he failed to secure at least eight wins in the tournament. Things did not start off on the right foot as he lost his first two matches, however things took a turn as he proceeded to win the next seven in a row including a win over fellow ozeki Kotoshogiku. Terunofuji then had two losses against Kakuryu and Goeido, but was able to get his winning record on day 12 against Hakuho which erased his kadoban status and secured his rank. Terunofuji did however go on to lose the remaining three days of the tournament ending with an 8–7 record. 2016 was a hard year for Terunofuji, with the lack of strength and flexibility in his knees affecting his performances. He was kadoban three times, but was able to hold on to his rank each time by getting a winning record in the following tournament.^[5]

The January 2017 tournament did not bode well for Terunofuji as he managed only four wins, making him kadoban for the fourth time. The Osaka tournament in March saw a dramatic return to form as he won his first five matches before losing to Takayasu, and then won his next seven to take a share of the lead with a win over Kakuryu on Day 13. On Day 14 he became the sole leader after he defeated Kotoshogiku and the injured Yokozuna Kisenosato lost to Kakuryu, but he was booed by the crowd for sidestepping his opponent at the initial charge.^[15] He missed out on his second championship on the final day as he was defeated twice by Kisenosato, once in their regulation match and again in the resulting playoff. The Japan Sumo Association was questioned by the government after the tournament when media reports suggested that Terunofuji was subjected to hate speech taunts from the crowd after his controversial win over Kotoshogiku, with the expression "Go back to Mongolia" reportedly used.^[16]

TerunofujiTakayasu2017 — Terunofuji battles sekiwake Takayasu (c. 2017)

Terunofuji underwent endoscopic surgery on his left knee after the May 2017 tournament, but did not recover as well as expected.^[17] He entered the Nagoya tournament in July but withdrew after four losses in the first five days, citing a meniscal injury to the knee.^[18] The September tournament saw a repeat of Nagoya, with Terunofuji winning only one of his first five matches before he was forced to withdraw because of the knee injury, which he aggravated in a loss to Shohozan on Day 5.^[19] Having failed to record a winning score in two consecutive tournaments he lost his ozeki status after 14 tournaments at the rank.^[19]

Injuries and Demotion[]

Terunofuji could have made an immediate return to ozeki with at least ten wins in the November 2017 tournament, but he withdrew on Day 5 after losing his first four matches, citing a meniscus tear in his left knee.^[20] He withdrew from the January 2018 tournament on Day 3 after losing his first two bouts, due to a viscera disorder, and was demoted to juryo as a result.^[21] He is the fourth former ozeki to fall to juryo and the first since Baruto in 2013.^[22]

TerunofujiJonidan2019 — Terunofuji falls down to jonidan (c. 2019)

In March 2018 he completed a tournament for the first time since May of the previous year but could only score six wins against nine losses from juryo 5. He withdrew from the May 2018 tournament on Day 4, but returned from Day 11 in an attempt to stave off demotion to makushita. His stablemaster reported that in addition to diabetes and knee problems he was also suffering from kidney stones.^[23] However he failed to win any matches on his return and was demoted to makushita. He was the first ozeki and first top division tournament winner to fall to that division. He had surgery on both knees on June 25 and withdrew from the July 2018 tournament, with his stablemaster indicating he wanted Terunofuji to have his knees healed properly before competing again.^[24] He was also absent for the next three tournaments, which caused him to fall to the second-lowest jonidan division. He returned to competition in March 2019 and won all seven of his matches, although he lost a playoff for the jonidan championship to Roga. This was his first appearance since May 2018, and his first winning record since May 2017. In his next three tournaments he lost just one bout in each, progressing to makushita 10 by November 2019. In the Kyushu tournament he won the makushita championship with a perfect 7–0 record, ensuring his return to the sekitori ranks.^[5]

In his first tournament as a sekitori since May 2018, Terunofuji won his second consecutive yusho by clinching the juryo championship on Day 13 of the January tournament with 13 straight wins. He lost his final two matches to Nishikigi and Daiamami, ending any outside hopes of immediate promotion back to makuuchi, and was ranked at juryo 3 for the March 2020 tournament.^[5]

Return to Makuuchi[]

TerunofujiHakkaku2020 — Terunofuji receives the Emperor's Cup after winning his second yusho (c. 2020)

In the March tournament, Terunofuji finished with a 10-5 record and earned promotion back to makuuchi, after 14 tournaments outside the top division. Terunofuji is the first top division wrestler to fall to jonidan and successfully return to makuuchi.^[25] In the July 2020 tournament, Terunofuji continued his comeback by winning his second top-division yusho with a 13-2 record. He secured the championship by defeating sekiwake Mitakeumi on the final day and also won the Technique and Outstanding Performance prizes as well. The 30 tournaments between this victory and his previous yusho in May 2015 is the second longest gap between top division championships after Kotonishiki's 43.^[26] Speaking to reporters following his victory, Terunofuji thanked his stablemaster, who convinced him to keep working on healing himself when Terunofuji had asked for permission to retire.^[27] In the September 2020 tournament from maegashira 1 Terunofuji secured a winning record with eight wins, before withdrawing on Day 13 with a left knee injury.^[28] He returned to the san'yaku ranks for the first time in three years at the November 2020 tournament. This was the first time he had been ranked as a komusubi.^[5]

Terunofuji continued to perform well at the November 2020 basho, going into the final day with a 12-2 record. This score put him one win behind ozeki Takakeisho in the yusho race. Terunofuji faced Takakeisho on the final day, defeating him and bringing their scores level to force a yusho playoff. However, Takakeisho won the playoff and claimed the championship. For his efforts, Terunofuji was awarded the gino-sho or technique prize at the tournament's conclusion. He was the runner-up again in January 2021, when he defeated both the active ozeki and secured another gino-sho (technique prize).^[5]

Return to Ozeki[]

TerunofujiOzekiCelebration2021 — Terunofuji celebrates his return to the ozeki (c. 2021)

Terunofuji acknowledged before the March 2021 tournament that he would need a three basho total of 33 wins to be considered for ozeki promotion and that he would "fight hard." His own stablemaster, Isegahama (former yokozuna Asahifuji), is the head of the refereeing department and in charge of drawing up the rankings.^[29] With his fellow Mongolians Hakuho and Kakuryu withdrawn due to injury, Terunofuji won his third career yusho and earned his third shukun-sho, finishing with a 12-3 record - more than the 10 wins needed for an expected promotion to ozeki once again.^[5]

He is the first wrestler to win three top division championships from a rank below ozeki. Terunofuji later told reporters that barely qualifying for promotion to the sport's second-highest rank was not enough, as he felt that his stablemaster's reputation was on the line.^[30] The Sumo Association unanimously approved his promotion on 31 March.^[31] He accepted "with great humility" when informed by JSA representatives at Isegahama stable. He later reiterated his gratitude to his stablemaster, adding that he would devote himself to training and aim higher.^[32] He has also commenced the process of applying for Japanese citizenship, a requirement for wrestlers who wish to remain in sumo as members of the Japan Sumo Association after retirement from active competition.^[33] He won his fourth championship in the May 2021 tournament after defeating fellow ozeki Takakeisho in a playoff, becoming the first person since the kadoban system was introduced in July 1969 to win the Emperor's Cup after returning to the ozeki rank.^[34]

Yokozuna Career[]

2021[]

In the July 2021 tournament, Terunofuji was in contention for the Emperor's Cup with a perfect record after 14 days before losing in the final match to fellow Mongolian-born yokozuna Hakuho, who won the championship with a perfect 15–0 record. This was their first meeting in four years, and only the sixth time in sumo history that two sumo wrestlers had fought on the final day with undefeated records.^[35] Despite missing out on the championship, his performance over the last three tournaments — 38 victories, with a top division championship at the sekiwake rank followed by a championship and a runner-up performance at the ozeki rank — was enough for the Sumo Association to call for an extraordinary meeting to discuss Terunofuji's promotion to become the 73rd yokozuna, the first yokozuna of the Reiwa Era.^[36] This completed Terunofuji's historic comeback after dropping from the second-highest ozeki rank to the second-lowest jonidan division.^[37] He is only the second rikishi in history who was demoted from the rank of ozeki but still managed the promotion to yokozuna, the only other one being Mienoumi in 1979, and is also only the fourth rikishi who got promoted to yokozuna after only two tournaments after promotion to ozeki, after Tochigiyama in 1918, Futabayama in 1937, and Terukuni in 1942. At 29 years and 7 months, he is also the sixth oldest rikishi to be promoted to yokozuna.^[38]

The Yokozuna Deliberation Council recommended Terunofuji's promotion on July 19, and the Sumo Association formally approved the promotion on July 21.^[39] In his acceptance speech, Terunofuji said he would hold on to his "...unshakeable spirit and aim to foster greater dignity and power as a yokozuna." Later, he told reporters that he wanted to have a more determined mindset in sumo, adding that he wanted to understand what it means to be a yokozuna and be a role model to others.^[37]

TerunofujiDohyoIri2021-2 — Terunofuji performs his first yokozuna dohyo-iri (c. 2021)

Terunofuji adopted the Shiranui style used by his stablemaster Isegahama and took part in his first dohyo-iri (ring-entering ceremony) as a yokozuna on 24 August at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the ceremony was delayed by one month after his promotion. The ceremony was closed to the public, but the Sumo Association streamed the event on YouTube. Stablemates Terutsuyoshi and Takarafuji served as the tsuyuharai (dew sweeper) and tachimochi (sword bearer), respectively,^[40] and Terunofuji borrowed the tachi (sword) used for the ceremony from his stablemaster. In preparation for his first tournament as yokozuna, Terunofuji received a tachi from the sumo club supporters' association of Johoku High School (his former school). According to the supporter's association, the tachi was made in 1576 and is about one meter long.^[41]

In his Yokozuna debut, Terunofuji claimed his fifth championship by defeating ozeki Shodai on the final day to finish with a 13-2 record. Hakuho's retirement was formalized on September 30, 2021, leaving Terunofuji as sumo's only yokozuna at present.^[42] Terunofuji's sixth career yusho in makuuchi was assured on Day 14 of the November 2021 tournament after he defeated Abi, who had been the only other wrestler in contention for the Emperor's Cup at that time. He would end up defeating Takakeisho on the final day for his first perfect record in makuuchi. Terunofuji was humble during his public interview, appreciating the support of fans in Kyushu who did not see last year's November basho because of COVID-19 and saying that he was "not such a talented wrestler capable of doing many things." Terunofuji became the first sumo wrestler to win his first two tournaments at the yokozuna rank since Taiho, who accomplished the feat in January 1962.^[43] He was also the first wrestler to win four tournaments in a year since Hakuho in 2014.^[44]

2022[]

In January 2022 Terunofuji's performance was somewhat hampered by knee injuries and he lost to Mitakeumi in a title-decider on the final day to finish on 11–4, two wins off the pace.^[45] In February 2022 the Sumo Association announced that, along with a number of other high-ranking wrestlers, he had tested positive for COVID-19.^[46] He missed ten days of training as a result.^[47]

Terunofuji withdrew on Day 6 of the March 2022 basho in Osaka citing issues with his right heel and left knee, both of which he had injured in the past.^[47] The issues would require about one month of treatment, according to a medical certificate submitted to the Sumo Association. Terunofuji's withdrawal came after he was defeated by Daieisho and, for the second straight tournament, Tamawashi. It was his first kyujo since his promotion to sumo's highest rank.^[48]

At the May 2022 Natsu Basho in Tokyo, Terunofuji overcame early losses to clinch the tournament with a 12–3 record. He avoided what would have been a four-way playoff with Daieisho, Takanosho and Sadanoumi by beating Mitakeumi on the final day. In an online press conference the following day, he spoke of his relief at his victory and paid tribute to his former Isegahama stablemate Aminishiki ahead of his retirement ceremony, who Terunofuji said had given him advice on how to deal with his knee injuries.^[49]

In July Terunofuji was in contention for the championship on the final day but his defeat to Takakeisho meant he finished on 11–4, one win behind maegashira Ichinojo who took the title with a 12–3 record. In the September tournament he pulled out on Day 10, having already suffered four losses, due to injuries to both knees. This was the 13th withdrawal of his career, and his second since becoming yokozuna.^[5]

TerunofujiMeisei2022 — Terunofuji pushes down Meisei (c. 2022)

In September 2022, Terunofuji decided to withdraw from the remainder of the tournament on Day 10, having given away four kinboshi to fall to a 5–4 record. In a telephone interview, his stable master Isegahama-oyakata said Terunofuji had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both knees and bone contusion in the right knee, which was "completely out of alignment". Isegahama said, "He needs to heal properly, not just rest. In some cases, surgery will be necessary. I think the inflammation will stop in a few days, but after that, I have to think carefully about what to do."^[50] Terunofuji had surgery on both knees on October 18, with his stablemaster indicating he would not return to competition until fully healed.^[51] On 11 November Terunofuji formally withdrew from the November tournament in Fukuoka.^[52]

2023[]

On the January 2023 banzuke Terunofuji was designated as yokozuna-ozeki because there was just one wrestler (Takakeisho) listed at the ozeki rank. He withdrew from the tournament, however, in order to continue recovering from the surgery on his knees.^[53] He withdrew again in March after stablemaster Isegahama suggested that there was "still something missing" upon observing Terunofuji's training.^[54]

Terunofuji appeared for the first time since his September 2022 withdrawal as a part-time participant in the April 2023 regional sumo tours, called jungyo.^[55] He competed in–and won–the jungyo tournament for makuuchi wrestlers on 15 April in Fujisawa. A couple of days later, he confirmed his intention to return to action at the May 2023 tournament in Tokyo.^[56]

TerunofujiPrepares2023 — Terunofuji prepares for his upcoming match (c. 2023)

Terunofuji was the leader of the makuuchi championship race throughout the May 2023 tournament. He became the sole leader after Day 12, when former ozeki Asanoyama suffered his second defeat. On Day 14 Terunofuji won his eighth top division championship by defeating sekiwake Kiribayama, thereby securing a two-win advantage over his competitors with one day remaining. He finished the tournament with a 14-1 record, his best since the November 2021 tournament. His only loss was dealt by Meisei on Day 9. His victory was the first makuuchi championship won by a wrestler who has been absent for three successive tournaments in 34 years, the last being current Sumo Association president Hakkaku (former yokozuna Hokutoumi).^[57] His victory also meant that he had won at least one top-division championship for four consecutive years since his comeback to the makuuchi division. Upon clinching the championship, Terunofuji stated that he did not want to waste a single day since his surgery in October.^[58] Terunofuji's exclusive trainer, Hidejima Masayoshi, expressed his joy, saying, "I genuinely wanted him to finish the tournament without any injuries. It's an amazing comeback. I believed he would be able to demonstrate absolute yokozuna sumo for another year."^[59]

Terunofuji withdrew from the July 2023 tournament on Day 4 after conceding back-to-back gold stars to top maegashira competitors Nishikigi and Tobizaru. Following the latter match he was seen with his hands on the shoulders of one of his assistants as he departed back to the locker room. His medical certificate stated that he would need a month of rest due to a herniated disc and vertebral endplate issues. It was Terunofuji's sixth withdrawal out of the last ten tournaments.^[60]

TerunofujiKotoshoho2023 — Terunofuji defeats Kotoshoho (c. 2023)

Following the announcement of the rankings for the September tournament, Terunofuji expressed his reservations about taking part in the competition, although his presence remained a possibility if his back problems eased.^[61] Terunofuji eventually withdrew from the September tournament, which marked his seventh kyujo since his yokozuna promotion. His stablemaster Isegahama said that although Terunofuji's muscles and knees were in great condition, he would need about a month of treatment for lower back pain.^[62] The official medical certificate noted that Terunofuji was being treated for a lumbar disc herniation and symptoms of diabetes.^[63]

In preparation for the Autumn regional tour, Terunofuji offered clarification on the state of his back, nevertheless withdrawing from the first week of the tour to continue treatment, while ruling out surgery in order to compete at the Kyushu tournament. By his own admission, the state of his back made training impossible, but Terunofuji was optimistic about the continuation of his career, taking part in the danpatsu-shiki of former sekiwake Okinoumi and performing his ring-entering ceremony at the Meiji Shrine on October 2.^[64]^[65] The day before planning to rejoin the regional tour, it was reported that part of Terunofuji's hip bone had previously been broken.^[66]

Terunofuji withdrew again before the start of the November 2023 tournament, one day after cutting his practice short at his stable's lodging in Fukuoka in order to treat lower back pain.^[67] It was his eighth withdrawal since yokozuna promotion, and also meant that he would complete 2023 having participated in just one tournament for the full 15 days. After the November 2023 tournament, the Yokozuna Deliberation Council requested that Terunofuji compete at the following tournament in January. They indicated that they would make a comment should he not compete, which could including issuing a formal notice.^[68]

2024[]

At the dohyo-iri held at Meiji Shrine prior to the start of the January 2024 tournament, Terunofuji said he was ready for his return to the ring and that he wanted to take up sumo to shake off the dark news—referring to the Noto Peninsula earthquake and the aircraft collision at Haneda Airport that occurred in Japan at the beginning of the year—and make good news.^[69] During this tournament, Terunofuji recorded the five-hundredth victory of his career by defeating Maegashira Ryuden on Day 8.^[70] On Day 13, he defeated tournament leader Kotonowaka to remain among the three tied wrestlers still in the running for the title (along with Kotonowaka and ozeki Kirishima). On the final day, Terunofuji won his match against Kirishima to escape a three-way playoff situation. He then faced and defeated Kotonowaka who qualified for a playoff, winning his ninth championship title in the process.^[5]

At the March 2024 tournament, he started poorly, losing four of his first six matches, the first time that has happened since his yokozuna promotion. This included three consecutive gold stars conceded to lower-ranked maegashira competitors, the first such instance in professional sumo in 4 1⁄2 years.^[71] Terunofuji withdrew on Day 7, marking his ninth withdrawal from a grand sumo tournament since his rise to the yokozuna rank. His medical certificate cited lumbar disc disease, requiring two weeks of treatment. Stablemaster Isegahama commented that the condition of his lower back was not good, adding that the goal was to continue treatment and recover for the next tournament in May. Isegahama also ruled out surgery, stating that Terunofuji would not be able to compete anymore if that were to happen.^[72]

Prior to the start of the May 2024 tournament Terunofuji appeared at an open training session at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, but did not enter the sumo ring to train like the others did.^[73] Terunofuji decided to participate in the tournament after there was some uncertainty, and sumo officials assigned him to face new komusubi Onosato. Terunofuji was defeated, however, losing to the 23-year-old by sukuinage, or beltless arm throw. Terunofuji withdrew from the tournament on the following day, with his medical certificate stating that he would need treatment for damaged costal cartilage in his left rib as well as osteoarthritis in his right knee.^[74] Following the May tournament, Yokozuna Deliberation Council chairman Masayuki Yamauchi said that the council would see over the following tournaments in July and September how Terunofuji would recover from his injury and his determination to return to competition. Yamauchi also appreciated Terunofuji's fighting spirit for his efforts to compete in May.^[75]

TerunofujiKirishima2024 — Terunofuji throws and defeats Kirishima (c. 2024)

In the July 2024 tournament Terunofuji started out strong, taking the sole lead on Day 4 and opening up a two-win advantage on Day 6. He suffered his first loss of the tournament at the hands of new sekiwake Onosato on Day 11. He then suffered two more defeats on the last two days to finish in a tie at 12 wins with his Day 14 opponent, maegashira Takanosho, who had earned his third career kinboshi against Terunofuji. In the playoff Terunofuji defeated Takanosho, clinching his tenth championship in the top division. It marked his first makuuchi title won in Nagoya; he also won the July tournament in 2020, but that tournament was moved from Nagoya to Tokyo because of the coronavirus pandemic. Terunofuji later told reporters that the July 2024 tournament featured the strongest wrestlers he had ever seen compete. Regarding his own progress, he said: "There are moments when I wonder if I might be at my strongest now, but unlike in the past, I have no definite conviction that I can win whether it be at training or the tournament."^[76] Sumo commentator John Gunning suggested that with ten top-division titles under his belt, Terunofuji should be referred to as the dai-yokozuna, or great grand champion, of the Reiwa era.^[77]

Continuing to suffer health issues, Terunofuji told reporters at the end of the August regional tours that he had lost about 10 kilograms of weight. At an open practice at his stable on 4 September, Terunofuji was seen performing only basic sumo exercises. Stablemaster Isegahama hinted at Terunofuji's condition at the time, saying that one could tell just by looking at him. Two days later Terunofuji pulled out of the September 2024 tournament.^[78] It was later reported that Terunofuji had injured his left knee near the end of the tour, and was since unable to practice at the stable.^[79] Although he was able to perform the dohyo-iri during a portion of the October regional tours, he reportedly was unable to resume training when his stable moved to Fukuoka for the November 2024 tournament. He subsequently withdrew from that tournament, marking his twelfth absence in 20 tournaments at the rank of yokozuna.^[80] Masayuki Yamauchi of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council stated after the tournament that the council was not considering any action against Terunofuji, saying that they would continue to take a wait-and-see approach.^[81]

Retirement from Sumo[]

TerunofujiLastMatch2025-2 — Terunofuji after wrestling his final match (c. 2025)

In early 2025, Terunofuji (still the only yokozuna at the time) confirmed his presence for the first tournament of the year, despite numerous comments calling for his retirement after only a handful of appearances in the annual competitions.^[82] Terunofuji, however, suffered a quick loss to Wakatakakage on the opening day of the tournament. Although he was able to get consecutive wins on the second and third days of the competition, he ultimately withdrew on 16 January–one day after conceding a gold star to Tobizaru–for his 13th absence at sumo's highest rank. Explaining the yokozuna's decision to withdraw from competition, his master Isegahama (the former Asahifuji) explained that Terunofuji had awakened chronic pain in his lower back and knees, the latter reportedly swollen to the point of not being able to close completely.^[83]

Later that same day Japanese media outlets, citing sources within the Japan Sumo Association, reported that Terunofuji had decided to retire after a long battle with knee pain and diabetes.^[84] The Sumo Association made Terunofuji's retirement official the following day, on 17 January 2025.^[85] The only wrestler to occupy the highest rank in the hierarchy, Terunofuji's retirement had left the sport without a grand champion for the first time since the March 1993 tournament, when Akebono was promoted to the supreme rank and occupied the position left vacant since Hokutoumi's retirement in May 1992;^[84] as Terunofuji had continued to remain on the banzuke for the January 2025 tournament despite his retirement, the top rank in sumo did not remain vacant for long, as Hoshoryu won the January 2025 championship and was promoted to yokozuna in time for the March 2025 tournament and banzuke.^[86]

TerunofujiRetirement2025 — Terunofuji announces his retirement (c. 2025)

At his retirement press conference, Terunofuji told reporters that based on his recent poor performances he felt like he should not "stand on the raised ring with a half-hearted mindset or body." He stated that he had told his stablemaster Isegahama after his Day 1 defeat to Wakatakakage that he wished to retire if he lost one more match. He also said that he felt like he had a vigorous sumo career. When asked about his most memorable sumo match, he recalled his first match in March 2019 after injury-related demotion from the second-highest rank of ozeki to the second-lowest rank of jonidan. "I believe it turned out to be a good opportunity for me to enjoy a sumo career for the second time," he said.^[87] Terunofuji plans to remain with his stable (Isegahama) as a coach retaining the name Terunofuji, which he is permitted to do as a wrestler reaching yokozuna.^[85] Commenting on his new coaching role, Terunofuji said: "As the national sport, sumo exists to inspire the Japanese pride. That's why it has to be clean and beautiful. I want to raise wrestlers who do not lie or lose to themselves. Such wrestlers will definitely get strong."^[87]

Fellow Mongolian Miyagino (the 69th yokozuna Hakuho), commenting on Terunofuji's retirement, noted that Terunofuji "recovered from rock bottom, both physically and mentally," and achieved the remarkable feat of reaching sumo's highest rank. He said that Terunofuji had done well, and could not imagine everything he had been going through.^[87]

Personal Life[]

Terunofuji was married in February 2018 to a Mongolian exchange student, although he did not announce it until January 2021. They have known each other since before his first ozeki promotion.^[88] Although their wedding ceremony took place on 11 February 2021 at the Tomioka Hachiman Shrine in Tokyo's Koto ward, their wedding reception took place on 11 June 2023 at a hotel in Tokyo, after having been postponed due to the COVID crisis. Around 800 people took part in the ceremony, including many athletes and Isegahama ichimon members.^[89] Terunofuji's wife is credited with being an unfailing supporter during his long injury layoff,^[90] as during this period he gave up drinking and she followed nutritional advice from his doctor in preparing his meals.^[91] During the post-tournament interviews in May 2023, Terunofuji announced to the press that he is the father of a son born in November 2022. The son's name, Temujin, is a reference to the original name of Genghis Khan.^[92]
In March 2021 Terunofuji revealed that he was in the process of acquiring Japanese citizenship, which would enable him to stay in sumo after retirement as an elder of the Japan Sumo Association.^[93] In August 2021, the Sumo Association announced that Terunofuji was officially a Japanese citizen.^[94] Terunofuji explained that he had made the decision to seek Japanese citizenship in 2019 following his fall to the second-lowest jonidan division, after consultation with his family, stablemaster and colleagues.^[95] His legal name is Seizan Suginomori, created by taking the surname and "sei" part of the forename from his stablemaster's real name of Seiya Suginomori.^[33]
Terunofuji has always been an outgoing person and as a kid he liked to sing and dance. He would also be involved in theater productions as a kid.^[96]
Terunofuji's favorite food is meat, especially beef tongue. He dislikes curry rice and raw fish.^[97] He use to be a drinker, however, after his health problems in 2018, Terunofuji limited his drinking and after reaching the sekitori ranks in January 2020, Terunofuji abstained himself completely from alcohol.^[90]
Terunofuji's favorite artist is AK-69, his hobby is training, and he likes war-related TV shows and manga.^[98]

Fighting Style[]

Terunofuji is a yotsu-sumo wrestler who favors grappling techniques as opposed to pushing and thrusting (oshi-sumo). His preferred grip on his opponent's mawashi or belt is migi-yotsu, a left hand outside, right hand inside position.^[98] Terunofuji's favorite winning kimarite or technique is a straightforward yorikiri, or force out, which has accounted for over 40 percent of his career victories. He also regularly employs kimedashi (arm barring force out), uwatenage (overarm throw), and kotenage (armlock throw).^[99]

Prior to his demotion from the top division, he often relied on his physical strength to lift opponents with both arms and carry them out of the dohyo, a style of wrestling which was criticized for increasing the burden on his knees.^[100]

Record[]

Division Results[]

Total: 523-275-233/785 (82 basho)
Makuuchi: 366-207-199/561 (52 basho)
Juryo: 61-38-6/98 (7 basho)
Makushita: 65-26-14/91 (15 basho)
Sandanme: 13-1-14/14 (4 basho)
Jonidan: 13-1/14 (2 basho)
Jonokuchi: 5-2/7 (1 basho)

Championships[]

10 Makuuchi Championships
- 1st (May 2015)
- 2nd (July 2020)
- 3rd (March 2021)
- 4th (May 2021)
- 5th (September 2021)
- 6th (November 2021)
- 7th (May 2022)
- 8th (May 2023)
- 9th (January 2024)
- 10th (July 2024)
2 Juryo Championships
- 1st (September 2013)
- 2nd (January 2020)
1 Makushita Championship (November 2019)