Tochinoyama Hiroshi

Tochinoyama Hiroshi - 栃の山博士 (born February 24, 1973) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tachikawa, Tokyo. He made his debut in January 1995 and last wrestled for Chiganoura stable. His highest rank was makushita 2 and he retired in May 2013.

Early Life[]

Yamada attended Kanto Daiichi High School, where he was a member of the school's sumo club, however, he achieved no strong results on the national level. After graduating high school, he enrolled at Takushoku University and was an active member of the school's sumo club. Future sekiwake Tochinonada was one year below him. In January 1995, right as he was about to graduate, Yamada was recruited into Kasugano stable by Chiganoura Oyakata (former sekiwake Masudayama) who is also an alumnus of Takushoku University.

Career[]

He made his professional debut in January 1995 and was given the shikona "Tochinoyama" (栃の山). In March and May 1995, he won his first six matches, but lost his final match to Shiga (future ozeki Tochiazuma) to miss out on the jonokuchi and jonidan championships. Nevertheless, Tochinoyama followed with three more 6-1 records and was promoted to makushita in January 1996. In his makushita debut, he finished with a disastrous 1-6 record and was demoted back down to sandanme. In May 1996, Tochinoyama won the sandanme yusho with a perfect 7-0 record and was re-promoted back to makushita.

In September 1998, Tochinoyama fell back down to sandanme, but finished with a perfect 7-0 record, however, he missed out on the yusho after losing to Furuichi in a playoff. In September 2001, he was promoted to the rank of makushita 2. By the end of 11th day in this tournament, Tochinoyama's record was 3-3. He was placed in an exchange-match against juryo-ranked Hamanoshima, however, he lost the match by tsukitaoshi, or thrust down. In January 2002, he missed out on juryo promotion again after losing another exchange match to Gojoro to finish with a 3-4 record.

In September 2004, Tochinoyama transferred to the newly established Chiganoura stable as he was originally recruited by Chiganoura Oyakata (former sekiwake Masudayama). Tochinoyama remained mainly in makushita for his later career with small stints in sandanme.

Retirement from Sumo[]

Tochinoyama retired from sumo in May 2013 at the age of 40. After retiring he remained in the Japan Sumo Association as a sewanin, or assistant.

Personal Life[]

Tochinoyama got married in 2016 and his wedding reception was held on June 6th of the same year.
Tochinoyama's hobbies are singing, bathing, and training.
Tochinoyama wrestled a total of five matches in juryo, winning two and losing three. In September 2001, he lost to Hamanoshima. In January 2002, he defeated Wakatoba, but lost to Gojoro. In May 2002, he lost to Wakatoba, and in March 2007, he defeated Hokutoiwa.

Fighting Style[]

Tochinoyama was an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. His most common kimarite used were oshidashi (push out) and hikiotoshi (pull down).