Tokitaizan Takashi - 時太山 俊 (born October 23, 1989 - June 27, 2007) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Niigata City, Niigata. He made his debut in May 2007 and last wrestled for Tokitsukaze Stable. His highest rank was Jonokuchi 39 and died while an active wrestler in June 2007.
Early Life[]
Takashi was born in Niigata City, Niigata on October 23, 1989. He was the eldest son of Masato and Toshie Saito, who ran a restaurant in Niigata City. He initially trained in judo in junior high school and wrote in his graduation essay that he wanted to be a boxer. He had no previous experience in sumo and had little intention of becoming an introductory sumo wrestler, his behaviour was also reportedly problematic.
Career[]
He made his professional debut in May 2007 and was given the shikona "Tokitaizan" (時太山). He didn't have any bouts in his entire career due to his untimely death in June 2007. He was listed as retired in July 2007.
Hazing Scandal Death[]
On June 26, 2007 Tokitaizan, collapsed and died after a training session at Tokitsukaze Stable's lodgings. It emerged that he was beaten with a beer bottle and a metal baseball bat at the direction of his trainer. Tokitaizan's cause of death had been reported as heart failure, but his father insisted on an autopsy, which revealed the abuse. Tokitaizan's stable master, Futatsuryu, admitted to beating Tokitaizan, who had only been in sumo for three months, and ordering other sumo wrestlers to beat him, due to Tokitaizan's "vague attitude" towards the sport. It was also reported that Tokitaizan had run away from the stable on a number of occasions. Futatsuryu was expelled by the Japan Sumo Association. Futatsuryu and three wrestlers from the stable were arrested in February 2008 and were charged with manslaughter. In May 2009 Futatsuryu was sentenced to six years in prison. The incident brought substantial political pressure to the governance of the sport in Japan. In the wake of the scandal the Sumo Association sent a survey to all 53 training stable, and more than 90 percent reported that baseball bats or similar equipment were used on their wrestlers, with around a third saying bullying had occurred during training. Partly as a result of the Tokitaizan case, the Diet of Japan drafted a law promoting cause of death investigations which was enacted in 2012. A separate law in 2013 gave discretion to local police chiefs to allow autopsies even in cases where there were apparently few signs of foul play.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: Career Record 0-0/0 (1 basho)
Championships[]
Shikona History[]
- Saito Takashi (2007.05 - 2007.07)
- Tokitaizan Takashi (2007.07 - 2007.07)
Gallery[]
