Tomonoshima Naoyuki - 友乃島 直志 (born January 3, 1957) is a former Tongan professional sumo wrestler. He made his debut in September 1975 and wrestled for Asahiyama stable. His highest rank was jonidan 18 and he retired in September 1976.
Early Life[]
At the age of 21, he was part of a group of six teenagers and young men sent by the King of Tonga to Japan to study Sumo. After moving to Japan in 1975, he competed under the shikona of Tomonoshima (友乃島).
Career[]
Tomonoshima made his debut in September 1975 which was five tournaments later than the initial four Tongan sumo wrestlers and two tournaments later than Sachinoshima. In his first tournament, Tomonoshima was 6-0 by the end of the twelfth day, but lost on the thirteenth day to finish with a 6-1 record. He was placed in a three-man playoff for the jonokuchi yusho with two junior Sadogatake wrestlers. He defeated Kotoedo by yorikiri (force out) in the first round, but lost by shitatenage (underarm throw) to the eventual yusho winner, Kotonobori. Tomonoshima spent the next five tournaments in jonidan and reached a career high of jonidan 18.
Retirement from Sumo[]
Controversial Dismissal[]
Tomonoshima's stablemaster, ex-maegashira Futaseyama, died suddenly in 1975 and he and his Tongan stablemates were caught up in a succession dispute between former maegashira Ryuo and the man who eventually became the new head, former komusubi Wakafutase. They sided with Futaseyama's widow, who preferred Ryuo to take over, and were ultimately dismissed by the Japan Sumo Association. As a result of the controversy sumo officials had to fly to Tonga to explain themselves to the country's king, Taufaʻahau Tupou IV.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 25-17/42 (7 basho)
- Jonidan: 19-16/35 (5 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 6-1/7 (1 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Tomonoshima Naoyuki (1975.09 - 1976.09)
Gallery[]
