Toyoshima Masao - 豊嶋 雅男 (born December 23, 1919 - March 10, 1945) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Osaka City, Osaka. He made his debut in May 1941 and wrestled for Dewanoumi stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1937 and has two kinboshi. His highest rank was sekiwake and he died while as an active wrestler in March 1945.
Early Life[]
Masao Nishimura was born in Osaka on December 23, 1919. He attended Kokoku High School where he was a member of the judo club. He later joined Dewanoumi stable in 1937.
Career[]
Early Career[]
Nishimura made his professional debut in January 1937 and initially wrestled under his surname. He accelerated up the rankings, spending only one tournament in the jonokuchi, jonidan, and sandanme division and only two tournaments in the makushita division. Upon promotion to juryo in May 1940 he was given the shikona "Toyoshima" (豊嶋). After two tournaments in juryo, Toyoshima was promoted to makuuchi in May 1941 after a total of nine tournaments in sumo.
Makuuchi Career[]
In his top division debut, Toyoshima finished with a strong 11-4 record. In the following January 1942 tournament, Toyoshima defeated Yokozuna Futabayama to earn his first kinboshi. He was promoted to komusubi in May 1942 and after two winning records, he was promoted to sekiwake in May 1943. However, Toyoshima finished with a 6-9 record and was demoted back down to the maegashira ranks. In November 1944, Toyoshima defeated Futabayama again to earn his second kinboshi.
Death[]
Toyoshima was killed on March 10, 1945, during the Bombing of Tokyo. He was only 25 years old. He was found burnt to death in the Sumida River with his arms clutching the shore. Fellow sumo wrestler Matsuragata also died during the bombings. Yokozuna Akinoumi who was also Toyoshima's stablemate stated that if he was not killed, there was a good chance that he would have become a Yokozuna.
Fighting Style[]
Toyoshima was an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. His most common kimarite used was tsukidashi, or thrust out.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 112-65/176 (17 basho)
- Makuuchi: 61-49/110 (8 basho)
- Juryo: 23-7/30 (2 basho)
- Makushita: 12-4/16 (2 basho)
- Sandanme: 7-0/7 (1 basho)
- Jonidan: 6-1/7 (1 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 3-4/6 (1 basho)
Achievements[]
- Kinboshi: (2) Futabayama
Shikona History[]
- Nishimura Masao (1937.01 - 1940.01)
- Toyoshima Masao (1940.05 - 1944.11)
Gallery[]
