A wakaimonogashira announcing maezumo matches.
A wakaimonogashira (若い者頭) is a youth leader. A retired wrestler (usually a former juryo or maegashira) who is a functionary of the Sumo Association, working with new recruits at his former stable or associated ichimon, and who also arranges maezumo matches.
Overview[]
Since the Edo Period, the wakaimonogashira role has existed, and at the time an active wrestler could be one (usually a makushita wrestler). Experienced wrestlers who have been wrestling for about 20 years are usually the wakaimonogashira. In 1943, the wakaimonogashira were required to be retired wrestlers and had to already have their danpatsu-shiki (hair-cutting ceremony).
Most wakaimonogashira are former juryo wrestlers, but there are some makushita ranked wrestlers and even former meagashiras. The capacity of wakaimonogashira is 8, and retirement age is still mandatory at 65.
List of Active Wakaimonogashira[]
- Iyozakura Masayuki, former juryo - since May 1988
- Fukunosato Kunio, former juryo - since July 1993
- Zenshinyama Ryota, former juryo - since November 1999
- Tochinofuji Tatsuyuki, former maegashira - since March 2001
- Torafusuyama Yoshiyuki, former makushita - since March 2004
- Kotoyusho Yoshihiro, former juryo - since November 2024