Wakakaze Manabu - 若風 学 (born June 26, 1971) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Aomori City, Aomori. He made his debut in March 1987 and wrestled for Futagoyama stable. His highest rank was makushita 3 and he retired in January 2000.
Early Life[]
Aiba began sumo wrestling when he was in elementary school and he participated in prefectural-level tournaments. He continued to sumo wrestle during his time at Aomori Shiritsu Shinjo Junior High School and still competed on the prefectural level. He was later recruited into Futagoyama stable by Shibatayama Oyakata (former komusubi Wakajishi).
Career[]
He made his professional debut in March 1987 and initially wrestled under the shikona "Soma" (相馬). He was promoted to sandanme in May 1988 and makushita in September 1989. After that, he fell back down to sandanme due to an illness, but in May 1991, he was given the shikona "Wakakaze" (若風). He reached a career-best makushita 3 rank in March 1995, but was unable to capitalize on a juryo promotion.
From 1994 to his retirement in January 2000, Wakakaze served as the official bow-twirler to mark the end of the tournament day.
Retirement from Sumo[]
Wakakaze retired from sumo in January 2000. After retiring, he got a job at a transportation company and was also involved in amateur sumo.
Fighting Style[]
Wakakaze was proficient in both yotsu-sumo (grappling) and oshi-sumo (pushing and thrusting) techniques. His most often used winning kimarite was yorikiri (force out), followed by oshidashi (push out).
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 284-248-7/532 (78 basho)
- Makushita: 199-193-7/392 (57 basho)
- Sandanme: 53-38/91 (13 basho)
- Jonidan: 27-15/42 (6 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 5-2/7 (1 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Soma (1987.03 - 1991.03)
- Wakakaze Manabu (1991.05 - 2000.01)
Gallery[]
