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Yamatofuji Mitsuru

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Yamatofuji Mitsuru - 大和富士 充 (born December 19, 1984) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Hiroshima City, Hiroshima. He made his debut in November 2004 and wrestled for Onomatsu stable. His highest rank was makushita 2 and he retired in May 2017.

Early Life[]

Mitsuru Yamato was born on December 19, 1984, in Hiroshima's Nishi Ward. During elementary school, he practiced judo from the first grade, but due to his father's job, he had to transfer schools about seven or eight times. It was not until junior high school that his family finally settled in Hyuga, Miyazaki. After graduating from a local junior high school, he went on to attend Nobeoka Gakuen High School, a school in Miyazaki known for its strong sports programs. In high school, he was also a member of the judo club and advanced to the top eight in the Inter-High School Championships. He also achieved third place in the All-Japan Junior Championships during his high school years.[1]

After entering Meiji University, he continued competing in judo and secured a regular spot on the team, but began to have doubts about his judo career and struggled with uncertainty. During this time, he happened to see a TV feature on the Onomatsu stable, which led him to arrange a trial experience. After spending a few days living and training with the wrestlers, he made up his mind to pursue a career in sumo. Following this experience, Onomatsu Oyakata (former sekiwake Masurao) formally invited him to join the stable, and he dropped out of university in his second year to enter the Onomatsu stable.[1]

Career[]

He made his professional debut in November 2004 and was given the shikona "Yamatofuji" (大和富士). In his first tournament, he finished with a strong 6-1 record which qualified him for a five-man playoff for the jonokuchi yusho. However, he lost in the final round to Nakatani. By September 2005, he had established himself in sandanme, but he injured his neck prior to the May 2007 tournament and had to miss the following three tournaments. As a result, he dropped down to jonokuchi, but he returned in November 2007 and posted five consecutive winning records which sent him to makushita for the September 2008 tournament.[2]

In March 2009, he finished with a 6-1 record and was placed in an eight-man playoff for the makushita yusho. He defeated Tamaasuka in the first round, but lost to Tokushinho in the second round. In March 2014, he was ranked at a career-best makushita 2. By the end of day 11, his record was 3 wins and 3 losses and he was placed in an exchange match against juryo-ranked Daikiho, but he lost the match. This proved to be his highest rank as he was unable to capitalize on a juryo promotion. He remained in makushita for the majority of his later career.[2]

Retirement from Sumo[]

Yamatofuji retired from sumo in May 2017. After retiring, he intends to return back to his hometown in Hiroshima to work in construction while taking care of his parents.[2]

Controversy[]

Gambling Scandal[]

Yamatofuji was suspended from the July 2010 tournament, along with several other wrestlers, after admitting involvement in illegal gambling on baseball. He was subsequently referred to prosecutors by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police on suspicion of illegal gambling on February 15, 2011,[3] and was summarily indicted for gambling by the Tokyo Summary Court on March 17 of the same year.[4]

Personal Life[]

  • Yamatofuji was friends with future ozeki Takayasu as they joined sumo at around the same time and would often see each other sumo school. After Yamatofuji wrestled his final match, he was congratulated by Takayasu who handed him a batch of flowers.[5]
  • Yamatofuji's hobbies are judo and sleeping.[1]

Fighting Style[]

Yamatofuji's Fighting Style

Yamatofuji defeats Masunoumi by hatakikomi (slap down)

Yamatofuji was an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. His most common kimarite used was a straightforward hatakikomi, or slap down.[6]

Record[]

Division Results[]

  • Total: 272-218-28/490 (75 basho)
  • Makushita: 172-157-7/329 (48 basho)
  • Sandanme: 64-48-7/112 (17 basho)
  • Jonidan: 24-11-14/35 (7 basho)
  • Jonokuchi: 12-2/14 (2 basho)

Shikona History[]

  • Yamatofuji Mitsuru (2004.11 - 2017.05)

Gallery[]

External Links[]

References[]

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