A legendary sumo wrestler who held the highest rank of Yokozuna, celebrated for his impressive strength, technique, and dominance in the sport.
Sakaigawa Namiemon is renowned as the 14th yokozuna in Japanese professional sumo wrestling, earning the nickname "Tanikaze of the Meiji era." He is the only officially recognized yokozuna of the yokozuna abuse era following the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Born as Udagawa Masakichi on May 28, 1841, in Katsushika District, Shimsa Province, Sakaigawa Namiemon's life took a dramatic turn at the age of 13 when he began working for a sake wholesaler in Shinkawa, Edo (now located in Chuo, Tokyo).
It was here that his employer, impressed by Masakichi's strength in carrying heavy barrels, encouraged him to pursue a career in sumo wrestling. This led to Masakichi joining the Sakaigawa stable, where he was trained by the eponymous zeki, who held the rank from 1857 to 1861.
Masakichi began his sumo career in November 1857 and adopted the shikona (ring name) of Konishikawa before changing it to Shihoyama and eventually Masuizan. Both shikona were inspired by the name of his previous employer's shop and a famous sake brewery, Shihoyama brewery, which even purchased a new kesho-mawashi set for him.
Despite his small stature, Sakaigawa Namiemon possessed a drum belly and a strong body, which enabled him to rise steadily through the ranks. His unique approach to sumo, where he would allow his opponents to wrestle sufficiently before emerging victorious, earned him respect and admiration from his opponents.
In June 1868, Sakaigawa Namiemon won the equivalent of his first tournament championship from the maegashira ranks, emerging undefeated with eight wins. This achievement was significant, as it preceded the establishment of the championship system in 1909.
Following his championship victory, he was promoted to zeki in April 1870 after winning two tournaments in a row from the rank of sekiwake. This promotion marked a new chapter in his career, and he changed his ring name to Sakaigawa Namiemon.
Sakaigawa Namiemon's remarkable career and achievements have cemented his place in Japanese sumo history. As the only officially recognized yokozuna of the yokozuna abuse era, he remains an iconic figure in the sport, inspiring future generations of sumo wrestlers.
His legacy extends beyond his championships and promotions, as his unique approach to sumo and his respectful attitude towards his opponents have contributed to the development of the sport as a whole.
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