Sumo Stars: Greatest Wrestlers of All Time!

Sumo wrestling has a long and rich history, producing legendary athletes who have impacted the sport. These champions, known as yokozuna, demonstrated exceptional strength, skill, and discipline.

Their achievements set records, inspired generations, and helped sumo grow in popularity. From the first yokozuna to modern champions, each wrestler has a unique story of dedication and success.

What is sumo?

Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport that dates back centuries. It involves two wrestlers, known as rikishi, who face off in a circular ring called a dohyo. The objective is to push the opponent out of the ring or force them to touch the ground with any part of their body other than their feet. Matches are typically short but intense, requiring strength, balance, and skill.

What is a yokozuna?

Yokozuna is the highest rank a rikishi can achieve. A rikishi’s journey to becoming a yokozuna requires years of dedication, training, and tournament success. The ranking system starts with jonokuchi and progresses through jonidan, sandanme, makushita, juryo, and makuuchi. Within makuuchi, the highest-ranked wrestlers are called ozeki; from there, only a select few are promoted to yokozuna.

The criteria for promotion include winning multiple championships at the ozeki level and maintaining a strong, consistent performance. Unlike other ranks, a yokozuna is never demoted; instead, they are expected to retire if they can no longer perform at the highest level. The Sumo Association only awards the title to wrestlers with superior technique, strength, and dignity. Yokozuna uphold traditions both in and out of the ring.

Akashi Shiganosuke

Akashi Shiganosuke is believed to be the first yokozuna. He was said to be active during the Kan’ei era and was known for his enormous size, standing 2.58 meters (8ft) tall and weighing 340 kilograms (750 lbs). According to legends, he was born in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, as the son of a samurai named Yamanouchi Shuzen. Stories claim he gained fame after participating in a tournament in Yotsuya, Tokyo.

Tokugawa Shogun Iemitsu reportedly gave him the honorary title of Hinoshita Kaisan, meaning “a man of exceptional power.” Over time, Akashi’s reputation grew, and people exaggerated his accomplishments. By 1800, people widely regarded him as a legendary figure, and they passed down his exploits through generations. In 1900, the 12th yokozuna compiled the first official list of yokozuna and placed Akashi at the top.

Tanikaze Kajinosuke

Tanikaze Kajinosuke was a famous wrestler from the Edo period and is recognized as the fourth yokozuna, though he was the first to receive the title during his lifetime. Born in 1750 in Mutsu Province (northeastern Japan), he had an impressive physique, standing 189 cm (6.2 ft) tall and weighing 169 kg (372 lbs). He began his career in 1768 and became known for his skill and strength. Over his career, he achieved the equivalent of 21 tournament championships.

In 1789, Tanikaze and Onogawa Kisaburō became the first wrestlers to receive an official yokozuna license and perform the yokozuna dohyo-iri ceremony. Unfortunately, in 1795, Tanikaze died suddenly at 44 while still an active wrestler. Tanikaze’s achievements earned him legendary status, and his name was never used again in sumo, as it became a highly respected title.

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Futabayama Sadaji

Futabayama Sadaji was a legendary rikishi from Oita Prefecture who became the 35th yokozuna. He joined professional sumo at 15 and quickly rose through the ranks. His most famous achievement was his 69-match winning streak, a record that still stands today. This feat lasted over three years and excited fans. He later revealed that he was blind in one eye, making his accomplishments even more impressive.

After retiring, Futabayama became a respected sumo coach and the chairman of the Japan Sumo Association. He trained several successful wrestlers and made significant contributions to the sport. As chairman, he introduced reforms such as monthly salaries for top-ranked wrestlers and a mandatory retirement age for elders and referees. He remained dedicated to sumo until he died in 1968.

Akebono Taro

Akebono Tarō was a Hawaiian-born wrestler who became the first non-Japanese yokozuna. He joined sumo in 1988 and reached the top division in 1990. After winning two consecutive tournament championships, he was promoted to yokozuna.

He remained at the highest rank for eight years, winning eleven championships. His rivalry with fellow Yokozuna Takanohana and Wakanohana boosted the sport’s popularity in the 1990s.

After retiring from sumo in 2001, Akebono became a coach before leaving the Sumo Association in 2003. He later pursued a K-1 fighting and professional wrestling career, succeeding in All Japan Pro Wrestling. Despite health issues that forced his retirement in 2017, he remained a respected figure in Japanese sports. He was known for his height, powerful techniques, and aggressive fighting style throughout his career.

Hakuho Sho

Hakuhō Shō is one of the greatest wrestlers in history. Born in Mongolia in 1985, he moved to Japan as a teenager to pursue sumo, joining the Miyagino stable. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a yokozuna in 2007 after winning back-to-back tournaments. Known for his balance, agility, and powerful techniques, he dominated the sport for over a decade, often defeating his toughest rivals.

Hakuhō broke many records throughout his career, including the most wins and the longest time spent as a yokozuna. His leadership and dedication influenced many younger wrestlers and played a key role in promoting sumo internationally. He retired in 2021, leaving a legacy of excellence and unmatched achievements. After retirement, he became a coach, continuing to shape the next generation of wrestlers.

Hōshōryū Tomokatsu

Hōshōryū Tomokatsu is a Mongolian wrestler who achieved the prestigious rank of yokozuna. Born in 1999, he comes from a family with a strong sumo background, as he is the nephew of legendary yokozuna Asashōryū. He moved to Japan to train and joined the Tatsunami stable. In 2023, he won his first top-division championship, solidifying his reputation as a rising star.

In January 2025, Hōshōryū was promoted to yokozuna, making him one of the youngest wrestlers to achieve the rank. His style is known for its speed, versatility, and aggressive throws. He continues to compete at the highest level, inspiring younger wrestlers with his skill and determination. As a newly promoted yokozuna, he maintains the sport’s legacy while shaping its future!

What makes these sumo stars legendary?

These yokozuna are legendary because of their achievements and lasting impact. Many, like Futabayama Sadaji and Hakuhō Shō, set unbroken records, showcasing their dominance in the ring. Their unmatched strength, skill, and determination helped elevate the sport’s reputation and attract fans worldwide. These wrestlers dedicated their lives to the sport, demonstrating discipline, honor, and respect for tradition.

Beyond their victories, these wrestlers influenced sumo by mentoring younger athletes and shaping the sport’s future. Some, like Futabayama and Hakuhō, became respected coaches after retirement, ensuring their techniques and wisdom were passed down. Their intense rivalries, like those between Akebono and Takanohana, created some of the most exciting moments in history. Who is your favorite sumo legend? Share your thoughts in the comments!