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List of non-Japanese sumo wrestlers

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is a list of foreign-born professionalsumowrestlers by country and/or ethnicity of origin, along with original name, years active in sumo wrestling, and highest rank attained. Names inboldindicate a still-active wrestler.

There are 186 wrestlers who have listed a foreign country as their place of birth on thebanzukeor official ranking sheets.[1][2]The first foreign born wrestler to reach the topmakuuchidivision was theHawaiianbornTakamiyamain January 1968,[3]who was also the first to win a top division tournament championship oryūshōin 1972. He was followed by fellow HawaiiansKonishikiwho was the first foreigner to reach the second highestōzekirank in 1987, and AmericanAkebonowho became the first foreignyokozuna,the highest rank, in 1993. In 1992, following the entry of sixMongolianstoŌshima stable,there was an unofficial ban (calledenryoor "restraint" ) instigated by theJapan Sumo Association's headDewanoumion any more foreign recruitment.[4]Speaking at a Western Japan Press Club luncheon in Osaka in 1995, Dewanoumi reportedly said, "There are no official regulations, but stable masters have a tacit agreement not to scout foreigners actively because they have difficulty adapting to Japanese customs."[5]In 1998 this ban was relaxed but there was also the first official restrictions, a cap of forty foreigners in professional sumo as a whole, not counting those who had obtainedJapanese citizenship.[4]In February 2002 this was changed to one foreigner perheyaor training stable,[6]although foreigners recruited prior to the rule change were not affected. Despite these restrictions, foreigners began to dominate the highest levels of the sport. By 2013, foreign born wrestlers made up just seven percent of the 613 wrestlers active in professional sumo, yet occupied one third of the 42 spots in the top division.[7]No Japanese-born wrestler won a top division tournament betweenTochiazumain January 2006 andKotoshōgikuin January 2016, with 56 of the 58 tournaments held in that period won by Mongolians.[8]

Several foreign-born sumo wrestlers have becomesumo eldersafter their retirement as wrestlers.[9]

Argentina[edit]

Bolivia[edit]

  • Kirameki Takayoshi – Daniel Velez-Garcia – (Aichi) – 2020–2021 –sandanme70

Brazil[edit]

  • Agora # – Lucas Kazuo Iima – Japanese-Brazilian – 2023–present –sandanme56
  • Azumakaze Futoshi – Tuzatto Giuliano Kochinda – Italian-Brazilian – 1991–1999 –sandanme29
  • Azumao Yasuhito – Yasuhito Marcio Morita – Japanese-Brazilian – 1994–2005 –makushita36
  • Hakusan Momotaro – Pasquale Bosche – Italian-Brazilian – 1977–1986 –makushita9[10]
  • Kaisei Ichirō§ – Ricardo Sugano – Japanese-Brazilian – 2006–2022 –sekiwake[10]
  • Kaishin Kikuzo – Eiji Nagahama – Japanese-Brazilian – 2004–2012 –makushita49
  • Kawamura Kosaku – Kosaku Kawamura – Japanese-Brazilian – 1976–1983 –sandanme41
  • Kitaazuma Kiyoshi – Tetsuya Takeda – Japanese-Brazilian – 1991–1998 –makushita18
  • Kiyonomine Minoru – Mario Minoru Akamine – Japanese-Brazilian – 1979–1989 –makushita18
  • Kotonomori Takamori – Mario Fuchiue – Japanese-Brazilian – 1999–2000 –jonidan69
  • Kotoosako Shigeaki – Shigeaki Julio Osako – Japanese-Brazilian – 1991–1994 –jonidan106
  • Kuniazuma Hajime– Wander Ramos – 1991–2004 –juryo4
  • Kuninosato Toshio – Roberto Toshio Wada – Japanese-Brazilian – 1980–1992 –makushita23
  • Ryūkō Gō– Luis Go Ikemori – Japanese-Brazilian – 1992–1998 –juryo8
  • Takaazuma Katsushige – Christiano Luis de Souza – 2004–2008 –makushita24
  • Tatsunishiki – Yoshihira Takeuchi – Japanese-Brazilian – 1967–1971 –jonidan6
  • Wakaazuma Yoshinobu– Yoshinobu Kuroda – Japanese-Brazilian – 1991–2003 –juryo13

NOTE: (#) marks active foreign-born wrestler credited with Japanese shushin (hometown), and hence not counting against current one-foreigner-per-heya restriction; (§) marks a retired foreign-born wrestler who became asumo elder.

Bulgaria[edit]

  • Aoiyama Kōsuke‡ – Daniel Ivanov – 2009–active –sekiwake
  • Kotoōshū Katsunori§ – Kaloyan Stefanov Mahlyanov (Karoyan Andō) – 2002–2014 –ozeki
  • Torakiō Daiki – Ventsislav Katsarov – 2017–2019 –sandanme15

NOTES: (‡) marks active foreign-born wrestler naturalized as Japanese citizen; (§) marks a retired foreign-born wrestler who became asumo elder.

Canada[edit]

  • Homarenishiki Yasokichi – Brodik Mackenzie Philip Henderson – 2015–2016 –sandanme46[12]
  • Kototenzan Toshimitsu– John Anthony Tenta Jr. – 1985–1986 –makushita43[12]

China[edit]

  • Chiyohakuryu Koto – Koto Haku ( bạch quang đấu ) – Nei Monggol – 2004–2011 –sandanme22
  • Daiseizan Daisuke – Altan-Ochir Asgakhad – Nei Monggol – 2022–active –makushita2
  • Kaiho I – Yi Pan – Shanghai – 1990–1992 –jonidan 79
  • Kanoyama Sunyo – Chengyue Xie – 1991–1992 –jonokuchi22
  • Kiyonohana Oyo– Lihua Zhang (Kazushi Yoshida) – Fujian – 1974–1978 –juryo5
  • Kokiryu Kaito # – Peihuang Chen ( trần bội hoàng ) – (Osaka) – 2022–active –jonidan27
  • Kosei Ko – Shiqiang Gao ( cao thế cường ) – Liaoning – 2003–2017 –makushita14
  • Kotoō Shuton – Shidong Wang ( vương thế đông ) – Shandong – 1992–1993 –sandanme9
  • Manazuru Hisashi – Songsong Cheng – Beijing – 2004–2015 –sandanme13
  • Nakanokuni Sho– Chao Lu – Beijing – 2002–2012 –juryo12
  • Ryutei Weifu– Weifu Li – Shandong – 2004–2013 –sandanme3
  • Sōkokurai Eikichi§ – Enkhtuvshin – Nei Monggol – 2003–2020 –maegashira2
  • Takao Yu – Yu Wang – Shanghai – 1991–2003 –sandanme41
  • Wakashoji Ano – Ano Cho – Jilin – 2010–2010 –jonokuchi22

NOTES: Hong Kong and Taiwan are listed separately; (§) marks a retired foreign-born wrestler who became asumo elder.

Czech Republic[edit]

Egypt[edit]

Estonia[edit]

  • Baruto Kaito– Kaido Höövelson – 2004–2013 –ozeki
  • Kitaoji Oto – Ott Juurikas – 2004–2004 –jonidan114

Georgia[edit]

  • Gagamaru Masaru– Teimuraz Jugheli – 2005–2020 –komusubi
  • Kokkai Futoshi– Levan Tsaguria – 2001–2012 –komusubi
  • Tochinoshin Tsuyoshi– Levan Gorgadze – 2006–2023 –ōzeki
  • Tsukasaumi Joji – Merab George Tsaguria – 2005–2006 –sandanme18

Hong Kong[edit]

  • Seiko – Zhenbang Gu – 1987–1989 –jonidan88

Hungary[edit]

  • Masutoo Akira – Attila Toth – 2005–2021 –makushita8[15]

Indonesia[edit]

  • Kotoanbai Ken – Ken Anbai – 2015–2015 –jonokuchi25

Japanese-bornrikishiof non-Japanese or mixed ethnicity[edit]

  • Asakomiya Masahiro – Masahiro Komiya – Korean-Japanese (Saitama) – 2006–2007 –jonokuchi42[16]
  • Baraki Genki – Baraki Ito – Filipino-Japanese (Saitama) – 2013–2024 –makushita58
  • Daishoyu Maabin – Marvin Lee Sano Jr – American-Japanese (Tokyo) – 2006–2008 –makushita18[17]
  • Fujinohana Rei – Rei Saito – American-Japanese (Miyagi) – 2009–2017 –sandanme16[18]
  • Fujinoumi Jun – Jun Saito – American-Japanese (Miyagi) – 2009–2017 –makushita47[18]
  • Hayashiryu Ryu- Ryu Hayashi – Filipino-Japanese (Nagano) – 2022–active –sandanme44
  • Hokuozan Kokichi – Hikari Hagiwara – Turkish-Japanese (Hokkaido) – 2020–2023 –makushita35
  • Itadaki Sennosuke – Masahiko Kikuchi – Canadian-Japanese (Tokyo) – 2010–2024 –makushita18[18]
  • Ikazuchido – Neri Yamada – Nigerian-Japanese (Saitama) – 2022–active –sandanme39
  • Kaitoma Aron – Mark Aron Justin Toma – Brazilian-Japanese-Filipino (Kanagawa) – 2017–active –jonidan2
  • Kanazawa Hidetoshi – Hidetoshi Kanazawa (Aichi) – 2022–active –makushita57
  • Kaneshiro Kofuku– Kofuku Kaneshiro – Korean-Japanese (Miyazaki) – 1974–1987 –sekiwake[19]
  • Maenoyama Tarō- Kazuichi Kaneshima - Korean-Japanese (Osaka) - 1961–1974 -ozeki
  • Maikeru Shuki - Maikeru Hayashi - Filipino-Japanese (Fukui) - 2017–2024 -makushita29
  • Mienoumi Tsuyoshi- Goro Ishiyama - Korean-Japanese (Mie) – 1963–1980 – 57thyokozuna[20]
  • Nabatame Tatsuya – Tatsuya Nabatame – Thai-Japanese (Tochigi) – 2020–active –jūryō14
  • Rao Nozomu – Rao Ito – Filipino-Japanese (Saitama) – 2011–2024 –makushita37
  • Rinko Rei- Rei Hayashi – Filipino-Japanese (Nagano) – 2022–active –makushita52
  • Ryuga Tsunetaka – Corvin Ryuga Delzatto – American-Japanese (Kanagawa) – 2018–2020 –jonidan80
  • Sentoryū Henri– Henry Armstrong Miller – African-American/Japanese (Tokyo – raised in Missouri) – 1988–2003 –maegashira12
  • Taiga Koji – Taiga Tanji – Russian-Japanese (Fukushima) – 2018–active –makushita32
  • Taihō Kōki– Koki Naya (Ivan Boryshko) – Ukrainian-Japanese (Karafuto) – 1956–1971 – 48thyokozuna
  • Takagenji Satoshi– Satoshi Kamiyama – Filipino-Japanese (Tochigi) – 2013–2021 –maegashira10
  • Takanofuji Sanzō– Tsuyoshi Kamiyama – Filipino-Japanese (Tochigi) – 2013–2019 –jūryō5
  • Takayasu Akira– Akira Takayasu – Filipino-Japanese (Ibaraki) – 2005–active –ozeki
  • Tamanoumi Masahiro– Masao Takeuchi – Korean-Japanese (Aichi) – 1959–1971 – 51styokozuna[20]
  • Tamarikidō Hideki– Hideki Yasumoto – Korean-Japanese (Tokyo) – 1997–2010 –maegashira8
  • Tanji Jun – Jun Tanji – Russian-Japanese (Fukushima) – 2022–active –makushita22
  • Tochinowaka Michihiro– Daewon Lee – Korean-Japanese (Hyogo) – 2007–2015 –maegashira1
  • Tsuyukusa Kazuki – Tsuyukusa Kazuki – Polish-Japanese (Kanagawa) – 2016–2020 –makushita51[21]
  • Wakatosho Toshio– Toshio Kanemoto – Korean-Japanese (Chiba) – 1985–1993 –jūryō9

Kazakhstan[edit]

  • Kazafuzan Taiga – Suyenesh Khudibayev (Сүйініш Худибаев / Суйиниш Худибаев) – 2003–2014 –makushita10[22]
  • Kinbōzan Haruki– Baltagul Yersin (Балтағұл Ерсін) – 2021–active –maegashira5

Korea, North[edit]

  • Rikidōzan Mitsuhiro* – Shin-rak Kim (김신락) / Mitsuhiro Momota ( bách điền quang hạo ) – 1940–1950 –sekiwake

NOTE: Korea wasruled by the Empire of Japan from 1910 to 1945.Japanese-born Koreans are noted above. Rikidōzan was officially recorded with ashusshin(hometown) ofŌmura, Nagasakiso is not regarded as having been a foreign rikishi by the Sumo Association.

Korea, South[edit]

  • Chiinoyama Shoichiro* – Shoichiro Toyokawa – 1940–1945 –juryo3
  • Harimayama Hanataro – Sangjin Hong (홍상진 hồng tương trấn ) – 1990–1994 –makushita58
  • Kaihakuzan Yungi – Yoongi Baek (백윤기 bạch duẫn cơ ) – 1999–2000 –sandanme49
  • Kasugaō Katsumasa– Sungtaek Kim (김성택 kim thành trạch ) – 1998–2011 –maegashira3
  • Kinryuzan Jongun – Jonggeun Kim (김종근 kim chung căn ) – 2003–2009 –sandanme42
  • Koraiyama Yoshisuke – Gilryang Seo (서길량 từ cát lượng ) – 1969–1981 –makushita11
  • Kotoyanagi – Shigeki Nishimoto ( tây bổn trọng hi ) – 1983–1985 –jonidan78
  • Kunimiyama – Kiju Kim (김기주 kim cơ trụ ) – 1977–1988 –makushita27
  • Kuninofuji Kiifun – Kihun Song (송기훈 tống cơ huân ) – 2001–2002 –jonidan109
  • Kyoryu Yoshitsuru – Seonhak Park (박선학 phác thiện hạc ) – 1975–1983 –makushita15
  • Nankaiyama Shigehide – Naruhide Kan / Seongyeong Kang (강성영 khương thành anh ) – 1969–1971 –makushita57
  • Nanzan Shuko – Suhyeong Chae (채수형 thái thù hanh ) – 1990–1992 –sandanme54
  • Soranoumi Ichiriki – Sooyong Kim (김수영 kim thụ vịnh ) / Juei Ōzora ( đại không thụ vịnh ) – 1999–2019 –makushita25
  • Watenko – Kazuo Hayashi – 1966–1970 –sandanme80
  • Yamada Narihide – Seongyeong Yu (유성영) / Narihide Yamada ( sơn điền thành anh ) – 2004–2006 –jonidan31

NOTE: Korea was under Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945. Japanese-born Koreans are noted above.

Mongolia[edit]

  • Aratōshi Mitsuo – Tserendorj Wanchigutseren – 2008–2016 –makushita39
  • Arauma Tōru – Battogtokh Turtogtokh – 2020–2024 –makushita23
  • Arawashi Tsuyoshi– Dulguun Erkhbayar – 2002–2020 –maegashira2
  • Asahakuryū Tarō – Ragchaa Jamintogtokh – 2022–active –makushita7
  • Asahiryū Katsuhiro – Denzensambu Batzorig – 2016–2019 –makushita23
  • Asahitaka Kōichi – Bat-Orgil Tserenchimed – 1992–1993 –sandanme97
  • Asasekiryū Tarō§ – Badarchiin Dashnyam – 2000–2017 –sekiwake
  • Asashōryū Akinori– Dolgorsürengiin Dagvadorj – 1999–2010 – 68thyokozuna
  • Azumaryū Tsuyoshi– Todbileg Sanduljav – 2008–2024 –maegashira14
  • Bontenshō Yūki – Naidan Bayarkhuu – 2001–2003 –jonidan25
  • Chiyoshōma Fujio‡ – Ganbaatar Munkhsaikhan – 2009–active –maegashira2
  • Daibanjaku Hisashi – Batsukh Khaidavmunkh – 1999–2004 –sandanme10
  • Daiōnami Masaru – Batbaatar Uuganbayar – 2001–2016 –makushita33
  • Daishōchi Kenta– Ulambayaryn Byambajav – 2001–2005 –makushita15
  • Daishōhō Kiyohiro– Shijirbayar Chimidregzen – 2013–active –maegashira9
  • Daitenshō Ken – Norjinkhand Ayurzana – 2001–2010 –makushita7
  • Daitenzan Noritaka – Ganbat Batzaya – 2001–2005 –makushita58
  • Daiyūbu Ryūsen– Davaadorj Undrakh – 2001–2010 –juryo10
  • Dewahikari Tsutomu – Ulziisuren Tsolmon – 2002–2009 –sandanme3
  • Dewanoryū Kazuki – Tumurbaatar Temuulen – 2019–active –makushita3
  • Fudōyama Subaru – Nyamjav Luvsandorj – 2000–2008 –sandanme38
  • Gōchōzan Masashi – Delgersaikhan Uuganbaatar – 2006–2020 –makushita7
  • Hakuba Takeshi– Ariunbayar Unurjargal – 2000–2011 –komusubi
  • Hakuhō Shō§ – Mönkhbatyn Davaajargal – 2001–2021 –69th yokozuna
  • Harumafuji Kōhei– Davaanyamyn Byambadorj – 2001–2017 –70th yokozuna
  • Hokuseihō Osamu– Davaaninj Ariunaa (Hokkaido) – 2020–2024 –maegashira6[23]
  • Hokutenkai Aoi – Sukhbat Galdan – 2019–active –makushita5
  • Hokutomaru Akira – Nasanjargal Chinzorig – 2018–active –makushita6
  • Hoshihikari Shin'ichi– Duvchin Lhagva – 2000–2011 –juryo1
  • Hoshikaze Yoshihiro– Bold Amarmend – 2002–2011 –juryo3
  • Hoshizakura Aruta – Myagmar Altangerel – 2000–2012 –makushita12
  • Hōshōryū Tomokatsu– Sugarragchaa Byambasuren – 2018–active –ozeki
  • Ichinojō Takashi– Altankhuyag Ichinnorov – 2014–2023 –sekiwake
  • Kagamiō Hideoki– Nanjid Batkhuu – 2003–2023 –maegashira9
  • Kakuryū Rikisaburō§ – Mangaljalavyn Anand – 2001–2021 –71st yokozuna
  • Kazenoumi Kei – Bilguun Tsogoo – 2022–active –makushita18
  • Kengō Shin – Turtuvshin Baatarkhuu – 2010–2011 –jonidan63
  • Kirishima Tetsuo– Lkhagvasuren Byambachuluun – 2015–active –ōzeki
  • Kitakasuga Ikkō – Munkhbat Tsolmonbayar – 1999–2005 –sandanme18
  • Kōryū Tadaharu– Erdene Munhk-Orgil – 2000–2011 –maegashira11
  • Kotokenryū Takeaki – Gantulga Bilguun – Töv – 2022–active –makushita11
  • Kyokujishi Masaru – Tumendemberel Losol – 1992–1992 –jonidan59
  • Kyokukaiyū Ren – Dalaibaatar Shagdarsuren – 2023–active –makushita58
  • Kyokusetsuzan Eiji – Munkhbold Sharaa – 1992–1992 –jonidan91
  • Kyokushūhō Kōki– Erdenebaatar Tumurbaatar – 2007–2022 –maegashira4
  • Kyokushūzan Noboru– Davaagin Batbayar – 1992–2006 –komusubi
  • Kyokutenhō Masaru§ – Nyamjavyn Tsevegnyam – 1992–2015 –sekiwake
  • Kyokutenzan Takeshi– Batmönkhiin Enkhbat – 1992–2008 –makushita13
  • Maenoyū Tarō – Gankhyag Naranbaatar – 2004–2007 –makushita25
  • Mitoryū Takayuki– Turbold Baasansuren – 2017–active –maegashira13
  • Mōkonami Sakae– Ganbold Bazarsad – 2001–2011 –maegashira6
  • Oniarashi Chikara– Ulziibayar Ulziijargal – 2000–2014 –juryo7
  • Ōnokatsu Kazuhiro – Choijilsuren Batjargal – 2023–active –juryo1
  • Ōshōma Degi– Purevsuren Delgerbayar – 2021–active –maegashira9
  • Ryūō Noboru– Erkhem-Ochiryn Sanchirbold – 2000–2013 –maegashira8
  • Ryūōnami Katsuteru – Battugs Buyanjargal – 2010–2017 –makushita11
  • Sachinofuji Seiryū # – Ganzorig Origil (Saitama) – 2022–active –sandanme83
  • Sadanohikari Shinta – Narantsogt Davaanyam – 2014–active –makushita20
  • Sakigake Takeshi– Yagaanbaatar Battushig – 2003–2022 –juryo10
  • Seihakuhō Demi – Usukhbayar Demidjamts – 2024–active –jonidan25
  • Seirō Takeshi– Amgaa Unubold – 2005–2020 –maegashira14
  • Senhō Tsubasa – Tsubasa Hasegawa – Japanese-Mongolian (Aichi) – 2019–2024 –sandanme6
  • Senshō Hideki– Enkhbaatar Bayarbat – 2001–2015 –juryo14
  • Shironoryū Yasumasa– Erdenetsogt Odgerel – 2003–2013 –juryo1
  • Shōtenrō Taishi§ – Dagdandorj Nyamsuren – 2001–2018 –maegashira2
  • Taiga Kishō – Sumiyabazar Sharbuyanhuu – 2001–2014 –makushita19
  • Takanoiwa Yoshimori– Adiya Baasandorj – 2008–2018 –maegashira2
  • Tamashōhō Manpei– Erdenebileg Enkhmanlai – 2011–active –jūryō1
  • Tamawashi Ichirō‡ – Batjargal Munkh-Orgil – 2004–active –sekiwake
  • Terunofuji Haruo‡ – Gantulga Gan-Erdene – 2011–active –73rd yokozuna[24]
  • Tokinishiki Harunobu – Tsendsuren Tüshig – 2022–2023 –sandanme85
  • Tokisōma Baira – Ankhbayar Batbayar – 2017–active –makushita25
  • Tokitenkū Yoshiaki§ – Altangadasyn Khüchitbaatar- 2002–2016 –komusubi
  • Tokusegawa Masanao– Ganbold Badamsambuu – 2003–2011 –maegashira1
  • Toranoyama Kiyokazu – Ganbold Bat-Undral – 2001–2009 –sandanme21

NOTES: (#) marks active foreign-born wrestler credited with Japaneseshushin(hometown), and hence not counting against current one-foreigner-per-heyarestriction; (‡) marks active foreign-born wrestler naturalized as a Japanese citizen; (§) marks a retired foreign-born wrestler who became asumo elder.

Paraguay[edit]

  • Wakashio – Satoshi Miyawaki – Japanese-Paraguayan – 1985–1989 –sandanme76

Philippines[edit]

  • Furanshisu Manabu – Teodoro Francis Robert Valles – Laguna – 2016–active –sandanme52
  • Kōtokuzan Tarō# – Jasper Kenneth Arboladura Terai – Filipino-Japanese (Kanagawa) – 2009–active –maegashira16[25]
  • Kuwae Issei # – Pascual Justine France – (Kanagawa) – 2023–active –sandanme24
  • Masunoyama Tomoharu– Tomoharu Kato – Filipino-Japanese (Chiba) – 2006–2021 –maegashira4
  • Mitakeumi Hisashi# – Ōmichi Hisashi – Filipino-Japanese (Nagano) – 2015–active –ozeki
  • Tamahikuni – Jun Terrado – 1988–1988 –jonokuchi30
  • Tamahinada – Angelito Labampa – 1988–1988 –jonidan129
  • Tamahiryu – Samson Pael – 1988–1988 –jonokuchi2

NOTE: (#) marks active foreign-born wrestler credited with Japaneseshushin(hometown) and hence not counted against current one-foreigner-per-heyarestriction.

Russia[edit]

  • Amūru Mitsuhiro– Nikolai Yuryevich Ivanov (Николай Юрьевич Иванов) – Primorsky Krai – 2002–2018 –maegashira5
  • Aran Hakutora– Alan Gabaraev – North Ossetia-Alania – 2007–2013 –sekiwake
  • Hakurozan Yūta– Batraz Feliksovich Baradzov – North Ossetia-Alania – 2002–2008 –maegashira2[26]
  • Ōrora Satoshi– Anatoliy Valeryevich Mihahanov – Buryatia – 2000–2018 –makushita43
  • Rōga Tokiyoshi– Amartuvshin Amarsanaa –Tuva(Russian-Mongolian) – 2018–active –maegashira15[26]
  • Rohō Yukio– Soslan Feliksovich Baradzov – North Ossetia-Alania – 2002–2008 –komusubi[26]
  • Wakanohō Toshinori– Soslan Aleksandrovich Gagloev – North Ossetia-Alania – 2005–2008 –maegashira1[26]

NOTE: prior to the end of WWII, the southern half of Sakhalin was controlled by Japan as Karafuto.For a Karafuto-born wrestler, seeJapanese-born rikishi of non-Japanese or mixed ethnicity.

Samoa[edit]

  • Nankairyū Tarō– Saba Kiriful – 1984–1988 –maegashira2
  • Nanyōzakura – Faaleva Fofoga – 1984–1988 –makushita48

NOTE: Rikishi from American Samoa and Hawaiians of Samoan descent are listed under the United States heading.

Sri Lanka[edit]

  • Tochitaikai Jiro – Sri Aminda de Perera – 1992–1992 –jonokuchi34

Taiwan[edit]

  • Eigayama Hiromasa – Zhi-min Zeng – 1986–1993 –makushita32[27]
  • Kaho Fumio – Pengwen Chen – 1989–1990 –jonidan55
  • Maedaiko Ichiro – Haolun Xu – 1988–1995 –sandanme16
  • Maenoumi Takeo – Jiancheng Liao – 1989–1991 –sandanme36
  • Ohayama Yoshio – Kunfang Xie – 1990–1995 –makushita53
  • Rakoten Keigo – Qigang Zhen – 1990–1991 –jonidan106
  • Shu – Jianyan Zhou – 1988–1991 –jonidan5
  • Tamayama – Akira Yokone – 1966–1972 –sandanme75
  • Tatsunohana Ritsuei – Lirong Chen – 1989–1994 –makushita45
  • Tominohana – Jiawei Ding – 1988–1992 –jonidan31
  • Tochinohana Choo– Chao-huei Liu – 1980–1988 –juryo4

Tonga[edit]

  • Aotsurugi Kenta– Tebita Rato Taufa (Tebita Togawa) – 2001–2009 –sandanme1
  • Hinodeshima – Shioeri (?) – 1974–1976 –sandanme34
  • Fukunoshima Hiroshi– Tonga Uli'uli Fifita – 1974–1977 –makushita27
  • Minaminoshima Isamu – Minaminoshima Isamu Falevai – 2001–2008 –makushita21[28]
  • Minaminoshima Takeshi – Tevita Vaiola Falevai – 1974–1976 –makushita37[28]
  • Sachinoshima– Sione Havea Vailahi – 1975–1976 –sandanme36
  • Tomonoshima Naoyuki – Viri Manulea Fifita – 1975–1976 –jonidan18
  • Yashinoshima Noboru– Moleni Fe'aomoeata Tauki'uvea – 1974–1976 –makushita53

Ukraine[edit]

  • Aonishiki Arata – Danylo Yavhusishyn (Данило Явгусішин) – 2023–active –Makushita17[29]
  • Shishi Masaru– Serhii Sokolovskyi (Сергій Соколовський) – 2020–active –Juryo5[30]

United Kingdom[edit]

  • Hidenokuni Hajime– Nathan John Strange – England (Kent) – 1989–1990 –jonidan89

United States[edit]

  • Akebono Taro§ – Chadwick George Haheo Rowan – Hawaiian (Hawaii) – 1988–2001 – 64thyokozuna[31]
  • Araiwa Kamenosuke – Cal Lee Martin – California – 1968–1971 –makushita33[32]
  • Daiki Susumu– Percy Pomaikai Kipapa – Hawaiian (Hawaii) – 1991–1998 –juryo10
  • Gosetsu – Laurent Raymond – Hawaii – 1982–1983 –sandanme86
  • Hiraga Shoji – Shoji Hiraga – Japanese-American (California) – 1934–1938 –jonidan23[31]
  • Junyo – Isaac Fuailutago Loe – Hawaii – 1983–1983 –jonidan132
  • Kamikiiwa Ryuta – Wayne Mahelani Vierra Jr. – Hawaiian (Hawaii) – 1990–1991 –sandanme22
  • Konishiki Yasokichi– Saleva'a Fuauli Atisano'e – Samoan (Hawaii) – 1984–1997 –ozeki
  • Koryu Katsuichi – Eric Cosier Gaspar – Hawaii – 1990–1997 –makushita49
  • Matsuryuyama Masao – Robert Masao Suetsugu – Japanese-American (Washington) – 1975–1985 –makushita24
  • Muryu – John Robert Collins – Hawaii – 1976–1981 –makushita55
  • Musashibo Benkei – William Molina – 1987–1988 –jonidan59
  • Musashikuni Mamu – Fiamalu Penitani – Samoan (Hawaii) – 2013–2019 –makushita26[31]
  • Musashimaru Kōyō§ – Fiamalu Penitani – Samoan-Tongan (American Samoa) – 1989–2004 – 67thyokozuna[31]
  • Nanfu Kenzo – Kaleo Kekauoha (Kaleo Suzuki) – Hawaiian (Hawaii) – 1990–1996 –makushita1
  • Narushio – Emanuel Kaefaia Jr – Hawaii – 1983–1984 –jonidan23
  • Ozora Hiroshi – Troy Levi Talaimatai – Samoan (Hawaii) – 1989–1995 –makushita13
  • Sentoryū Henri– Henry Armstrong Miller – Japanese-American (Missouri) – 1988–2003 –maegashira12
  • Shinnishiki – Vincent Divoux – California – 1988–1990 –sandanme10
  • Sunahama Shoji– William Tayler Hopkins – Hawaii – 1990–1997 –juryo5
  • Takai Tsutomu – Ola Rowan – Hawaii – 1989 –jonokuchi39
  • Takamio Daisei – Sione (John) Tekeriri Feleunga – Tongan (Hawaii) – 1986–1997 –makushita2
  • Takamishu– Teila Tuli (Taylor Wily) – Samoan (Hawaii) – 1987–1989 –makushita2
  • Takamiyama Daigoro§ – Jesse James Wailani Kuhaulua – Hawaiian (Hawaii) – 1964–1984 –sekiwake[31]
  • Takanoumi – Phillip Smoak – Texas – 1981 –jonokuchi29[31][33]
  • Toyonishiki Kiichiro– Harley Kiichiro Ozaki – Japanese-American (Colorado) – 1936–1944 –maegashira20
  • Wakachikara Toru – Glenn Kalima – Hawaii – 1991–1994 –makushita26
  • Wakaichirō Ken– Ichiro Young – Japanese-American (Texas) – 2016–2020 –sandanme32[31]
  • Wakatakami Taro – George Pulaian – Hawaii – 1977–1983 –makushita40
  • Wakayashima Masaki – Asato Reid – Japanese-American (Hawaii) – 1976–1978 –sandanme32
  • Yamato Gō– George Kalima – Hawaii – 1990–1997 –maegashira12

(§) marks a retired foreign-born wrestler who became asumo elder.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^"Rikishi – All Foreigners".Sumo Reference.Retrieved19 September2016.
  2. ^Schreiber, Mark (28 January 2017)."2017: a year for sumo nostalgia".Japan Times.Retrieved1 February2017.
  3. ^Discounting those such asToyonishikiandRikidozanwho were born outside Japan but nonetheless listed a Japanese hometown with the Sumo Association.
  4. ^abFurelaud, Gilles (January 2004)."Foreigners in Makuuchi: a chaotic history".Le Monde Du Sumo.Retrieved19 September2016.
  5. ^Associated Press (9 March 1995). "A closed-door policy?".The Honolulu Advertiser.
  6. ^Miji, Shuki (26 March 2019)."SUMO ABC No. 97 / Quota agreement in 2002 has nearly halved lineup of foreign wrestlers".The Japan News.Retrieved27 March2019.
  7. ^Krieger, Daniel (Jan 24, 2013)."In Japan, Sumo Is Dominated by Foreigners".New York Times.Retrieved19 September2016.
  8. ^"Kotoshogiku's sumo tournament victory ends long run of foreign wrestler domination".The Mainichi. January 25, 2016.Retrieved19 September2016.
  9. ^"News Navigator: What happens when you become a sumo elder?".The Mainichi. Sep 11, 2017.
  10. ^abcGunning, John(24 October 2018)."Sumo boasts rich history of multiculturalism".Japan Times.Retrieved21 November2019.
  11. ^Furelaud, Gilles (February 2004)."Hoshitango: intai and danpatsu-shiki in 11 days".Le Monde Du Sumo.Retrieved19 September2016.
  12. ^abArmstrong, Jim (July 10, 2015)."Canadian sumo wrestler Brodik Henderson going pro in Japan".Toronto Sun.Retrieved19 September2016.
  13. ^Robinson, Eugene (July 19, 2014)."It's Not The Size Of This Sumo Wrestler That's Stunning".NPR.Retrieved19 September2016.
  14. ^"Egyptian sumo wrestler storms his way into ancient sport".Yahoo News. July 31, 2014.Retrieved20 September2016.
  15. ^Gunning, John."Veteran Masutoo still seeking promotion to top division".Japan Times.15 November 2019.Retrieved15 November2019.
  16. ^Furelaud, Gilles (Nov 18, 2006)."Banzuke's newcomers".Le Monde du Sumo.Retrieved20 September2016.
  17. ^Buckton, Mark (July 5, 2006)."The competition finally arrives".Japan Times.Retrieved21 September2016.
  18. ^abcGunning, John (31 August 2017)."More multiracial wrestlers making mark in raised ring".Japan Times.Retrieved31 August2017.
  19. ^Sharnoff, Lora (1993).Grand Sumo.Weatherhill.ISBN0-8348-0283-X.
  20. ^abSchreiber, Mark (Jan 26, 2003)."Whether crisis or not, sumo's show must go on".Japan Times.Retrieved19 September2016.
  21. ^"ポーランド xuất thân の phụ trì つ lộ thảo, giác giới nhập りは “Nhật bổn の nam にロマン cảm じた” "(in Japanese). Sanspo. September 2, 2016.Retrieved14 October2016.
  22. ^Furelaud, Gilles (February 2004)."Kazafuzan, the tiger from Kazakhstan".Le Monde Du Sumo.Retrieved19 September2016.
  23. ^Gunning, John."Hakuho may be on path to becoming great stablemaster if latest recruit pans out".Japan Times.26 August 2020.Retrieved2 September2020.
  24. ^"Mongolian wrestler Terunofuji becomes sumo's 73rd yokozuna".The Japan Times.2021-07-21.Retrieved2021-07-23.
  25. ^Pastor, Pam (27 July 2017)."'Sinigang' gets this sumo wrestler going ".Philippine Daily Inquirer.Retrieved3 August2017.
  26. ^abcdGunning, John (12 March 2020)."Roho's career defined by unsavory incidents".Japan Times.Retrieved12 March2020.
  27. ^Nishimoto, Hideshi (18 September 2017)."Sumo ring in Taiwan replaces dohyo pushed out after war".Asahi Shimbun.Retrieved27 October2017.
  28. ^abHirada, Hiroshi (25 September 2015)."Former Tongan sumo wrestler still sports the Asahiyama stable sign".Japan Times.Retrieved8 September2017.
  29. ^"Aonishiki".Japan Sumo Association.
  30. ^Gunning, John (3 January 2020)."Reviewing last year, previewing 2020 in sumo".Japan Times.Retrieved3 January2020.
  31. ^abcdefgJohn Gunning (15 May 2019)."Sumo 101:Americans in sumo".Japan Times.Retrieved20 August2019.
  32. ^Gunning, John (16 December 2020)."American rikishi recalls extremely wild times in sumo world".Japan Times.Retrieved23 December2020.
  33. ^Wehrfritz, George (20 June 1999)."The Gaijins' Woeful Tale".Newsweek.Retrieved11 September2018.
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