Wakamotoharu Minato (若元春 港) (born October 5, 1993 as Minato Onami (大波 港, Ōnami Minato)) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Fukushima. He wrestles for the Arashio stable, where he is a stable mate of his brothers Wakatakakage and Wakatakamoto. His highest rank to date has been sekiwake.
| Wakamotoharu Minato | |
|---|---|
| 若元春 港 | |
 Wakamotoharu in January 2022 | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | Minato Onami October 5, 1993 Fukushima, Fukushima, Japan |
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 1+1⁄2 in) |
| Weight | 145 kg (320 lb) |
| Career | |
| Stable | Arashio |
| Current rank | See below |
| Debut | November 2011 |
| Highest rank | Sekiwake (May 2023) |
| Championships | 2 (Makushita) 1 (Jonokuchi) |
| Special Prizes | Technique (1) Outstanding Performance (1) |
| Gold Stars | 1 (Terunofuji) |
| * Up to date as of 15 January 2024. | |
Early life and family background edit
Wakamotoharu comes from a sumo family. His grandfather Wakabayama reached the rank of komusubi and his father, who was a makushita division wrestler, now owns a chankonabe restaurant in Fukushima.[1] Wakamotoharu has an elder brother, Wakatakamoto, and a younger brother, Wakatakakage. All brothers became professional wrestlers between 2009 and 2017 and are currently wrestling for Arashio stable.[2][3] Although Wakatakamoto has yet to progress beyond the makushita division, Wakatakakage was the first to surpass their grandfather's achievements when he reached the rank of sekiwake in 2022.[4] When the three brothers first entered professional sumo, they were given shikona, or ring names, inspired by the parable of the three arrows of 16th-century warlord Mōri Motonari. Wakamotoharu's ring name is derived from the first kanji of his grandfather's shikona and the name of the second son in the parable, Kikkawa Motoharu.[5]
As a child, Wakamotoharu was particularly admiring of Sōtairyū, at the time the only sekitori ranked wrestler from his home prefecture of Fukushima.[6] He was part of Gakuhō Fukushima High School's sumo club, in the city of Fukushima. As a high school student, he was one of the victims of the 2011 earthquake. During the initial reconstruction period, he moved to the Arashio stable in Tokyo with his younger brother Wakatakakage to live and train there for a month, thanks to the help of his older brother Wakatakamoto, who was already wrestling in the stable.[1][7] That same year, he decided to become a professional sumo wrestler in the same stable as a sign of gratitude after they had welcomed him and his brother.[8]
Career edit
Early career edit
Wakamotoharu made his professional debut in November 2011 under the shikona, or ring name, Araonami (荒大波).[9] In his first official tournament (honbasho) in January 2012, under the new shikona Goshi (剛士), he won the jonokuchi championship, or yūshō, with a perfect 7–0 record.[10] In May 2017 he adopted the shikona of Wakamotoharu.[10] In January 2019 he won the makushita division championship with an undefeated 7–0 score and was promoted to the jūryō division along Kiribayama.[11] At the time of his first promotion to the jūryō division, he and Wakatakakage became the twentieth pair of brothers to achieve the status of sekitori in sumo history.[12] Commenting on his promotion his master Arashio (former komusubi Ōyutaka) and his senior Sōkokurai expressed their reservations, with his master commenting that he had been expecting a promotion for three years and criticising Wakamotoharu's lack of effort in training. Sōkokurai, for his part, commented that he had had to encourage him since the end of 2018 in order for him to give himself the means for promotion.[12] During his first jūryō tournament, Wakamotoharu scored only five wins and was demoted back to makushita. He however returned to jūryō after a 6–1 record at makushita 1 in September 2019.[13]
Since his master (former Ōyutaka) was from Niigata Prefecture, Wakamotoharu regularly attended training camps organized by his stable to scout promising young talent, training notably with future Ōnosato.[14]
In November 2019 he had to apologize after a picture of him bound to a chair and gagged with tape was posted on social media by fellow wrestler Abi.[15] The prank was criticized for seeming to make light of past incidents of violence within sumo stables, and the Japan Sumo Association responded by banning sumo wrestlers from having individual social media accounts.[16]
Makuuchi career edit
In December 2021 the Japan Sumo Association released the rankings for the January 2022 tournament, and he was promoted to the top makuuchi division, joining his younger brother Wakatakakage.[17] Wakamotoharu and Wakatakakage are the 12th pair of brothers to both be ranked in the top division at the same time.[18] He is the second member of Arashio stable to make the top division following Wakatakakage in November 2019, and the first since the current stablemaster, former maegashira Sōkokurai, took over.[19] Speaking to reporters Wakamotoharu recalled the difficulty of beginning 2021 by having to sit out the January tournament because of a COVID-19 infection but ending it with his best result as a sekitori, an 11-4 record in November, which saw him win promotion.[4] He said that he hoped he would be able to outdo his younger brother.[20] At the time of his promotion, the supporters' association in his hometown of Fukushima gave him a replica of the keshō-mawashi worn by his grandfather Wakabayama. On display in his parents' chanko restaurant, the original keshō-mawashi depicts a lion dance scene.[18]
In the January 2022 tournament Wakamotoharu secured a winning record in his makuuchi debut on Day 14 when he defeated Tobizaru.[21] His second straight winning record came on Day 12 of the March 2022 tournament, when he defeated Endō to move to 8–4.[22] He finished the tournament with another 9–6 record.[23]
Wakamotoharu's bout against Terunofuji in the July 2022 tournament was stopped after two minutes by gyōji Shikimori Inosuke after Wakamotoharu's mawashi became undone. After a pause of about ten minutes for a mono-ii and to reset the positions of the wrestlers, Wakamotoharu was defeated when Terunofuji quickly swung him out of the ring with an underarm throw.[24]
After two consecutive 10-5 winning records in the top maegashira ranks, Wakamotoharu was promoted to komusubi for the January 2023 tournament. He secured a winning record in his san'yaku debut on the 14th day.[25] He retained his komusubi ranking in the March banzuke.[26] In May 2023 he was promoted to sekiwake, making him and his brother Wakatakakage the fourth siblings in history to reach sumo's third-highest rank, and the first since yokozuna brothers Takanohana and Wakanohana in the early 1990s.[27] During the May tournament, he notably defeated Ōzeki Takakeishō on Day 14.[28] He finished the tournament with a 10-5 record and was awarded the Technique prize.
After the tournament, the hypothesis of Wakamotoharu's promotion to ōzeki received a response from the chairman of the judging committee, Sadogatake, who commented that the July tournament would be one where promotion to ōzeki would be considered if his results were good enough.[29] Wakamotoharu would need 12 wins at the July basho to reach the normal ōzeki promotion requirement of 33 wins at san'yaku in three tournaments.[30] Commenting on his potential promotion, Wakamotoharu expressed his relief at seeing his career finally stabilize in the sport's top division. Similarly, he confided that his position as ōzeki-tori (candidate for the rank of ōzeki) came as a surprise to him, as he has spent the majority of his career trying to catch up with his brother Wakatakakage in the rankings, his younger brother also having been in his potential promotion situation before him. Aware of his situation he also expressed his wish to become the equal of former ōzeki Kaiō and Chiyotaikai.[31]
Prior to the July tournament, Wakamotoharu received a keshō-mawashi from his Fukushima patronage association. Designed by his mother, who used to work in the design industry after graduating from an art school, the design features flowers and fruit from the prefecture to evoke the Hanamiyama Park.[32] During the tournament, however, Wakamotoharu lost his chance of the ōzeki title when he suffered his fourth defeat on Day 12 to returning ōzeki Kirishima.[33]
Wakamotoharu lost his san'yaku status for the first tournament of 2024, having been demoted to the rank of maegashira 1. On Day 2 of the tournament, he claimed his very first kinboshi (gold star) with an upset victory over Yokozuna Terunofuji in a match lasting 1 minute and 42 seconds.[34] This was followed up the next day with a victory over one of the ōzeki competitors, Takakeishō.[35] Wakamotoharu finished the tournament with 10 wins, with reports suggesting his record to be enough to earn promotion back to the san'yaku ranks. For his feat in beating the yokozuna and several other san'yaku-ranked opponents, he received the Outstanding Performance Prize.[36]
Fighting style edit
Wakamotoharu prefers to grab his opponent's mawashi rather than push or thrust, and his favourite grip is hidari-yotsu, with his right hand outside and left hand inside his opponent's arms.[9] His most common winning kimarite or technique is a straightforward yori-kiri, or force out.[9]
Personal life edit
Wakamotoharu announced after his makuuchi promotion that he had got married in November 2021, after a three-year relationship.[18] He is a fan of singers Ed Sheeran and Aiko, professional wrestling, the comedy duo Chocolate Planet, and the Kinnikuman series.[37]
Career record edit
| Year | January Hatsu basho, Tokyo |
March Haru basho, Osaka |
May Natsu basho, Tokyo |
July Nagoya basho, Nagoya |
September Aki basho, Tokyo |
November Kyūshū basho, Fukuoka |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | x | x | x | x | x | (Maezumo) |
| 2012 | East Jonokuchi #15 7–0 Champion |
West Jonidan #10 5–2 |
West Sandanme #78 6–1 |
West Sandanme #20 3–4 |
East Sandanme #39 6–1 |
West Makushita #54 2–5 |
| 2013 | West Sandanme #19 3–4 |
East Sandanme #34 6–1 |
East Makushita #45 3–1–3 |
East Makushita #55 7–0 Champion |
East Makushita #7 2–5 |
West Makushita #19 2–5 |
| 2014 | West Makushita #36 3–4 |
West Makushita #43 4–3 |
East Makushita #37 4–3 |
West Makushita #29 3–4 |
West Makushita #37 3–4 |
West Makushita #46 3–4 |
| 2015 | West Makushita #55 3–4 |
West Sandanme #6 6–1 |
East Makushita #33 3–4 |
East Makushita #44 5–2 |
West Makushita #28 2–5 |
East Makushita #46 Sat out due to injury 0–0–7 |
| 2016 | West Sandanme #26 5–2 |
West Sandanme #1 6–1 |
East Makushita #29 4–3 |
West Makushita #22 4–3 |
West Makushita #16 4–3 |
West Makushita #12 4–3 |
| 2017 | East Makushita #8 4–3 |
West Makushita #5 3–4 |
West Makushita #9 3–4 |
East Makushita #14 3–4 |
West Makushita #18 5–2 |
East Makushita #11 4–3 |
| 2018 | West Makushita #6 3–4 |
East Makushita #12 4–3 |
East Makushita #10 5–2 |
West Makushita #4 2–5 |
West Makushita #14 5–2 |
East Makushita #7 4–3 |
| 2019 | West Makushita #3 7–0 Champion |
West Jūryō #10 5–10 |
West Makushita #1 3–4 |
West Makushita #5 5–2 |
East Makushita #1 6–1 |
West Jūryō #11 5–10 |
| 2020 | West Makushita #1 6–1 |
West Jūryō #11 8–7 |
West Jūryō #8 Tournament Cancelled 0–0–0 |
West Jūryō #8 9–6 |
East Jūryō #3 6–9 |
West Jūryō #6 8–7 |
| 2021 | East Jūryō #5 Sat out due to COVID rules 0–0–15 |
East Jūryō #6 6–9 |
East Jūryō #9 9–6 |
East Jūryō #3 7–8 |
East Jūryō #3 8–7 |
West Jūryō #1 11–4 |
| 2022 | East Maegashira #15 9–6 |
West Maegashira #9 9–6 |
West Maegashira #6 9–6 |
East Maegashira #4 6–9 |
East Maegashira #6 10–5 |
East Maegashira #4 10–5 |
| 2023 | West Komusubi #2 9–6 |
East Komusubi #1 11–4 |
West Sekiwake #2 10–5 T |
West Sekiwake #2 9–6 |
West Sekiwake #1 9–6 |
West Sekiwake #1 6–9 |
| 2024 | East Maegashira #1 10–5 O★ |
West Sekiwake #1 9–6 |
x | x | x | x |
| Record given as wins–losses–absencies Top division champion Top division runner-up Retired Lower divisions Non-participation Sanshō key: F=Fighting spirit; O=Outstanding performance; T=Technique Also shown: ★=Kinboshi; P=Playoff(s) |
||||||
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b "東日本大震災から10年 若隆元、若元春、若隆景 史上初の3兄弟同時関取で故郷・福島に勇気と笑顔を". Sports Nippon (in Japanese). 5 March 2021. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "若元春が新十両で史上20組目の兄弟関取「謙虚に」". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 30 January 2019. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
- ^ "SUMO/ Sport banks on family ties, new stablemasters to wrestle decline". Asahi Shimbun. 26 January 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
- ^ a b Gunning, John (5 January 2022). "'No starting over': A fresh year for sumo may be just like the last". Japan Times. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
- ^ "Sumo: Twins making historic push for summit of Japan's ancient sport". Kyodo News. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
- ^ "若元春「相撲を好きになることが未来につながる」下諏訪合宿で子供たちと交流 普及を願う思いと自覚". Nippon Sports (in Japanese). 19 June 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
- ^ "小結・若元春 ～震災から１２年 ふるさとに頑張る姿を～". NHK (in Japanese). 12 March 2023. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "福島出身の兄弟関取が白星 「相撲もそう、前に前に」". Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). 11 March 2019. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ a b c "Wakamotoharu Minato: Rikishi Profile". Japan Sumo Association. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
- ^ a b c "Wakamotoharu Minato Rikishi Information". Sumo Reference.
- ^ "新十両昇進の若元春、ＳＯＭＥＤＡＹ〜目指すは史上初"３兄弟同時"関取！". Sports Nippon (in Japanese). 31 January 2019. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ a b "若隆景の兄・若元春に春が来た！史上２０組目の兄弟関取誕生". Sankei Sports (in Japanese). 31 January 2019. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "若元春「あんな相撲じゃダメ」うっちゃり６勝も反省". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 20 September 2019. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
- ^ "大の里、1敗守り勝ち越し決める「大先輩」互いに成長して再び対戦した関脇相手に実力示す". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 18 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
- ^ "相撲協会が阿炎ら口頭注意 ＳＮＳで不適切動画投稿". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 7 November 2019. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
- ^ "協会が力士らにＳＮＳ自粛通達、阿炎の不謹慎投稿で". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 10 November 2019. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
- ^ "Yokozuna Terunofuji takes pole position in bid for 3rd straight title". The Mainichi. 24 December 2021. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
- ^ a b c "Wakamotoharu is the 12th brother in makuuchi history with Wakatakakage". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 24 December 2021. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
- ^ "2022 January Grand Sumo Tournament Banzuke Topics". Japan Sumo Association. Archived from the original on 6 November 2021. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
- ^ Miki, Shuji (13 January 2022). "Wakatakakage, Wakamotoharu 10th pair of brothers since Showa era". The Japan News. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
- ^ "Abi's win over Terunofuji sets up intriguing finale to New Year tourney". Japan Times. 22 January 2022. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
- ^ "Sumo: Solid wins keep Takayasu, Wakatakakage on top in Osaka". Kyodo News. 24 March 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
- ^ "Wakatakakage continues sumo's surprise-champion trend". Japan Times. 30 March 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
- ^ "Sumo: Terunofuji survives scare to join Nagoya leaders". Kyodo News. 17 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Sumo: Takakeisho, Kotoshoho to battle for title on final day". Kyodo News. 21 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
- ^ Chifuri, Hiromitsu (2023-02-27). "Sumo Rankings". The Japan Times. Retrieved 2023-03-01.
- ^ "Sumo: Kiribayama seeks ozeki promotion, Asanoyama back in top flight". Kyodo News. 1 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
- ^ "新関脇若元春が２桁10勝目で来場所大関とりへ「今の番付をまっとうすることしか考えられない」" (in Japanese). Nikkan Sports. 27 May 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
- ^ "霧馬山が大関昇進へ、佐渡ケ嶽審判部長「成績申し分ない」 残る３関脇は来場所大関とりと明言" (in Japanese). Nikkan Sports. 27 May 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
- ^ "大栄翔、豊昇龍、若元春の３関脇が来場所で大関とり目指す 目安の「三役で３場所33勝」視界" (in Japanese). Nikkan Sports. 28 May 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
- ^ "関脇若元春、大関とりは意識せず「あの強い大関に並べるかと思ったらまだまだ」" (in Japanese). Nikkan Sports. 27 June 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
- ^ "若元春、苦手琴ノ若に完勝し６勝目「新たな力」福島のフルーツの花をちりばめた郷土の化粧まわし" (in Japanese). Nikkan Sports. 16 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
- ^ "若元春、４敗目で今場所後の大関昇進は厳しく 大関霧島に敗れる" (in Japanese). Nikkan Sports. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
- ^ "横綱・照ノ富士が2日目で早くも土 綱獲りかかる霧島が盤石相撲、怪物・大の里も連勝で存在感" (in Japanese). Sports Nippon. 15 January 2024. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ "Sumo: Wakamotoharu earns 2nd elite scalp by beating ozeki Takakeisho". Kyodo News. 16 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
- ^ "Sumo: Terunofuji beats Kotonowaka in playoff to win New Year tourney". Kyodo News. 28 January 2024. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
No. 1 Wakamotoharu received his first Outstanding Performance Award after sealing his return to sanyaku with a 10-5 record including wins against Terunofuji and multiple sanyaku opponents.
- ^ "若元春 港 - 力士プロフィール - 日本相撲協会公式サイト". Japan Sumo Association (in Japanese). Retrieved 12 May 2023.
External links edit
- Wakamotoharu Minato's official biography (English) at the Grand Sumo Homepage
- Wakamotoharu profile at the Arashio stable official website