Atamifuji Sakutarō

1.1. Childhood and Background

Sakutarō Takei was born in Chiba Prefecture and later moved to Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture, during his second year of elementary school. He grew up in a single-parent household. At the age of six, he began his sumo training by joining a sumo club in the nearby city of Mishima.

1.2. Schooling and Sumo Training

During his junior high school years, Atamifuji initially joined the judo club at Nihon University Mishima Junior High School. However, he transitioned to focusing on sumo in his second year, subsequently transferring to Atami Shiritsu Atami Junior High School. He then moved to Hiryū High School in Numazu, renowned for its sumo club, where he became an active member from his first year. Throughout his high school career, he showed remarkable physical development, increasing his weight from 287 lb ^{(130 kg)} at enrollment to 375 lb ^{(170 kg)} by graduation, fueled by a daily diet of 4 go of rice and 1 L of milk per meal. Despite not always being an exceptional wrestler in terms of technique, he was noted for his immense passion for training. He also contributed to his family by cooking lunch boxes and working part-time as a dishwasher. In 2019, he finished fourth in the National Athletic Meets, an experience that, despite the defeat, gave him the confidence to pursue professional sumo, realizing he could compete at a national level.

1.3. Decision to Turn Professional

Atamifuji had anticipated competing in the National High School tournament in the summer of 2020, but the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following his high school graduation, Sakutarō decided to turn professional in November 2020. He chose to join the Isegahama stable due to its excellent training facilities and the presence of two other Hiryū High School graduates, including Midorifuji, already wrestling there.

2.1. Debut and Lower Divisions

Sakutarō Takei was given the shikona, or ring name, Atamifuji (熱海富士^Japanese). This name was chosen by his stablemaster, Asahifuji, combining "Atami" (熱海^Japanese), his hometown, with "Fuji" (富士^Japanese), derived from his stablemaster's own ring name. In his maezumō debut, Atamifuji won all three of his matches. He officially entered the January 2021 tournament at the rank of jonokuchi 25, where he won the jonokuchi championship in a playoff. In the subsequent March tournament, he continued his strong performance by winning the jonidan championship with a perfect 7-0 record. Although he missed a third consecutive divisional championship in May 2021, finishing with a 6-1 record, he continued to post strong winning records as he advanced through the sandanme division.

2.2. Promotion to Juryo

Atamifuji reached the makushita division for the July 2021 tournament. This tournament was particularly emotional for him as his hometown of Atami was struck by a massive landslide, and he received messages of support from affected residents. His progression through makushita was swift, taking only four tournaments to earn promotion to the jūryō division. At the time of his jūryō promotion, Atamifuji had not recorded a single losing record. His ascent to jūryō in eight tournaments from his professional debut tied him for the seventh-fastest promotion in sumo history (excluding makushita tsukedashi) since the six-tournament-per-year system was introduced in 1958. This promotion also made him the first sekitori from Atami and the twelfth from Shizuoka Prefecture since the end of World War II. Upon becoming a sekitori, Atamifuji received a ceremonial keshō-mawashi from his alma mater, Hiryū High School.

2.3. Makuuchi Debut and Early Performance

Atamifuji experienced his first losing record in his debut tournament as a sekitori in March 2022. However, he quickly rebounded, posting three consecutive winning records in subsequent tournaments. In September 2022, Atamifuji earned a promotion to makuuchi, sumo's top division, for the November 2022 tournament with an eighth victory on Day 14 over 栃武蔵陽太_{Tochimusashi Yota}^Japanese. It took only 12 tournaments to Atamifuji to reach the top division, which ties him in eighth place for the record of fastest progress to the top division since 1958. He also became the first rikishi born in the 21st century to reach makuuchi. In his makuuchi debut at West Maegashira 15, Atamifuji secured his first top-division win against Minoumi on Day 3, following it with two more wins to achieve a 3-2 record. However, he then suffered nine consecutive losses, finishing the tournament with a 4-11 record, which resulted in his demotion back to the jūryō division for the January 2023 tournament. Following this performance, he received critical feedback from his stablemaster and senior yokozuna Terunofuji, who commented that Atamifuji "had not yet taken shape" and had "only risen to the makuuchi ranks on the basis of his qualities alone" rather than refined technique.

2.4. Return to Juryo and Championship

In the January 2023 tournament, Atamifuji, ranked East jūryō 3, had to withdraw on Day 11 due to a case of influenza. As his absence was not related to COVID-19, his rank was not protected, leading to his demotion to jūryō 8. Despite this setback, he returned strong in the May 2023 tournament, finishing as runner-up with an impressive 13-2 record, only behind Gōnoyama and Ochiai, the tournament winner. Although his performance was strong enough for re-promotion to makuuchi, he was not selected and remained at West jūryō 1 for the July tournament. Ahead of the July tournament, Atamifuji engaged in intense training, performing 30 bouts in a single session. In the July tournament, he secured his eighth victory early, overcoming a past tendency to struggle after reaching seven wins, which he referred to as breaking through his "devil's gate" (kimon). He then went on to win the jūryō tournament after a playoff victory over Daiamami, securing his re-promotion to the top division.

2.5. Makuuchi Title Contention and Awards

Upon his return to the top division in September 2023, Atamifuji, then the youngest active competitor in makuuchi at 21, quickly established himself as a title contender. He maintained a leading position alongside former ōzeki Takayasu in the first half of the tournament, achieving his first kachi-koshi (winning record) in makuuchi on Day 9, with his only loss up to that point being to Tsurugishō on Day 5. On Day 10, he defeated Takayasu by oshitaoshi, becoming the sole leader of the competition. However, he lost his lead after suffering consecutive defeats to sekiwake Daieishō and ōzeki Takakeishō on Days 12 and 13, respectively, bringing him level with Takakeishō at three losses. Despite this, he maintained a winning lead over three other wrestlers (Takakeishō, Daieishō, and Hokuseihō) heading into the final days. In his final match, he faced former ōzeki Asanoyama, needing a win to secure the championship outright. He lost the match by yorikiri, resulting in a playoff against Takakeishō, which he also lost, missing out on the championship. For leading the championship race for most of the tournament, Atamifuji received his first Fighting Spirit award. He expressed his frustration and anger in the dressing room after the playoff loss, but also showed his pure character by being concerned about the content of Takakeishō's winner's interview.

In the November 2023 tournament, Atamifuji again found himself among the tournament leaders, recording five consecutive victories from the first day. He lost his lead after back-to-back defeats to Sakaigawa stablemates Sadanoumi and Hiradoumi on Day 6 and 7. However, he bounced back with six consecutive wins from Day 8 onwards, including a victory over ōzeki Hōshōryū on Day 12. With eleven victories, Atamifuji remained at the top of the standings, tied with ōzeki Kirishima on Day 13. The championship was to be decided on Day 14 in their direct match. Atamifuji also had the opportunity to achieve the fastest championship win in sumo history, needing to win the yūshō in 18 tournaments since his debut. Kirishima won the match by yorikiri, securing a lead over Atamifuji. On the final day, Atamifuji lost his match against Kotonowaka, ending his playoff hopes. For his sustained efforts and strong performance, he received his second consecutive Fighting Spirit award. He also experienced participating in the "Koreyori San'yaku" (the final three bouts of the day featuring the highest-ranked wrestlers) for the first time. Former yokozuna Hanada Masaru praised Atamifuji, suggesting he deserved all three special prizes for his performance in the Kyushu tournament.

2.6. Subsequent Career and Notable Matches

In 2024, Atamifuji had declared his goal of achieving a san'yaku rank from January. However, his progress stalled in the maegashira ranks, partly due to injuries within his stable that limited his practice opportunities with higher-ranked wrestlers. Despite this, he had the most bouts against san'yaku or higher-ranked opponents among maegashira wrestlers in 2024, totaling 42 matches and earning seven "silver stars" (wins against ōzeki or yokozuna). At the May 2024 tournament, Atamifuji notably defeated ōzeki Hōshōryū. In the January 2025 tournament, despite finishing with a losing record of 5-10, he demonstrated his potential by defeating both ōzeki Hōshōryū and Kotozakura. The victory against Kotozakura occurred after a rare torinaoshi (restart) was called due to a ringside judge mistakenly raising his hand.

3.1. Techniques and Grips

Atamifuji is specialized in yotsu-sumo grappling techniques. His preferred grip on his opponent's mawashi, or belt, is migi-yotsu, which involves a right (migi) hand inside grip. His right-hand inside grip has become widely recognized as a key weapon in his arsenal.

3.2. Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Atamifuji is known for his passionate and bold approach to sumo, often taking the initiative in bouts. Former yokozuna Musashimaru observed in May 2022 that Atamifuji tended to have high hips and loose armpits, indicating areas for technical refinement. However, Musashimaru later praised Atamifuji's decisive and instinctive sumo, even while suggesting that his tachiai (initial charge) speed could be improved. In September 2023, former yokozuna Hanada Masaru lauded Atamifuji's ability to adapt his tachiai against smaller opponents, hitting chest-to-chest, and his powerful uwatenage (overarm throw) after securing a good left-hand grip. Despite his physical attributes and training intensity, former yokozuna Miyagino pointed out Atamifuji's mental weakness in crucial moments, suggesting that his true value would be tested against higher-ranked opponents. His routine before the tachiai has also drawn some criticism.

3.3. Expert Opinions and Analysis

Coaches and former wrestlers have offered various assessments of Atamifuji's technique and potential. His stablemaster and yokozuna Terunofuji commented that Atamifuji had "not yet taken shape," implying that his early success was due more to natural talent than perfected technique. Musashimaru, while acknowledging areas for improvement, praised Atamifuji's bold, instinctive sumo, suggesting he has the potential to become an ōzeki or yokozuna. Former ōzeki Kotokaze noted in May 2024 that Atamifuji's body had become more muscular and firm due to intense training. Former ōzeki Tamanoi advised in September 2024 that Atamifuji could further stabilize his sumo by making his tachiai less one-dimensional and less reliant on immediately securing a mawashi grip. His stablemaster, Isegahama, noted that Atamifuji's dedication to training, including performing 50 bouts a day, is standard practice within the stable, indicating a high level of commitment.

4.1. Family and Personal Background

Atamifuji is the elder of two siblings. His younger sister, Hina Takei, made history in the autumn of 2022 by becoming the first female captain of the Hiryū High School sumo team in its approximately 50-year history. Hina is actively committed to the development of women's sumo. Atamifuji grew up in a single-parent household. His favorite foods include sushi, curry, and fish, particularly sashimi. His hobbies include eating out, listening to music, and karaoke. His favorite musical artists are Back number and Saucy Dog, and he enjoys watching YouTube channels like Tokai OnAir and Kimagure Cook. He also lists Teresa Teng as a favorite singer.

4.2. Public Persona and Nicknames

Atamifuji is widely known for his expressive demeanor, often smiling broadly in the hanamichi (path to the ring) after a victory and showing a visibly sad face after a loss. This candid display of emotions has made him very popular with fans. His coach, Tateyama (former maegashira Homarefuji), has affectionately dubbed him "The Takamisakari of the Reiwa era" (令和の高見盛_{Reiwa no Takamisakari}^Japanese), referencing the famously emotional former rikishi Takamisakari. His senior, yokozuna Terunofuji, also gave him the nickname "Kakukai no pudding" (角界のプリン_{Kakukai no purin}^Japanese, meaning "Sumo world's pudding"), a playful reference to "Atami Pudding," a local brand that has sponsored Atamifuji.

4.3. Media Appearances and Endorsements

Atamifuji's growing popularity has led to various media appearances and endorsements. A restaurant in Mishima City, "Kōgyokubo Shokudō Meshishin-chan," where Atamifuji frequented since elementary school, created a special large-portion meal called the "Sakuchan Set" in his honor after his strong performance in the September 2023 tournament. During the same tournament, a photo of Atamifuji with F1 driver George Russell and SUPER GT racer Nobuharu Matsushita gained attention, with an NHK announcer mistakenly referring to Russell as a "foreign tourist."

Atamifuji's personal values have also been highlighted; former yokozuna Hanada Masaru praised Atamifuji for expressing his desire to earn money to make his mother's life easier, finding it admirable for a young man. In October 2023, Atamifuji served as the tsuyuharai (dew-sweeper) for Terunofuji's dohyō-iri (ring-entering ceremony) at the All-Japan Rikishi Senshuken Tournament. In November 2023, he met professional golfer Ayaka Watanabe, who trained with him in middle school, and was touched that she remembered him.

On December 27, 2023, Nagatanien, a well-known food company, announced a commercial talent contract with Atamifuji, featuring him alongside his stablemaster, Isegahama oyakata, in a commercial for their Ochazuke Nori product. However, this commercial was reportedly pulled shortly after its release due to allegations of "black dealings" (ties to anti-social forces) involving the stable's supporters, according to a June 2024 report by Shūkan Bunshun. Former sekitori Takatoriki Tadashige commented on the strict compliance standards in television, drawing parallels to his own experiences and acknowledging that historical ties between sumo and organized crime existed, even suggesting that such issues might still be present within the Isegahama stable, possibly as retaliation from supporters of former yokozuna Hakuhō.

Atamifuji also received a keshō-mawashi from tourism-related organizations in his hometown of Atami. The design, featuring a barcode-like pattern, led to some fans jokingly calling him "Barcode Ojisan" (Barcode Uncle), though the design actually represents "Atsuo," Atami City's mascot. In his personal life, a brief on-screen romance with former Nogizaka46 member Sayuri Matsumura on the TV program Sunday Japon in March 2024 ended when Matsumura was reported to be dating a non-celebrity.

5.1. Tournament Results

Below are Atamifuji's career results by tournament:

5.2. Special Prizes and Speed Records

Atamifuji has achieved several notable distinctions and speed records in his career:

• Divisional Championships:
  • Jūryō: 1 time (July 2023)
  • Jonidan: 1 time (March 2021)
  • Jonokuchi: 1 time (January 2021)
• Special Prizes (Sansho):
  • Fighting Spirit Prize: 2 times (September 2023, November 2023)
• Speed Records:
  • Fastest promotion from professional debut to jūryō: 8 tournaments (tied for 7th fastest since 1958, excluding makushita tsukedashi).
  • Fastest promotion from professional debut to makuuchi: 12 tournaments (tied for 8th fastest since 1958).

  Overall Career Record (as of January 2025 tournament end):

  • Total: 182 wins, 133 losses, 4 absences (26 tournaments)
  • Makuuchi: 74 wins, 76 losses (10 tournaments)
  • Jūryō: 68 wins, 48 losses, 4 absences (9 tournaments)
  • Makushita: 21 wins, 7 losses (4 tournaments)
  • Sandanme: 6 wins, 1 loss (1 tournament)
  • Jonidan: 7 wins, 0 losses (1 tournament)
  • Jonokuchi: 6 wins, 1 loss (1 tournament)

  Makuuchi Head-to-Head Record (as of January 2025 tournament end; active wrestlers in bold):
  
  

  Rikishi Name	Wins	Losses	Rikishi Name	Wins	Losses	Rikishi Name	Wins	Losses	Rikishi Name	Wins	Losses
  Aoyama	1	1	Asanoyama	1	2	Azumaryū	0	1	Abi	3	5
  Ichinojō	0	1	Ichiyamamoto	0	1	Ura	3	2	Endō	0	2
  Ōshōma	1	0	Abishō	2	0	Ōhō	2	4	Ōnosato	0	5
  Okinoumi	1	0	Kagayaki	2	0	Kirishima	2	5	Kimbaizan	3	0
  Gōnoyama	2	2	Kotoekō	1	1	Kotonowaka	1	7	Kotoshoho	1	1
  Sadanoumi	1	1	Shōdai	2	0	Shōnanoumi	3	1	Daieishō	4	4
  Daishōhō	1	0	Takakeishō	2	2*	Takanoshō	3	3	Takayasu	3	1
  Tamawashi	0	1	Minoumi	3	0	Chiyoshōma	1	1	Chiyotaikai	0	1
  Tsurugishō	0	1	Tochinoshin	0	1	Shōzaru	6	1	Nishikigi	1	2
  Hiradoumi	3	4	Hōshōryū	5	3	Mitakeumi	4	2	Myōgiryū	2	0
  Meisei	1	1	Ryūden	1	0	Wakatakakage	0	1	Wakamotoharu	1	5

  
  (* Denotes one loss in a championship playoff)