Daitetsu Tadamitsu

1.1. Childhood and Sumo Entry

Born Tadamitsu Minami in Ōno, Fukui, Daitetsu displayed an athletic inclination from an early age, practicing kendo during his junior high school years. His imposing height, which eventually reached 76 in ^{(193 cm)}, caught the attention of sumo scouts. Despite strong emotional opposition from his mother, who wept at his departure, he made the decision to move to Tokyo to pursue a professional sumo career. He joined the historic Nishonoseki stable and officially made his professional debut in Maezumō in July 1971, while still enrolled in middle school.

1.2. Early Professional Career

Daitetsu began his professional journey in the lowest ranks of sumo. In September 1975, he briefly sided with 17th Oshioyama during a stable separation incident, which led to the establishment of Oshioyama stable. However, his transfer was not approved, and he remained with Nishonoseki stable. He steadily climbed the ranks, eventually reaching the second-highest Jūryō division in January 1980. However, his initial stint in Juryo was short-lived, as he was demoted back to the third-highest Makushita division after just one tournament. He considered retiring at this point, but was repeatedly encouraged by local supporters from Fukui Prefecture, who asked if he had truly reached his limit. This unwavering support motivated him to continue, with promises from his supporters that their companies would provide employment if he failed to achieve significant success despite giving his utmost. He returned to Juryo in July 1982 and, after persistent efforts and overcoming the "Juryo wall," finally achieved promotion to the top Makuuchi division in November 1983. In July 1979, while in the Makushita division, he achieved an impressive 7-0 undefeated record but lost a playoff for the division championship (`yūshō`) to Sadanoumi. He also participated in two playoffs for the Juryo championship in May and July 1989 but lost both, to Komafudo and Ryūkōzan, meaning he never achieved a `yūshō` title in any division throughout his career.

2.1. Promotion and Ranks

After reaching the top `makuuchi` division in November 1983, Daitetsu steadily improved his performance. In March 1987, he achieved his highest rank, being promoted to Komusubi (West Komusubi 1). This promotion was particularly significant as he became the first wrestler from Fukui Prefecture to reach a San'yaku rank (the three highest ranks below `yokozuna` and `ōzeki`) since the beginning of the Showa era (1926). He held the `komusubi` rank for only one tournament. In September 1988, following the retirement of Kirinji, Daitetsu became the sole wrestler from Nishonoseki stable remaining in the `makuuchi` division. He returned to the `jūryō` division in January 1989, where he spent the remainder of his active career.

2.2. Key Matches and Achievements

One of the most defining moments of Daitetsu's career came in July 1985 when, on the second day of the tournament, he defeated the legendary `Yokozuna` Chiyonofuji to earn his first and only kinboshi (gold star), an award given to a `maegashira` who defeats a `yokozuna`. The match against Chiyonofuji was remarkable: while Chiyonofuji swiftly pulled both `mawashi` grips and aggressively pushed forward, Daitetsu, seemingly unconsciously, swung his body to the right from a left `uwate` (overarm) grip, causing Chiyonofuji, who had built significant momentum, to step outside the ring with his left foot. This was a rare upset, highlighting Daitetsu's ability to sometimes surprise even the most dominant wrestlers.

2.3. Fighting Style

Daitetsu Tadamitsu was primarily a `yotsu-sumo` wrestler, meaning he preferred to grapple and hold onto his opponent's `mawashi`. His preferred grip was `hidari-yotsu` (right hand outside, left hand inside). He was particularly strong once he secured a right `uwate` grip. Due to his height, he frequently employed `tsuri-dashi` (lift out), a powerful technique where a wrestler lifts his opponent off the ground and carries him out of the ring. His most common winning technique (`kimarite`) was `yori-kiri` (force out), where he would force his opponent out of the ring while maintaining a grip. He also occasionally used `uwatenage` (overarm throw). While strong in grappling, Daitetsu's relatively high waist and sometimes slow initial charge (`tachiai`) made him vulnerable to `tsuki-oshi` wrestlers (those who prefer pushing and thrusting rather than grappling).

4.1. Transition to Elder Status

Daitetsu announced his retirement from active competition after the September 1990 tournament. He officially assumed the elder name `Minatogawa` (`Minatogawa Oyakata`). A significant hallmark of his career was his remarkable durability: he never missed a single bout from his `maezumō` debut until his retirement, competing in 1199 consecutive bouts over 116 tournaments (from September 1971 to September 1990). This impressive record was maintained despite various injuries, including cracked ribs and torn finger roots, which he would reportedly "heal through training" in line with the prevailing attitudes of the time. His official retirement ceremony, the `danpatsu-shiki`, where his topknot was ceremonially cut, was a well-attended event.

4.2. Roles within the Japan Sumo Association

After retiring, Daitetsu remained an integral part of the sumo world. He initially served as a coach (`oyakata`) at the original Nishonoseki stable. Following the closure of Nishonoseki stable after the January 2013 tournament, he transferred to Matsugane stable, which was part of the same `Nishonoseki ichimon` (group of stables). In November 2014, Matsugane stable itself was renamed Nishonoseki stable, effectively bringing him back under the familiar name. Later, with another renaming of Nishonoseki stable to Hanakago stable on December 24, 2021, he continued his association with the new stable.

Beyond coaching, Daitetsu served in the Sumo Association's judging department (`shinpanbu`) until January 2006. He temporarily returned to judging in July 2010 to fill in for Sadanoumi Oyakata, who was suspended due to the sumo betting scandal, and then formally rejoined the judging department from the September tournament onwards. From March 2014 to March 2018, he was one of three `oyakata` appointed as members of the board of trustees as the Sumo Association transitioned to a public interest corporation status. After stepping down from the board of trustees on March 26, 2018, he assumed the role of Vice-Chairman of the `Toshiyori-kai` (the association of sumo elders) from May 2018. He also actively engages with the community, notably conducting sumo classes for children in his native Fukui. Additionally, he appeared in a leaflet promoting Wakasa Beef produced by the JA Fukui Economic Federation.

4.3. Final Retirement and Succession of Elder Name

Daitetsu reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 for sumo elders in October 2021. However, he was re-employed by the Sumo Association as a consultant, extending his service for another five years. On June 30, 2024, the Sumo Association announced his early final retirement from his consultant role. At the time of his mandatory retirement, it was revealed that his weight had increased to 309 lb ^{(140 kg)}, exceeding his active career weight of 287 lb ^{(130 kg)}.

Following his retirement, the elder name `Minatogawa` was succeeded by Takakeisho (then an `ōzeki`), who was facing the possibility of retirement from sumo due to the lack of an available elder name within his `ichimon`. Daitetsu's decision to vacate the `Minatogawa` name facilitated Takakeisho's continued career within the Sumo Association.

6.1. Notable Anecdotes

Daitetsu's distinctive yellow-ochre (which he insisted was "golden") `mawashi` made a powerful impression on spectators. So much so that when he changed its color to green, the Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine's "Jump Broadcast Station" corner devoted an entire page to announcing this, underscoring his unique public appeal. The magazine corner, alongside his radio appearances, significantly boosted his popularity and drew new fans to sumo. He was even the subject of a parody song on a local radio station's listener submission corner.

During an NHK General TV sumo broadcast, when the famous performer Shoichi Ozawa was asked by the announcer about his favorite wrestler, Ozawa replied, "Daitetsu." The announcer, smiling, probed "Oh, why is that?" to which Ozawa earnestly responded, "His bouts, where he shows absolutely no desire to win, are simply wonderful." This humorous, yet affectionate, assessment reflected Daitetsu's perceived unpretentious fighting style.

Another anecdote involves his `kinboshi` victory over Chiyonofuji. Before the bout, his stablemaster, Nishonoseki Oyakata, jokingly offered him 1.00 M JPY if he won. Daitetsu, certain he couldn't win, initially declined the offer. The stablemaster then proposed a deal: Daitetsu would pay 100.00 K JPY if he lost. Daitetsu refused even this, eventually declining to bet even 10.00 K JPY. However, after his unexpected victory, Daitetsu sheepishly approached his stablemaster and asked for "half" the promised reward, much to Nishonoseki Oyakata's exasperated amusement. The day after his win against Chiyonofuji, the local Fukui Shimbun newspaper featured the story on its front page and dedicated a special section to it. When Daitetsu arrived at the NHK interview room after the historic win, the first question he received was unexpectedly, "Did you find your way here easily?"-a humorous nod to his perceived lack of familiarity with such high-profile post-bout routines.

Within the sumo world, known for its many heavy drinkers, Daitetsu was famously a complete teetotaler, a reputation he maintained throughout his active career and continues to this day.

6.2. Judging Misjudgment Incident

A notable incident occurred on November 19, 2012, during the ninth day of the November (Kyushu) tournament, while Daitetsu was serving as a ringside judge. In a match between Goeido and `Yokozuna` Harumafuji, Daitetsu, believing Harumafuji's foot had touched outside the ring, halted the bout by declaring the match over (`shōbu ari`). However, it was quickly determined that his call was a misjudgment, as the bout was not yet decided. This led to an unprecedented rematch between the two wrestlers (which Harumafuji subsequently won). In the aftermath, Daitetsu, accompanied by the Head Judge Kagamiayama Oyakata, visited the then-chairman of the Sumo Association, Kitanoumi, to offer their apologies. This incident had a significant impact on sumo judging regulations: from that point forward, in situations where a judgment is unclear or contested, the `gyoji` (referee) is now required to make a call by pointing his fan (`gunbai`) to one side before the judges (`shinpan`) convene for a discussion, preventing premature stoppage of the bout.

7.1. Summary of Key Records

• Total Career Record:** 587 wins, 612 losses (Winning percentage: .490)
• Top Division (`Makuuchi`) Record:** 209 wins, 256 losses (Winning percentage: .449)
• Total Tournaments Active:** 115 tournaments
• Duration in `Makuuchi` Division:** 31 tournaments
• Duration at `San'yaku` Rank:** 1 tournament (`komusubi`)
• Total Consecutive Bouts:** 1199 (from his debut in September 1971 to September 1990)
• `Kinboshi`:** 1 (against Chiyonofuji on the 2nd day of the July 1985 tournament)

7.2. Tournament-by-Tournament Results

7.3. Makuuchi Head-to-Head Record