Kyokutenhō Masaru

1. Early Life and Joining Sumo

Kyokutenhō Masaru's journey into the world of Japanese professional sumo began with a childhood far removed from traditional wrestling, leading to a challenging period of adaptation upon his arrival in Japan.

### Childhood and Initial Motivation ===
Born Nyamjavyn Tsevegnyam in Nalaikh, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Kyokutenhō had very little experience with wrestling or judo in his youth. Instead, he focused on basketball during his junior high school years. In 1992, he came to Japan with five other Mongolian wrestlers, including Kyokushūzan and Kyokutenzan, joining Ōshima stable. They collectively formed the first group of Mongolian individuals to enter professional sumo. His initial motivation for coming to Japan was more akin to a study abroad, as he believed he would study at a Japanese sumo school for three years before returning home. He was unaware he was entering the professional world of sumo. Having grown up in a socialist Mongolia until 1990, he possessed limited knowledge of Japan, initially imagining it as a land of samurai with topknots and swords. He had been taught that countries like the Soviet Union and North Korea were good, while Japan, Korea, and America were bad. However, images of Japan's neon-lit cities on television immediately before his departure sparked his admiration.

### Arrival in Japan and Early Struggles ===
Kyokutenhō made his professional sumo debut in March 1992. The early days were fraught with challenges. Six months after his arrival, he and three other Mongolian wrestlers, including Kyokushūzan, struggled with cultural differences, language barriers, and the extremely harsh training methods characteristic of sumo. These difficulties led them to run away from the stable and seek refuge at the Mongolian embassy in Japan. However, they were persuaded by their stablemaster, the second Ōshima (former ōzeki Asahikuni), to return to the stable. The stablemaster traveled to Mongolia and convinced Kyokutenhō's family, emphasizing a three-year commitment and prophesying that sumo would enter a "Mongolian era." Despite returning, the atmosphere within the stable was severe, and during the January 1993 tournament immediately following his return, he was granted special permission to commute to the arena directly from the embassy to avoid the strained environment.

Initially, he had an interpreter for three months, but strict stable rules, including a 3.00 K JPY fine for each word spoken in Mongolian, forced him to adapt quickly. He learned Japanese fluently, partly by memorizing songs through karaoke, and eventually rarely needed a dictionary. His proficiency in Japanese was so notable that in May 2000, he participated in a lecture at Waseda University on language acquisition strategies, which was later featured in a book titled Why Are Foreign Sumo Wrestlers So Good at Japanese? (2001). Early culinary adjustments also proved challenging; he found plain white rice, a staple in Japan, nauseating at first, as in Mongolia, rice was always mixed with other ingredients. During his initial period in Japan, he enjoyed buying drinks from vending machines, a novelty not common in Mongolia at the time, and developed a fondness for cola.

2. Sumo Career

Kyokutenhō Masaru's sumo career was an extraordinary journey marked by consistent progress through the ranks, significant victories, and remarkable endurance.

### Junior Divisions and First Sekitori Status (1992-1997) ===
After his debut in March 1992, Kyokutenhō steadily climbed the lower divisions. In March 1994, he was promoted to the makushita division. In January 1996, at West Makushita 9, he achieved a perfect 7-0 record, advancing to the championship playoff. Although he lost to Kumagai (later Kaiho) in the playoff, his undefeated record within the top 15 ranks of makushita earned him an automatic promotion to jūryō for the following March tournament, marking his first attainment of sekitori status. He remained in jūryō for approximately two years, experiencing a temporary demotion back to makushita at one point, before re-establishing his position.

### Makuuchi Division and San'yaku Promotion (1998-2011) ===
In January 1998, Kyokutenhō achieved promotion to the top makuuchi division. He would briefly drop back to jūryō twice more, but from May 1999, he consistently maintained his position in makuuchi. In January 2000, he achieved his first double-digit winning record (11-4) in the top division, earning him his first Fighting Spirit prize. His ascent continued, and in January 2002, he was promoted to komusubi, reaching a san'yaku rank for the first time.

Kyokutenhō earned two kinboshi (gold stars) for defeating yokozuna while ranked as a maegashira. His first was against Takanohana in September 2002 during the latter's comeback tournament. His second was against fellow Mongolian Asashōryū in March 2003, in Asashōryū's debut tournament as a yokozuna, where Kyokutenhō won with a kakenage (hooking inner thigh throw). He also defeated Asashōryū and Musashimaru while holding a san'yaku rank. In May 2003, he achieved a winning record (10-5) as a komusubi, earning his third Fighting Spirit prize. He made his sekiwake debut in July 2003 but did not achieve a kachi-koshi (winning record) in his three attempts at the rank.

On April 28, 2007, Kyokutenhō was involved in a car accident in Tokyo. In defiance of the Japan Sumo Association's ban on wrestlers driving, he was suspended and forced to sit out the May tournament, resulting in his demotion to the jūryō division. This suspension ended a remarkable streak of 720 consecutive top-division bouts, which had been the longest among active wrestlers at the time, dating back to his re-entry into makuuchi in May 1999. Despite this setback, he quickly earned promotion back to the top division in July with a dominant 12-3 record, winning the jūryō championship playoff against Iwakiyama. Upon his return to makuuchi in September, he finished as runner-up to yokozuna Hakuhō with a 12-3 record, his best performance in the top division at that point, earning his fifth Fighting Spirit prize.

In March 2009, he was promoted to komusubi for the first time in 17 tournaments, becoming the first former san'yaku wrestler since Mitoizumi in 1988 to drop to jūryō and return to san'yaku ranks. He re-earned his komusubi rank in July 2009 at 34 years and 9 months, marking the second oldest promotion to san'yaku for a foreign-born wrestler in the post-war era. Following the retirement of Kaiō in July 2011, Kyokutenhō became the longest-serving member of the top division.

In April 2012, his stablemaster, the second Ōshima, reached the mandatory retirement age, leading to the closure of Ōshima stable. Although he was initially considered to inherit the stable, he strongly wished to continue wrestling, and a financial agreement for the stable's inheritance was not reached. Consequently, he transferred to Tomozuna stable along with his stablemates.

### Historic May 2012 Tournament Victory ===
In May 2012, in his first tournament under his new stable, Kyokutenhō achieved his most significant career highlight by winning his first Emperor's Cup. Competing at West maegashira 7, he started the tournament with an inconsistent 2-3 record after five days. However, he then went on an impressive 10-match winning streak, including a powerful uwatenage (overarm throw) victory over ōzeki Kotoshōgiku on Day 14. He defeated sekiwake Gōeidō on the final day, finishing with a 12-3 record, tied with Tochiōzan.

This led to a championship playoff, the first ever between two maegashira in the current system. Kyokutenhō defeated Tochiōzan with a hataki-komi (slap down) to claim the yūshō. This victory was a record-breaking triumph in many ways:

• At 37 years and 8 months, he became the oldest wrestler to win his first top-division championship in modern sumo history, breaking the 96-year-old record held by the second Nishinoumi (35 years 11 months in January 1916). He also became the oldest yūshō winner overall in modern sumo history until Tamawashi broke this record in September 2022.
• It was the first maegashira tournament victory since Kotomitsuki in September 2001.
• Having acquired Japanese citizenship, he was technically the first Japanese-born wrestler to win a championship since Tochiazuma in January 2006, although the Japan Sumo Association's official records still categorize him as a "foreign" champion due to his birth origin.
• This yūshō marked the 50th top-division championship won by a Mongolian-born wrestler.
• It was the first time since the post-war 15-day system began that a maegashira won the championship when a new ōzeki (Kakuryū) was present.
• It was the first time in 52 years that a maegashira who lost on the first day went on to win the championship, a feat previously achieved by Wakamisugi in May 1960.
• His victory from an initial 2-3 record after five days was the first time in the 15-day system that a wrestler with three losses in the first five days went on to win the championship.

Following his win, yokozuna Hakuhō personally offered to serve as his flag-bearer in the championship parade.

### Late Active Career and Retirement (2012-2015) ===
Despite his championship victory, Kyokutenhō was not promoted to san'yaku for the July 2012 tournament, remaining at maegashira 1. He was the first maegashira to win a yūshō and not receive a san'yaku promotion since Sadanoyama in 1961. This tournament saw a drastic reversal of fortune, as he suffered 13 consecutive losses from the opening day, finishing with a 2-13 record. This was the worst performance by a defending champion in a full tournament since Takatōriki in May 2000.

In the September 2012 tournament, he made a remarkable comeback, achieving an 8-0 start and clinching a winning record by the middle day, becoming the oldest makuuchi wrestler (38 years and 3 days) to do so since Haguroyama in January 1952. On Day 9, he surpassed Takamiyama's record for most career wins by a foreign-born wrestler, reaching 813 wins. He finished with a 10-5 record, marking his first time achieving double-digit wins in consecutive tournaments.

Kyokutenhō continued to set records for longevity. In March 2013, he surpassed Takamiyama's record for most career appearances by a foreign-born wrestler, reaching 1655 bouts. In the summer of that year, after he finished a large beef bowl, he experienced stomach upset the next morning, which became a premonition of his retirement about two years later. By September 2013, he became the second 39-year-old wrestler to be in makuuchi since the six-tournament-a-year system began in 1958, and he secured a winning record at 39 years old, only the second in makuuchi since Takamiyama in November 1983. In January 2014, at 39 years and 4 months, he participated in the final bout of the day (musubi no ichiban) against Hakuhō, setting a new record for the oldest wrestler to do so in the post-Showa era. In March 2014, he achieved a kachi-koshi at 39 years and 6 months, becoming the oldest to do so since 1958, and the first to achieve multiple winning records after turning 39.

In May 2014, at 39 years, 7 months, and 28 days, he became the oldest makuuchi wrestler to debut after the six-tournament-a-year system began, surpassing Takamiyama's record. On Day 10, he secured his first win of the tournament at 39 years and 249 days, becoming the oldest to win a makuuchi bout since 1958. In July 2014, he reached 1379 makuuchi appearances, placing him third all-time.

On September 13, 2014, Kyokutenhō celebrated his 40th birthday, becoming the first wrestler since Nayoroiwa in September 1954 to be ranked in makuuchi at age 40, and the first to reach this age while in makuuchi since the six-tournament-a-year system started. On the opening day of the September tournament, he defeated Okinoumi, marking the first time in 60 years that a 40-year-old wrestler won a makuuchi bout. He clinched a winning record on Day 13, becoming the first wrestler since 1958 to achieve a kachi-koshi in his 40s. He also set a record for the most career appearances among active wrestlers, at 1796.

In November 2014, he surpassed 1,800 career appearances on Day 4, placing him second all-time after Ōshio. On Day 5, he reached 1,400 makuuchi appearances. On Day 6, he achieved his 900th career win by defeating Chiyotaikai, becoming the fifth wrestler in sumo history to reach this milestone. He clinched a winning record on Day 9, becoming the oldest (40 years, 2 months, 4 days) to achieve a makuuchi kachi-koshi in the Showa era. He concluded the tournament with a 10-5 record, earning his seventh and final Fighting Spirit prize, becoming the oldest wrestler in sumo history (at 40 years old) to receive a sanshō.

In March 2015, he surpassed Takamiyama to become second in makuuchi appearances with 1,431. In the May 2015 tournament, he further extended his record, surpassing Kaiō's mark for the most makuuchi appearances, reaching 1,445. He secured a winning record on Day 14, updating his own record for the oldest makuuchi kachi-koshi at 40 years, 8 months, and 10 days.

In the July 2015 tournament, Kyokutenhō, ranked at West maegashira 11, suffered his 939th career loss on Day 9 against Toyonoshima, making him the wrestler with the most career losses in sumo history. He secured only 3 wins against 12 losses, confirming his demotion to the jūryō division. Kyokutenhō's insistence on staying in the top division was motivated by his desire for his family in Mongolia to see his heroic efforts, as only makuuchi bouts were broadcast live in Mongolia, while jūryō results were merely reported. Having previously stated his intention to retire rather than compete in jūryō again, he announced his retirement the day after the final day of the tournament, on July 27, 2015. He expressed, "I have run out of strength and don't have the spirit anymore. I don't have the confidence to return to the starting line as a sekitori in jūryō." After Hakuhō won the tournament, he gave Kyokutenhō a ride in the yokozuna's victory parade as a gesture of respect.

3. Fighting Style

Kyokutenhō Masaru was primarily a yotsu-sumo wrestler, meaning he preferred grappling techniques that involved securing a grip on his opponent's mawashi (belt).

### Preferred Techniques ===
His main fighting approach focused on a migi-yotsu grip (left hand outside, right hand inside), which he often used to pull his opponent close. While he predominantly used this grip, he was also capable of performing effectively with a hidari-yotsu (right hand outside, left hand inside) grip, making him a versatile grappler. Over half of his career wins came from a simple yori-kiri (force out), a significantly higher percentage compared to the average of around 28% for other wrestlers, highlighting his strong reliance on and mastery of this direct pushing technique. His deep reach and ability to hold his opponent tightly allowed him to maintain a powerful grip and drive forward. He was also known to use reverse techniques like hataki-komi (slap down) and hiki-otoshi (pull down). He famously defeated yokozuna Asashōryū by tsuri-dashi (lift out) in May 2004, a rare feat against such a powerful opponent. This was the only time Asashōryū, as a yokozuna, was defeated by tsuri-dashi.

### Strengths and Weaknesses ===
Kyokutenhō's notable strengths included his considerable physical attributes, such as his height of 75 in ^{(190 cm)} and weight of 355 lb ^{(161 kg)}, which gave him a deep reach. His robust physique and strength allowed him to compete at a high level for an extended period, leading commentators to frequently remark on his "youthful body" despite his age. Sumo commentator Kitanofuji Katsuaki remarked during the NHK live broadcast of the May 2012 tournament on the final day, after Kyokutenhō's championship win, that "this man can sumo for five more years." He was also remarkably resilient to injuries, with only one full tournament absence due to a car accident suspension and one from his initial escape in his jonidan (fourth division) days. His muscle strength remained impressive even in his 40s, demonstrated by his 654 lb ^{(296.5 kg)} back muscle strength measurement on a TV program in 2015, which was the highest among competing sumo wrestlers.

Despite his powerful grappling, he often stood with a high腰 (high hips), which could make him vulnerable to counter-attacks at the edge of the ring while driving forward. He was not proficient in tsuki-oshi (thrusting and pushing) techniques, meaning if he couldn't establish a preferred grip at the initial charge, he had fewer offensive options. Historically, he also had a less favorable record against higher-ranked wrestlers (yokozuna and ōzeki).

4. Post-Retirement Activities

Kyokutenhō Masaru seamlessly transitioned from his active wrestling career into a significant leadership role within the sumo association, marking a new chapter as a stablemaster.

### Transition to Elder and Stablemaster Role ===
Kyokutenhō obtained Japanese citizenship in 2005 with the support of his then-stablemaster, the former ōzeki Asahikuni. His legal name became Masaru Ōta (太田 勝_{Ōta Masaru}^Japanese), adopting his stablemaster's family name out of respect, though he is not legally adopted. Upon his retirement in July 2015, he assumed the elder name Ōshima (大島 勝_{Ōshima Masaru}^Japanese) and began his coaching career as a coach at Tomozuna stable. His official retirement ceremony, danpatsu-shiki, was held at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan on May 29, 2016, attended by approximately 400 former and active sekitori, including former komusubi Kyokushūzan and former yokozuna Asashōryū and Hakuhō.

In March 2017, it was announced that Kyokutenhō, as Tomozuna-oyakata, would take over the running of Tomozuna stable after the May tournament, as the then-head coach (former sekiwake Kaiki) was approaching the mandatory retirement age. He officially succeeded as the 11th Tomozuna-oyakata on June 11, 2017, making him the fourth foreign-born wrestler and the first Mongolian-born wrestler to become a stablemaster. He expressed his intention to adopt good practices from both Ōshima and Tomozuna stables, having belonged to both. On February 1, 2022, he re-exchanged the elder name with the 5th Ōshima (the former 10th Tomozuna), becoming the 6th Ōshima and renaming Tomozuna stable back to Ōshima stable, thereby re-establishing the Ōshima stable legacy. In April 2022, it was announced that he had contracted COVID-19. Due to health problems, Kyokutenhō announced he would not participate in the May 2024 tournament, where he was slated to serve as a ringside judge.

5. Personal Life and Related Episodes

Kyokutenhō Masaru's personal life reflects his deep integration into Japanese society and his ongoing connection to his Mongolian heritage, punctuated by numerous anecdotes from his career.

### Naturalization and Family ===
Kyokutenhō's acquisition of Japanese citizenship in 2005 was a significant step. While it was supported by his stablemaster and was necessary for him to remain in sumo as an elder, it initially drew criticism in his home country of Mongolia, with questions arising about why he would "abandon his homeland." Kyokutenhō later explained to the Mongolian media that his naturalization was a necessity for his future role as a sumo stablemaster. Over time, his perspective evolved; he came to believe that if his actions conveyed his intention to "bury his bones in Japan" rather than return home if things didn't work out, people would support him. He noted that there is no single right way to teach, and each country has its own strengths. In a 2020 interview, Kyokutenhō commented on fellow Mongolian Yokozuna Kakuryū's naturalization, stating, "I'm genuinely happy and glad for him. Changing nationality is complicated and difficult. It requires resolve. But if you work hard, everyone will understand. Now he can sumo with a clear mind."

He is married to a Japanese woman, and their first child, a daughter, was born in September 2008. His family includes several relatives who also became involved in sumo:

• His younger brother, Luvsandorj (Лувсандорж^Mongolian), also became a sumo wrestler in 2000 under the shikona Fudoyama. They were the first pair of foreign brothers to join professional sumo. Due to the Japan Sumo Association's rule limiting one foreign-born wrestler per stable, Fudoyama joined Takashima stable instead of Ōshima stable. Fudoyama never rose higher than the third makushita division and retired in January 2008.
• Kyokutenhō is the brother-in-law of former maegashira Shōtenrō (later Kasugayama Oyakata), as Shōtenrō is married to Kyokutenhō's younger sister.
• His cousin-in-law is the wife of the 73rd yokozuna Terunofuji.

His wife is from Iwaki, Fukushima, and he has been appointed an Iwaki Support Ambassador. In October 2019, following Typhoon Hagibis, he visited Iwaki to provide chanko-nabe (sumo wrestlers' stew) to residents affected by water outages. His hobbies include golf, which he started after his promotion to jūryō at his stablemaster's invitation. His best score is 72, and he has written a column for a golf magazine. He enjoys Genghis Khan hot pot.

### Notable Anecdotes ===
Kyokutenhō's career and personal life are rich with memorable stories, both inside and outside the ring.

#### Bout-related incidents ====

• In the July 2012 tournament, Kyokutenhō's performance as the defending champion was starkly disappointing. He suffered 13 consecutive losses from the opening day, a historically poor performance for a reigning champion. Despite winning his last two bouts to avoid a winless record, the significant reversal of fortune was widely noted.
• In his September 2013 makuuchi kachi-koshi, a winning record at 39 years old, he was considered for a Fighting Spirit prize. However, a judging committee member reportedly argued against it, stating, "If we give it to him now, we'll have to give it to him every time he gets a winning record in the future." This decision meant he missed out on the award.
• He sometimes felt internal conflict during bouts where he was pitted against Japanese wrestlers in critical situations, such as his match against Takanohana in September 2002 or the May 2012 championship playoff against Tochiōzan. Despite winning these matches, he reportedly received silent phone calls and harassing letters at his stable from individuals expressing discontent that a foreign-born wrestler had defeated a Japanese one, especially when a Japanese rikishi had a chance at a yūshō. Kyokutenhō, however, stated in an interview that he didn't mind these criticisms, finding them rather "amazing." He contrasted this reaction with what might happen in Mongolia if a Japanese yokozuna were to emerge in Mongolian wrestling, suggesting the Japanese public was comparatively "warm" with "no booing."
• In September 2012, Day 14, he faced Wakanosato in a bout that marked the first time two wrestlers with over 800 career wins each competed against one another. Wakanosato won the match by yori-kiri, and Kyokutenhō commented, "I lost, but I gave it my all. I don't regret it today." Two years later, in July 2014, another notable match occurred between the two, an "aggregate 77-year makuuchi bout" (Wakanosato 38, Kyokutenhō 39). Wakanosato won again by oshi-dashi (push out). Kyokutenhō remarked, "Ah, I'm tired. He gave it his all, and so did I. Wakanosato is still strong. The audience got excited with two of us in the ring. I haven't been this tired in a long time. Even though I lost, it feels good."

#### Off-dohyo and Cultural Experiences ====

• During his early days in Japan, Kyokutenhō, then around 187 lb ^{(85 kg)}, initially viewed his sumo entry as a "study abroad" experience and not a professional career. He felt he might not succeed as a sekitori due to his light weight. He mentioned enjoying the travels to Japan's major cities for tournaments and a trip to Disneyland, which made him feel like it was a vacation, leading to his escape attempt as he felt ready to "return home."
• His naturalization process and decision to stay in Japan faced scrutiny from his homeland, but his resilience and eventual success allowed him to explain his motivations to the Mongolian media.
• He became known for his exceptional command of Japanese, often speaking with regional accents like Osaka-ben. When he met his future wife, she reportedly did not realize he was Mongolian due to his fluent Japanese.
• He is well-respected and admired by other Mongolian wrestlers, including Kakuryū and Tokitenkū. Asashōryū referred to him as "Aniki" (big brother). Hakuhō, a fellow yokozuna, personally requested to be his flag-bearer in the May 2012 championship parade and again for his retirement parade in July 2015. His former stablemaster, the second Ōshima, also rode with him in the 2012 parade. He also served as a flag-bearer for Hakuhō's 32nd championship parade in November 2014, where Hakuhō tied Taihō's record.
• In a 2012 interview, Kyokutenhō shared insights about his tournament prize money after his yūshō. When asked what he did with the money, he replied, "It's kept." He also recounted going to the Japan Sumo Association to collect his prize money, expecting a formal presentation, but was casually handed the cash wrapped in paper, which he found "unexpectedly simple." He confirmed that wrestlers can choose between bank transfer or cash.

6. Major Records and Achievements

Kyokutenhō Masaru's long and distinguished career is punctuated by numerous significant statistical records and awards, demonstrating his enduring presence and success in professional sumo.

### Overall Career Statistics ===

• Total Career Record:** 927 wins, 944 losses, 22 absences (win percentage: .495)
• Total Makuuchi Record:** 697 wins, 773 losses, 15 absences (win percentage: .474)
• Total Career Wins:** 927 wins (6th all-time)
• Total Career Losses:** 944 losses (1st all-time)
• Total Makuuchi Losses:** 773 losses (1st all-time)
• Total Career Appearances:** 1871 bouts (2nd all-time, officially including one default loss in jonidan which was a result of his temporary escape)
• Total Makuuchi Appearances:** 1470 bouts (1st all-time)
• Career Tenure:** 140 tournaments
• Makuuchi Tenure:** 99 tournaments (2nd all-time)
• Sekitori Tenure (jūryō and above):** 115 tournaments (3rd all-time)
• San'yaku Tenure:** 12 tournaments (3 sekiwake, 9 komusubi)

### Division Championships, Special Prizes, and Kinboshi ===

• Makuuchi Championship (Yūshō):** 1 time (May 2012 tournament)
• Special Prizes (Sanshō):** 7 times, all for Fighting Spirit (January 2000, March 2003, May 2003, September 2003, September 2007, May 2012, November 2014)
• Kinboshi (Gold Stars):** 2 times (vs. Takanohana, vs. Asashōryū)

### Match Records against Yokozuna and Ozeki ===
Kyokutenhō's records against the highest ranks of yokozuna and ōzeki are as follows:

An additional playoff win against Tochiōzan is not included in these match records.

7. Name Changes

During his career, Kyokutenhō Masaru used different sumo names (shikona) and has held various elder names since his retirement.

### Rikishi ===

• Kyokutenhō Daisuke** (旭天鵬 大助_{Kyokutenhō Daisuke}^Japanese): March 1992 - March 1995
• Kyokutenhō Masaru** (旭天鵬 勝_{Kyokutenhō Masaru}^Japanese): May 1995 - July 27, 2015

### Elder ===

• Ōshima Masaru** (大島 勝_{Ōshima Masaru}^Japanese): July 27, 2015 - June 10, 2017
• Tomozuna Masaru** (友綱 勝_{Tomozuna Masaru}^Japanese): June 11, 2017 - January 31, 2022
• Ōshima Masaru** (大島 勝_{Ōshima Masaru}^Japanese): February 1, 2022 - present

8. Publications

Kyokutenhō Masaru has authored or been the primary subject of at least one published work.

• Kyokutenhō Jiden: Kigatsukeba Rejendo (旭天鵬自伝 気がつけばレジェンド, Kyokutenhō Autobiography: Suddenly a Legend) (Baseball Magazine Sha, September 2015)