Mitakeumi Hisashi

1.1. Birth and Childhood

Mitakeumi was born as an only child on Christmas Day, a time when medical expenses in the Philippines were often free as a holiday gesture, an initial act of filial piety. His mother even named him Justin as a middle name because he was born exactly on Christmas. The catalyst for his sumo career occurred when he was a first-grader at Agematsu Elementary School. During a sumo tournament in Ōkuwa, he was defeated by an opponent smaller than himself. This loss ignited a competitive fire within him, prompting him to formally begin sumo by joining the local Kiso Sumo Club for boys. During his elementary school years, he made it a daily routine to perform 400 shiko (foot-stomping exercises) on a garden stone at his home, a promise he made to his father.

1.2. Education and Amateur Achievements

Mitakeumi continued his sumo development throughout his schooling. In his fifth year of elementary school, he achieved second place in the All Japan Elementary School Sumo Championship Tournament. By his third year at Kiso Fukushima Middle School, he reached the national top eight. While attending Kiso Seihō High School, he secured third place in the junior sumo competition at the National Sports Festival of Japan. Following high school, he enrolled in the Department of Corporate Law at Toyo University.

At Toyo University, Mitakeumi established himself as a formidable pusher-thruster, accumulating 15 individual sumo titles. In November of his fourth year, he became a collegiate yokozuna, and in December, he achieved the title of Amateur Yokozuna. Attaining both titles earned him the right to enter professional sumo at the high rank of makushita 10, a privilege only two other wrestlers had earned under the current system before him.

Initially, Mitakeumi had no intention of becoming a professional sumo wrestler. He had secured a job offer with the Wakayama Prefectural government and envisioned a life there, where he could bring his family to live with him. However, he was persuaded by Hamano Fumio, his university sumo coach, who introduced him to a sumo stable. The 11th stablemaster of Dewanoumi stable, former maegashira Oginohana, played a crucial role in convincing him. The stablemaster appealed to Mitakeumi, explaining that Dewanoumi stable, despite its prestigious history, had not produced a top-division wrestler in about a decade and urgently needed his strength to revive its fortunes. Watching the success of fellow university wrestler Endō also fueled his desire to compete professionally. Feeling a strong sense of responsibility to justify turning down the public sector job, he committed to achieving results in professional sumo. He officially joined Dewanoumi stable on February 12, 2015, becoming the first direct disciple of the 11th Dewanoumi stablemaster since he took over the stable in February 2014. Despite his later success, Mitakeumi admitted he was not initially aware of Dewanoumi stable's renowned history or its status as the head of the Dewanoumi ichimon (group of stables).

2.1. Joining the Stable

Mitakeumi officially joined Dewanoumi stable on February 12, 2015. He became the first direct disciple of the 11th Dewanoumi stablemaster. His ring name, "Mitakeumi," was chosen by combining "Mitake," from Mount Ontake (御嶽山_Ontake-san^Japanese), a mountain visible from his hometown of Agematsu, and "Umi," from his stable's name, Dewanoumi (出羽海_Dewanoumi^Japanese). The decision to read "御嶽" as "Mitake" instead of "Ontake" was a deliberate gesture of consideration for the victims of the 2014 Mount Ontake eruption, a choice made in consultation with the stable's gyōji (referee) Kimura Senshi. His father had suggested alternative ring names like "Takeō" or "Takenō," inspired by a relative with the surname Ō. Mitakeumi found the stable's strict adherence to traditional sumo attire, requiring wrestlers to wear kimonos and appropriate footwear outside the stable, to be particularly challenging initially.

2.2. Rise through Lower Divisions

Mitakeumi made his professional sumo debut at the March 2015 tournament. Although he suffered his first professional loss to Daishōhō in his second bout on Day 3, he later said this eased his tension, allowing him to finish the tournament with a strong 6-1 winning record. This impressive performance propelled him to the rank of East makushita #3 for the next tournament in May, where he again achieved a 6-1 record. This earned him promotion to the second-highest division, jūryō, for the July tournament, making him only the 11th wrestler in history to be promoted to jūryō after just two professional tournaments. His promotion was particularly significant for Nagano Prefecture, as it had been 47 years since a wrestler from Nagano, Ōwashi, had reached the jūryō ranks in 1968. Following his promotion, the longest period without a sekitori (a wrestler in the top two divisions) among all prefectures shifted to Fukui Prefecture, which had been without one since 1990. Due to his exceptionally fast promotion, Mitakeumi initially found it challenging to advise and guide his senior stablemates, a duty expected of a sekitori, only becoming comfortable with this role after reaching the top division in 2016.

In his debut jūryō tournament in July 2015, Mitakeumi clinched the championship with an 11-4 record. This was the first jūryō championship for a Nagano-born wrestler in 66 years, since Daishō won it in May 1949. During the tournament, on Day 10, he sustained a severe blow to the mouth from Jōkōryū that caused profuse bleeding and required 15 stitches to his upper lip after the following day's bout. This injury, however, did not deter him, as he returned to the dohyō the very next day to secure a victory, although he admitted to relying more on henka (sidestepping) due to the injury's impact on his usual pushing and thrusting. Following his jūryō victory, renowned photographer Kishin Shinoyama photographed Mitakeumi, and his monochrome portrait was displayed alongside those of yokozuna Hakuhō and Asashōryū at the "Kishin Shinoyama Photo Power" exhibition in Matsumoto City Museum.

2.3. Makuuchi Division Promotion

Mitakeumi first competed in a makuuchi division bout on Day 14 of the September 2015 tournament while still ranked in jūryō, securing a victory. He finished that tournament with an impressive 12-3 record at West jūryō #5, earning him promotion to the makuuchi division for the November tournament in Kyushu. His promotion marked the first time a wrestler from Nagano Prefecture had entered the top division since Ōwashi retired in January 1978, ending a 37-year absence for the prefecture, which had been the longest among all prefectures at the time.

In his top division debut, Mitakeumi achieved an 8-7 winning record. During the January 2016 tournament, he battled the flu, which contributed to his first losing record in the top division. However, he quickly rebounded with strong performances, securing 10-5 and 11-4 records in the subsequent tournaments. His 11-4 performance in May 2016 earned him his first special prize, the Fighting Spirit Prize.

He made his san'yaku debut at the rank of komusubi in the November 2016 tournament, a significant achievement as the first Nagano-born wrestler to reach san'yaku in 84 years (since Taka-nobori in the spring of 1932) and the first Toyo University graduate. The Chunichi Shimbun even issued a special extra edition to commemorate his promotion. Although he faced a challenging schedule against higher-ranked opponents in his debut week, losing seven of his first eight bouts, he managed to finish with a 6-9 record overall. Despite this losing record, 2016 was a successful year for Mitakeumi, as he achieved three double-digit winning records, won his first special prize, and reached komusubi, earning him the 53rd annual "best makuuchi newcomer" award sponsored by ChuSpo.

3.1. San'yaku Debut and Early Achievements

Mitakeumi began the January 2017 tournament at West maegashira 1, facing a challenging lineup of three yokozuna and four ōzeki from the outset. On Day 2, he achieved his first kinboshi (a gold star awarded for defeating a yokozuna while holding a maegashira rank) by defeating Harumafuji. He followed this up on Day 4 with another kinboshi, this time against Kakuryū. He finished the tournament with an impressive 11-4 record and was awarded his first Technique Prize for his strong performance. A celebration was held in Saku City to honor this achievement.

In the March 2017 tournament, he returned to the san'yaku ranks as East komusubi. Despite not securing any wins against ōzeki or yokozuna (his Day 5 victory over Hakuhō was a default win due to Hakuhō's withdrawal), he proved his strength against lower-ranked wrestlers, securing a 9-6 winning record. This marked his first time achieving a winning record in san'yaku. Although he did not receive a further promotion due to other sekitori maintaining their ranks, he demonstrated consistency.

During the spring regional tour, Mitakeumi suffered a left wrist injury in training, which impacted his preparation for the May tournament. Nevertheless, he started the tournament with three consecutive wins. Despite then suffering six consecutive losses, he rallied with five consecutive wins to finish with an 8-7 record, earning his first Outstanding Performance Award. His consistent performance led to his promotion to sekiwake for the July 2017 tournament, making him the first wrestler from Nagano Prefecture to achieve this rank in 84 years, since Taka-nobori. He was also the first Dewanoumi stable wrestler to reach sekiwake since Dewanohana in 1982. During a press conference in Inuyama, Aichi, he expressed his immediate focus on maintaining a winning record rather than aiming for ōzeki, emphasizing the importance of mental strength. He also highlighted his resolve to perform well to help his hometown, which had recently experienced an earthquake, overcome its anxieties, reminding them of the 2014 Mount Ontake eruption. In a training session with ōzeki Gōeidō at Sakaigawa stable, he managed only one win out of eleven bouts.

In the July 2017 tournament, Mitakeumi defeated yokozuna Kisenosato on opening day, earning a personal record of 46 kensho (prize money envelopes). He expressed his excitement, stating, "I've never held two bundles of kensho before. It felt great. I got off to the best start." On Day 11, he famously defeated yokozuna Hakuhō, who was on a 25-match winning streak and attempting to equal Kaiō's all-time career wins record of 1047. Mitakeumi's victory prevented Hakuhō from achieving the record on that day. He finished the tournament with a 9-6 record and received his second consecutive Outstanding Performance Award, securing the support of 21 out of 25 selection committee members. He maintained his sekiwake rank in the September and November tournaments, becoming the only top-division wrestler to achieve a majority of wins over losses in all six tournaments of 2017.

In January 2018, he started strongly with seven straight wins, leading to speculation about an ōzeki promotion bid. However, his performance faltered as he suffered five consecutive losses, including surprising defeats to lower-ranked wrestlers like Ichinojō and Tochinoshin. Despite winning his final bout against Kakuryū, he finished with an 8-7 record. His match against Tochinoshin on Day 9, where both were on a single loss, was a rare occurrence for a sekitori and maegashira, only the third such instance since 1972. In March, he recorded a 7-8 losing record, halting his streak of five consecutive tournaments at sekiwake. He rebounded with 9 wins in May, returning to the sekiwake rank. Prior to the July 2018 tournament, during the spring regional tour, he engaged in intensive training bouts with Takayasu and Hakuhō, acknowledging his need to improve stamina to avoid faltering in tournaments, as he had experienced in January.

3.2. First Makuuchi Championship

The July 2018 Nagoya tournament presented an unusual competitive environment, as many top-ranked wrestlers, including yokozuna Kisenosato, Hakuhō, and Kakuryū, and the newly promoted ōzeki Tochinoshin, withdrew due to injuries. Mitakeumi capitalized on this, winning his first eleven matches. On Day 12, he appeared to have defeated ōzeki Takayasu, but the referee's decision was overturned by the judges, resulting in a loss. However, he secured a victory against ōzeki Gōeidō the following day. On Day 14, he clinched his first top division championship with a yorikiri (force-out) victory over Tochiōzan.

Immediately after his championship victory, Mitakeumi struggled to control his emotions during the post-match interview, repeatedly breaking down in tears despite having told reporters that morning he wouldn't cry. His victory was historically significant: it marked the first time a wrestler from Nagano Prefecture had won a top division title since the sumo tournament system was established in June 1909. Furthermore, it was the Dewanoumi stable's 50th top division championship and its first in 38 years, since Mienoumi's victory in January 1980. Despite losing to Yutakayama in his final match, finishing with a 13-2 record, he was awarded the Emperor's Cup, along with the Technique and Outstanding Performance prizes. Addressing the cheering crowd, he expressed his awe and humility, acknowledging the need to become stronger and improve his pushing techniques. The Nagoya tournament, being close to his hometown of Agematsu, saw strong local support for Mitakeumi. On August 8, Nagano Prefecture announced that it would award him the Sports Special Honor Award in recognition of his achievement.

Despite speculation that another strong performance in the September tournament could lead to an ōzeki promotion, Mitakeumi lost five consecutive bouts from Day 8 to Day 12, finishing with a 9-6 record. Sumo commentator Hanaoka noted his "sweetness" or lack of ruthlessness in finishing matches, suggesting he tended to relax too early. Another commentator, Mainoumi, however, praised his versatile tachi-ai (initial charge) and his strategic approach to training, suggesting he views sumo as a sport where effective preparation, not just sheer volume of training, is key. He lost his sekiwake rank after a 7-8 make-koshi (losing record) in November.

4.1. Second and Third Makuuchi Championships

The January 2019 tournament saw Mitakeumi start strong with five consecutive wins, including victories over two yokozuna. However, on Day 6, he injured his left knee in a bout against Myōgiryū, forcing him to withdraw from Days 7 to 10. Despite the injury, he remarkably returned on Day 11 and defeated Hakuhō, who had been undefeated in the tournament, handing him his first loss. This made Mitakeumi the first sekitori since Ōnokuni in March 1984 to defeat three yokozuna from a san'yaku or maegashira rank, and the first wrestler in 67 years (since Bishūyama in September 1951) to defeat a yokozuna in his first bout after returning from injury. He finished the tournament with eight wins and was awarded the Outstanding Performance Award for defeating two yokozuna, the tournament winner Tamawashi, and Takakeishō. This was an unprecedented achievement, as he became the first wrestler since special prizes were established in 1947 to receive one despite missing bouts due to injury, a decision supported by then-Judge Musōyama.

After a 7-8 record in March, he maintained his komusubi status. In May, he secured nine wins, returning to sekiwake and marking his 16th consecutive tournament in san'yaku. He expressed his determination after defeating tournament winner Asanoyama on the final day, asserting his standing as a san'yaku wrestler. In July, he finished 9-6, failing to reach double-digit wins again.

The September 2019 tournament was affected by injuries to top-ranked wrestlers, with ōzeki Takayasu withdrawing and both active yokozuna, Hakuhō and Kakuryū, pulling out by the end of the first week. After an opening-day loss to Asanoyama, Mitakeumi won his next six bouts before losing to Takakeishō on Day 8. He remained in contention, despite a loss to Ryūden on Day 11. On Day 14, he defeated Gōeidō using a henka (sidestep) at the tachi-ai. While this win secured his place in a three-way tie for the lead with Okinoumi and Takakeishō, it drew criticism from commentators like Kitanofuji, who called it "pathetic." In the playoff, after Takakeishō defeated Okinoumi, Mitakeumi skillfully evaded Takakeishō's pull-down attempt, secured a double inside grip, and quickly forced his rival over the bales to win his second top division championship. This victory also earned him another Outstanding Performance Award. His achievement marked the first time in 62 years that a sekiwake had won two championships, since the later yokozuna Asashio.

Mitakeumi aimed for ōzeki promotion in the November 2019 tournament. However, on Day 3, he suffered a severe cut above his right eye in a bout against Meisei, which he won by yorikiri. This injury significantly impacted his performance, causing him to take tentative sumo and lose three consecutive bouts. He finished with a losing record of 6-9, which eliminated his chance for promotion and resulted in his demotion from san'yaku after 17 consecutive tournaments, falling to West maegashira #2 for January 2020. This was his first time in the maegashira ranks since January 2017.

In the March 2020 tournament, held without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he posted 10 wins, securing his return to sekiwake for the July 2020 tournament. In July, he achieved 11 wins, notably defeating the newly promoted ōzeki Asanoyama and yokozuna Hakuhō. This performance earned him his sixth Outstanding Performance Award and put him back on an ōzeki promotion trajectory. However, he only managed an 8-7 record in the subsequent September tournament, which led to strong criticism from the Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hakkaku and Kitanofuji for his perceived lack of spirit. In November 2020, he again posted a losing record of 7-8, falling to komusubi for January 2021, and dashing his ōzeki hopes for the third time.

Despite these setbacks, Mitakeumi achieved winning records in every tournament of 2021, finishing the year with an 11-4 record in November.

4.2. Ozeki Promotion and Early Reign

Entering the January 2022 tournament at sekiwake, Mitakeumi was under pressure to secure a high number of wins for ōzeki promotion. While initially, the Judging Department Chairman, Isegahama, stated that only a perfect 15-0 record would guarantee promotion, Mitakeumi performed exceptionally. He achieved eight consecutive wins from the opening day, securing his winning record earlier than any other makuuchi wrestler. Although he suffered his first loss on Day 10 against Hokutofuji, he quickly rebounded, winning on Day 11 against Shōdai to achieve his first consecutive double-digit winning record in san'yaku. After losing again on Day 12 to Abumatsukawa, he won his next two bouts, and when Terunofuji lost on Day 14, Mitakeumi became the sole leader in the championship race. On the final day, he defeated yokozuna Terunofuji to win his third top-division yūshō with a 13-2 record.

His 13 wins brought his total over the last three tournaments to 33 wins, meeting the de facto requirement for ōzeki promotion. A meeting was immediately scheduled to discuss his promotion, which was officially finalized on January 26, 2022. This marked a historic moment for Nagano Prefecture, as Mitakeumi became the first ōzeki from the region in 227 years, since Raiden Tameemon in 1795. In his customary acceptance speech, Mitakeumi vowed to embrace gratitude, express his unique sumo style, and dedicate himself to the way of sumo. His promotion also made him the first ōzeki from Toyo University. The ōzeki promotion, coming after 28 tournaments in san'yaku, was the fourth slowest in sumo history.

The day after his promotion, on January 27, 2022, it was announced that Mitakeumi had married a woman one year his senior, who was reportedly involved with his support group. The wedding reception was later held on February 12, 2024, at a Tokyo hotel, with approximately 500 guests in attendance.

In his debut tournament as ōzeki in March 2022, Mitakeumi posted an 11-4 record. He remained in the championship race until Day 14, when he suffered his fourth loss. He expressed disappointment at being outdone by his university junior, Wakatakakage, who won the championship, calling it "embarrassing as an ōzeki." For the May 2022 tournament, he was ranked in the prestigious Ōzeki 1 East slot.

5.1. Challenges as Ozeki

In the May 2022 tournament, Mitakeumi suffered a 6-9 losing record. He later revealed that he had injured his right shoulder on Day 1 of that tournament, limiting his ability to engage in full sumo training and forcing him to rely on basic exercises. This losing record placed him in kadoban status for the July 2022 tournament, meaning he needed a winning record (8 wins) to avoid demotion.

During the July 2022 tournament, after starting with a 2-4 record, Mitakeumi was forced to withdraw on Day 7 when another member of his stable tested positive for COVID-19. Later that day, it was confirmed that Mitakeumi himself had also tested positive. Because he withdrew before his winning or losing record for the tournament could be determined, the Sumo Association made an unusual decision to extend his kadoban status to the following September tournament. This decision sparked controversy, with some commentators like Kitanofuji criticizing the "rescue measure" given Mitakeumi's poor performance prior to his withdrawal. This extension prevented his immediate demotion, which would have made his ōzeki reign the shortest in modern sumo history (excluding those who withdrew for two consecutive tournaments and were demoted). Despite the circumstances, Mitakeumi participated in the summer regional tour after recovering from COVID-19, stating his goal was to achieve at least 10 wins in the September tournament to fulfill his duties as an ōzeki.

5.2. Demotion from Ozeki

However, Mitakeumi's losing record in the September 2022 tournament ultimately resulted in his demotion to sekiwake. His reign as ōzeki lasted a total of four tournaments, making it one of the shortest since 1941 and the shortest since Takakeishō's first stint as ōzeki in 2019. The demotion was particularly notable as his was the shortest reign (excluding those who returned to ōzeki) since the establishment of the six-tournament-a-year system.

He had the opportunity for an immediate return to the ōzeki rank if he secured at least ten wins in the November 2022 tournament. Despite a strong start, with Kitanofuji predicting an easy 10 wins after his Day 1 performance, Mitakeumi's form declined. He suffered his sixth defeat on Day 10 against Midorifuji, which mathematically eliminated his chances of reaching ten wins and thus his immediate return to ōzeki. He finished the tournament with a 6-9 losing record, mirroring the performance of fellow demoted ōzeki Shōdai. The 15th stablemaster Musashimaru, usually critical of ōzeki, expressed concern for Mitakeumi's mental state, suggesting he should have taken time off to recover physically and mentally rather than continuing to compete while struggling.

6.1. Post-Ozeki Performance

For the January 2023 tournament, Mitakeumi was ranked maegashira 2, his first time outside the upper san'yaku ranks since 2020. He finished that tournament with a 7-8 losing record. In the March 2023 tournament, his performance further declined, resulting in a 4-11 record. Commentator Kitanofuji sharply criticized his performance, calling it "pathetic" and suggesting that a former ōzeki showing such a lack of will should withdraw from the tournament. However, Mitakeumi showed improvement in the May tournament, defeating Daieishō on Day 13 to secure his first winning record in seven tournaments. This led to his promotion to maegashira 2 for the July tournament of the same year.

In the July 2024 tournament, competing at West maegashira 2, he faced a challenging schedule against many top-ranked wrestlers. Although he ultimately finished with a 7-8 losing record, he demonstrated his presence by defeating the reigning tournament champion and new sekiwake, Ōnosato, with a swift tachi-ai (initial charge) on Day 1, and later defeated ōzeki Kotosakō in a dynamic throw-down bout. In the September tournament, he performed poorly with a 4-11 record. However, he received a slight reprieve in the ranking for the November tournament, dropping only four ranks. In November, he started strong with a 4-1 record after five days. On Day 6, he defeated Kotoshoho with a pull-down but fell awkwardly from the dohyō, injuring his left shoulder and hip, requiring emergency transport to a hospital. Despite this, he continued to compete. On Day 9, after suffering his fourth loss against Ichiyamamoto, commentator Mainoumi advised him to withdraw, stating he was "not in a condition to wrestle." He ultimately finished the tournament with a 7-8 losing record.

6.2. Personal Challenges and Resilience

Mitakeumi faced significant personal hardships in 2023. Just before the July tournament, on July 5, his father, Haruo Ōmichi, passed away at the age of 74. Mitakeumi traveled from Dewanoumi stable's training camp in Inuyama to his family home in Agematsu, Kiso, Nagano, to serve as the chief mourner at the funeral. Despite his grief, his stablemaster confirmed that Mitakeumi still wished to compete in the tournament, which began just three days later. He resumed training on the evening of July 7. Mitakeumi later revealed that his parents had initially concealed his father's hospitalization for acute heart failure from him. He admitted to having sleepless nights during the funeral but vowed to perform well in his father's memory.

After the July tournament, in which he achieved a dismal 3-12 record, Mitakeumi confessed to the Chunichi Sports newspaper that his maternal grandmother, who lived in the Philippines, had also passed away during the tournament. Returning to Nagano after the tournament, he apologized to his father's grave for his "pitiful" performance in the tournament, but also expressed his determination to return to the san'yaku ranks by winning the September tournament.

For the September 2023 tournament, Mitakeumi was relegated to maegashira 11, his lowest ranking since the March 2016 tournament. This put him in matches typically reserved for younger, rising wrestlers, often serving as preliminary bouts before the higher-ranked wrestlers. For the first time in seven and a half years, he was one of two wrestlers to open the makuuchi matches of a tournament day. He secured his eighth victory against Sadanoumi, guaranteeing his promotion within makuuchi. This period highlighted his resilience in continuing to compete and strive for improvement amidst profound personal loss.

7.1. Preferred Techniques

Mitakeumi primarily favors pushing and thrusting moves, rather than fighting on the opponent's mawashi (belt). His most frequent winning techniques include oshidashi (a straightforward push-out), yorikiri (a force-out), and hatakikomi (a slap-down). He is known for his emphasis on speed at the tachi-ai (initial charge), often attempting to be the first wrestler to take two steps towards his opponent rather than one. Although his sumo appears direct, commentators often praise his "genius" sense of flow and adaptability in matches, noting that even seemingly simple push-outs or force-outs are executed with great situational awareness. While he can engage in yotsu-sumo (grappling at the belt) to some extent, he is more proficient in a migiyotsu (right-hand inside, left-hand outside grip) and is perceived as weaker when he gets a hidariyotsu (left-hand inside, right-hand outside grip). His stable has consistently advised him to focus on push-sumo, telling him to "wrestle as if there is no mawashi." He frequently incorporates otsuke (pushing the opponent's arm up and out) into his flow, notably pushing yokozuna Harumafuji to the edge of the dohyō with it in March 2017, despite eventually losing the bout.

7.2. Training Philosophy and Evolution

Mitakeumi is known for his somewhat unconventional approach to training and a distinctive philosophy that prioritizes immediate results over long-term, high-volume practice. In his amateur days, he engaged in "play training," experimenting with various minor techniques outside the dohyō to hone his competitive instincts and skills.

Regarding intense training, Mitakeumi has stated his belief that while some wrestlers benefit from rigorous practice yielding results in later tournaments, others, like himself, thrive by focusing on "the present moment." He asserts that if relentless training were to lead to injuries (such as knee damage) that prevent him from becoming a sekitori three years down the line, it would be meaningless. He articulates his philosophy as: "I want to achieve results now by training in my own way for 'this very moment.' If that shortens my active career, then so be it. I am 'living in the present.'"

This perspective has often led to him being labeled a "basho sumo" wrestler, meaning he performs best during official tournaments rather than in daily practice. While some criticize his perceived lack of consistent training, others argue that his unique approach, which avoids overtraining, allows him to maintain peak condition for tournaments. For example, during the 2020 July tournament, held without training camps due to COVID-19, he excelled, leading to speculation that his less intense daily training regimen, particularly against lower-ranked wrestlers, actually prevented fatigue and allowed his performance to improve as the tournament progressed. However, critics, including his stablemaster, have also pointed out that his sumo can be "brittle" if he cannot execute his initial charge effectively or is pulled into a grappling match. He has also been advised to build more physical bulk and consistently engage with his head at the tachi-ai. Despite these criticisms, when in good form, his head-on charges are highly effective. Commentators like Hanaoka have praised his strength in close-quarters combat.

Mitakeumi's mental resilience and perceived weaknesses have also been points of discussion. While his ability to recover from setbacks is noted, some, including Hakkaku and Kitanofuji, have pointed to a "lack of spirit" or a tendency to give up easily in tough matches as a weakness. His preference for short, decisive matches is also seen as a deliberate strategy to minimize the risk of finger injuries (like sprains) often associated with prolonged mawashi grappling.

8.1. Marriage and Family

Mitakeumi announced his marriage to a woman one year his senior in January 2022, shortly after his promotion to ōzeki. Their wedding reception was held on February 12, 2024, at a hotel in Tokyo, attended by approximately 500 guests. His parents, particularly his mother, Margarita, have been significant figures in his life and career. His mother is well-known and popular among sumo fans, often greeted by her first name, "Margarita-san," as she warmly greets people who come to support Mitakeumi. He sometimes finds fans asking him for his mother's autograph on his signed shikishi (autograph board). Mitakeumi has expressed deep gratitude for his mother's active engagement with fans and his father's quiet, steadfast support behind the scenes.

8.2. Hobbies and Preferences

Mitakeumi enjoys a variety of personal interests. He is a fan of hot springs, appreciating the sulfurous scent. He particularly likes the strong sulfur smell of the brown, iron-rich local hot springs in his hometown and enjoyed the sulfurous scent of Nyūtō Onsen during a regional tour. Bowling is another one of his hobbies; in recognition of this, the Japan Bowling Proprietors Association presented him with a three-piece bowling set and 100 free game tickets in September 2018.

His favorite foods include bananas, sushi, yakiniku, and custard pudding. His favorite actor is Ryūta Mine. Mitakeumi has expressed a preference for "cool and slender" women, citing Japanese actresses like Keiko Kitagawa, Saki Aibu, and Ryoko Yonekura, but also favoring a gentle personality to create a "gap" he finds appealing. He is drawn to older women, feeling that those with more life experience can teach him a great deal, and has stated his "range" extends up to 15 years his senior. His personal motto is "The riper the rice, the lower it bows," a Japanese proverb emphasizing humility that applies to his personal approach. He also looks up to Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao and enjoys the manga series "Crows."

8.3. Relationships and Public Image

Mitakeumi maintains a relatively charming and relatable public image, as evidenced by his interactions with fans and media. After winning his first makuuchi championship in Nagoya, he was greeted by Kitanofuji during a regional tour in Hokkaido, who complimented his mother, remarking, "Oh, your mom's beautiful!" and calling her his "gold star." This anecdote highlights his mother's popularity and his close relationship with his family.

On Mother's Day in May 2022, Mitakeumi secured the only victory among all ōzeki and yokozuna, a win that garnered significant attention and was seen as a dedication to his popular mother. In January 2017, after achieving his first kinboshi by defeating Harumafuji, his emotional reaction in the interview room was noted as a "subtle" expression of trying to cry but not quite succeeding, prompting a music critic to compare it to the "gutsy spirit" of a Japanese idol pretending to cry. Mitakeumi holds the distinction of being the last wrestler to hand yokozuna Hakuhō a loss on the dohyō before Hakuhō's retirement.

His unique personality has also been showcased in other contexts. In his first television appearance on "Prebato!!" in May 2019, he successfully composed a haiku about sumo, earning a "talent-level" evaluation from the haiku expert. In 2019, after winning his second championship, he famously blew a kiss to the audience during his victory interview, a gesture that surprised many, including former yokozuna Wakanohana, who remarked on how times have changed, finding it "cute."

9.1. Major Career Milestones

Mitakeumi's professional career spans 59 tournaments, with an overall record of 471 wins, 385 losses, and 13 absences, resulting in a career winning percentage of .550. His top division (makuuchi) record stands at 436 wins, 376 losses, and 13 absences, with a winning percentage of .537.

He holds several speed records:

• To New Makuuchi from Makushita Tsukedashi:** 4 tournaments (tied for 2nd fastest ever).
• To First Makuuchi Championship from First Dohyō:** 21 tournaments (tied for 3rd fastest ever).

Mitakeumi's tenure at various ranks includes:

• Makuuchi Reign:** 55 tournaments
  • Ōzeki Reign:** 4 tournaments (23 wins, 29 losses, 8 absences; winning percentage of .442), which is the shortest in modern sumo history, and also holds the record for the lowest winning percentage as an ōzeki. His debut as ōzeki saw an 11-4 record (tied for 15th best new ōzeki record, with a .733 winning percentage).
  • San'yaku Reign (Sekiwake and Komusubi):** 29 tournaments (253 wins, 179 losses, 3 absences; winning percentage of .586).
    • Sekiwake Reign:** 19 tournaments (170 wins, 115 losses), ranking 9th in total wins at sekiwake. His winning percentage as sekiwake is .696.
    • Komusubi Reign:** 10 tournaments (83 wins, 64 losses, 3 absences), with a .565 winning percentage.
  • Maegashira Reign:** 22 tournaments (160 wins, 168 losses, 2 absences), with a .488 winning percentage.
• Jūryō Reign:** 2 tournaments (23 wins, 7 losses), with a .767 winning percentage.
• Makushita Reign:** 2 tournaments (12 wins, 2 losses), with an .857 winning percentage.

Other notable records and facts:

• Sansho Award with Absence:** He is the only wrestler in sumo history to receive a special prize (sansho) while having missed bouts in the same tournament due to injury.
• Championships at Sekiwake/Komusubi:** He holds the record for the most top-division championships won from a rank below ōzeki, with 3 victories.
• Consecutive Double-Digit Wins in Makuuchi:** 3 consecutive tournaments (November 2020 - March 2022).
• Consecutive Top Division Runner-Up or Better:** 2 consecutive tournaments (January 2021 - March 2022).
• Sekiwake Appearances:** 285 appearances (6th highest all-time).
• Komusubi Appearances:** 146 appearances (10th highest all-time).
• Consecutive San'yaku Appearances:** 17 consecutive tournaments (March 2017 - November 2019), ranking as the 2nd longest streak.
• Most Push-Out Wins in a Year:** In 2021, Mitakeumi recorded 28 wins by pushing (27 oshidashi, 1 oshitaoshi), which was the highest in the makuuchi division that year, accounting for nearly half of his 55 wins. This reflects his strategic preference for quick, decisive bouts to minimize injury risk.

9.2. Championships and Awards

Mitakeumi has a distinguished record of championships and special recognitions:

• Makuuchi (Top Division) Championships:** 3 times
  • July 2018 (as Sekiwake)
  • September 2019 (as Sekiwake)
  • January 2022 (as Sekiwake)
• Jūryō (Second Division) Championships:** 1 time
  • July 2015
• Annual Most Championships:** 1 time (2022, shared with Terunofuji, Wakatakakage, Ichinojō, Tamawashi, and Abi).
• Sansho (Special Prizes):** 10 times
  • Outstanding Performance Award (Shukun-sho):** 6 times (May 2017, July 2017, July 2018, January 2019, September 2019, July 2020)
  • Fighting Spirit Prize (Kanto-sho):** 1 time (May 2016)
  • Technique Prize (Gino-sho):** 3 times (January 2017, July 2018, January 2022)
• Kinboshi (Gold Stars - victories over Yokozuna while a Maegashira):** 2 times
  • Harumafuji (January 2017)
  • Kakuryū (January 2017)

10.1. Against Yokozuna and Ozeki

• Hoshoryu: 3 wins, 10 losses (1 loss by default). No matches as Ōzeki.
• Kotosakō: 3 wins, 8 losses. No matches as Ōzeki.
• Ōnosato: 1 win, 1 loss. No matches as Ōzeki.
  • Former Ōzeki Takayasu**: 10 wins, 24 losses. During Takayasu's Ōzeki tenure: 3 wins, 7 losses. No matches as Ōzeki.
  • Former Ōzeki Asanoyama**: 6 wins, 6 losses. During Asanoyama's Ōzeki tenure: 2 wins, 3 losses. No matches as Ōzeki.
  • Former Ōzeki Shōdai**: 19 wins, 15 losses. During Shōdai's Ōzeki tenure: 6 wins, 3 losses.
  • Former Ōzeki Kirishima**: 7 wins, 11 losses. No matches as Ōzeki.
  • Against Retired Yokozuna and Ōzeki:**
    • Former Yokozuna Hakuhō**: 4 wins, 12 losses (1 win by default). All 3 of his wins on the dohyō occurred while Mitakeumi was in san'yaku, meaning he did not earn a kinboshi. Mitakeumi is notably the last wrestler to defeat Hakuhō on the dohyō (July 2020, Day 12).
    • Former Yokozuna Harumafuji**: 2 wins, 5 losses. His first kinboshi was against Harumafuji in January 2017. His last victory against Harumafuji was in May 2017 by yorikiri.
    • Former Yokozuna Kakuryū**: 6 wins, 8 losses (1 win by default). His last victory against Kakuryū was in March 2019 by okuridashi.
    • Former Yokozuna Kisenosato**: 2 wins, 6 losses. During Kisenosato's Yokozuna tenure: 2 wins, 3 losses. Both victories were while Mitakeumi was in san'yaku, so no kinboshi was awarded, but he received Outstanding Performance Awards.
    • Former Yokozuna Terunofuji**: 5 wins, 14 losses (1 win by default). During Terunofuji's first Ōzeki tenure: 2 wins, 5 losses. After Terunofuji's second promotion to Ōzeki: 2 losses. After his promotion to Yokozuna: 1 win, 4 losses.
    • Former Ōzeki Kotoshōgiku**: 11 wins, 4 losses. During Kotoshōgiku's Ōzeki tenure: 2 wins, 2 losses. No matches as Ōzeki.
    • Former Ōzeki Gōeidō**: 8 wins, 9 losses (1 win by default). No matches as Ōzeki.
    • Former Ōzeki Tochinoshin**: 6 wins, 8 losses. During Tochinoshin's Ōzeki tenure: 2 wins, 3 losses. No matches as Ōzeki.
    • Former Ōzeki Takakeishō**: 14 wins, 13 losses. Additionally, he has 1 win in a championship playoff. During Takakeishō's Ōzeki tenure: 5 wins, 10 losses. He suffered 4 consecutive losses against Takakeishō in regular bouts from May 2019 to January 2020 but broke the streak in March 2020.

10.2. Against Other Makuuchi Wrestlers

The following table summarizes Mitakeumi's win-loss records against other notable wrestlers in the makuuchi division. Wrestlers whose names are in bold are still active as of the January 2025 tournament.

• (*): Includes one win in a championship playoff.
• ( ): Numbers in parentheses indicate wins or losses by default.
• Bold indicates active wrestlers as of January 2025.

13.1. Television Programs

• NBS Minna no News (March 30, May 25, 2015, Nagano Broadcasting Systems)
• Ō! Shinshūjin!! Hakkiyoi Mitakeumi!! - Kiso no Hoshi ☆ Ōmichi Hisashi Haru no Hatsu Jin Monogatari (April 27, 2015, Nagano Asahi Broadcasting)
• Shirusen Shinshū wo Shiru TV (July 31, November 29, 2015; May 27, July 29, 2016; March 3, July 28, 2017; February 2, September 7, 2018; October 4, 2019, NHK Nagano)
• Channel 4 Tsukinukeru Mitakeumi Shinnymaku e no Michi (October 31, 2015, TV Shinshu)
• Shinshū ni Ōzumō ga Yatte Kita! ~ Kyōdo Rikishi no Matsumoto Basho~ (November 1, 2015, Shin-etsu Broadcasting)
• Evening Shinshū (December 28, 2015; September 9, November 10, December 28, 2016, NHK Nagano)
• Studio Park Kara Konnichiwa (June 2, 2016, NHK General TV)
• SPORTS X (July 8, 2016, BS Asahi)
• Heisei Nijuuhachinen Ōzumō Nagoya Basho Zen'yasai (July 9, 2016, CBC Television)
• Nakahata Kiyoshi Nekketsu! Sports Ōendan (August 8, 2016, BS11)
• SBC News Wide (September 9, December 28, 2016; December 26, 2018, Shin-etsu Broadcasting)
• Birth Day (April 1, 2017, TBS Television)
• Odoru! Sanma Goten!! (April 11, 2017; April 19, 2022, Nippon Television)
• Takeisō Z ~Sō datta no ka! Sports no Gokui~ (June 18, 2017, Tokai TV)
• Mittchaku 180-nichi! Ōzumō ~ Shin Jidai o Ninau Rikishitachi~ (March 9, 2018, BS-TBS)
• News Shibugoji "Nōmachi Mineko no Shibugoji Sumōbu" (July 23, 2018, NHK General TV)
• Dohyō no Takami e ~ Mitakeumi Hatsu Yūshō e no Kiseki~ (August 5, 2018, Shin-etsu Broadcasting)
• BE-BOP SPORTS (September 3, 2018, Tokyo Metropolitan Television)
• Kandō! Ōzumō Gappuri Sōmi (September 8, 2018, BS Fuji)
• Zen'yasai de Tanoshimou! ~ Ōzumō Kyushu Basho Chokuzen Special~ (November 10, 2018, NHK Kitakyushu and NHK Okinawa)
• Ōzumō Mittchaku 450-nichi Mezase! Ōzeki Shin San'yaku (December 14, 2018, BS-TBS)
• Hōdō Gemba Face Nenmatsu SP 2018 (December 28, 2018, TV Shinshu)
• Sō datta no ka! Takeisō Golden (January 11, 2019, Tokai TV)
• Junk SPORTS Ōzumō Special (February 24, 2019, Fuji Television)
• Ariyoshi Zemi (March 4, 2019, Nippon Television)
• Prebato!! (May 2, 2019, Mainichi Broadcasting System/TBS)
• Reiwa Gan'nen Ōzumō Nagoya Basho Zen'yasai (July 6, 2019, CBC Television)
• 24 Hour Television (Nippon Television)
  • 24 Hour Television: Love Saves the Earth 42 (August 25, 2019), appeared in the Shōten comedy segment.
  • 24 Hour Television: Love Saves the Earth 45 (August 27, 2022), appeared in the opening segment.
• Waragami-sama wa Totsuzen ni... (October 30, 2019, Nippon Television)
• Gobugobu (February 4, February 11, 2020, Mainichi Broadcasting System)
• Guruguru Ninety-Nine (April 14, 2022, Nippon Television)
  • Gourmet Chicken Race Gochi ni Narimasu! 23