Taihō Kōki

1.1. Birth and childhood

Taihō Kōki was born as Kōki Naya on May 29, 1940, in Shisuka (modern-day Poronaysk), Karafuto Prefecture, which was then a Japanese territory on the island of Sakhalin. His birth name in Ukrainian was Ivan Markiyanovych Boryshko. His father, Markiyan Boryshko, was an ethnic Ukrainian and a former Cossack cavalry officer who had fled the Bolshevik Revolution to Japan. His mother was Kiyo Naya, a Japanese woman. Due to Sakhalin being claimed as Japanese territory, Taihō is not considered the first non-Japanese Yokozuna.

At the end of World War II, as the Soviet Union invaded southern Sakhalin in 1945, Taihō and his mother were among the last evacuees to depart for Hokkaido, Japan. They were originally scheduled to travel to Otaru on the ship Ogasawara Maru, but his mother's seasickness and fatigue led them to disembark midway in Wakkanai. This proved to be a fortunate decision, as the Ogasawara Maru was later sunk by a Soviet submarine off the coast of Rumoi in the Three Ship Tragedy. Taihō himself later stated that had he remained on the ship to Otaru, his life would have been different. This experience contrasted sharply with his rival Kashiwado, who grew up in the peaceful natural environment of Yamagata, untouched by war.

Life in Hokkaido was very poor for Taihō and his single mother. He temporarily adopted the surname Sumiyoshi after his mother remarried a schoolteacher, which led to frequent relocations across Hokkaido as his stepfather transferred schools. He even famously sold nattō (fermented soybeans) to help the family finances. His parents divorced when he was 10, and he reverted to the Naya surname.

1.2. Entry into sumo

Taihō's path to sumo began in 1956. After graduating from middle school, he initially attended Hokkaido Teshikaga High School as a part-time student while working for the Forestry Agency. However, during a sumo tour to Kunneppu in 1956, he was introduced to Saganohana Katsumi, the head of Nishonoseki stable. Although his mother initially opposed his entry into sumo, his uncle, who had witnessed the politeness of the sumo wrestlers during their visit, persuaded her. Taihō himself was impressed by the chankonabe (sumo wrestler's hot pot) served on the tour, which he later cited as a motivation for joining. According to sumo writer Shoko Sato, his uncle had already paved the way for his entry, and Taihō somewhat anticipated it. Coming from a rural part of Hokkaido where he had never even tasted ramen due to his mother's prohibition on eating out, the world of sumo with its delicious food was alluring.

He made his professional sumo debut in September 1956, joining Nishonoseki stable. His 同期_dōki^Japanese, or 同期生_dōkisei^Japanese (those who entered sumo at the same time) included future Ōzeki Kiyokuni, Sekiwake Sawamitsu, and Maegashira Taishin and Tamaarashi. From his early days in Jonokuchi, Taihō was highly regarded, often referred to as "the Prince of Nishonoseki stable" or "Golden Boy," alongside Kashiwado, with whom he was predicted to become a Yokozuna.

Initially, he competed under his birth name, Kōki Naya. He steadily climbed the ranks with significant winning records. While in the Sandanme division, he heard from a bar in Ryōgoku that Isenoumi stable's Togashi (later Kashiwado) was an exceptional wrestler destined for Yokozuna. This inspired him to dedicate himself to training, aiming to surpass Kashiwado. The intense training, however, took a toll on his teenage body, and he suffered a lumbar spine injury while in the Sandanme division. Despite this, he endured, concealing his injuries to avoid detection during practice. In March 1958, he won the Sandanme championship with an 8-0 record. His only losing record in the lower ranks was a 3-5 performance in September 1958, while ranked West Makushita 2, but he maintained six or more wins in all other bouts during his early career.

Upon his promotion to the second-highest division, Jūryō, in May 1959, he received his shikona (ring name), "Taihō." He initially expected a name related to Hokkaido but was told by his stablemaster Nishonoseki that "Taihō" (大鵬_Taihō^Japanese) was a better name, meaning "Great Peng" (a mythical giant bird that can fly thousands of miles in a single bound). This name, originating from the Chinese classic Zhuangzi, was one Nishonoseki had reserved for his most promising pupil, reflecting his high expectations for Taihō.

2.1. Early career progression

Taihō's ascent through the sumo ranks was exceptionally fast. He made his debut in the top makuuchi division in January 1960 at the rank of West Maegashira 13. In his first tournament, he achieved an impressive 11 consecutive wins from day one, a record for a rookie in the top division, which stood for 64 years before being equaled by Takerufuji. On the 12th day, he faced Komusubi Kashiwado, his anticipated rival. Despite predictions favoring Taihō, he was defeated by Kashiwado's dashinage (pulling arm throw). This marked his first loss in the top division. He ended the tournament with a strong 12-3 record, earning him the Fighting Spirit prize. He also faced three sanyaku (champion ranks below Yokozuna) wrestlers in this tournament. Observers noted that even Sekiwake and Komusubi seemed insufficient opponents, believing he could contend equally with Ōzeki and Yokozuna.

In the subsequent March 1960 tournament, while ranked East Maegashira 4, he suffered his only losing record (7-8) in a full tournament, which was also the only time he competed in all matches and recorded more losses than wins in his career. In this tournament, he faced Yokozuna Asashio Tarō III on day two, losing in his first Yokozuna challenge. He also faced Tochinishiki, the previous tournament's champion, on day four, losing without putting up much of a fight. This was their only encounter, as Tochinishiki retired after the next tournament. This defeat underscored Tochinishiki's formidable reputation.

He rebounded in the May 1960 tournament, defeating Yokozuna Asashio on day one to earn his only kinboshi (gold star) and finishing with an 11-4 record, securing his second Fighting Spirit prize. In July, he was promoted to Komusubi, and in September, he became the youngest-ever Sekiwake at 20 years and three months. In November 1960, Taihō won his first top division championship with a 13-2 record, becoming the youngest-ever tournament winner at 20 years and five months. This remarkable performance led to his promotion to Ōzeki, making him the only wrestler to achieve Ōzeki status in the same year he debuted in Makuuchi, and in a record six tournaments. He also earned the unique distinction of winning the annual most wins title in his Makuuchi debut year. His dominant performance at Komusubi and Sekiwake (36 wins, 9 losses across three tournaments) set him apart.

The term "Hakuhō Era," referring to the rivalry between Kashiwado and Taihō, was coined by TBS announcer Shuji Kosaka during the September 1960 tournament, a testament to their budding rivalry. Their match on day nine of that tournament was a major topic of discussion in the media.

2.2. Rise to Yokozuna

In January 1961, as a newly promoted Ōzeki, Taihō finished with a 10-5 record, while Kashiwado won the tournament with a 13-2 record, temporarily gaining an advantage in their quest for Yokozuna promotion. However, from the next tournament in March, Taihō consistently contended for the championship. In July, he defeated both Kashiwado and Asashio (formerly Asashio) to claim his first Ōzeki championship with a 13-2 record. This victory also brought his head-to-head record against Asashio to an even 4-4, marking their final encounter.

In September 1961, Taihō lost to Kashiwado on day 14, bringing his record to 3 losses. However, he then entered a three-way playoff for the championship with Kashiwado and Maegashira Akebono (then Meibugaya), where he emerged victorious in a tomoe-sen (round-robin playoff), securing his second consecutive championship. Following these two consecutive tournament victories, the Japan Sumo Association consulted the Yokozuna Deliberation Council about promoting both Taihō and Kashiwado to Yokozuna. Both were unanimously recommended, with Taihō becoming the 48th Yokozuna at 21 years and three months old, and Kashiwado becoming the 47th at 22 years and nine months. At the time, they were the youngest Yokozuna ever promoted, surpassing Terukuni Manzō's record of 23 years and three months. Taihō was also the first wrestler to achieve Yokozuna after two consecutive Ōzeki championships under the Yokozuna Deliberation Council's new rules. His acceptance speech upon promotion was, "I will continue to devote myself so as not to stain the position of Yokozuna."

2.3. Dominance as Yokozuna

Upon their simultaneous promotion in November 1961, Taihō and Kashiwado began the "Hakuhō Era," a golden age of sumo that coincided with Japan's post-war recovery and high economic growth. The name "Hakuhō" for the 69th Yokozuna, Hakuhō, is derived from these two grand champions. Taihō immediately showed his exceptional skill, winning his first two tournaments as a Yokozuna in November 1961 and January 1962. He then achieved his first unprecedented six consecutive tournament championships from July 1962 to May 1963.

Despite Taihō's dominance, sumo viewership declined during his peak, as Kashiwado's frequent absences due to injury led to a perceived lack of competitive excitement. Media outlets like NET (now TV Asahi), Nippon TV, and TBS) withdrew from sumo broadcasting between 1964 and 1965, with Taihō's consistent victories cited as a cause of viewer fatigue. Taihō was also criticized by some commentators, such as Shōichi Kamikaze, for his "formless sumo." However, his stablemaster Nishonoseki countered this, stating, "Taihō's form is his formlessness." Taihō later gained confidence in his style from Tokitsukaze (former Futabayama) who said, "Show a sumo that only Taihō can do. That will be Taihō's form, something no other wrestler can imitate even in future generations."

In September 1963, Taihō faced Kashiwado in a championship-deciding match on the final day, with both holding 14-1 records. Kashiwado emerged victorious, achieving a perfect 15-0 record. However, in March 1964, Taihō defeated Kashiwado in another final-day showdown with both at 14-1, securing a perfect 15-0 record himself.

2.4. Retirement from active competition

Taihō announced his retirement five days into the May 1971 tournament. His decision was influenced by a series of losses that exposed his physical decline. He felt the limit of his physical strength after falling on his backside in a match against Tochifuji Katsuken on day 4. On day 5, he suffered another loss, again falling on his backside, this time to the promising young wrestler Takanohana. Taihō reportedly asked to fight his next match against Fukuhana Kōichi on day 6 as his last, but the Japan Sumo Association denied this, stating he could not compete if he was in a "dying state." As a result, his match against Fukuhana was a default loss, making his bout against Takanohana his last official career match. He had served as a Yokozuna for almost ten years. His career win ratio exceeded 80%, a post-war record.

He later revealed that deciding to retire was difficult, but his 2-year-old eldest daughter encouraged him, solidifying his resolve. The morning after his retirement announcement, in an appearance on an NHK morning news program, he was asked what record he was most proud of. He replied, "winning six consecutive tournaments twice." His retirement ceremony (intai zumō) was held on October 2, 1971, at Kuramae Kokugikan. He performed his final Yokozuna dohyō-iri (ring-entering ceremony) with Yokozuna Tamaumi as his tachi-mochi (sword bearer) and Yokozuna Kitanofuji as his tsuyu-harai (dew sweeper). Tragically, just nine days later, on October 11, Tamaumi died suddenly. Taihō was deeply shocked by the news, as Tamaumi had reportedly delayed hospitalization for appendicitis to participate in Taihō's retirement ceremony, leading to a critical worsening of his condition.

3.1. Stable management and coaching

In December 1971, Taihō established his own sumo stable, Taihō stable, branching off from his former stable. As a stablemaster, he aimed to train new wrestlers, though he generally did not achieve the same level of wrestling success as a coach. Nevertheless, he nurtured wrestlers such as Sekiwake Ōzutsu, who famously competed in 78 consecutive top division tournaments from 1979 to 1992. In May 2002, Taihō recruited the Russian wrestler Rohō, whom he mentored. Rohō's shikona (ring name) included characters from Taihō's own name, reflecting Taihō's high expectations. Rohō reached the rank of Komusubi in March 2006.

In February 2003, Taihō handed over control of his stable to his son-in-law, former Sekiwake Takatōriki Tadashige, who was previously from Futagoyama stable. The stable was renamed Ōtake stable, as "Taihō" was his lifetime elder name and could not be transferred.

3.2. Public roles and health issues

Taihō's post-retirement career was significantly impacted by severe health problems. In February 1977, at the age of 36, he suffered a debilitating stroke that left him with hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body), particularly affecting his left side. This severe condition necessitated extensive rehabilitation to regain mobility, starting with crawling down hallways, enduring curious and pitying glances from onlookers. His subsequent health issues likely prevented him from ascending to the chairmanship of the Japan Sumo Association, a position held by his contemporaries like Sadanoyama and Toyoyama Katsuo. Despite the physical limitations, including his reliance on a wheelchair in later life which prevented him from serving as a ringside judge or easily ascending the dohyō (sumo ring) for greetings, Taihō displayed an indomitable spirit.

After his stroke, he temporarily changed his elder name to Taihō Shōki, but later reverted to Taihō Kōki. Through dedicated rehabilitation and the devoted support of his wife, Yoshiko, he regained the ability to walk. In 1980, he was appointed to the board of directors of the Japan Sumo Association. He served in various capacities, including the director of the Nagoya tournament and the head of the Sumo Training Institute, holding these positions for eight terms until his retirement from executive duties in 1996. He commented on the similar health struggles faced by Shigeo Nagashima, another contemporary Japanese sports icon who suffered a stroke, expressing a deep empathy.

In a poignant display of resilience, Taihō performed his kanreki dohyō-iri (60th birthday ring-entering ceremony) in 2000, accompanied by Yokozuna Kitanoumi (tachi-mochi) and Chiyonofuji (tsuyu-harai). Due to the lingering effects of his stroke, he could not perform the full ceremony, but he managed to assume the Unryū style of ring-entering stance and clap his hands in the center of the ring, a remarkable feat achieved by pinching the skin of his stomach to keep his left arm from drooping.



In May 2005, Taihō reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 and was appointed curator of the Sumo Museum at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan. This appointment was considered unusual given his lack of experience as a director or executive of the Association, especially with former chairman Sadanoyama and Toyoyama still alive. He resigned from the curator position in November 2008 due to his declining health but expressed his continued desire to watch sumo matches leisurely at the Kokugikan.

His post-retirement life also saw him entangled in controversies within sumo. His protégé Rohō, whom he brought from Russia, was dismissed from the Japan Sumo Association in 2008 after testing positive for marijuana, alongside his brother Hakurozan. In 2010, his son-in-law Takatōriki was dismissed from sumo due to a gambling scandal. Taihō himself had to negotiate with the then-chairman Kitanoumi Toshimitsu regarding Rohō's issue. He reportedly expressed anger and disappointment at former Yokozuna Asashōryū for his lack of apology during a press conference following his own retirement due to a similar scandal. Taihō, who was a mentor to Asashōryū, stated that Asashōryū stopped seeking his advice after achieving significant success. He also played a key role in supporting Takanohana's controversial bid for a Japan Sumo Association director position, which defied his own faction. Taihō stated that "Takanohana should think about the future of the association as a whole, not just himself," effectively giving his blessing for Takanohana's challenge. Takanohana and his group of elders visited Taihō's home to report his victory.

Despite the challenges, Taihō maintained a critical stance on the state of sumo, lamenting the eventual dissolution of the Nishonoseki stable, his alma mater, in 2013, expressing a desire for its re-establishment.

3.3. Honors and awards

Taihō Kōki received numerous prestigious honors and awards throughout his life, recognizing his immense contributions to sumo and Japanese society.

In 2004, the Japanese government awarded him the Medal with Purple Ribbon, given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to arts, sciences, and culture. In November 2009, he became the first sumo wrestler to be designated a Person of Cultural Merit, one of Japan's highest cultural honors. Taihō expressed his profound gratitude, acknowledging that the award was not solely due to his efforts but also the support of many others. He notably paid respects at the graves of his former stablemasters, feeling responsible for the division and decline of his Nishonoseki ichimon (faction).

After his death in January 2013, he was posthumously awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star (旭日重光章_{Kyokujitsu Jukōshō}^Japanese) and appointed to the Junior Fourth Rank (正四位_Shō-shii^Japanese) on January 19. On February 15, 2013, he was posthumously awarded the People's Honour Award, making him only the second sumo wrestler to receive this honor. Then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe praised Taihō as a "national hero" with "overwhelming presence and graceful deportment." Prime Minister Abe, who grew up during the "Giant, Taihō, Egg" era, admitted to being an "anti-Taihō" fan in his youth, supporting "Taihō killers" like Sekiwake Akebono. However, he also acknowledged that Taihō always remained a captivating presence, inspiring intense excitement. The official award ceremony was held on February 25, attended by his widow and Yokozuna Hakuhō.

4.1. Family and relationships

Taihō married in 1966, at the peak of his fame. The wedding day, May 29, coincided with his 26th birthday and the final day of the May tournament, which he won. His wife was Yoshiko, the daughter of a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) proprietor. Their lavish reception at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo was attended by 1,000 guests and over 200 reporters, making it the first sumo marriage to be followed by a press conference, a practice that later became common.

Taihō's youngest daughter married former Sekiwake Takatōriki. After Taihō's retirement, Takatōriki took over the management of Taihō stable, which was renamed Ōtake stable. However, Takatōriki was dismissed from the sumo world in July 2010 due to a gambling scandal. Following this, he divorced Taihō's daughter. Taihō's third daughter testified that her father had never intended for any of his daughters to marry a sumo wrestler and inherit the stable, but he was pleased with her choice. However, he had been concerned about Takatōriki's gambling habits since their relationship began. Taihō, known for accepting all requests for help, repeatedly covered Takatōriki's gambling debts. Takatōriki eventually stopped gambling openly but continued to incur debt for public gambling in secret, leading to his involvement in the baseball gambling scandal and subsequent dismissal. This occurred just as Taihō was planning renovations for Ōtake stable, hoping his four grandsons would join.

Following the divorce, Taihō told his daughter, "You are not at fault. Hold your head high," reassuring her repeatedly. Despite her feelings of guilt, his daughter chose to live separately, but Taihō continued to worry, telling her, "You can always come home." Her last words from him were, "I've been worried about you." Takatōriki attended Taihō's passing in 2013 but was not allowed to attend the funeral.

In contrast to Takatōriki, who reportedly forced his eldest son into sumo, Taihō believed his grandsons should pursue their own interests, stating, "You don't have to make them do that. Let them do what they like." His eldest grandson, Naya Yukio (born 1994), became a professional wrestler. His second grandson, Naya Kosei (born 2000), became a professional sumo wrestler in January 2018, adopting the shikona Ōhō. He was followed by his brothers Kosei (November 2019) and Takamori (March 2020) into sumo. As Taihō died when his second grandson was still in middle school, he never had the chance to personally instruct his grandsons in sumo.

4.2. Hobbies and interests

Outside of the sumo ring, Taihō pursued several hobbies and interests that offered a glimpse into his character. He was particularly fond of baseball and mahjong. While his interest in baseball was initially casual, by 1966, he actively practiced pitching and catching during breaks in training, showing considerable skill. His mahjong skills were reportedly less impressive, often ending up as the sole loser in four-player games.

He was also known for his appreciation of nature, particularly lily of the valley flowers, which he cherished until they withered. The flowers were even incorporated into the design of his ceremonial keshō-mawashi.

Taihō was renowned for his disciplined training, often inviting new top-division wrestlers to train with him. He was meticulous about his routines, performing 500 shiko (leg-stomping exercises) and 2,000 teppō (pushing exercises) daily under the strict guidance of his stablemaster, Nishonoseki, who ensured he was not burdened with chores so he could focus solely on training. Taihō's endurance was legendary, capable of enduring an hour of butsukari-keiko (charging practice) during his prime. He also embraced scientific training methods, incorporating barbells and expanders into his regimen by 1966, a departure from traditional sumo training.

4.3. Philanthropy and popularity

Taihō was deeply committed to philanthropy throughout his career and retirement. He notably sold "Taihō Charity Yukata" (summer kimonos), donating the proceeds to various causes. From 1967 to 1968, he contributed to the donation of 36 televisions to nursing homes and care facilities through the NHK Cultural Business Group. From 1969 to 2009, he consistently donated "Taihō-go" (Taihō-designated) blood donation vehicles to the Japanese Red Cross Society. Initially, he donated two vehicles annually from 1969 to 1976 and again from 1979 to 2001. From 2002 to 2009, he donated one vehicle per year, with the 70th vehicle (matching his age) being donated in September 2009, marking the conclusion of this long-standing charitable activity.

His popularity in Japan was immense. During the 1960s, a famous phrase "Giant, Taihō, Egg" (巨人・大鵬・卵焼き_{Kyojin, Taihō, Tamagoyaki}^Japanese) encapsulated what Japanese children loved most. This phrase, originating from a remark by Taichi Sakaiya, then a MITI official, became a symbol of Japan's high economic growth era. However, Taihō himself expressed discomfort with being grouped with the Yomiuri Giants baseball team, stating, "It's troublesome to be compared with the Giants." His reasons included his personal dislike for the Giants, his belief that sumo, an individual sport, should not be equated with a team sport like baseball, and past criticisms about his "formless sumo" that were jokingly contrasted with "adult fans preferring Kashiwado and the Taiyo Whales." Despite this, he titled his later autobiography Giant, Taihō, Egg - My Autobiography.

Taihō maintained a close friendship with Sadaharu Oh, the legendary baseball player for the Yomiuri Giants. They shared a birth year (1940) and were known for their exceptional dedication. They often drank together, with Taihō famously out-drinking Oh, who would sometimes awaken from a nap during their drinking sessions to find Taihō still drinking at the same pace. Taihō, a prodigious drinker in his youth (reportedly up to 18 L of sake per day, or 36 L of beer, equivalent to 20 large bottles), reportedly boasted to his attendants before an important match, "Why should I sleep just because I'm fighting an Ōzeki today?" This heavy drinking, however, is believed to have contributed to his later health problems, including his stroke.

Taihō's fair complexion and good looks also contributed to his widespread appeal. While Kashiwado enjoyed strong support from male sumo fans, Taihō was immensely popular among women and children. It was said that women's public baths would empty during his matches, a phenomenon also observed during the broadcast of the popular radio drama "Kimi no Na wa" (Your Name). During his prime, many boys were named "Kōki" after him, including the renowned actor, playwright, and screenwriter Kōki Mitani.

Taihō was also good friends with his contemporary and fellow Sekiwake, Kotozakura, with whom he traveled to France. After his rival Kashiwado's loss following a European trip, Taihō himself took three trips to France between 1962 and 1964 after winning the January tournaments. In June 1964, he traveled with Hanaomoto and Kotozakura, meeting actress Mariko Kaga in Paris. His visits led the Parisian press to dub him "Grand Phoenix Taiho." He even received a fan letter from Tony Curtis.

Taihō was a connoisseur of fine food and wine. He particularly enjoyed sirloin steak from "Restaurant Ryu" in Iikura, Tokyo, owned by a patron of his stable, remarking that no other meat he had tasted in Paris or Spain compared to it. He also lamented the slow service in foreign restaurants.

6.1. Overall career statistics

• Total Career Record: 872 wins, 182 losses, 136 absences (Winning percentage: .827)
• Makuuchi (Top Division) Record: 746 wins, 144 losses, 136 absences (5th highest in history) (Winning percentage: .838)
• Yokozuna Record: 622 wins, 103 losses, 136 absences (4th highest in history) (Winning percentage: .858)
• Ōzeki Record: 58 wins, 17 losses (Winning percentage: .773)
• Total Tournaments Fought: 87
• Makuuchi Tournaments Fought: 69
• Yokozuna Tournaments Fought: 58 (4th highest in history)
• Ōzeki Tournaments Fought: 5
• Sanyaku (Sekiwake/Komusubi) Tournaments Fought: 3 (Sekiwake: 2, Komusubi: 1)
• Wins against Yokozuna: 43 (tied with Wakanohana Kanji I for 1st all-time, with a winning percentage over 60%)
• Annual Most Wins (年間最多勝_{Nenkan Saishō}^Japanese): 6 times (3rd highest, after Hakuhō Shō and Kitanoumi Toshimitsu)
  • 1960 (66-24), 1961 (71-19), 1962 (77-13), 1963 (81-9), 1964 (69-11-10 absences), 1967 (70-6-14 absences, tied with Kashiwado). His 5 consecutive annual most wins from 1960 to 1964 is tied for 2nd (after Hakuhō Shō's 9 consecutive).
• Consecutive Six-Tournament Wins: 84 wins (March 1966 - January 1967; May 1966 - March 1967; July 1966 - May 1967)
• Consecutive Kachikoshi (Winning Record) in Makuuchi: 25 tournaments (tied for 10th all-time, from May 1960 to May 1964)
• Consecutive Double-Digit Wins in Makuuchi: 25 tournaments (3rd highest, after Hakuhō Shō's 51 and Kitanoumi Toshimitsu's 37, from May 1960 to May 1964)
• Consecutive 12+ Wins in Makuuchi: 11 tournaments (5th highest, from July 1962 to March 1964)

His 32 Makuuchi championships were the highest record at the time of his retirement and death, now ranking second only to Hakuhō Shō. His unique record of winning at least one championship every year of his top division career from his debut in 1960 to his retirement in 1971 (12 consecutive years) was long considered "the most difficult record to break." While Hakuhō later surpassed this with 16 consecutive years, Hakuhō did not win a championship in his debut Makuuchi year.

6.2. Notable winning streaks

Taihō's most impressive winning streak was 45 consecutive bouts, recorded from the second day of the September 1968 tournament to the first day of the March 1969 tournament. This streak ranks as the fourth longest since the East-West Sumo merger in 1926.

Other notable winning streaks (20 or more wins) are listed below:

Taihō recorded nine streaks of 20 or more wins, and four streaks of 30 or more wins.

6.3. Division championships

Taihō's championship record is unparalleled in many respects.

• Makuuchi (Top Division) Championship: 32 times (Held the record for most championships at the time of his retirement and death, currently 2nd all-time)
  • November 1960
  • July 1961, September 1961, November 1961
  • January 1962, July 1962, September 1962, November 1962
  • January 1963, March 1963, May 1963
  • January 1964, March 1964, September 1964, November 1964
  • March 1965, July 1965, November 1965
  • March 1966, May 1966, July 1966, September 1966, November 1966
  • January 1967, May 1967, September 1967
  • September 1968, November 1968
  • January 1969, May 1969
  • March 1970
  • January 1971
• Zenshō-yūshō (Perfect Championship, 15-0): 8 times (Tied for 1st all-time at the time of his retirement, currently tied for 2nd)
• Consecutive Championships: 6 consecutive times, achieved twice (July 1962 - May 1963, and March 1966 - January 1967)
• Jūryō (Second Division) Championship: 1 time (November 1959)
• Sandanme (Fourth Division) Championship: 1 time (March 1958)

6.4. Special awards and Kinboshi

Taihō's rapid promotion through the ranks meant he had limited opportunities to earn special awards, which are typically given to lower-ranked wrestlers for exceptional performance.

• Sanshō (Special Prizes): 3 times
  • Fighting Spirit Prize (敢闘賞_Kantō-shō^Japanese): 2 times (January 1960, May 1960)
  • Technique Prize (技能賞_Ginō-shō^Japanese): 1 time (September 1960)
• Raiden Award: 3 times (January 1960, September 1960, November 1960)
• Kinboshi (Gold Star): 1 time (earned against Yokozuna Asashio Tarō III in May 1960)

8.1. Historical evaluation and influence

Taihō Kōki is widely considered the "strongest Yokozuna in history" and arguably the greatest sumo wrestler of the post-war period. His unprecedented 32 top-division championships and remarkable consistency left an indelible mark on the sport. He is credited with leading sumo through a golden age, alongside his rival Kashiwado, during Japan's rapid economic growth. His influence extended to subsequent generations of sumo wrestlers, inspiring many.

His ability to adapt his fighting style, a characteristic often criticized as "formless" during his active career, later came to be recognized as a testament to his natural flexibility and strategic genius. This adaptability set a new standard for top-ranked wrestlers, moving beyond rigid adherence to a single technique. He was seen as a symbol of perseverance, enduring rigorous training under his stablemaster and overcoming significant injuries and health setbacks. His resilience in the face of a stroke at a young age, leading to a modified but still impactful kanreki dohyō-iri, further cemented his image as a indomitable figure.

Taihō's impact on Japanese society went beyond the sumo ring. He was a national hero, universally adored, particularly by women and children, as evidenced by the "Giant, Taihō, Egg" phenomenon. His philanthropic endeavors, such as donating blood transportation vehicles to the Japanese Red Cross, highlighted his commitment to public welfare and further endeared him to the public. He remained a respected voice in the sumo world even in retirement, offering advice to younger Yokozuna like Hakuhō and maintaining a critical perspective on the sport's direction.

His mixed heritage, with a Ukrainian father, also placed him in a unique position as a cultural bridge, especially with his involvement in establishing the Taihō Memorial Hall in Kharkiv, Ukraine, and fostering sumo exchanges with Russia.

8.2. Criticisms and controversies

Despite his revered status, Taihō Kōki's career was not without its share of criticisms and controversial incidents.

In 1965, he was involved in a pistol smuggling incident along with Kashiwado and Kitanofuji, where they were found to have illegally imported handguns from the United States. Taihō reportedly admitted to discarding his pistol in the Sumida River after learning about a similar incident involving another wrestler, Wakahaguro. He received a reprimand from the Japan Sumo Association and a fine of 30.00 K JPY (equivalent to 150.00 K JPY today) after being referred to prosecutors.

In his post-retirement life, Taihō faced challenges with his stable and family due to a gambling scandal. His son-in-law, Takatōriki, who inherited his stable (renamed Ōtake stable), was dismissed from the sumo association in 2010 due to his involvement in illegal baseball gambling. This incident was a significant blow to Taihō, who had reportedly covered Takatōriki's gambling debts multiple times and had been worried about his gambling habits. Taihō subsequently urged his daughter to divorce Takatōriki, telling her she was blameless.

Another incident involved his protege, Rohō, whom Taihō had brought from Russia. Rohō, along with his brother Hakurozan, was dismissed from the Japan Sumo Association in 2008 after testing positive for marijuana. Taihō, as Rohō's stablemaster, was involved in the discussions regarding their dismissal and faced criticism related to the scandal.

Throughout his career, Taihō's "formless" sumo style was criticized by some traditionalists, who preferred a more rigid, defined technique. Commentators like Tamaki Umekichi consistently criticized Taihō's approach, favoring the faster, more aggressive sumo of wrestlers like Kashiwado. However, Taihō's response to such criticisms, notably his acceptance of the "misjudgment of the century" that ended his 45-bout winning streak, where he stated, "I am to blame for taking a sumo match that could result in such a misjudgment," was widely praised as a display of his character and commitment to the dignity of the Yokozuna rank. Some reports, however, suggest he was privately enraged by the decision.

8.3. Tributes and memorials

Taihō Kōki is commemorated through various tributes and memorials, reflecting his enduring legacy in sumo and Japanese culture.

In Kawaii Onsen, Teshikaga, his childhood home in Hokkaido, the Taihō Sumo Memorial Hall (originally Teshikaga Town Kawaii Sumo Memorial Hall), opened in 1984. The museum displays artifacts such as his actual keshō-mawashi (ceremonial belt) and championship trophies. It also features a documentary film on his life and career, from his upbringing to his final years. A bronze statue of Taihō stands in front of the memorial hall.

In 2001, a Taihō Kōki Memorial Museum was built in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Taihō's father's hometown, initiated by Japanese researchers in Sakhalin. Taihō himself supported sumo tournaments in Kharkiv, becoming a prominent figure in international exchange between Japan and Ukraine, and extending to Russia.

His grave is at Myōkyū-ji Temple in Kōtō-ku, Tokyo, which is the Naya family's ancestral temple. His Buddhist posthumous name signifies his noble path and enduring spirit. In 2014, a bronze statue of Taihō was erected in Sakhalin, his birthplace, symbolizing his "return home." The creation of the statue was supported by donations, especially from Akita Prefecture, due to his mother's and wife's connections to the region.

Taihō's contributions are also honored in other ways. For instance, his influence extended to the naming of subsequent Yokozuna, such as Hakuhō Shō, whose shikona pays homage to both Taihō and Kashiwado. After his death, the Japan Sumo Association and the Japanese government bestowed numerous posthumous honors, including high court rank and the People's Honour Award, underscoring his status as a "national hero." His unwavering spirit and the cultural impact of his career continue to be celebrated and remembered.