Mienoumi Tsuyoshi, Japanese sumo wrestler

Mienoumi Tsuyoshi (Japanese: 三重ノ海 剛司, Hepburn: Mienoumi Tsuyoshi), born Gorō Ishiyama (石山五郎, Ishiyama Gorō) on February 4, 1948, in Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture, Japan, is a celebrated former professional sumo wrestler. He reached the zenith of the sport, becoming its 57th Yokozuna, the highest rank achievable in professional sumo.

Mienoumi’s career is particularly distinguished by a remarkable and unprecedented achievement in sumo history. After steadily climbing through the ranks, he reached the prestigious rank of Ōzeki in July 1975. However, in July 1976, following a challenging tournament where he recorded a losing score of 7-8, he was demoted from Ōzeki. While demotions from Ōzeki are rare, Mienoumi showcased extraordinary resilience and determination, becoming the only rikishi (sumo wrestler) in history to be demoted from the Ōzeki rank and subsequently achieve promotion to the ultimate rank of Yokozuna. He swiftly regained his Ōzeki status in September 1976 and then, through consistent high performance, including winning two consecutive tournaments as an Ōzeki, was elevated to Yokozuna in September 1978. Throughout his active career, Mienoumi secured three top division championships (yūshō).

Mienoumi retired from active competition in November 1981, concluding a impactful career on the dohyō (sumo ring). His contributions to sumo extended significantly beyond his wrestling days. Upon his retirement, he founded the Musashigawa stable (Musashigawa-beya) in 1981. A sumo stable serves as a training facility and living quarters where aspiring wrestlers live and train under the guidance of a stablemaster. Under Mienoumi's astute leadership, Musashigawa stable became one of sumo's most successful, producing numerous accomplished wrestlers, most notably the legendary 67th Yokozuna, Musashimaru. This success cemented Mienoumi's legacy not just as a champion, but also as a formidable mentor and leader.

Further demonstrating his profound commitment to the sport, Mienoumi served as the Chairman (Rijicho) of the Japan Sumo Association (JSA) from February 2010 to January 2014. The JSA is the official governing body of professional sumo in Japan, responsible for organizing tournaments, enforcing rules, and promoting the sport globally. As Chairman, Mienoumi held the highest administrative position, overseeing the sport's operations and guiding it through various challenges, further solidifying his enduring influence on Japanese sumo.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mienoumi Tsuyoshi

What is Mienoumi Tsuyoshi's birth name?

Mienoumi Tsuyoshi was born Gorō Ishiyama.

What unique historical achievement is Mienoumi Tsuyoshi known for in sumo?

He is the only rikishi in professional sumo history to be demoted from the rank of Ōzeki and subsequently earn promotion to the highest rank of Yokozuna.

How many top division championships (yūshō) did Mienoumi Tsuyoshi win?

Mienoumi Tsuyoshi won three top division yūshō during his active career.

What significant role did Mienoumi Tsuyoshi play after retiring from wrestling?

After retiring, he founded the successful Musashigawa stable and later served as the Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association.

When did Mienoumi Tsuyoshi hold the rank of Yokozuna?

He was promoted to Yokozuna in September 1978 and held the rank until his retirement in November 1981.