Terukuni Manzō, Japanese sumo wrestler, the 38th Yokozuna (d. 1977)

Terukuni Manzō: The 38th Yokozuna and an Unprecedented Promotion in Sumo History

Terukuni Manzō (Japanese: 照國 万藏), born Masato Kaneshige (金重 正人), was an iconic figure in the world of Japanese professional sumo. Hailing from Ogachi, a town in Akita Prefecture known for its rich cultural heritage and producing several notable sumo wrestlers, he was born on January 10, 1919, and passed away on March 20, 1977. His legacy is primarily defined by his attainment of the sport's highest and most revered rank: the 38th yokozuna.

A Rare Path to Sumo's Pinnacle

The rank of yokozuna represents the ultimate achievement for a professional sumo wrestler, or rikishi. It is not merely a rank but a lifelong status, symbolizing not only supreme strength and skill but also dignity, integrity, and good character (hinokaku). Promotion to yokozuna is an exceptionally rare event, typically requiring a wrestler to win two consecutive top-division tournaments (yusho) or demonstrate an equivalent, overwhelmingly dominant performance as an ōzeki, the rank immediately below yokozuna. Terukuni Manzō's promotion to this exalted position in June 1942 was highly unusual because he had not yet secured any top-division tournament titles (yusho) at the time of his elevation. This singular event marked him as one of the very few rikishi in sumo history to achieve yokozuna status without first clinching a yusho, highlighting the unique circumstances and perhaps the consistent high-level performance and commanding presence he displayed as an ōzeki that convinced the Japan Sumo Association of his readiness and suitability for the ultimate rank.

Career and Achievements as Yokozuna

Despite the unconventional nature of his promotion, Terukuni Manzō unequivocally proved his worth as a yokozuna through his subsequent performances. He went on to win two top-division tournament championships (yusho) during his active career, silencing any doubts that may have arisen from his initial promotion. His first yusho victory came in May 1945, a significant win amidst the challenging times and disruptions of post-World War II Japan, where grand sumo tournaments (honbasho) faced irregular scheduling. He followed this with his second championship in May 1950. As a yokozuna, Terukuni participated in the dignified dohyo-iri (ring-entering ceremony), a sacred ritual performed by yokozuna before grand sumo tournaments, which further solidified his place as a pillar of the sport. He retired from active competition in May 1953, concluding a remarkable career as a durable and respected yokozuna who navigated both the traditional demands of sumo and the extraordinary circumstances of his era.

Frequently Asked Questions about Terukuni Manzō

Who was Terukuni Manzō?

Terukuni Manzō was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler, born Masato Kaneshige, who achieved the prestigious rank of the 38th yokozuna. He is historically notable for his unusual promotion to yokozuna without having won a top-division tournament championship beforehand.

What made Terukuni Manzō's yokozuna promotion unusual?

His promotion in June 1942 was highly unusual because, unlike most yokozuna, he had not yet won any top-division tournament championships (yusho) at the time of his elevation. Yokozuna promotions typically require a minimum of two consecutive yusho or an overwhelmingly dominant record as an ōzeki.

How many top-division championships did Terukuni Manzō eventually win?

After his promotion to yokozuna, Terukuni Manzō went on to win two top-division tournament championships (yusho): his first in May 1945 and his second in May 1950.

What is a yokozuna in sumo?

Yokozuna is the highest and most revered rank in professional sumo. It represents the pinnacle of skill, strength, and character (hinokaku). Once achieved, a yokozuna cannot be demoted based on performance; they must retire if their performance consistently declines or they lose their dignity.