Wakanohana Masaru, Japanese sumo wrestler, the 66th Yokozuna

Masaru Hanada, born on January 20, 1971, and known during his active career as Wakanohana Masaru (若乃花 勝), is a prominent Japanese former professional sumo wrestler. His birth name was 花田 勝, but he later officially changed it to 花田 虎上 (Hanada Masaru).

A Legacy Forged: The Hanada Sumo Dynasty

Masaru Hanada hails from one of sumo's most illustrious families, deeply embedded in the sport's history and tradition. He is the elder son of the esteemed former ōzeki Takanohana Kenshi, who not only guided his career as his stablemaster (oyakata) at Futagoyama stable but also instilled in him the discipline and spirit of sumo. His lineage extends further through his uncle, Wakanohana Kanji I, a legendary yokozuna of the 1950s, renowned for his technical prowess and determination. This familial connection, often referred to as the "Hanada Dynasty," set a high bar for his own aspirations in the dohyo, the sumo ring.

The Waka-Taka Boom: Igniting Sumo's Popularity

Wakanohana Masaru's ascent through the ranks coincided with that of his younger brother, Takanohana Kōji (who later also became a yokozuna). Their parallel rise in the early 1990s, affectionately dubbed the "Waka-Taka Boom," captivated the Japanese public and triggered an unprecedented surge in sumo's popularity. This era saw packed arenas, record television ratings, and a renewed national interest in the ancient sport, largely driven by the brothers' intense rivalry, compelling performances, and charismatic personalities. Their matches were often epic encounters, fostering a healthy competition that pushed both to excel.

Distinguished Career: From Ōzeki to Historic Yokozuna

Wakanohana was a formidable competitor throughout his career, marked by a notably long tenure at the rank of ōzeki, sumo's second-highest rank, which he held for an impressive 33 tournaments. During this period, he consistently challenged for top honors, ultimately securing five tournament championships (yusho). His dedication and consistent performance eventually led to his promotion to sumo's pinnacle rank of yokozuna in 1998. This historic achievement made him, alongside his brother Takanohana Kōji, the first-ever sibling grand champions in sumo history, a testament to their unparalleled talent and the family's incredible legacy. This dual promotion was a monumental event, celebrated widely across Japan and beyond.

Post-Sumo Life and Public Profile

Unfortunately, Wakanohana's yokozuna career, though historic, was brief and heavily impacted by injuries, particularly to his knees and shoulders. After just 11 tournaments at the sport's highest rank, during which he completed only three full tournaments, he made the difficult decision to retire from professional sumo in 2000. Following his retirement, Masaru Hanada transitioned into new ventures, successfully establishing himself as a television personality and a restaurant owner. His post-sumo life, however, also saw a highly publicized period of family discord, specifically a very public falling out with his brother Takanohana Kōji after the death of their father, Takanohana Kenshi, in 2005. This dispute, primarily concerning inheritance and family leadership, garnered significant media attention and was a subject of wide public interest in Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Masaru Hanada

What was Masaru Hanada's most famous sumo name?

During his active career, he was widely known as Wakanohana Masaru (若乃花 勝).

How is Masaru Hanada related to other famous sumo wrestlers?

He is the elder son of former ōzeki Takanohana Kenshi, the nephew of legendary yokozuna Wakanohana Kanji I, and the elder brother of yokozuna Takanohana Kōji. This family forms a significant part of sumo's storied history.

What was the "Waka-Taka Boom"?

The "Waka-Taka Boom" refers to the surge in sumo's popularity in the early 1990s, largely driven by the captivating parallel rise and rivalry of Masaru Hanada (Wakanohana) and his younger brother Takanohana Kōji. Their compelling matches and engaging personalities attracted a new generation of fans.

What historic achievement did Wakanohana Masaru accomplish with his brother?

In 1998, Wakanohana Masaru and his brother Takanohana Kōji simultaneously held the rank of yokozuna, becoming the first-ever sibling grand champions in the history of sumo. This marked an unprecedented moment in the sport.

Why did Wakanohana retire early from his yokozuna career?

Wakanohana's yokozuna career was plagued by recurring injuries, particularly to his knees and shoulders, which significantly impacted his ability to compete at the highest level. These persistent physical issues led to his retirement in 2000 after a brief reign as grand champion.