Maedayama Eigorō, Japanese sumo wrestler, the 39th Yokozuna (d. 1971)

Maedayama Eigorō, whose Japanese name is written as 前田山 英五郎, carved out a significant place for himself in the annals of professional sumo wrestling. Born on May 4, 1914, his journey in the ancient sport culminated in achieving the ultimate rank of yokozuna, becoming the 39th individual to hold this prestigious title. Hailing from Japan's picturesque Ehime Prefecture, Maedayama's career spanned a period where sumo was deeply intertwined with the nation's cultural fabric, and reaching the pinnacle of the sport was a testament to extraordinary skill, dedication, and character. He passed away on August 17, 1971, leaving behind a legacy as one of sumo's revered grand champions.

The Ascent to Yokozuna

Becoming a yokozuna in professional sumo is arguably one of the most challenging feats in the world of sports. It is not merely a rank but a status, representing the pinnacle of physical and spiritual strength, technical mastery, and unwavering dignity. For Maedayama Eigorō, achieving the title of the 39th yokozuna meant he had demonstrated consistent dominance in the ring, often requiring two consecutive tournament championships or an equivalent series of exceptional performances at the sport's highest levels. This promotion is decided by the Yokozuna Deliberation Council, and once attained, the rank cannot be lost through poor performance; instead, a yokozuna is expected to retire if they can no longer uphold the immense standards associated with the title.

Maedayama's origins in Ehime Prefecture placed him within a rich regional tapestry that has historically contributed many talents to various fields in Japan. His success on the *dohyo*, the sumo wrestling ring, would have brought immense pride to his home prefecture, echoing the long-standing tradition of regional heroes in Japanese culture. His era as a grand champion would have seen him as a prominent figure, embodying the power and grace expected of sumo's highest-ranked competitor.

Understanding the Significance of a Yokozuna

The term yokozuna translates literally to "horizontal rope," referring to the heavy rope worn around the waist by a grand champion during the ring-entering ceremony, or dohyō-iri. This rope, known as a tsuna, weighs approximately 15 kilograms (33 pounds) and symbolizes the sacred nature of the rank, akin to the ropes found at Shinto shrines. A yokozuna is not just a wrestler but a living embodiment of sumo's traditions and ideals, expected to display exemplary conduct both inside and outside the ring. Their presence commands respect, and their matches are often the highlight of any sumo tournament, drawing widespread national attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maedayama Eigorō and Yokozuna

Who was Maedayama Eigorō?

Maedayama Eigorō was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler who achieved the highest rank in the sport, becoming its 39th yokozuna (Grand Champion). He was born in Ehime Prefecture and lived from 1914 to 1971.

What does it mean to be a "yokozuna" in sumo?

A yokozuna is the highest rank a sumo wrestler can attain, often referred to as a Grand Champion. It signifies exceptional skill, consistent performance, and the upholding of the sport's traditions and dignity. There are typically very few yokozuna active at any given time, making it an incredibly prestigious and rare title.

How many yokozuna have there been in sumo history?

As of Maedayama's career, he was the 39th individual to achieve this ultimate rank. The number of yokozuna is relatively small due to the immense difficulty and strict criteria required for promotion.

Where was Maedayama Eigorō from?

He was from Ehime Prefecture, a region located on Shikoku Island in Japan, known for its beautiful coastline and rich cultural heritage.

What was Maedayama's period of activity in sumo?

While specific career start and end dates are not provided in the brief text, his birth year (1914) and death year (1971) frame his life. His tenure as a yokozuna would have been within this timeframe, likely spanning the mid-20th century, a significant era for Japanese sports and culture.