Hitachiyama Torakichi Explained

Hitachiyama Torakichi
常陸山 虎吉
Birth Name:Isoarashi Torakichi
Birth Date:1850
Birth Place:Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Weight:90kg (200lb)
Heya:Hamakaze → Dewanoumi
Debut:April 1873
Highestrank:Maegashira 1 (January 1889)
Retireddate:May 1896
Eldername:Dewanoumi
Update:October 6, 2022

also known as was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ibaraki prefecture. He wrestled for the Hamakaze and Dewanoumi stables. His highest rank was Maegashira 1.[1]

History

Not much is known about Hitachiyama. He began his career in April 1873 and achieved sekitoriship in 1878. Although he never reached san'yaku ranks, he notably achieved wins against sekiwake Asashio Tarō. In 1890, he assumed the shikona of Dewanoumi Unemon. Stables at the time were closer to dojo than contemporary heya, therefore he could assume a toshiyori without actually retiring. During his years as stable master, he raised yokozuna Hitachiyama Taniemon, to whom he bestowed his old shikona in 1894. Hitachiyama Tamiemon was from the same town, Mito, as his stablemaster.[2] In 1895, when Hitachiyama was in the makushita division, Dewanoumi refused him permission to marry Dewanoumi's niece, which so upset Hitachiyama that he ran away from the stable and defected to Osaka sumo before returning two years later.[2] In May 1896, Dewanoumi finally retired and took control of the Dewanoumi stable.

In 1915, he stood down as elder and the stable was inherited by Hitachiyama. Dewanoumi Unemon died in November of the same year.
Hitachiyama was known for being a heavy drinker and was nicknamed "Dobu Tora" (ドブ虎, "drainage ditch Tora") because he drank nothing but cheap unrefined sake.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Hitachiyama Torakichi Sumo Informations. 6 October 2022.
  2. Web site: Hitachiyama Taniemon (1874 - 1922) Part 1. Kuroda. Joe. Sumo Fan Magazine. 20 October 2022. December 2007.
  3. "Sumo Character Encyclopedia",, 2001.