Native Name: | 鬼ヶ谷 才治 |
Onigatani Saiji | |
Birth Name: | Saiji Suzuki |
Birth Date: | 19 April 1855 |
Birth Place: | Ehime, Japan |
Weight: | 80kg (180lb) |
Heya: | Ikazuchi |
Record: | 113-125-146-29draws-13holds |
Debut: | January, 1886 |
Highestrank: | Komusubi (May 1891) |
Retireddate: | January, 1907 |
Update: | May 2008 |
Onigatani Saiji (鬼ヶ谷才治, April 19, 1855 – February 2, 1931) was a Japanese sumo wrestler who is known for being active in the top makuuchi division at the age of 51, which is a record after the beginning of the Meiji era.
At first, he joined Tokitsukaze stable in Osaka sumo but was recruited by former yokozuna Umegatani I and moved to Ikazuchi stable in Tokyo sumo. From January 1887, he recorded a 20-year career in makuuchi. He was the oldest active wrestler in makuuchi from January 1897 when he was 41 years old. He retired in January 1907 when he was 51 years old. He was specially awarded a silver cup by the Sumo Association. He also trained future yokozuna Umegatani II.[1]