Azumazeki stable
Azumazeki stable (東関部屋 Azumazeki-beya) is a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Takasago group of stables. It is located at Higashi–Komagata, Sumida, Tokyo. It was founded in February 1986 by the Hawaiian born Takamiyama of the Takasago stable. Azumazeki's first sekitori was Akebono, also from Hawaii, in 1990, who subsequently reached the yokozuna rank. A total of nine foreign born wrestlers have fought for the stable: seven from the United States, one from Great Britain and one (still active) from China. As of January 2016 it had 11 wrestlers.
The former Takamiyama reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 in June 2009 and was succeeded by Ushiomaru who announced his retirement from active competition after the May tournament. In 2012 it absorbed Nakamura stable when Takamiyama's former stablemate Fujizakura retired as a coach upon turning 65.
Ring name conventions
Some wrestlers at this stable take ring names or shikona that begin with the characters 高見 (read: takami), meaning high and view, in deference to the now retired coach and owner, the former Takamiyama.
Owner
- 2009-present: 13th Azumazeki Daigorō (shunin, former maegashira Ushiomaru)
- 1986-2009: 12th Azumazeki Daigorō (former sekiwake Takamiyama)
Notable active wrestlers
- Hishōfuji (best rank jūryō)
- Kaōnishiki (best rank jūryō)
Coaches
- Furiwake Seiken (toshiyori, former komusubi Takamisakari)
- Ōyama Susumu (iin, former maegashira Daihi)
Notable former members
Referee
- Kimura Yōnosuke (jūryō gyōji, real name Masashi Okuno)
Usher
- Daikichi (makuuchi yobidashi, real name Yūji Ōba)
Hairdressers
- Tokokei (fourth class tokoyama)
See also
- List of sumo stables
- List of active sumo wrestlers
- List of past sumo wrestlers
- Glossary of sumo terms
External links
Coordinates: 35°42′23″N 139°48′19″E / 35.7064°N 139.8054°E