Fujizakura Yoshimori

Who is Fujizakura Yoshimori?

Fujizakura Yoshimori is a former sumo wrestler from Kōfu, Yamanashi, Japan. His highest rank was sekiwake. He wrestled for Takasago stable. He has one of the longest professional careers of any wrestler, fighting 1613 bouts in total, of which 1543 were consecutive. This latter record is second only to Aobajō. He began his career in March 1963. He did not reach the top makuuchi division until September 1971, but he was a runner-up in only his second honbasho or tournament in the division. He fought in makuuchi for 73 tournaments in total, winning eight special prizes, and nine gold stars for defeating yokozuna. He was a favourite of Emperor Hirohito, a noted fan of sumo. His May 1975 bout with Kirinji in which he thrust at his opponent over 50 times but lost, was named one of the "Best 10 All Time Battles in Ozumo" by the Nikkei newspaper. He retired in March 1985 and became an elder of the Japan Sumo Association, opening up Nakamura stable in 1986, which he continued to run until the end of 2012 when it folded. He also served as a shimpan or judge of tournament bouts for over 20 years. He retired from the Sumo Association upon turning 65 in February 2013.