Sumo Scene / Wakashimazu, Who Rose to Rank of Ozeki in Japan’s Sumo World despite His Light Weight, Dies at 69

By Kuniyuki Kamimura / Yomiuri Shimbun Senior Writer

11:03 JST, April 15, 2026

He was truly a dashing ozeki. When I think of former ozeki Wakashimazu, who died in March at the age of 69, such a description fits him perfectly. When he first entered the sumo world, he weighed less than 80 kilograms. So Wakashimazu was teased by his senior stablemates as being “like a piece of wire” and “just like a disposable chopstick.” Yet he quickly stood out through intense training at the Futagoyama Stable, which he had joined.

Born on Tanegashima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, Wakashimazu made his debut as a sumo wrestler in 1975. At that time, the popularity of ozeki Takanohana, one of his senior stablemates, was at its peak. Takanohana, who fought valiantly against massive opponents despite his light build, was his role model.

Wakashimazu himself never grew much larger than about 120 kilograms even in his prime, yet he rose to the rank of ozeki and won two tournaments. With his strong legs and lower body developed through rigorous training, together with his handsome features, he quickly became a popular wrestler, captivating many fans. It feels like those days were only just recently.

In 1985, this popular ozeki stunned people by making a surprise announcement he would marry Mizue Takada, a singer who had released many hit songs. The marriage of a top singer and an ozeki caused a sensation in Japanese society.

Takada withdrew completely from the showbiz world upon getting married. After Wakashimazu retired from competition to become a stablemaster, she became an okami-san, who makes sure the sumo stable runs smoothly.

When I went to the stable to cover morning practice, I often saw her diligently performing her okami-san duties while wearing an apron and warmly welcoming visitors with a friendly smile. There was none of the aloofness one might expect from a former celebrity. Her approachable and down-to-earth personality left a strong impression on me.

Nine years ago, Wakashimazu fell ill and hovered between life and death, but he fought through his illness with an indomitable spirit. She devotedly supported her husband. At his funeral as the chief mourner on March 24, she expressed her gratitude to those around the couple, saying, “My husband treated people with respect and spent his life being kind to others.” Her words, which reflected the couple’s personalities, touched my heart.

— Kamimura is a sumo expert.