Takamiyama Daigorō
Takamiyama Daigorō (髙見山 大五郎, born 16 June 1944 as Jesse James Wailani Kuhaulua) is an American-born Japanese former professional sumo wrestler. Wrestling for Takasago stable for twenty years from 1964 to 1984, his highest rank was sekiwake. Takamiyama set a number of longevity records in sumo, including most tournaments ranked in the top makuuchi division, and most consecutive top division appearances. In July 1972, he became the first foreign-born wrestler to win the top division championship. He is also the first foreign-born wrestler ever to take charge of a training stable, founding Azumazeki stable in 1986. His most successful wrestler was fellow Hawaiian Akebono who reached the sport's highest rank of yokozuna in 1993. Takamiyama retired as a coach in 2009.
| Takamiyama Daigorō | |
|---|---|
| 髙見山 大五郎 | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | Jesse James Wailani Kuhaulua 16 June 1944 Maui, Territory of Hawaii |
| Height | 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) |
| Weight | 204 kg (450 lb; 32.1 st) |
| Career | |
| Stable | Takasago |
| Record | 812–845–22 |
| Debut | March, 1964 |
| Highest rank | Sekiwake (September, 1972) |
| Retired | May, 1984 |
| Elder name | Azumazeki |
| Championships | 1 (Makuuchi) 1 (Jonidan) 1 (Jonokuchi) |
| Special Prizes | Outstanding Performance (6) Fighting Spirit (5) |
| Gold Stars | 12 Wajima (7) Sadanoyama Kashiwado Kitanofuji Kotozakura Kitanoumi |
| * Up to date as of June 2020. | |