Kotoōshū Katsunori

{{Short description|Sumo wrestler from Bulgaria}} {{hatnote|In this Japanese shikona name, the surname is Kotoōshū.}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2020}} {{Family name hatnote|Stefanov|Mahlyanov|lang=Bulgarian}} {{Infobox sumo wrestler | native_name = 琴欧洲勝紀 | name = Kotoōshū Katsunori | image = Kotooshu 2011 Sep.JPG | caption = Katsunori in 2011 | birth_name = Kaloyan Stefanov Mahlyanov | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|02|19}} | birth_place = Dzhulunitsa, Veliko Tarnovo Province, People's Republic of Bulgaria | height = {{height|meters=2.03}} | weight = {{convert|153|kg|lb st|abbr=on}} | heya = Sadogatake | rank = | record = 537–337–63 | debut = November 2002 | retireddate = March 2014 | highestrank = Ōzeki (January 2006) | eldername = Naruto | yushos = 1 (Makuuchi) 1 (Jūryō) 1 (Makushita) 1 (Jonokuchi) | prizes = Outstanding Performance (2) Fighting Spirit (3) | goldstars = | weburl = https://ameblo.jp/kotooshu-naruto/ | update = February 9, 2018 }}

'''Karoyan Andō''' ({{langx|ja|安藤カロヤン|Andō Karoyan}}; born '''Kaloyan Stefanov Mahlyanov''', {{langx|bg|Калоян Стефанов Махлянов}}; born 19 February 1983), known professionally as '''Kotoōshū Katsunori''' ({{langx|ja|琴欧洲勝紀}}) and in his coaching career as '''Naruto Katsunori''' ({{langx|ja|鳴戸勝紀}}),<ref>{{cite web |title=大相撲鳴戸部屋公式サイト |url=https://naruto-beya.com/#topics |website=naruto-beya.com |access-date=8 April 2024}}</ref> is a Bulgarian-Japanese former sumo wrestler. He made his debut in 2002, reaching the top division just two years later. In 2005, he was the first European sumo wrestler to reach the rank of ''ōzeki'' or 'champion',<ref>{{cite web|title=Sumo wrestler Kotooshu becomes naturalized Japanese|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2014/01/16/sumo/sumo-wrestler-kotooshu-becomes-naturalized-japanese/|work=Japan Times|access-date=March 13, 2014|date=January 16, 2014}}</ref> the second-highest level in the sumo ranking system behind only ''yokozuna.'' On May 24, 2008, Kotoōshū made history by becoming the first European sumo wrestler to win an Emperor's Cup.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5h3B2FpsFF0_ODzxuuFenl6rz2b-A | title = Kotooshu becomes first European to win sumo title | agency = Associated Press | date = May 24, 2008 | access-date = May 24, 2008 | archive-date = May 26, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080526224300/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5h3B2FpsFF0_ODzxuuFenl6rz2b-A | url-status = dead }}</ref> He was one of the longest serving ''ōzeki'' in sumo history, holding the rank for 47 consecutive tournaments until November 2013.

In January 2014 Kotoōshū obtained Japanese citizenship, a requirement of becoming an elder in the Japan Sumo Association,<ref>{{cite web|title=Sumo wrestler Kotooshu becomes naturalized Japanese|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2014/01/16/sumo/sumo-wrestler-kotooshu-becomes-naturalized-japanese/|work=Japan Times|access-date=March 13, 2014|date=January 16, 2014}}</ref> and he announced his retirement during the following tournament in March.<ref name="Retirement">{{cite web|title=Kotooshu calls time on career|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2014/03/20/sumo/kotooshu-calls-time-on-career/|work=Japan Times|access-date=March 21, 2014|date=March 20, 2014}}</ref> In April 2017 he opened his own training stable, Naruto.

==Early life and sumo background== He was born in Dzhulunitsa, Veliko Tarnovo Province.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.guide-bulgaria.com/a/4056/record_investments_in_kotooshu%60s_village_in_bulgaria.htm|title=Record Investments in Kotooshu's Village in Bulgaria|work=Guide-Bulgaria.com|date=28 August 2008|access-date=6 August 2021}}</ref> He was originally a Greco-Roman wrestler, coached by his father, and by the age of 14 he had already won a European championship. He was accepted by the Bulgarian National Sports Academy where he majored in wrestling.<ref name="asia">{{cite news|title=Kotooshu Talk Asia Interview|publisher=CNN International.com|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/03/03/talkasia.kotooshu.script/index.html|date=March 6, 2007|access-date=May 22, 2008}}</ref> He hoped to compete for Bulgaria in the 2000 Olympic Games, but as his weight increased beyond the 120 kg upper limit, he switched instead to sumo.<ref>{{cite web|title=Is Kotooshu destined for sumo greatness?|url=http://archive.japantoday.com/jp/kuchikomi/373/all|publisher=Japan Today|date=September 29, 2005|access-date=May 26, 2008}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He was recruited by Sadogatake stable, whose stablemaster was impressed by his filial duty of sending money home to his parents.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F05E7D9103EF930A3575BC0A9659C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all|title=Fears That the New State of Sumo Defiles Tradition|work=The New York Times|date=August 3, 2003|access-date=June 19, 2008 | first=Norimitsu | last=Onishi}}</ref>

Mahlyanov's professional sumo debut was in November 2002, starting in the lowest-ranked ''jonokuchi'' division. He was given the ''shikona'' of Kotoōshū, derived from his place of origin — ''koto'', shared by all wrestlers at his stable, and ''ōshū'', meaning Europe. (Following the September 2006 tournament, he changed one of the characters in his ring name, 州 becoming 洲, although the pronunciation, ''shū'', is the same for both.) He posted ''kachikoshi'' (winning records in tournaments) throughout his early career, going 71–15 in the five divisions below the ''makuuchi'' top division. He reached ''makuuchi'' in September 2004, only 11 tournaments after his professional debut, the fastest rise since the introduction of the six tournaments per year system in 1958.<ref>{{cite web|title=2008 May Grand Sumo Tournament Banzuke Topics|publisher=Japan Sumo Association|url=http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/hon_basho/topics/banzuke_besshi.html#2|date=April 2008|access-date=April 28, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411204539/http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/hon_basho/topics/banzuke_besshi.html|archive-date=April 11, 2012}}</ref>

Upon reaching the top division he had ''kachikoshi'' winning records for four consecutive tournaments, being promoted to ''san'yaku'' at the rank of ''komusubi'' before the March 2005 ''basho'' (sumo tournament). At the rank of ''komusubi'', he made his first ''makekoshi'' (losing tournament) record, and was demoted to ''maegashira'' again before returning to the higher rank of ''komusubi'' after a strong 10–5 record in May.

==Promotion to ''ōzeki''== In the July 2005 tournament Kotoōshū defeated Asashōryū for the first time with an overarm (''uwatenage'') throw, bringing to an end a run of 24 consecutive bout victories for the ''yokozuna''. He also was the runner up in the tournament, winning an "outstanding performance" ''sanshō'' prize.

Kotoōshū was promoted to ''sekiwake'' for the following September tournament and won his first twelve bouts, finishing with an exceptional 13–2 runner up record and only losing the tournament victory after a play-off bout with Asashōryū. An 11–4 record in the final (November) tournament of 2005 was his third runner-up performance in a row and included another victory over the otherwise dominant Asashōryū. This led to his promotion to the rank of ''ōzeki'' on November 30, 2005. His three-tournament record (on which ''ōzeki'' promotions are based) was 36–9. His promotion coincided with the retirement of his stablemaster, former ''yokozuna'' Kotozakura.<ref name="asia"/>

His promotion to ''ōzeki'' took only 19 tournaments from his professional sumo debut. Although he was not the youngest ''ōzeki'' ever, this represents the most rapid rise for a wrestler entering sumo from the bottom ''jonokuchi'' division, until Ukrainian Aonishiki was promoted to ''ōzeki'' in a record 14 tournaments after the November 2025 ''basho''. (Certain experienced amateur wrestlers can be given dispensation to start in the third-highest ''makushita'' division.) He is also the first wrestler of European birth to hold the ''ōzeki'' rank, and the fifth non-Japanese to have achieved it (following Konishiki, Akebono, and Musashimaru from Hawaii and Asashōryū from Mongolia). thumb|Kotoōshū original tegata (handprint & signature) ==''Ōzeki'' career== After his promotion, Kotoōshū was somewhat restricted by a knee injury.<ref>{{cite web|author=Hardy, James|title=Euro-phoria for Kotooshu / Bulgarian bags Summer tournament title, becomes 1st European to capture Emperor's Cup|work=Yomiuri Shimbun|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/20080525TDY24303.htm|date=May 25, 2008}}</ref> He was also criticised for relying too much on the henka technique – jumping to the side at the initial charge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20070724mb.html|title=Normal service resumed at the Nagoya Basho|work=Japan Times|date=July 24, 2007|access-date=July 24, 2007}}</ref> It is not considered to be a move worthy of someone at his high rank.

Kotoōshū managed only three double-figure scores in 2006, and none at all in 2007, only doing enough to maintain his rank. Shortly before the November 2007 tournament he dislocated his right knee in training. Clearly troubled by the injury he pulled out on the 7th day, the first time in his career that he has had to withdraw from a tournament. He preserved his ''ōzeki'' rank with a 9–6 score in January 2008. In the Osaka tournament of March 2008 he injured his left arm in a match with Kakuryū on the 4th day and withdrew on Day 9 with only two wins. There was speculation that he would be demoted to ''sekiwake'' in the following tournament in May.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20080508mb.html|title=How firm is the reign of the Mongolians?|work=Japan Times|date=May 8, 2008|access-date=June 14, 2008}}</ref>

thumb|200px|Kotoōshū receives the Emperor's Cup for winning the May 2008 tournament Needing eight wins to hold his rank in the May 2008 tournament, he won 12 consecutive bouts including dominating victories against ''yokozuna'' Asashōryū on the 11th day and ''yokozuna'' Hakuhō on the 12th day. He was easily defeated by Aminishiki on the 13th day, but came back strong to defeat Ama on the 14th day, becoming the first European to win a top division championship.<ref name="int">{{cite web|title= Bulgarian Kotooshu becomes first European to win an Emperor's Cup|work=International Herald Tribune|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/24/sports/AS-SPT-SUM-Japan-Roundup.php|date=May 24, 2008|access-date=May 24, 2008}}</ref> His father was in the crowd to witness his victory.<ref name="int"/> He was also congratulated by the Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bulgaria Sumo Wrestler Kotooshu Wins Emperor's Cup|publisher=Sofia News Agency|url=http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=93431|date=May 24, 2008|access-date=May 24, 2008}}</ref>

Kotoōshū was unable to follow up his victory with a push for ''yokozuna'' promotion, producing scores of only 9–6 and 8–7 in the next two tournaments. In October 2008 he denied allegations by disgraced former wrestler Wakanohō that he had thrown matches against Kotoōshū in return for money, saying "I am saddened by this. It is all lies."<ref>{{cite news|title=Kotooshu, 'sumo's David Beckham', accused of bout-fixing by fellow wrestler |work=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/insport/3145416/Kotooshu-sumos-David-Beckham-accused-of-bout-fixing-by-fellow-wrestler-Sumo-Wrestling.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010040403/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/insport/3145416/Kotooshu-sumos-David-Beckham-accused-of-bout-fixing-by-fellow-wrestler-Sumo-Wrestling.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 10, 2008 |date=October 6, 2008|access-date=October 6, 2008 | location=London | first1=Steve | last1=Wilson}}</ref> Wakanohō subsequently retracted his comments. He produced scores of 10–5 in the first two tournaments of 2009, the best record amongst his fellow ''ōzeki''. In the May 2009 tournament, he finished the tournament with a 9–6 score. However, he ended ''yokozuna'' Hakuhō's 33-bout winning streak on the 14th day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20090524b1.html|title=Hakuho, Asa defeated; title still up for grabs|work=Japan Times|date=May 24, 2009|access-date=May 24, 2009}}{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In July 2009 he was in contention for the ''yūshō'' until the final day and finished runner-up with an impressive 13–2 score. He never won more than ten bouts in a tournament after that. He pulled out of the May 2011 tournament on Day 11, citing a knee injury.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smaal|first=Rob|title=SUMO/ Hakuho passes 'test' to claim 7th straight tournament|url=http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201105230175.html|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=May 24, 2011}}</ref> He returned in July and preserved his rank by securing his eighth win on Day 10 (the last bout of fellow ''ōzeki'' Kaiō's career), finishing on 9–6. However he withdrew once again in September after suffering five defeats in the first six days.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ozeki hopeful exhibits toughness|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20110918b1.html|work=Japan Times|access-date=September 22, 2011|date=September 18, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In the May 2012 tournament Kotoōshū withdrew with an ankle ligament injury on the last day, handing opponent Tochiōzan his twelfth victory by default and eliminating Hakuhō and two ''maegashira'' from the ''yūshō'' race. The crowd showed their displeasure by booing as his withdrawal was announced.<ref name=tenho>{{cite news|title=Kyokutenho beats Tochiozan for title|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/ss20120521b1.html|access-date=May 22, 2012|newspaper=Japan Times|date=May 21, 2012|archive-date=October 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025062602/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/ss20120521b1.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He continued to suffer from injury problems, also withdrawing from the September 2012<ref>{{cite news|title=Harumafuji still unbeaten as autumn basho enters second week|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2012/09/17/sports/harumafuji-still-unbeaten-as-autumn-basho-enters-second-week/#.Uoq-yOLpXyo|access-date=November 19, 2013|newspaper=Japan Times|date=September 17, 2013}}</ref> as well as the March,<ref>{{cite news|title=Hakuho improves to 10–0|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/03/20/sumo/hakuho-improves-to-10-0-2/#.Uoq8K-LpXyp|access-date=November 19, 2013|newspaper=Japan Times|date=March 20, 2013}}</ref> September<ref>{{cite news|title=Kotooshu pulls out of Autumn basho|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/09/21/sumo/kotooshu-pulls-out-of-autumn-basho/|access-date=November 19, 2013|newspaper=Japan Times|date=September 21, 2013}}</ref> and November 2013<ref>{{cite news|title=Beatles legend watches Hakuho's latest triumph|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/11/14/sumo/beatles-legend-watches-hakuhos-latest-triumph/#.Uoq0w-LpXyo|access-date=November 19, 2013|newspaper=Japan Times|date=November 14, 2013}}</ref> tournaments.

<gallery> File:Kotooshu-1.jpg|Sumo wrestling at Yasukuni Shrine (April 10, 2009) File:Baruto 2011a.jpg|Meiji Jingu Shrine Festival Celebration 70th Dedicated All-Japanese Wrestlers' Championship (October 3, 2011) </gallery>

==Demotion and retirement== Having failed to obtain winning records in two consecutive tournaments, Kotoōshū was relegated back to ''sekiwake'' at the January 2014 tournament. He had been an ''ōzeki'' for 47 tournaments, which is the fourth highest in sumo history. A record of at least 10–5 at ''sekiwake'' in January would have allowed him to immediately regain his ''ōzeki'' rank. However, he suffered his 6th loss on the 13th day against Endō.<ref>{{cite news|title=Yokozuna Hakuho maintains one-win advantage|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2014/01/24/sumo/yokozuna-hakuho-maintains-one-win-advantage/|access-date=January 24, 2014|newspaper=Japan Times|date=January 24, 2014}}</ref> He retired during the following tournament in March after 9 losses in a row, saying "I've had so many injuries recently, but I have no regrets because I gave it my utmost over 12 years."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/bulgarian-sumo-wrestler-kotooshu-retires/2014/03/20/7e55ab6c-b006-11e3-b8b3-44b1d1cd4c1f_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105201504/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/bulgarian-sumo-wrestler-kotooshu-retires/2014/03/20/7e55ab6c-b006-11e3-b8b3-44b1d1cd4c1f_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 5, 2019|title=Bulgarian sumo wrestler Kotooshu retires|date=March 20, 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=March 20, 2014}}</ref>

==After retirement== [[File:親方、弟子の集合写真.jpg|thumb|left|Kotoōshū with wrestlers from Naruto stable]] In 2014 Kotoōshū obtained Japanese nationality and legally changed his name to Karoyan Andō (安藤カロヤン, Andō Karoyan), allowing him to remain in sumo as an elder. He acquired the Naruto ''toshiyori kabu'' (elder license) in 2015, and began as a coach at Sadogatake stable.

In April 2017 Kotoōshū opened his own stable of wrestlers, Naruto stable (鳴戸部屋 Naruto-beya). He is the first European-born sumo wrestler to run his own stable and the third wrestler born outside Japan. His title is sumo elder Naruto Katsunori.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/03/02/sumo/kotooshu-establish-stable/|title=Kotooshu to establish own stable|date=March 2, 2017|work=Japan Times|access-date=March 6, 2017}}</ref> The stable started with three wrestlers, including a 20-year-old Bulgarian junior wrestling champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/04/01/sumo/ex-ozeki-kotooshu-opens-stable/|title=Ex-ozeki Kotooshu opens own stable|date=April 1, 2017|work=Japan Times|access-date=April 3, 2017}}</ref> Having studied training theory at Nippon Sport Science University following his retirement, he was keen to develop his own training methods based on his sumo experience and studies at both Bulgarian and Japanese universities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170404/p2a/00m/0na/011000c|title=Profile: Former ozeki Kotooshu, first European-born sumo stablemaster in Japan|date=April 4, 2017|publisher=The Mainichi|access-date=April 5, 2017}}</ref>

Kotoōshū was appointed as a ''shimpan'' (ringside judge) in March 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20220330-WID4WSBXYBMA3KK4ZNLGLURTCU/|title=元稀勢の里「責任感じている」審判部に起用|date=30 March 2022|publisher=Sankei Sports|language=ja|access-date=11 May 2022}}</ref> He made his debut as a judge at the May 2022 tournament.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202205080001337.html|title=元横綱稀勢の里の二所ノ関親方が審判デビュー、鋭い視線を土俵上に送り堂々と務めあげる|date=8 May 2022|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=11 May 2022}}</ref>

==Fighting style==

Kotoōshū was a tall and rather light ''rikishi'' at 203 cm (6 feet, 8 inches) and 152 kg (334 pounds). In comparison, former ''yokozuna'' (grand champion) Akebono, at the same height, weighed 235 kg (517 pounds) at his peak. ''Yokozuna'' Asashōryū had about the same weight, but is only 184 cm in height. Kotoōshū primarily relied on so-called 'belt-throws' to win his sumo bouts. He typically preferred to take a ''hidari-yotsu'' (left-hand inside grip) on his opponent's ''mawashi'' (the belt that is fixed around the wrestler's waist), although he was right-handed and his overall profile showed him preferring ''migi-yotsu'' (right-hand inside grip). He used his long arms and quick footwork to counteract his high center of gravity and relatively light weight. His most common winning ''kimarite'' was ''yorikiri'', the force out, followed by ''uwatenage'', the outer arm throw.

Kotoōshū has remarked that his tournament victory was partially due to a weight gain of five kilos which enabled him to be sturdier against his opponents.<ref>{{cite web|title= Bulgarian Kotooshu crowned king of sumo in historic tournament victory|work=International Herald Tribune|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/25/sports/AS-SPT-SUM-Japan-Roundup.php|date=May 25, 2008|access-date=May 25, 2008}}</ref>

== In popular culture == *Kotoōshū and a football player, Hristo Stoichkov, are said to be the two most famous Bulgarian people in Japan.<ref>Nikkan Sports, [https://web.archive.org/web/20060322122041/http://www.nikkansports.com/ns/soccer/japan/mail-magazine/3/mw_040621-1.html 2004-06-21 ''Feature : Bulgarian Stoichkov''] {{in lang|ja}} ''Retrieved August 12, 2010''</ref> *He is noted for being a fan of the singer Ayaya, so much so that it prompted a commercial where they appear together (although a surprised Kotoōshū found out the day of filming that their parts were to be digitally melded). He often appears in TV commercials of yogurt products. This is because a Japanese dairy company, Meiji, sells a series of yogurt products under the name of Bulgaria Yogurt. *Because of his good looks, the Japanese audience calls him "Sumo David Beckham", a nickname at which he has repeatedly expressed his displeasure. *He was chosen as a special judge for the 56th edition of Japan's annual ''Kōhaku Uta Gassen'' on December 31, 2005.

=== Awards === *He was named Athlete Number 1 for 2005 in Veliko Tarnovo district.<ref>[http://www.vt.government.bg/index.php?page=11&view_id=26 Athlete Number One for 2005. of Veliko Tarnovo District]</ref> *In 2006 he was awarded the title "Honorary Citizen of Lyaskovets". *He was made the Goodwill Ambassador to Japan by the European Union in April 2006.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rare woman in sumo wrestling made Bulgaria's Kotooshu into superstar|agency=Agence France-Presse|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5i3ZEH6TAh5GqhpBetUBvvBLjE7Nw|date=May 17, 2008|access-date=May 22, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202171137/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5i3ZEH6TAh5GqhpBetUBvvBLjE7Nw|archive-date=February 2, 2009}}</ref> *On July 28, 2009 he was awarded by the President of Bulgaria Georgi Parvanov with the highest state honors – the prestigious Order of Stara Planina.

==Family== Kotoōshū's father was born in 1955 or 1956 and his mother was born in 1960 or 1961 in Bulgaria.<ref>[http://113.34.94.39/sports/special//2008sumounatsu/KFullNormal20080525077.html 父・ステファンさん「頭の中が真っ白」（相撲）] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201192037/http://113.34.94.39/sports/special//2008sumounatsu/KFullNormal20080525077.html |date=February 1, 2014 }} スポニチ Sponichi Annex スポーツ大相撲 2008年夏場所、23 January 2014 閲覧</ref>

One of the reasons that led to Kotoōshū's introduction to sumo wrestling was to help with the household, because his father could not work due to a traffic accident. Kotoōshū sent money to his parents in Bulgaria, but his parents said "I want the child (Kotoōshū) to use it for himself." He has given a washing and drying machine to his mother, a wristwatch to his father, and two cars (a used Ford car and a new Toyota Land Cruiser) to them. In later years Kotoōshū said, "Why do Japanese people ask their parents to send them money after getting started? It's weird."<ref>[http://sankei.jp.msn.com/sports/news/140403/mrt14040308350000-n1.htm 日本人横綱のいない土俵が映し出す「国柄」] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409161345/http://sankei.jp.msn.com/sports/news/140403/mrt14040308350000-n1.htm |date=April 9, 2014 }} MSN産経ニュース 2014.4.3 08:33</ref>

In May 2009 Kotoōshū announced his engagement to 29-year-old Asako Andō from Ichinomiya, Aichi, whom he had dated for the previous five years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu announces engagement|agency=Kyodo News|url=http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstPhotos/index.php?photoid=35117|date=May 5, 2009|access-date=May 5, 2009}}</ref> The first time he became acquainted with her, he called her at a convenience store in Nagoya in 2004. A long-distance romance going between Chiba and Aichi continued for five years until he proposed.{{Sfn|琴欧洲自伝 (Kotoōshū autobiography)|2014|pp=102–107}} The following February, had a ceremony at Hie Shrine (Chiyoda-ku).<ref>{{Cite news |title=幸せ琴欧州「親方に意欲」麻子夫人と挙式 |newspaper=日刊スポーツ |date=February 15, 2010 |url=http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/p-sp-tp3-20100215-596215.html |access-date=April 27, 2018}}</ref> They married in February 2010, on St. Valentine's Day, at the New Otani Hotel in Tokyo, with around 600 guests including ''yokozuna'' Hakuhō attending.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sofiaecho.com/2010/02/15/858270_bulgarian-sumo-wrestler-kotooshu-married-on-st-valentines-day|title=Bulgarian sumo wrestler Kotooshu married on St Valentine's Day|date=February 15, 2010|work=Sofia Echo|access-date=February 17, 2010}}</ref> Kotoōshū acquired the surname of his wife and his official name became Karoyan Andō. They welcomed their first son, Kiril Andō, in November 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.standartnews.com/english/read/bulgarian_sumo_wrester_kotooshu_calls_it_quits_-3029.html |title=Kotooshu and wife welcome son |access-date=November 20, 2015 |archive-date=November 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121083133/http://www.standartnews.com/english/read/bulgarian_sumo_wrester_kotooshu_calls_it_quits_-3029.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

He injured his right knee towards the end of the May 2010 tournament which required surgery and forced him to cancel plans to have a second wedding ceremony in Bulgaria, at the Evksinograd resort in Varna, during the European Sumo Championships.<ref>{{cite web|title= Injury Ruins Kotooshu's Surprise Wedding at European Contest|url=http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=116556|agency=Sofia News Agency|access-date=May 26, 2010}}</ref>

==Career record== {{Sumo record box start|Kotoōshū Katsunori<ref>{{cite web | title=Kotoōshū Katsunori Rikishi Information | publisher=Sumo Reference | url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?shikona=kotooshu&heya=-1&shusshin=-1&b=-1&high=-1&hd=-1&entry=-1&intai=-1&sort=1 | access-date=March 10, 2012}}</ref>}} {{Sumo record year start link|2002}} {{Basho}} {{Basho}} {{Basho}} {{Basho}} {{Basho}} {{Basho|MAEZUMOU}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2003}} {{Basho|jk|30|w|7|0 Champion}} {{Basho|jo|25|w|6|1}} {{Basho|sa|62|w|6|1}} {{Basho|sa|8|e|6|1}} {{Basho|ma|33|e|5|2}} {{Basho|ma|21|w|5|2}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2004}} {{Basho|ma|8|e|6|1}} {{Basho|ma|2|e|7|0 Champion}} {{Basho|j|10|e|10|5}} {{Basho|j|3|e|13|2 Champion}} {{Basho|m|14|e|9|6}} {{Basho|m|10|w|11|4|||f}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2005}} {{Basho|m|4|e|9|6}} {{Basho|k|1|w|4|11}} {{Basho|m|5|e|10|5}} {{Basho|k|1|e|12|3||j|o}} {{Basho|s|1|e|13|2|P|j|f}} {{Basho|s|1|e|11|4||j|f|o}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2006}} {{Basho|o|2|w|10|5}} {{Basho|o|1|w|9|6}} {{Basho|o|1|w|8|7}} {{Basho|o|2|w|8|7}} {{Basho|o|2|w|10|5}} {{Basho|o|1|w|10|5}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2007}} {{Basho|o|1|e|9|6}} {{Basho|o|2|e|8|7}} {{Basho|o|1|w|9|6}} {{Basho|o|2|e|9|6}} {{Basho|o|1|w|8|7}} {{Basho|o|2|e|2|5|8}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2008}} {{Basho|o|2|w|9|6}} {{Basho|o|1|e|2|7|6}} {{Basho|o|2|w|14|1||y}} {{Basho|o|1|e|9|6}} {{Basho|o|1|w|8|7}} {{Basho|o|2|w|8|7}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2009}} {{Basho|o|2|e|10|5}} {{Basho|o|1|e|10|5}} {{Basho|o|1|e|9|6}} {{Basho|o|1|w|13|2||j}} {{Basho|o|1|e|9|6}} {{Basho|o|1|e|10|5}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2010}} {{Basho|o|1|e|9|6}} {{Basho|o|1|w|10|5}} {{Basho|o|1|w|9|6}} {{Basho|o|2|e|10|5}} {{Basho|o|1|w|10|5}} {{Basho|o|1|e|8|7}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2011}} {{Basho|o|2|e|10|5}} {{Basho|CANCELLED|absent=0| Match fixing investigation|rank=o|r-no=1|tozai=e}} {{Basho|o|1|e|3|8|4}} {{Basho|o|2|w|9|6}} {{Basho|o|2|w|1|6|8}} {{Basho|o|2|e|9|6}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2012}} {{Basho|o|2|e|10|5}} {{Basho|o|2|w|8|7}} {{Basho|o|3|e|8|7}} {{Basho|o|3|e|9|6}} {{Basho|o|3|e|2|4|9}} {{Basho|o|2|w|9|6}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2013}} {{Basho|o|2|e|10|5}} {{Basho|o|1|w|1|5|9}} {{Basho|o|2|w|8|7}} {{Basho|o|2|w|9|6}} {{Basho|o|2|w|4|3|8}} {{Basho|o|2|w|1|3|11}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2014}} {{Basho|s|1|w|8|7}} {{Basho|INTAI|rank=s|r-no=1|tozai=w|win=1|loss=10}} {{Basho}} {{Basho}} {{Basho}} {{Basho}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{sumo record box end}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

===Works cited=== * {{Cite book |author=琴欧洲勝紀 |year=2014 |title=今、ここで勝つために琴欧洲自伝 |trans-title=In order to win here and now, Kotoōshū autobiography |publisher=徳間書店 [Tokuma Shoten] |isbn=978-4-19-863860-3 |ref={{SfnRef|琴欧洲自伝 (Kotoōshū autobiography)|2014}} }}

==External links== *{{Goo Sumo|A=|2510}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20080525225603/http://kotooshu.aspota.jp/ Official blog] {{in lang|ja}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20060515122941/http://kotooshu.net/ Kotooshu – Profile, Results, Pictures, Guest Book] {{Veliko Tarnovo}} {{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kotooshu Katsunori}} Category:1983 births Category:Living people Category:Bulgarian emigrants Category:Bulgarian sumo wrestlers Category:Bulgarian male sport wrestlers Category:Naturalized citizens of Japan Category:Japanese people of Bulgarian descent Category:Ōzeki Category:Sportspeople from Veliko Tarnovo Category:Sadogatake stable sumo wrestlers Category:Mukoyōshi Category:Nippon Sport Science University alumni Category:21st-century Bulgarian sportsmen