Mitakeumi Hisashi

{{Short description|Japanese professional sumo wrestler}} {{hatnote|In this Japanese shikona name, the surname is Mitakeumi.}} {{Infobox sumo wrestler | image = 250px | caption = Mitakeumi in 2018 | native_name = 御嶽海久司 | name = Mitakeumi Hisashi | birth_name = Hisashi Ōmichi | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|12|25}} | birth_place = The Philippines | height = {{height|meters=1.82}} | weight = {{convert|175|kg|lb st|abbr=on}} | heya = Dewanoumi | university = Toyo University | rank = see below | record = | debut = March 2015 | highestrank = Ōzeki (March 2022) | retireddate = | yushos = 3 Makuuchi 1 Jūryō | prizes = Fighting Spirit (1) Technique (3) Outstanding Performance (6) | goldstars = 2 Harumafuji Kakuryū | weburl = | update = 24 September 2023 }}

{{nihongo|'''Mitakeumi Hisashi'''|御嶽海久司||born December 25, 1992 as {{nihongo|'''Hisashi Omichi'''|大道久司|Ōmichi Hisashi}}|lead=yes}} is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Agematsu, Nagano. He is in the Dewanoumi stable. He is a pusher thruster-type wrestler. A former amateur champion at Toyo University, he made his professional debut in March 2015, reaching the top ''makuuchi'' division in November of the same year. He has ten special prizes for Fighting Spirit, Technique and Outstanding Performance, as well two gold stars for defeating a ''yokozuna'' while ranked as a ''maegashira.'' His highest rank has been ''ōzeki''. He won his first top division championship (''yūshō'') in July 2018, his second in September 2019, and his third in January 2022. All three ''yūshō'' were won at the rank of ''sekiwake''.

==Early life and sumo background== Mitakeumi was born as Hisashi Ōmichi on 25 December 1992 to Haruo Ōmichi, a Japanese, and Margarita, who is originally from the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/08/31/sumo/multiracial-wrestlers-making-mark-raised-ring/|title=More multiracial wrestlers making mark in raised ring|last=Gunning|first=John|date=2017-08-31|work=The Japan Times Online|access-date=2018-09-10|language=en-US|issn=0447-5763}}</ref> His mother first came to Japan as a member of an all-female band, and after giving birth to Hisashi in the Philippines, she returned with him to Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://japan-forward.com/mitakeumi-philippine-born-sumo-wrestler-becomes-the-pride-of-nagano/|title=Mitakeumi: Philippine-Born Sumo Wrestler Becomes the 'Pride of Nagano'|date=31 January 2022|work=Japan Forward|access-date=1 February 2022}}</ref> Hisashi began in sumo at Agematsu Elementary school as a first grader at a sumo tournament in Ōkuwa where he lost to an opponent smaller than himself. This loss lit a fire in his soul, which led to him formally beginning in sumo by joining the Kiso Sumo Club for boys.<ref>[http://www.sankei.com/region/news/150213/rgn1502130016-n1.html 長野県上松町出身・大道久司選手] 産経新聞 2015年2月13日（2015年5月28日閲覧）</ref> By the end of elementary school he rose to second place in the All Japan Elementary School Sumo Championship Tournament.<ref>ベースボール・マガジン社刊『相撲』 2015年4月号（春場所総決算号） 118頁</ref> While attending Kiso Fukushima Middle School he was in the Top 8 amongst his peers nationally. In his third year at Kiso Seihō High School he earned third place in the National Sports Festival junior sumo competition.<ref>[http://www.nagano-sports.or.jp/kokutai/prize/65/main.html 第65回（平成22年）国民体育大会本大会入賞者] 公益財団法人長野県体育協会</ref> He then went on to Law School at Toyo University.<ref>[https://www.toyo.ac.jp/site/sports/62941.html 相撲部大道久司選手が出羽海部屋入門を発表] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528115602/https://www.toyo.ac.jp/site/sports/62941.html |date=2015-05-28 }} 東洋大学</ref>

At Toyo University he became a powerful pusher thruster and earned 15 titles in sumo. In his fourth year at university in November he became a university ''yokozuna'',<ref>[http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLSSXK60464_Y4A101C1000000/ 大道、中村破り学生横綱全国学生相撲第1日] 日本経済新聞 2014年11月8日（2015年5月28日閲覧）</ref> then went on to become an amateur ''yokozuna'' in December. Attaining both university ''yokozuna'' and amateur ''yokozuna'' earned him the right to start as a professional at the rank of ''makushita'' 10.<ref>[http://www.sankei.com/west/news/141219/wst1412190041-n1.html 大道が学生横綱に続きアマ横綱で幕下10枚目資格涙こらえきれず] 産経新聞 2014年12月19日（2015年5月28日閲覧）</ref> He had initially not intended to enter the professional ranks, but instead to work for the Wakayama Prefectural government.<ref>[http://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2015/03/09/kiji/K20150309009945820.html 【新風力士】御嶽海御嶽山噴火の地元を「勇気づけたい」] スポニチアネックス 2015年3月9日（2015年5月28日閲覧）</ref> However he was convinced by the former Oginohana, the 11th generation stable master at Dewanoumi stable to help revive the fortunes of his stable,<ref>[http://www.toyo.ac.jp/site/gakuhou2014/66179.html 学生横綱・アマ横綱の2冠を達成した大道久司選手が大相撲デビュー] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528115535/http://www.toyo.ac.jp/site/gakuhou2014/66179.html |date=2015-05-28 }} 東洋大学報WEB2014</ref> and so joined the stable on February 12, 2015.<ref>[http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/f-sp-tp3-20150212-1433505.html アマ横綱大道がプロ初稽古] 日刊スポーツ 2015年2月12日（2015年5月28日閲覧）</ref> He became the first new student of the stablemaster, who had just taken over from his predecessor (former ''sekiwake'' Washūyama).

==Career== ===Early career=== He entered the ''dohyō'' for the first time in the March 2015 tournament and was given the name Mitakeumi. His name is taken from a mountain near his hometown of Agematsu named Mount Ontake (御嶽山. 御 can be read as "On" or "Mi").<ref name="asahi0722">{{cite news|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201807220033.html|title=SUMO/ Mitakeumi sends fans home happy only three years after turning pro|date=22 July 2018|newspaper=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=23 July 2018}}</ref> The "Umi" part of his name comes from his stable, Dewanoumi.<ref name="asahi0722"/> Although Mitakeumi suffered his first loss as a professional sumo wrestler to Daishōhō in his second bout of the tournament, this helped relieve tension, and he was able to finish with a strong 6-1 winning record.<ref>ベースボール・マガジン社刊『相撲』 2015年4月号（春場所総決算号） 19頁</ref> This propelled him to the rank of east ''makushita'' #3 in the next tournament where he got another 6–1 record and advanced to the second highest (''jūryō'') division of sumo in the July tournament.<ref>[http://www.daily.co.jp/newsflash/sumo/2015/05/27/0008065598.shtml 相撲、新十両に御嶽海と高立] デイリースポーツonline] 2015年5月27日（2015年5月27日閲覧）</ref> He became only the 11th wrestler promoted to ''jūryō'' after only two tournaments.<ref>[http://www.hochi.co.jp/sports/sumo/20150527-OHT1T50239.html 御嶽海、最速所要2場所新十両！逸&遠藤らと並んだ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924093800/http://www.hochi.co.jp/sports/sumo/20150527-OHT1T50239.html |date=2015-09-24 }} スポーツ報知 2015年5月28日（2015年5月28日閲覧）</ref>

In his first ''jūryō'' tournament Mitakeumi earned the championship with an 11–4 record at the July 2015 tournament. It had been 66 years since the May 1949 tournament that a wrestler from Nagano had won the ''jūryō'' tournament. On day 10 of the tournament he suffered a loss as well as a sharp blow to the mouth from Jōkōryū requiring 15 stitches to his upper lip, however he was able to return the following day and earn a victory. thumb|Mitakeumi original tegata (handprint & signature)

===Promotion to ''makuuchi''=== thumb|left|Mitakeumi in 2022 Mitakeumi fought for the first time in the ''makuuchi'' division while in ''jūryō'' on Day 14 of the September 2015 tournament. He finished with a 12–3 record at the rank of ''jūryō'' #5 at this tournament and was promoted to the ''makuuchi'' division for the November tournament in Kyushu. He became the first wrestler to enter the top (''makuuchi'') division from Nagano prefecture since {{ill|Ōwashi Hitoshi|lt=Ōwashi|ja|大鷲平}} retired from sumo in January 1978 (this period of 37 years was the current longest amongst all the prefectures).<ref>[http://www.shinmai.co.jp/news/20150525/KT150524ATI090001000.php 御嶽海、十両昇進確実県内出身関取、37年ぶり復活へ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528115514/http://www.shinmai.co.jp/news/20150525/KT150524ATI090001000.php |date=2015-05-28 }} 信濃毎日新聞 2015年5月25日（2015年5月28日閲覧）</ref> It had also been 47 years since a wrestler from Nagano reached the rank of ''jūryō'' (Ōwashi in 1968).<ref>[http://www.asahi.com/articles/ASH5W549TH5WUTQP01X.html 長野から47年ぶり関取、御嶽海ら喜び語る大相撲] 朝日新聞 2015年5月27日（2015年5月28日閲覧）</ref><ref>長野県から関取が誕生したことで、関取不在の期間が最も長い都道府県は1990から関取不在の福井県になった。</ref>

He earned an 8–7 winning record on his top division debut. He had the flu during the January 2016 tournament, which contributed to his first losing record in the top division, however he followed this tournament with two strong performances of 10–5 and 11–4, taking his first special prize, the fighting spirit prize, in May 2016.<ref name="perfect">{{cite news|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/05/22/sumo/basho-reports/hakuho-bags-perfect-mark/#.V0LzUmf2aM8|title=Hakuho bags perfect mark|date=22 May 2016|newspaper=Japan Times|access-date=23 May 2016}}</ref> He made his ''san'yaku'' debut at ''komusubi'' in the November 2016 tournament. The new rank though proved to be a challenge as he had to face everyone above him in the first week losing 7 of the first 8 days. In the end he only managed to get 6 wins, going 6-9 overall. 2016 proved overall to be a good year for Mitakeumi having three tournaments with double digit wins, winning his first prize, and making it to ''komusubi,'' and he was the 53rd winner of the annual "best makuuchi newcomer" award sponsored by ChuSpo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chunichi.co.jp/chuspo/article/sumo/news/CK2016122802000148.html|title=御嶽海に幕内最優秀新人賞「これからもっと頑張る」|date=28 December 2016|publisher=Chunichi|language=Japanese|access-date=28 December 2016}}</ref>

===Promotion to ''sekiwake''=== Mitakeumi began the Hatsu tournament in January 2017 with a win over ''ōzeki'' Gōeidō, and on Day 2 he earned his first ''kinboshi'' (a ''yokozuna'' upset by a wrestler from the ''maegashira'' ranks) when he defeated Harumafuji.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/01/09/sumo/basho-reports/giant-killer-mitakeumi-takes-harumafuji/#.WHPAHmczWUk|title=Giant-killer Mitakeumi takes down Harumafuji|date=9 January 2017|newspaper=Japan Times|access-date=9 January 2017}}</ref> He also defeated ''yokozuna'' Kakuryū on Day 4.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kyodonews.net/news/2017/01/11/95801|title=Sumo: Kisenosato remains in 5-way share of lead at New Year tourney|date=11 January 2017|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=11 January 2017}}</ref> He finished with 11 wins and was awarded a Technique prize for his performance in this tournament.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/01/22/sumo/basho-reports/kisenosato-boosts-case-promotion-yokozuna/|title=Kisenosato boosts case for promotion to yokozuna|date=January 22, 2017|newspaper=Japan Times Online}}</ref> He returned to the ''sanyaku'' ranks in the March 2017 tournament at ''komusubi'', and came through with a winning record of 9–6. In May he defeated Kakuryū on Day 1 and Harumafuji on Day 11 (which was Harumafuji's first loss in the tournament). He finished with an 8–7 record and received the Outstanding Performance Award for the first time. He was promoted to ''sekiwake'' for the July 2017 tournament, the first wrestler from Dewanoumi stable to achieve this since Dewanohana in 1982.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoTopics/banzuke_topics/|title=2017 July Grand Sumo Tournament Banzuke Topics|date=July 2017|publisher=Japan Sumo Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719132610/http://www.sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoTopics/banzuke_topics/|archive-date=19 July 2017}}</ref> In this tournament he defeated ''yokozuna'' Kisenosato on opening day, and tournament leader Hakuhō on Day 11, who was on a 25-match winning streak and hoping to equal the all-time career wins record of 1047.<ref name="hakuho">{{cite news|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/07/19/sumo/hakuho-fails-first-chance-equal-mark/#.WW9ZG2eWzoo|title=Hakuho fails in first chance to equal mark|date=19 July 2017|newspaper=Japan Times|access-date=19 July 2017}}</ref> Mitakeumi's only previous win over Hakuhō had been by default when the ''yokozuna'' pulled out of the March 2017 tournament through injury.<ref name="hakuho"/> He ended the tournament with a 9–6 record and received a second consecutive Outstanding Performance award. In an interview immediately after the tournament he commented "I didn't think I would be able to win this award twice in a row so I am pleased. It was good that I was able to wrestle my brand of sumo at this tournament, win on the last day and also get a victory against Hakuho".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://japantoday.com/category/sports/sumo-hakuho-wins-39th-career-title-at-nagoya-tournament|title=Hakuho wins 39th career title at Nagoya tournament|date=23 July 2017|newspaper=Japan Today}}</ref> Mitakeumi maintained his ''sekiwake'' rank in the September and November tournaments, and was the only top division wrestler to secure a majority of wins against losses in every tournament of 2017. In January 2018 he started well with seven straight wins but he recorded only one more win (over Kakuryū) in the tournament. A 7–8 result in March saw him demoted to ''komusubi'' but he rebounded with 9 wins in May to return to ''sekiwake''.

===First tournament win=== The 2018 Nagoya tournament in July saw many injury withdrawals (''kyūjō''): Kisenosato did not start the tournament, and by day 6 he had been joined on the injured list by Hakuhō, Kakuryū and the newly promoted ''ōzeki'' Tochinoshin. Mitakeumi won his first eleven matches and appeared to have extended his run against the ''ōzeki'' Takayasu on day 12 but the referee's decision was overturned by the judges. After a win over the ''ōzeki'' Gōeidō the following afternoon he clinched the title on day 14 with a ''yorikiri'' victory over Tochiōzan. Interviewed immediately after the match he had difficulty responding to questions as he struggled to control his emotions and repeatedly broke down in tears.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201807210055.html|title=SUMO/ Mitakeumi wins 1st tourney title at Nagoya with an easy victory|newspaper=Asahi Shimbun}}</ref> He became the first wrestler from the Dewanoumi stable to win a top-division title in since Mienoumi in 1980.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180721/p2g/00m/0sp/070000c|title=Sumo: Mitakeumi clinches Nagoya championship on Day 14|date=21 July 2018|publisher=|via=Mainichi Daily News}}</ref> Despite losing to Yutakayama in his final match he was awarded the Emperor's Cup as champion as well as the special prizes for technique and outstanding performance. Addressing the crowd after the presentation of the trophies he said "It's simply awesome. I've never spoken in front of such a big crowd. I probably won't remember what I said here. I wanted to end on a good note with a win, but I think I still need to get stronger. I wasn't able to push my opponent out, so I think I'll have to go back and practice."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2018/07/22/sumo/basho-reports/new-champion-mitakeumi-smiles-final-day-basho/|title=New champion Mitakeumi all smiles on final day of basho|date=22 July 2018|publisher=|via=Japan Times Online}}</ref> He received plenty of local support as the Nagoya tournament is held close to his hometown of Agematsu.<ref name="asahi0722"/>

Despite speculation that Mitakeumi could be promoted to ''ōzeki'' with another good performance in September, he lost five bouts in a row from Days 8 to 12, and ended with only a 9–6 record. He lost his ''sekiwake'' rank after a ''make-koshi'' 7–8 record in November, but began the January 2019 tournament with five straight wins before injuring his knee in a Day 6 defeat to Myōgiryū. Forced to sit out Days 7 to 10 due to the injury, he returned on Day 11 and defeated Hakuhō, handing the ''yokozuna'' his first loss of the tournament.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190123/p2g/00m/0sp/090000c|title=Sumo: Mitakeumi comes back from injury to upset sole leader Hakuho|date=23 January 2019|newspaper=The Mainichi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125185854/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190123/p2g/00m/0sp/090000c|archive-date=25 January 2019}}</ref> He finished the tournament with eight wins and was awarded the Outstanding Performance Award for defeating both two ''yokozuna'' as well as the tournament winner Tamawashi. He became the first wrestler since special prizes were established in 1947 to win one despite missing some bouts through injury.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tamawashi secures first title by beating Endo on final day |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/01/27/sumo/basho-reports/tamawashi-secures-first-title-beating-endo-final-day/#.XE4uNc17mUk |newspaper=The Japan Times |access-date=27 January 2019 |date=27 January 2019}}</ref> Despite a 7-8 performance in March he retained his ''komusubi'' status and secured a return to ''sekiwake'' with nine wins in May. Another nine wins in July meant that he entered the next tournament in ''san'yaku'' for the 16th consecutive time.

[[File:President Trump and First Lady Melania Attend a Sumo Tournament (47958681958).jpg|thumb|right|Mitakeumi faces off against Asanoyama on the final day of the May 2019 tournament.]]

===Second championship=== The 2019 September tournament saw the upper ranks depleted as the ''ōzeki'' Takayasu sat out the tournament while the two active ''yokozuna'', Hakuhō and Kakuryū withdrew by the end of the first week. After losing to Asanoyama in his first match Mitakeumi won his next six bouts before losing tamely to Takakeishō on day 8. He remained in contention throughout the second week despite a loss to Ryūden on day 11 and a victory over Gōeidō on day 14 (in which he employed a ''henka'') saw him enter the final day in a three-way tie for the lead alongside Okinoumi and Takakeishō. After Takakeishō defeated Okinoumi, Mitakeumi secured his place in a play-off for the title with a ''yorikiri'' win over Endō. In the play-off Mitakeumi evaded Takakeishō's attempt at a pull-down, secured a double inside grip and quickly forced his rival over the bales to win his second top division championship and the Outstanding Performance Award as well.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/09/9b6cca611adf-sumo-mitakeumi-wins-2nd-title-after-sekiwake-playoff-with-takakeisho.html|title=Sumo: Mitakeumi wins 2nd title after sekiwake playoff with Takakeisho|website=Kyodo News}}</ref>

Mitakeumi needed a strong performance and record in the November 2019 ''basho'' to secure a promotion to ''ōzeki''. On Day 3, he badly injured his right eye in his win over Meisei.<ref name=kyodo121119>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/11/5367446d95b5-sumo-hakuho-elite-wrestlers-rebound-on-day-3-of-kyushu-meet.html|title=Sumo: Hakuho, elite wrestlers rebound on Day 3 of Kyushu meet|author= |date=12 November 2019|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=3 December 2019}}</ref> Mitakeumi never recovered after that, finishing with a losing record of 6–9 and eliminating all chances for a promotion.<ref name=NHK291119>{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/770/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204034233/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/770/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 4, 2019|title=2019 Sumo finale -- November tournament sum up|last=Morita|first=Hiro|date=29 November 2019|publisher=NHK World-Japan |access-date=3 December 2019}}</ref> Instead, he was demoted from ''sekiwake'' all the way down to West ''maegashira'' #2 for the January 2020 ''basho''.<ref name=MI241219>{{cite web |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191224/p2g/00m/0sp/024000c|title=Sumo: Asanoyama, Daieisho bumped up in rankings for New Year's meet|date=24 December 2019|publisher=The Mainichi|access-date=24 December 2019}}</ref> This was his first time in the ''maegashira'' ranks since January 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200110/p2g/00m/0sp/086000c|title=Sumo: Asanoyama, Kakuryu look to slow Hakuho's roll at New Year meet|date=10 January 2020|work=The Mainichi|access-date=10 January 2020}}</ref> In the March 2020 ''basho'' he posted 10 wins, securing his promotion to ''sekiwake'' for the July 2020 ''basho'', where he posted 11 wins and defeated Asanoyama and Hakuhō. He was awarded his sixth Outstanding Performance prize. This performance saw him on another ''ōzeki'' run, but he posted only 8–7 in the following tournament in September. In November 2020 he produced a ''make-koshi'' record of 7-8 and fell to ''komusubi'' for the January 2021 tournament. He went on to secure a winning record in every tournament in 2021, and finished the year with an 11–4 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1829/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203032940/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1829/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 3, 2021|title=Sumo enters new era with new yokozuna|date=2 December 2021|work=NHK World|access-date=23 January 2022}}</ref>

===Third championship and ''ōzeki'' career=== Fighting at the rank of ''sekiwake'' at the January 2022 tournament, Mitakeumi won his third top-division ''yūshō'' with a 13–2 record. Mitakeumi defeated ''yokozuna'' Terunofuji on the final day to secure the championship. He said afterwards, "I was worried at one point about whether I could hold up mentally, but I was able to take the pressure."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/14528515|title=SUMO/ Mitakeumi wins 3rd career title, overpowering Terunofuji|date=23 January 2022|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=23 January 2022}}</ref> Having won 33 matches in the last three tournaments which includes one ''yūshō'', Mitakeumi met the ''de facto'' requirement to be promoted to ''ōzeki'', and a meeting was scheduled to discuss the promotion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220123_16/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123125143/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220123_16/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 23, 2022|title=Mitakeumi wins New Year sumo tournament|publisher=NHK|date=23 January 2022}}</ref> The promotion was finalized on 26 January 2022.<ref name=nsmita260122>{{cite web|title=御嶽海の大関昇進正式決定、満場一致長野出身では雷電以来227年ぶり|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202201250000812.html|date=26 January 2022|access-date=26 January 2022|language=ja|publisher=Nikkan Sports}}</ref> In his customary acceptance speech, Mitakeumi said he would embrace gratitude, express his own style and devote himself to the way of sumo.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sumo: Mitakeumi officially promoted to ozeki, 6th oldest in history|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/01/6a567eb695a6-sumo-mitakeumi-officially-promoted-to-ozeki-6th-oldest-in-history.html|date=26 January 2022|access-date=26 January 2022|publisher=Kyodo News}}</ref>

Mitakeumi is the first ''ōzeki'' from Nagano prefecture in 227 years, since Raiden Tameemon.<ref name=nsmita260122/> Prior to his promotion Mitakeumi said, "I'm really happy that even people unfamiliar with sumo will hear the name Raiden."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2022/01/24/sumo/mitakeumi-reach-new-level-claim-title-new-year-basho/|title=Mitakeumi had to reach new level to claim title at New Year Basho|date=24 January 2022|work=Japan Times|access-date=24 January 2022}}</ref>

The Sumo Association announced that Mitakeumi tested positive for COVID-19 on January 31. The test was announced after he had participated in the ''danpatsu-shiki'' of Gōeidō during the previous two days.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2022/02/01/sumo/mitakeumi-covid-ozeki/|title=New ozeki Mitakeumi tests positive for COVID-19|date=1 February 2022|work=Japan Times|access-date=4 February 2022}}</ref> In his ōzeki debut in March 2022, Mitakeumi produced an 11–4 record, and was ranked in the top ''Ōzeki'' 1 East slot for the May 2022 tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/b0d73074e7a8-sumo-wakatakakage-mitakeumi-renew-their-battle-on-the-east.html|title=Sumo: Wakatakakage, Mitakeumi renew their battle on the east|date=25 April 2022|work=Kyodo News|access-date=22 November 2022}}</ref>

Mitakeumi was forced to withdraw on Day 7 of the July 2022 ''basho'' after another member of his stable tested positive for COVID-19. Later the same day, it was announced that Mitakeumi himself tested positive for the virus.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/07/1fd16006f99a-sumo-mitakeumi-forced-to-leave-nagoya-meet-after-covid-case-at-stable.html|title= Sumo: Mitakeumi forced to leave Nagoya meet after COVID case at stable |date=16 July 2022|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=16 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202207160001072.html |title= 御嶽海もコロナ感染、場所中に関取が途中休場は初かど番で負け越し確定も来場所は大関据え置き |date=16 July 2022|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=16 July 2022}}</ref> As he had already been in ''kadoban'' status but withdrew before a winning or losing record could be determined, the Sumo Association decided to extend his ''kadoban'' status to the following tournament in September.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2022082900112|title=豊昇龍が新関脇かど番御嶽海は据え置き—大相撲秋場所|date=29 August 2022|publisher=Jiji|language=ja|access-date=29 August 2022}}</ref>

Mitakeumi's losing record in the September tournament resulted his demotion to ''sekiwake''. At a total of four ''basho'', his reign as an ''ōzeki'' is one of the shortest since 1941, and the shortest since Takakeishō's first ''ōzeki'' stint in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202209220000128.html|title=御嶽海、大関陥落在位4場所、昭和以降6位タイの短さうつろな目で一言も発せず|date=21 September 2022|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=21 September 2022}}</ref> He could have made an immediate return to ''ōzeki'' had he secured at least ten wins in the November 2022 tournament, but this became impossible with his sixth defeat on Day 10.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221122_36/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122154723/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221122_36/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 22, 2022|title=Mitakeumi's hopes to return to ozeki dashed on Day 10 of Kyushu tournament|date=22 November 2022|work=NHK World|access-date=22 November 2022}}</ref>

===Post-{{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} career=== For the January 2023 tournament Mitakeumi was ranked ''maegashira'' 2, marking the first time he had been placed outside the upper rankings since 2020. He finished the tournament with a losing 7–8 record.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chifuri |first=Hiromitsu |date=2023-02-20 |title=2023 New Year Basho Results |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sumo-standings/2023-new-year-basho-results/ |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=The Japan Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chifuri |first=Hiromitsu |date=2022-12-26 |title=Sumo Rankings |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sumo-rankings/2023-new-year-basho-rankings/ |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=The Japan Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Following a good May tournament, Mitakeumi was promoted to ''maegashira'' 2 for the July tournament of the same year.

Prior to this tournament, however, Mitakeumi learned of his father's death, forcing him to travel from Inuyama (Dewanoumi's training camp) to Kiso (Nagano Prefecture) to attend the funeral at his parents' home. His master Dewanoumi-''oyakata'' commented, however, that Mitakeumi still wished to take part in the tournament, which began 3 days later.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307060000728.html|title=御嶽海の父・大道春男さん死去、74歳妻マルガリータさんと一緒にたびたび観戦に訪れる|date=6 July 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=6 July 2023}}</ref> In fact, Mitakeumi resumed training on the evening of the 7th. Commenting on his father's death, he admitted that his parents had hidden from him his father's hospitalisation for acute heart failure. Moreover, by his own admission he was having sleepless nights during the funeral ceremony, but vowed to perform well in his father's memory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20230708-WFQ7YTCWHVLSDBBGCAPLZ7WXXA/|title=御嶽海、傷心乗り越え夏の陣へ 5日に死去した父へ「無になってやることが一番。いい報告をしたい」|date=8 July 2023|work=Sankei Sports|access-date=8 July 2023}}</ref> After scoring a low result in the tournament, Mitakeumi confessed to ''Chunichi Sports'' that he had also lost his maternal grandmother during the tournament. In the same interview he confided that he had apologized to his father's grave for having been "pitiful" during the tournament, vowing to return to the ''san'yaku'' ranks by the end of the year by winning the September tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/743325/1?rct=sumo|title=次々と愛する人の不幸に直面し名古屋場所3勝12敗御嶽海「気持ちをしっかり切り替えて。優勝を目標に」【大相撲】|date=5 August 2023|work=Chunichi Sports|access-date=7 August 2023}}</ref> Relegated to ''Maegashira'' 11, his lowest ranking since the March 2016 tournament, Mitakeumi competed in matches at the very start of his division, these usually serving as build-ups for the higher-ranked wrestlers. For the first time in seven and a half years, he was one of two wrestlers to open the ''makuuchi'' matches of a tournament day, nonetheless earning an eighth victory over Sadanoumi, guaranteeing promotion in ''makuuchi''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202309210000721.html|title=1年前まで大関の御嶽海、7年半ぶりに幕内最初の一番に登場勝ち越し決め「もう少し早く」|date=21 September 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=21 September 2023}}</ref>

At the May 2024 tournament, Mitakeumi established himself as one of the tournament leaders, recording five consecutive wins from the first day of the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202405160000984.html|title=宇良が自身初の初日から5連勝大関経験者で幕内優勝3回の御嶽海も5連勝 6日目に全勝対決|date=16 May 2024|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=19 May 2024}}</ref> However, his winning streak came to an end when he was defeated by fellow leader Ura.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/05/17/kiji/20240517s00005000501000c.html|title=宇良御嶽海との全勝対決制し唯一無傷の6連勝！琴桜は1敗対決で大の里に敗れるカド番・霧島は5敗目|date=17 May 2024|work=Sports Nippon|access-date=19 May 2024}}</ref> On Day 8, he maintained his place one win behind the leading group with a victory over Shōnannoumi, both opponents falling from the ''dohyō'' at the end of the match and Mitakeumi showing signs of being unable to close his left knee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/05/19/kiji/20240519s00005000573000c.html|title=御嶽海がトップと1差の2敗キープ 1敗だった湘南乃海を圧倒ただ、取組後は左足を気にする|date=19 May 2024|work=Sports Nippon|access-date=19 May 2024}}</ref> He gave up a share of the lead on Day 10,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/93b2d7a4bd90-sumo-veteran-takayasu-knocks-ozeki-kotozakura-off-top-of-leaderboard.html|title=Sumo: Veteran Takayasu knocks ozeki Kotozakura off top of leaderboard|date=21 May 2024|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=28 April 2025}}</ref> and finished the tournament with eight wins.

Mitakeumi was unable to secure a winning record in each of the next five tournaments. In May 2025 he was demoted to {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}}–his first time ranked outside of the top division since he was promoted to it in November 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202504270002093.html|title=【夏場所新番付】嘉陽と栃大海が新入幕御嶽海は10年ぶりに十両転落／平幕＆十両編|date=28 April 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=28 April 2025|language=ja}}</ref> After regaining his {{translit|ja|makuuchi}} status for the July 2025 tournament, Mitakeumi continued to compete at this level after being promoted to {{translit|ja|maegashira}} 12 for the September tournament. Two days before the start of the tournament, Mitakeumi learned of the death of his mother at the age of 55, following a sudden illness.<ref name=mother>{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20250912-OHT1T51312.html?page=1|title=元大関・御嶽海の母、マルガリータさん死去…息子に投げキス、熱烈な応援姿がテレビで人気|date=13 September 2025|publisher=Sports Hochi|access-date=13 September 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Returning to Agematsu to mourn, Mitakeumi conveyed through his master Dewanoumi his wish to still participate in the September tournament.<ref name=mother/>

==Fighting style==

Mitakeumi prefers pushing and thrusting moves as opposed to fighting on the opponent's ''mawashi'' or belt. His most common winning techniques are ''oshidashi'', the push out, ''yorikiri'', the force out and ''hatakikomi'', the slap down.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sumo.or.jp/en/sumo_data/rikishi/profile?id=3620|title=Mitakeumi profile|work=日本相撲協会公式サイト|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308054552/http://www.sumo.or.jp/en/sumo_data/rikishi/profile?id=3620|archive-date=2016-03-08}}</ref> Mitakeumi emphasizes speed in his ''tachi-ai'', and attempts to be the first wrestler in each match to take two steps toward his opponent rather than one. He trains by unconventional methods, such as jumping rope and running uphill, to gain additional speed.<ref>NHK World, GRAND SUMO Highlights Preview, 8 September 2017</ref>

==Personal life== At the time that Mitakeumi was promoted to the rank of ''ōzeki'' in January 2022, stablemaster Dewanoumi (former ''maegashira'' Oginohana) revealed that Mitakeumi was married to a woman a year older.<ref>{{cite web|title=新大関の御嶽海、1歳上の一般女性と結婚していた出羽海親方が明かす|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202201270000208.html|date=27 January 2022|access-date=27 January 2022|language=ja|publisher=Nikkan Sports}}</ref> The reception took place in a Tokyo hotel on 12 February 2024, with around 500 people in attendance.<ref>{{cite web|title=御嶽海が3年越しの結婚披露宴「本当は（初場所で）勝ち越して披露宴を行いたかった」...22年1月に結婚|url=https://hochi.news/articles/20240212-OHT1T51144.html?page=1|date=12 February 2024|access-date=14 February 2024|language=ja|publisher=Sports Hochi}}</ref>

==Career record== {{Sumo record box start|Mitakeumi Hisashi<ref>{{cite web | author= | title=Sumo reference | publisher= | url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=12210}}</ref>}} {{Sumo record year start link|2015}} {{Basho}} {{Basho|mt|10||6|1}} {{Basho|ma|3|e|6|1}} {{Basho|j|12|w|11|4 Champion}} {{Basho|j|5|w|12|3}} {{Basho|m|11|w|8|7}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2016}} {{Basho|m|10|w|5|8|2}} {{Basho|m|13|w|10|5}} {{Basho|m|8|w|11|4|||f}} {{Basho|m|1|e|5|10}} {{Basho|m|5|w|10|5}} {{Basho|k|1|e|6|9}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2017}} {{Basho|m|1|w|11|4|||t|*|*}} {{Basho|k|1|e|9|6}} {{Basho|k|1|e|8|7|||o}} {{Basho|s|1|w|9|6|||o}} {{Basho|s|1|e|8|7}} {{Basho|s|1|e|9|6}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2018}} {{Basho|s|1|e|8|7}} {{Basho|s|1|e|7|8}} {{Basho|k|1|e|9|6}} {{Basho|s|1|w|13|2||y|o|t}} {{Basho|s|1|e|9|6}} {{Basho|s|1|e|7|8}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2019}} {{Basho|k|1|w|8|4|3||o}} {{Basho|k|1|e|7|8}} {{Basho|k|1|w|9|6}} {{Basho|s|1|e|9|6}} {{Basho|s|1|e|12|3|P|y|o}} {{Basho|s|1|e|6|9}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2020}} {{Basho|m|2|w|7|8}} {{Basho|m|3|w|10|5}} {{Basho|CANCELLED|rank=s|r-no=1|tozai=w|absent=0| State of Emergency }} {{Basho|s|1|w|11|4|||o}} {{Basho|s|1|w|8|7}} {{Basho|s|1|e|7|8}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2021}} {{Basho|k|1|w|9|6}} {{Basho|k|1|w|8|7}} {{Basho|k|1|e|10|5}} {{Basho|s|1|w|8|7}} {{Basho|s|1|e|9|6}} {{Basho|s|1|e|11|4}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2022}} {{Basho|s|1|e|13|2||y|t}} {{Basho|o|2|w|11|4}} {{Basho|o|1|e|6|9}} {{Basho|o|1|w|2|5|8<ref group=Note name=Note01/>}} {{Basho|o|2|w|4|11}} {{Basho|s|2|w|6|9}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2023}} {{Basho|m|2|e|7|8}} {{Basho|m|3|e|4|11}} {{Basho|m|6|w|9|6}} {{Basho|m|2|w|3|12}} {{Basho|m|11|e|9|6}} {{Basho|m|9|w|8|7}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2024}} {{Basho|m|9|e|6|9}} {{Basho|m|10|w|9|6}} {{Basho|m|7|w|8|7}} {{Basho|m|2|w|7|8}} {{Basho|m|3|e|4|11}} {{Basho|m|7|w|7|8}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2025}} {{Basho|m|7|w|2|13}} {{Basho|m|17|e|6|9}} {{Basho|j|1|e|8|7}} {{Basho|m|16|w|10|5}} {{Basho|m|12|w|7|8}} {{Basho|m|13|w|7|8}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2026}} {{Basho|m|14|w|7|8}} {{Basho|m|15|w|8|7}} {{Basho|m|14|e|8|7}} {{Basho|||||}} {{Basho|||||}} {{Basho|||||}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record box end}}

==Notes== {{reflist|group=Note|refs= <ref name=Note01>Withdrew on Day 7 due to COVID protocols. His ''ōzeki'' rank and its ''kadoban'' status were extended to the following tournament.</ref>}}

==References== {{reflist}}

== External links == *{{Goo Sumo|3620}} {{Makuuchi rikishi banzuke}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mitakeumi, Hisashi}} Category:1992 births Category:Living people Category:Japanese people of Filipino descent Category:Japanese sumo wrestlers Category:Sumo wrestlers from Nagano Prefecture Category:Ōzeki Category:21st-century Japanese sportsmen