Tsurugishō Momotarō

{{short description|Japanese sumo wrestler}} {{hatnote|In this Japanese shikona name, the surname is Tsurugishō.}} {{BLP sources|date=September 2023}} {{Infobox sumo wrestler | name = Tsurugishō Momotarō | native_name = 剣翔桃太郎 | native_name_lang = | image = Abiko 2017.jpg | image_size = | alt = | caption = Tsurugishō in 2017 | birth_name = Kentarō Abiko | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1991|7|27}} | birth_place = Katsushika, Tokyo | death_date = | death_place = | height = {{height|m=1.85}} | weight = {{convert|200|kg|lb st|abbr=on}} | blogurl = | weburl = | heya = Oitekaze | university = Nihon University | rank = See below | record = | debut = January 2014 | highestrank = Maegashira 6 (March 2024) | retireddate = April 2026 | eldername = | yushos = 2 (Jūryō) 1 (Makushita) 1 (Jonidan) 1 (Jonokuchi) | prizes = 1 (Fighting Spirit) | goldstars = | update = April 6, 2026 }} {{nihongo|'''Tsurugishō Momotarō'''|剣翔桃太郎||born 27 July 1991 as {{nihongo|'''Kentarō Abiko'''|安彦剣太郎|Abiko Kentarō}}|lead=yes}} is a Japanese former professional sumo wrestler from Katsushika, Tokyo. He is a graduate of Nihon University. His highest rank was ''maegashira'' 6. He won a Fighting Spirit Prize in his debut tournament in the top ''makuuchi'' division in September 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/690/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218153131/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/690/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 18, 2020|title=Fall sumo tourney: a September to remember|last=Morita|first=Hiro|date=25 September 2019|work=NHK World|accessdate=18 February 2020}}</ref> He was a member of Oitekaze stable and retired in April 2026.

==Career== Tsurugishō was an amateur wrestler at Nihon University, and although he did not win an individual title he was on the winning team in the Student Yokozuna 2012 championships. He entered professional sumo in January 2014. He rose up the ranks quickly, winning championships in the ''jonokuchi,'' ''jonidan'' and ''makushita'' divisions before slowing down a little and spending eight tournaments in ''makushita''. He won promotion to the ''jūryō'' division after the November 2015 tournament, and adopted a new ''shikona,'' having previously fought under his family name of Abiko. He wanted a two-kanji name to make it easy to remember, and suggested "Ken" from his own first name, combined with the "shō" suffix common at his Oitekaze stable. However, as "kenshō" is the name used for the prize money awarded after a bout it was therefore unavailable, and he used the reading "Tsurugi" instead.

He took some time to settle in ''jūryō'', recording a succession of 7–8 and 8–7 scores, before suffering a setback in March 2018 with his first double-digit loss score of 4–11. However he recovered to post 11–4 in the following tournament, and in July 2019 he won the ''jūryō'' championship with a 13–2 record to earn promotion to the top ''makuuchi'' division. He was the eighth member of Oitekaze stable to win promotion to the top division since his stablemaster, ex-''maegashira'' Daishōyama, opened the ''heya'' in 1998. He had a strong debut, scoring double-digit wins and staying in contention for the championship with a win over Takarafuji on Day 13.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/09/20/sumo/basho-reports/title-chase-now-wide-open/#.XkxRt-SWymQ|title=Title chase now wide open|date=20 September 2019|work=Japan Times|accessdate=18 February 2020}}</ref> Although he lost his last two matches he was awarded the Fighting Spirit Prize on Day 15. He was promoted to a new highest rank of ''maegashira'' 7 for the November 2019 tournament, but could only score 6–9 there. He suffered a left knee injury in January 2020,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/01/29037035b051-sumo-takakeisho-falls-enho-beats-goeido-on-day-9-of-new-year-meet.html|title=Sumo: Takakeisho falls, Enho beats Goeido on Day 9 of New Year meet|date=20 January 2020|work=Kyodo News|accessdate=18 February 2020}}</ref> but competed until the end of the tournament, again scoring 6–9. He entered in March but withdrew on Day 5, with the medical certificate citing a left knee anterior cruciate ligament injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200312/p2g/00m/0sp/122000c|title=Sumo: Hakuho labors to 5th victory, unbeaten in 4-way tie|date=12 March 2020|work=The Mainichi|accessdate=12 March 2020}}</ref> By the time of the next tournament, held in July 2020, he was back in ''jūryō''. In January 2021 he won his second ''jūryō'' championship with a 12–3 record. His stablemate Daieishō won the ''makuuchi'' championship in the same tournament. This was the first time that the top two divisions had been won by members of the same stable since Takasago stable's Asashōryū and Tōki in November 2005. This saw him promoted back to the top division for the March 2021 tournament. He returned to ''jūryō'' after scoring only 5–10 in September 2021.

At the September 2023 tournament, Tsurugishō put in a good performance, securing his place in the ''makuuchi'' division with an eighth victory on day eleven. This tournament, in which he achieved the fastest ''kachi-koshi'' score of his career, held particular significance for him, having learned of the death of his grandmother during the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20230921-HTG7I63W5NIUDCSQQCDTAGN4CM/|title=３２歳ベテラン・剣翔が給金自己最速タイ１１日目亡き祖母に捧げる活躍を��きっと天国で見てくれている」／秋場所|language=ja|date=21 September 2023|work=Sankei Sports|accessdate=21 September 2023}}</ref>

On Day 4 of the March 2024 tournament, Tsurugishō appeared to reinjure his left knee in his match against Hiradoumi and had to be taken away from the ''dohyō'' in a wheelchair.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202403140000333.html|title=今場所から常駐の救急救命士が２日連続でお手柄剣翔が古傷左膝痛めて土俵上で動けなくなる|date=13 March 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=14 March 2024|lang=ja}}</ref> He withdrew the following day, with his medical certificate stating that he would miss two months due to injuries to his left ACL, MCL and meniscus.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202403140000333.html|title=金峰山が休場、頸椎捻挫の診断書を提出５日目対戦相手の大の里は不戦勝に|date=13 March 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=14 March 2024|lang=ja}}</ref> At the following tournament, ranked at the bottom of Makuuchi, he could only manage 3 wins, which caused him to drop down to the Jūryō division for the July tournament.

Prior to the January 2026 tournament, Tsurugishō told reporters that he would retire if he dropped down to the ''makushita'' division (he was ranked in {{translit|ja|jūryō}} at the time), and said that he was determined to keep his {{translit|ja|sekitori}} status and remain an active wrestler.<ref name=ns_engage/>

At the March 2026 tournament, Tsurugishō suffered from ACL, MCL, and meniscus tears in his left knee in addition to pain in his right ankle and back. Because of these injuries, Tsurugishō was unable to manage a single win throughout the tournament, suffering the rare {{translit|ja|zenpai}}, or winless tournament. This marked the first time a {{translit|ja|jūryō}} wrestler finished 0–15 since Fujiazuma in November 2020, and the first time a {{translit|ja|sekitori}} had suffered this fate since {{translit|ja|maegashira}} Terutsuyoshi in November 2022. His winless record meant that Tsurugishō's demotion to {{translit|ja|makushita}}, a division he had not fought in for over 10 years, was certain.<ref>{{Cite web |last=佐々木一郎 |title=十両剣翔が15戦全敗「100％引退するとは決めてない。場所が終わってから考える」 - 大相撲 : 日刊スポーツ |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202603220000587.html |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=nikkansports.com |language=ja}}</ref> Early April, he announced his retirement following his final {{translit|ja|jūryō}} tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202604060001175.html |title=元幕内剣翔が引退、春場所は15戦全敗だった６月に挙式・披露宴を予定 |date=6 April 2026|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=6 April 2026}}</ref>

==Fighting style== Tsurugishō is a yotsu-sumo wrestler, who prefers grabbing the ''mawashi'' to pushing or thrusting at his opponents. His favoured grip is ''migi-yotsu'', a left arm outside, right hand inside position. His most common winning ''kimarite'' or technique is ''yori-kiri'' or force out.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_kim.aspx?r=12113|title=Wins of Tsurugisho|work=Sumo Reference|accessdate=18 February 2020}}</ref>

==Personal life== Prior to the start of the January 2026 tournament, Tsurugishō announced his engagement to Yūka, a Japanese flight attendant. Their marriage would be registered on 11 January, with the wedding reception scheduled for June 2026. Tsurugishō told reporters at the press conference for his engagement that Yūka suggested registering the Ryōgoku Kokugikan as their permanent address on the marriage certificate. "Apparently you can register your permanent address anywhere," he said, adding that he believed it was the first time a marriage certificate listed the Kokugikan on the registration.<ref name=ns_engage><{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202601090000473.html|title=剣翔が現役CAと婚約発表、本籍は「両国国技館」に初場所初日に婚姻届を提出予定|date=9 January 2026|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=9 January 2026|language=ja}}</ref>

==Career record== {{Sumo record box start|Tsurugishō Momotarō<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=12113|title=Tsurugisho Momotaro Rikishi Information|work=Sumo Reference|accessdate=18 February 2020}}</ref>}} {{Sumo record year start link|2014}} {{Basho|MAEZUMOU}} {{Basho|jk|12|w|7|0 Champion}} {{Basho|jo|11|w|7|0 Champion}} {{Basho|sa|21|e|6|1}} {{Basho|ma|42|e|7|0 Champion}} {{Basho|ma|4|e|3|4}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2015}} {{Basho|ma|8|e|5|2}} {{Basho|ma|4|e|4|3}} {{Basho|ma|3|w|4|3}} {{Basho|ma|2|w|3|4}} {{Basho|ma|5|w|5|2}} {{Basho|ma|1|e|5|2}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2016}} {{Basho|j|12|e|8|7}} {{Basho|j|9|w|7|8}} {{Basho|j|10|w|8|7}} {{Basho|j|10|e|8|7}} {{Basho|j|9|e|8|7}} {{Basho|j|5|w|7|8}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2017}} {{Basho|j|8|w|8|7}} {{Basho|j|8|e|8|7}} {{Basho|j|6|w|6|9}} {{Basho|j|9|w|8|7}} {{Basho|j|8|e|7|8}} {{Basho|j|8|w|8|7}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2018}} {{Basho|j|6|e|7|8}} {{Basho|j|7|w|4|11}} {{Basho|j|14|e|11|4}} {{Basho|j|7|e|7|8}} {{Basho|j|8|e|7|8}} {{Basho|j|8|w|6|9}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2019}} {{Basho|j|11|w|8|7}} {{Basho|j|6|w|6|9}} {{Basho|j|10|e|9|6}} {{Basho|j|6|e|13|2 Champion}} {{Basho|m|14|e|10|5|||f}} {{Basho|m|7|e|6|9}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2020}} {{Basho|m|12|e|6|9}} {{Basho|m|15|e|1|4|10}} {{Basho|CANCELLED|rank=j|r-no=7|tozai=w|absent=0| State of Emergency }} {{Basho|j|7|w|7|8}} {{Basho|j|8|w|7|8}} {{Basho|j|9|e|8|7}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2021}} {{Basho|j|8|e|12|3 Champion}} {{Basho|m|14|w|9|6}} {{Basho|m|8|e|4|11}} {{Basho|m|15|e|8|7}} {{Basho|m|13|w|5|10}} {{Basho|j|1|e|9|6}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2022}} {{Basho|m|16|w|6|9}} {{Basho|j|1|w|7|8}} {{Basho|j|2|w|10|5}} {{Basho|m|14|w|5|8|2<ref>Withdrew on Day 13 due to COVID protocols</ref>}} {{Basho|m|15|w|5|10}} {{Basho|j|3|e|10|5}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2023}} {{Basho|m|15|e|7|8}} {{Basho|m|16|w|8|7}} {{Basho|m|15|w|9|6}} {{Basho|m|11|w|5|10}} {{Basho|m|16|w|8|7}} {{Basho|m|13|w|9|6}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2024}} {{Basho|m|11|e|9|6}} {{Basho|m|6|e|2|3|10}} {{Basho|m|17|e|3|12}} {{Basho|j|5|w|7|8}} {{Basho|j|7|e|6|8|1}} {{Basho|j|7|w|10|5}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2025}} {{Basho|j|3|w|3|12}} {{Basho|j|11|e|8|7}} {{Basho|j|9|w|7|8}} {{Basho|j|9|w|7|8}} {{Basho|j|9|w|5|10}} {{Basho|j|11|w|7|8}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2026}} {{Basho|j|11|w|6|9}} {{Basho|j|12|w|0|15}} {{Basho|INTAI|rank=ma|r-no=11|tozai=e|win=|loss=}} {{Basho|||||}} {{Basho|||||}} {{Basho|||||}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record box end}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *{{Goo Sumo|3504}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Tsurugishō, Momotarō}} Category:1991 births Category:Living people Category:Japanese sumo wrestlers Category:People from Katsushika Category:Sumo wrestlers from Tokyo Category:Nihon University alumni