Who Is Kisenosato Yutaka? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Kisenosato Yutaka, born on July 3, 1986, is a retired Japanese sumo wrestler who made history by becoming the first Japanese-born yokozuna (grand champion) in nearly two decades. Born in the city of Tochigi, Kisenosato showed great promise from a young age and began his professional sumo career in 2004. His dedication to the sport led to numerous championships and accolades throughout his career. As of 2025, he is 38 years old and is recognized as one of the most influential figures in modern sumo wrestling.
| Occupation | Wrestlers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 3, 1986 |
| Age | 38 Years |
| Birth Place | Ashiya, Hyōgo, Japan |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Japan |
Popularity
Kisenosato Yutaka's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Kisenosato Yutaka stands tall at an impressive height of 1.88 meters (6 feet 2 inches) and has maintained a competitive weight of approximately 150 kg (330 lbs) during his prime. His body stats reflect the rigorous training and dedication required of elite sumo wrestlers, and even in retirement, he continues to uphold his physical fitness.
After being a runner-up in a tournament on twelve occasions, he broke through at the January 2017 tournament, winning his first top division championship or yūshō with a record and subsequently was promoted to yokozuna, the first Japanese-born wrestler to reach sumo's highest rank since Wakanohana in 1998.
He had been a candidate four times previously (July 2013, January 2014, July 2016 and September 2016), but in each case, he failed to achieve the necessary number of wins.
Kisenosato won his first tournament as a yokozuna in March 2017, but suffered a left chest muscle injury in the process and was not able to complete another tournament until September 2018. His eight straight missed tournaments were a record for a yokozuna. His 12 runner-up finishes are the most in history.
In January 2019, he announced his retirement from sumo. He is now an elder of the Japan Sumo Association under the name of Nishonoseki Yutaka (二所ノ関 寛).
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, there is limited public information regarding Kisenosato's personal relationships. However, it is known that he is currently not dating anyone publicly, focusing instead on his post-sumo career and other pursuits. He remains tight-lipped about his family life, emphasizing the importance of privacy, which is respected by both fans and media alike.
In his second year of middle school, he moved to neighbouring Ushiku but continued to attend school in Ryūgasaki. Though Hagiwara was a fan of watching sumo from a young age, he was on his school's baseball teams as a pitcher in primary and junior high school. He eventually gave up when he realized he was only excelling because of his size.
On a chance meeting with the head of Naruto stable, the former yokozuna Takanosato, the stablemaster convinced Hagiwara's initially skeptical parents that he was a great candidate for sumo. Hagiwara eventually joined the stable upon finishing junior high school.
The stable was known for its strict environment and the oyakata would encourage him to always use forward-moving techniques in training to better prepare him for tournament situations, rather than go for a quick win by stepping backward.
Net Worth and Salary
Kisenosato Yutaka's estimated net worth in 2025 stands at around $5 million. Throughout his illustrious career, he earned a substantial salary, with an additional income coming from endorsements and appearances. Sumo wrestlers in the top division typically command substantial earnings, contributing to his financial success. Despite retiring from professional competition, Kisenosato continues to receive income through various business ventures and his role as a sports ambassador.
Career, Business, and Investments
After retiring from professional sumo wrestling in 2018, Kisenosato transitioned into a coaching role within the sumo community. He has been actively involved in fostering new talent and preserving the traditions of the sport. Beyond sumo, Kisenosato has invested in businesses related to sports and health, including fitness centers and wellness products, capitalizing on his reputation and expertise in physical fitness.
Kisenosato Yutaka (稀勢の里 寛) is a Japanese sumo elder from Ibaraki. As a wrestler, he made his professional debut in 2002 and reached the top makuuchi division in 2004 at the age of just 18. After many years in the junior san'yaku ranks, he reached the second highest rank of ōzeki in January 2012.
He earned three kinboshi or gold stars by defeating yokozuna in his career leading up to ōzeki and nine special prizes. He scored more than 20 double-digit winning records at the ōzeki rank. In 2016, he secured the most wins in the calendar year, the first wrestler to do so without winning a tournament in that year.
Social Network
Kisenosato Yutaka has established a strong presence on social media. He frequently shares insights into his training routines, daily life, and thoughts on sumo wrestling. His official Instagram and Twitter accounts boast thousands of followers, and he engages with fans through various platforms, contributing to his public persona.
In May 2008 he scored another win over Asashōryū on opening day, finishing with a strong 10–5 record and a share of the Fighting Spirit prize. Despite this he was not promoted to sekiwake, only the third time since 15-day tournaments were introduced in 1949 that a komusubi with ten wins has not moved up the rankings.
Kisenosato spent nine tournaments at komusubi without making sekiwake, which has only happened to three previous wrestlers, Dewanishiki, Fujinishiki, and Takamiyama.
Back in the maegashira ranks for the September 2008 tournament, he was the only man to defeat tournament winner Hakuhō, earning him his second kinboshi, but he fell short with six wins against nine losses.
Education
Kisenosato Yutaka completed his education at a high school in Tochigi before dedicating himself fully to sumo wrestling. His early schooling laid the foundation for discipline and hard work, traits that have guided him throughout his career. While no formal higher education was pursued, his experience in the highly structured environment of sumo serves as a considerable background in leadership and training.
In conclusion, Kisenosato Yutaka remains a prominent figure in sumo wrestling, both for his historic achievements and his ongoing contributions to the sport. His journey from a young sumo wrestler to a government-recognized sports figure speaks volumes about his commitment and influence. As he embarks on new ventures in 2025, fans and followers continue to support him in his endeavors.
Kisenosato remained in sumo as a coach for Tagonoura stable under the elder name Araiso (荒磯) for the mandatory one-year period before planning to open his own stable. He initially looked for premises in the area between Akihabara Station and Asakusabashi Station. His official retirement ceremony (danpatsu-shiki) was held on September 29, 2019.
To help him prepare for being a head coach he took a one-year sports science research master's course at Waseda University graduate school, his thesis being "A new way to run a sumo stable." In May 2021 the Sumo Association gave permission for him to open up his own stable effective August 1.
Initially located in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, the stable will eventually be based in Inashiki when construction is completed in May 2022. Kisenosato took four wrestlers from Tagonoura stable with him when the stable first opened.
