List of non-Japanese sumo wrestlers

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This is a list of foreign-born professional sumo wrestlers by country and/or ethnicity of origin, along with original name, years active in sumo wrestling, and highest rank attained. Names in bold indicate a still-active wrestler.

There are 186 wrestlers who have listed a foreign country as their place of birth on the banzuke or official ranking sheets.[1][2] The first foreign born wrestler to reach the top makuuchi division was the Hawaiian born Takamiyama in January 1968,[3] who was also the first to win a top division tournament championship or yūshō in 1972. He was followed by fellow Hawaiians Konishiki who was the first foreigner to reach the second highest ōzeki rank in 1987, and American Akebono who became the first foreign yokozuna, the highest rank, in 1993. In 1992, following the entry of six Mongolians to Ōshima stable, there was an unofficial ban (called enryo or "restraint") instigated by the Japan Sumo Association's head Dewanoumi on any more foreign recruitment.[4] Speaking at a Western Japan Press Club luncheon in Osaka in 1995, Dewanoumi reportedly said, "There are no official regulations, but stable masters have a tacit agreement not to scout foreigners actively because they have difficulty adapting to Japanese customs."[5] In 1998 this ban was relaxed but there was also the first official restrictions, a cap of forty foreigners in professional sumo as a whole and each individual heya or training stable restricted to a maximum of two, not counting those who had obtained Japanese citizenship.[4] In February 2002 this was changed to one foreigner per heya with no overall cap,[6] although foreigners recruited prior to the rule change were not affected. Despite these restrictions, foreigners began to dominate the highest levels of the sport. By 2013, foreign born wrestlers made up just seven percent of the 613 wrestlers active in professional sumo, yet occupied one third of the 42 spots in the top division.[7] No Japanese-born wrestler won a top division tournament between Tochiazuma in January 2006 and Kotoshōgiku in January 2016, with 56 of the 58 tournaments held in that period won by Mongolians.[8]

Several foreign-born sumo wrestlers have become sumo elders after their retirement as wrestlers.[9]

## Argentina

[edit]

* Hoshiandesu Hose [ja] – José Antonio Juarez – 1988–2000 – juryo 2[10]
* Hoshitango Imachi – Imachi Marcelo Salomon – 1987–2004 – juryo 3[11]

## Bolivia

[edit]

* Kirameki Takayoshi – Daniel Velez-Garcia – (Aichi) – 2020–2021 – sandanme 70

## Brazil

[edit]

* Agōra Kazuma # – Lucas Kazuo Iima – Japanese-Brazilian – 2023–active – sandanme 8
* Azumakaze Futoshi – Tuzatto Giuliano Kochinda – Italian-Brazilian – 1991–1999 – sandanme 29
* Azumaō Yasuhito – Yasuhito Marcio Morita – Japanese-Brazilian – 1994–2005 – makushita 36
* Hakusan Momotarō – Pasquale Bosche – Italian-Brazilian – 1977–1986 – makushita 9[10]
* Kaisei Ichirō § – Ricardo Sugano – Japanese-Brazilian – 2006–2022 – sekiwake[10]
* Kaishin Kikuzō – Eiji Nagahama – Japanese-Brazilian – 2004–2012 – makushita 49
* Kawamura Kōsaku – Kosaku Kawamura – Japanese-Brazilian – 1976–1983 – sandanme 41
* Kitaazuma Kiyoshi – Tetsuya Takeda – Japanese-Brazilian – 1991–1998 – makushita 18
* Kiyonomine Minoru – Mario Minoru Akamine – Japanese-Brazilian – 1979–1989 – makushita 18
* Kotonomori Takamori – Mario Fuchiue – Japanese-Brazilian – 1999–2000 – jonidan 69
* Kotoōsako Shigeaki – Shigeaki Julio Osako – Japanese-Brazilian – 1991–1994 – jonidan 106
* Kuniazuma Hajime – Wander Ramos – 1991–2004 – juryo 4
* Kuninosato Toshio – Roberto Toshio Wada – Japanese-Brazilian – 1980–1992 – makushita 23
* Ryūkō Gō – Luis Go Ikemori – Japanese-Brazilian – 1992–1998 – juryo 8
* Takaazuma Katsushige – Christiano Luis de Souza – 2004–2008 – makushita 24
* Tatsunishiki – Yoshihira Takeuchi – Japanese-Brazilian – 1967–1971 – jonidan 6
* Wakaazuma Yoshinobu – Yoshinobu Kuroda – Japanese-Brazilian – 1991–2003 – juryo 13

NOTE: (#) marks active foreign-born wrestler credited with Japanese shusshin (hometown), and hence not counting against current one-foreigner-per-heya restriction; (§) marks a retired foreign-born wrestler who became a sumo elder.

## Bulgaria

[edit]

* Aoiyama Kōsuke § – Daniel Ivanov – 2009–2024 – sekiwake
* Kotoōshū Katsunori § – Kaloyan Stefanov Mahlyanov (Karoyan Andō) – 2002–2014 – ozeki
* Torakiō Daiki – Ventsislav Katsarov – 2017–2019 – sandanme 15

NOTES: (§) marks a retired foreign-born wrestler who became a sumo elder.

## Canada

[edit]

* Homarenishiki Yasokichi – Brodik Mackenzie Philip Henderson – 2015–2016 – sandanme 46[12]
* Kototenzan Toshimitsu – John Anthony Tenta Jr. – 1985–1986 – makushita 43[12]

## China

[edit]

* Chiyohakuryū Kōto – Koto Haku (白光斗) – Nei Monggol – 2004–2011 – sandanme 22
* Daiseizan Daisuke – Altan-Ochir Asgakhad – Nei Monggol – 2022–active – juryo 6
* Kaiho I – Yi Pan – Shanghai – 1990–1992 – jonidan 79
* Kanōyama Sunyo – Chengyue Xie – 1991–1992 – jonokuchi 22
* Kiyonohana Ōyo – Lihua Zhang (Kazushi Yoshida) – Fujian – 1974–1978 – juryo 5
* Kōkiryū Kaito – Peihuang Chen (陈佩煌) – (Osaka) – 2022–2024 – jonidan 27
* Kōsei Kō – Shiqiang Gao (高世強) – Liaoning – 2003–2017 – makushita 14
* Kotoō Shuton – Shidong Wang (王世東) – Shandong – 1992–1993 – sandanme 9
* Manazuru Hisashi – Songsong Cheng – Beijing – 2004–2015 – sandanme 13
* Nakanokuni Shō – Chao Lu – Beijing – 2002–2012 – juryo 12
* Ryūtei Weifu – Weifu Li – Shandong – 2004–2013 – sandanme 3
* Sōkokurai Eikichi § – Enkhtuvshin – Nei Monggol – 2003–2020 – maegashira 2
* Takaō Yu – Yu Wang – Shanghai – 1991–2003 – sandanme 41
* Wakashōji Ano – Ano Cho – Jilin – 2010–2010 – jonokuchi 22

(§) marks a retired foreign-born wrestler who became a sumo elder.

## Czech Republic

[edit]

* Takanoyama Shuntarō – Pavel Bojar – 2001–2014 – maegashira 12[13]

## Egypt

[edit]

* Ōsunaarashi Kintarō – Abdelrahman Alaa el-Din Mohamed Ahmed Shalan – 2012–2018 – maegashira 1[14]

## Estonia

[edit]

* Baruto Kaito – Kaido Höövelson – 2004–2013 – ozeki
* Kitaōji Oto – Ott Juurikas – 2004–2004 – jonidan 114

## Georgia

[edit]

* Gagamaru Masaru – Teimuraz Jugheli – 2005–2020 – komusubi
* Kokkai Futoshi – Levan Tsaguria – 2001–2012 – komusubi
* Tochinoshin Tsuyoshi – Levan Gorgadze – 2006–2023 – ōzeki
* Tsukasaumi Jōji – Merab George Tsaguria – 2005–2006 – sandanme 18

## Hungary

[edit]

* Masutōō Akira – Attila Toth – 2005–2021 – makushita 8[15]

## Indonesia

[edit]

* Kotoanbai Ken – Ken Anbai – 2015–2015 – jonokuchi 25

## Japanese-born rikishi of non-Japanese or mixed ethnicity

[edit]

* Asakomiya Masahiro – Masahiro Komiya – Korean-Japanese (Saitama) – 2006–2007 – jonokuchi 42[16]
* Baraki Genki – Baraki Ito – Filipino-Japanese (Saitama) – 2013–2024 – makushita 58
* Daishōyū Maabin – Marvin Lee Sano Jr – American-Japanese (Tokyo) – 2006–2008 – makushita 18[17]
* Fujinohana Rei – Rei Saito – American-Japanese (Miyagi) – 2009–2017 – sandanme 16[18]
* Fujinoumi Jun – Jun Saito – American-Japanese (Miyagi) – 2009–2017 – makushita 47[18]
* Gyokuōzan Yoshihito – Hidetoshi Kanazawa – Paraguayan-Japanese (Aichi) – 2022–active – makushita 20
* Hayashiryū Kantarō – Ryu Hayashi – Filipino-Japanese (Nagano) – 2022–active – sandanme 22
* Hokuōzan Kōkichi – Hikari Hagiwara – Turkish-Japanese (Hokkaido) – 2020–2023 – makushita 35
* Ikazuchidō Neri – Neri Yamada – Nigerian-Japanese (Saitama) – 2022–active – makushita 49
* Itadaki Sennosuke – Masahiko Kikuchi – Canadian-Japanese (Tokyo) – 2010–2024 – makushita 18[18]
* Kaitōma Aron – Mark Aron Justin Toma – Brazilian-Japanese-Filipino (Kanagawa) – 2017–active – jonidan 2
* Kaneshiro Kōfuku – Kofuku Kaneshiro – Korean-Japanese (Miyazaki) – 1974–1987 – sekiwake[19]
* Maenoyama Tarō – Kazuichi Kaneshima – Korean-Japanese (Osaka) – 1961–1974 – ozeki
* Maikeru Shūki – Maikeru Hayashi – Filipino-Japanese (Fukui) – 2017–2024 – makushita 29
* Mienoumi Tsuyoshi – Goro Ishiyama – Korean-Japanese (Mie) – 1963–1980 – 57th yokozuna[20]
* Nabatame Tatsuya – Tatsuya Nabatame – Thai-Japanese (Tochigi) – 2020–active – jūryō 5
* Raō Nozomu – Rao Ito – Filipino-Japanese (Saitama) – 2011–2024 – makushita 37
* Rinko Rei – Rei Hayashi – Filipino-Japanese (Nagano) – 2022–active – makushita 52
* Ryūga Tsunetaka – Corvin Ryuga Delzatto – American-Japanese (Kanagawa) – 2018–2020 – jonidan 80
* Shōryū Yoshimitsu – Yoshimitsu Kobayashi – Thai-Japanese (Nagano) – 2024–active – jonidan 28[21]
* Taiga Kōji – Taiga Tanji – Russian-Japanese (Fukushima) – 2018–active – makushita 32
* Taihō Kōki – Koki Naya (Ivan Boryshko) – Ukrainian-Japanese (Karafuto) – 1956–1971 – 48th yokozuna
* Takagenji Satoshi – Satoshi Kamiyama – Filipino-Japanese (Tochigi) – 2013–2021 – maegashira 10
* Takanofuji Sanzō – Tsuyoshi Kamiyama – Filipino-Japanese (Tochigi) – 2013–2019 – jūryō 5
* Takayasu Akira – Akira Takayasu – Filipino-Japanese (Ibaraki) – 2005–active – ozeki
* Tamanoumi Masahiro – Masao Takeuchi – Korean-Japanese (Aichi) – 1959–1971 – 51st yokozuna[20]
* Tamarikidō Hideki – Hideki Yasumoto – Korean-Japanese (Tokyo) – 1997–2010 – maegashira 8
* Tanji Jun – Jun Tanji – Russian-Japanese (Fukushima) – 2022–active – makushita 18
* Tochinowaka Michihiro – Daewon Lee – Korean-Japanese (Hyogo) – 2007–2015 – maegashira 1
* Tōhakuryū Masahito – Masahito Shiraishi – Taiwanese-Japanese (Tokyo) – 2019–active – maegashira 15[22]
* Tsuyukusa Kazuki – Tsuyukusa Kazuki – Polish-Japanese (Kanagawa) – 2016–2020 – makushita 51[23]
* Wakatōshō Toshio – Toshio Kanemoto – Korean-Japanese (Chiba) – 1985–1993 – jūryō 9
* Yonezawaryū Daiki – Daiki Igarashi – Filipino-Japanese (Yamagata) – 2024–active – makushita 60

## Kazakhstan

[edit]

* Kazafuzan Taiga – Suyenesh Khudibayev (Сүйініш Худибаев / Суйиниш Худибаев) – 2003–2014 – makushita 10[24]
* Kinbōzan Haruki – Baltagul Yersin (Балтағұл Ерсін) – 2021–active – maegashira 5

## Korea, North

[edit]

* Rikidōzan Mitsuhiro* – Shin-rak Kim (김신락) / Mitsuhiro Momota (百田光浩) – 1940–1950 – sekiwake

NOTE: Korea was ruled by the Empire of Japan from 1910 to 1945. Japanese-born Koreans are noted above. Rikidōzan was officially recorded with a shusshin (hometown) of Ōmura, Nagasaki so is not regarded as having been a foreign rikishi by the Sumo Association.

## Korea, South

[edit]

* Chiinoyama Shōichirō* – Shoichiro Toyokawa – 1940–1945 – juryo 3
* Harimayama Hanatarō – Sangjin Hong (홍상진 洪相鎭) – 1990–1994 – makushita 58
* Kaihakuzan Yungi – Yoongi Baek (백윤기 白允基) – 1999–2000 – sandanme 49
* Kasugaō Katsumasa – Sungtaek Kim (김성택 金成澤) – 1998–2011 – maegashira 3
* Kinryūzan Jongun – Jonggeun Kim (김종근 金鍾根) – 2003–2009 – sandanme 42
* Kōraiyama Yoshisuke – Gilryang Seo (서길량 徐吉亮) – 1969–1981 – makushita 11
* Kotoyanagi – Shigeki Nishimoto (西本重煕) – 1983–1985 – jonidan 78
* Kunimiyama – Kiju Kim (김기주 金基柱) – 1977–1988 – makushita 27
* Kuninofuji Kiifun – Kihun Song (송기훈 宋基勳) – 2001–2002 – jonidan 109
* Kyōryū Yoshitsuru – Seonhak Park (박선학 朴善鶴) – 1975–1983 – makushita 15
* Nankaiyama Shigehide – Naruhide Kan / Seongyeong Kang (강성영 姜成英) – 1969–1971 – makushita 57
* Nanzan Shukō – Suhyeong Chae (채수형 蔡洙亨) – 1990–1992 – sandanme 54
* Soranoumi Ichiriki – Sooyong Kim (김수영 金樹泳) / Juei Ōzora (大空樹泳) – 1999–2019 – makushita 25
* Watenkō – Kazuo Hayashi – 1966–1970 – sandanme 80
* Yamada Narihide – Seongyeong Yu (유성영) / Narihide Yamada (山田成英) – 2004–2006 – jonidan 31

NOTE: Korea was under Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945. Japanese-born Koreans are noted above.

## Mongolia

[edit]

* Aratōshi Mitsuo – Tserendorj Wanchigutseren – 2008–2016 – makushita 39
* Arauma Tōru – Battogtokh Turtogtokh – 2020–2024 – makushita 23
* Arawashi Tsuyoshi – Dulguun Erkhbayar – 2002–2020 – maegashira 2
* Asahakuryū Tarō – Ragchaa Jamintogtokh – 2022–active – makushita 5
* Asahiryū Katsuhiro – Denzensambu Batzorig – 2016–2019 – makushita 23
* Asahitaka Kōichi – Bat-Orgil Tserenchimed – 1992–1993 – sandanme 97
* Asasekiryū Tarō § – Badarchiin Dashnyam – 2000–2017 – sekiwake
* Asashōryū Akinori – Dolgorsürengiin Dagvadorj – 1999–2010 – 68th yokozuna
* Azumaryū Tsuyoshi – Todbileg Sanduljav – 2008–2024 – maegashira 14
* Bontenshō Yūki – Naidan Bayarkhuu – 2001–2003 – jonidan 25
* Chiyoshōma Fujio ‡ – Ganbaatar Munkhsaikhan – 2009–active – maegashira 2
* Daibanjaku Hisashi – Batsukh Khaidavmunkh – 1999–2004 – sandanme 10
* Daiōnami Masaru – Batbaatar Uuganbayar – 2001–2016 – makushita 33
* Daishōchi Kenta – Ulambayaryn Byambajav – 2001–2005 – makushita 15
* Daishōhō Kiyohiro – Shijirbayar Chimidregzen – 2013–active – maegashira 9
* Daitenshō Ken – Norjinkhand Ayurzana – 2001–2010 – makushita 7
* Daitenzan Noritaka – Ganbat Batzaya – 2001–2005 – makushita 58
* Daiyūbu Ryūsen – Davaadorj Undrakh – 2001–2010 – juryo 10
* Dewahikari Tsutomu – Ulziisuren Tsolmon – 2002–2009 – sandanme 3
* Dewanoryū Kazuki – Tumurbaatar Temuulen – 2019–active – makushita 2
* Fudōyama Subaru – Nyamjav Luvsandorj – 2000–2008 – sandanme 38
* Gōchōzan Masashi – Delgersaikhan Uuganbaatar – 2006–2020 – makushita 7
* Gōseizan Minoru – Baatar Munkh Od – 2024–active – makushita 46
* Hakuba Takeshi – Ariunbayar Unurjargal – 2000–2011 – komusubi
* Hakuhō Shō § – Mönkhbatyn Davaajargal – 2001–2021 – 69th yokozuna
* Harumafuji Kōhei – Davaanyamyn Byambadorj – 2001–2017 – 70th yokozuna
* Hokuseihō Osamu – Ariunaa Davaaninj (Hokkaido) – 2020–2024 – maegashira 6[25]
* Hokutenkai Aoi – Sukhbat Galdan – 2019–active – makushita 5
* Hokutomaru Akira – Nasanjargal Chinzorig – 2018–2025 – makushita 6
* Hoshihikari Shin'ichi – Duvchin Lhagva – 2000–2011 – juryo 1
* Hoshikaze Yoshihiro – Bold Amarmend – 2002–2011 – juryo 3
* Hoshizakura Aruta – Myagmar Altangerel – 2000–2012 – makushita 12
* Hōshōryū Tomokatsu – Sugarragchaa Byambasuren – 2018–active – 74th yokozuna
* Ichinojō Takashi – Altankhuyag Ichinnorov – 2014–2023 – sekiwake
* Kagamiō Hideoki – Nanjid Batkhuu – 2003–2023 – maegashira 9
* Kakuryū Rikisaburō § – Mangaljalavyn Anand – 2001–2021 – 71st yokozuna
* Kazenoumi Kei – Bilguun Tsogoo – 2022–active – makushita 18
* Kengō Shin – Turtuvshin Baatarkhuu – 2010–2011 – jonidan 63
* Kirishima Tetsuo – Lkhagvasuren Byambachuluun – 2015–active – ōzeki
* Kitakasuga Ikkō – Munkhbat Tsolmonbayar – 1999–2005 – sandanme 18
* Kōryū Tadaharu – Erdene Munhk-Orgil – 2000–2011 – maegashira 11
* Kotokenryū Takeaki – Gantulga Bilguun – 2022–active – makushita 8
* Kyokujishi Masaru – Tumendemberel Losol – 1992–1992 – jonidan 59
* Kyokukaiyū Ren – Dalaibaatar Shagdarsuren – 2023–active – makushita 5
* Kyokusetsuzan Eiji – Munkhbold Sharaa – 1992–1992 – jonidan 91
* Kyokushūhō Kōki – Erdenebaatar Tumurbaatar – 2007–2022 – maegashira 4
* Kyokushūzan Noboru – Davaagin Batbayar – 1992–2006 – komusubi
* Kyokutenhō Masaru § – Nyamjavyn Tsevegnyam – 1992–2015 – sekiwake
* Kyokutenzan Takeshi – Batmönkhiin Enkhbat – 1992–2008 – makushita 13
* Maenoyū Tarō – Gankhyag Naranbaatar – 2004–2007 – makushita 25
* Mitoryū Takayuki – Turbold Baasansuren – 2017–active – maegashira 13
* Mōkonami Sakae – Ganbold Bazarsad – 2001–2011 – maegashira 6
* Oniarashi Chikara – Ulziibayar Ulziijargal – 2000–2014 – juryo 7
* Ōnokatsu Kazuhiro – Choijilsuren Batjargal – 2023–active – maegashira 8
* Ōshōma Degi – Purevsuren Delgerbayar – 2021–active – maegashira 4
* Ryūō Noboru – Erkhem-Ochiryn Sanchirbold – 2000–2013 – maegashira 8
* Ryūōnami Katsuteru – Battugs Buyanjargal – 2010–2017 – makushita 11
* Sachinofuji Seiryū # – Ganzorig Origil (Saitama) – 2022–active – sandanme 10
* Sadanohikari Shinta – Narantsogt Davaanyam – 2014–active – makushita 14
* Sakigake Takeshi – Yagaanbaatar Battushig – 2003–2022 – juryo 10
* Seihakuhō Demi – Usukhbayar Demidjamts – 2024–active – makushita 28
* Seirō Takeshi – Amgaa Unubold – 2005–2020 – maegashira 14
* Senhō Tsubasa – Tsubasa Hasegawa – Japanese-Mongolian (Aichi) – 2019–2024 – sandanme 6
* Senshō Hideki – Enkhbaatar Bayarbat – 2001–2015 – juryo 14
* Shironoryū Yasumasa – Erdenetsogt Odgerel – 2003–2013 – juryo 1
* Shōtenrō Taishi § – Dagdandorj Nyamsuren – 2001–2018 – maegashira 2
* Taiga Kishō – Sumiyabazar Sharbuyanhuu – 2001–2014 – makushita 19
* Takanoiwa Yoshimori – Adiya Baasandorj – 2008–2018 – maegashira 2
* Tamashōhō Manpei – Erdenebileg Enkhmanlai – 2011–active – maegashira 16
* Tamawashi Ichirō ‡ – Batjargal Munkh-Orgil – 2004–active – sekiwake
* Tenrōsei Kenichi – Serjbudee Luvsangombo – 2024–active – jonidan 61
* Terunofuji Haruo § – Gantulga Gan-Erdene – 2011–2025 – 73rd yokozuna[26]
* Tokinishiki Harunobu – Tsendsuren Tüshig – 2022–2023 – sandanme 85
* Tokisōma Baira – Ankhbayar Batbayar – 2017–2024 – makushita 25
* Tokitenkū Yoshiaki § – Altangadasyn Khüchitbaatar – 2002–2016 – komusubi
* Tokusegawa Masanao – Ganbold Badamsambuu – 2003–2011 – maegashira 1
* Toranoyama Kiyokazu – Ganbold Bat-Undral – 2001–2009 – sandanme 21

NOTES: (#) marks active foreign-born wrestler credited with Japanese shusshin (hometown), and hence not counting against current one-foreigner-per-heya restriction; (‡) marks active foreign-born wrestler naturalized as a Japanese citizen; (§) marks a retired foreign-born wrestler who became a sumo elder.

## Paraguay

[edit]

* Wakashio – Satoshi Miyawaki – Japanese-Paraguayan – 1985–1989 – sandanme 76

## Philippines

[edit]

* Furanshisu Manabu – Teodoro Francis Robert Valles – 2016–active – sandanme 52
* Kōtokuzan Tarō # – Jasper Kenneth Arboladura Terai – Filipino-Japanese (Kanagawa) – 2009–active – maegashira 16[27]
* Kuwae Issei # – Pascual Justine France – (Kanagawa) – 2023–active – sandanme 14
* Masunoyama Tomoharu – Tomoharu Kato – Filipino-Japanese (Chiba) – 2006–2021 – maegashira 4
* Mitakeumi Hisashi # – Ōmichi Hisashi – Filipino-Japanese (Nagano) – 2015–active – ozeki
* Tamahikuni – Jun Terrado – 1988–1988 – jonokuchi 30
* Tamahinada – Angelito Labampa – 1988–1988 – jonidan 129
* Tamahiryū – Samson Pael – 1988–1988 – jonokuchi 2

NOTE: (#) marks active foreign-born wrestler credited with Japanese shusshin (hometown) and hence not counted against current one-foreigner-per-heya restriction.

## Russia

[edit]

* Amūru Mitsuhiro – Nikolai Yuryevich Ivanov (Николай Юрьевич Иванов) – Primorsky Krai – 2002–2018 – maegashira 5
* Aran Hakutora – Alan Gabaraev – North Ossetia-Alania – 2007–2013 – sekiwake
* Hakurozan Yūta – Batraz Feliksovich Baradzov – North Ossetia-Alania – 2002–2008 – maegashira 2[28]
* Ōrora Satoshi – Anatoliy Valeryevich Mihahanov – Buryatia – 2000–2018 – makushita 43
* Rōga Tokiyoshi – Amartuvshin Amarsanaa – Tuva – 2018–active – maegashira 8[28]
* Rohō Yukio – Soslan Feliksovich Baradzov – North Ossetia-Alania – 2002–2008 – komusubi[28]
* Wakanohō Toshinori – Soslan Aleksandrovich Gagloev – North Ossetia-Alania – 2005–2008 – maegashira 1[28]

NOTE: prior to the end of WWII, the southern half of Sakhalin was controlled by Japan as Karafuto. For a Karafuto-born wrestler, see Japanese-born rikishi of non-Japanese or mixed ethnicity.

## Samoa

[edit]

* Nankairyū Tarō – Saba Kiriful – 1984–1988 – maegashira 2
* Nanyōzakura – Faaleva Fofoga – 1984–1988 – makushita 48

NOTE: Rikishi from American Samoa and Hawaiians of Samoan descent are listed under the United States heading.

## Sri Lanka

[edit]

* Tochitaikai Jirō – Sri Aminda de Perera – 1992–1992 – jonokuchi 34

## Taiwan

[edit]

* Eigayama Hiromasa – Zhi-min Zeng – 1986–1993 – makushita 32[29]
* Kahō Fumio – Pengwen Chen – 1989–1990 – jonidan 55
* Maedaikō Ichirō – Haolun Xu – 1988–1995 – sandanme 16
* Maenoumi Takeo – Jiancheng Liao – 1989–1991 – sandanme 36
* Ōhayama Yoshio – Kunfang Xie – 1990–1995 – makushita 53
* Rakōten Keigō – Qigang Zhen – 1990–1991 – jonidan 106
* Shū – Jianyan Zhou – 1988–1991 – jonidan 5
* Tamayama – Akira Yokone – 1966–1972 – sandanme 75
* Tatsunohana Ritsuei – Lirong Chen – 1989–1994 – makushita 45
* Tochinohana Chōō – Chao-huei Liu – 1980–1988 – juryo 4
* Tominohana – Jiawei Ding – 1988–1992 – jonidan 31

## Tonga

[edit]

* Aotsurugi Kenta – Tebita Rato Taufa (Tebita Togawa) – 2001–2009 – sandanme 1
* Fukunoshima Hiroshi – Tonga Uli'uli Fifita – 1974–1977 – makushita 27
* Hinodeshima – Shioeri (?) – 1974–1976 – sandanme 34
* Minaminoshima Isamu – Minaminoshima Isamu Falevai – 2001–2008 – makushita 21[30]
* Minaminoshima Takeshi – Tevita Vaiola Falevai – 1974–1976 – makushita 37 [30]
* Sachinoshima – Sione Havea Vailahi – 1975–1976 – sandanme 36
* Tomonoshima Naoyuki – Viri Manulea Fifita – 1975–1976 – jonidan 18
* Yashinoshima Noboru – Moleni Fe'aomoeata Tauki'uvea – 1974–1976 – makushita 53

## Ukraine

[edit]

* Aonishiki Arata – Danylo Yavhusishyn (Данило Явгусішин) – 2023–active – Maegashira 9[31]
* Shishi Masaru – Serhii Sokolovskyi (Сергій Соколовський) – 2020–active – Maegashira 11[32]

## United Kingdom

[edit]

* Hidenokuni Hajime – Nathan John Strange – England – 1989–1990 – jonidan 89
* Seikō – Koo Chun Pong – British Hong Kong - 1987–1989 – jonidan 88

## United States

[edit]

* Akebono Tarō § – Chadwick George Haheo Rowan – Hawaiian (Hawaii) – 1988–2001 – 64th yokozuna[33]
* Araiwa Kamenosuke – Cal Lee Martin – California – 1968–1971 – makushita 33[34]
* Daiki Susumu – Percy Pomaikai Kipapa – Hawaiian (Hawaii) – 1991–1998 – juryo 10
* Gōsetsu – Laurent Raymond – Hawaii – 1982–1983 – sandanme 86
* Hikarumusashi Eru – Daniel Ailua – Samoan (Hawaii) – 2024–active – jonidan 62
* Hiraga Shōji – Shoji Hiraga – Japanese-American (California) – 1934–1938 – jonidan 23[33]
* Junyō – Isaac Fuailutago Loe – Hawaii – 1983–1983 – jonidan 132
* Kamikiiwa Ryūta – Wayne Mahelani Vierra Jr. – Hawaiian (Hawaii) – 1990–1991 – sandanme 22
* Konishiki Yasokichi § – Saleva'a Fuauli Atisano'e – Samoan (Hawaii) – 1984–1997 – ozeki
* Kōryū Katsuichi – Eric Cosier Gaspar – Hawaii – 1990–1997 – makushita 49
* Matsuryūyama Masao – Robert Masao Suetsugu – Japanese-American (Washington) – 1975–1985 – makushita 24
* Muryū – John Robert Collins – Hawaii – 1976–1981 – makushita 55
* Musashibō Benkei – William Molina – 1987–1988 – jonidan 59
* Musashikuni Mamu – Fiamalu Penitani – Samoan (Hawaii) – 2013–2019 – makushita 26 [33]
* Musashimaru Kōyō § – Fiamalu Penitani – Samoan-Tongan (American Samoa) – 1989–2004 – 67th yokozuna[33]
* Nanfū Kenzō – Kaleo Kekauoha (Kaleo Suzuki) – Hawaiian (Hawaii) – 1990–1996 – makushita 1
* Narushio – Emanuel Kaefaia Jr – Hawaii – 1983–1984 – jonidan 23
* Ōzora Hiroshi – Troy Levi Talaimatai – Samoan (Hawaii) – 1989–1995 – makushita 13
* Sentoryū Henri – Henry Armstrong Miller – Japanese-American (Missouri, born in Tokyo) – 1988–2003 – maegashira 12
* Shinnishiki – Vincent Divoux – California – 1988–1990 – sandanme 10
* Sunahama Shōji – William Tayler Hopkins – Hawaii – 1990–1997 – juryo 5
* Taikai Tsutomu – Ola Rowan – Hawaii – 1989–1989 – jonokuchi 39
* Takamiō Daisei – Sione (John) Tekeriri Feleunga – Tongan (Hawaii) – 1986–1997 – makushita 2
* Takamishū – Teila Tuli (Taylor Wily) – Samoan (Hawaii) – 1987–1989 – makushita 2
* Takamiyama Daigorō § – Jesse James Wailani Kuhaulua – Hawaiian (Hawaii) – 1964–1984 – sekiwake[33]
* Takanoumi – Phillip Smoak – Texas – 1981–1981 – jonokuchi 29[33][35]
* Toyonishiki Kiichirō – Harley Kiichiro Ozaki – Japanese-American (Colorado) – 1936–1944 – maegashira 20
* Wakachikara Tōru – Glenn Kalima – Hawaii – 1991–1994 – makushita 26
* Wakaichirō Ken – Ichiro Young – Japanese-American (Texas) – 2016–2020 – sandanme 32[33]
* Wakatakami Tarō – George Pulaian – Hawaii – 1977–1983 – makushita 40
* Wakayashima Masaki – Asato Reid – Japanese-American (Hawaii) – 1976–1978 – sandanme 32
* Yamato Gō – George Kalima – Hawaii – 1990–1997 – maegashira 12

(§) marks a retired foreign-born wrestler who became a sumo elder.

## See also

[edit]

* List of active sumo wrestlers
* List of past sumo wrestlers

* Martial arts portal

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Rikishi – All Foreigners". Sumo Reference. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
2. ^ Schreiber, Mark (28 January 2017). "2017: a year for sumo nostalgia". Japan Times. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
3. ^ Discounting those such as Toyonishiki and Rikidozan who were born outside Japan but nonetheless listed a Japanese hometown with the Sumo Association.
4. ^ a b Furelaud, Gilles (January 2004). "Foreigners in Makuuchi: a chaotic history". Le Monde Du Sumo. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
5. ^ Associated Press (9 March 1995). "A closed-door policy?". The Honolulu Advertiser.
6. ^ Miji, Shuki (26 March 2019). "SUMO ABC No. 97 / Quota agreement in 2002 has nearly halved lineup of foreign wrestlers". The Japan News. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
7. ^ Krieger, Daniel (Jan 24, 2013). "In Japan, Sumo Is Dominated by Foreigners". New York Times. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
8. ^ "Kotoshogiku's sumo tournament victory ends long run of foreign wrestler domination". The Mainichi. January 25, 2016. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
9. ^ "News Navigator: What happens when you become a sumo elder?". The Mainichi. Sep 11, 2017.
10. ^ a b c Gunning, John (24 October 2018). "Sumo boasts rich history of multiculturalism". Japan Times. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
11. ^ Furelaud, Gilles (February 2004). "Hoshitango: intai and danpatsu-shiki in 11 days". Le Monde Du Sumo. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
12. ^ a b Armstrong, Jim (July 10, 2015). "Canadian sumo wrestler Brodik Henderson going pro in Japan". Toronto Sun. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
13. ^ Robinson, Eugene (July 19, 2014). "It's Not The Size Of This Sumo Wrestler That's Stunning". NPR. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
14. ^ "Egyptian sumo wrestler storms his way into ancient sport". Yahoo News. July 31, 2014. Retrieved 20 September 2016.
15. ^ Gunning, John. "Veteran Masutoo still seeking promotion to top division". Japan Times. 15 November 2019. Retrieved 15 November 2019.
16. ^ Furelaud, Gilles (Nov 18, 2006). "Banzuke's newcomers". Le Monde du Sumo. Retrieved 20 September 2016.
17. ^ Buckton, Mark (July 5, 2006). "The competition finally arrives". Japan Times. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
18. ^ a b c Gunning, John (31 August 2017). "More multiracial wrestlers making mark in raised ring". Japan Times. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
19. ^ Sharnoff, Lora (1993). Grand Sumo. Weatherhill. ISBN 0-8348-0283-X.
20. ^ a b Schreiber, Mark (Jan 26, 2003). "Whether crisis or not, sumo's show must go on". Japan Times. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
21. ^ "元横綱鶴竜の音羽山部屋所属の新弟子３人が二番出世に登場 音羽山親方「期待しかない」" (in Japanese). Nikkan Sports. March 18, 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
22. ^ "台日混血相撲力士東白龍關取昇進祝賀會 駐日代表謝長廷與僑界出席祝賀 - 台湾新聞" (in Traditional Chinese). Taiwannews.jp. May 5, 2024. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
23. ^ "ポーランド出身の父持つ露草、角界入りは「日本の男にロマン感じた」" (in Japanese). Sanspo. September 2, 2016. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
24. ^ Furelaud, Gilles (February 2004). "Kazafuzan, the tiger from Kazakhstan". Le Monde Du Sumo. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
25. ^ Gunning, John. "Hakuho may be on path to becoming great stablemaster if latest recruit pans out". Japan Times. 26 August 2020. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
26. ^ "Mongolian wrestler Terunofuji becomes sumo's 73rd yokozuna". The Japan Times. 2021-07-21. Retrieved 2021-07-23.
27. ^ Pastor, Pam (27 July 2017). "'Sinigang' gets this sumo wrestler going". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
28. ^ a b c d Gunning, John (12 March 2020). "Roho's career defined by unsavory incidents". Japan Times. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
29. ^ Nishimoto, Hideshi (18 September 2017). "Sumo ring in Taiwan replaces dohyo pushed out after war". Asahi Shimbun. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
30. ^ a b Hirada, Hiroshi (25 September 2015). "Former Tongan sumo wrestler still sports the Asahiyama stable sign". Japan Times. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
31. ^ "Aonishiki". Japan Sumo Association.
32. ^ Gunning, John (3 January 2020). "Reviewing last year, previewing 2020 in sumo". Japan Times. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
33. ^ a b c d e f g John Gunning (15 May 2019). "Sumo 101:Americans in sumo". Japan Times. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
34. ^ Gunning, John (16 December 2020). "American rikishi recalls extremely wild times in sumo world". Japan Times. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
35. ^ Wehrfritz, George (20 June 1999). "The Gaijins' Woeful Tale". Newsweek. Retrieved 11 September 2018.