Takanohana KÅji
Takanohana Koji (Japanese贵 乃 花 光 司), née: Koji Hanada (花田 光 司, Hanada Koji; born August 12, 1972 in Tokyo ) is a former yokozuna and the younger son of the late sumo wrestler Takanohana Kenshi.
Takanohana, a member of the famous Sumōfamilie Hanada, the craft of sumo as his brother Wakanohana Masaru also learned in Heya his father. With up to 150 kg and 1.85 m tall, he was a bit larger and heavier than his brother. After the introduction of the two into Profisumō in March 1988 succeeded Takanohana who fought at that time still under the name Takahanada, a rapid rise through the ranks: He was the youngest rikishi who had ever fought in the juryo division, the youngest ever known fighters in the makuuchi Division and the youngest winner of the tournament 's history. He was last in January 1993, yet the youngest ozeki and got to this point, the battle name ( Shikona ) lent his father, who, noble flower means'. After that, his most impressive career slowed somewhat. It was only in November 1994 reached Takanohana after two tournaments in a row without defeat gained promotion to the 65th yokozuna.
1992 and 1994-1997 Takanohana was the most successful wrestler Makuuchi, then he left because of health problems after.
As great performance you can certainly consider his 22nd and last tournament victory in May 2001 in Tokyo. In the fight against Musōyama he injured his knee and went with visible problems in the later playoff against Musashimaru. Takanohana won this fight, but this victory had a more than year-long sabbatical result because of this injury. Although Takanohana managed at the Autumn Tournament 2002, a successful 12-3 comeback, however, did not end his injury crisis, after which he announced his retirement during the New Year Tournament 2003.
Takanohana was one of the previous three wrestlers who were allowed to keep their battle name when they joined the Sumōverband after their active career. As Takanohana Oyakata he took over in 2004 the stables of his father (formerly Futagoyama - Beya ).
Fighting style
Takanohana fought mainly with techniques of Yotsu - sumo, ie he turned mainly fighting techniques with grip on the mawashi. Much later he was Asashoryu able to change his fighting style and his techniques very quickly and adapt to the circumstances.
Private
1992 Takanohana was temporarily engaged to actress Miyazawa Rie.