Background
He grew up on Tokunoshima island, which was the birthplace of the 46th Yokozuna Asashio Tarō III.
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Ichinoya Mitsuru
Edit ProfileEducation
He studied physics at Ryukyu University in Okinawa, and started up a sumo club there.
Career
His highest rank was sandanme 6. At 46 years of age, Ichinoya was the oldest man in professional sumo since the start of the Showa era in 1926. When he began his sumo career in November 1983 his stablemate, former yokozuna Asashōryū was just three years old.
Ichinoya was interested in sumo from a very young age.
Upon graduation he attempted to enter professional sumo but was turned away by a number of stables due to lack of height (at 166cm he was below the minimum requirement of 173cm). After help from Wakamatsu Oyakata (the former Fusanishiki) he moved into Takasago stable and did chores there and worked on stretching exercises before making his official debut in the November 1983 tournament.
He never rose higher than the fourth sandanme division, but he was much admired simply for his longevity and his determination in fighting opponents more than twenty years his junior. In November 2007, having completed 1000 professional bouts, he announced that he was retiring after 24 years in sumo.
He also announced his intention to marry.
Ichinoya will remain as the general manager of Takasago stable, looking after its day-to-day running. He is also a keen computer enthusiast and keeps a regular blog on the heya"s website. In February 2008 Ichinoya had his retirement ceremony, or danpatsu-shiki, at a hotel in Tokyo, along with his wedding reception.
Asashōryū was among the attendees.
