Konishiki Yasokichi I


Konishiki Yasokichi I was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Musha District, Kazusa Province. He was the sport's 17th yokozuna.

Career

His real name was Iwai Yasokichi. Konishiki made his professional debut in May 1883 and reached the top makuuchi division in May 1888. He won 39 bouts in a row after his makuuchi debut. Konishiki was promoted to ōzeki in May 1890, and awarded a yokozuna licence by the house of Yoshida Tsukasa in March 1896. He was somewhat weak on technical skills, but had great speed.
Around the time of his promotion to yokozuna, his stablemaster Takasago Uragoro suffered an illness, and so Konishiki took care of him. In spite of his amazing debut, he did not have the best record in any tournaments as yokozuna. On April 8, 1900, his stablemaster died. Konishiki was absent from the next tournament and retired in January 1901. In the top makuuchi division, he won 119 bouts and lost 24 bouts, recording a winning percentage of 83.2.
The Hawaiian born ōzeki Konishiki Yasokichi was named after him. Ōzeki Konishiki was actually the 6th Konishiki, and three wrestlers named Konishiki have been promoted to the top makuuchi division.

Top division record

*Championships for the best record in a tournament were not recognized or awarded before the 1909 summer tournament and the above unofficial championships are historically conferred. For more information see yūshō.