Kototsubaki Katsuyuki

Kototsubaki Katsuyuki is a former sumo wrestler from Naha, Okinawa, Japan.

Early life

Katsuyuki was born in Naha, Okinawa on 6 December, 1960. He practiced judo in junior high school, and by the time he was a third year junior high school student, he was 180cm tall, and being scouted by high schools outside the prefecture, including Kokushikan High School.
Katsuyuki was scouted for sumo by stablemaster Sadogatake, who was visiting Okinawa and was originally interested in Katsuyuki’s older brother. His brother turned down the opportunity, but recommended Katsuyuki to Sadogatake instead.
In 1976, at the age of 15, Katsuyuki chose to join the Sadogatake sumo stable, rather than entering high school.

Sumo career

As a wrestler

He made his professional debut in March 1976, and reached the top division in January 1991. His highest rank was maegashira 3. His favourite techniques were tsuki/oshi.
When Katsuyuki was promoted to Sekitori, he was only the second wrestler from Okinawa to have reached that rank.

As an elder

He retired in March 1995, and became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Shiratama. He joined the Sumo Association's special executive group, below the 10 directors and 3 deputy directors, on 30 March 2022.

Legacy

Katsuyuki has worked to promote sumo in Okinawa, and develop more wrestlers from the prefecture. The Okinawa Prefectural Sumo Championship has named the trophy given to the winner the Kototsubaki Cup Okinawa Prefecture Sumo Championship, after Katsuyuki’s wrestling name.