Sumo ring name Kotozakura returns after 50 years; Ozeki Kotonowaka changes after fulfilling his promise to his famous grandfather

For the first time in 50 years, the announced name Kotozakura appears on the rankings of a major sumo tournament.

Ozeki Kotonowaka has adopted the name of his famous grandfather and yokozuna Kotozakura for this month’s summer tournament, with the new characters boldly filling the ozeki position at the west end of the rankings released Tuesday.

“It’s a strange feeling,” Kotozakura said at a news conference while dressed in a pink kimono, an homage to the “sakura” in his new name. “I am determined to continue with the idea that this is my sumo name.”

When Kotozakura was in primary school, his grandfather made it a condition that he could take the name if he reached the rank of ozeki.

“I’m happy that I could meet the criteria,” said Kotozakura. “Regardless of the name, I want to overtake my great predecessor,” a reference to reaching the highest rank of yokozuna.

The original Kotozakura was the previous stablemaster of Sadogatake, and his son, the former sekiwake Kotonowaka and father of the new Kotozakura, is the current stablemaster.

In other ranking news for the summer tournament starting May 12 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Onosato was promoted to komusubi and reached sanyaku – the three ranks under Yokozuna – in just his sixth tournament since turning pro, the second-fastest pace since the Showa. era.

The 23-year-old’s hair has finally grown long enough to be tied up in a high bun, as he showed off during a press conference. “I’m happy that I achieved my goal: to make it [into the sanyaku] early in my career,” said Onosato.

Two wrestlers will make their debut in the top makuuchi division. Tokihayate, at No. 15 maegashira, is the first debutant from Miyagi Prefecture in 27 years, while Mongolian No. 14 maegashira Oshoma is the first from the Naruto stable founded in 2017.