The Strongest Sumo Champion in History with 69 Consecutive Victories

FUTABAYAMA Sadaji

Every sport has great records and one of the men behind a great sumo record is FUTABAYAMA Sadaji (1912 ~ 1968) from Ooita prefecture, who won an amazing 69 consecutive victories. In recent years, the great Yokozuna (grand champion or highest rank) CHIYONOFUJI had achieved 53 consecutive victories and won 3l tournaments, and TAIHO, who takes pride in having won the most tournaments (32) in sumo history, had 45 consecutive victories. Considering these, you will understand what a great achievement Futabayama has made.

Futabayama’s success created the biggest ever sumo boom and lots of people praise him as being the strongest Yokozuna in history since the tournament system was established in 1909. Although he won 12 tournaments, only two tournaments were held a year at the time. This makes it difficult to compare his achievements against those of Taiho and Chiyonofuji who set their records under the present system in which there are six tournaments a year. Futabayama was undefeated in eight tournaments, while both Taiho and Chiyonofuji achieved this feat seven times.

When Futabayama made his debut, tournaments were only 10 days long. Later, the length of tournaments was extended to 11 days, and due to the popularity of Futabayama, who kept on winning, they were extended to 13 days and then to 15 days as it is at present. Futabayama’s defeat by AKINOUMI, the Maegashira (the lowest rank) at what was expected to be the former’s 70th consecutive victory bout became huge news and newspapers printed extra editions, which was the first time this had ever occurred in Japanese sports history.

I’m Still Unable to be a “Wooden Cock”
In spite of the excited stirs inside the hall, the three-year undefeated Futabayama bowed to the sumo ring as usual and walked away. However, that night he sent a wire to YASUOKA Masahiro, a Cabinet adviser to the Prime Minister at the time and who taught Futabayama the meaning of a “wooden cock.” The message from Futabayama said, “I’m still unable to be a ‘wooden cock.’” This refers to the state of a fighting cock that always wins but remains calm in all situations as if it was made of wood. Futabayama always strived to become stronger and review his ways, and wanted to become like a wooden cock.

Futabayama almost lost sight in his right eye due to an injury he sustained in his childhood. Furthermore, he badly injured the little finger of his right hand twice. These injuries had an influence on his bout results before he entered the Makuuchi (the highest division in sumo) which were a little above average and not outstanding at all. However, with his indomitable spirit and persistent effort he devoted himself to sumo, and as a result he gradually improved.

Akinoumi, who prevented Futabayama from achieving 70 consecutive victories, was told by his master, “Instead of being a wrestler who is praised for winning, be a wrestler who receives a lot of attention by losing,” and he did his very best. Akinoumi later reached the position of Yokozuna. After the bout he fought Futabayama nine times, but never won.

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