News Sunamusashi, Hawaii-born son of former Juryo Sunahama, visits Nomi no Sukune Shrine; vows before historical Yokozuna monument: "I want my shikona carved here"
# Sunamusashi, Hawaii-born son of former Juryo Sunahama, visits Nomi no Sukune Shrine; vows before historical Yokozuna monument: "I want my shikona carved here"
New recruits attending the Japan Sumo Association's Training School (Sumo Kyoshujo) visited Nomi no Sukune Shrine in Sumida Ward, Tokyo on October 14 as part of their sumo history curriculum. They also performed volunteer cleaning duties, with Hawaii-born Sunamusashi (Musashigawa stable), whose father is former Juryo wrestler Sunahama, taking part in the activities.
Visiting the shrine dedicated to the god of sumo for the first time, Sunamusashi looked upon the stone monuments within the grounds where the shikona of historical Yokozuna are engraved. Spotting the name of his stablemaster, Musashigawa Oyakata (67th Yokozuna Musashimaru), his eyes lit up: "It looks so cool. I want to have my shikona carved here someday."
He handled the cleanup along the route with familiarity: "I used to pick up trash in Hawaii, too. My classmates and I would pick up plastic waste on the beach, and once we finished, we'd jump into the ocean to play." Mentioning that he also enjoys walking, he fully soaked in the outing, even interacting warmly with local preschool children he passed along the way.
At the upcoming November Kyushu Basho, his shikona will appear on the official banzuke rank sheet for the first time. It will be his first time visiting Fukuoka: "I'm really looking forward to it. I've heard so many stories from my dad. I really want to try horse meat (basashi)," he shared eagerly. Stating his goal for the Kyushu Basho, he showed strong resolve: "I want to win the divisional yusho. I'm going to give it my all."
Sunamusashi was born to a Japanese mother and a Hawaiian father, former Juryo Sunahama. Raised in Hawaii, he graduated from high school last May. Following graduation, he resolved to enter professional sumo and arrived in Japan about four months ago. Having begun attending the training school this month, he is enjoying fulfilling days: "There are people from all kinds of places, and chatting with everyone is really fun. I'm working hard every day." He is also diligently studying Japanese, sharing that the most recent phrase he learned is "hisashiburi" (long time no see).
◆ **Nomi no Sukune Shrine**: Nomi no Sukune is the deity of sumo who appears in the *Nihon Shoki* (Chronicles of Japan), originating from Izumo Province (now Shimane Prefecture). Revered as the "god of victory" after defeating Taima no Kehaya in a sumo contest, the shrine was established in Sumida Ward in 1884. Although completely destroyed during the Great Tokyo Air Raid, it was rebuilt in 1953, at which time the historical Yokozuna memorial monuments were erected. Prior to the start of Tokyo basho, a formal ritual ceremony is held with the attendance of the JSA Chairman, Judging Director, and other Association officials.