index
Part 2: Modern era
Chapter 11: Sumo wrestlers
HITACHIYAMA Taniemon, 1874–1922
The 19th Yokozuna (grand champion of sumo). He was born in Ibaraki Prefecture and was a member of the Dewanoumi Stable. He entered the stable while in his third year of middle school. In June 1903, he and his great rival Umegatani Totaro (the 20th Yokozuna) were both granted the title of Yokozuna, playing a key role in an unprecedented golden age of sumo known as the "Ume–Hitachi Era." From August 1907 to March the following year, he toured Western countries. He retired in 1914.
163 Hitachiyama Taniemon shokan, January 17, 1907 [MATSUI Shigeru Papers: 267]
A letter addressed to Matsui Shigeru, an official in the Resident General's Office in Korea. Hitachiyama expresses his gratitude for the warm reception given to the delegate that he had dispatched to Korea in preparation for a sumo tour. He explains that he could not go because he was held up by someone seeking his advice. The matter Hitachiyama was consulted on is surmised to have concerned the joint tournaments frequently held by sumo associations of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other regions. In the letter, Hitachiyama writes of his wish to visit Korea in due course—a wish that would be fulfilled in 1910 when the Tokyo Sumo Association conducted its first tour there.
常陸山谷右衛門書簡
TACHIYAMA Mineemon, 1877–1941
The 22nd Yokozuna. He was born in Toyama Prefecture and was a member of the Tomozuna stable. Following Hitachiyama and Umegatani, he was the reigning figure in the sumo world and hailed for his invincibility. He achieved winning streaks of 43 and 56 bouts, with only a single loss between them. At this time, he advanced from being Ozeki to Yokozuna. His specialty was in pushing and shoving techniques. He retired in 1918.
164 Tachiyama Mineemon shokan, August 9, 1906 [Toyokawa Ryohei Papers: 261-2]
A letter believed to have been addressed to his patron Toyokawa Ryohei. At that time, Tachiyama was ranked sekiwake and was on a provincial sumo tour. In the letter, he informs Toyokawa of his upcoming tour schedule and that he has fully recovered from illness and returned to the ring. Toyokawa Ryohei was a cousin of Iwasaki Yataro and a senior executive in the Mitsubishi zaibatsu (Mitsubishi financial group).