On March 17, 2025, the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament took center stage at Osaka's Edion Arena, where Ichiyamamoto, the Maegashira 4 from Iwanai Town, made history by defeating the reigning Yokozuna Hoshoryu. This remarkable win marks Ichiyamamoto’s first kinboshi, which is awarded for defeating a Yokozuna, and adds to his growing reputation on the sumo circuit.
The match was fiercely contested, with Hoshoryu attempting to employ his signature moves. Unfortunately for the Yokozuna, Ichiyamamoto executed a precise Sukui Nage, managing to throw his opponent onto his back. This win not only showcases Ichiyamamoto's skill but is also significant as it's the first kinboshi earned by a Hokkaido native since 1984, when Tamotsu (later known as Hokutoumi) last achieved this feat.
Reflecting on his victory, Ichiyamamoto expressed his delight, saying, “I wasn’t nervous and I was able to take sumo like usual, so it was good.” This victory takes Ichiyamamoto’s record for the Spring Tournament to 5 wins and 4 losses, placing him among the ranks of prominent competitors.
Ichiyamamoto’s path to this moment has been anything but ordinary. While many sumo wrestlers enter the sport at a young age, Ichiyamamoto joined at 23 after working as a civil servant at the Hokkaido Fukushima Town Hall and graduating from Chuo University. Competing for eight years, he has steadily risen through the ranks, achieving his highest rank yet during this tournament.
The match against Hoshoryu was historic not only for Ichiyamamoto but for the entire sumo community, serving as evidence of the potential for new talent to rise. After the match, he received numerous congratulatory messages and expressed hope for the resurgence of sumo talent from Hokkaido, stating, “I hope the next person from Hokkaido will emerge soon.”
This victory resonates not just with Ichiyamamoto but also with the community of Iwanai Town, where delighted residents celebrated his success. Local fans have openly cheered for Ichiyamamoto, expressing their hope for him to secure more wins, as many look to him as inspiration for future sumo wrestlers from Hokkaido.
Ichiyamamoto's determination and resilience are evident as he prepares for his next bout against Daizan Kirishima on March 18, 2025, the tenth day of the tournament. Fans are eagerly anticipating how he will perform now with the momentum of his first kinboshi behind him.
This tournament continues to provide thrilling action as the competition narrows. Meanwhile, Hoshoryu endured this loss as his fourth, making it a wake-up call for the Yokozuna, who has had his share of ups and downs throughout the tournament.
Overall, the March 17 victory has carved out Ichiyamamoto's name thickly on the scroll of sumo history, marking his entry not just as another competitor, but as someone who could revitalize interest and pride within the Hokkaido sumo scene.
