How Sumo Wrestler Names Work | A Guide to "Shikona"

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In this video, we try to unlock the mystery of the sumo wrestler shikona or ring name. A shikona explainer for beginner fans with a bit of trivia here and there!
Special thanks to:
Ryo Harada - Japanese expert
Helpful Links:
Sumo Blog with in-depth explainers on shikona - www.tachiai.org
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[@LauraJdogmom]

It's worth noting that some Japanese rikishi never adopt a shikona, using their given names instead. It's rare but not unheard of. A current example is Ura Kazuki. Ishiura uses his actual surname (or what would be a surname in English), although he has changed the given name part from Masakatsu, his real name, to Shikanosuke. Wajima, the 54th Yokozuna, always fought under his real name of Wajima Hiroshi. It's interesting how different heyas have different name policies. Some have strict policies; such as Kokonoe's policy of "everybody is Chiyo-somethingorother." At Isegahama, being something-Fuji seems to be a tradition rather than a strict requirement. Everything seems to go at Kise and several others. Your production values were great for this vid, by the way. Excellent graphics. 👍

[@rektl2036]

Isegahama is slightly different as they have a long history of champions, so they draw on either past generation, or current generation (oyakata) for inspiration in naming convention. e.g. either Teru , or Fuji .This is covered in another of Sumostew's videos, check it out! Kokonoe is abit different, they fluctuated between using "no Fuji" and "chiyo" for naming convention, until it settled on Chiyo when Chiyonofuji took over fully for Kitanofuji his oyakata.

[@sry4gotmyusername]

Also a fun fact about shikonas is that sometimes a shikona will be changed in order to offer "better luck" to the wrestler. One example of such change is the former rikishi that was known as Hattorizakura, his oyakata changed his shikona to Shonanzakura hoping that he would gain more weight and have better luck ( needless to say, it failed).

[@Anastaecia]

Same with mawashi color. I assume it's the same for new vs old mawashi. I noticed Ura has a new one recently, same cherry blossom color, though.

[@nomadr1349]

Also on promotion: e.g. Ama -> Harumafuji, Takahanada -> Takanohana, Wakahanada -> Wakanohana,

[@tatsuyanorth]

When used in naming, "maru" does not mean round or circular, but is a suffix for boys (in feudal eras, boys of samurai class can be named like "something-maru" before he gets an official name after growing up). We also name ships with that tradition and it continues to today, in contrast to doing so to boys already being obsolete.

[@bergermiesterz]

So 2 things 1) I can’t express how much I enjoy learning via your videos. I’ve casually watched sumo on and off for years but I’m actually learning more about it and appreciating it more now so thank you! 2) that boba fett helmet was stellar. Top notch stuff. You are just so cool, and I say that with with zero sarcasm I promise you

[@Dephire]

This was a fantastic idea for a video! I love learning shikona meanings. I always felt like Hakuho's shikona was so accurate and conveys a lot of power just from the way it looks and sounds, let alone the meaning. Hakuho was the perfect embodiment of his own shikona because he was majestic, fiery and powerful like a phoenix. Not only that, but white flames are scientifically the hottest. Another thing is that a phoenix can be reborn after dying, much like Hakuho learning from past defeats and coming back stronger than before. He was the ultimate personification of a white phoenix. Thanks for another awesome video, Ter! Your work is appreciated greatly, as always!!

[@advancedmonkey7702]

漢字 usually have multiple meanings in different contexts, for exemplar “貴” should not be translated to "expensive", it means "noble" or "grace" here.

[@JugglerOfWords]

Eternally Round is such a goofy, yet cool name... and now I'm just wondering what Tobizaru means.. I assume it's something about a place, and how he's going there.....

[@youremakingprogress144]

"Tobizaru" translates to "flying monkey," because of his speed and agility. Pretty cool, if you ask me.

[@sry4gotmyusername]

@@youremakingprogress144 I always thought he was named "flying monkey" because of his tendency of ending up in the spectator seats.

[@JugglerOfWords]

@@sry4gotmyusername yeah, I actually thought that was just a nickname, like how Akiseyama is the Gutfather...

[@WALSTIB107]

I've been a sumo fan for almost 10 years. Fulfilled a dream by going to the March basho in Osaka. I love your content and the presentation (voice, graphics, etc). At a time when sumo is gaining popularity around the world, the JSA should be paying you create this fantastic English-language content on their behalf, spreading the love for and knowledge of sumo not only as a sport but as something deeply connected to Japanese culture. Thank you.

[@fafodiesel1]

Your videos (along with Chris Sumo) have really helped me learn all about Sumo. Coming from a small country without any knowledge of sumo, it is amazing there is English-speaking educational content to learn more about this fantastic sport.

[@Don_Rodrigo44]

great video idea it cracked me up the first time i learned the names of these super stoic guys in this serious religious sports were actually more akin to WWE names. Also can really tell the extra effort you put into this one with all the editing GG Ter

[@DonDonSumo]

Eternal Round, hah. Awesome vid as always. Thanks for all the work you do Ter!

[@Kupoinfo]

Great Video! If I eat enough of those subscription boxes I too will become 'Eternally Round' =P

[@MidnightSumo]

Gaia has the best shikona. It somehow translates to "Hey Asia" from what I recall. Cool video, Terba Fett!

[@byronhowlett4749]

The production of this video is outstanding, the time and effort you put in for us is much appreciated 👍👍

[@TheNotoriousDUDE]

Another fantastic video! Even I didn't know a lot of this stuff yet :D Also, I legitimately gasped out loud when you started to take your helmet off because I thought we were getting a random face reveal 😂

[@youremakingprogress144]

Thanks for another great video, Ter! I have wondered about many of these common name parts for a long time. I would love to see more videos in this vein, explaining more of the wrestlers' names.

[@thrillhouse4151]

2:37 Musashi Boy! I’ve always been interested in that nomenclature, great video.

[@oBuLLzEyEo1013]

Heck yes I'll take some stew...

[@johnpeterson462]

Chiyomaru is my favorite of all wrestlers names, eternally round is wonderful

[@1stmaterayleigh500]

Amazing Video, i did know some part of the Names through my love for Manga and anime. But you gave me a more deeper Perspective into it. Happy about every video you release.

[@jasonmitchum1420]

I’m learning so much about sumo from your videos! Thank you!

[@joannaedwards6325]

For those who want to see Ter's face without that helmet watch Sumostew's SUMO WRESTLER KONISHIKI. See her for a split second at 1:04. Very cute with her glasses on.

[@Ganbarizer]

I love the editing and interviews in your videos!

[@iamnoone21]

Wow I have a lot more appreciation for all of these names now, especially "Eternally Round!" I love it!

[@stevebrown5253]

Great video…thanks!

[@martincolvill5453]

A stunning visual and audio experience, Ter. I learned a lot. I am not looking forward to the day we lose you to Hollywood with your stratospheric production values. So, which number clone of Mr. Fett are you?

[@lanceslarock]

New sumo fan here. I noticed recently that the "marus" tended to be bigger guys. Very cool to have my suspicions confirmed. Great video

[@KG88KiteGodMusic]

Learning about sumo is fun

[@terrot946]

well "ho" does not mean exactly Phoenix, it related to Peng from chinese mythology who is also a giant bird

[@JeffMartinez648]

Thank you for doing this, oftener wondered about this and you put it together nicely. Thanks again.

[@coffeemite]

About "maru", while the basic meaning is "round", when used in names it means something like "boy" or "kid", so an underaged man, Musashimaru would mean "a boy from Musashi".

[@清杉-t3t]

Musashimaru's "maru" has a double meaning, the "maru" of his real name Fiamalu and the meaning you pointed out. Musashimaru belonged to the Musashigawa stable. Musashi is Miyamoto Musashi, and is also the name of a place in Tokyo.

[@marvintg2002]

@@清杉-t3t I know this to be incorrect, but I can't help but think of Musashimaru's name as "Round Musashi" XD

[@清杉-t3t]

@@marvintg2002 you are not wrong. Because In Japan, there is a saying that “the name reflects the body”. Mitakeumi（御嶽海）'s shikona is interesting. His hometown is Nagano Prefecture (where the legendary Ozeki Raiden was born), and there is a sacred mountain called Mount Ontake. Ontake（御嶽） can also be read as 'Mitake', and attached to this is the sea（海[umi]） named Dewanoumi stable. It is a very large-scale shikona where the mountains and the sea live together. thank you

[@NamuWilliams]

New fan here, thanks for all this awesome sumo content! The world needs a lot more! I especially appreciated your first video, the video about Byambajav, who is one of my favorites. Hella sad when he passed! Side note: are you Pinay, by any chance?

[@r3dpuma]

Omg omg omg. What an Intro quality,,!!!! 👏

[@RobSpewack]

Loved this! Now that the proper names are explained, how's about a video on the crazy amount of nicknames people have invented? SmolBirb, Egg, Terrornofuji, etc. I'm sure you see a million of them on Twitch during a basho.

[@shinaiandbogu]

Love your research and explanations! You can't tell their names mean without understanding the kanji, tradition and culture.

[@achevres]

Great video. Im a Japanese learner and sumo fan. I always wondered about the names.

[@r3dpuma]

Omg. What a great production value

[@ryguy1]

Great informative video and the production quality has skyrocketed since your early videos.

[@LordLevett]

Great work as always, my son's current shikona is Shiroyama (城山). It was the first place we went to after we moved to Japan :)

[@DavidRodriguez-jt1ns]

That is so cool, it's so amazing how just changing the kanji even though they are pronounced the same mean totally different things. Thank you for the brief history into the names of our favorite sumo wrestlers.

[@VulgarUltra]

Your editing and creativity are broadening even further! Loved this one

[@MargaretRodriguez9GenY]

"Eternally Round" awww that's such as cute nickname😂🥰. Interesting and fun vid Ter😊!

[@paulgundrum9059]

Great video! Thanks Sumostew!

[@SILVER-ws9ki]

If you hear "I miss you" will you appear?

[@FightSceneFilmSchool]

LMAO Best YT face reveal ever (no offense to your actual face)!

[@fernglaser]

I am a Sumo fan; living in India. The publication in this channel is useful. Thank you! Please keep it going. Your pronunciation of japanese words/names though is very western (American) but that’s alright.

[@reeset]

Great vid, like always. Sumo love from austria

[@garygruber1452]

While it may appear comical to some to 'see' you with your face covered, it is actually a sign of great humility on your part. Making the video more important than yourself is a step on the road to greatness.

[@jasonheadlee2]

Eternally round! I’m never going to be able to not smile whenever I see him now. 😂🤣😂

[@lazlo2061]

I love your passion

[@Drinky_Crow]

^ My Shikona ^ Ter, you faked me out with that helmet removal. Thanks for the great content.

[@samjohnson5044]

Hi! Can you do a video on upcoming European sumo wrestlers? Tochinoshin and Aoiyama are amazing, but they're not getting any younger. Thank you.

[@martinkuhk]

Tobizaru 翔猿 is one of my favourite for sure. 猿 means monkey in Japanese but it means ape in Chinese 😂

[@LauraJdogmom]

We love our Flying Monkey.

[@jonathanwaswrong3917]

Good info! Thank you!!! :3

[@theravagedgrapefruit8190]

I hope wakatakakage doesn’t change his name but I hear he is.

[@boomermcboom8609]

New video let's gooo !

[@jeffscheurkogel]

One time I forgot chiyomaru's name. I referred to him as "battle toad" and the person I was talking to knew who I meant. He does look like a road, but 'eternally round' is even more appropriate. Thank you for the quality content sumostew!

[@seunghwanlee90]

This channel is very underrated. I'm sad that I recently found this channel after having watched sumo for 3 years.

[@vanloy.]

Then there's Tobizaru 🐒

[@MargaretRodriguez9GenY]

😂Dear, dear, flying monkey💖.

[@kape2978]

That Boba Fett helmet tho.

[@James_C_Murphy]

What a great video! I think Eternally Round is the best shikona too 😂

[@theredrighthand]

Been looking forward to this - a really interesting talking point

[@aruanmello9320]

Love the content!

[@-Erebus]

Love this channel

[@casualjesoterik9192]

Another great video. thank you.

[@chaosdromanah8620]

Thanks for this very educated video

[@markhodge7]

Loved it. Thanks.

[@ReclinedPhysicist]

Never miss one of your videos. Keep up the good work

[@lucasm9172]

Really upping it with the visuals. Wow. Especially the CGI on the Boba Fett helmet

[@Hilltan1974]

Thanks for the great video. 👍🏻

[@javaman2022]

Great content as always!

[@havok1522]

Learning what chiyomaru means made my day 😁 haha.

[@fnorazril]

So outside of the amazing learning experience and loving the break down of the names, utmost respect for repping Boba Fett.

[@Anastaecia]

I just happened to look up Tochi the other day, since there are a few of those and it means "land."

[@nucklechutz9933]

So based on what I learned from this video and from some of the comments below, Musashimaru can either just be a boy's name meant to invoke or pay homage to Miyamoto Musashi, or the Musashi prefecture, or it can mean, "Fat Musashi." I like Fat Musashi better, I'm down to learn some Burrito-Ryu Kenjutsu, that's a burrito in each hand, baby. That's twice the burrito power.

[@thexen3120]

Where are you? I hope everything is okay🙏

[@roym3282]

Great video but I think you made a mistake when talking about Takayasu. At 5:28 had on screen that "Takayasu is his birth name so the meaning is interpreted instead of using the kanji character's meaning" which I would say is wrong because the meaning of both Japanese names and Shinkonas are interpreted through their kanji. A common Japanese name like Sumiko can have a variety of meanings depending on the kanji used such as 澄心 which would mean serene heart and 純子 pure child. And on the flip side since one kanji can have several different meanings you can take Chiyomaru 千代丸 and interpreted like you did as "Eternally round" (which I agree is a great interpretation) or you could go with "Eternal perfection", and if you really want to push it you could even get "Eternally seduce".

[@Sumostew]

Get the heaviest Japanese snack box on the planet and use CODE “SUMO” to get $5 off with your first #TokyoTreat order! ~ bit.ly/tokyotreat-sumostew Experience authentic Japanese tea time at your home and use CODE “SUMO” to claim FREE extra snacks or items with your first #Sakuraco order! ~ bit.ly/sakuraco-sumostew

[@AlexJones0316]

Where'd you go, Sumostew?

[@ChenSolomon]

Thanks!

[@gabmilitao]

Amazing video as always Ter

[@GandharKulkarni2000]

Ayy terunofuji back with another banger

[@GandharKulkarni2000]

Or should I say, sunrise over mt Fuji?

[@mariansajgalik7731]

Teasing us with that helmet removal, are you not? 🤭 Thanks for another educational video. ☺️

[@jefflo4460]

Great as always! Wishlist: I'd love to see you do something on the different ichimon 👉👈😄

[@rillip3]

What a cool topic, and I loved the secret identity :D

[@RedBridge83]

I love your vids :D But I thought "maru" also meant bear?

[@ridleyroid9060]

Honestly, I think Im going to change my own name to Chiyomaru, it fits me.

[@navinpillay3595]

Great video as usual, Ter! Editing/cuts just keep getting better and better. One small typo though, phoenix is misspelled at 2:12. :)

[@ob1quixote]

This is the way.

[@aceantoniosiquijor5194]

I subscribed because I didn't know Bobafett's the narrator.

[@tamdunk]

That's funny cos I nicknamed chiyomaru the ball. Which is pretty much his name.

[@hawkeyeeagle5280]

and that helmer looks so yama on you ahahahah...makes ya look real cute... anyway, thanks for the great vid Ter...

[@Goose_scs]

im mates with a small sumo live commentary channel, id love to have you on of one night, live, pick your brain about the sport. no stress if you dont want to

[@chrysrhykyscalhoun9812]

Addendum. The word "maru" actually mean 0 if it was in a different kanji, or it can have no meaning, like for instance the character in the 1972 tokusatsu known as Lionmaru.

[@juannicolasmitidieri4941]

Chiyomaru ftw

[@marutanray]

musashatu to me means... musashi (as in miyamoto musashi) maru is like kun or chan

[@mitchellbrian2585]

Nice video!

[@davidbunting5430]

Have you ever had the joy of going to watch Sumo live?

[@ariohandoyo5973]

Wow i don't know those meanings, is that their real name or just their another name?😊

[@zrugel]

haha, that was awesome.

[@joshyboy1983]

Watching a Vid about Sumo Ring Names: Cool, Infor- *WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEL ITS THE BIG SHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW* I mean, not wrong. As a small note, Big Show is using his real name in AEW.