Former Yokozuna Tachiazuma Reflects on the Personal Side of Tamanoshima Oyakata and the Present State of Tamanoshima Stable: "A Return to Ōzeki is Only a Matter of Time"
"The guys in my stable? They're still way too soft, you know. Especially the sekitori--they really need to rethink their position." As he said this with a hearty laugh, the image of the "fighting general" he once was in the ring instantly came to mind. We sat down with Tamanoshima Oyakata, the former Ōzeki Tachiazuma who battled in so many legendary matchups, to talk about the fierce focus he brings to his role as a mentor today.
It's been about 20 years since he retired from active competition and took over Tamanoshima Stable as the elder, Tamanoshima. During that time, he has produced numerous sekitori from his stable, nurturing it into an undisputed top-tier heya. In a recent interview, the oyakata expressed a sense of fulfillment in his pupils' growth, while also emphasizing the strict standards required to aim for even greater heights. Of particular note is his focus on restoring the stable to the "Ōzeki" rank, a position he once held himself.
"A Return to Ōzeki is Only a Matter of Time": The Meaning Behind the Words
"Honestly, if you consider their potential, I see Ōzeki as just a stepping stone. The next step is for them to realize that for themselves and break out of their shells. Their strength is clearly improving." Tamanoshima Oyakata stated this with conviction. While he didn't mention any specific names, the confident look in his eyes as he spoke revealed his unwavering trust in the stable's top wrestlers, who have been rapidly building their strength in recent years.
The oyakata highlighted the following key factors on the path back to Ōzeki:
- "The Right Mindset": The sense of responsibility and self-awareness required to aim for Yokozuna.
- "Consistency": The strength befitting the Ōzeki rank, marked by never having a losing record.
- "Encouraging Outside Sparring": Broadening their horizons through exchanges with wrestlers from other stables.
Disciples Carrying the DNA of the "Fighting General," Tachiazuma
A defining characteristic of today's Tamanoshima Stable is the fierce thrusting and pushing sumo that harkens back to the oyakata's own active days. He recalls with a nostalgic smile, "The young guys today are diligent; they seriously complete the practice regimen they're given. But that alone isn't enough. When I was competing, I feel like I was more... desperately searching for something more, always on the move."
Even so, the look in his disciples' eyes during daily practice unmistakably burns with fighting spirit. "My greatest joy now is watching them grow, without setting limits on how far they can go," he says. At that moment, his gaze wasn't that of the "fighting general" glaring down an opponent in the ring. It was the loving eyes of a "nurturing father", watching over their development.
The countdown to regaining the Ōzeki rank has already begun. And at the heart of that pursuit are undoubtedly the wrestlers of Tamanoshima Stable, who carry the spirit of the former Ōzeki, Tachiazuma. We can't afford to take our eyes off the world of Grand Sumo from here on out.