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

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  • Опубликовано: 13 янв 2025

Комментарии • 155

  • @LauraJdogmom
    @LauraJdogmom 2 года назад +65

    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
      @rektl2036 Год назад +1

      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.

  • @tatsuyanorth
    @tatsuyanorth 2 года назад +21

    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
    @bergermiesterz 2 года назад +35

    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

  • @sry4gotmyusername
    @sry4gotmyusername 2 года назад +25

    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
      @Anastaecia 2 года назад +1

      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
      @nomadr1349 2 года назад +1

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

  • @Dephire
    @Dephire 2 года назад +22

    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!!

  • @WALSTIB107
    @WALSTIB107 Год назад +4

    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
    @fafodiesel1 2 года назад +8

    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.

  • @advancedmonkey7702
    @advancedmonkey7702 2 года назад +4

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

  • @DonDonSumo
    @DonDonSumo 2 года назад +2

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

  • @Don_Rodrigo44
    @Don_Rodrigo44 2 года назад +9

    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

  • @JugglerOfWords
    @JugglerOfWords 2 года назад +17

    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
      @youremakingprogress144 2 года назад +13

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

    • @sry4gotmyusername
      @sry4gotmyusername 2 года назад +8

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

    • @JugglerOfWords
      @JugglerOfWords 2 года назад +4

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

  • @byronhowlett4749
    @byronhowlett4749 2 года назад +4

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

  • @1stmaterayleigh500
    @1stmaterayleigh500 2 года назад +2

    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.

  • @MidnightSumo
    @MidnightSumo 2 года назад +3

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

  • @thrillhouse4151
    @thrillhouse4151 2 года назад

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

  • @youremakingprogress144
    @youremakingprogress144 2 года назад +7

    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.

  • @TheNotoriousDUDE
    @TheNotoriousDUDE 2 года назад +4

    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 😂

  • @joannaedwards6325
    @joannaedwards6325 2 года назад +1

    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
    @Ganbarizer 2 года назад +2

    I love the editing and interviews in your videos!

  • @r3dpuma
    @r3dpuma 2 года назад

    Omg. What a great production value

  • @johnpeterson462
    @johnpeterson462 2 года назад

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

  • @ChenSolomon
    @ChenSolomon Год назад

    Thanks!

  • @ryguy1
    @ryguy1 2 года назад

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

  • @Kupoinfo
    @Kupoinfo 2 года назад +2

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

  • @lazlo2061
    @lazlo2061 2 года назад +1

    I love your passion

  • @iamnoone21
    @iamnoone21 2 года назад +1

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

  • @SILVER-ws9ki
    @SILVER-ws9ki 2 года назад +5

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

  • @jasonmitchum1420
    @jasonmitchum1420 Год назад

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

  • @NamuWilliams
    @NamuWilliams 2 года назад +1

    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?

  • @FoodiePunk
    @FoodiePunk 2 года назад +1

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

  • @Neithersilvernorgold
    @Neithersilvernorgold 6 месяцев назад

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

  • @oBuLLzEyEo1013
    @oBuLLzEyEo1013 2 года назад +3

    Heck yes I'll take some stew...

  • @LordLevett
    @LordLevett 2 года назад +1

    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
    @DavidRodriguez-jt1ns 2 года назад

    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.

  • @paulgundrum9059
    @paulgundrum9059 2 года назад

    Great video! Thanks Sumostew!

  • @shinaiandbogu
    @shinaiandbogu 2 года назад +1

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

  • @kape2978
    @kape2978 2 года назад +21

    That Boba Fett helmet tho.

  • @martincolvill5453
    @martincolvill5453 2 года назад +2

    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?

  • @stevebrown5253
    @stevebrown5253 2 года назад +2

    Great video…thanks!

  • @MargaretRodriguez9GenY
    @MargaretRodriguez9GenY 2 года назад +1

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

  • @seunghwanlee90
    @seunghwanlee90 2 года назад

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

  • @samjohnson5044
    @samjohnson5044 2 года назад +1

    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.

  • @lanceslarock
    @lanceslarock Год назад

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

  • @jasonheadlee2
    @jasonheadlee2 2 года назад

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

  • @casualjesoterik9192
    @casualjesoterik9192 2 года назад

    Another great video. thank you.

  • @ReclinedPhysicist
    @ReclinedPhysicist 2 года назад

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

  • @jeffscheurkogel
    @jeffscheurkogel 2 года назад

    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!

  • @theredrighthand
    @theredrighthand 2 года назад

    Been looking forward to this - a really interesting talking point

  • @chaosdromanah8620
    @chaosdromanah8620 2 года назад

    Thanks for this very educated video

  • @achevres
    @achevres 3 месяца назад

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

  • @garygruber1452
    @garygruber1452 2 года назад

    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.

  • @James_C_Murphy
    @James_C_Murphy 2 года назад

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

  • @Hilltan1974
    @Hilltan1974 2 года назад

    Thanks for the great video. 👍🏻

  • @RobSpewack
    @RobSpewack 2 года назад +4

    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.

  • @lucasm9172
    @lucasm9172 2 года назад

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

  • @javaman2022
    @javaman2022 2 года назад

    Great content as always!

  • @reeset
    @reeset 2 года назад

    Great vid, like always. Sumo love from austria

  • @roym3282
    @roym3282 2 года назад +3

    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".

  • @r3dpuma
    @r3dpuma 2 года назад +1

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

  • @jonathanwaswrong3917
    @jonathanwaswrong3917 2 года назад +1

    Good info!
    Thank you!!! :3

  • @fnorazril
    @fnorazril 2 года назад

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

  • @gabmilitao
    @gabmilitao 2 года назад

    Amazing video as always Ter

  • @Drinky_Crow
    @Drinky_Crow 2 года назад +1

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

  • @havok1522
    @havok1522 2 года назад

    Learning what chiyomaru means made my day 😁 haha.

  • @thexen3120
    @thexen3120 2 года назад +3

    Where are you? I hope everything is okay🙏

  • @KG88KiteGodMusic
    @KG88KiteGodMusic 2 года назад +1

    Learning about sumo is fun

  • @fernglaser
    @fernglaser 7 месяцев назад

    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.

  • @boomermcboom8609
    @boomermcboom8609 2 года назад +1

    New video let's gooo !

  • @coffeemite
    @coffeemite 2 года назад +4

    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
      @清杉-t3t 2 года назад

      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
      @marvintg2002 2 года назад +1

      @@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
      @清杉-t3t 2 года назад

      @@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

  • @aruanmello9320
    @aruanmello9320 2 года назад

    Love the content!

  • @GandharKulkarni2000
    @GandharKulkarni2000 2 года назад +2

    Ayy terunofuji back with another banger

  • @-Erebus
    @-Erebus 2 года назад

    Love this channel

  • @markhodge7
    @markhodge7 2 года назад

    Loved it. Thanks.

  • @theravagedgrapefruit8190
    @theravagedgrapefruit8190 2 года назад +2

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

  • @rillip3
    @rillip3 2 года назад

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

  • @jefflo4460
    @jefflo4460 2 года назад

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

  • @terrot946
    @terrot946 2 года назад +2

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

  • @martinkuhk
    @martinkuhk 2 года назад +2

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

    • @LauraJdogmom
      @LauraJdogmom 2 года назад +3

      We love our Flying Monkey.

  • @mitchellbrian2585
    @mitchellbrian2585 2 года назад

    Nice video!

  • @cmw12
    @cmw12 Месяц назад

    Kind of wild how older former sumo wrestlers look like normal people again.

  • @Goose_scs
    @Goose_scs 2 года назад +1

    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

  • @FightSceneFilmSchool
    @FightSceneFilmSchool 2 года назад +1

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

  • @Anastaecia
    @Anastaecia 2 года назад

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

  • @Sumostew
    @Sumostew  2 года назад +5

    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

    • @PearlCab
      @PearlCab 2 года назад

      Where'd you go, Sumostew?

  • @vanloy.
    @vanloy. 2 года назад +5

    Then there's Tobizaru 🐒

  • @ob1quixote
    @ob1quixote 2 года назад +1

    This is the way.

  • @navinpillay3595
    @navinpillay3595 2 года назад

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

  • @mariansajgalik7731
    @mariansajgalik7731 2 года назад

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

  • @nucklechutz9933
    @nucklechutz9933 2 года назад

    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.

  • @juannicolasmitidieri4941
    @juannicolasmitidieri4941 2 года назад +1

    Chiyomaru ftw

  • @hawkeyeeagle5280
    @hawkeyeeagle5280 2 года назад

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

  • @RedBridge83
    @RedBridge83 2 года назад

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

  • @leringhat
    @leringhat Год назад

    where do you get a poster like that from?

    • @Sumostew
      @Sumostew  Год назад

      Which poster?

    • @leringhat
      @leringhat Год назад

      The first one with all the Rikishi. i found one anyway thank you!@@Sumostew

  • @zrugel
    @zrugel 2 года назад

    haha, that was awesome.

  • @ridleyroid9060
    @ridleyroid9060 Год назад

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

  • @jamesneidlinger6065
    @jamesneidlinger6065 2 года назад

    Spread the word for Japan Sumo Association's new RUclips channel: "Sumo Prime Time" hosted by Hiro Morita (previously of NHK). Made for the English speaking audience (finally). First episode dropped today 8/2

  • @chrysrhykyscalhoun9812
    @chrysrhykyscalhoun9812 2 года назад

    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.

  • @aceantoniosiquijor5194
    @aceantoniosiquijor5194 11 месяцев назад

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

  • @Mark_4_Now
    @Mark_4_Now 2 года назад

    Were you at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan on Day 5?

  • @marutanray
    @marutanray 7 месяцев назад

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