The preliminary sumo matches for new trainees, known as maezumo, kicked off on Day 3 of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament (May 12) at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Tetsufuji, representing Isegahama stable, suffered a loss in his debut against Otona (Kokonoe stable), marking a black-star start to his career. “It was a one-sided loss, and I’m really disappointed,” he commented.
His ring name, Tetsufuji, was bestowed upon him before the tournament by stablemaster Isegahama (former yokozuna Terunofuji), carrying the wish that he would “pursue the way of sumo earnestly, as unyielding and upright as iron.” Tetsufuji shared his initial reaction: “At first, I wondered if it was ‘Tetsu no Fuji’.”
Having no prior sumo background, he is currently focusing on learning the basics during stable practice sessions. On his future ambitions, he declared, “I aim to be unbeatable in every aspect.”
