Sadanoyama the Wrestler....Day 49 of Bond 365

It’s been a longer day and I got home a little late, so I’m keeping this a short post today.

Sadanoyama, during tournament

Sadanoyama Shinmatsu

Born this day in 1938

Japanese Sumo Wrestler in You Only Live Twice

Sadanoyama Shimatsu made one appearance and that was as himself in You Only Live Twice. He was a professional wrestler, having made his debut in January 1956. I’ll be honest, I’m not familiar with the sport, but from what I read, he did very well up until a surprise loss to a Hawaiian wrestler named Takamiyama. Sadanoyama announced his retirement thereafter in March 1968 and became a coach and an elder until he reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 in 2003. 

I was hoping I could find a video of Sadanoyama against Takamiyama, but there wasn’t one posted on YouTube. However, as I was watching some of the wrestling videos, it started to make sense about the various fighting styles. According to Wiki, Sadanoyama was apparently known for pushing and thrusting but he was also good with a grip technique and a throw. 

Below is a short National Geographic video on sumo wrestling that I think provides an introduction and shows examples of the various techniques.

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