Takamiyama (Jesse Kuhaulua)

Jesse Kuhaulua was born in Happy Valley, Maui, Hawaii in June 1944. In 1964, at the age of nineteen,

Kuhaulua left Hawaii for Tokyo, and became the first American to enter the world of professional

Japanese sumo. In March of 1964, Kuhaulua made his debut under the name of Takamiyama and

began what would be a twenty year career. In 1968,

Takamiyama was promoted to the Makuuchi division representing the highest level of Japanese sumo.

Before his career was over, Takamiyama achieved the rank of sekiwake, the third highest in sumo,

and established records for most consecutive tournaments (97) and most consecutive bouts (1425).

The highlight of his career occurred in 1972, when he defeated Champion Ashaikuni to win the Emperor’s cup

and become the first foreign-born sumotori to win a championship.

Upon his victory, a Japanese ambassador read a congratulatory message from President Richard Nixon,

marking the first time that English words were spoken to a Japanese sumo audience.

Takimiyama retired in June 1984 with a record of 689-774, took the elder name Azumazeki Oyakata, and opened

his own sumo stable in Tokyo. Among his recruits were fellow Hawaiians Konishiki, and eventual Yokozuna,

Akebono. During his career, Takamiyama stood 6’4” tall and weighed 452 pounds.