The sumo world is mourning the loss of a true legend. Hasegawa Katsutoshi, a former Sekiwake who electrified the ring in the 1960s and 1970s, passed away on May 31 at his home after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 81 years old.
The Japan Sumo Association announced his passing on Monday, noting that a private wake and funeral were held with family members. The news was first reported by Nikkan Sports and translated by Google Translate.
Hasegawa's journey in professional sumo began at just 15 years old. He climbed through the ranks steadily, reaching the second division in 1964 just before his 20th birthday. After four consecutive winning records in that division, including a championship in the July 1964 tournament, he earned promotion to the top division, where he would remain for the rest of his career.
From the moment he stepped into the top division, Hasegawa made an immediate impact. He posted winning records in his first five tournaments, and on Day 1 of the September 1965 tournament, he stunned the sumo world by defeating Yokozuna Tochinoumi. That victory propelled him to a 10-5 record and his first special prize.
Over the next several years, Hasegawa established himself as one of the top-10 fighters in professional sumo, notching nine wins over Yokozuna Tochinoumi, Sadanoyama, Kashiwado, Kitanofuji, and Wajima. While he never reached the highest rank of Yokozuna or the second-highest rank of Ozeki, he spent 21 tournaments at Sekiwake, the third-highest rank.
His finest moment came in March 1972. After a solid 8-3 start, Hasegawa rallied to win his final four matches of the tournament, forcing a playoff against Kaiketsu. He won that match to claim his first and only Emperor's Cup, the ultimate prize in sumo. The achievement cemented his legacy as a champion who could rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
Hasegawa continued competing for four more years before retiring midway through the May 1976 tournament. After hanging up his mawashi, he joined the Japan Sumo Association as a Director, serving in that role for over three decades until he reached mandatory retirement age in 2009. His dedication to the sport spanned more than 50 years.
The sumo community has been hit hard by recent losses. Just last month, the sports world also mourned the passing of Stacey King, beloved Bulls broadcaster and three-time NBA champion, who died at 59. And former UFC fighter Jay Silva passed away at 45, leaving the MMA community in mourning.
Our hearts go out to Hasegawa's family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable career. He will be remembered as a fierce competitor, a dedicated servant of sumo, and a true champion.
