Chiyotairyū Hidemasa
A powerful Japanese sumo wrestler who stormed into the top division and famously toppled a yokozuna with his aggressive, forward-driving style.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Japanese sumo wrestler·Birthday: November 14·Millennials
Biography
Chiyotairyū Hidemasa announced himself in sumo with the force of a freight train. Entering the professional ranks via the prestigious makushita tsukedashi system due to his strong amateur record, he blitzed through the lower divisions. His rapid ascent saw him in the top makuuchi division within a year, a rare feat that signaled his raw power. Chiyotairyū's style was straightforward and effective: a fierce charge at the tachi-ai (initial charge) aimed to bulldoze opponents off the dohyō. His career highlight came swiftly in March 2013 when he shocked the sumo world by defeating reigning yokozuna Harumafuji, earning his first kinboshi (gold star). While injuries and consistency challenges prevented a sustained stay at the very highest san'yaku ranks, his peak performance at komusubi and his Technique prize cemented his reputation as a dangerous, explosive opponent capable of beating anyone on his day.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Chiyotairyū was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chiyotairyū Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Chiyotairyū's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned a kinboshi (gold star) by defeating yokozuna Harumafuji in the March 2013 tournament.
- Reached the rank of komusubi, the lowest san'yaku rank, in his relatively young career.
- Received the Technique Prize (Ginō-shō) once for his strategic sumo.
- Achieved a makushita tsukedashi entry, allowing him to start his professional career at a high rank due to amateur success.
Did You Know?
His shikona (ring name) Chiyotairyū incorporates part of his stablemaster's name (Chiyonofuji) and the word for 'great dragon' (tairyū).
He was a standout amateur wrestler at Nihon University, a traditional sumo powerhouse.
Chiyotairyū retired in 2023 and has remained in the sumo world as a coach at his former Kokonoe stable.
“My sumo is straightforward: charge forward and push with all my power.”
