Meisei Chikara
A compact, fiercely technical sumotori who climbed the ranks using his birth name, defying tradition to become a top-rank stalwart.
Born 1995 (age 31)·Japanese sumo wrestler·Birthday: July 24·Millennials
Biography
Meisei Chikara debuted in sumo's top makuuchi division in 2018, rising steadily from Kagoshima. He insisted on competing under his given name, Chikara, meaning 'strength,' unlike virtually all peers. His style relies on strategic agility, sharp pushing and thrusting techniques, and an ability to destabilize larger opponents rather than overwhelming mass. He won his first tournament championship (yusho) in the second-highest juryo division and has consistently held the rank of sekiwake. In the clay ring, his cerebral force proves as effective as brute power.
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.
Meisei was born in 1995, 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 Meisei Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Meisei's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Achieved the rank of sekiwake, the third-highest rank in sumo.
- Won the juryo division championship (yusho) in November 2017.
- Earned multiple special prizes (sansho) for Technique and Fighting Spirit.
- Maintained a stable position in the top makuuchi division for over a dozen tournaments.
Did You Know?
He is one of the very few top-division rikishi to use his actual given name as his fighting name.
He was a standout amateur sumo wrestler in high school before turning professional.
Meisei is known for his distinctive, tightly-wound topknot (oicho).
“My name is Chikara, meaning strength. I carry it into every bout.”
