Kasugafuji Akihiro (1966–2017): Sumo wrestler, coach and Kasugayama stablemaster

Kasugafuji Akihiro (1966–2017) was a Japanese sumo wrestler who reached maegashira 1, later founded and led Kasugayama stable, faced post-retirement disputes, and died in 2017.

Kasugafuji Akihiro (born Shoki Iwanaga; February 20, 1966 – March 9, 2017) was a professional sumo wrestler and later a stablemaster. He was a native of Oshika in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

Wrestling career

Iwanaga began competing in professional sumo in 1981 and remained active in the ring until his retirement in 1996. During his career he reached the top division and achieved a highest ranking of maegashira 1. After leaving competition he continued to work within the sumo world as a coach and mentor to younger rikishi.

Stablemaster role and disputes

In 1997 he re-established the Kasugayama stable and served as its head, overseeing the training and development of his own wrestlers. His tenure as an elder ended in 2012 when he left the Japan Sumo Association following an expenses-related scandal. The next year he became involved in a legal dispute with the person who succeeded him as head of Kasugayama stable; the disagreement was not finally settled until shortly before his death.

Death

Kasugafuji died in Oshika on March 9, 2017, at the age of 51. The cause was reported as suspected heart failure.