TV-Series
Description
Matsutarō Sakaguchi hails from Nagasaki in the Showa era, entering the world as an unusually large baby and maturing into an adult famed for extraordinary physical strength, frequently compared to "the strength of a gorilla." Academically challenged and known for laziness, delinquency, and a quick temper, he remained in middle school (Class 3-2) despite his age. Frequent trouble landed him in the teachers' room, though his primary motivation for attendance was an infatuation with his teacher, Reiko Minami. His family includes his mother, Tomi, struggling financially, and five younger siblings: Tsuruko, Takeshi, Yuri, Kiku, and Umeo. Townspeople viewed him as neglecting his family, even accusing him of taking candy from his youngest brother.
His path to sumo began impulsively when he launched a surprise attack on professional wrestler Iwanokuni (a jūryō-ranked rikishi) during a local exhibition. A chaotic brawl ensued, culminating in Sakaguchi throwing Iwanokuni from the ring twice. This act drew recruitment offers from multiple sumo stables. Sakaguchi chose the Raijin stable solely for its proximity to Reiko Minami's new Tokyo residence after her move, prioritizing nearness to her over sporting ambition.
Starting at the makushita rank within the Raijin stable, Sakaguchi rebelled against traditions. He refused to wash the backs of seniors, denounced hierarchical customs as "slavery," and rallied lower-ranked wrestlers to his defiance. His unorthodox tactics included psychological intimidation, like sneaking into seniors' rooms at night, causing significant stress to stablemaster Raijin and worsening his health issues. Sakaguchi also employed unconventional, rule-violating techniques in matches, such as the "Cobra Twist."
Early tournaments saw rapid success and decisive wins, maintaining an undefeated streak. His first loss came in a training match against komusubi-ranked Inokawa, who repeatedly threw him down. This defeat triggered uncharacteristic tears and his first serious drive to improve. He later clinched the makushita championship by defeating another undefeated wrestler, Kondo; both tumbled from the ring, but Sakaguchi won as he landed second.
His relationship with Reiko evolved slowly. After openly confessing his love and facing rejection—her seeing him only as a student—he endured a tearful week-long despair. Despite this, Reiko continued her support, and they eventually married. Sakaguchi's familial bonds also deepened during a visit home: he treated his family to parfaits and taxis with sumo earnings, gave his savings to his mother, and observed her maintaining a shrine to his deceased father and a scrapbook of his sumo feats. Subtle behavioral shifts emerged in his hometown—no longer kicking dogs or threatening elderly women—signaling an internal struggle between his old self and nascent maturity.
Physically, Sakaguchi possesses a large build and dark brown hair. His personality blends impulsiveness, a rebellious spirit against authority, and occasional crude humor (like using cat noises in imaginary conversations), yet also underlying loyalty, such as defending his siblings from bullies. A consistent carefree nature fuels both comedic misadventures—demanding victory parades or attempting to shave zoo animals—and his instinct-driven, power-focused sumo style.
His path to sumo began impulsively when he launched a surprise attack on professional wrestler Iwanokuni (a jūryō-ranked rikishi) during a local exhibition. A chaotic brawl ensued, culminating in Sakaguchi throwing Iwanokuni from the ring twice. This act drew recruitment offers from multiple sumo stables. Sakaguchi chose the Raijin stable solely for its proximity to Reiko Minami's new Tokyo residence after her move, prioritizing nearness to her over sporting ambition.
Starting at the makushita rank within the Raijin stable, Sakaguchi rebelled against traditions. He refused to wash the backs of seniors, denounced hierarchical customs as "slavery," and rallied lower-ranked wrestlers to his defiance. His unorthodox tactics included psychological intimidation, like sneaking into seniors' rooms at night, causing significant stress to stablemaster Raijin and worsening his health issues. Sakaguchi also employed unconventional, rule-violating techniques in matches, such as the "Cobra Twist."
Early tournaments saw rapid success and decisive wins, maintaining an undefeated streak. His first loss came in a training match against komusubi-ranked Inokawa, who repeatedly threw him down. This defeat triggered uncharacteristic tears and his first serious drive to improve. He later clinched the makushita championship by defeating another undefeated wrestler, Kondo; both tumbled from the ring, but Sakaguchi won as he landed second.
His relationship with Reiko evolved slowly. After openly confessing his love and facing rejection—her seeing him only as a student—he endured a tearful week-long despair. Despite this, Reiko continued her support, and they eventually married. Sakaguchi's familial bonds also deepened during a visit home: he treated his family to parfaits and taxis with sumo earnings, gave his savings to his mother, and observed her maintaining a shrine to his deceased father and a scrapbook of his sumo feats. Subtle behavioral shifts emerged in his hometown—no longer kicking dogs or threatening elderly women—signaling an internal struggle between his old self and nascent maturity.
Physically, Sakaguchi possesses a large build and dark brown hair. His personality blends impulsiveness, a rebellious spirit against authority, and occasional crude humor (like using cat noises in imaginary conversations), yet also underlying loyalty, such as defending his siblings from bullies. A consistent carefree nature fuels both comedic misadventures—demanding victory parades or attempting to shave zoo animals—and his instinct-driven, power-focused sumo style.