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"I want to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to doing my best to reach the next stage as quickly as possible."

Fuma Kawazoe, graduate of the School of  Sport Sciences, March 2026.

At a press conference held at Okuma Kaikan in February 2026

In January 2026, Fuma Kawazoe announced his entry into the world of professional sumo wrestling by joining the Ajigawa sumo stable . Excluding those who dropped out, he will be the first sumo wrestler from Waseda University's sumo club in 81 years, since former Sekiwake Kasagiyama retired in 1945. Kawazoe has truly embodied the ideal of balancing academics and athletics, having received the Waseda Athlete Program 's Outstanding Academic Achievement Individual Award three times, which recognizes students in athletic clubs who have excelled not only in sports but also in academics. We spoke with him about his memories of the sumo club, his campus life outside of sumo, and his outlook after joining the sumo club.

—What inspired you to start sumo wrestling? And what do you find appealing about sumo?

It all started when I went to watch a sumo tournament in my first year of elementary school, where my cousin was competing. Someone involved with sumo approached me at the venue, and before I knew it, I was wearing a mawashi (sumo belt) (laughs). I ended up competing in a match, and that's how my sumo career began.

What I find most appealing about sumo is that the outcome is decided in an instant, and the winner is clearly visible to anyone watching. It's a very simple sport and martial art, but countless elements such as offense and defense and psychological warfare are condensed into that single moment. Also, bigger people aren't always stronger; the sight of a smaller wrestler powerfully throwing a much larger opponent is another thrilling aspect of sumo that makes you want to watch.

Photo on the left: A picture from when he first started sumo wrestling. On the right is his cousin, Hananofuji Keita, who is currently a sumo wrestler.
Photo on the right: A photo taken with his father after winning a competition when he was in elementary school.

—You were active in sumo from a young age. Could you tell us why you chose to attend Waseda University's School of Sport Sciences and what you studied there?

When I decided to go to university, I wanted a place where I could grow not only in sumo but also as a person, so I chose Waseda University. Top athletes from other sports also study a Waseda's School of Sport Sciences, and by interacting with them through classes and other activities, I feel that I have been able to broaden my thinking and perspective on sports, not just sumo.

At the university, I mainly learned about how to build mentality and coaching in sports. I also belonged to the seminar of Prof. Zen-ya Fujita (Faculty of Sport Sciences Associate Professor) and studied my own sumo stance for my bachelor's thesis based on video analysis. By comparing my good and bad conditions, and by comparing and studying myself and yokozuna, I learned that it is important to have the speed to take the first step, the low stance, and the core strength to maintain the stance and move forward even after being hit. In the future, I would like to make use of the results of this analysis to make my stance as strong as possible.

Photo on the left: With friends from Fujita's seminar. In the center background, Kawazoe is making a peace sign with both hands.
Photo on the right: Fall semester of third year, Sports Coaching Theory and Practice I (Volleyball) A photo taken at the event. Kawazoe is posing to receive the ball.

—What is the atmosphere like in the sumo club, including what is it like during regular practice? Also, which match from your four years there is the most memorable for you?

Normally, we focus on basic training such as shiko (leg stomping) and suriashi (sliding footwork), as well as weight training. On weekdays, the members practice on their own, and on weekends, we practice sumo with the coach for more practical training. We have a small number of members, so we are all very close. However, once we step into the sumo ring, I think we have built a relationship where we can frankly give each other our opinions, regardless of seniority.

The most memorable match for me was the East Japan Student Sumo Championship in June 2025. It was my second year as captain and my final year of university. While Waseda University's sumo club has members with A-class (*) strength, there was a sense of frustration at having been relegated to the lower B-class. So, in this match, our goal was to be promoted to A-class. In the end, we were promoted to A-class and made it to the top 8, which made me very happy. Also, everyone was in good condition, so I have a strong feeling that "we won together," which is why it remains so memorable.

* This refers to teams belonging to the "Division 1 League," the highest level of competition in the student sumo world, such as the East Japan Student League and the All Japan Student Sumo Championships.

The photo shows Kawazoe (left) in the front row center, taken at the 104th East Japan Student Sumo Championships in June 2025, when he won the B class championship. The other photo shows Kawazoe (right) during a match at the same tournament.

—What was your reason for deciding to join the Ajigawa sumo stable?

I had the opportunity to visit the training hall several times during sumo club practice, and I felt that I wanted to work hard under the stablemaster. Also, all the sumo wrestlers in the stable were very kind people, and I felt that it was the place where I could best showcase my abilities, so I decided to join the Ajigawa sumo stable. The Ajigawa stable also has Aonishiki, a Ukrainian-born wrestler who won the championship as a new Ozeki in the January 2026 tournament, so I want to use him as a role model and do my best to learn from him and catch up to him as quickly as possible.

Photo on the left: A photo taken in April 2025 when Kawazoe went to the Ajigawa sumo stable for training. Kawazoe is the left wrestler.
Photo on the right: At the press conference announcing his entry into sumo wrestling, held at Okuma Kaikan on February 2, 2026. Kawazoe and Ajigawa Oyakata (a 2022 graduate of the Graduate School of Sport Sciences).

--Finally, could you tell us about your future plans?

Now that I've entered the world of professional sumo, I know there will inevitably be tough times, hardships, and obstacles ahead, but since this is the path I've chosen, I want to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to reaching the next level as quickly as possible. I want to use my strength, pushing sumo, to constantly attack forward and perform sumo that will make the audience feel good watching me. And I want to train hard with a sense of gratitude so that I can repay the kindness of those who support me.

On the day of the press conference announcing his entry into sumo, all the sumo club members gathered in front of Okuma Auditorium. Kawazoe is in the upper center.

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Interview, text and photography: Waseda Weekly Reporter（SJC student staff）
Rinka Nishimura, 3rd year student, School of Human Sciences

【Profile】

Kawazoe writes his name on a photo panel of his own match.

Born in Kumamoto Prefecture. Graduated from Buntoku High School. His hobby is watching movies, and his favorite is "Police Story" starring Jackie Chan. He also likes watching TV, and apparently often watches programs featuring the comedy duo Chidori. His favorite Waseda cuisine is the katsu curry at "Narita-ya," located near Higashifushimi Campus.