dc:identifier=httphdllocgovlocpnpggbain21271

Hidachiyama & Umegatani, wrestlers (LOC)

from The Library of Congress

• B-59 said:

  "Hitachiyama Taniemon (常陸山 谷右衞門, January 19, 1874 – June 19, 1922) was a sumo wrestler from Mito, Ibaragi Prefecture, Japan. He was the sport's 19th Yokozuna from 1903 till 1914. His great rivalry with Umegatani Tōtarō II created the "Ume-Hitachi Era" and did much to popularise sumo. He is remembered as much for his exploits in promoting the sport as for his strength on the dohyō. In his later years as head coach of Dewanoumi stable he trained hundreds of wrestlers, including three yokozuna. Many consider him the most honorable yokozuna in sumo history, which earned him the nickname "Kakusei" (角聖), or "sumo saint"." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitachiyama_Taniemon "Umegatani Tōtarō II (梅ヶ谷 藤太郎, March 11, 1878 – September 2, 1927) was a sumo wrestler from Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, Japan. He was the sport's 20th Yokozuna. Umegatani had a great rivalry with yokozuna Hitachiyama Taniemon. Their era was known as the Ume-Hitachi Era and it brought sumo to heights of popularity never before seen in the Meiji period." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umegatani_T%C5%8Dtar%C5%8D_II The photo was most likely made after their retirement as active wrestlers, when they worked as coach (Hitachiyama) respectively as judge (Umegatani).

• B-59 said:

  In The Globe, August 23, 1904, col. 3 is a description of sumo wrestling in general and Umegatani (spelled as Yumegatani) in particular.