Sumo Obituary

[Moti Dichne]

Ex-Ozeki Kotokuni, later Ooshima Oyakata (77) who brought the first batch of Mongolians to Japan, has died. Was ill for a few years. Entered Tatsunami beya in 1963, retired in 1979, then established his own heya (Ooshima) in 1980 and brought six Mongolians over, Kyokushuuzan, Kyokutenhou (the current Ooshima Oyakata) and others, who were famous for collectively running away from the heya and attempting to return to Mongolia, but persuaded to stick it out.  Notable non- Mongolians- Kyokudouzan (later became a member of the Diet, IIRC) and ex-Asahiyutaka, current Tatsunami Oyakata. Nickname while active- piranha, because he was small and would eat his opponents alive, I guess.

[Moti Dichne]

Should read Asahikuni, not Kotokuni..