September 2026 profile. Ranks, measurements, announced pairings and the six-tournament breakdown below reflect the Japanese article’s source check on 11 September 2026.
What does he think he does best in the sumo world? Churanoumi’s official questionnaire answer is “left-hand front belt grip.” Not a smile or fighting spirit, but a way of taking hold of the mawashi. Now I want to watch that left hand. Yet when I checked his winning finishes, yorikiri was not the most common.
A favourite position and a finishing technique are different things
The Association’s six-tournament breakdown lists oshidashi, a frontal push-out, at 46%; yorikiri, a force-out, at 14%; and okuridashi, a rear push-out, at 11%. His listed strengths are a left-hand-inside grip and force-outs. Working for the front of the belt and finishing with a push can coexist. These numbers alone do not establish that the front grip caused the push-out, though. I want to see what his opponent does before Churanoumi’s left hand reaches its target.
From 1–6 after Day 7 to seven wins
He was 1–6 after Day 7 in July, then went 6–2 over the remaining days to finish 7–8. His wins included Kotozakura on Day 3 and Kirishima on Day 9. He did not reach a winning record, but those difficult opening days were not the whole story. His announced September opponents were Hakunofuji on opening day and Atamifuji on Day 2.
A beautiful sea, and a hand on the belt
His ring name is pronounced Churanoumi and evokes a beautiful sea. He comes from Uruma in Okinawa and previously wrestled as Kizaki. More than five years separated his Juryo debut in July 2018 from his Makuuchi debut in November 2023. Knowing that makes me return to his chosen motto: fall seven times, get up eight. Next time I watch, I can enjoy recognising his name—and then look for his left hand.
At a glance
| September 2026 rank | West Maegashira 3 |
|---|---|
| Stable | Kise stable |
| From | Uruma, Okinawa |
| Height / weight | 176 cm / 157 kg |
| Listed strengths | Left-hand-inside grip and force-outs |
Meet his announced opening-day opponent, Hakunofuji · Find a wrestler to follow
Source facts checked in the Japanese article on 11 September 2026: the Japan Sumo Association’s official profile (Japanese), including biographical details, tournament records, winning techniques and questionnaire answers. Percentages are the Association’s breakdown of winning finishes over the preceding six tournaments; they are not win rates across all bouts. The viewing suggestions are the writer’s interpretation. The official bout listings change with the tournament and day, so check the date shown there.