Tokiwayama stable, Sumo wrestling stable in Maeno-cho, Itabashi, Japan
Tokiwayama is a training house for sumo wrestlers in Maeno-cho in the Itabashi district of Tokyo, where athletes live together and train daily under the guidance of experienced masters. The multi-story building contains a large training room with a sand floor, sleeping quarters for wrestlers of different ranks, and a communal kitchen.
The stable was founded in 2004 as Chiganoura under the leadership of former sekiwake wrestler Masudayama and took its current name in 2020 when a new leader assumed responsibility. The name change marked the transition to a new generation of trainers, while the founder's principles continue to be respected.
The young wrestlers live together in the same building and follow a fixed daily routine that begins before sunrise with shared exercises. They cook and eat a large breakfast after training, usually including chankonabe, a traditional stew that provides strength and reinforces the sense of community.
Visitors can watch the morning training sessions, which usually take place between six and ten o'clock, and should remain quiet so as not to disturb the athletes' concentration. The stable is easily accessible by public transportation and is located in a quiet residential area with few signposts, so knowing the exact address is helpful.
Many wrestlers here carry ring names that begin with the character 舛 to honor the founder Masudayama, which is often little known to outsiders. This character gives the names a special sound and shows the close connection of the athletes to the history of the stable.
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