:Hōshōryū Tomokatsu

{{hatnote|In this Japanese {{Transliteration|ja|shikona}} name, the surname is Hōshōryū.}}

{{Infobox sumo wrestler

| image = 250px

| caption = Hōshōryū in January 2022

| name = Hōshōryū Tomokatsu

| native_name = {{lang|ja|{{nobold|豊昇龍智勝}}}}

| birth_name = Sugarragchaagiin Byambasuren

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1999|5|22}}

| birth_place = Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

| height = 188cm

| weight = 150kg

| heya = Tatsunami

| rank = Yokozuna

| record =

| debut = January 2018

| highestrank = Yokozuna (January 2025)

| retireddate =

| eldername =

| yushos = 2 (Makuuchi)
1 (Jonidan)

| prizes = Technique (2)
Fighting Spirit (1)

| goldstars =

|update = May 1, 2025

}}

{{Nihongo|Hōshōryū Tomokatsu|豊昇龍智勝||born Sugarragchaagiin Byambasüren;{{Efn|{{langx|mn|Сугаррагчаагийн Бямбасүрэн}}}} May 22, 1999|lead=yes}} is a Mongolian professional sumo wrestler. Wrestling for Tatsunami stable, he made his professional debut in January 2018. He is especially known for his throws; Mongolian sumo wrestlers are often skilled throwers, reflecting the skills used in Mongolian wrestling.

The nephew of the sport's List of yokozuna#68 Asashōryū, Hōshōryū has three championships to his name. Soon after his debut in 2018 he won the lower-division {{Transliteration|ja|jonidan}} title undefeated. Hōshōryū won his first title in the top division in July 2023, which subsequently promoted him to the rank of {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}}. After finishing as the runner-up at the November 2024 tournament, Hōshōryū won his second top-division title in January 2025 and was promoted to professional sumo's highest rank, becoming the 74th {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}}.{{Cite tweet |user=sumokyokai |number=1884391854462075341 |title=＜新横綱豊昇龍＞本日1月29日、三月場所の番付編成会議と臨時理事会を開き、豊昇龍の横綱昇進が決定しました。74代横綱豊昇龍が誕生します。 |language=ja |date=January 29, 2025 |access-date=January 29, 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20250128/k00/00m/050/313000c |title=第74代横綱・豊昇龍が誕生モンゴル出身で6人目横綱空位は回避 |date=January 29, 2025 |publisher=Mainichi Shimbun |access-date=January 29, 2025 |language=ja}}

Early life and sumo background

Sugarragchaa was born in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, as the second son of former {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} Asashōryū's eldest brother (Sugarragchaa Dolgorsürengiin), who has a background as a bökh wrestler. Described as a "city kid", he spent all his summer vacations, particularly long in Mongolia (from June to September) camping in yurts.{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20230724-OHT1T51211.html?page=1 |title=豊昇龍「相撲は絶対やりたくなかった。力士はデカくて怖かったですもん」レスリングに熱中...モンゴルでの原点 |language=ja |date=July 25, 2023 |work=Sports Hochi |access-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725023814/https://hochi.news/articles/20230724-OHT1T51211.html?page=1 |url-status=live }} As a child, he was naturally athletic and learned to ride horses at the age of three. At the age of five, he began taking lessons in basketball and judo at the same club as fellow future-{{Transliteration|ja|Ōzeki}} Kirishima, saying that together they "were like friends". Born into a wrestling family, Sugarragchaa often socialized with other professional sumo wrestlers at dinner parties, notably with 73rd {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} Terunofuji, long before becoming a professional himself.{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2020/01/14/kiji/20200114s00005000199000c.html |title=照ノ富士無傷3連勝、モンゴルの"かわいい"後輩豊昇龍下す「やれることやるだけ」 |language=ja |date=January 14, 2020 |work=Sports Nippon |access-date=July 25, 2023}} He also watched his uncle's matches on television, and developed a great respect for him.{{cite web |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20200903/k00/00m/050/038000c |title=横綱のDNA継承朝青龍のおいっ子・豊昇龍うり二つの相撲で21歳新入幕 |url-access=subscription |language=ja |date=September 3, 2020 |work=Mainichi Shimbun |access-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725083735/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20200903/k00/00m/050/038000c |url-status=live }} Although he was not particularly fond of wrestling, he started taking bökh lessons at the age of 11 and achieved some local successes.

Upon graduation from middle school, he was scouted from Mongolia by Tomohiro Ōsawa, the coach of Japan's {{Interlanguage link|Nippon Sport Science University Kashiwa High School|ja|3=日本体育大学柏高等学校|lt=NSSU Kashiwa High School}} sumo club, who visited the country to scout for international sports students.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307240001364.html |title=出会いから強烈、異彩放つ60キロ細身の少年「目がギラギラ光っていた」高校恩師／豊昇龍の素顔 |language=ja |date=July 25, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |access-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725031544/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307240001364.html |url-status=live }} There, he was recognized because his coach saw his look, similar to his famous uncle's "who always seemed to be fighting something". Although he did not feel like wrestling yet, he decided to give in to temptation and took a trip to Japan. He was finally recruited and attended Kashiwa High School in Chiba Prefecture, along future professional sumo wrestlers Ōshōma and Asahakuryū.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/photonews/photonews_nsInc_202307240001364-2.html |title=写真ニュース - 左から永井明慶氏、高校時代の欧勝馬、朝白龍、豊昇龍（永井氏提供） |language=ja |date=July 25, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |access-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725090444/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/photonews/photonews_nsInc_202307240001364-2.html |url-status=live }} There, he first joined the wrestling club, saying he was afraid of sumo, but in his first year he took part in a school trip and visited the Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo and became interested in the sport. After consulting with his uncle he committed to trying sumo at the high school level. Though he had no previous experience, he quickly started getting good results in amateur sumo tournaments and was seen as having great potential. In his third year, he was defeated by Tottori Jōhoku High School's wrestler Amartuvshin Amarsanaa at the Inter-High School Championships, allowing Amartuvshin to become the first foreign-born high school-{{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} in history.{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2018/11/13/kiji/20181113s00005000104000c.html |title=尾上親方の長男白星デビュー元高校総体覇者の狼雅は豊昇龍にライバル心 |language=ja |date=November 13, 2018 |work=Sports Nippon |access-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725075116/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2018/11/13/kiji/20181113s00005000104000c.html |url-status=live }}

Early career and {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}}

File:Hoshoryu 2019 Jan.jpg

Hōshōryū joined Tatsunami stable after high school. During this time, he was in regular contact with his uncle who gave him such advice as "build on your own strengths" and "don't put on weight quickly or you'll risk injury."{{Cite news |url=https://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/20171101/sum17110117360003-n1.html |title=元朝青龍おいが新弟子検査をパス「一番強い力士になりたい」 |work=Sankei Sports |date=November 1, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-date=September 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925100344/https://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/20171101/sum17110117360003-n1.html |url-status=dead}} Hōshōryū first stepped into the ring professionally in January 2018. In his {{Transliteration|ja|maezumō}} debut, he was defeated by fellow debutant Naya, who was also garnering attention as the grandson of the greatly respected {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} Taihō.{{Cite web |title=大鵬の孫、納谷３連勝「しっかり期待に応えたい」 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20180119/k00/00m/050/097000c |url-access=subscription |date=January 18, 2018 |access-date=July 11, 2023 |work=Mainichi Shimbun |language=ja |archive-date=July 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711070322/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20180119/k00/00m/050/097000c |url-status=live }} Because of their strong family ties to sumo, he commented that he and Naya (who later changed his {{Transliteration|ja|shikona}} to Ōhō) felt close to each other.{{Cite web |title=新弟子の納谷、豊昇龍ともに白星／元横綱・大鵬の孫と朝青龍のおい |url=https://www.shikoku-np.co.jp/sports/sumo/20180117000210 |date=January 17, 2018 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Shikoku Shimbun |language=ja |archive-date=January 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123065406/http://www.shikoku-np.co.jp/sports/sumo/20180117000210 |url-status=live }} In his first official tournament on the {{Transliteration|ja|banzuke}} in March 2018, Hōshōryū was close to winning the {{Transliteration|ja|jonokuchi}} division championship after scoring six consecutive victories, but was defeated again by Naya, who went on to win the championship.{{Cite web |title=朝青龍のおい豊昇龍６勝も納谷に敗れた１敗に悔しさ |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201803230000385.html |date=March 23, 2018 |access-date=July 11, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |language=ja |archive-date=July 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711070329/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201803230000385.html |url-status=live }} Since then, the two wrestlers have maintained a certain rivalry.{{Cite web |title=大鵬の孫王鵬朝青龍のおいとの一番制しトップに並ぶ |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/sports/story/36339/ |date=November 24, 2022 |access-date=July 11, 2023 |work=NHK |language=ja |archive-date=July 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711130358/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/sports/story/36339/ |url-status=live }}

In Hōshōryū's second tournament, he took the {{Transliteration|ja|jonidan}} championship with a perfect record.{{Cite web |title=豊昇龍が序二段Ｖおじの元朝青龍に「電話します」 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201805250000470.html |date=May 25, 2018 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |language=ja}} On his debut in the {{Transliteration|ja|sandanme}} division, he went 6–1 when scoring a win in his final match against Hiradoumi, securing promotion to the {{Transliteration|ja|makushita}} division.{{Cite web |title=朝青龍のおい豊昇龍、まげデビューで白星６勝１敗 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201807220000490.html |date=July 22, 2018 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725075119/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201807220000490.html |url-status=live }} During the summer tours in June, Hōshōryū was unusually chosen by {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} Hakuhō to participate in a training session,{{Cite web |title=朝青龍のおい豊昇龍、白鵬と手合わせに「うれしい」 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201806290000573.html |date=July 29, 2018 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725075120/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201806290000573.html |url-status=live }} showing that he took him under his wing after helping to train him when he was still in high school.{{Cite web |title=元朝青龍のおい・豊昇龍が連勝発進白鵬との対戦熱望「高校生の時から稽古を付けてもらった。あたるの楽しみ」 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20210705-OHT1T51179.html?page=1 |date=July 5, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Sports Hochi |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725083742/https://hochi.news/articles/20210705-OHT1T51179.html?page=1 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=朝青龍のおい・豊昇龍、恩人・白鵬の引退に「本当に一番やってみたかった」名古屋場所では今後を託される |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20211028-OHT1T51068.html?page=1 |date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Sports Hochi |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725083736/https://hochi.news/articles/20211028-OHT1T51068.html?page=1 |url-status=live }} In his first tournament in the {{Transliteration|ja|makushita}} division, he recorded 3 consecutive victories before recording 3 defeats. In his 7th bout, he was paired against Naya, who also had a score of 3–3, putting both wrestlers in a position of potential demotion to the {{Transliteration|ja|sandanme}} division. Hōshōryū defeated Naya by {{Transliteration|ja|kubinage}}, the latter suffering the first {{Transliteration|ja|make-koshi}} record of his career and being logically relegated to the lower division for the November tournament of the same year.{{Cite web |title=初の負け越しはどっち？大鵬の孫と朝青龍のおいが対決 |url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASL9P4RPPL9PUTQP016.html |date=September 21, 2018 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Asahi Shimbun |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725075116/https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASL9P4RPPL9PUTQP016.html |url-status=live }}

In January 2019, Hōshōryū faced former {{Transliteration|ja|makuuchi}} wrestler Ura, who was rising through the ranks after being absent from the ring since the September 2017 tournament. Although Hōshōryū defeated him by {{Transliteration|ja|kakenage}}, Ura injured his knee again during the match and had to withdraw from the tournament before missing another four consecutive tournaments due to injury.{{Cite web |title=宇良、また右膝負傷、病院で検査へ...朝青龍のおい豊昇龍「謝りたい」 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2019/01/22/kiji/20190122s00005000135000c.html |date=January 22, 2019 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Sports Nippon |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725075125/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2019/01/22/kiji/20190122s00005000135000c.html |url-status=live }} Hōshōryū later said he was nervous about facing a former {{Transliteration|ja|maegashira}} but felt responsible for the injury, going to the arena infirmary after the match to ask Ura for forgiveness. In May, Hōshōryū also recorded an eighth positive record and had a remarkable match against Kotonowaka, where observers noticed the similarities between Hōshōryū's technique and that of his uncle.{{Cite web |title=【令和の一番星】豊昇龍、叔父・朝青龍彷彿させる粘り |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20190516-OHT1T50263.html?page=1 |date=July 12, 2019 |access-date=May 17, 2023 |work=Sports Hochi |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725075116/https://hochi.news/articles/20190516-OHT1T50263.html?page=1 |url-status=live }} In July 2019, Hōshōryū, then ranked as {{Transliteration|ja|makushita}} 2, faced competition against opponents who had mostly already been ranked in the {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} division. During this tournament he was called upon to wrestle in this upper-division with a match against {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} Kizakiumi, where he suffered a defeat.{{Cite web |title=朝青龍の甥・豊昇龍が初の大銀杏「なんか気持ちいい」取組は十両・木崎海に黒星 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20190712-OHT1T50127.html?page=1 |date=July 12, 2019 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Sports Hochi |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725075115/https://hochi.news/articles/20190712-OHT1T50127.html?page=1 |url-status=live }} That month, he suffered his only losing tournament in his rise through the lower divisions.

Hōshōryū quickly bounced back the following tournament in September 2019 and, with a winning record of 4–3 ({{Transliteration|ja|kachi-koshi}}), he earned {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} promotion for the November tournament in Fukuoka along with Kotoshōhō.{{Cite web |title=元横綱朝青龍おい豊昇龍が新十両昇進琴勝峰も |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201909250000186.html |date=September 25, 2019 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725075117/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201909250000186.html |url-status=live }} At a press conference, Hōshōryū vowed to surpass his uncle's 25 championships.{{Cite web |title=朝青龍の甥・豊昇龍が十両に昇進おじより「上に行く」...番付編成会議 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20190925-OHT1T50317.html?page=1 |date=September 26, 2019 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Sports Hochi |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725075116/https://hochi.news/articles/20190925-OHT1T50317.html?page=1 |url-status=live }} He also received a kimono from his uncle at the time of his promotion.{{Cite web |title=元朝青龍おい豊昇龍が鮮やかコーデ「かっこいいね」 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201910290000474.html |date=October 29, 2019 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725075117/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201910290000474.html |url-status=live }} In his {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} debut, Hōshōryū began the tournament with a victory over Akiseyama,{{Cite web |title=元横綱朝青龍のおい豊昇龍、新十両場所で白星発進 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201911100000398.html |date=November 10, 2019 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725075121/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201911100000398.html |url-status=live }} but suffered a {{Transliteration|ja|make-koshi}} record on Day 14, with a loss to Sōkokurai.{{Cite web |title=豊昇龍負け越し肩を落とし「ダメでした」琴勝峰も黒星 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20191123/k00/00m/050/171000c |url-access=subscription |date=November 23, 2019 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Mainichi Shimbun |language=ja |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726091200/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20191123/k00/00m/050/171000c |url-status=live }} Despite this setback he logged two 8–7 records in the next two consecutive tournaments. In the July 2020 tournament (held in Tokyo instead of the usual Nagoya due to COVID concerns) he took part in a rare situation, where six wrestlers were lined up for the championship with ten wins each.{{Cite web |title=優勝決定戦、なんと6力士で十両、5敗で並ぶ大接戦 |url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASN8254Y4N82UTQP00Z.html |url-access=subscription |date=August 2, 2020 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Asahi Shimbun |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725083736/https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASN8254Y4N82UTQP00Z.html |url-status=live }} In the preliminary stages of the playoff, he defeated Kyokutaisei. The race for the title culminated in a three-man playoff ({{Transliteration|ja|tomoesen}}) between three members of Tatsunami stable. This playoff comprised himself, Akua, and Meisei. Bouts between stablemates are only allowed in the case of playoffs, where two or more wrestlers end up with the same record, and is a rare occurrence. Hōshōryū was defeated by former {{Transliteration|ja|makuuchi}} wrestler Meisei, who went on to defeat Akua to take the championship.{{Cite web |title=十両は明生が優勝６人の優勝決定戦は立浪部屋３人で巴戦に豊昇龍「最高でした！」天空海「悔しいです！」 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20200802-OHT1T50172.html?page=1 |date=August 2, 2020 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Hochi Sport |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725083736/https://hochi.news/articles/20200802-OHT1T50172.html?page=1 |url-status=live }}

=Promotion and {{Transliteration|ja|san'yaku}} career=

Hōshōryū's performance in July 2020 was enough to propel him into the top-tier {{Transliteration|ja|makuuchi}} division for the September 2020 tournament.{{Cite web |title=新入幕の豊昇龍、立ち合い磨き目標は「２桁で三賞」 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202008310000467.html |date=August 31, 2020 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725083740/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202008310000467.html |url-status=live }} He is the 50th foreigner to reach the top division, and the 27th Mongolian.{{Cite news |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200831/p2g/00m/0sp/036000c |title=Sumo: July champ Terunofuji climbs 16 spots in rankings |work=The Mainichi |date=August 31, 2020 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-date=August 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831113004/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200831/p2g/00m/0sp/036000c |url-status=dead}} In his first match in the division, he won his first victory in the opening match, beating Ichinojō with the surprising {{Transliteration|ja|kimarite}} (winning technique) of {{Transliteration|ja|yorikiri}}, the two wrestlers having a {{convert|70|kg|lb|abbr=on}} difference at the time.{{Cite web |title=新入幕"朝青龍のおい"豊昇龍が白星発進「前に出たのがよかった」体重差67キロの"関取最重量"逸ノ城を寄り切る |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/120477 |date=September 13, 2020 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Chunichi Sports |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725083738/https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/120477 |url-status=live }}

In the July 2021 tournament Hōshōryū had his best result in the top division up to that point. On Day 11, he notably defeated {{Transliteration|ja|Ōzeki}} Shōdai by {{Transliteration|ja|yoritaoshi}}, his fastest win to date.{{Cite web |title=朝青龍のおい豊昇龍、正代撃破で自己最速勝ち越し「口には出せないけど」 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202107140000857.html |date=July 14, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725083740/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202107140000857.html |url-status=live }} In total, he won ten bouts during the tournament, and was awarded his first special prize, the {{Transliteration|ja|ginō-shō}} (Technique prize).{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1718/ |title=A tale of two sumo comebacks |last=Morita |first=Hiroshi |date=July 25, 2021 |work=NHK World |access-date=February 2, 2022 |archive-date=September 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919161522/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1718/ |url-status=live }} After the tournament, he also received public congratulations from the executives of the Japan Sumo Association, including Chairman Hakkuku and Nishikido.{{Cite web |title=豊昇龍が自己最速１１日目勝ち越し...八角理事長も絶賛「立派じゃないですか。大関にも勝った」 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20210714-OHT1T51159.html?page=1 |date=July 14, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Sports Hochi |language=ja}} In October of the same year, Sports Hōchi reported that after the July 2021 tournament he received a comment from the winner of the championship ({{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} Hakuhō) who passed the baton to him in the hope that he would occupy the top of the sumo world. His performance saw him promoted to a new highest rank of {{Transliteration|ja|Maegashira}} 1 for September, but in that tournament he had to withdraw on Day 5 with only one win because of tonsillitis. He returned on Day 8 and won four of his remaining eight matches.{{Cite web |title=朝青龍さんのおい・豊昇龍「おじさんに褒めてもらえるような相撲を」元横綱は『観戦予告』【大相撲】 |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/362806 |date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Chunichi Sports |language=ja}}

In the January 2022 tournament he produced a strong 11–4 record,{{cite web |url=https://japan-forward.com/sumo-mitakeumi-topples-yokozuna-terunofuji-on-final-day-of-new-year-tourney/ |title=Mitakeumi Topples Yokozuna Terunofuji On Final Day Of New Year Tourney |date=January 23, 2022 |work=Japan Forward |access-date=February 2, 2022 |archive-date=February 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202160954/https://japan-forward.com/sumo-mitakeumi-topples-yokozuna-terunofuji-on-final-day-of-new-year-tourney/ |url-status=live }} and was then promoted to {{Transliteration|ja|san'yaku}} for the first time, ranked at {{Transliteration|ja|komusubi}} for the March 2022 tournament.{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/02/08fe009304b7-sumo-new-rankings-put-spotlight-on-endurance-comebacks.html |title=Sumo: New rankings put spotlight on endurance, comebacks |date=February 28, 2022 |publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-date=October 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030204729/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/02/08fe009304b7-sumo-new-rankings-put-spotlight-on-endurance-comebacks.html |url-status=live }} He achieved winning records in three consecutive tournaments at {{Transliteration|ja|komusubi}}, and earned a promotion to {{Transliteration|ja|sekiwake}} for the September 2022 tournament.{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/808ab86dff34-sumo-july-champ-ichnojo-rejoins-elite-in-new-rankings.html |title=Sumo: July champ Ichinojo rejoins elite in new rankings |date=August 29, 2022 |work=Kyodo News |access-date=August 29, 2022 |archive-date=August 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829000734/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/808ab86dff34-sumo-july-champ-ichnojo-rejoins-elite-in-new-rankings.html |url-status=live }} In the November tournament, Hōshōryū stood out by winning his fifth bout against Midorifuji with a rare {{Transliteration|ja|kawazugake}} winning-move, a technique not seen in 10 years.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbm-japan.com/article/detail/37572 |title=相撲編集部が選ぶ九州場所５日目の一番とっさに飛び出た河津掛け！豊昇龍が鋭い動きで１敗守るs |language=Japanese |date=November 17, 2022 |work=Baseball Magazine |access-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117112244/https://www.bbm-japan.com/article/detail/37572 |url-status=live }} He was the leader of the tournament after Day 11 with just one loss,{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/f9e02982f68f-sumo-hoshoryu-gains-outright-lead-in-kyushu-after-ohos-loss.html |title=Sumo: Hoshoryu gains outright lead in Kyushu after Oho's loss |date=November 23, 2022 |work=Kyodo News |access-date=December 6, 2022}} but ultimately finished at 11–4. Still, it was his best performance to date in the {{Transliteration|ja|san'yaku}} ranks. He received his second Technique Prize of his career by recording his eleventh victory over Kiribayama.{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/5fb22dc45e18-sumo-abi-wins-3-way-playoff-to-claim-maiden-championship.html |title=Sumo: Abi wins 3-way playoff to claim maiden championship |date=November 27, 2022 |work=Kyodo News |access-date=December 6, 2022}}{{Cite web |title=九州場所の殊勲賞に高安、敢闘賞は優勝の阿炎技能賞は11勝目を挙げた豊昇龍 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202211270000543.html |date=November 27, 2022 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |language=ja |archive-date=November 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129145658/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202211270000543.html |url-status=live }}

Hōshōryū had hopes of promotion to {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} if he produced double-digit wins in the January 2023 tournament, but he withdrew on Day 10 with a sprained left ankle.{{cite web |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230117/p2g/00m/0sp/018000c |title=Sumo: Sekiwake Hoshoryu pulls out of New Year meet with leg injury |work=The Mainichi |publisher=January 17, 2023 |access-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124190525/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230117/p2g/00m/0sp/018000c |url-status=live }} He returned to the tournament on Day 12 having missed just one day,{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/6f887c9d06d3-sumo-onosho-takes-new-year-lead-after-ozeki-takakeisho-falls-again.html |title=Sumo: Onosho takes New Year lead after ozeki Takakeisho falls again |work=Kyodo News |publisher=January 19, 2023 |access-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123203455/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/6f887c9d06d3-sumo-onosho-takes-new-year-lead-after-ozeki-takakeisho-falls-again.html |url-status=live }} and preserved his {{Transliteration|ja|sekiwake}} rank on the final day, winning his eighth match after his opponent Ōnoshō was disqualified for a hair pull.{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/8073b8017eb1-sumo-lone-ozeki-takakeisho-wins-new-year-meet-3rd-emperors-cup.html |title=Sumo: Lone ozeki Takakeisho wins New Year meet, 3rd Emperor's Cup |date=January 22, 2023 |work=Kyodo News |access-date=January 24, 2023}} In the March 2023 rankings, Hōshōryū retained his position as {{Transliteration|ja|sekiwake}}. In that tournament he finished with a 10–5 record.{{Cite web |last=Premselaar |first=Alan |date=January 18, 2013 |title=Sumo Daily Bouts |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sumo-daily-bouts/ |access-date=April 5, 2023 |website=The Japan Times |language=en-US |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223173752/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sumo-daily-bouts/ |url-status=live }} Between March and May 2023, Hōshōryū won enough victories to reach double-digit records. After the May tournament, Judging Department chairman Sadagotake commented on the {{Transliteration|ja|sekiwake}} results and announced that the July tournament would be one where promotion to {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} would be considered if Hōshōryū's results were good enough.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202305280001556.html |title=霧馬山が大関昇進へ、佐渡ケ嶽審判部長「成績申し分ない」残る３関脇は来場所大関とりと明言 |date=May 27, 2023 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |language=ja |access-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528114613/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202305280001556.html |url-status=live }} Hōshōryū would need 12 wins at the July {{Transliteration|ja|basho}} to reach the normal {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} promotion requirement of 33 wins at {{Transliteration|ja|san'yaku}} in three tournaments.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202305290000022.html |title=大栄翔、豊昇龍、若元春の３関脇が来場所で大関とり目指す目安の「三役で３場所33勝」視界 |date=May 28, 2023 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |language=ja |access-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528221950/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202305290000022.html |url-status=live }}

={{Transliteration|ja|Ōzeki}} race and promotion=

In early June, Hōshōryū returned to Mongolia for the first time in four years, to recover physically and mentally in preparation for his run ({{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki-tori}}) to the rank of {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}}. There, he benefited in particular from advice from his uncle Asashōryū and declared that he intended to approach the tournament like his previous ones, "as usual" and without worrying too much about promotion.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202306270000332.html |title=大関とりの豊昇龍は「あんまり気にせず、いつも通りいく」と平常心貫く決意 |date=June 27, 2023 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |language=ja |access-date=June 27, 2023}} Prior to the July tournament, Hōshōryū also received a {{Transliteration|ja|keshō-mawashi}} designed by manga artist Rieko Saibara, depicting one of the patrons of his stable (Katsuya Takasu) as Genghis Khan and the "blue wolf", a Mongolian legend. Originally, the {{Transliteration|ja|keshō-mawashi}} was to be offered after a possible promotion to the rank of {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}}, but Hōshōryū insisted on having it ready at the July tournament.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307070001087.html |title=大関とり豊昇龍に「高須クリニック」高須院長から化粧まわし贈呈漫画家の西原理恵子氏デザイン |date=July 7, 2023 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |language=ja |access-date=July 8, 2023 |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708084857/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307070001087.html |url-status=live }}

Hōshōryū began the July 2023 tournament by facing {{Transliteration|ja|maegashira }} 1 Tobizaru. Despite designated the winner of the match, many spectators and journalists mentioned that Hōshōryū's hand had touched the ring floor before Tobizaru had fallen.{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/872b92b42ea6-sumo-terunofuji-3-promotion-chasing-sekiwake-start-with-wins.html |title=Sumo: Terunofuji, 3 promotion-chasing sekiwake start with wins |date=July 9, 2023 |publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=July 9, 2023 |archive-date=July 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710065609/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/872b92b42ea6-sumo-terunofuji-3-promotion-chasing-sekiwake-start-with-wins.html |url-status=live }} In response to the growing criticism, the Nikkan Sports newspaper commented in an editorial that the judges had probably awarded the victory to Hōshōryū because he had shown himself to be dominant in the match and Tobizaru was not in a position to continue fighting.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307090001219.html |title=豊昇龍の手がついていた？翔猿との一番でネット上ではリクエスト制度の声も... 名古屋場所 |date=July 9, 2023 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |language=ja |access-date=July 9, 2023}} Nevertheless, Hōshōryū performed well in the following days, winning his second match against former {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} Shōdai,{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307100000562.html |title=大関とりの豊昇龍が２連勝、大関経験者の正代を寄り切りで下す |date=July 10, 2023 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |access-date=July 26, 2023 |language=ja |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726133354/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307100000562.html |url-status=live }} but lost to {{Transliteration|ja|Maegashira}} Nishikigi, one of the tournament's surprise leaders, on Day 3.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307110001148.html |title=錦木が豊昇龍破り先場所から続く連勝11「流れはいいですね。気にせずやります」 |date=July 11, 2023 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |access-date=July 26, 2023 |language=ja |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726133356/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307110001148.html |url-status=live }} Hōshōryū bounced back, however, to win six consecutive victories to put him in the title race, including a notable one against {{Transliteration|ja|Komusubi}} Abi by {{Transliteration|ja|okurihikiotoshi}}, an unusual winning move. Between Days 10 and 12, however, he suffered two defeats to {{Transliteration|ja|Komusubi}} Kotonowaka and title contender Hokutofuji.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307180001292.html |title=琴ノ若、過去１勝10敗の豊昇龍を撃破「内容が悪くて負けていたわけじゃないし」苦手意識はなし |date=July 18, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |access-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-date=July 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719123608/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307180001292.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20230720/k10014137151000.html |title=大相撲名古屋場所 12日目錦木と北勝富士平幕2人がトップに |date=July 20, 2023 |work=NHK |access-date=July 26, 2023}} After defeating back-to-back {{Transliteration|ja|Ōzeki}} Kirishima and {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} promotion-seeker Wakamotoharu,{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307210000666.html |title=大関とり豊昇龍が２桁白星「体がしっかり動いた」ライバル霧島を下し直近３場所33勝に望み |date=July 21, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |access-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726133357/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307210000666.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307220000553.html |title=大関とりの豊昇龍、目安の３場所33勝にマジック１若元春を破り11勝目優勝争いトップ並んだ |date=July 22, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |access-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722205349/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307220000553.html |url-status=live }} he entered the final day of the tournament in a three-way tie for the lead with eight-year sumo veteran Hokutofuji and 19-year-old {{Transliteration|ja|makuuchi}}-newcomer Hakuōhō. Hōshōryū took on Hakuōhō in their scheduled Day 15 contest with the winner then needing to face Hokutofuji, who by winning that day against Nishikigi had triggered the necessity of a playoff. Hōshōryū brought down Hakuōhō, thus winning his 12th match of the tournament and his 33rd in three tournaments at a {{Transliteration|ja|san'yaku}} rank, the threshold typically needed for {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} promotion. Hōshōryū then went on to defeat Hokutofuji in the playoff to secure his first top-division championship and second overall title in professional sumo. Upon winning the playoff and leaving the {{Transliteration|ja|dohyō}}, Hōshōryū could not contain his emotions. "I was just so overwhelmed with joy, I was trying to hold it back but the tears just came," he said.{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/5c1308771906-sumo-hoshoryu-beats-hokutofuji-in-playoff-for-maiden-championship.html |title=Sumo: Hoshoryu beats Hokutofuji in playoff for maiden championship |date=July 23, 2023 |publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=July 24, 2023}} He added that he did everything he could and did not think about a possible promotion, and that he wanted to share his joy with his stablemaster Tatsunami and with his uncle.{{cite web |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14964537 |title=SUMO/ Hoshoryu fulfills uncle's command to win his first championship |date=July 24, 2023 |publisher=Asahi Shimbun |access-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724101430/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14964537 |url-status=live }}

Since he had reached the quota of victories required for promotion, the board of directors of the Japan Sumo Association approved Hōshōryū's appointment to the rank of {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}}, after JSA Chairman Hakkaku accepted the request of Judging Department head Sadogatake to hold an extraordinary board meeting to discuss the promotion.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307230001151.html |title=「大関豊昇龍」誕生へ、初Ｖ受け臨時理事会招集を了承過去に昇進見送られた例はなし |date=July 23, 2023 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |access-date=July 23, 2023 |language=ja |archive-date=July 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723100359/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307230001151.html |url-status=live }} On July 26, Hōshōryū made his formal acceptance speech at his stable's lodging house in Nagoya, with his parents who had flown in from Mongolia for the ceremony.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307260000159.html |title=豊昇龍の大関昇進を満場一致で承認モンゴル出身大関は霧島に続き７人目、大関誕生は２場所連続 |date=July 26, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |access-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726010144/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307260000159.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2023/07/26/kiji/20230726s00005000522000c.html |title=【豊昇龍大関昇進伝達式】モンゴルから両親も来た！父・スガラグチャーさん「息子を誇りに思う」 |date=July 26, 2023 |work=Sports Nippon |access-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726133353/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2023/07/26/kiji/20230726s00005000522000c.html |url-status=live }} In his speech, Hōshōryū said that he would work hard with a spirit of {{Transliteration|ja|kihaku issen}} ({{langx|ja|気魄一閃|the mental strength to fight powerfully|label=none}}) so as to not tarnish the rank of {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}}.{{cite web |date=July 26, 2023 |title=Sumo: Hoshoryu promoted to ozeki after breakthrough championship |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/43d55c6d5968-sumo-hoshoryu-promoted-to-ozeki-after-breakthrough-championship.html |access-date=July 26, 2023 |publisher=Kyodo News |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726044954/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/43d55c6d5968-sumo-hoshoryu-promoted-to-ozeki-after-breakthrough-championship.html |url-status=live }} This promotion makes Hōshōryū the first wrestler promoted to the rank of {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} from Tatsunami stable in 37 years, since Futahaguro Kōji in 1986.{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2023/07/26/kiji/20230726s00005000549000c.html |title=【豊昇龍大関昇進伝達式】立浪親方「良い弟子を持った」師匠として初めての大関誕生に感無量 |date=July 26, 2023 |work=Sports Nippon |access-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726133355/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2023/07/26/kiji/20230726s00005000549000c.html |url-status=live }} He is also the seventh Mongolian {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} to date, after Kirishima was elevated to the rank in May 2023. After the September {{Transliteration|ja|banzuke}} was released, Hōshōryū noted that he had to work even harder than before because many people were offering congratulations to him during the summer regional tours and he became accustomed to people referring to him as an {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}}. He said that he had to win the September tournament by wrestling well.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202308280000438.html |title=新大関豊昇龍、看板力士として強い自覚２場所連続優勝へ「しっかり相撲を取って勝たなくちゃ」 |date=August 28, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |access-date=August 28, 2023 |archive-date=August 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828075548/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202308280000438.html |url-status=live }}

={{Transliteration|ja|Ōzeki}} career and {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} bid=

Hōshōryū began his {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} career in September 2023 by narrowly escaping a {{Transliteration|ja|kadoban}} situation with an eighth victory on the final day of the tournament against Hokuseihō.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202309240001602.html |title=豊昇龍２連勝締め、逆転で来場所のかど番回避「何よりも勝ててよかった」胸をなで下ろす |date=September 25, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |access-date=November 17, 2023 |language=ja |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101021347/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202309240001602.html |url-status=live }}

During the November 2023 tournament, Hōshōryū stood out on the fifth day of the tournament in his match against Gōnoyama, a match during which the two wrestlers waited at the moment of the {{Transliteration|ja|tachi-ai}} for a minute and a half, leading to three unsuccessful attempts to launch the initial charge.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202311160001507.html |title=注意受けた豊昇龍「ちょっと熱くなった」駆け引きのような立ち合いに審判長「ひどすぎる」立腹 |date=November 16, 2023 |work=Nikkan Sports |access-date=November 17, 2023 |language=ja |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116200605/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202311160001507.html |url-status=live }} Although he won the match, Hōshōryū, due to his rank and three unsuccessful attempts was summoned by head judge Kumegawa to receive a verbal warning.

Hōshōryū was in contention of the top division championship during much of the January 2024 tournament. He aggravated his knee injury during his match with {{Transliteration|ja|ozeki}} Kirishima, another championship contestant. He withdrew from the tournament the following day. Nevertheless, he had already achieved {{Transliteration|ja|kachi-koshi}}.{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/01/444a1caadb38-sumo-title-chasing-ozeki-hoshoryu-withdraws-from-new-year-meet.html |title=Sumo: Title-chasing ozeki Hoshoryu withdraws from New Year meet |date=January 27, 2024 |work=Kyodo News |access-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127031739/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/01/444a1caadb38-sumo-title-chasing-ozeki-hoshoryu-withdraws-from-new-year-meet.html |url-status=live }} During the March tournament of the same year, Hōshōryū remained in the group of wrestlers still able to compete for the championship, notably standing out on Day 12 by beating Takerufuji, the newly promoted {{Transliteration|ja|makuuchi}} who had been unbeaten until then.{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20240321-OHT1T51172.html?page=1 |title=尊富士、無傷連勝は１１でストップ...大関・豊昇龍に屈するも１１０年ぶり新入幕Ｖへ単独首位変わらず、大の里３敗後退 |date=March 21, 2024 |work=Sports Hochi |access-date=March 21, 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=March 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321090242/https://hochi.news/articles/20240321-OHT1T51172.html?page=1 |url-status=live }} Hōshōryū's chances of staying in contention for the title came to an end on Day 14, however, after he was defeated by fellow {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} Kotonowaka.{{cite web |url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/296546 |title=【春場所】豊昇龍白星ほしさに〝変化〟で自滅...八角理事長「反省しないといけない」 |date=March 23, 2024 |work=Tokyo Sports |access-date=March 23, 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=March 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323103426/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/296546 |url-status=live }} Hōshōryū withdrew on the thirteenth day of the July tournament with a thigh injury, having however confirmed a ninth victory the previous day against fellow {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} Kotozakura (the former Kotonowaka). During the August collective training sessions, however, the press reported his intention to take part in the September tournament, with Hōshōryū adding that he had put on {{convert|10|kg|lb st|abbr=on}} to support his form.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202408290000611.html |title=先場所13日目から休場の豊昇龍が精力的 16番で９勝７敗琴桜との三番稽古は「気合が入る」 |date=August 29, 2024 |work=Nikkan Sports |access-date=August 29, 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=August 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829064217/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202408290000611.html |url-status=live }}

Hōshōryū entered the 15th and final day of the November 2024 tournament facing Kotozakura once again, who was tied with him at the top of the leaderboard with 13 wins and 1 loss. In the final and deciding match, Hōshōryū's attempt at an overarm throw was unsuccessful, and Kotozakura slapped down on Hōshōryū's neck to push him down to the {{Transliteration|ja|dohyō}}, giving Kotozakura the victory and the championship. Despite missing out on the championship, Hōshōryū's strong performance (13 wins and 2 losses as the runner up) was enough for the Sumo Association to announce that he would be a candidate for {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} promotion at the next tournament in January 2025.{{Cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/11/a0a85ee023e6-sumo-kotozakura-beats-fellow-ozeki-hoshoryu-to-kyushu-championship.html |title=Sumo: Kotozakura beats fellow ozeki Hoshoryu to Kyushu championship |date=November 24, 2024 |publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=November 24, 2024 |archive-date=November 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124102659/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/11/a0a85ee023e6-sumo-kotozakura-beats-fellow-ozeki-hoshoryu-to-kyushu-championship.html |url-status=live }} With Hōshōryū being designated by the Yokozuna Deliberation Council as an official candidate for the sport's supreme rank in the event of a championship victory, Kotozakura and Hōshōryū became the first two wrestlers in 55 years to be considered for promotion at the same time, since Kitanofuji and Tamanoumi in 1970 (Kitanofuji and Tamanoumi would both subsequently be promoted to yokozuna at the same time, following the January 1970 tournament).{{Cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/12/90f147e4338b-sumo-with-yokozuna-promotion-at-stake-hoshoryu-focused-on-process.html |title=Sumo: With yokozuna promotion at stake, Hoshoryu focused on process |date=December 24, 2024 |publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=December 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226103949/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/12/90f147e4338b-sumo-with-yokozuna-promotion-at-stake-hoshoryu-focused-on-process.html |url-status=live }}

At the January 2025 tournament, Hōshōryū began with a solid four-win streak.{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20250115-OHT1T51056.html?page=1 |title=横綱昇進を目指す豊昇龍が快調に４連勝隆の勝を下す |date=January 15, 2025 |work=Sports Hochi |access-date=January 26, 2025 |language=ja |archive-date=January 17, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117051924/https://hochi.news/articles/20250115-OHT1T51056.html?page=1 |url-status=live }} He then fell behind in the title race, after suffering a Day 5 defeat to Atamifuji.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501160000523.html |title=「荒れる初場所」綱とりの豊昇龍が初黒星過去３勝４敗と合口よくない熱海富士に屈し連勝止まる |date=January 16, 2025 |work=Nikkan Sports |access-date=January 26, 2025 |language=ja |archive-date=January 18, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118090213/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501160000523.html |url-status=live }} Hōshōryū stayed one win behind the leaders after seven days but then suffered consecutive defeats to rank-and-file opponents Shōdai and Hiradoumi, which had been seen as potentially thwarting his bid for promotion to {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}}.{{Cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/8624fa47d433-sumo-shodai-upsets-hoshoryu-threatening-yokozuna-promotion-bid.html |title=Sumo: Shodai upsets Hoshoryu, threatening yokozuna promotion bid |date=January 19, 2025 |publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=January 20, 2025 |archive-date=January 20, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120055103/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/8624fa47d433-sumo-shodai-upsets-hoshoryu-threatening-yokozuna-promotion-bid.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/1ae1a7b688bc-sumo-hoshoryu-incurs-costly-loss-to-hiradoumi-drops-3-wins-off-pace.html |title=Sumo: Hoshoryu incurs costly loss to Hiradoumi, drops 3 wins off pace |date=January 20, 2025 |publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=January 20, 2025 |archive-date=January 20, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120103612/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/1ae1a7b688bc-sumo-hoshoryu-incurs-costly-loss-to-hiradoumi-drops-3-wins-off-pace.html |url-status=live }} On Day 12, Hōshōryū defeated then-tournament leader Kinbōzan to bring himself back into the race for the championship, tied for second with three other wrestlers (Ōhō, Kirishima and Takerufuji).{{Cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/858b3adee837-sumo-hoshoryu-slaps-down-kinbozan-opens-up-championship-race.html |title=Sumo: Hoshoryu slaps down Kinbozan, opens up championship race |date=January 23, 2025 |publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=January 23, 2025 |archive-date=January 23, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123134522/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/858b3adee837-sumo-hoshoryu-slaps-down-kinbozan-opens-up-championship-race.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501230001136.html |title=豊昇龍Ｖと綱とりの可能性つなぐ「何も考えずに残りの相撲を頑張るだけ」金峰山との直接対決制す |date=January 15, 2025 |work=Nikkan Sports |access-date=January 26, 2025 |language=ja |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124212456/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501230001136.html |url-status=live }} On days thirteen and fifteen, Hōshōryū faced and defeated the other two active {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}}, Ōnosato and fellow {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} promotion-seeker Kotozakura, to keep himself in the title race.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501240001494.html |title=豊昇龍Ｖ争い残る10勝目「体がよく反応」大の里を電光石火の首投げ逆転Ｖなら「綱とり」話題も |date=January 24, 2025 |work=Nikkan Sports |access-date=January 26, 2025 |language=ja}}{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/01/26/kiji/20250126s00005000193000c.html |title=豊昇龍巴戦制して逆転で大関初優勝！金峰山＆王鵬に連勝 "荒れる初場所"で大関の意地 |date=January 26, 2025 |work=Sports Nippon |access-date=January 26, 2025 |language=ja |archive-date=January 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126164640/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/01/26/kiji/20250126s00005000193000c.html |url-status=live }} With this latest victory, Hōshōryū secured his place in the first three-way {{glossary link|glossary=Glossary of sumo terms|tomoesen|playoff}} situation for a championship since the 2022 Kyūshū tournament.{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20250126-OHT1T51130.html?page=1 |title=豊昇龍が勝ち、優勝の行方は、金峰山と王鵬との３人による優勝決定ともえ戦へ...２２年九州場所以来 |date=January 26, 2025 |work=Sports Hochi |access-date=January 26, 2025 |language=ja}} This situation had been decided at the time of the match between Ōhō and Kinbōzan, the latter having lost, and which was to set in motion at the very least a playoff between these two wrestlers.{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20250126-OHT1T51128.html?page=1 |title=金峰山が敗れる優勝の行方は、優勝決定戦か優勝決定ともえ戦へ |date=January 26, 2025 |work=Sports Hochi |access-date=January 26, 2025 |language=ja}} Hōshōryū won the draw to compete in the first bout, and he won the title after defeating Kinbōzan and Ōhō one after the other.{{Cite web |title=Sumo: Hoshoryu set for yokozuna promotion after winning New Year meet |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/d24d66cd5706-urgent-sumo-hoshoryu-set-for-yokozuna-promotion-after-winning-new-year-meet.html |publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=January 26, 2025 |archive-date=January 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126173432/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/d24d66cd5706-urgent-sumo-hoshoryu-set-for-yokozuna-promotion-after-winning-new-year-meet.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501260000520.html |title=大横綱大鵬の孫、王鵬があと１歩で初優勝逃す本割で金峰山倒すも優勝決定戦で敗れる |date=January 26, 2025 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |access-date=January 26, 2025 |language=ja}} Unusually, Hōshōryū received the Prime Minister's Cup from Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in person, a first since 2019.{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20250126-OHT1T51140.html?page=1 |title=石破首相が４０キロの総理大臣杯自ら手渡し初場所で優勝した豊昇龍に |date=January 26, 2025 |work=Sports Hochi |access-date=January 26, 2025 |language=ja |archive-date=January 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126090503/https://hochi.news/articles/20250126-OHT1T51140.html?page=1 |url-status=live }}

Hōshōryū dedicated his championship to his old high school coach, Tomohiro Ōsawa, who had recruited him and brought him to Japan and who died in September 2024.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501260001397.html |title=豊昇龍、前年死去の恩師にささげる優勝日体大柏高時代にレスリング指導受けた大沢友博さん |date=January 26, 2025 |work=Nikkan Sports |access-date=January 26, 2025 |language=ja |archive-date=January 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126124255/https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501260001397.html |url-status=live }} During his championship interview, he mentioned that he would have liked to face Terunofuji one last time, as the latter had beaten him in the nine matches in which they had met.{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/01/26/kiji/20250126s00005000307000c.html |title=横綱昇進確実の豊昇龍「最後に1回ぐらい...」かなわなかった唯一の心残りとは |date=January 26, 2025 |work=Sports Nippon |access-date=January 26, 2025 |language=ja}}

Once Hōshōryū's victory was assured, the Judging Department of the Japan Sumo Association customarily sent up a request for an extraordinary meeting of the board of directors on January 29 to discuss Hōshōryū's promotion to the supreme rank of {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}}. Although the sport's only active {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}}, Terunofuji, retired during the tournament, it was brought up that the department of the {{Transliteration|ja|shimpan}} was not unanimous regarding the promotion, some supporting Hōshōryū and others criticizing him for his defeats at the hands of rank-and-file wrestlers.{{Cite web |title=Sumo: JSA to discuss conditions for Hoshoryu's yokozuna promotion |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/4406e7e8e6e8-sumo-jsa-to-discuss-conditions-for-hoshoryus-yokozuna-promotion.html |publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=January 26, 2025 |archive-date=January 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126044521/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/4406e7e8e6e8-sumo-jsa-to-discuss-conditions-for-hoshoryus-yokozuna-promotion.html |url-status=live }} Although the judges were divided, Judging Department chairman Takadagawa (the former Akinoshima) was confident in the formalization of the promotion.{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/01/26/kiji/20250126s00005000308000c.html |title=豊昇龍第74代横綱昇進確実高田川審判部長「内容も素晴らしかった。文句をつけるところはないと思う」 |date=January 26, 2025 |publisher=Sports Nippon |access-date=January 26, 2025 |language=ja}}

=Promotion to {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}}=

Meeting on January 27, 2025, the Yokozuna Deliberation Council received the formal request from the Sumo Association regarding Hōshōryū's promotion to the highest rank in professional sumo as the 74th {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} in the sport's history. After debate, the nine-member council unanimously recommended Hōshōryū's promotion.{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/50722f1fae3b-sumo-presumptive-yokozuna-hoshoryu-ready-to-rest-after-new-year-win.html |title=Sumo: Hoshoryu ready to rest after promotion-earning New Year win |date=January 27, 2025 |publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=January 27, 2025 |archive-date=January 27, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127054814/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/50722f1fae3b-sumo-presumptive-yokozuna-hoshoryu-ready-to-rest-after-new-year-win.html |url-status=live }}

On the day before his expected promotion it was reported that Hōshōryū would be adopting the Unryū ring-entering ceremony style, widely used by the Dewanoumi {{Transliteration|ja|ichimon}} (or clan), to which Tatsunami stable belongs, and which was used not only by his uncle Asashōryū but also by Futabayama, another {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} raised in his stable.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501280001128.html |title=豊昇龍、土俵入りは雲竜型同じ型の千代の富士、朝青龍の大横綱を目指し"令和の大横綱"へ |date=January 28, 2025 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |access-date=January 28, 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/01/29/kiji/20250128s00005000318000c.html |title=豊昇龍　出羽海一門が代々継承　叔父・朝青龍とも同じ「雲龍型」で"双葉山の道"目指す |date=January 29, 2025 |publisher=Sports Nippon |access-date=February 17, 2025}} Commenting on his choice, Hōshōryū explained that he had decided on the Unryū style because it had made a particular impression on him as he watched his uncle perform this ceremony, feeling a strong sense of fighting spirit emanating from it. A member of the Dewanoumi {{Transliteration|ja|ichimon}}, Hōshōryū was taught the style by Musashigawa (former {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} Musashimaru), who also used this style during his active career.{{cite web |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/1017482?rct=sumo |title=豊昇龍、叔父・元横綱朝青龍と同じ雲龍型の土俵入りに決定指導は武蔵川親方【大相撲】 |date=January 27, 2025 |publisher=Chunichi Sports |access-date=January 29, 2025}} Plans were also made for Hōshōryū to use a {{Transliteration|ja|tachi}} and a set of {{Transliteration|ja|keshō-mawashi}} that had belonged to Musashimaru for his first {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} ring-entering ceremony.{{cite web |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/1017878?rct=sumo |title=豊昇龍、最初の土俵入りで締める三つぞろえの化粧まわしと太刀を同じ出羽海一門の武蔵川親方から借りることに |date=January 28, 2025 |publisher=Chunichi Sports |access-date=January 29, 2025}}

On the morning of January 29, 2025, the full board of the Sumo Association accepted the council's recommendation and unanimously promoted Hōshōryū to {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}}.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501290000005.html |title=横綱豊昇龍が誕生、臨時理事会では全会一致で承認照ノ富士引退による32年ぶりの横綱空位救う |date=January 29, 2025 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |access-date=January 29, 2025 |language=ja}} Hōshōryū is the sixth Mongolian to be promoted to sumo's highest rank, and the first wrestler to be promoted to {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} since Terunofuji in July 2021. He is the sixth-fastest wrestler to reach the top rank since the six-tournament system was introduced in 1958, doing so in 42 tournaments.{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/22a4a39d92c9-sumo-mongolian-wrestler-hoshoryu-becomes-74th-yokozuna.html |title=Sumo: Mongolian wrestler Hoshoryu becomes 74th yokozuna |date=January 29, 2025 |publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=January 29, 2025}} The promotion also occurred on the same date in 2003 that his uncle Asashōryū became the first Mongolian-born {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}}.

Soon after the promotion was finalized Hōshōryū and his stablemaster were visited at Tatsunami stable by Sumo Association representatives Sakaigawa (former {{Transliteration|ja|komusubi}} Ryōgoku) and Ōnaruto (former {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} Dejima), who gave the in-person notification of the promotion.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501290000006.html |title=横綱豊昇龍が口上「気魄一閃の精神で精進致します」全会一致で横綱昇進 |date=January 29, 2025 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |access-date=January 29, 2025 |language=ja}} In his customary acceptance speech, Hōshōryū said: "I will continue to work hard with a strong determination in order not to tarnish the title of {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}}." He once again used the Japanese words {{Transliteration|ja|kihaku issen}} ({{langx|ja|気魄一閃|the mental strength to fight powerfully|label=none}}), the same words he used for his promotion to {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}}, reproducing the choice his uncle Asashōryū had also made to use his same idiom twice for his two promotion ceremonies.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501290001003.html |title=「気魄一閃」豊昇龍、叔父の元横綱朝青龍と同じく大関、横綱昇進時同じ四字熟語貫く |date=January 29, 2025 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |access-date=January 29, 2025|language=ja}} Later, Hōshōryū told reporters that reaching the top rank was his dream since entering the sumo world. "I will try to elevate myself higher and higher," he said. "No matter what happens, I will stand strong."

Hōshōryū's first ring-entering ceremony as a {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} was held on 31 January at Tokyo's Meiji Shrine in front of about 3,500 people. Stablemate Meisei served as the {{Transliteration|ja|tsuyuharai}} (dew sweeper), and Hiradoumi was the {{Transliteration|ja|tachimochi}} (sword bearer). Among the members of Hōshōryū's family in attendance was Asashōryū, who had arrived in Japan the previous day.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501310000485.html|title=豊昇龍、叔父の元横綱朝青龍が見守る前で奉納土俵入り　露払いは明生、太刀持ちに平戸海|date=31 January 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=31 January 2025|language=ja}}

Following the release of the March 2025 rankings Hōshōryū said that seeing his name at the top of the list was "a little scary," but he was also happy and had "a grave sense of responsibility."{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/02/ec0d739a4495-sumo-hoshoryu-feels-weight-of-responsibility-ahead-of-yokozuna-debut.html|title=Sumo: Hoshoryu feels weight of responsibility ahead of yokozuna debut|date=25 February 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=25 February 2025}}

={{Transliteration|ja|Yokozuna}} career=

==2025==

In preparation for the 2025 March tournament, Hōshōryū affirmed his attention to participating in the tournament although he appeared the day before his consecration ceremony at the Sumiyoshi-taisha with a brace on his right elbow, mentioning that he had torn cartilage.{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/03/02/kiji/20250302s00005000034000c.html|title=豊昇龍　右肘痛も春場所へ問題なしを強調「その結果、優勝をつかめたので」|date=2 March 2025|publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=2 March 2025|language=ja}} His Yokozuna debut was rough: he lost in his first bout, gave out three kinboshi (the highest number for a modern Yokozuna debut), and withdrew from the basho after day 9 due to his elbow injury.{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/03/551979d44c01-update1-sumo-new-yokozuna-hoshoryu-withdraws-from-spring-meet.html|title=New yokozuna Hoshoryu withdraws from Spring meet}}

Fighting style

Hōshōryū's Japan Sumo Association profile lists his preferred grip on his opponent's {{Transliteration|ja|mawashi}} as {{Transliteration|ja|migi-yotsu}}, a left hand outside, right hand inside position. He is fond of using {{Transliteration|ja|shitatenage}} (underarm throw) and {{Transliteration|ja|yorikiri}} (frontal force out). He also likes the outside leg trip, or {{Transliteration|ja|sotogake}}, which is beginning to be seen as a trademark move of his. With his fierce fighting style, he makes full use of his speed and athleticism. Because of that, he has captured the attention of many fans early in his career.

Personal life

Hōshōryū comes from a prestigious wrestling family, his father (the eldest brother) and uncles all having wrestling backgrounds. In addition to former {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} Asashōryū, he counts among his uncles Dolgorsürengiin Sumyaabazar, a Mongolian politician and former Olympic freestyle wrestling athlete, and Dolgorsürengiin Serjbüdee, who was a professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. His paternal grandfather, {{Interlanguage link|Dolgorsüren Donrovyn|mn|3=Донровын Долгорсүрэн|lt=Donrovyn Dolgorsüren}}, is also a renowned {{translit|mn|bökh}} wrestler, having achieved the status of {{translit|mn|Ulsyn zaan}} ({{langx|mn|Улсын заан}}), meaning 'National Elephant', which means he reached a semi-final in a national {{translit|mn|Naadam}} wrestling festival.{{cite magazine |author=Frederick, Jim |title=Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj: Possessing the strength to lift an entire nation |magazine=Time |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/2003/heroes/dolgorsuren_dagvadorj.html |access-date=July 9, 2008 |date=April 28, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503093925/http://www.time.com/time/asia/2003/heroes/dolgorsuren_dagvadorj.html |archive-date=May 3, 2008 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://eagle.mn/r/36272 |title=Д.Долгорсүрэн зааны ач хүү сүмод хүч үзэхээр болжээ |date=November 2, 2017 |publisher=Eagle News |access-date=July 27, 2023 |language=mn |archive-date=July 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727193726/http://eagle.mn/r/36272 |url-status=live }} In October 2024, his cousin Serjbüdeegiin Luvsangombo, son of Dolgorsürengiin Serjbüdee (the former Blue Wolf) also became a professional sumo wrestler at Shikoroyama stable, under the ring name Tenrōsei.{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/10/30/kiji/20241030s00005000281000c.html |title=朝青龍のおい・ルブサンゴンボ＆武蔵丸のおい・ダニエル元横綱を叔父に持つ2人が新弟子検査受検へ |date=October 30, 2024 |publisher=Sports Nippon |access-date=October 30, 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=December 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212041416/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/10/30/kiji/20241030s00005000281000c.html |url-status=live }}

Since Hōshōryū is the nephew of the 68th {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} Asashōryū, the latter regularly comments on his performances in the ring. Hōshōryū notably cited his uncle's anger when he suffered three consecutive defeats in March 2019,{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2019/03/23/kiji/20190323s00005000299000c.html |title=朝青龍のおい・豊昇龍 3連敗の崖っぷちから勝ち越し「おじさんに怒られました」 |date=March 23, 2019 |publisher=Sports Nippon |access-date=July 26, 2023 |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725075118/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2019/03/23/kiji/20190323s00005000299000c.html |url-status=live }} and his uncle's criticism on Twitter of his style at the September 2019 tournament. Asashōryū is also not shy on the subject of encouraging his nephew's direct opponents, as was the case at the January 2025 tournament, when he called stablemaster Kise (the former Higonoumi), the master of Kinbōzan (the wrestler then leading the championship), going so far as to say that Kinbōzan should not lose to {{nihongo|"this jerk"|あのヤロウ|anoyarō}}, referring to Hōshōryū.{{cite web |url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/331726 |title=【初場所】元朝青龍金峰山に激励電話...甥の豊昇龍とのＶ争いにも「あのヤロウに負けるな」 |date=January 24, 2025 |publisher=Tokyo Sports |access-date=January 26, 2025 |language=ja |archive-date=January 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125212125/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/331726 |url-status=live }} Hōshōryū maintains a complicated relationship with the aura his uncle has over professional sumo, feeling that he is "perpetually chasing his shadow." Reportedly, the two even got into a bad argument after he and Asashōryū had several disagreements, the former {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} insisting beyond reason and provoking in Hōshōryū the feeling of being harassed by his uncle. Hōshōryū also commented on his annoyance at being regularly compared to his uncle.{{cite web |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230108/k00/00m/050/004000c |title=「なぜ叔父さんのことを聞くのか」豊昇龍に表れた変化初場所 |url-access=subscription |date=January 8, 2023 |publisher=Mainichi Shimbun |access-date=July 26, 2023 |language=ja |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725083735/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230108/k00/00m/050/004000c |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501210001425.html |title=大関豊昇龍「なんでいつもおじさんと比べられるかな」大栄翔を上手出し投げで下し優勝争い死守 |date=January 21, 2025 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |access-date=July 26, 2023 |language=ja}}

Career record

{{Sumo record box start|Hōshōryū Tomokatsu{{cite web |author= |title=Hoshoryu Tomokatsu Information |publisher=Sumo Reference |url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=12451 |date= |access-date=August 31, 2020 |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925075428/http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=12451 |url-status=live }}}}