'175kg Super Giant' Excavator Operator Suddenly Declares 'Radical Challenge': "I Felt I'd Regret It..." — Japan's Archipelago Buzzes with Interest

*This content was translated by AI.

Though he had attracted attention as a supernova, the 23rd-year-old young man, sidelined by injury while working as a regular employee, has now challenged the sumo world. The Japanese archipelago is intensely focused on the super-sized rookie, Raize Shirakami (23).

Japanese media outlets such as 'HBC' reported on the 25th that "Shirakami has officially entered the Hanaregoma stable, announcing a new beginning as a sumo wrestler," providing concentrated coverage.

He possesses a monster-like physique. Standing 180cm tall and weighing an overwhelming 175kg, Shirakami was hailed as a super-sized prospect since childhood. However, he briefly left the sumo world due to injury before declaring a comeback, sparking widespread attention.

Shirakami's background is unique. As an elementary school student, he was a promising prospect who competed in national tournaments with a 170cm frame and 100kg weight. However, in a recent interview, Shirakami recalled, "I hated sumo more than anything in the world." Later, during middle and high school, he grew up at a prestigious sumo school and enrolled in Tōhyō University, following an elite path. But in his third year of university, he suffered a major injury—a torn anterior cruciate ligament—and left the sand arena.

After graduating from university, Shirakami worked as a civil engineer for one year at his father's company, working on construction sites as an excavator operator. However, declaring a surprise return, Shirakami stated, "I didn't want to regret it later. I decided to stake my future on the last thing I did with all my might," explaining his reason for entering the sumo world.

Interest from legends is also immense. Former Sumo Association President Hanaregoma Oyakata said of Shirakami, "He is a wrestler who can execute fast sumo. I am confident he will definitely reach sekitori (first-division level) while minimizing the risk of injury," expressing high expectations. Shirakami's father, also a sumo coach, offered his support, saying, "If he can leverage his low and powerful pressure, he will surely succeed even in the professional world."

At a press conference held on the 21st, Shirakami, without any signs of nervousness, declared his ambitions: "I was drawn to the stable's atmosphere and the head coach's character, which led me to decide to join. I will compete without regrets."

Using his birth name, Shirakami, as his ring name, he is scheduled to undergo a rookie test in May and make his debut match.

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*This content was translated by AI.