Kyūzaburō Wakashima

was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Aizu, Mutsu Province (now Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture). His highest rank was ōzeki. As of January 1881, he is the only professional wrestler from this prefecture to have reached this rank.

History Wakashima was born the second son of a lacquerware painter. He began sumo as an amateur, serving in dedication tournaments in shrines. He eventually decided to turn professional because he was scouted by former maegashira Omaki Kōji, the fifth generation Tateyama and joined the Tateyama stable,

Shortly before his promotion to the jūryō division, he had to leave the Sumo Association briefly to serve in the Boshin War, alongside the Aizu Domain. After the war and the defeat of the domain, he came back to his stable and reached the makuuchi division in 1874. After this promotion, he quickly blossomed, and reached the status of san'yaku barely four years after his debut in this division, Championships for the best record in a tournament were not recognized or awarded before the 1909 summer tournament and the above championships that are labelled "unofficial" are historically conferred. For more information see yūshō.