Sasshūnada Yasutaka

Sasshūnada Yasutaka (born 7 June 1957 as Katsuyuki Yoshizaki) is a former sumo wrestler from Ibusuki, Kagoshima, Japan. He made his professional debut in January 1976, and reached the top division in September 1986. His highest rank was maegashira 1. He retired in September 1992. he is an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Tatsutayama.

Career He was born in the southern city of Ibusuki, in the southernmost prefecture of Kyushu. He is from the same area of Japan as his more famous stablemates, Terao and Sakahoko. He had done judo at high school but decided to switch to sumo. He joined Kimigahama stable (later Izutsu stable), founded by former sekiwake Tsurugamine in January 1976. He initially fought under his own surname of Yoshizaki. He won the yūshō or tournament championship in his first appearance on the banzuke ranking sheets in the jonokuchi division with a perfect 7–0 record. However, his progress up the ranks was slow. In 1982 he was given the shikona of Sasshunada, meaning "sea of Sasshu." In 2005 he transferred from Izutsu stable to work at Michinoku stable,

Fighting style Keeping with the reputation of his stable, Sasshūnada was known for having a very powerful pushing attack.

Personal life Married with one son, as a wrestler Sasshūnada was fond of visiting pachinko parlours in his spare time.