Shiranui Kōemon

was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kikuchi, Higo Province. He was the sport's 11th yokozuna. He gives his name to one of the two styles for the yokozuna'''s in-ring ceremony, although the question of whether he himself practiced this style is highly debated.

Early life and career Born , he later changed his surname to . He was born in March 1825 (in now Kumamoto Prefecture). His grandfather was an ōzeki named Aramaki, who was well known in the neighborhood. In the fall of 1846, he went to Osaka to join Minato stable, because the stablemaster (former yokozuna Shiranui Dakuemon) was also from Kumamoto and powerful within the Osaka Sumo Association. In 1847, he was given the shikona, or ring name. In October 1863, he was awarded a yokozuna licence by the Yoshida family. Shiranui became a yokozuna at the age of 38, even though his record as an ōzeki had not been particularly strong.

Yokozuna in-ring ceremony Shiranui (left) and Kimenzan (right) photographed by Felice Beato in 1869. Note Shiranui's left hand cupped to his chest, which indicates the Unryū ring-entering style, not the one that carries his namesake. The name of one style of yokozuna dohyō-iri (the yokozuna ring-entering ceremony) came from him. His ritual style was said to be beautiful, and his ceremony was always a highlight for tournament crowds, sometimes more than the bouts themselves. He continued to perform it for three years after his retirement. However it is unproven that he actually performed what is now called the Shiranui style. In fact, he is considered by most sumo historians today to be the organizer of the Unryū style. There is a picture of him performing the ceremony holding his arm to his chest, which indicates an Unryū rather than Shiranui style.

Fighting style Although his performance was not particularly outstanding, he gradually rose in the ranks. Shiranui never won many major victories, but he rose steadily in the ranks and annoyed his opponents with his skill in the right-handed grip. He was more known for his technique than his strength, he was an expert at leg grabs, once downing Ryōgoku Kajinosuke I, himself an expert on the technique, with one clean move. Championships for the best record in a tournament were not recognized or awarded before the 1909 summer tournament and the above unofficial championships are historically conferred. For more information see yūshō.''