Wakanohana Kanji was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Ōwani, Aomori. He was the sport's 56th yokozuna. He was popular with sumo fans and was well-known for his rivalry with Kitanoumi. After retirement, he became the head coach of Magaki stable. Due to poor health, he left the Japan Sumo Association in December 2013. He died of lung cancer in July 2022 at the age of 69.
Original tegata (handprint and signature) of sumo wrestler Yokozuna Wakanohana II
Wakanohana's handprint displayed on a monument in Ryōgoku, Tokyo
Ōwani is a town located in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 January 2023, the town had an estimated population of 8,669 people in 4108 households and a population density of 53 persons per km2. The total area of the town is 163.41 square kilometres (63.09 sq mi). Skiing is very popular in Ōwani Town, and seven Olympic athletes have grown up there.
View of Ōwani Onsen
Ōwani town hall
Daien-ji