Kitanoumi was a prominent Japanese sumo wrestler, born on June 24, 1949, in Osaka. He made his professional debut in 1964 and quickly rose through the ranks, achieving the highest rank of Yokozuna in 1974. Known for his powerful techniques and strong presence in the ring, Kitanoumi won a total of 24 top division championships during his career. After retiring from active competition in 1982, Kitanoumi transitioned to a successful career as a sumo coach and later served as the head of the Japan Sumo Association. He was respected for his contributions to the sport and passed away on January 20, 2023.