Sumo wrestlers have ring names or shikona which mask their real identity. Shikona are often associated with a particular stable or may reflect a wrestlers origins, especially if they are non-Japanese.

Being a person who likes words, I often find shikona to be amusing by virtue of their length or capacity to be pronounced. Remembering that names are quickly alluded to multiple times in a sumo bout, tongue twisters can sometimes get chewed up in the heat of the contest.

Consider Wakatakakage for instance. The talented sekiwake, who has the making of an ozeki if I am not mistaken, is a difficult name to say in  the moment. That is Waka-taka-kage with syllables unaccented. Commentators and fans alike get marble-mouthed when forced to utter his name.

I intend to make it a practice exercise prior to going on air.

Image courtesy Tsubame98