Who is regarded as the first sumo fighter in history?

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The title of the first sumo fighter in history is attributed to Nomi no Sukme. This recognition stems from historical accounts asserting that he was a legendary figure believed to have engaged in sumo wrestling during the time of the legendary emperor Suinin, which places him in the early centuries of Japan's history. His status as a pioneer of the sport has been preserved through oral traditions and early chronicles, marking him as a foundational character in the development of sumo wrestling as a formalized competitive sport.

The other figures listed are significant in their own right within the context of sumo and Japanese wrestling history, but they come from much later eras. Takayama Shoten was a prominent wrestler during the Edo period and is known for his contributions to sumo, while Musashimaru Kintarō and Akebono Taro gained fame in the modern era of sumo, becoming yokozuna (grand champions) and achieving widespread popularity. However, none of these figures can claim the title of the very first sumo fighter, which remains with Nomi no Sukme.

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