Kōji Kitao Has Passed Away

Former yokozuna, Kōji Kitao (aka Futahaguro Koji) has passed away.  Perhaps the most controversial yokozuna of all time, Kōji Kitao had a direct relationship with North American sumo (beyond being a yokozuna) via his infamous professional wresting match with Earthquake (aka John Tenta).  John Tenta was a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Canada, and NorthAmericanSumo.com has a biography of John Tenta that includes a summary of the infamous match with Kōji Kitao.  While most people have mixed feelings about Kōji Kitao, it is nevertheless sad to see someone pass away so young.  He was only 55 years old.