other-martial-arts
Harimanage
Image: TokyoWaltz / Original illustration · All rights reserved
Harimanage is an official sumo kimarite in which an overarm reaches over the opponent’s head to a far-side rear mawashi grip and swings the opponent down. The clearest cue is that the gripping arm crosses conspicuously above the head to the far side of the belt. Harimanage uses a far-side belt grip reached over the head; Uwatenage uses a conventional same-side overarm grip. The practical English gloss “Over-head belt throw” is a viewing aid rather than an official translation. Focus on the contact that causes the final movement and on whether the opponent is forced out, falls, or is thrown. Earlier exchanges may create the opening, but the kimarite names the action that actually decides the bout.
Overview
| Japanese | 波離間投げ |
|---|---|
| Reading | はりまなげ |
| Group | Twist-down techniques (捻り手) |
| English guide | Over-head belt throw |
| Official no. | 57 |
What happens
The result is recorded when an overarm reaches over the opponent’s head to a far-side rear mawashi grip and swings the opponent down.
How to spot it
Watch the decisive action, then confirm the result and the closest alternative.
- Action the gripping arm crosses conspicuously above the head to the far side of the belt.
- Result an overarm reaches over the opponent’s head to a far-side rear mawashi grip and swings the opponent down.
- Compare Harimanage uses a far-side belt grip reached over the head; Uwatenage uses a conventional same-side overarm grip.
Similar techniques
Harimanage uses a far-side belt grip reached over the head; Uwatenage uses a conventional same-side overarm grip. The related pages Ōsakate and Kainahineri offer useful visual comparisons.
Name
Harimanage is written 波離間投げ and read はりまなげ. It belongs to Twist-down techniques (捻り手); “Over-head belt throw” is a practical English guide, not an official translation.
Context
Harimanage can emerge directly from the tachiai, after a prolonged exchange, or as a counter when posture and footing change. Left-right orientation, wrestler size, and camera angle can alter its appearance without changing the classification.
Statistics
The Japan Sumo Association table consulted on 12 September 2026 counted 62 Harimanage results, 0.03% of 190,450 bouts from January 2013 through the final day of the July 2026 tournament, and listed the technique 45th in that bounded dataset. This is a dated sample, not a timeless probability; check the association’s live page for later totals.
Sources
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