other-martial-arts
Okurinage
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Okurinage is an official sumo kimarite in which from behind the opponent, the attacker executes a throw whose exact grip or throwing form is not otherwise specified. The clearest cue is that the winner is clearly behind when a rotational throwing action begins. Okurinage requires a throw from the rear; Okuridashi and Okuritaoshi are driven by pushing, while Okurihikiotoshi is a pull-down. The practical English gloss “Rear 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 | 送り投げ |
|---|---|
| Reading | おくりなげ |
| Group | Special techniques (特殊技) |
| English guide | Rear throw |
| Official no. | 74 |
What happens
The result is recorded when from behind the opponent, the attacker executes a throw whose exact grip or throwing form is not otherwise specified.
How to spot it
Watch the decisive action, then confirm the result and the closest alternative.
- Action the winner is clearly behind when a rotational throwing action begins.
- Result from behind the opponent, the attacker executes a throw whose exact grip or throwing form is not otherwise specified.
- Compare Okurinage requires a throw from the rear; Okuridashi and Okuritaoshi are driven by pushing, while Okurihikiotoshi is a pull-down.
Similar techniques
Okurinage requires a throw from the rear; Okuridashi and Okuritaoshi are driven by pushing, while Okurihikiotoshi is a pull-down. The related pages Okurigake and Okurihikiotoshi offer useful visual comparisons.
Name
Okurinage is written 送り投げ and read おくりなげ. It belongs to Special techniques (特殊技); “Rear throw” is a practical English guide, not an official translation.
Context
Okurinage 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 111 Okurinage results, 0.1% of 190,450 bouts from January 2013 through the final day of the July 2026 tournament, and listed the technique 40th 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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