Ushijima goes in search of a promising prospect to accomplish what he was unable to and seize the Imperial Championships. The person he found was his fellow alum from Chin Zei Middle School ❶ under the old educational system, Kimura Masahiko.

Kimura was put through intense training as he moved into Ushijima’s household, where his basic needs were provided for him. At the same time, he was placed into a preparatory course for Takushoku University❷, while Ushijima raised the unparalleled King of Judo, Kimura Masahiko.

In preparation for the 3rd Imperial Championships in 1940, Kimura repeatedly trained over 10 hours a day. In prayer for Kimura’s victory, Ushijima would perform Mizu Gori (dumping cold buckets of water over the head and body)❸ every night. Ushijima’s dearest wish, winning the Imperial Championship , was accomplished and the two were praised as “Shitei no Kagami”❹ for their passionate dedication to the teacher disciple relationship.

The title, “Oni no Kimura” (Kimura the devil)❺ was succeeded from his teacher, Ushijima. Even in his later years, Ushijima always kept an eye out for Kimura. In 1954, after the epic battle between Kimura and Rikidozan, called “Showa no Gan Ryuu Jima❻,” there are clips of Ushijima jumping up to the stage and propping Kimura up to walk out after Kimura’s defeat. When asked by his wife and daughter, “why did you step into the ring?” Ushijima responded while becoming teary eyed, “the only person that could pick up Kimura’s bones are me❼.”

(This was a translation from a Japanese website: Link)

❶ Chin Zei School:  In Kumamoto Prefecture, the central part of Japan’s southwestern states called Kyushu.

❷ Takushoku University:  Founded in 1900 in Tokyo. Ushijima was the Judo Master at one point in time.

❸ Mizu Gori: A method of prayer, cleansing the body to purify the heart and soul.

❹ Shitei no Kagami: Literally meaning the mirror of student and teacher. A reflection and example of model behavior between student and teacher.

❺Oni (Devil): Japanese pop folkore characters that are also ogres and troll like.

❻ Gan Ryu Jima: The name of the famous battle ground between the two swards men, Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro. The island is currently inhabited. 

❼ Picking up bones: Bodies are cremated in Japan, but the larger bones always remain. Those bones are picked up with chopsticks and preserved in a special box. Ushijima was implying he was the only one that could pick up Kimura’s remains.