In 1992, following the entry of six Mongolians to Ōshima stable, there was an unofficial ban (called enryo or "restraint") instigated by the Japan Sumo Association's head Dewanoumi on any more foreign recruitment.
[4] Speaking at a Western Japan Press Club luncheon in Osaka in 1995, Dewanoumi reportedly said, "There are no official regulations, but stable masters have a tacit agreement not to scout foreigners actively because they have difficulty adapting to Japanese customs.
NOTES: Hong Kong and Taiwan are listed separately; (§) marks a retired foreign-born wrestler who became a sumo elder.
Rikidōzan was officially recorded with a shusshin (hometown) of Ōmura, Nagasaki so is not regarded as having been a foreign rikishi by the Sumo Association.
NOTE: (#) marks active foreign-born wrestler credited with Japanese shushin (hometown) and hence not counted against current one-foreigner-per-heya restriction.