Former professional sumo wrestler Tomisakae Drum has transitioned into an acting career, securing a role in the TBS Sunday Theater drama series VIVANT after initially auditioning as an extra. Born in Kobe on April 11, 1992, the actor built a physical foundation through competitive judo before spending 13 years in the world of professional sumo.
Judo Success and Entry into Isegahama Stable
Before stepping onto the grand sumo stage, Tomisakae dominated local junior judo competitions in Kobe. During his middle school years, he claimed titles in the 71-kilogram and 66-kilogram divisions at the Kobe Junior High School Newcomer Judo Tournament. Dealing with asthma and concerns about sustaining a long combat sports career, he caught the attention of stablemaster Isegahama, the former yokozuna Asafuji, who scouted him into professional sumo.
Tomisakae entered the Isegahama stable during the third term of his final year in middle school, making his official debut under his birth surname, Tomita, at the 2008 Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. By the subsequent Summer Tournament, he adopted the shikona, or ring name, of Tomisakae. Standing 168 centimeters tall, he competed as a compact wrestler. In his pre-tournament matches, he defeated a peer who held a national third-place ranking in one second. Despite finishing his debut tournament with a losing record, he endured rigorous training sessions that involved performing repetitive shiko leg stomps until his legs gave out.
Reaching the Makushita Ranks Over Thirteen Years
Over the course of his 13-year career, Tomisakae gained more than 30 kilograms, crossing the 100-kilogram threshold in 2010. Through consistent training, he climbed the banzuke rankings to reach East Makushita 6th in November 2018. Injuries ultimately halted his progress, and he retired from professional sumo in 2021 with a career record of 258 wins, 245 losses, and 29 absences.
Following his retirement, Tomisakae launched a YouTube channel titled Buhibuhi Parry, gaining attention as a backflipping former wrestler. By October 2026, the channel’s subscriber count reached 94,000, drawing surprise and amusement across social media platforms regarding his athletic background.
Auditioning as an Extra and Securing the Role of Drum in VIVANT
The turning point in Tomisakae’s entertainment career arrived with the July 2023 broadcast of the TBS Sunday Theater series VIVANT. Initially attending auditions for an extra position, he was instead selected by director Katsuo Fukuzawa to portray Drum, the agent accompanying intelligence police officer Mamoru Nozaki, played by Hiroshi Abe. Fukuzawa noted that upon seeing Tomisakae—who originally auditioned for a role within the Balka police force—he immediately recognized him as the right fit for the character.
Before filming began, Tomisakae changed his professional name from Tomisakae Ryutaro to Tomisakae Drum, citing favorable fortune-telling results and a desire to stay grounded in his acting origins. On set, he established a routine of performing shiko stomps alongside lead actor Masato Sakai before cameras rolled, earning the trust of the cast and boosting morale. Although his character communicates without speaking dialogue, his resourceful actions earned him praise from viewers online as an exceptionally capable assistant.
Continuing the Role in Season Two and Performing Stunts
Tomisakae reprised his role as Drum in the second season of VIVANT, which premiered on July 26, 2026. Following strong initial viewership ratings, the 12th episode featured an action sequence in which Tomisakae executed a cartwheel followed by two consecutive backflips without the use of a stunt double. Viewers highlighted his agility and physical strength on social media in response to the athletic feat.
In July 2026, U-NEXT released a four-part spin-off series titled Drum – VIVANT The Origin Story –, focusing on the background of his character—marking an unusual achievement for a supporting actor.
Worth a look
