Will Ukrainian Sumo Prodigy Aonishiki Join the Ranks of Yokozuna?

このページを 日本語 で読む

He's strong when grappling in close, and strong when farther apart from his opponent. His unpretentious approach, always challenging his opponent head-on, is certainly refreshing to watch. We wholeheartedly welcome the ascension of this new sumo star rikishi (wrestler), Aonishiki.

The 21-year-old Ukrainian-born Aonishiki Arata (Danylo Yavhusishyn) won the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament with a record of 12 wins and three losses. He thereby secured promotion from sekiwake to ozeki, the second-highest level in professional sumo.

In the deciding playoff match, Aonishiki used speedy footwork to get behind and take down yokozuna (grand champion) Hoshoryu. Afterward, the sight of him embracing his attendant on the runway and wiping tears from his eyes was very moving. The news of his triumph surely brought joy to his war-ravaged homeland. 

Path to Japan Through the Russian Invasion

Aonishiki had his heart set on entering the world of professional sumo ever since he took up the sport at age 7. Then, the Russian invasion began in February 2022, just one month before his 18th birthday. Under Ukraine's wartime legal system, men over 18 were barred from leaving the country. 

With his life at a crossroads, the young man reluctantly left for Germany. He later came to Japan with the help of an acquaintance.

His No-Frills Style

Aonishiki hates tinkering with his strategy in the dohyo. He always challenges his opponents head-on. His no-frills approach is like a breath of fresh air. And his straightforward fighting style seems propelled by a determination not to bring shame to his home country. 

These factors might also account for his extraordinary success in just his fourth year since coming to Japan. 

Since making his debut in top-level sumo at the 2025 Spring Basho (Spring Grand Sumo Tournament), Aonishiki has won 11 or more matches in five consecutive tournaments and taken home awards in each.

His total of 34 wins over the last three tournaments includes three victories each against Hoshoryu and ozeki Kotozakura. Therefore, there was no reason to deny his promotion to ozeki.

Since the introduction of the six-tournament system in 1958, no newcomer to elite sumo has ever managed to reach the rank of ozeki in just 14 tournaments, including his debut. Aonishiki broke the previous record of 19 tournaments held by Bulgarian-born Kotooshu. 

Growing Into a Grander Style of Sumo

With his strong legs and low center of gravity, as long as Aonishiki sticks to the fundamentals, it is hard to see his sumo falling apart. However, his attacks after getting into a grappling position still have room for improvement.

Physique-wise, he does not match up well against large opponents like yokozuna Onosato. Also, sometimes opponents with strong oshi-zumo (shoving techniques) get the drop on him from the tachiai (initial charge) and force him out of the raised ring.

Furthermore, Aonishiki needs to bulk up his 182-cm, 140-kg frame if he aims to become a yokozuna. Ideally, he will put on enough weight without slowing him down or dulling his competitive edge. 

We would also like to see him develop a sumo style that is grander in scale. 

What if Aonishiki were to join Japanese-born Onosato and Mongolia-born Hoshoryu as a yokozuna? Japan could see the advent of an era in which three sumo grand champions from three different nations are competing. Should that happen, the global popularity of sumo would certainly grow even more. 

RELATED:

• Kyushu Basho: Aonishiki Beats Hoshoryu in a Playoff to Nab 1st Emperor's Cup
• Onosato, Now Ozeki, Builds Hope for a Future Yokozuna
• Sumo in London: Hoshoryu Wins the Crowd-Pleasing Exhibition Tournament

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

このページを 日本語 で読む