🇺🇦 A 21-year-old who fled war has just rewritten history at the pinnacle of Japanese traditional culture.
Ukrainian sumo wrestler Aonishiki achieved back-to-back tournament championships in Japan's Grand Sumo. Winning as a sekiwake (third-highest rank), being promoted to ōzeki (second-highest rank), and then winning again immediately after promotion—this hasn't happened in 89 years, since the legendary yokozuna Futabayama in 1937. How did a refugee who arrived in Japan with just a suitcase etch his name into sumo history?
What Makes This 89-Year Record So Special?
On the final day of the January 2026 tournament at Tokyo's Ryōgoku Kokugikan, newly promoted ōzeki Aonishiki faced Atamifuji in a championship playoff. Despite being pushed to the edge of the ring by an opponent approximately 55 kilograms heavier, Aonishiki held his ground with a low stance and executed a dramatic comeback throw using his left arm. This victory gave him his second consecutive championship, following his triumph at the Kyushu tournament the previous November.
What made this record extraordinary was the sequence: "Win as sekiwake → Promotion to ōzeki → Win again in first tournament as ōzeki." This hadn't been achieved since Futabayama in January 1937. Futabayama, known as the "Sumo Saint of the Shōwa Era," holds the longest winning streak in sumo history at 69 consecutive victories. To be mentioned alongside his records represents the highest honor in the sumo world.
Who Is Aonishiki?
Aonishiki's real name is Danylo Yabgushyshin. He was born in 2004 in Vinnytsia, a city in central Ukraine.
Young Danylo began practicing sumo at age seven while also pursuing wrestling in his hometown. He avidly watched Japanese sumo broadcasts and was particularly moved by a 2002 bout between Takanohana and Asashōryū, which sparked his dream to one day compete on a Japanese sumo ring.
By 2019, he had achieved international recognition with a top finish at the World Junior Sumo Championship. But in February 2022, Russia's military invasion changed everything. As his 18th birthday approached—making him eligible for military conscription—Danylo, unable to abandon his sumo dreams, fled to Germany with his mother. However, there was no opportunity to continue sumo there.
His turning point came through reconnecting with a Japanese acquaintance from the 2019 international tournament. He contacted Arata Yamanaka, then captain of Kansai University's sumo team, expressing his desperate wish to continue sumo in Japan. Yamanaka agreed, and in April 2022, Danylo arrived in Japan alone. He lived with Yamanaka's family while training with Kansai University's sumo team.
The Meaning Behind "Aonishiki"
Subsequently, he joined Ajigawa stable, led by former sekiwake Aminishiki. His professional debut came at the September 2023 tournament.
His ring name "Aonishiki Arata" carries profound significance:
- "A" (安): From his stable master, Ajigawa Oyakata
- "Ao" (青): Representing the blue of the Ukrainian flag
- "Nishiki" (錦): From his master's active-era ring name "Aminishiki"
- "Arata" (新大): The exact name of his benefactor, Arata Yamanaka
His ring name encapsulates his love for his homeland, gratitude toward his master, and respect for the person who made his journey to Japan possible.
A Meteoric Rise Through the Ranks
Aonishiki's promotion speed has been extraordinary:
- Reached sekiwake in just 14 tournaments from debut (then tied for fastest ever)
- First championship in 16 tournaments from debut (second-fastest in history)
- First championship at 21 years and 8 months (fourth-youngest in the six-tournament-per-year era)
His championship victory in just three and a half years from his debut shocked the sumo world. Experts attribute his strength to his wrestling-honed low attacking style and powerful lower body. While many foreign wrestlers rely on their size for power sumo, Aonishiki is notable for pursuing traditional Japanese-style forward-moving sumo.
Response from Ukraine
Aonishiki's victory brought tremendous hope to war-torn Ukraine.
Vazha Diauri, who coached Aonishiki from childhood in Vinnytsia, said with emotion in his voice, "This is a historic day—the first Ukrainian champion has been born." Olek Reva of the Ukrainian Sumo Federation commented, "This has become a source of hope for Ukrainian children living through wartime. It's the first bright news in a long time."
Ukrainians living in Japan also expressed joy. A staff member at "Kraiany," a Ukrainian restaurant in Tokyo's Musashino City that Aonishiki visited before the tournament, said with shining eyes, "I'm so happy that a wrestler from my home country is succeeding. I believe he can become yokozuna, and I'll keep supporting him."
Foreign Wrestlers in Sumo History and Aonishiki's Place
The history of foreign wrestlers in professional sumo is long. Starting with Takamiyama from Hawaii in the 1960s, followed by Hawaiian greats like Konishiki, Akebono, and Musashimaru, and then the Mongolian dominance of the 2000s with Asashōryū, Hakuhō, Harumafuji, and Kakuryū.
Among European wrestlers, Bulgaria's Kotoōshū, Estonia's Baruto, and Georgia's Tochinoshin have reached ōzeki rank, but none has yet achieved yokozuna.
Aonishiki is the first Ukrainian-born wrestler to win a top-division championship and to achieve ōzeki rank. Depending on future results, becoming "the first European-born yokozuna" is within reach. If he performs well at the March Osaka Spring tournament, promotion to yokozuna could become a serious discussion.
Aonishiki and Japanese Society
Aonishiki's success raises questions that extend beyond sports for Japanese society.
Since 2022, the Japanese government has actively welcomed Ukrainian refugees. Aonishiki is one of them, and his success in Japanese traditional culture represents one form of cross-cultural coexistence.
Japanese fans frequently express sentiments like "He's a wrestler I want to support regardless of nationality." The fact that a young war refugee has been accepted and achieved the highest honors in sumo—a world sometimes considered insular—could be seen as a symbol of Japan's welcoming spirit.
Conclusion: What About Your Country?
Aonishiki's story teaches us the importance of persevering through difficulties to pursue our dreams. A 21-year-old who fled war, arrived alone in a foreign country without knowing the language, and reached the pinnacle of Japanese traditional culture in just a few years. His journey has inspired and given hope to many people.
In Japan, there are both positive and cautious opinions about foreigners succeeding in traditional culture. Debates often arise about balancing an approach that evaluates people on ability regardless of nationality with preserving traditional heritage.
How are foreign athletes or performers who succeed in your country's traditional sports or culture received where you live? Are they welcomed, or are there complicated feelings? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
References
- https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/20c0206441cf1fa7f2b2dd272c3a3045556f7cec
- https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUD231W00T21C25A1000000/
- https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOCB232050T21C25A1000000/
- https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/91864
- https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/451793
- https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2025112300427&g=spo
- https://www.cnn.co.jp/showbiz/35240823.html
Reactions in Japan
Watching Aonishiki's sumo style, he does 'forward-pushing sumo' even though he's a foreign wrestler. Maybe the low stance is natural for him since he's from a wrestling background. He's the kind of wrestler you just want to support.
89 years since Futabayama? That's history textbook level stuff. I'm glad I could watch it in real time.
Honestly, it's complicated because it looks like we might get another foreign yokozuna. I really want Japanese wrestlers to step up more.
Considering the situation in Ukraine, seeing him shine on the dohyo really represents hope. I hope he becomes a bridge between our two countries through sumo.
I was moved by how fluent his Japanese was in the victory interview. It's been less than 4 years since he came to Japan, right? It's amazing to have this language ability while practicing sumo.
Including his benefactor's name in his ring name shows loyalty and I respect that. Without his connection with Yamanaka-san, Aonishiki wouldn't be here today.
That comeback throw after holding on at the edge of the ring gave me goosebumps. There was over 55kg weight difference. That tenacious lower body strength is a natural gift.
It's disappointing that the Sumo Association cancelled Takaichi-san's award ceremony. I understand the women-prohibited tradition, but it still feels uncomfortable.
Ajigawa stable only has 8 wrestlers but produced an ozeki—that's inspiring. Even a small stable can achieve this with the right coaching from the master.
A refugee who escaped war standing at the top of Japan's national sport—it's a story that really moves you.
First the Mongolians, now Eastern Europeans. Soon we might have wrestlers from all over the world. I don't know if that's good or bad though.
I've been a sumo fan for 30 years, but I don't remember such a rapid rise. Hakuho was amazing too, but Aonishiki has a different kind of strength.
Seeing his attendant crying made me tear up too. I felt the bond of Team Aonishiki.
So there's a limit of one foreign wrestler per stable? Aonishiki achieving these results under that restriction is seriously impressive, isn't it?
How is he so composed at 21? Not showing joy even after winning—he truly embodies the way of sumo.
If he becomes yokozuna, the issue of stable succession rights will come up. I wonder if the current rule that prevents foreign nationals from becoming stable masters will ever change.
As a Ukrainian, Danylo's victory brings me indescribable joy. Our country only hears dark news lately, but his success is a ray of hope. Seeing him fight under our flag in distant Japan brought me to tears.
American pro sports have many immigrant athletes, but I thought Japanese sumo was different. Honestly surprised to see Japan accept refugees and let them rise to the top. Balancing tradition and openness can't be easy.
There aren't many chances to watch sumo in Germany, but this story is inspiring. Accepting Ukrainian refugees is a big challenge in our country too. This is a good reference as a successful example of integration through sports.
A 89-year-old record, really? I don't know much about sumo, but breaking a record that old is impressive in any sport.
In France, Japanese sumo is known as an exotic sport. When foreigners succeed in traditional sports, it has a completely different meaning than in soccer. It's fascinating including the cultural aspects.
From Kyiv. News of Danylo's victory spread like wildfire. Many young people are saying 'I want to pursue my dreams abroad too.' We've lost so much to war, but his presence gives us hope.
Sumo is gradually gaining popularity in Spain too. Seeing young people succeed while respecting foreign traditions shows the positive side of globalization.
Honestly, I understand the opinion that too many foreign wrestlers might dilute the essence of sumo. But if the nature of sports is that the strong rise to the top, maybe that's just how it is.
As someone who supported Georgia-born Tochinoshin, I'm excited about the possibility of a yokozuna from Eastern Europe. I hope Aonishiki does his best.
Is it true that women aren't allowed on the dohyo? Hard to believe in the 21st century. They accept foreigners but not women?
Japanese living in Australia here. Happy to see it covered in the news here too. I hope this becomes an opportunity to raise international awareness of sumo.
From Mexico. I don't really understand the complex rules of sumo, but a war refugee rising to the top is a story that anyone from any country can be moved by. Wonderful.
I have a friend in Canada who practices sumo. According to her, sumo is more technical than it looks, and it's really hard for foreigners to succeed. Aonishiki's effort must be beyond imagination.
Saw this on BBC. A refugee succeeding in Japan's traditional sport is symbolic given today's world situation.