Danylo Yavhusishyn has made history as the first Ukrainian to win a sumo tournament in Japan. The 21-year-old, who left Ukraine three years ago due to the war, secured victory at the Kyushu tournament by defeating Mongolian grand champion Hoshoryu in a tie-breaker.
Competing under the ring name Aonishiki Arata, Yavhusishyn addressed the crowd in fluent Japanese at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, expressing his joy at performing to the best of his ability. “I am happy to have achieved one of my goals,” he said of his televised win.
After arriving in Japan three years ago, Yavhusishyn has risen through the sumo ranks at an unprecedented pace. According to national broadcaster NHK, the Japan Sumo Association is set to hold a special meeting to promote him to “ozeki,” the second-highest rank below grand champion.
Yavhusishyn had previously competed in world junior sumo championships as a teenager but departed Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 310 pounds, he reached Japan two months later and quickly advanced to sumo’s upper divisions within just one year, earning promotion to the fourth-highest rank.
Born in Vinnytsia in central Ukraine, Yavhusishyn began sumo at age seven and became national champion at 17. His age allowed him to avoid Ukraine’s military draft for those 18 and older when war erupted. He first sought refuge in Germany before moving to Japan, where his parents remained. Arriving without any knowledge of Japanese, he initially lived and trained with Japanese sumo wrestler Arata Yamanaka, whom he had befriended at the world junior championships.
“I only met him once in person, and he welcomed me even though I couldn’t speak a word of Japanese,” Yavhusishyn recalled in 2024. “I was surprised he agreed. If roles were reversed, I would have refused.”
In July 2023, Yavhusishyn became the second Ukraine-born professional sumo wrestler, following compatriot Serhii Sokolovskyi (known as Shishi). His rapid ascent to sumo’s upper divisions marks the fifth-fastest since the current six-tournament annual system began in 1958. His parents have since visited him in Japan.
Now, Yavhusishyn aims for the pinnacle of sumo. “I’m happy now, but there’s one higher status. I want to work toward that,” he stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Danylo Yavhusishyns sumo championship designed with clear natural questions and direct answers
Beginner General Questions
Q1 Who is Danylo Yavhusishyn
A He is a Ukrainian refugee who moved to Japan and just won Ukraines firstever elitelevel sumo wrestling championship
Q2 What championship did he actually win
A He won the Japanese national sumo championship for university students a highly prestigious title in the sumo world
Q3 Why is this such a big deal
A Its a huge deal because he is the first Ukrainian to ever win this major title and he achieved it after fleeing the war in his home country showing incredible resilience
Q4 How did he end up in Japan doing sumo
A He was a promising wrestler in Ukraine After the war started a Japanese coach who had previously met him helped bring him to Japan so he could continue his training safely
Q5 What is his sumo name
A His sumo name is Yamato Masayuki
Advanced Detailed Questions
Q6 What does securing his countrys first elite sumo championship mean for Ukrainian sports
A It puts Ukraine on the map in a sport traditionally dominated by Japan Its a source of immense national pride and inspires young Ukrainian athletes
Q7 Is he considered a professional sumo wrestler now
A Not yet Winning the national university championship is a major step but he is still an amateur This victory makes him a top candidate to enter the professional sumo association if he chooses
Q8 What are the biggest challenges he faced as a foreigner in Japanese sumo
A He had to overcome the language barrier adapt to a completely different culture and food and master the intricate rituals and techniques of a deeply traditional Japanese sport
Q9 How has Japan reacted to his victory
A Japan has been very impressed and supportive His story of perseverance resonates deeply and he is celebrated for his skill and dedication earning significant media attention and public admiration
Q10 Whats next for Danylo Yavhusishyn
A The most anticipated next step
