Ukrainian Refugee Makes Sumo History in Japan
In a remarkable sporting achievement, 21-year-old Ukrainian refugee Danylo Yavhusishyn has become the first Ukrainian to win a prestigious sumo tournament in Japan. Competing under his ring name Aonishiki Arata, the young wrestler secured victory at the Kyushu tournament after a dramatic tie-breaking win against Mongolian grand champion Hoshoryu.
Rapid Rise Through Sumo Ranks
Yavhusishyn's journey to sumo success has been both swift and extraordinary. Having fled Ukraine following Russia's invasion in February 2022, he arrived in Japan just two months later and has climbed the sumo hierarchy at record-breaking speed. The Japan Sumo Association is now preparing to promote him to "ozeki", the second-highest rank beneath grand champion, according to national broadcaster NHK.
What makes his achievement particularly impressive is his rapid ascent through sumo's competitive divisions. He reached sumo's upper divisions in just one year and earned promotion to the fourth-highest rank, marking the fifth-fastest climb since the current system of six annual tournaments began in 1958.
From Ukrainian Champion to Japanese Star
The young athlete's sumo journey began long before his arrival in Japan. Born in Vinnytsia in central Ukraine, Yavhusishyn first took up sumo at just seven years old and became a national champion by age 17. His age proved fortunate when war broke out, as he narrowly avoided Ukraine's military draft for men aged 18 and older.
After initially seeking refuge in Germany, where his parents remain, Yavhusishyn moved to Japan without any knowledge of the language. His transition was eased by Japanese sumo wrestler Arata Yamanaka, whom he had befriended during the world junior sumo 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.
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 310lbs, Yavhusishyn made his professional debut in July 2023, becoming only the second Ukraine-born professional sumo wrestler following compatriot Serhii Sokolovskyi.
Future Ambitions and Family Support
Following his historic victory at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center, Yavhusishyn addressed fans in fluent Japanese, expressing his delight at achieving his goal. "I am happy that I am able to achieve a goal of mine," he told the televised audience, adding that he was pleased to have competed to the best of his abilities.
His parents have since visited him in his new home, witnessing firsthand their son's extraordinary success. Despite his current achievements, Yavhusishyn has set his sights even higher, stating: "I am happy [now] but there is one higher status. I want to work toward that," indicating his ambition to reach the pinnacle of sumo as a yokozuna grand champion.
