Ukrainian Refugee Makes Sumo History in Japan
In a remarkable sporting achievement, 21-year-old Ukrainian refugee Danylo Yavhusishyn has become the first wrestler from his country to win an elite sumo tournament in Japan. Competing under his ring name Aonishiki Arata, the young athlete secured victory at the Kyushu tournament after a dramatic tie-breaking match against Mongolian grand champion Hoshoryu.
Rapid Rise Through Sumo Ranks
Yavhusishyn's journey to sumo glory has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having fled Ukraine following Russia's February 2022 invasion, he arrived in Japan just two months later with no knowledge of the Japanese language. Despite these challenges, the 6ft, 310lb wrestler has climbed the sumo hierarchy at record-breaking speed, reaching the sport's upper divisions within just one year.
His promotion through the ranks represents the fifth-fastest ascent since the current system of six annual tournaments began in 1958. The Japan Sumo Association is now preparing to hold a special meeting to consider promoting him to ozeki, the second-highest rank beneath grand champion (yokozuna).
From Ukrainian Beginnings to Japanese Success
Born in Vinnytsia in central Ukraine, Yavhusishyn first encountered sumo at just seven years old. His dedication to the sport saw him become a national champion by age 17. When war broke out, his age - just below Ukraine's military draft requirement of 18 - allowed him to seek refuge abroad.
After initially relocating to Germany, where his parents remain, Yavhusishyn moved to Japan thanks to an existing friendship with Japanese wrestler Arata Yamanaka, whom he had met at 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.
Following his historic victory at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, the young wrestler addressed fans in fluent Japanese, expressing his happiness at achieving his goal and competing to the best of his abilities. Now setting his sights even higher, Yavhusishyn stated: "I am happy [now] but there is one higher status. I want to work toward that."
His achievement marks a significant milestone not only for Ukrainian sports but for international representation in Japan's traditional national sport, demonstrating how talent and determination can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
