In a stunning display of strength and spirit, a young Ukrainian athlete has carved his name into the history books of Japanese sumo wrestling.
Danylo Yavhusishyn, a 21-year-old who fled his homeland following Russia's full-scale invasion, has become the first Ukrainian ever to win an elite-level sumo tournament in Japan. Competing under the ring name Aonishiki Arata, he secured his historic victory on Sunday, 23rd November 2025.
A Decisive Victory in Fukuoka
The crowning moment came at the prestigious 15-day Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, held in Fukuoka, southwestern Japan. In the final, deciding match, Yavhusishyn faced a formidable opponent: the top-ranked Mongolian wrestler, Hoshoryu Tomokatsu.
Emerging victorious from the bout, the Ukrainian rising star was presented with the Prime Minister's Cup. The esteemed trophy was awarded by Takahiro Inoue, an adviser to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
A Journey Forged in Conflict and Friendship
Yavhusishyn's path to sumo glory is as remarkable as his victory. He left Ukraine as a teenager in 2022, after the war forced him to seek a new future. His decision to travel to Japan was influenced by a friendship struck with a Japanese wrestler at a tournament back in 2019, a connection that provided a lifeline and a new direction.
Speaking at a news conference last month, the wrestler shared his hopes that his success could serve as a beacon for his compatriots. "I hope that people from Ukraine will be able to see my sumo, and have some kind of encouragement from that," he said.
Ukraine's Wrestling Prowess on a New Stage
This historic win introduces a new chapter for Ukraine in the world of combat sports. The nation already boasts a strong tradition in Olympic wrestling, exemplified by Zhan Beleniuk who won a gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2020 Tokyo Games, which were held in 2021 due to the pandemic.
Sumo's global profile has been rising, with a major tournament held at London's Royal Albert Hall just last month. This event was only the second time a Grand Tournament had been staged outside Japan in the sport's long, storied history. Interestingly, that five-day London tournament was won by the 26-year-old Hoshoryu, the very wrestler Yavhusishyn has now defeated to claim his title.
