Ukrainian sumo star trains for Japan’s top prizeReuters, TOKYOThe Ukraine-born grappler who has taken the sumo world by storm is in deep training for a historic run at the highest prize in Japan’s national sport. Aonishiki, whose sumo name means “blue brocade” in honor of the Ukrainian flag, has rocketed through sumo’s ranks at record speed. Ukrainian-born sumo wrestler Aonishiki Arata, the ring name of Danylo Yavhusishyn, drinks water at a training session at his Ajigawa stable in Tokyo yesterday. A friend from his sumo circle took him into his home in Kobe in western Japan and the young Ukrainian began training in earnest in the sport. Ukrainian-born sumo wrestler Aonishiki Arata, the ring name of Danylo Yavhusishyn, left, watches other wrestlers practice during a training session at his Ajigawa stable in Tokyo yesterday.

Source: Taipei Times February 04, 2026 17:14 UTC