Photo/Illutration Aonishiki Arata (Kensuke Suzuki)

From an early age in his homeland of Ukraine, Aonishiki Arata, born Yavhusishyn Danylo, found his calling in traditional Japanese martial arts. 

When he was 6 and practicing judo, he saw older participants doing sumo next to him.

“In sumo, a bout can end in the blink of an eye. That’s one of the charms,” he said.

That introduction to sumo has led Aonishiki, now 21, to Japan where he has risen at light speed to the second-highest rank in the traditional sport. 

Now in his fourth year in the nation, Aonishiki has fully adapted to Japanese culture.

When he expresses his gratitude, he says “okagesamade” (Thanks to your support). He also loves to visit shrines because they “calm” his mind. 

As a child, Aonishiki had a small build and his arms weren’t very strong. To compensate, he developed a low stance and used headbutts when fighting larger opponents.

In February 2022, when he was 17, Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. At the time, Ukrainian males aged 18 and older were prohibited from going abroad. So, he fled to Germany just before his 18th birthday in March 2022.

After that, he traveled to Japan alone, seeking help from an acquaintance who lived in Kobe, to pursue his dream of becoming a professional sumo wrestler.

“It’s now or never,” he thought at the time.

He participated in the sumo club practices at Kansai University and was loved by members, who nicknamed him “Danya.”

He also attended Japanese language classes twice a week. He never ignored the words he didn’t understand, seeking to learn them even while eating ramen.

He would ask, “What does ‘barikata’ (hard or chewy noodles) mean?”

Aonishiki made his professional debut at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament in 2023. After only two years, he captured his first makuuchi championship, the top division in professional sumo.

The victory in the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Nov. 23 vaulted Aonishiki to ozeki, becoming the first Ukrainian to achieve the coveted rank.

On the way to a celebration party, Aonishiki called his mother to express his gratitude. He heard her crying on the other end of the line.

From the January Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo, all eyes will be on the Ukrainian when he steps onto the dohyo. 

He believes he chose the right path, which has led him to become one of the sport's brightest young stars.

Aonishiki's strong and determined presence will surely inspire others in his battered homeland, which he hasn’t been able to return to since coming to Japan.

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