TOKYO: Japan’s excruciating wait for a homegrown Yokozuna, or sumo grand champion, ended Wednesday (Jan 25) when 30-year-old Kisenosato was promoted to the ancient sport’s highest rank.
A first Emperor’s Cup triumph at the weekend was deemed good enough for him to become the first Japan-born wrestler to reach the lofty perch since Wakanohana in 1998, although it took Kisenosato 73 tournaments to get there – longer than anyone since 1926.
« I accept with all humility, » the 178kg Kisenosato told reporters after being formally approved by the Japan Sumo Association (JSA).
« I will devote myself to the role and try not to disgrace the title of yokozuna.
« I feel a sense of relief, » added the native of Ibaraki prefecture, northeast of Tokyo.
« I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for all the people who have helped me reach this point. «
Sumo dates back more than two millenia but the roly-poly sport has been plagued by a series of damaging scandals in recent years. It had been without a Japanese yokozuna since Wakanohana’s brother Takanohana retired in 2003.
Japanese wrestlers have been unable to repel a flood of foreigners who have dominated since then.
