Ukrainian Danylo Yavgusyshyn has won the Emperor of Japan’s Sumo Cup for the third time
Ukrainian sumo wrestler Aonishiki Arata, whose real name is Danylo Yavgusyshyn, has won the fourth Imperial Grand Sumo Tournament of 2026, the Nagoya Basho, according to Japan News.
The 22-year-old Ukrainian finished the main tournament with 12 wins, before going on to win two playoff bouts. In the decisive bouts, he defeated the Mongolian wrestler Tetsou Kirishima and the Japanese sumo wrestler Atamifuji, claiming the competition’s top prize, the Emperor’s Cup.
Following his victory, Aonishiki regained his ozeki rank, which is the second highest in professional sumo after yokozuna.
Danylo Yavgusyshyn was born in Vinnytsia. He began practising sumo at the age of seven. Following the outbreak of full-scale war in 2022, he left for Germany with his family and later moved to Japan. In April 2022, he arrived in Japan, where he initially trained with the Kansai University sumo club before later joining the Ajigawa stable.
Aonishiki began his professional career at the 2023 Autumn Grand Tournament. He chose the ring name Arata in honour of his friend Arata Yamanaka, whom he met at the 2019 Junior World Sumo Championships.
Throughout his professional career, the Ukrainian has never finished a tournament with a negative win-loss record. Since his debut, he has recorded double-digit wins in five consecutive tournaments, gradually climbing the rankings.
This Emperor’s Cup was Danilo Yavgusishin’s third of his career. He won the previous two trophies in November last year and in January this year.
After the tournament concluded, Aonishiki admitted that he could not find the words to describe his emotions. According to Japanese media reports, following his victory he embraced his assistant and could not hold back his tears.
His coach, Ajigawa – a former sekiwake known as Aminishiki – noted that the Ukrainian sumo wrestler had made a great effort to understand the culture of sumo. Yuji Nakao, head of the wrestler’s support group, stated that the athlete had overcome many difficulties following his forced departure from Ukraine due to the war, but had continued to work hard and achieved success through his own efforts.
Aonishiki will now attempt to become the first European yokozuna in history. To do so, he must win two consecutive tournaments whilst holding the rank of ozeki.
The fifth Imperial Tournament of 2026, the Aki Basho, will take place from 13 to 27 September at the Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo hall in Tokyo.
