Yokozuna Promotion for Onosato, Sumo’s Rising Star

Onosato is a young sumo wrestler who has reached the highest professional sumo rank: yokozuna. Known for his strength, skill, and calm personality, Onosato has quickly become a symbol of the sport’s future.

His recent promotion to yokozuna–the highest rank– marks a significant moment in his career and in sumo history. With a strong amateur background and a powerful professional record, he has achieved what few can.

Who is Onosato?

Onosato, born Daiki Nakamura, is a young sumo wrestler from Ishikawa Prefecture who has made history by becoming the 74th yokozuna. Before going pro, he was one of Japan’s most successful amateur sumo wrestlers, winning several university titles. At over 180 cm (70 in) tall and weighing more than 170 kg (375 lb), Onosato combines size and speed with excellent technique.

Onosato quickly gained attention for his calm attitude and strong sumo style. After turning professional in 2023, he moved through the ranks faster than most new wrestlers. His ability to stay calm and focused, even in tough matches, impressed fans and experts. He also became popular for his respectful manner and sportsmanship. Many saw early signs that he could reach yokozuna, and in May 2025, he made that dream a reality.

Onosato’s Sumo Journey

Onosato first rose to fame through university sumo, winning national championships and being known as a top prospect. When he turned professional in 2023, expectations were high, and he delivered. He won early tournaments and made a strong debut in the top makuuchi division, earning special prizes and defeating high-ranking opponents. His steady progress and impressive records caught the attention of sumo leaders.

In the May 2025 tournament, Onosato finished with a 14-1 record, following his 13-2 record and championship win in March. These results met the Japan Sumo Association’s expectations for yokozuna promotion: back-to-back strong performances with at least one championship. Onosato’s promotion came after the Yokozuna Deliberation Council gave a unanimous recommendation in a six-minute meeting.

Other Accomplishments

Before turning professional, Onosato built a legendary amateur career that few could match. While studying at Nippon Sport Science University, he won 13 major amateur titles. He was also the first university wrestler in 29 years to enter professional sumo at the makushita 10 rank, a special privilege given to top amateurs. He also won back-to-back national titles as a student, showing dominance over his peers across Japan.

Onosato’s promotion to yokozuna happened faster than any wrestler since the 1950s, and it’s easy to see why. It took Onosato only 13 tournaments to rise to yokozuna, breaking records set by past legends. He is also the first wrestler in history to post winning records in every tournament before becoming a yokozuna. He became the first Japanese-born yokozuna since his stablemaster, Kisenosato.

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What makes Onosato so strong?

Onosato primarily uses yotsu techniques, favoring a right-hand inside grip to control his opponent’s mawashi and often winning by yorikiri, or force-out. While specializing in belt-grappling, he employs oshi-sumo, using pushing and thrusting attacks. His fighting style blends power and technique, drawing comparisons suggesting that Onosato combines qualities of past yokozuna Takanohana and Musashimaru.

Beyond the ring, Onosato is known for his respectful and humble attitude. After being promoted to yokozuna, he thanked his stablemaster, family, and fans in a soft-spoken but determined voice. In his acceptance speech, he vowed to be a “yuiitsu-muni” yokozuna—one who is truly one of a kind. Sumo officials have praised not just his talent, but also his character. Onosato represents the traditional values of sumo and gives hope to its future.

Why is Onosato seen as the future of sumo?

Onosato has become a symbol of a new era in sumo. With many older stars nearing retirement, fans and officials seek new wrestlers who can lead the sport. Onosato brings strength, skill, and a calm presence that can capture the attention of both old and new fans. His rise to yokozuna has come quickly, but he has shown he can maintain it.

He also shows that hard work and good behavior still matter in sumo. His respectful attitude and steady improvement remind people of sumo’s core values. Younger fans see him as a cool, modern rikishi who still honors tradition.

Meanwhile, coaches and leaders see a wrestler they can trust to represent the sport well. For all these reasons, Onosato has been recognized as the future of sumo! Have you ever watched any of Onosato’s matches? What did you think about his rise to Yokozuna? Let us know in the comments below!