Aonishiki Arata

{{Short description|Ukrainian sumo wrestler (born 2004)}} {{hatnote|In this Japanese shikona name, the surname is Aonishiki.}} {{Infobox sumo wrestler | image = 250px | caption = Aonishiki in July 2025 | native_name = 安青錦新大 | native_name_lang = ja | name = Aonishiki Arata | birth_name = Danylo Yavhusishyn | birth_date = {{birth date and age|2004|03|23}} | birth_place = Vinnytsia, Vinnytsia Oblast, Ukraine | height = {{height|meters=1.82}} | weight = {{convert|140|kg|lb st|abbr=on}} | heya = Ajigawa | university = | rank = Ōzeki  | record = | debut = September 2023 | highestrank = Ōzeki (January 2026) | retireddate = | yushos = 2 (Makuuchi) 1 (Jonidan) 1 (Jonokuchi) | prizes = Fighting Spirit (2) Outstanding Performance (1) Technique (3) | goldstars = 1 Hōshōryū | update = January 25, 2026 }} {{MedalTableTop |name= | medals = {{MedalSport | Men's Sumo}} {{MedalCountry | {{UKR}}}} {{MedalCompetition | World Junior Sumo Championships<ref>{{cite web |title=Junior Men's Individual Tournament|url=http://www.ifs-sumo.org/19-result-jr-men-i2.html|work=International Sumo Federation|access-date=27 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Вінницькі спортсмени здобули в Японії медалі із сумо |url=http://vinnitsaok.com.ua/archives/943465 |website=vinnitsaok.com|date=17 October 2019|access-date=27 January 2025|language=ukrainian}}</ref>}} {{MedalBronze| 2019, Sakai (Osaka) Japan | 100 kg}} {{MedalCompetition | European Sumo Championships<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine Takes Second in European Sumo Wrestling|url=https://uatv.ua/en/ukraine-takes-second-european-sumo-wrestling/|publisher=Ukrinform|website=UATV |access-date=27 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=GROWTH U23 results|url=http://www.europeansumofederation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Results-U23.pdf|work=European Sumo Federation|access-date=27 January 2025}}</ref>}} {{MedalGold| 2019, Tallinn, Estonia | -92 kg }} {{MedalCompetition | Ukraine National Sumo Championship<ref name=Suspilne>{{cite web |title=Запорізька збірна виграла командну першість у чемпіонаті України з сумо серед юніорів|url=https://suspilne.media/zaporizhzhia/123789-zaporizka-zbirna-vigrala-komandnu-persist-u-cempionati-ukraini-z-sumo-sered-unioriv/|work=Suspilne|date=19 April 2021|access-date=27 January 2025|language=ukrainian}}</ref><ref name=kanal>{{cite web |title=Запорізька збірна виграла командну першість у чемпіонаті України з сумо серед юніорів|url=https://33kanal.com/news/142953.html|website=33kanal.com|date=26 July 2021|access-date=27 January 2025|language=ukrainian}}</ref>}} {{MedalGold| 2021, Melitopol| 100 kg}} {{MedalGold| 2021, Melitopol| Openweight}} {{MedalGold| 2021, Melitopol| Team}} }}

{{nihongo|'''Aonishiki Arata'''|安青錦新大||born March 23, 2004 as '''Danylo Yavhusishyn''' {{langx|uk|Данило Явгусішин}}|lead=yes}} is a Ukrainian professional sumo wrestler from Vinnytsia, Vinnytsia Oblast. He is the second Ukrainian to become a professional sumo wrestler, after Shishi in 2020. He wrestles for Ajigawa stable, and his current and highest rank is {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}}.

Aonishiki has posted double-digit wins in each of his first eight tournaments at {{translit|ja|sekitori}} status. In the top division, he won 11 matches in each of his first four tournaments before earning a top division title on his fifth and sixth tournaments at that level of competition. Aonishiki earned a special prize in each of his first five top division tournaments, also earning a {{translit|ja|kinboshi}} on his third tournament.

==Early life and sumo background== Yavhusishyn started sumo at the age of seven,<ref name=nhk2>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhk.jp/p/ts/J16986GZ34/blog/bl/pm6kgVXdGB/bp/p9ZNXRZ0z9/|title=技能」受け継ぎ土俵を沸かす安青錦|date=22 January 2025|work=NHK|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref> and placed third at the 2019 World Junior Sumo Championships.<ref name=nhk>{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20231112/k10014255571000.html|title=大相撲九州場所初日ウクライナ出身の19歳安青錦が白星|date=12 November 2023|work=NHK|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref> He also has a freestyle wrestling and judo background.<ref name=asahikesho>{{cite web |author=Kenji Matsuzawa|url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15547104|title=SUMO/ Ukrainian rising quickly in pro ranks after fleeing homeland |date=26 December 2024|publisher=The Asahi Shimbun|access-date=27 January 2025}}</ref> He was inspired to try sumo after his seniors set up a sumo ring in his club. His interest grew thanks to the fast pace of the matches, which appealed to him.<ref name=numberjuly>{{cite web|author=Shoji Takarada|title=「やるなら今しかない」17歳の少年が戦火のウクライナから大相撲の力士を目指したワケ…安青錦が憧れた名勝負“貴乃花vs朝青龍”「いつか、あそこで」|url=https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/866412|work=Number|date=11 July 2025|access-date=21 August 2025|archive-date=21 August 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250821090125/https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/866412|url-status=live|language=ja}}</ref>

Yavhusishyn continued practicing sumo and won three gold medals at the Ukrainian national championships at the age of 17, with an unbeaten record.<ref name=Suspilne/><ref name=kanal/><ref name=baseball>{{Cite journal |title=全新弟子名鑑 |trans-title=New Disciple's Namebook |journal={{Interlanguage link|Sumo (magazine)|ja|3=相撲 (雑誌)|lt=Sumo Magazine}} |publisher=Baseball Magazine, Inc. |issue=August 2023 |pages=113 }}</ref> At the same age, he finished ninth at the 2021 World Cadets Wrestling Championships in the Men's 110.0 kg category.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.the-sports.org/danylo-yavhusishyn-freestyle-wrestling-spf693584.html|title=Freestyle wrestling – Danylo Yavhusishyn|website=the-sports.org|access-date=1 February 2025}}</ref> At one point, he wondered about his professional future when the idea of becoming a professional wrestler took root in him after seeing an online video of the match between {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} Takanohana and then-{{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} Asashōryū during the 2002 Autumn Tournament.<ref name=numberjuly/>

Yavhusishyn was accepted by a Ukrainian national university, but because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, he decided to leave his country, first seeking refuge in Germany before arriving in Japan in April of the same year, using the friendship he had forged with Arata Yamanaka, Kansai University sumo club captain, an older amateur sumo wrestler with whom Yavhusishyn met at the 2019 World Junior Championships.<ref name=nhk/><ref name=sponichi1>{{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2023/11/25/kiji/20231125s00005000127000c.html|title=ウクライナ出身・安青錦の"恩人"山中新大さん「つらい思いも知っているので…」序ノ口V見届け感慨|date=25 November 2023|work=Sports Nippon|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref><ref name=kyodofamily>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/11/7627adc19f6f-sumo-ukrainian-wrestler-aonishiki-fights-for-his-japanese-family.html|title=Sumo: Ukrainian wrestler Aonishiki fights for his "Japanese family"|date=9 November 2024|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=27 January 2025}}</ref> In Japan, he was hosted at Yamanaka's apartment in Kobe (Hyōgo Prefecture), where his host family spent their own money so that he could stay in Japan in the best possible conditions, helping him to cope with homesickness and loneliness, with Yavhusishyn calling them his "Japanese family".<ref name=asahiescaping>{{cite web |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14832880|title=After escaping war, Ukrainian teen joins sumo stable in Japan|date=23 February 2023|publisher=The Asahi Shimbun|access-date=27 January 2025}}</ref>

Yavhusishyn trained with the sumo clubs of Kansai University and Hōtoku Gakuen High School (Yamanaka's alma mater), despite not having student status.<ref name=asahikesho/><ref name=kyodofamily/><ref name=yahooiizuka>{{cite web|author=Iizuka Saki |title=大相撲九州場所十両の土俵で活躍した安青錦元安美錦から受け継ぐ技術の秘訣とウクライナで抱いた夢の実現|url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/expert/articles/47daeef7b39f7c69682e75c1113fb7ee8864a493|via=Yahoo! Sports |language=ja |date=20 December 2024|access-date=26 January 2025|archive-date=20 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220093032/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/expert/articles/47daeef7b39f7c69682e75c1113fb7ee8864a493|url-status=dead}}</ref> During this period, it was noticed that Yavhusishyn was already at a much higher level than his university counterparts, notably winning several matches against future Miyagino stable's wrestler Seihakuhō, while the latter was competing at Doshisha University after immigrating to Japan.<ref name=asahikesho/> Yavhusishyn maintains a friendship with the club, by which he is nicknamed "Danya".<ref name=asahiescaping/>

Through Kansai University sumo clubs, Yavhusishyn was introduced to Ajigawa (the former Aminishiki).<ref name=asahiescaping/> In December 2022, Yavhusishyn was formally accepted as one of Ajigawa stable's first recruits.<ref name=baseball/><ref name=sponichi1/><ref name=kyodoaims>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/10/1eafbdb9f31f-sumo-ukrainian-wrestler-aims-to-make-impact-in-japans-ancient-sport.html|title=Sumo: Ukrainian wrestler aims to make impact in Japan's ancient sport|date=26 October 2023|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=27 January 2025}}</ref> Initially, Ajigawa was reluctant to recruit Yavhusishyn, initially not wishing to recruit foreign wrestlers (subject to recruitment restrictions) and concerned about the cultural and language barrier, but gave in to the young wrestler's determination.<ref name=nhk2/>

==Professional debut== ===Early career=== Yavhusishyn officially joined Ajigawa stable's training camp before the July 2023 tournament, and took the new apprentice examination. After obtaining a work visa, he made his debut in the September tournament of the same year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307090000653.html|title=ウクライナ出身ダニーロ・ヤブグシシンが新弟子検査合格興行ビザ取得後、９月秋場所にも前相撲|date=9 July 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230912-OPN63ABWFZKNPAZW63HM5RVQPQ/|title=ウクライナ出身の安青錦が白星「本当にうれしい」秋場所の前相撲で初土俵|date=12 September 2023|work=Sankei Shimbun|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref> He was given the {{Transliteration|ja|shikona}} {{nihongo|'''Aonishiki Arata'''|安青錦新大}}, a ring name created by merging the kanji {{nihongo|for the color blue|青}}, referring to the Ukrainian flag, and the kanji meaning {{nihongo|calm|安}} and {{nihongo|brocade|錦}}, from his master's {{nihongo|own ring name|安美錦}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2023/09/12/kiji/20230912s00005000175000c.html|title=【前相撲】ウクライナ出身・ダニーロが初土俵「安青錦新大」しこ名に込められた母国への思い|date=12 September 2023|work=Sports Nippon|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref> He himself chose to bear the first name {{nihongo|Arata|新大}}, as it is that of {{nihongo|Arata Yamanaka|山中新大}}, the former captain and now coach of the Kansai University sumo club that helped him find refuge in Japan.<ref name=asahikesho/><ref name=sponichi1/> Asked about this choice, Aonishiki replied "now I feel like we're fighting together".<ref name=kyodofamily/>

During his first professional tournament, Aonishiki won the {{Transliteration|ja|jonokuchi}} division.<ref name=sponichi1/> At that point, he brought only the second championship to his stable after his stablemate Anōsho also won this division in July 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307210000275.html|title=序ノ口は安大翔が７戦全勝優勝安美錦の安治川部屋から初の優勝力士「目標は３場所で幕下」|date=21 July 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=21 July 2023|language=ja}}</ref> In January 2024, he claimed his second championship with the {{Transliteration|ja|jonidan}} division, after a playoff against Kokonoe stable's Chiyotaiko.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/01/29/kiji/20240129s00005000146000c.html|title=ウクライナ出身・安青錦が序二段V 憧れの若隆景から声をかけられ「そっちの方がうれしい」|date=29 January 2024|work=Sports Nippon|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref><ref name=kyodojonidan>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/01/ba6f922159ec-sumo-ukrainian-teen-aonishiki-wins-2nd-lower-division-title.html|title=Sumo: Ukrainian teen Aonishiki wins 2nd lower-division title|date=28 January 2024|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=27 January 2025}}</ref> In March 2024 tournament he was promoted to {{Transliteration|ja|sandanme}}, but after six consecutive wins, he lost to Kise stable's Nagamura in his last match for the tournament, ending his 20 bout winning streak since his debut.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/03/23/kiji/20240323s00005000111000c.html|title=長村が三段目優勝！幕下上位進出で同期の聖富士らに「やっと追いつける」安青錦の連勝は20でストップ|date=23 March 2024|work=Sports Nippon|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref> For the May tournament he was promoted to {{Transliteration|ja|makushita}} and finished with a {{Win-loss record|w=6|l=1}} record. During the September tournament of the same year, Aonishiki rose to the top of the {{Transliteration|ja|makushita}} division, and after the tournament it was reported that his score of {{Win-loss record|w=6|l=1}} would normally be enough for promotion to the {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} division.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20240918-PJKX5HAYHJPDJD3D5FVJQLUNOU/|title=安青錦、新十両が決定的ウクライナから2人目／秋場所|date=18 September 2024|work=Sankei Sports|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref> His promotion for the November tournament was confirmed after the post-tournament ranking meeting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202409250000229.html|title=新十両は３人＝若碇、安青錦、琴手計改め琴栄峰再十両も３人＝栃大海、千代丸、生田目|date=25 September 2024|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref>

==={{Transliteration|ja|Jūryō}} promotion=== Aonishiki is the first wrestler raised by former Aminishiki to reach {{Transliteration|ja|sekitori}} status since the founding of his stable.<ref name=nhk2/><ref name=jiji>{{cite web|url=https://sp.m.jiji.com/article/show/3346482|title=安青錦、母国に「勝つ姿を」＝所要７場所のスピード出世―大相撲 |date=25 September 2024|work=Jiji Press|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref> He is also the second wrestler from Ukraine (after Shishi) to reach this rank, and the fifth fastest promotion since the introduction of the six-tournament system in 1958 after his debut (excluding {{Transliteration|ja|tsukedashi}} system).<ref name=asahikesho/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASSC535K1SC5PTIL00WM.html|title=ウクライナから避難の安青錦に「母校」から昇進祝い「大事な仲間」|url-access=subscription|date=6 November 2024|work=The Asahi Shimbun|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://hochi.news/articles/20240925-OHT1T51220.html?page=1|title=安青錦、ウクライナ出身２人目の関取に初土俵から所要７場所のスピード出世「自分でも速いと思う」|date=25 September 2024|work=Sports Hochi|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref>

At the press conference for {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} promotions, he admitted to being inspired by his country's results at the 2024 Summer Olympics, adding that he absolutely wanted to avoid showing an embarrassing level of sportsmanship.<ref name=jiji/> He also commented that, "My master was promoted to {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} at the age of 21. I wanted to make sure I didn't lose to him".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202409250001173.html|title=新十両昇進の安青錦「師匠は21歳で十両に上がった。それに負けないようにと思った」／一問一答|date=25 September 2024|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref> During his first {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} tournament, Aonishiki recorded a double digit record.<ref name=yahooiizuka/> Even though he is not a graduate from Kansai University, he was presented with a {{Transliteration|ja|keshō-mawashi}} by the university, because he trained there before his professional debut.<ref name=asahikesho/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nordot.app/1226448516530995987?c=39550187727945729|title=安青錦、関大から化粧まわしウクライナ出身、侵攻避難が縁|date=5 November 2024|work=Kyodo|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Another {{Transliteration|ja|keshō-mawashi}} was presented to him following negotiations between one of his patrons, the president of the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection in Hokuto, Yamanashi. The apron features Keith Haring's work "Earth, World", originally created in 1985 during the Cold War, representing a desire for world peace supported by people of different races and nationalities, echoing the war in Ukraine and a desire for world peace.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20251126-294953/|title=Ukrainian Sumo Champion Aonishiki’s Ceremonial Apron Design Inspired by 80’s Street Artist Keith Haring, Conveys Message for Peace|date=26 November 2025|work=The Japan News|publisher=The Yomiuri Shimbun|access-date=28 November 2025}}</ref>

During the 2025 January tournament, Aonishiki established himself as one of the leaders of the competition, rivalled also by Shishi, the only other Ukrainian wrestler in professional sumo. On Day 12, the two wrestlers faced off in the first match with two Ukrainian wrestlers in the history of the sport, with Shishi emerging victorious from the clash and taking sole leadership of the competition.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/01/23/kiji/20250123s00005000364000c.html|title=獅司初のウクライナ出身対決制して再入幕濃厚「後輩なので負けないように」 1敗守り十両単独首位|date=23 January 2025|publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Although Aonishiki failed to win the championship, he solidified his chances of being promoted to {{Transliteration|ja|makuuchi}}, sumo's top division, for the March tournament.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501250001271.html|title=十両安青錦が新入幕を確実にする11勝目も「自分が決めることではない。自分の仕事は相撲」|date=25 January 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref> After the tournament, Aonishiki was perceived by the press as the only European wrestler capable of reaching the top of the sport's hierarchy, despite the performances of his elder Shishi.<ref name=ukrweekly>{{cite web|url=https://subscription.ukrweekly.com/2025/01/yavhusishin-a-ukrainian-sumo-superstar/|title=Yavhusishin a Ukrainian sumo superstar?|date=17 January 2025|work=The Ukrainian Weekly|access-date=26 January 2025}}</ref>

=={{Transliteration|ja|Makuuchi}}== ===Up and comer=== Aonishiki was officially promoted to the top division for the 2025 March tournament. This tied him with both Takerufuji and the former Jōkōryū as the fastest to be promoted from debut to the top division, doing so in nine tournaments.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202502240000980.html|title=【春場所新番付】新入幕安青錦は１位タイのスピード昇進、ウクライナ出身／平幕以下編|date=25 February 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=25 February 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Coinciding with his promotion, his compatriot Shishi's return to the top division also makes their country, Ukraine, the seventh foreign country to have two {{Transliteration|ja|makuuchi}}-ranked wrestlers in the history of professional sumo.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gunning|first=John|author-link=John Gunning (journalist)|title=Latest sumo ranking sheet has plenty to catch the eye|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2025/02/26/sumo/march-2025-sumo-banzuke/|work=The Japan Times|url-access=subscription|date=26 February 2025|access-date=2 March 2025|archive-date=2 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250302122506/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2025/02/26/sumo/march-2025-sumo-banzuke/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Aonishiki downplayed the significance of this achievement, telling reporters: "I've just been following my stablemaster's instructions." He added that he wanted to give a strong performance, and would aim for double-digit wins and a special prize ({{Transliteration|ja|sanshō}}) in his {{Transliteration|ja|makuuchi}} debut.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/02/ec0d739a4495-sumo-hoshoryu-feels-weight-of-responsibility-ahead-of-yokozuna-debut.html|title=Sumo: Hoshoryu feels weight of responsibility ahead of yokozuna debut|date=25 February 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=25 February 2025}}</ref>

During the tournament, Aonishiki qualified as one of the most competent wrestlers, holding on to just three defeats until the twelfth day, recording a series of seven consecutive victories in the process.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20250320-OHT1T51135.html?page=1|title=ウクライナ出身の新入幕、安青錦が３敗を守る７連勝で９勝目目標の２ケタ勝利にあと１勝|date=20 March 2025|publisher=Sports Hochi|access-date=18 April 2025|language=ja}}</ref> On Day 6, he triumphed over his compatriot Shishi in the first {{Transliteration|ja|makuuchi}} match between two Ukrainians in the history of the sport, claiming revenge on the latter after his {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} championship loss in January.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20250314-OHT1T51161.html?page=1|title=幕内初のウクライナ出身同士の対戦実現安青錦が獅司を破る|date=14 March 2025|publisher=Sports Hochi|access-date=18 April 2025|language=ja}}</ref> On the final day, Aonishiki won his match against {{Transliteration|ja|sekiwake}} Ōhō, earning his eleventh victory by {{Transliteration|ja|kirikaeshi}} ('twisting backward knee trip').<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/03/23/kiji/20250323s00005000252000c.html|title=敢闘賞を受賞した新入幕の安青錦が王鵬を切り返して11勝目花田虎上氏「最近見ない、いい相撲」|date=23 March 2025|publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=18 April 2025|language=ja}}</ref> For his performance in the tournament, which ended on his birthday, Aonishiki was awarded the Fighting Spirit prize, becoming the second wrestler to win such an award in the shortest time, behind Takerufuji.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202503230001600.html|title=ウクライナ出身、新入幕の安青錦が敢闘賞「師匠と同じ。師匠にいい報告ができます」|date=23 March 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=18 April 2025|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250323/k10014757931000.html|title=大相撲春場所新入幕の安青錦が敢闘賞史上2番目の速さ|date=23 March 2025|publisher=NHK|access-date=18 April 2025|language=ja}}</ref> thumb|right|Aonishiki during the 2025 May tournament. During the 2025 May tournament, Aonishiki stood out as one of the leaders of the competition, recording seven victories and one defeat during the first half of the tournament, sharing the lead group after undefeated {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} Ōnosato with Wakatakakage and Hakuōhō.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/05/67c22be91ef1-sumo-onosato-beats-hiradoumi-takes-outright-lead-on-day-8.html|title=Sumo: Onosato beats Hiradoumi, takes outright lead on Day 8|date=18 May 2025|publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=19 May 2025}}</ref> Aonishiki's winning streak came to an end, however, when he was defeated by {{tlit|ja|komusubi}} Wakatakakage, a wrestler he admires, effectively taking him out of the title race with two defeats behind the tournament leader.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/05/20/kiji/20250520s00005000276000c.html|title=若隆景安青錦の連勝止めて勝ち越し「対戦する番付に上がってきたし、自分も負けないように…」|date=20 May 2025|publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=20 May 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Although he struggled against the top-ranked wrestlers of the {{Transliteration|ja|banzuke}} (losing to {{tlit|ja|sekiwake}} Daieishō and {{tlit|ja|ōzeki}} Kotozakura),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202505240001296.html|title=安青錦が新入幕から２場所連続２桁白星先場所に続く三賞の可能性も「自分で決めることじゃ」|date=24 May 2025|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=25 May 2025}}</ref> Aonishiki finished his second tournament with an eleventh victory, winning his second Fighting Spirit special prize after his victory over Sadanoumi.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202505250000567.html|title=敢闘賞に38歳佐田の海、技能賞に霧島＆若隆景が決定安青錦と朝紅龍は千秋楽で勝てば敢闘賞|date=25 May 2025|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=25 May 2025}}</ref> After his performances in his first two {{Transliteration|ja|makuuchi}} tournaments, Aonishiki drew attention to a potential promotion to the {{Transliteration|ja|san'yaku}} ranks for the July tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/1072323?rct=sumo|title=ウクライナ出身の安青錦、11勝で新入幕から2場所連続敢闘賞史上最速の所要11場所での三役昇進も【大相撲夏場所】|date=25 May 2025|work=Chunichi Sports|access-date=25 May 2025}}</ref> He just missed out on this potential promotion, instead being elevated to the top {{translit|ja|maegashira}} rank for July.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202506290000956.html|title=【名古屋場所新番付】豊昇龍＆大の里、東西の横綱そろう２場所連続十両優勝の草野が新入幕|date=30 June 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=30 June 2025|language=ja}}</ref>

During the 2025 July tournament in Nagoya, Aonishiki earned his first ever career {{translit|ja|kinboshi}} on the third day by defeating {{translit|ja|yokozuna}} Hōshōryū.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/57338|title=Sumo: Young Ukrainian Aonishiki upsets yokozuna Hoshoryu on Day 3|date=15 July 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=15 July 2025}}</ref> This occurred in Aonishiki's 12th professional tournament, which set a new speed record for the fastest wrestler in the history of the six-tournament system (established in 1958) to get their first gold star. The previous record was 14 tournaments, which was set by former {{translit|ja|ōzeki}} Konishiki in 1984 and matched by Tomokaze in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202507150001573.html|title=安青錦の12場所目での金星は最速記録付け出しデビュー含むと５場所の逸ノ城が最速|date=15 July 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=15 July 2025}}</ref> By the midway point of the tournament he was one win off the lead, having won five matches against seven opponents ranked at {{translit|ja|komusubi}} or higher.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/57591|title=Sumo: Ukrainian starlet Aonishiki continues breakout run in Nagoya|date=19 July 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=20 July 2025}}</ref> On Day 11 he moved into a share of the tournament lead.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/57898|title=Sumo: Ichiyamamoto falls into share of lead, Onosato stays in hunt|date=23 July 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=25 July 2025}}</ref> He dropped out of the lead when he was defeated in his Day 14 contest by new {{translit|ja|maegashira}} Kusano,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/58045|title=Sumo: Kotoshoho nears title as Kusano downs Aonishiki to stay in race|date=26 July 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=26 July 2025}}</ref> and was defeated by leader Kotoshoho himself the following day, who claimed his first top-division tournament as a result. Aonishiki was awarded runner-up in a five-way tie with Atamifuji, Kusano (who had also lost on the final day), Ōnosato, and Tamawashi, also earning the Technique prize.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/58071|title=Sumo: Kotoshoho beats Aonishiki to claim maiden Emperor's Cup|date=27 July 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=27 July 2025}}</ref> Prior to the start of the July tournament, NHK released a documentary on Aonishiki titled ''Blue Whirlwind: A Ukrainian sumo wrestler.''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/aonishiki/|title=Blue Whirlwind: A Ukrainian sumo wrestler|date=11 July 2025|publisher=NHK World-Japan|access-date=10 December 2025}}</ref>

In September 2025, Aonishiki was promoted to the rank of {{translit|ja|komusubi}}. With his promotion, he became the first Ukrainian to be promoted to {{translit|ja|san'yaku}}, as well as the first {{translit|ja|san'yaku}} competitor for Ajigawa stable. Having been promoted to {{translit|ja|komusubi}} in 12 tournaments, Aonishiki also set a new record for the fastest promotion to {{translit|ja|san'yaku}} since the introduction of the six-tournament system in 1958 (except wrestlers who entered sumo by way of {{translit|ja|tsukedashi}}), beating the 14 tournament record jointly held by former {{translit|ja|yokozuna}} Asashōryū and former {{translit|ja|ōzeki}} Konishiki and Kotoōshū.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202508310002470.html|title=【秋場所新番付】安青錦が史上最速の新三役、小錦、朝青龍らの14場所を２場所更新／三役以上編|date=1 September 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=1 September 2025|language=ja}}</ref> His promotion also makes him the third wrestler in sumo history (excluding {{translit|ja|tsukedashi}}), after Akebono and Kotoōshū, to be promoted to the {{translit|ja|san'yaku}} ranks without ever having recorded more losses than wins since debut in the {{translit|ja|jonokuchi}} division.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202509230001139.html|title=安青錦が序ノ口デビューから12場所連続勝ち越し負け越しなしで新三役は曙、琴欧洲と3人だけ|date=23 September 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=23 September 2025|language=ja}}</ref> During this tournament, he achieved on Day 9 his 100th victory since turning professional, becoming the fastest wrestler (excluding {{translit|ja|tsukedashi}} system) to reach this milestone since his debut, since the introduction of the seven-day tournament system for wrestlers in {{translit|ja|makushita}} and below in 1960.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202509220001432.html|title=新三役の安青錦、史上最速100勝「もうこんなにやっているんだな」初土俵から所要13場所|date=22 September 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=22 September 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Aonishiki finished the tournament with eleven wins, his fourth consecutive tournament in {{translit|ja|makuuchi}} with this score. For his performances, he was awarded the Technique Prize for the second consecutive tournament.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202509280002037.html|title=新三役小結の安青錦「全て強くしたい」４場所連続11勝で２度目の技能賞課題も言及／一問一答|date=28 September 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=28 September 2025|language=ja}}</ref>

===Bid to {{translit|ja|ōzeki}} and first top-division championship=== Aonishiki was promoted to the rank of {{translit|ja|sekiwake}} for the November tournament, once again setting some notable and historical achievements. In addition to being the first {{translit|ja|sekiwake}} wrestler for his stable and the first {{translit|ja|sekiwake}} wrestler from Ukraine, he was promoted to {{translit|ja|sekiwake}} in 13 tournaments, the fastest of any wrestler in modern sumo history (excluding {{translit|ja|tsukedashi}} competitors). This bested the previous record of 14 tournaments set by Konishiki. Additionally, he became the first new {{translit|ja|sekiwake}} since the 64th {{translit|ja|yokozuna}} Akebono in 1991 to secure winning records in every tournament while climbing from the bottom {{translit|ja|jonokuchi}} division to sumo's third-highest rank. Aonishiki told reporters after his {{translit|ja|sekiwake}} promotion that he was surprised and never imagined he would get this far, but wanted to aim even higher.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/63615|title=Sumo: Ukrainian star Aonishiki earns fastest promotion to 3rd-highest rank|date=27 October 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=27 October 2025}}</ref>

With a fourth consecutive tournament with a score of eleven wins, several comments emerged about a potential promotion to the rank of {{translit|ja|ōzeki}} after the November tournament.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20250927-OHT1T51230.html?page=1|title=安青錦が新入幕以来４場所連続で１１勝大関起点の場所で白星重ねる|date=27 September 2025|publisher=Sports Hochi|access-date=26 October 2025|language=ja}}</ref> More specifically, sumo commentator {{Ill|Yasuo Fuji (journalist)|ja|藤井康生|lt=Yasuo Fuji}} expressed expectations for the wrestler, highlighting the lack of a second {{translit|ja|ōzeki}} on the {{translit|ja|banzuke}}, his lack of {{translit|ja|make-koshi}} throughout his career, and his recent victory over {{translit|ja|yokozuna}} Hōshōryū.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/362919|title=【大相撲】安青錦の大関取りの条件は？元NHKアナが見解「来場所11勝でもいい」|date=12 October 2025|publisher=Tokyo Sports|access-date=26 October 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Regarding the promotion, the head of the Judging Department, Takadagawa (the former Akinoshima), commented that it might be too early, as normally the starting point for a promotion is the first tournament in the {{translit|ja|san'yaku}} ranks, but leaving open the question as to what score Aonishiki would achieve in November;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/361204|title=【秋場所】安青錦〝三役２場所目〟の来場所で大関昇進の可能性も！新入幕から４場所連続11勝|date=28 September 2025|publisher=Tokyo Sports|access-date=26 October 2025|language=ja}}</ref> while Kumegawa (the former Kotoinazuma), another judge, commented that he would consider Aonishiki a potential candidate for promotion after November.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/09/26/kiji/20250926s00005000328000c.html?page=1|title=安青錦大の里超えの新入幕から4場所連続2ケタ「次の（大関）候補」と粂川審判長|date=26 September 2025|publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=26 October 2025|language=ja}}</ref>

During the tournament, he won his ninth victory on the tenth day in his match against Tamawashi, the oldest wrestler in the top division, who began his sumo career two months before Aonishiki was born.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aonishiki Arata Rikishi Information |url=https://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=12839 |access-date=2025-11-20 |website=sumodb.sumogames.de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tamawashi Ichiro Rikishi Information |url=https://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=5944 |access-date=2025-11-20 |website=sumodb.sumogames.de}}</ref> This match turned out to be the clash with the biggest age gap between competitors since the war, with nineteen years, four months, and seven days between the two wrestlers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/1166212|title=幕内同士の対戦として、史上1位の年齢差対決を制した安青錦相手の玉鷲を尊敬しつつ「土俵に上がれば年とか関係ない」1敗守り首位に並ぶ|date=18 November 2025|publisher=Chunichi Sports|access-date=18 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> This record was then broken during the same tournament when Tamawashi faced Fujinokawa, with a twenty-one-year age difference between the two wrestlers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202511230001234.html|title=41歳玉鷲が藤ノ川との「21歳差対決」制すだめ押しせず手を広げた姿に「優しさに胸打たれてる」|date=23 November 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=23 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> With ten wins, Aonishiki was one of the tournament leaders alongside the two {{translit|ja|yokozuna}}. He faced Ōnosato on the thirteenth day. The outcome of the match, which saw the {{translit|ja|yokozuna}} emerge victorious, was controversial because Aonishiki and Ōnosato appeared to touch the ground and the outside of the ring at the same time without a {{translit|ja|mono-ii}} being called, prompting a reaction from the former Mainoumi (then an NHK commentator) who argued that a debate should have taken place. For his part, chief judge Takadagawa (the former Akinoshima) argued that since Aonishiki was in the air, he was the designated loser.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202511210001468.html|title=大の里が安青錦との２敗対決際どく制す舞の海さん「物言いあっても良かったのでは」|date=21 November 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=21 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202511210001469.html|title=大の里対安青錦、際どい土俵際もなぜ物言いがつかなかったのか？高田川審判長の見解大の里勝利|date=21 November 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=21 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Aonishiki bounced back the following day, defeating {{translit|ja|yokozuna}} Hōshōryū (one of the wrestlers in contention for the title) for the third time in three career meetings. This also gave him his eleventh win, reaching the milestone of 33 wins in three tournaments normally required for promotion to the rank of {{translit|ja|ōzeki}}, and keeping him in the title race with Hōshōryū and Ōnosato.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20251122-OHT1T51209.html?page=1|title=安青錦が豊昇龍に勝ち、優勝争いに踏みとどまる千秋楽に勝てば、大関昇進の可能性も|date=22 November 2025|publisher=Sports Hochi|access-date=22 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> On the final day, Aonishiki defeated {{translit|ja|ōzeki}} Kotozakura, qualifying him for a playoff against {{translit|ja|yokozuna}} Hōshōryū.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202511230001026.html|title=安青錦が豊昇龍との優勝決定戦へ、琴桜を破り３敗守る 21歳８カ月でのVなら３番目の年少記録|date=23 November 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=23 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Aonishiki defeated the {{translit|ja|yokozuna}}, using an unconventional method in sumo by performing an Olympic wrestling quick duck under to get behind his opponent and bring him down by pressing on his knee.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/sumo/20251123-294514/|title=Aonishiki Caps Chaos in Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament with Playoff Win over Hoshoryu|date=23 November 2025|work=The Japan News|publisher=The Yomiuri Shimbun|access-date=23 November 2025}}</ref>

Aonishiki became at 21 years and 8 months the fourth youngest wrestler in sumo history to win a {{translit|ja|makuuchi}} tournament and made Ukraine the sixth foreign nation to win the title (after the United States, Mongolia, Bulgaria, Estonia, and Georgia).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202511230001026.html|title=安青錦が豊昇龍との優勝決定戦へ、琴桜を破り３敗守る 21歳８カ月でのVなら３番目の年少記録|date=23 November 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=23 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> With only fourteen tournaments since his debut, Aonishiki is also the second fastest wrestler (behind Takerufuji) to win a top division trophy (excluding the {{translit|ja|tsukedashi}} system).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/11/23/articles/20251123s00005000294000c.html|title=「付き人が泣いてる」優勝決めた安青錦付き人と抱き合う姿にネット感動「もらい泣きしちまった」|date=23 November 2025|publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=23 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> For his performances during the tournament, Aonishiki was awarded the prizes for Outstanding Performance and Technique, thus equaling Ōnosato's record of winning a prize in each of his first five {{translit|ja|makuuchi}} tournaments.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20251123-5GFDJKXMZ5JLHGGZBQZA5TJJ5Y/|title=安青錦が技能賞、初Vで殊勲賞へ 5場所連続三賞／九州場所|date=23 November 2025|publisher=Sankei Sports|access-date=23 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref>

===Promotion to {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}}=== Just after Aonishiki's victory on Day 14, it was reported that the Judging Department of the Sumo Association would hold an extraordinary meeting on the final day of the tournament to consider a recommendation for {{translit|ja|ōzeki}} promotion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOKC222WB0S5A121C2000000/|title=安青錦の大関昇進を協議へ審判部、優勝求める意見も|date=22 November 2025|website=The Nikkei|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=23 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> After the tournament and Aonishiki's championship win, it was announced that the Judging Department formally issued their recommendation for promotion to chairman Hakkaku (the 61st {{translit|ja|yokozuna}} Hokutoumi), and that the Sumo Association board would meet on 26 November to discuss the promotion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202511230001432.html|title=「大関安青錦」の誕生確実、昇進を諮る臨時理事会の招集を了承豊昇龍との決定戦制し初優勝|date=23 November 2025|website=Nikkan Sports|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=23 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> When he was informed about this in the customary NHK victory ceremony interview, Aonishiki said that he was happy, "but there's one more rank above {{translit|ja|ōzeki}}" and he would be doing his best to get there. He also stated that he was nervous about his first playoff, saying: "I'm always a little nervous, but I was able to focus on my style of sumo."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/65480|title=Sumo: Aonishiki defeats Hoshoryu to become Ukraine's 1st tournament winner|date=23 November 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=23 November 2025}}</ref>

On 26 November 2025 the full Sumo Association board, in a meeting at the Fukuoka Convention Center, unanimously approved Aonishiki's {{translit|ja|ōzeki}} promotion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 November 2025 |title=安青錦の大関昇進を全会一致で承認、新大関誕生は大の里以来1年2カ月ぶり |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202511250001449.html |access-date=25 November 2025 |website=Nikkan Sports |language=ja}}</ref> In keeping with sumo custom, the board sent Asakayama (former {{translit|ja|ōzeki}} Kaiō) and Ōshima (former {{translit|ja|sekiwake}} Kyokutenhō) to Ajigawa stable's training facility in Kurume to personally inform Aonishiki of the promotion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202511250001453.html|title=安青錦が大関昇進、使者の浅香山親方と大島親方が安治川部屋訪れ昇進伝達式へ|date=26 November 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=26 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Aonishiki accepted, saying that he would strive to live up to his new rank and "aim even higher."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202511250001455.html|title=大関昇進の安青錦が口上「さらに上を目指して精進いたします」伝達式で使者から伝えられ|date=26 November 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=26 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref>

Aonishiki's 14 tournaments from his debut to sumo's second-highest rank surpassed Kotoōshū's 19 tournaments for the fastest such promotion in modern sumo history, excluding {{translit|ja|tsukedashi}} competitors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202511230002079.html|title=安青錦V…安治川親方「出会うべくして出会った」断り続けた外国出身力士入門…考えを変えた理由|date=24 November 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=24 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> The promotion also made him the fourth youngest wrestler to achieve this rank since the introduction of the six-tournament-a-year system (behind Takanohana, Kitanoumi, and Hakuhō). Furthermore, he is only the third wrestler in the history of the sport to earn promotion without ever suffering a {{translit|ja|make-koshi}} since his debut in {{translit|ja|jonokuchi}} (behind Musashiyama and Haguroyama) and the first to achieve this feat under the system of six tournaments per year. This promotion also makes him the first wrestler in 89 years (since Futabayama) to be directly promoted to the rank of {{translit|ja|ōzeki}} after winning a maiden {{translit|ja|makuuchi}} tournament as a newly promoted {{translit|ja|sekiwake}}.<ref name=sponichistats>{{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/11/24/articles/20251123s00005000409000c.html|title=安青錦横綱・豊昇龍討ちで初優勝「自分の選んだ道が間違ってなかった」ウクライナ出身初の大関誕生へ|date=24 November 2025|publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=24 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref>

Immediately after the announcement of Aonishiki's promotion, and following global attention on his achievements, it was announced that a French documentary film, produced by the same team that produced ''Les rêves ne meurent jamais'' (Dreams Never Die) about Yannick Bestaven, would go into production and be released in 2027.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20251128-3PYNK7DQ5VKQJI7NVXNSQITGPM/|title=新大関安青錦、フランスで映画化ウクライナ出身大関の生きざま描く 2027年仏全土で公開（1/2ページ）|date=28 November 2025|publisher=Sankei Sports|access-date=29 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> In December 2025 Empress Masako spoke about Aonishiki in her birthday message, saying that she was deeply moved by his story. The Empress referenced both Aonishiki and Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani, saying that the two gave courage and hope to many people by "opening up new possibilities through their daily efforts."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/kaiken/show/565|title=皇后陛下お誕生日に際し（令和7年）|trans-title=On the occasion of Her Majesty the Empress's birthday (2025)|date=9 December 2025|publisher=Imperial Household Agency|access-date=10 December 2025|language=ja}}</ref>

===Second Emperor's Cup and {{translit|ja|yokozuna}} bid=== Aonishiki won his second straight top division title at the January 2026 tournament. Entering the fifteenth and final day of competition, he and {{translit|ja|maegashira}}-ranked Atamifuji were tied with 11 wins each. After Atamifuji won his match, Aonishiki–for the second tournament in a row–defeated {{translit|ja|ōzeki}} Kotozakura to force a playoff. In the deciding contest, Aonishiki took down Atamifuji using a headlock throw after being pressured towards the outer edges of the {{translit|ja|dohyō}}. The championship made Aonishiki the first newly promoted {{translit|ja|ōzeki}} to win the Emperor's Cup since Hakuhō in May 2006, and also made him the first to achieve the feat of winning consecutive tournaments as a newly promoted {{translit|ja|sekiwake}} and a newly promoted {{translit|ja|ōzeki}} since Futabayama won consecutive tournaments in 1936 and 1937 (when only two tournaments were held per year).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20260125/k00/00m/050/069000c |title=安青錦がV 双葉山以来の「新関脇と新大関で連覇」大相撲初場所 |language=Japanese |publisher=Mainichi Shimbun |date=25 January 2026 |access-date=26 January 2026}}</ref><ref name=kyodo250125>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/69196|title=Sumo: Ukrainian ozeki Aonishiki wins back-to-back championships in playoff|date=25 January 2026|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=26 January 2026}}</ref> Aonishiki became a candidate for promotion to the sport's highest rank of {{translit|ja|yokozuna}} at the March 2026 tournament, a possibility if he were to secure another championship or an equivalent performance.<ref name=kyodo250125/> Commenting after the tournament, Aonishiki said he felt relaxed that it was over because "every one of the 15 days was tense." Regarding the potential {{translit|ja|yokozuna}} promotion, Aonishiki said that if there was an opportunity, he wanted to grab it as soon as possible.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/69229|title=Sumo: Ukrainian dynamo Aonishiki relaxes after back-to-back championships|date=26 January 2026|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=26 January 2026}}</ref>

On Day 12 of the January tournament Aonishiki was seen wearing a different color of {{translit|ja|mawashi}}, having switched from the blue one that he had been wearing for several tournaments to a black one. The black {{translit|ja|mawashi}} was worn in past competition by his stablemaster Ajigawa (former {{translit|ja|sekiwake}} Aminishiki), and had recently been presented to him as a gift. It is reportedly considered rare for a sumo wrestler to change his belt in the middle of a tournament. Aonishiki said at the time that he always wanted to wear the belt if he had the chance, and that it would be a waste not to wear it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202601220001047.html|title=安青錦２敗対決制し単独トップ師匠から譲受まわし、好調の流れで替える珍しさも「気にしない」|date=22 January 2026|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=26 January 2026}}</ref>

Aonishiki's {{tlit|ja|yokozuna}} bid was put in jeopardy early on in the 2026 March tournament. On Day 2 of the tournament, he was beaten by {{tlit|ja|maegashira}} 1 Yoshinofuji, who he has only defeated once in their four meetings.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-09 |title=Sumo: Yokozuna Onosato suffers 2nd straight loss, Aonishiki also beaten |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/71935 |access-date=2026-03-16 |website=Japan Wire by Kyodo News |language=en}}</ref> He lost again on Day 4 to {{tlit|ja|maegashira}} 2 Churanoumi, who was fighting at a career-high rank.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-11 |title=Sumo: Hoshoryu loses, Aonishiki beaten again as Tamawashi sets record |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/72078 |access-date=2026-03-16 |website=Japan Wire by Kyodo News |language=en}}</ref> On Day 6, he lost to former {{tlit|ja|sekiwake}} Ōhō for the second straight tournament after allowing the Maegashira to secure double arm bars and execute a {{tlit|ja|kimedashi}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-13 |title=Sumo: Aonishiki's promotion bid in jeopardy as Hoshoryu takes joint lead |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/72250 |access-date=2026-03-16 |website=Japan Wire by Kyodo News |language=en}}</ref> On Day 7, he faced newly promoted {{tlit|ja|komusubi}} Atamifuji, who he defeated in the previous tournament's playoff to secure the championship. Aonishiki attempted the same {{tlit|ja|kubinage}} that won him their previous match, though he was eventually beaten by Atamifuji with an {{tlit|ja|uwatenage}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-14 |title=Sumo: Aonishiki's promotion bid all but over as Hoshoryu stays among leaders |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/72295 |access-date=2026-03-16 |website=Japan Wire by Kyodo News |language=en}}</ref> This fourth loss effectively ended Aonishiki's chances of being promoted to Yokozuna, as it is very rare for a wrestler with four losses to win the championship. A loss to former {{tlit|ja|sekiwake}} Takanoshō on Day 8 dropped him to a record of {{Win-loss record|w=3|l=5}} and ended any possible promotion hopes for Aonishiki in the March 2026 tournament.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-15 |title=Sumo: Hoshoryu falls to 2nd loss as Kirishima stays among Spring leaders |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/72325 |access-date=2026-03-16 |website=Japan Wire by Kyodo News |language=en}}</ref> On Day 11, Aonishiki suffered his sixth defeat to title-chaser Kotoshōhō, ending his streak of double-digit victories in every one of his {{translit|ja|sekitori}} tournaments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-18 |title=安青錦が６敗目新入幕から７場所連続の２ケタ勝利がついにストップ…琴勝峰に屈し、負け越しピンチ |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20260318-OHT1T51266.html |access-date=2026-03-19 |website=スポーツ報知 |language=ja}}</ref> Aonishiki would defeat the eventual champion, {{tlit|ja|sekiwake}} Kirishima, on Day 14, winning with a {{tlit|ja|shitatenage}} for his seventh win of the tournament.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-21 |title=Sumo: Kirishima seals Spring title despite loss after rivals also falter |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/72738 |access-date=2026-03-23 |website=Japan Wire by Kyodo News |language=en}}</ref> Going into the final day with a record of {{Win-loss record|w=7|l=7}}, Aonishiki needed to defeat {{tlit|ja|yokozuna}} Hōshōryū, who he had defeated in all five of their previous meetings, to avoid suffering the first losing record of his career. Despite this, he was defeated by the Yokozuna, giving him his first losing record and making him {{translit|ja|kadoban}} for the May tournament.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-22 |title=Sumo: Kirishima set for ozeki return as Aonishiki ends with losing record |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/72764 |access-date=2026-03-23 |website=Japan Wire by Kyodo News |language=en}}</ref>

=== Demotion from Ōzeki === After the March 2026 tournament ended, it was revealed that Aonishiki had fractured the little toe on his left foot at some point during the tournament, with some commentators noting his losses came from visibly favouring an unnatural fighting style that put less weight on his left foot.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vj3lCt7jxs |title=Aonishiki's Little Toe: How One Man's Tiniest Digit Broke A Million Hearts |date=2026-04-04 |last=Sumo Spiffy's Bar & Grill |access-date=2026-05-23 |via=YouTube}}</ref> Aonishiki withdrew from the Spring Tour to focus on recovery.<ref>{{Cite web |last=飯岡大暉 |title=大関安青錦「左第5趾基節骨骨折」で春巡業を休場…千代翔馬も離脱で11力士不在十両輝を補充 - 大相撲 : 日刊スポーツ |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202604020000741.html |access-date=2026-05-08 |website=nikkansports.com |language=ja}}</ref> While his recovery from a fractured little toe was reported as progressing smoothly, Aonishiki then suffered a second injury at a training session at Arashio stable before the start of the May tournament, where he injured his left ankle and was taken to a nearby hospital.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-05-06 |title=大関・安青錦が左足首を痛め病院へしばらく立ち上がることができず稽古を切り上げる |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20260506-OHT1T51090.html |access-date=2026-05-08 |website=スポーツ報知 |language=ja}}</ref> It was later announced that he would withdraw from the May tournament due to this ankle injury.<ref>{{Cite web |title=横綱大の里、大関安青錦が休場負け越しなら大関陥落へ元稀勢の里「状態が上がらない」【大相撲夏場所】（デイリースポーツ） |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/933384b6c1f666d7742fc37bea8cdf1c315e363b |access-date=2026-05-08 |website=Yahoo!ニュース |language=ja}}</ref> Because Aonishiki was ''{{translit|ja|kadoban}}'' from his losing record in March'','' his absence from the May tournament meant that demotion from Ōzeki was a certainty. This was the first withdrawal of his career.

==Fighting style== Aonishiki's most common {{Transliteration|ja|kimarite}}, or winning technique, is {{Transliteration|ja|yori-kiri}} ('frontal force out'), and he prefers a {{Transliteration|ja|migi-yotsu}}, or left hand outside, right hand inside grip on his opponent's {{Transliteration|ja|mawashi}}.

Aonishiki does not have a large stature, but he makes up for this with his technical ability. In 2025, during his rise to the rank of {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}}, he was on average {{height|centimeters=7}} shorter and {{convert|36|kg|lb st|abbr=on}} lighter than other members of the top division.<ref name=gunningtechnique>{{cite web|last=Gunning|first=John|author-link=John Gunning (journalist)|title=Elite technique behind Aonishiki’s rapid rise to о̄zeki|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2025/12/10/sumo/aonishiki-expert-technique/|work=The Japan Times|url-access=subscription|date=10 December 2025|access-date=11 December 2025|archive-date=11 December 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211080652/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2025/12/10/sumo/aonishiki-expert-technique/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Some commentators have stated that his mastery of hand positions and grappling techniques are the best that professional sumo has seen in the last ten years.<ref name=asahikesho/><ref name=gunningtechnique/> This technical ability sets him apart from previous high-ranking wrestlers of European origin, who typically relied on their size and physical strength.<ref name=ukrweekly/><ref>{{cite web|last=Gunning|first=John|author-link=John Gunning (journalist)|title=Is Ukraine's Aonishiki set to be the next European sumo superstar?|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/05/22/sumo/aonishiki-ukraine-sumo/|work=The Japan Times|url-access=subscription|date=22 May 2024|access-date=26 January 2025|archive-date=27 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127095141/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/05/22/sumo/aonishiki-ukraine-sumo/|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the {{Transliteration|ja|tachi-ai}} (initial charge), one of Aonishiki's trademarks is to keep his hips high, unlike more common techniques of starting the bout as low as possible.<ref name=gunningtechnique/> It was also noted that he possesses excellent stability, allowing him to stay low and gain advantage over his opponents by raising their center of gravity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://times.abema.tv/articles/-/10160583?page=1|title=「絶対本物」「天才肌だこの人」最速新入幕期待の20歳ホープ、"下から下から"を徹底した強過ぎる相撲に衝撃「超技巧派」|date=22 January 2025|work=Abema|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref> This stability greatly reduces the chances of defeating him with {{Transliteration|ja|hatakikomi}} ('slap down'), an occurrence that has happened only three times between his debut and his promotion to {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}}, or {{Transliteration|ja|hikiotoshi}} ('pull down'), with no occurrences.<ref name=gunningtechnique/> On this subject, Takekuma (the former Gōeidō), praised him saying "you can't slap him down".<ref name=kyodo290725>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/58207|title=Sumo: Ukrainian Aonishiki fuels predictions of future ozeki promotion|date=29 July 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=29 July 2025}}</ref> His low stance is even seen as a trap for his opponents, instinctively triggering them to attempt to throw him to the ground, leaving their bodies exposed and their arms too high.<ref name=gunningtechnique/>

Thanks to his technical skills, Aonishiki is often seen winning his fights with rare techniques, including {{Transliteration|ja|kirikaeshi}} ('twisting backward knee trip'), {{Transliteration|ja|okurinage}} ('rear throw down') and {{Transliteration|ja|uchimusō}} ('inner thigh propping twist down').<ref name=nhk2/> This latter became known as his trademark, due to his ease in deploying it in a division where it is difficult to use and the significant victories he has achieved over higher-ranked opponents (such as Kotozakura II) thanks to it.<ref name=gunningtechnique/> When asked about his ease in using it, he replied that it was quite similar to what he knew from freestyle wrestling and that he enjoyed the destabilizing aspect of the technique.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/11/28/articles/20251128s00005000257000c.html|title=安青錦「どっちかと言うとヒネる方が重要」得意の内無双はウクライナ時代から|date=28 November 2025|work=Sports Nippon|access-date=29 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref>

Aonishiki also puts in great effort when trying to gain weight, and also works on his strength training, lifting weights of {{convert|200|kg|lb st|abbr=on}} in the bench press.<ref name=yahooiizuka/> He is also known for his aptitude for fast, head-on attacks.<ref name=kyodoaims/>

Since his amateur days, Aonishiki cites that he has been studying the style of wrestlers with the same build as himself, such as former {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} Wakanohana Masaru or his master (the former Aminishiki), one of the smallest yet recognized as one of the most technical wrestler in the 2000s and early 2010s.<ref name=gunningtechnique/><ref name=nhk2/><ref name=yahooiizuka/><ref name=kyodoaims/> He also studies the matches of former and Chiyonofuji.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/368387|title=【大相撲】新大関・安青錦が明かす〝必殺技〟内無双の秘密「もうみんなにバレてるんですけど」|date=28 November 2025|work=Tokyo Sports|access-date=29 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Aonishiki is also inspired by Wakatakakage, who helped him train in June 2024.<ref name=nhk2/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/07/29/kiji/20240729s00005000144000c.html|title=ウクライナ出身の安青錦が6勝！初土俵から1年で幕下1桁台へ場所前には憧れの若隆景から直接指導 |date=29 July 2024|work=Sports Nippon|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Following Aonishiki's third straight 11-win tournament in the top division in July 2025, Kokonoe (former {{translit|ja|ōzeki}} Chiyotaikai) compared Aonishiki's style to that of Tamanoi (former {{translit|ja|ōzeki}} Tochiazuma) when he was climbing up the {{translit|ja|makuuchi}} ranks.<ref name=kyodo290725/>

Aonishiki also received praise from Asakayama (the former Kaiō), who noted his dedication and desire to improve during practice sessions.<ref name=kyodo290725/> Prior to Aonishiki's November 2025 tournament victory, Kokonoe commented that Aonishiki was a "true powerhouse". He noted that Aonishiki excelled in fights against {{translit|ja|yokozuna}} (referring to his perfect 3-for-3 record against Hōshōryū at the time of his remark), and said that he had never seen a wrestler rise through the top division ranks with such consistency.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202511220001479.html|title=安青錦が今場所後に大関昇進の可能性急浮上、審判部で会議開催が決定「真の強者」九重親方うなる|date=22 November 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=24 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref>

==Personal life== Aonishiki has an older brother who stayed in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202511230001918.html|title=ウクライナ出身の安青錦が初V「選んだ道に間違いなかった」ロシア軍事侵攻で徴兵対象目前に来日|date=23 November 2025|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=25 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Both his parents have refugee status and now live in Düsseldorf, Germany, where they manage a dry cleaning shop.<ref name=kyodojonidan/><ref name=familystat>{{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/11/24/articles/20251123s00005000416000c.html|title=安青錦下の名前もらった恩人に恩返し「日本語も分からない状態で一緒にいてくれた」|date=24 November 2025|work=Sports Nippon|access-date=24 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> When it came to deciding to move to Japan, Aonishiki was able to count on the support of his parents, who encouraged him to obtain a visa.<ref name=asahiescaping/>

Aonishiki is fluent in Ukrainian and Russian, and he speaks English at an intermediate level.<ref name=asahikesho/><ref name=yahooiizuka/><ref name=familystat/> At the time of his recruitment into the professional world, it was noted that Aonishiki had already become fluent in Japanese, which he learned after arriving in Japan.<ref name=asahikesho/><ref name=kyodoaims/>

==Career record== {{Sumo record box start|Aonishiki Arata<ref>{{cite web | title=Aonishiki Arata Rikishi Information | publisher=Sumo Reference | url=https://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=12839 | access-date=13 January 2025}}</ref>}} {{Sumo record year start link|2023}} {{Basho}} {{Basho}} {{Basho}} {{Basho}} {{Basho|MAEZUMOU}} {{Basho|jk|14|w|7|0 Champion}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2024}} {{Basho|jo|10|e|7|0|P Champion}} {{Basho|sa|18|e|6|1}} {{Basho|ma|40|e|6|1}} {{Basho|ma|17|w|6|1}} {{Basho|ma|4|w|6|1}} {{Basho|j|11|e|10|5}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2025}} {{Basho|j|5|w|12|3}} {{Basho|m|15|e|11|4|||f}} {{Basho|m|9|e|11|4|||f}} {{Basho|m|1|e|11|4||j|t|*}} {{Basho|k|1|w|11|4|||t}} {{Basho|s|1|e|12|3|P|y|o|t}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record year start link|2026}} {{Basho|o|1|w|12|3|P|y}} {{Basho|o|1|e|7|8}} {{Basho|KYUJO|rank=o|r-no=1|tozai=w}} {{Basho|||||}} {{Basho|||||}} {{Basho|||||}} {{Sumo record year end}} {{Sumo record box end}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *{{Goo Sumo|4230}} {{Makuuchi rikishi banzuke}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Arata, Aonishiki}} Category:2004 births Category:Living people Category:Ukrainian sumo wrestlers Category:Sportspeople from Vinnytsia Category:Ukrainian refugees Category:Ukrainian expatriate sportspeople in Japan Category:21st-century Ukrainian sportsmen Category:Ōzeki Category:Ajigawa stable sumo wrestlers