The Journey
Aonishiki Arata (青錦 新大), born Danylo Yavhusishyn on March 23, 2004 in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, made history in November 2025 by becoming the first Ukrainian to win a top-division (makuuchi) championship and lift the Emperor's Cup at age 21.
Personal Info
From Ukraine to Japan
Danylo Yavhusishyn began his sumo journey at age 7 in Vinnytsia, Ukraine. After the Russian invasion in February 2022, he fled to Germany before arriving in Japan in April 2022.
Thanks to his friendship with Arata Yamanaka from the 2019 World Junior Championships, he found refuge with a Japanese host family and trained at Kansai University before joining Ajigawa stable in December 2022. Fourteen tournaments after his professional debut, he claimed the makuuchi title and was promoted to ōzeki—second-fastest to a top-division championship after Takerufuji and the third ever to rise with no losing tournaments.
The Name: Aonishiki
His ring name combines the kanji for blue (青) from the Ukrainian flag, calm (安), and brocade (錦) from his master's name Aminishiki. The first name "Arata" (新大) honors his Japanese host family benefactor Arata Yamanaka, symbolizing their bond: "now I feel like we're fighting together."
Record-Breaking Achievements
Emperor's Cup Champion
First Ukrainian makuuchi champion, November 2025, at age 21.
Ōzeki Promotion
Promoted after his 2025 title—14 tournaments from debut, second-fastest to a top-division championship (after Takerufuji) and third ever to rise without a losing basho.
San'yaku Milestones
First Ukrainian to reach san'yaku as komusubi (Sept 2025); promoted to sekiwake in 13 tournaments—a modern-era record.
Signature Wins
- Kinboshi vs Yokozuna Hōshōryū (July 2025) — fastest since 1958.
- 11+ wins in each of his first seven professional tournaments.
Career Numbers
- Career record: 116-31
- Makuuchi record: 56-19
- Second Ukrainian professional sumo wrestler (after Shishi)
Career Timeline
September 2023
Professional debut.
July 2025
First kinboshi vs Yokozuna Hōshōryū — fastest since 1958.
September 2025
First Ukrainian in san'yaku as komusubi.
November 2025
Wins the makuuchi championship (Emperor's Cup) at age 21; second-fastest to a top-division title after Takerufuji.
Post-Championship
Promoted to Ōzeki; rises with no losing tournaments since debut (14 basho).
Fighting Style
Technical Mastery
Unlike many European wrestlers who rely on size and strength, Aonishiki excels through technical precision, migi-yotsu positioning, and relentless yori pressure.
- • Primary Technique: Yorikiri (frontal force out) — 26% of wins
- • Preferred Grip: Migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right inside)
- • Specialty: Low center of gravity and stability techniques
Rare Techniques
Known for winning with uncommon and skillful kimarite:
- • Kirikaeshi: Twisting backward knee trip
- • Okurinage: Rear throw down
- • Uchimusō: Inner thigh propping twist down
Inspired By
Studies wrestlers with similar builds: his master Aminishiki, Yokozuna Wakanohana Masaru, and current star Wakatakakage
Strength Training
Intensive weight training with 200kg (440 lb) bench press to compensate for smaller stature
Expert Praise
Former Ozeki Chiyotaikai compared his style to Ozeki Tochiazuma, noting his technical excellence
Photo Gallery
Gallery photos: Tournament action, training, ceremonies, and personal moments
Video Playlist
Aonishiki Arata Highlights
Watch Aonishiki Arata (Danylo Yavhusishyn) in action—tournament bouts, championship moments, and career highlights from Ukraine's ōzeki and makuuchi champion.
Resources
Plan your sumo experience in Tokyo
Trusted guides and ticket help for visitors who want to see live tournaments and stable tours.
Editorial Feature
Feature Story
The Blue Brocade Warrior: A Tribute to Aonishiki Arata
A deep-dive editorial tracing Aonishiki's journey from Vinnytsia to the Emperor's Cup: war refugee to makuuchi champion, record-fast promotion to ōzeki, and a hybrid fighting style that blends yorikiri dominance with rare kimarite mastery.
Community Voice
Expert Commentary on Aonishiki's Rise
Sumo expert analysis on Aonishiki Arata's historic achievement and what it means for the sport.
"Aonishiki Arata's promotion to Ōzeki represents one of the fastest rises in modern sumo history. His technical prowess, combined with an unprecedented winning record, marks him as a generational talent in professional sumo."
— Sumo Analysis Community
Read full thread →Fan Messages
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Fan Messages (12)
Слава Україні! So proud to see Danylo representing Ukraine at the highest level of sumo. His journey from Vinnytsia to ōzeki is truly inspiring!
His migi-yotsu technique is exceptional. Reminds me of the great Aminishiki-oyakata. The Ajigawa stable has a true champion!
Just discovered sumo through Aonishiki's story. The way he honors both Ukrainian and Japanese culture is beautiful. Can't wait to see him become yokozuna!
From Eastern Europe with love! His technical mastery proves you don't need to be the biggest to be the best. Respect!
14 tournaments to ōzeki is remarkable. His stability and yorikiri are world-class. Future yokozuna material 🇺🇦🇯🇵
That playoff victory against Hōshōryū was incredible! The composure he showed at just 21 years old... absolute legend in the making.
Данило, ти — наша гордість! Watching you lift the Emperor's Cup brought tears to my eyes. Keep fighting!
His story is unbelievable. War refugee to ōzeki in less than 3 years? This guy is built different. Much respect from Brazil!
The way Arata Yamanaka's family helped him... this is the spirit of sumo. And now he carries their name into every match. Beautiful story.
Incredible athlete! His use of rare kimarite like uchimusō shows deep understanding of the sport. Technical genius!
Blue and yellow forever! 💙💛 From Vinnytsia to Tokyo, you're making history. All of Ukraine is behind you!
Started following sumo because of his story. Zero losing tournaments on the way up is absolutely insane. This man is destined for greatness.
Instagram Highlights
Social
Follow Aonishiki Arata (Danylo Yavhusishyn)
Live updates, bout clips, and behind-the-scenes moments from Ukraine's makuuchi champion and ōzeki—curated in one Instagram stream.