After a wait of 19 years, Japan has its next Japan-born Yokozuna…Yokozuna Kisenosato!

Yokozuna Kisenosato was promoted today at an official ceremony in Tokyo, Japan, making him the only active Japan-born Yokozuna, as all the other Yokozuna are Mongolian.

Kisenosato secured his promotion by winning the New Year’s Grand Sumo Tournament with a record of 14-1–defeating Yokozuna Hakuho on the final day.

After the ceremony, Kisenosato could be seen holding a red snapper fish, which is tradition for sumo wrestlers that are promoted to Yokozuna. The bigger the fish the tougher the sumo wrestler.

At the next tournament you will now see four Yokozuna, as Kisenosato will take his rightful place alongside the other champions. I think I speak for everyone when I say–

おめでとうございます！！！！

–Sal