In a historic achievement, Danylo Yavhusishyn, known by his sumo ring name Aonishiki, has become the first Ukrainian to win an elite-level sumo tournament. The 21-year-old, who fled to Japan in 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, claimed the prestigious Emperor’s Cup in Fukuoka, Japan, marking a significant milestone in his career. Aonishiki, who first tried sumo at the age of seven, finished the 15-day tournament with an impressive record of 12 wins and three losses, culminating in a championship play-off victory against Mongolian Yokozuna grand champion Hoshoryu. This victory not only makes him the first European in nearly eight years to win the Emperor’s Cup but also positions him on the brink of being promoted to the second-highest rank of Ozeki, potentially the fastest promotion in sumo history. Aonishiki’s journey to success is a testament to his resilience and dedication. After fleeing Ukraine with his family to Germany, he moved to Japan alone in April 2022, supported by a university sumo club captain he had met at a youth championship event. Despite the language barrier and the challenges of adapting to a new culture, Aonishiki has rapidly ascended in the world of professional sumo, gaining fans in Japan and globally for his unique techniques and relentless improvement. His name, Aonishiki, incorporates the Japanese character for ‘blue,’ symbolizing the Ukrainian flag. With his recent triumph, Aonishiki is now widely regarded as a strong contender to become the first European to achieve the highest rank of Yokozuna grand champion, further solidifying his place in sumo history.