Sumo: 19-year-old wrestler Ochiai

Sumo: 19-year-old wrestler Ochiai

Screenshot shows Ochiai (L), a 19-year-old new sumo recruit who set a record for quickest promotion to the second-tier juryo division, and his stablemaster Miyagino attending an online press conference on Jan. 25, 2023. Ochiai moved up to juryo after winning one makushita tournament.

Sumo: 19-year-old wrestler Ochiai

Sumo: 19-year-old wrestler Ochiai

Screenshot shows Ochiai, a 19-year-old new sumo recruit who set a record for quickest promotion to the second-tier juryo division, attending an online press conference on Jan. 25, 2023. Ochiai moved up to juryo after winning one makushita tournament.

Sokokurai becomes 2nd Chinese sumo wrestler

Sokokurai becomes 2nd Chinese sumo wrestler

ONOJO, Japan - Chinese sumo wrestler Sokokurai of the Arashio stable smiles during a news conference in Shime, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Dec. 2, 2009. After posting a 5-2 mark in the third-tier makushita division of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, the 25-year-old became the second Chinese wrestler to fight in the second-tier juryo division, following Osaka-born Chinese national Kiyonohana in the 1970s.

Amateur sumo champion Miyoshi joins Takasago stable

Amateur sumo champion Miyoshi joins Takasago stable

OSAKA, Japan - National amateur sumo champion Masato Miyoshi (R) shake hands with Takasago on Feb. 15 after deciding to turn professional and join the Takasago stable. By virtue of his national title in December, the 22-year-old Osaka native will make his debut as a 15th-ranked wrestler in the makushita division, the highest of four junior divisions, at the spring tourney in Osaka in March 2002.

Mongolian Asashoryu promoted to sumo's 4th highest rank

Mongolian Asashoryu promoted to sumo's 4th highest rank

TOKYO, Japan - Mongolian sumo wrestler Asashoryu smiles at his stable in Tokyo's Sumida Ward on April 25. The Mongolian wrestling thoroughbred was promoted less than 12 months after winning the junior division makushita title to sumo's fourth highest rank of komusubi for the upcoming Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo. The Japan Sumo Association released the rankings for the May 13-27 tourney at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Amateur sumo champion Miyoshi joins Takasago stable

Amateur sumo champion Miyoshi joins Takasago stable

OSAKA, Japan - National amateur sumo champion Masato Miyoshi (R) shake hands with Takasago on Feb. 15 after deciding to turn professional and join the Takasago stable. By virtue of his national title in December, the 22-year-old Osaka native will make his debut as a 15th-ranked wrestler in the makushita division, the highest of four junior divisions, at the spring tourney in Osaka in March 2002.

(CORRECTED) Sokokurai becomes 2nd Chinese sumo wrestler

(CORRECTED) Sokokurai becomes 2nd Chinese sumo wrestler

ONOJO, Japan - Chinese sumo wrestler Sokokurai smiles during a news conference at the Arashio stable in Fukuoka Prefecture on Dec. 2, 2009. After posting a 5-2 mark in the third-tier makushita division of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, the 25-year old became the second Chinese wrestler to fight in the second-tier juryo division, following Osaka-born Chinese national Kiyonohana in the 1970s. (Kyodo)