Photo by Michihiro Taguchi — shot ringside.
Aonishiki is a Ukrainian-born sumo wrestler of Ajigawa stable. After fleeing the war in his homeland, he reached the salaried jūryō division just about a year after his ring debut — one of the fastest rises through the ranks in modern sumo.
From Ukraine to the dohyo
Aonishiki took up sumo at the age of seven. The sport has a surprisingly large following across Europe, and he wrestled as a boy in Ukraine. In February 2022, the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the course of his life. He had been accepted to a national university, but instead chose to leave the war behind in search of a place where he could keep wrestling — and came to Japan. Through a connection of his school coach, he entered Ajigawa stable.
A meteoric rise through the ranks
He stepped onto the ring in the maezumo preliminary bouts ahead of the September 2023 tournament. What followed was a remarkable ascent:
- Jonokuchi — 7 wins, division championship
- Jonidan — 7 wins, division championship
- Sandanme — 6–1
- Makushita — three tournaments, 6–1 in each
The makushita division is where many gifted youngsters hit a wall — even greats like Takanohana and Asashoryu posted losing records there, and Hakuho had losing tournaments down in jonokuchi and sandanme. Aonishiki cleared makushita in just three tournaments with a combined 18–3, barely breaking stride.
Reaching jūryō in just one year
In November 2024, Aonishiki was promoted to jūryō — only a year after starting at the very bottom of the rankings. Wrestling all 15 days, he posted a 10–5 record, then followed it with an even stronger 12–3 the next tournament. His losses along the way came against the likes of Oshoumi, Tochitaikai, Tsurugisho, Tamashoho and Kinbozan.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Where is Aonishiki from?
Ukraine. He came to Japan after the 2022 invasion of his home country to continue wrestling.
Q. What stable does Aonishiki belong to?
Ajigawa stable, which he joined through a connection of his school coach.
Q. How fast did Aonishiki rise through sumo?
He reached the salaried jūryō division roughly one year after his debut — among the fastest rises in modern sumo, clearing the makushita division in just three tournaments.
Photos by Michihiro Taguchi, shot ringside at the venue.
