War refugee Aonishiki becomes first Ukrainian to win sumo tournament Yavhusishyn was born in central Ukraine and took up sumo at the age of seven, becoming a national champion at 17.
His age meant he narrowly avoided Ukraine's military draft for men aged 18 and older when war broke out and he sought refuge in Germany before moving to Japan.
His parents stayed in Germany and he arrived in Japan knowing nothing of the language.
I’m always amazed that there are people dedicated to sumo outside of Japan. Though, if they dropped the buttocks-exposing garb, it could be hugely popular.