Ōnosato Daiki facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ōnosato Daiki
大の里 泰輝
Ōnosato in September 2024
Personal information
Born	Daiki Nakamura (2000-06-07) June 7, 2000 (age 25) Tsubata, Ishikawa, Japan
Height	1.92 m (6 ft 3+1⁄2 in)
Weight	191 kg (421 lb; 30.1 st)
Career
Stable	Nishonoseki
University	Nippon Sport Science University
Current rank	Yokozuna
Debut	May 2023
Highest rank	Yokozuna (May 2025)
Championships	Makuuchi (4)
Special Prizes	Fighting Spirit (3) Outstanding Performance (2) Technique (3)
* Up to date as of May 28, 2025.

Ōnosato Daiki (大の里 泰輝) (born June 7, 2000, as Daiki Nakamura (中村 泰輝, Nakamura Daiki)) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler. He comes from Tsubata, Ishikawa. Many people called him "the most eagerly awaited prospect" from college sumo in many years.

He joined the Nishonoseki stable in May 2023. His coach was the famous former yokozuna Kisenosato. Ōnosato started his professional career at a high rank called makushita 10. He quickly moved up to the top makuuchi division in January 2024. This was after only four tournaments. In May of the same year, he won his first top-division championship. He did this in a record-breaking seven tournaments.

Ōnosato became professional sumo's 75th yokozuna in May 2025. He earned this by winning two championships in a row while at the rank of ōzeki.

Ōnosato's Early Life and Sumo Journey

Medal record
Men's Sumo
Representing  Japan
World Games
Gold	2022 Birmingham	Openweight
Silver	2022 Birmingham	Heavyweight

Daiki Nakamura was born in Tsubata, Ishikawa. He started sumo wrestling in first grade at his elementary school. As a child, he loved professional sumo. He enjoyed reading the Sumo [ja] magazine. Nakamura went to Itoigawa City Nō Junior High School. He also attended Niigata Prefectural Marine High School [ja]. In junior high, he won the 2016 Junior High School competition. This was at the Hakuhō Cup. At Kaiyo High School, he trained with future top-ranked wrestlers.

In 2019, he joined Nippon Sport Science University. This university is known for its strong sumo club. In his first year, he won the individual competition at the National Athletic Meet. This made him the second-best individual champion ever in that event. It also allowed him to become a professional at the rank of makushita tsukedashi 15. He then won the individual tournament at the National Student Sumo Tournament. This was the first time a freshman had won in 29 years. In May 2021, he became amateur-yokozuna at the All Japan Sumo Championships. This qualified him again for the makushita tsukedashi system. During his university years, he had a rivalry with Mikiya Ishioka. They faced each other four times, with Ōnosato winning two matches.

In January 2022, Nakamura competed in the World Games sumo competition. This event was held in Birmingham, Alabama. He won the Openweight category and was runner-up in the Heavyweight category. In October, he won the amateur-yokozuna title for the second time at the National Athletic Meet. With his wins, Nakamura became eligible to join professional sumo at the rank of makushita tsukedashi 10. This was the fourth time someone had qualified for this since the system began in 2000. Overall, he won 13 amateur titles in college. This ties him for the most amateur titles ever won by a wrestler. A sumo writer, John Gunning, said Nakamura's style was "calm and smooth." He compared it to Hakuhō when he was younger.

In March 2023, Nakamura decided to become a professional wrestler (rikishi). He joined Nishonoseki stable. His coach was former yokozuna Kisenosato. Nakamura wanted to reach the sekitori rank very quickly. He chose this stable because he wanted to be trained by a former yokozuna. The stable is in Ami, Ibaraki, which he felt was a good place to focus on sumo. Ōnosato was the last wrestler to be promoted to makushita tsukedashi 10. This system was changed in September 2023.

Ōnosato's Early Professional Career

Professional Debut

Ōnosato training with Tomokaze in August 2023.

In April 2023, it was announced that Nakamura would wrestle under the name Ōnosato (大の里). This ring name means 'great' (大) to show his talent. The '-nosato' part connects him to former yokozuna Takanosato and Kisenosato. This name was chosen by his master, Kisenosato. It had even been considered for Kisenosato himself when he was an active wrestler. The name had also been used by an earlier ōzeki from the 20th century, Ōnosato Mansuke. Nakamura's father was very touched by this honor. Kisenosato asked permission from Ōnosato Mansuke's family to use the name.

When Ōnosato's debut was announced, his high school coach compared him to "a Shohei Ohtani of sumo." He said Nakamura could become the monster of the new era (新時代の怪物). For his first professional exam, Ōnosato had to follow professional wrestler dress rules. He received an obi belt that his master had used.

Ōnosato started his career at the rank of makushita tsukedashi 10. His first match was against Ishizaki, an older student from his university. Ishizaki won the match. However, Ōnosato finished the tournament with a strong record of 6 wins and 1 loss. He just missed getting promoted directly to the jūryō division.

In the July tournament, Ōnosato was ranked makushita 3. He won his first two matches. But he lost his third match to Tokihayate. On the seventh day, he faced Kihō, a rival from his amateur days. Kihō had never beaten Ōnosato before. But this time, Kihō won, giving Ōnosato his second loss in a row. This loss made people think his promotion to jūryō would be delayed. Ōnosato still managed to get a winning record (kachi-koshi) of 4 wins. He said his losses were unexpected and made him upset.

Promotion to Jūryō

When the rankings for the September tournament came out, Ōnosato was promoted to jūryō. This is professional sumo's second-highest division. His stablemate Takahashi was also promoted. This was the first time since July 2012 that two wrestlers from the same stable became sekitori at the same time. After his promotion, Ōnosato visited his hometown in Tsubata, Ishikawa. He announced his promotion to his local fans. He was given a large amount of rice as a gift. During training tours (jungyō), he trained with other jūryō wrestlers. He also trained with former ōzeki Takakeishō and Takayasu. They praised his training attitude.

In his first jūryō tournament, Ōnosato won seven matches in a row. This put him at the top of the competition. On Day 8, he won his eighth match in a row. This made him the seventh jūryō wrestler in history to win eight straight from the first day. He then won a ninth match in a row. This tied him for the most consecutive wins from the start of a jūryō tournament. His winning streak ended at 9 wins when he lost to Ichiyamamoto. Ōnosato stayed in the title race with Ichiyamamoto. The championship was decided on the final day. Ōnosato lost his final match and finished just one win behind Ichiyamamoto.

In the November 2023 tournament, he won his first match against a wrestler who had been in the higher san'yaku ranks. He defeated former sekiwake Aoiyama. Ōnosato kept his lead throughout the tournament. He had eleven wins on day fourteen, tied with Kotoshōhō. The championship would be decided on the final day. Ōnosato won his final match. But Kotoshōhō also won, so they had a playoff. Kotoshōhō won the playoff, and Ōnosato missed out on the championship again.

Reaching the Top Makuuchi Division

Rising Star

Ōnosato training with his master Nishonoseki in December 2023.

After only four tournaments, Ōnosato was promoted to the top makuuchi division for the January 2024 tournament. He was the first wrestler recruited by former Kisenosato to reach the top division. He was also the third-fastest to reach the top division since 1989. Ōnosato told reporters he was happy to see his name in big letters on the banzuke (rankings). His stablemaster asked him to win 10 matches and the Fighting Spirit special prize.

Ōnosato did well in the first half of the tournament. He had one loss on the third day. But he kept his position as a top wrestler. He got his sixth win and a winning record (kachi-koshi) on Day 9. On Day 10, he lost to another tournament leader, Kotonowaka. This left Kotonowaka alone in the lead. Ōnosato then lost two more matches. This meant he was out of the title race. Because he faced a yokozuna, Ōnosato was the first wrestler in 10 years to face a yokozuna in his first makuuchi tournament. For his good performance, Ōnosato won the "Wrestler of the Day Award" four times. He also received the Fighting Spirit prize for his 11 wins. After his first top-division tournament, Ōnosato said he was thankful to learn from the top-ranked wrestlers.

In the March tournament, Ōnosato was again among the leaders. He had one loss on the seventh day. On Day 9, he beat a san'yaku-ranked wrestler for the first time. He defeated Sekiwake Wakamotoharu. On Day 10, Ōnosato lost to Takerufuji. This left Takerufuji alone in the lead. Ōnosato continued with a notable win over Ōzeki Takakeishō. On Day 14, he won his eleventh match. The championship was decided on the final day. Ōnosato lost his final match. However, Takerufuji had already won the championship. For his efforts, Ōnosato received the prizes for Technique and Fighting Spirit. His second straight 11-win record made him a strong candidate for promotion to san'yaku.

In April 2024, the Sumo Association gave Ōnosato and his stablemaster a strict warning. This was after an incident in September 2023. Ōnosato apologized for his actions. He was grateful he could still wrestle in the spring regional tour.

Promotion to San'yaku and First Titles

Ōnosato during the May 2024 tournament.

For the May 2024 tournament, Ōnosato was promoted to komusubi. This was his highest rank at the time. He reached the san'yaku ranks in just six tournaments. This was the second-fastest rise to these ranks since the Shōwa era. At a press conference, Ōnosato was seen with a small topknot for the first time. His stablemaster was surprised by how quickly Ōnosato had risen.

On the first day of the May 2024 tournament, Ōnosato faced yokozuna Terunofuji. He won against the top-ranked opponent. Ōnosato was the only san'yaku wrestler to win on Day 1. He continued to beat higher-ranked wrestlers. He defeated sekiwake Wakamotoharu and ōzeki Kirishima and Kotozakura. On Day 8, he beat a rival, Daieishō. On Day 9, he lost a match, which created a tie among five wrestlers. Ōnosato then fought his way back. He entered the final day as the sole leader with 11 wins. He quickly defeated his opponent, Abi. This meant he won his first Emperor's Cup without a playoff.

Ōnosato won his first top-division title in seven tournaments. This broke the record for the fastest first top-division title. He was also the first to win the top-division championship right after being promoted to komusubi in 67 years. He also won two more special prizes. This made him the first wrestler in 25 years to win a special prize in each of his first three top-division tournaments. Ōnosato dedicated his victory to the people of Ishikawa Prefecture. They were affected by a deadly earthquake on January 1. The day after winning, he said his goal was to go even higher. He also shared that his stablemaster told him not to celebrate too early.

After the May tournament, the head of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council said Ōnosato's win showed "the sumo world is about to undergo major changes." He believed Ōnosato would reach the ōzeki rank. The Sumo Association said that only Ōnosato's 12 wins in May would count towards the promotion requirement for ōzeki. At the next tournament in July, Ōnosato finished with nine wins. One of these was against yokozuna Terunofuji for the second time. Ōnosato received the Outstanding Performance prize again. This made him the first wrestler in sumo history to get a special prize in each of his first four top-division tournaments. With 21 wins in the san'yaku ranks over two tournaments, Ōnosato needed at least 12 wins in September to meet the ōzeki promotion goal.

In the September 2024 tournament, Ōnosato won eleven matches in a row. He needed twelve wins for promotion. The next day, his promotion was delayed when he lost his first match of the tournament. At the end of the tournament, Ōnosato secured his promotion to the second-highest rank in sumo. He also won the championship. He defeated the two ōzeki, Kotozakura and Hōshōryū. The press said Ōnosato was now a new, dominant wrestler. They also expected him to become the 74th yokozuna.

Becoming an Ōzeki

Promotion to Ōzeki

Ōnosato, after his customary ōzeki acceptance ceremony, celebrating with stablemates.

On September 25, 2024, the Japan Sumo Association officially promoted Ōnosato to the rank of ōzeki. This promotion came after only nine tournaments. It was the fastest for any wrestler since the current six-tournament system began in 1958. He broke the previous record of twelve tournaments. After the Sumo Association approved, two sumo elders delivered the news to Ōnosato at his stable. In his acceptance speech, Ōnosato said he would keep working hard in sumo. He wanted to become a yuiitsu-muni (唯一無二, 'one-of-a-kind' or 'unique') wrestler. He said he used "one-of-a-kind" because his father wanted him to be unique. Ōnosato was the first ōzeki to be promoted before his hair was long enough for the traditional ōichō topknot.

Ōnosato won nine matches in his first tournament as an ōzeki in November 2024. He finished his first year in sumo's top division with 65 wins. This was just one win behind fellow ōzeki Kotozakura. At a reception, Ōnosato said his first tournament as an ōzeki was disappointing. He wanted to keep winning and get promoted next year. Despite his disappointment, Ōnosato received two awards. He won the 2024 Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize's Rookie of the Year Award. He also won the 2024 Wrestler of the Year award from a newspaper.

Journey to Yokozuna

In the March 2025 tournament, Ōnosato became one of the leaders. He had seven wins in the first week. On day ten, Ōnosato was tied for the lead. He lost a match to Takayasu. But they found themselves tied again until the final day. The two wrestlers faced each other in a playoff for the championship. Ōnosato won the match.

The March 2025 title was Ōnosato's third championship. It was his first since becoming an ōzeki. He also became the active wrestler with the most championships, tied with Mitakeumi. With this victory, Ōnosato was in a position to be promoted to the highest rank of yokozuna. This usually happens if a wrestler wins two championships in a row as an ōzeki. The chairman of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council said Ōnosato had met the expectations for an ōzeki.

In the May 2025 tournament, Ōnosato was the sole leader. He won eight matches in a row in the first half. After Day 11, Ōnosato had eleven consecutive wins. He had a two-victory lead over others. On Day 13, Ōnosato defeated fellow ōzeki Kotozakura. This clinched his second straight top-division championship. It was his fourth title overall. This result almost guaranteed he would be promoted to professional sumo's 75th yokozuna. Ōnosato said he didn't expect to win the title so early. He wanted to win his last two matches. However, Ōnosato did not achieve a perfect score (zenshō yūshō). He lost his only match on the final day to yokozuna Hōshōryū.

Becoming a Yokozuna

After the May 2025 tournament, the Sumo Association chairman approved a meeting to discuss Ōnosato's promotion. On May 26, 2025, the Yokozuna Deliberation Council met. In a short meeting, they all agreed to recommend Ōnosato for yokozuna. The council chairman praised Ōnosato's calm manner, strong sumo, and confident performance under pressure.

The Sumo Association's board formally promoted Ōnosato to become sumo's 75th yokozuna on May 28, 2025. With this promotion, Ōnosato became the first Japanese wrestler to reach the top rank of yokozuna since his stablemaster Nishonoseki (Kisenosato) in 2017. He was also the second wrestler with a college background to become yokozuna. Ōnosato's promotion happened after only 13 tournaments. This made him the fastest to reach the yokozuna rank since the Shōwa era. He also became the first wrestler in sumo history to have winning records in all his tournaments leading up to his yokozuna promotion.

The Sumo Association sent elders to Nishonoseki stable to deliver the news. Ōnosato gave an acceptance speech. He said he would dedicate himself to training to honor the yokozuna rank. He aimed to be a yuiitsu-muni (唯一無二, 'one-of-a-kind' or 'unique') yokozuna. He told reporters he always wanted to be a yokozuna. His stablemaster hoped Ōnosato would lead by example and "lift the entire world of sumo." The Sumo Association president hoped he would "carve out a new era." Ōnosato also received congratulations from people outside sumo. The governor of Ishikawa Prefecture wanted to give him an honorary prize.

After the news, preparations for his yokozuna rank began. About 70 wrestlers helped braid his special tsuna (rope). Ōnosato chose to use his master's Unryū ring-entering ceremony style. He had practiced by watching videos of his master. He also got advice from another former yokozuna. For his first ceremony, Takayasu would be his tachimochi (sword bearer). Ryūden would be his tsuyuharai (dew sweeper).

Rivalry with Takerufuji

Ōnosato became very famous in 2024. This made people wonder about his rivalry with Takerufuji. Many in the press saw Takerufuji as Ōnosato's only true rival. Sumo journalist John Gunning explained this rivalry. Both wrestlers are new and came from the same amateur background. Takerufuji became the first wrestler in 110 years to win a makuuchi championship in his first tournament.

The president of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council called their rivalry "ryūko [ja]." This means "dragon and tiger." It describes two opponents of equal strength. This idea of an exciting rivalry between them also led to a new name for this period of sumo. It was called the Taison era (大尊時代, Taison jidai). This name uses the first Japanese characters from both wrestlers' names.

Ōnosato's Fighting Style

Ōnosato prefers yotsu techniques. These involve grabbing his opponent's mawashi, or belt. His most common winning move (kimarite) is yorikiri, which means forcing his opponent out. His favorite grip is migi-yotsu. This means his right arm is inside and his left hand is outside. He also uses a lot of oshi-sumo techniques, which involve pushing and thrusting.

In May 2025, before Ōnosato became yokozuna, sumo commentator John Gunning said Ōnosato looked like a mix of two former yokozuna: Takanohana and Musashimaru.

Ōnosato's Personal Life

Ōnosato is the oldest child in his family. He has a younger sister. He is good friends with Shirokuma. They went to university and became professionals together. They often go to restaurants during tournaments. Ōnosato sometimes playfully calls Shirokuma "polar bear-san" because of his ring name.

On February 6, 2024, Ōnosato was part of a group of wrestlers from Ishikawa Prefecture. They visited after the 2024 Noto earthquake. They presented money raised during a tournament and donations from the Sumo Association. Sumo wrestlers visiting is seen as a good sign. During his visit, he also went to an evacuation center where his grandfather had stayed. He received many messages of congratulations from people affected by the disaster.

Career record

Honours

• Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize's Rookie of the Year Award (2024).

See also

• Glossary of sumo terms
• List of active sumo wrestlers
• List of yokozuna
• Active special prize winners
• List of sumo tournament top division champions
• List of sumo tournament top division runners-up