Which Japanese wrestler became the first Japan-born yokozuna in 19 years in 2017?

Kisenosato Yutaka became the first Japan-born yokozuna in 19 years in 2017. The Japan Sumo Association promoted him to the sport’s highest rank after his victory at the January 2017 tournament.

His promotion was especially significant because Japan had not produced a native-born yokozuna since Wakanohana Masaru reached the rank in 1998. During the intervening period, the top rank was held by wrestlers born outside Japan, including Mongolia’s Hakuho, Harumafuji and Kakuryu.

Kisenosato’s reign was brief because a chest injury suffered during the March 2017 tournament severely limited his participation. He retired in January 2019 and later became a stablemaster under the name Araiso. His achievement remains a major milestone in modern Japanese sumo history.