16-Year-Old Sumo Sensation Topples Goliath Double His Weight

A 16-year-old wrestler has become a favorite of sumo fans after defeating an opponent over twice his weight and nearly three times his age at January's New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.

The diminutive Kosei Kanato (given name Kosei Motomura) weighed in at 68 kilograms, making him the lightest wrestler at the tournament. He squared off against 162-kilogram Yoshiazuma, in a fifth-division jonidan match. 

Yoshiazuma, who is 47 years old, formerly wrestled in sumo's top makuuchi division. He was the tallest participant at the tournament at 196 cm, giving him a 36-centimeter edge over the young Kosei.

A Quick Leg Grab for the Win

During the match, Kosei took several stiff arms to the head from his massive foe. But he used his speed and low stature to circle and duck below Yoshiazuma's outstretched arms. Kosei was able to grab and lift his opponent's right leg, leaving him hopping on his left. Then he drove him out of the dohyo.

The maneuver is called an ashitori (leg pick). Both wrestlers tumbled out of the dohyo after the match. However, Kosei did a nimble summersault over the ringside cushions and sprang back to his feet. Their stark difference in age and stature electrified the fans in attendance.

"I was nervous because my opponent used to be a makuuchi," Kosei said. "I want to keep improving. At the next tournament, I want to keep winning and get promoted to the sandanme division." 

Youthful Charm Wins a New Fan

Kosei began sumo when he was in his second year of elementary school. His first tournament was in May 2024, when he participated as an unranked maezumo wrestler. 

When told by a reporter, "That was a great match. What a skillful ashitori!" Kosei responded like a 16-year-old. He flashed a fresh smile and replied with a thankful "Arigato gozaimasu."

Shuji Ozaki, a photojournalist for The Sankei Shimbun, covered the New Year Basho. He said that as someone nearing retirement himself, he initially supported the elder Yoshiazuma. But after witnessing the match, the pure-hearted 16-year-old with his youthful responses officially became his favorite wrestler.

RELATED:

• Predictions 2025: Sumo Looking Beyond the Terunofuji Era for Others to Step Up
• Tamawashi Becomes the All-Time Leader in Consecutive Sumo Bouts
• New Ways to Experience Sumo Offer a Taste of Japanese Culture and Traditions

(Read a related article in Japanese.)

Author: Based on an article by Shuji Ozaki, with additional reporting by Jay Alabaster