Fujinokawa First Kyoto-Born Rikishi to Reach Sekiwake in 198 Years

The 2026 Aki banzuke (September Grand Sumo tournament) were released yesterday. 21-year-old Fujinokawa, one of the smallest wrestlers in the top-division, was expected to make his san’yaku debut after finishing 8-7 at maegashira-1 in July. The more burning question was whether he would make his san’yaku debut at Komosubi or the higher Sekiwake rank. Sekiwake is is for Fujinokawa. In makin. The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that Fujinokawa is the first Kyoto-born sumo wrestler to make the san’yaku ranks in 198(!?) years, with the most recent prior to 2026 being Hiodoshi, he made it for the 1828 October tournament. Fujinokawa has been on a history-making run of late. Back in July he became the first wrestler in the post-war era to win his first four bouts against Yokozuna. Fujinokawa will have a tough slate at his new highest rank, but he has certainly been one of the most exciting (and historic) wrestlers of 2026 thus far.

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