Japan’s long wait for a homegrown sumo grand champion ended when 30-year-old Kisenosato was named as the first native to attain the sport’s most exalted rank in almost two decades on Wednesday. /CFP Photo

Kisenosato (C) held a red sea bream as he celebrated after receiving messengers from the Japan Sumo Association bringing official notice of his promotion to grand champion, during a ceremony in Tokyo, Japan. /CFP Photo

The traditional Japanese sport of sumo has proven attractive to wrestlers from other countries, who can earn a good living competing. Kisenosato is the first Japanese-born wrestler to be promoted to the top since Wakanohana in 1998. Five wrestlers from American Samoa and Mongolia have made it in the interim. /CFP Photo