Ōnosato Daiki’s Relaxing Days Off Super Sento and Crane Games

Off the sumo ring, revealing an unexpected side

In the May Grand Sumo Tournament, Ōnosato (Ōzeki, 24) is aiming for promotion to yokozuna in just 13 tournaments from his debut—the fastest since the introduction of the six-tournament system in 1958.

As he himself says, “The first day’s entry is important,” and the key to winning the yokozuna title lies in the first half of the tournament. On May 11, the first day, he defeated MInato Wakamotoharu (31), followed by Akira  Takayasu (35), who had fiercely competed in the championship playoff last tournament, on the second day, and on the third day he secured a good start by defeating Abi (31).

Though challenging this great achievement, Ōnosato is still a 24-year-old young man off the dohyo. Just before the May tournament, he revealed a surprising side of himself to FRIDAY.

“I’m not very interested in celebrities and don’t watch TV, so I don’t know most of the recent actresses. My favorite female talent has always been Izumi Sakai from ZARD (who passed away at age 40). When I watch videos of her during her lifetime, her transparency really comes through.”

When the writer asked about his favorite celebrity, surprised by such a mature answer unlike most young people of Generation Z, Ōnosato’s eyes lit up as he continued:

“On my occasional days off, I go to a nearby super sento (public bath) near Nishonoseki stable (Ami Town, Ibaraki Prefecture) to relax. After bathing, I like to play crane games there.

I collect figurines of characters from ‘Dragon Ball,’ and display my spoils in my room. As for my skill, I guess I rely on my money. Even against the machine, I feel like I won’t lose if I have the financial strength (laughs).”

Already a three-time top division tournament winner, the “Prize Money King” laughed heartily.

Influenced by his father, Tomoyuki, he has loved baseball since childhood. In particular, he says he is a huge fan of the Hanshin Tigers. Although his busy schedule makes it hard to visit the stadium, he always watches the games via broadcast.

“I don’t know him personally, but I support Shota Morishita (24), who is the same age as me. He’s an athlete I’d like to meet someday.”

If he achieves yokozuna promotion in the May tournament, he will become the second person from Ishikawa Prefecture since the Meiji era to do so, following the late Daishi Wajima (the 54th yokozuna, who passed away at age 70) from Nanao City.

He shares several commonalities with Wajima, such as being a university graduate and student yokozuna, and debuting at the makushita rank. When asked about Wajima’s record for the fastest promotion to yokozuna (21 tournaments), he said:

“Wajima-san is like an existence above the clouds, but I hope to seize my one chance at yokozuna promotion and get as close to him as possible. The cheers from everyone supporting me are my greatest strength. The 15 days will be a long battle, but I will give it my all.”

Aiming to become a one and only presence—so beloved that he even embroidered those words on his ceremonial apron—the young warrior races upward.

From the May 30, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY”