News Discussion

Onosato, Now Ozeki, Builds Hope for a Future Yokozuna

Sekiwake Onosato recently won the Autumn Basho with 13 wins and two losses, securing promotion to ozeki after just nine tournaments since his debut. This rapid rise makes him the fastest wrestler to reach the ozeki rank since the Showa era began in 1926. At 24 years old, the Ishikawa Prefecture native now carries the hopes of the sumo world. As he steps onto the dohyo, there is anticipation that he might rise even further to become a yokozuna, especially since Japan has lacked a strong native-born wrestler at that rank for some time.

Onosato’s success has been particularly uplifting for his hometown, which has faced significant hardships due to recent natural disasters. His rise is symbolic for many in the area, providing a source of joy and inspiration amidst the recovery efforts. The new ozeki, whose real name is Daiki Nakamura, adopted his professional name in imitation of an earlier Onosato. This predecessor was a small grappler but held the rank of ozeki for seven years from the Taisho era (1912-26) into the Showa era (1926-89). Onosato's mentor, stablemaster Nishonoseki (former yokozuna Kisenosato), is the one who bestowed his name, intending to give it to a disciple he believed could leave a lasting mark on the top ranks of the sumo world.

Despite his physical gifts, some believe Onosato’s technique still needs refinement. He has yet to fully master using the mawashi belt in matches, leading to vulnerabilities at the edge of the dohyo. Nevertheless, fans are eager to see him improve and restore strength to the ozeki ranks, which have been weakened by injuries and retirements. The sumo world has high hopes that Onosato will uphold the traditions and dignity of the sport, possibly becoming a beloved figure who can inspire future generations.

1. 1. secure　【他動詞】～を確保する、～を確実に手に入れる、【形容詞】不安のない、安全な
   She worked hard to secure a scholarship for her studies abroad.
2. 2. uplifting　励みになる、（精神的に）高揚させる
   His speech at the ceremony was both inspiring and uplifting.
3. 3. bestow　授ける、与える
   The king bestowed the title of knight upon the brave soldier.
4. 4. leave a lasting mark　長く残る影響を与える、永続的な影響を残す
   The famous artist's work has left a lasting mark on modern art.
5. 5. restore strength　力を取り戻す、強さを取り戻す
   The government’s goal is to restore strength to the economy.

1. 1. How many tournaments did it take for Onosato to be promoted to ozeki?
2. 2. Why is Onosato’s success important for his hometown?
3. 3. Who gave Onosato his professional name, and why?
4. 4. What aspect of Onosato's technique is considered to need improvement?
5. 5. Do you think it’s important for famous people to bring hope and inspiration to their hometowns, like Onosato does? Why or why not?

大相撲の関脇大の里（24）が秋場所を13勝2敗で制した。

直近の3場所で2度の優勝を含む計34勝を挙げ、大関昇進を確実にしている。初土俵から所要9場所での新大関は、昭和以降で最速の記録である。

角界を背負う力士として、このまま横綱へ駆け上がる覚悟で来場所以降の土俵に立ってほしい。

郷里の石川県津幡町は、能登半島地震で家屋や道路などが打撃を受けた。能登地方は先週来の大雨による被害も広がっている。郷土力士の朗報は、被災地の人々を元気づけ、復興を後押しするはずだ。

大の里の四股名は大正から昭和にかけ、小兵ながら大関を7年務めた大ノ里に由来する。師匠の二所ノ関親方（元横綱稀勢の里）が、角界を背負える弟子が現れたときに授けようと温めてきたという。

学生相撲で2年連続のアマチュア横綱になるなど、角界入りする前から「大器」の呼び声は高かった。192センチ、182キロの恵まれた体格を生かし、右差しと左からの強烈なおっつけで前に出る取り口は、破壊力で群を抜いている。

秋場所を全休した横綱照ノ富士は、2場所連続での15日間皆勤が2年以上もない。大の里に、和製横綱誕生の期待がかかる理由である。

ただし、まわしに固執しないいまの取り口は、土俵際の逆転をくらうことも多く、盤石とは言い難い。左上手を引き、相手を組み止める相撲を早くものにしてほしい。

「ちょんまげ大関」の誕生は、大銀杏（おおいちょう）で土俵に立つ関取たちの、ふがいなさの裏返しでもある。特に大関陣の不出来が目に余る。3月の春場所では4人いた大関が、その後に霧島と貴景勝が陥落し、貴景勝は秋場所途中で引退した。

琴桜と豊昇龍は秋場所で早々と優勝争いから脱落し、終盤に巡ってきた大の里との直接対決でも敗れている。土俵が締まりを欠くのも無理はない。

大の里も、来場所以降は番付の重みを全身で知ることになるだろう。周囲のマークが厳しくなることも予想される。綱取りの道を甘く見てはならない。

何よりも国技の伝統と格式を受け継ぎ、強く、愛される力士であってほしい。長く活躍できるよう、精進を願う。