Kotoshogiku has won the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament to become the first Japanese-born wrestler to win a championship in 10 years.
Kotoshogiku, whose real name is Kazuhiro Kikutsugi, beat fellow ozeki Goeido on Sunday to improve to 14-1 and secure the Emperor's Cup on the last day of the 15-day tournament.
Sumo, Japan's national sport, has been dominated by Mongolians during the past decade. The last Japanese-born wrestler to win a tournament was Tochiazuma, who won the New Year tournament in 2006.
The sport hasn't had a Japanese grand champion since Takanohana retired in 2003.
Kotoshogiku beat current grand champions Hakuho, Harumafuji and Kakuryu on the way to winning the title. Mongolian Hakuho finished with a record of 12-3 after losing to compatriot Harumafuji.
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