A Japanese sumo wrestler has reached the pinnacle of the country's ancient sport for the first time in almost two decades.
Kisenosato was promoted to the highest rank of Yokozuna on Wednesday, three days after winning his first title at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament with a 14-1 record.
"I humbly accept the honour," he said at a ceremony in Tokyo.
"I will concentrate on being true to the title of Yokozuna."
The 30-year-old Kisenosato, whose real name is Yutaka Hagiwara, is the first Japanese wrestler to earn the coveted rank of grand champion since 1998.
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Mongolians and Hawaiians have dominated the sport for more than a decade, causing concern among some sumo officials and fans.
The past three wrestlers promoted to Yokozuna were Mongolian: Hakuho, Harumafuji and Kakuryu. Before them came Hawaiian Akebono and Samoan Musashimaru.
The sport's popularity has waned in recent years amid a series of scandals involving bullying of junior apprentices, and wrestlers gambling on professional baseball games.
The lack of a Japanese at the top, and competition from football and baseball, has also had an impact.
Previously, the last Japanese promoted to Yokozuna was Wakanohana in 1998.
His brother, Takanohana, was the last Japanese to compete as a Yokozuna.
He retired in 2003.
