Kotomitsuki Becomes Oldest Wrestler to Make Ozeki – He’s Japanese!

Kotomitsuki's real name is Keiji Tamiya. He is 31-years old and is the oldest wrestler to ever be promoted to sumo's second highest rank of ozeki.

He is also Japanese.

Japan has been hurting for representation in its own traditional sport now dominated by foreigners, especially Mongolians Asashoryu and Hakuho.

Kotomitsuki achieved a 13-2 record in his hometown to come in second to Asashoryu's 14-1.

He had a chance to fight Asashoryu for the title but lost on the final day before that match became a possibility. Still, a 13-2 win at Sekiwake is good enough to be promoted…or is it just because

he is Japanese?

Only the Sumo officials can answer that question.

At any rate…it's good to have a Japanese wrestler who says, "I'm determined to pursue sumo by fighting hard at all times."

That's what Japanese sumo  wrestlers do best…fight and grunt.