Kakuryu always struck me as the underdog yokozuna — never have I heard him cited publicly as someone’s favorite rikishi — and yet he has now delivered championship wins to earn four Emperor’s Cups, more than many other more popular yokozuna.

Of all the Mongolian-born sumo wrestlers, Kakuryu has also apparently mastered Japanese language the best. Ever since Harumafuji’s expulsion last November, it is Kakuryu on whom Japan’s Sumo Association should place their hopes to assure consistency at the grand champion rank until younger rikishi can progress through the system.

Congratulations Kakuryu, for your perseverance and work ethic. Well-earned.