A Homegrown Japanese Sumo Champion at Last

Japan has officially named its first homegrown sumo champion in 19 years, ending a long dry spell in one of the country's ancient national sports.

Kisenosato, 30, was promoted to the highest rank of yokozuna on Wednesday, reports the Japanese Kyodo News Agency. He's the 72nd sumo wrestler to have gained the prestigious title, and the first Japan-born wrestler to ascend to sumo's top rank since Wakanohana in 1998.