Today, the main theme of the Japanese media is Georgian sumo wrestler Levan Gorgadze and his historic victory at sumo wrestling championship held in Japan.

"Levan Gorgadze, who won the Emperor Cup, is from a small country called Georgia, which is located 8,000 kilometers away from Japan," - Leading Japanese media reports.

Levan Gorgadze (Tochinoshin)

Georgian sumo wrestler has attracted the attention of Japanese media several days ago. A 30-year-old Georgian unexpectedly won a sumo wrestling championship in Japan and became the owner of honorable and historic Emperor’s Cup. Levan Gorgadze clinched his first ever victory in the highest division, Makuuchi.

“I cannot believe this is happening. I am so happy. Today is the best day of my life” – Gorgadze told the Japanese journalists.

Japanese media was interested in Levan Gorgadze's family and origins in details, and extensive reports were dedicated to him. His historic victory caused great interest towards Georgia.



“Since April 2015, Japan calls my country Georgia. I am from Georgia and not from Gruzia,"- Levan Gorgadze told Japanese journalist who described Georgia as Gruzia (Russian exonym of the country).

Levan Gorgadze defeated fellow rank-and-file wrestler Shouhozan in Tokyo

As a reminder, Levan Gorgadze, who competes under the ring name Tochinoshin, on Saturday defeated fellow rank-and-file wrestler Shouhozan in Tokyo, securing his 13th win out of 14 straight, and thus becoming yousho, the champion’s title.

Emperor's cup is handed over to Levan Gorgadze

He is the first Georgian and third European sumo wrestler to win the most prestigious Sumo tournament in the world.

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Georgian sumo wrestler wins historic Emperor’s Cup in Japan