View source for Ōnosato Daiki

{{Short description|Japanese sumo wrestler (born 2000)}}
{{distinguish|text = [[Ōnosato Mansuke]], a 20th-century Japanese wrestler who also used the shikona "Ōnosato", or [[Daiki Nakamura (actor)|Daiki Nakamura]] and [[Hokutofuji Daiki]], whose civil names are also Daiki Nakamura}}
{{hatnote|In this Japanese [[shikona]] name, the surname is Ōnosato.}}
{{Infobox sumo wrestler
| image = Oonosatobasyoiri.jpg
| caption = Ōnosato in September 2023
| name = Ōnosato Daiki
| native_name = 大の里 泰輝
| native_name_lang = ja
| birth_name = Daiki Nakamura
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2000|6|7}}
| birth_place = [[Tsubata, Ishikawa|Tsubata]], [[Ishikawa Prefecture]], [[Japan]]
| height = {{height|meters=1.92}}
| weight = {{convert|182|kg|lb st|abbr=on}}
| heya = [[Nishonoseki stable (2021)|Nishonoseki]]
| university = [[Nippon Sport Science University]]
| rank = see [[#Career record|below]]
| record = 
| debut = May 2023
| highestrank = Ōzeki (November 2024)
| retireddate = 
| yushos = Makuuchi (2)
| prizes = Fighting Spirit (3)<br>Outstanding Performance (2)<br>Technique (3)
| goldstars = 
| update = 26 May 2024
}}
{{nihongo|'''Ōnosato Daiki'''|大の里 泰輝|}}, born June 7, 2000, as {{nihongo|'''Daiki Nakamura'''|中村 泰輝|Nakamura Daiki}} is a Japanese professional [[sumo]] wrestler from [[Tsubata, Ishikawa|Tsubata]], [[Ishikawa Prefecture]]. After a successful amateur career and defined as "the most eagerly awaited prospect to come out of collegiate sumo in decades",  he joined [[Nishonoseki stable (2021)|Nishonoseki stable]] and began his professional career at the rank of ''makushita'' 10 via the ''[[makushita tsukedashi]]'' system.<ref name="en-recru">{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2023/03/23/sumo/nakamura-nishonoseki-stable/|title=Amateur yokozuna Daiki Nakamura joins Nishonoseki stable|last=Gunning|first=John|author-link=John Gunning (journalist)|date=March 23, 2023|work=The Japan Times|url-access=subscription|access-date=March 23, 2023}}</ref> He reached the top ''[[makuuchi]]'' division in January 2024 after competing in just four tournaments,<ref name=ns251223>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202312240001519.html|title=【初場所新番付】熱海富士は西筆頭！朝乃山▼６で７枚目、大の里は新入幕／平幕以下関取編|date=December 25, 2023|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=December 25, 2023}}</ref> and in May of the same year won his first top-division championship in a record seven tournaments.<ref name=kyodo260524/> He is currently ranked as {{transl|ja|[[Makuuchi#Ōzeki|ōzeki]]}}.

==Early life and sumo background==
{{MedalTableTop |name=
| medals = 
{{MedalSport | Men's [[Sumo]]}}
{{MedalCountry | {{JAP}}}}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Sumo World Championships]]<ref>{{cite web | author= | title=Sumo - World Championships - 2014 Results | website=The Sports Database| url=https://www.the-sports.org/sumo-world-championships-results-2014-men-epm78744.html#336399 | date= | access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref>}}
{{MedalBronze| 2014 [[Kaohsiung]] | Openweight}}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Sumo at the World Games|World Games]]<ref name="worldgames">{{cite web | author= | title=World Games 2022 - Sumo Results | website=[[World Games]]| url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Sumo-23 | date= | access-date=14 September 2023}}</ref>}}
{{MedalGold| [[Sumo at the 2022 World Games|2022 Birmingham]] | Openweight}}
{{MedalSilver| [[Sumo at the 2022 World Games|2022 Birmingham]] | Heavyweight}}
}}
Daiki Nakamura was born in Tsubata, Ishikawa Prefecture. He began wrestling in a sumo club at his elementary school in first grade.<ref name="2019-stud-champ">{{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2019/11/02/kiji/20191102s00005000292000c.html|title=日体大の中村泰輝 29年ぶり1年生学生横綱「何も考えてない。ガムシャラでした」プロは大学卒業後|language=ja|date=November 2, 2019|work=Sports Nippon|access-date=September 14, 2023}}</ref> As a child he was fascinated by professional sumo and admits that one of his favourite books was the magazine ''{{Interlanguage link|Sumo (magazine)|ja|3=相撲 (雑誌)|lt=Sumo}}'' published by Baseball Magazine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hokkoku.co.jp/articles/-/599862|title=中村泰輝、父と笑顔で祝杯 アマ横綱「久々に光浴びた」|language=ja|date=December 6, 2021|work=Hokkoku Shimbun|access-date=September 14, 2023 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624081104/https://www.hokkoku.co.jp/articles/-/599862 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In August 2014, he participated in the [[Openweight]] competition at the [[Sumo World Championships]] held in [[Taiwan]] and finished third, behind Ukrainian wrestler Oleksandr Veresiuk and Mongolian 
[[Mitoryū Takayuki|Baasansuren Turbold]], who won that year's tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://joshisumo-renmei.jp/PDF/2014%E5%B9%B4%E5%9B%BD%E9%9A%9B%E5%A4%A7%E4%BC%9A/%E3%80%90%E5%85%AC%E5%BC%8F%E8%A8%98%E9%8C%B2%E3%80%9102_10th_WOMENSUMOWorld.pdf|title=19th Sumo World Championships Results|date=August 31, 2014|work=Nihon Joshi Sumo Renmei|access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref> Nakamura then attended Itoigawa City Nō Junior High School and {{Interlanguage link|Niigata Prefectural Kaiyo High School|ja|3=新潟県立海洋高等学校|lt=Niigata Prefectural Marine High School}}. During his years at Itoigawa, he won the 2016 Junior High School competition at the [[Hakuhō Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hakuho-cup.com/|title=6th Hakuho Cup results|language=Japanese|url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124013840/https://hakuho-cup.com/|archivedate=November 24, 2016}}</ref> At Niigata's Kaiyo High School, he took part in several training camps organised by [[Arashio stable]], training with future ''makuuchi''-ranked [[Wakamotoharu Minato|Wakamotoharu]].<ref name=wmh>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202403180001036.html|title=大の里、1敗守り勝ち越し決める「大先輩」互いに成長して再び対戦した関脇相手に実力示す|date=March 18, 2024|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=March 18, 2024|language=ja}}</ref>

In 2019, he entered [[Nippon Sport Science University]], a university famous for its strong sumo club. During his first year, he first won the individual competition in the adult division of the National Athletic Meet, hence becoming the second best individual champion in the history of the competition and allowing him to become professional at the rank of ''[[makushita tsukedashi]]'' 15. He then took part in the National Student Sumo Tournament in [[Sakai]] as a freshman and won the individual tournament. This victory, over [[Kindai University]]'s Koshiro Tanioka, marked the first time in 29 years that a freshman won the tournament, since [[Ryūkō Gō|Luis Gō Ikemori]] (who later became a professional wrestler under the ''[[shikona]]'' of Ryūkō) won in 1990.<ref name="2019-stud-champ"/> In May 2021, he participated to the 70th All Japan Sumo Championships at the [[Ryōgoku Kokugikan]] and became amateur ''yokozuna'' after defeating Kindai University's Kanzaki Taiga in the final, again qualifying for the ''makushita tsukedashi'' system. During that same tournament, he defeated [[Tottori Jōhoku High School]]'s [[Hakuōhō Tetsuya|Tetsuya Ochiai]] during the team competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hokkoku.co.jp/articles/-/599842|title=中村泰輝がアマ横綱に 津幡町出身の日体大３年 県勢８人目Ｖ|language=ja|date=December 6, 2021|work=Hokkoku Shimbun|access-date=September 14, 2023|archive-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517205646/https://www.hokkoku.co.jp/articles/-/599842 |url-status=dead }}</ref> During his university years, he also notably faced [[Takerufuji Mikiya|Mikiya Ishioka]], facing him a total of four times and winning two of these matches, thus creating a rivalry between the two wrestlers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202403190000917.html|title=大の里が２敗後退、無敗尊富士との直接対決敗れ２差に　11日目は大関貴景勝と結びで対戦|language=ja|date=March 19, 2024|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=March 19, 2024}}</ref>

In January 2022, Nakamura took part in the [[2022 World Games|World Games]]' [[Sumo at the 2022 World Games|sumo competition]] held that year in [[Birmingham, Alabama]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2022/01/19/sumo/mitakeumi-amateur-sumo/|title=U.S. sumo fans get opportunity to see Japan's rising stars|last=Gunning|first=John|author-link=John Gunning (journalist)|date=January 19, 2022|work=The Japan Times|url-access=subscription|access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref> Competing in the Openweight and Over 115kg categories, he won the former and finished runner-up in the latter.<ref>{{cite web | author= | title=Daiki Nakamura - Results | website=The Sports Database| url=https://www.the-sports.org/daiki-nakamura-sumo-spf487223.html | date= | access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref> In October of the same year, he participated in the National Athletic Meet in [[Ōtawara]] and won the amateur ''yokozuna'' title for the second consecutive time in this tournament.<ref name="title22">{{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2022/10/03/kiji/20221003s00005000587000c.html|title=国体相撲 アマ横綱・中村泰輝が連覇 史上4人目の幕下10枚目格付け出し資格を獲得 成年の部個人戦|language=ja|date=October 3, 2022|work=Sports Nippon|access-date=September 14, 2023}}</ref> With his victory at the 70th All Japan Sumo Championships, Nakamura became the fourth person since the introduction of this system in 2000 to be eligible to join professional sumo at the rank of ''makushita tsukedachi'' 10.<ref name="title22"/> This victory was also the fifth time that Nakamura had won the championship title in a tournament counting towards ''makushita tsukedashi'' status.<ref name="Gunning-praise">{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2022/12/08/sumo/amateur-sumo-background/|title=Wrestlers with amateur backgrounds becoming new normal in sumo|last=Gunning|first=John|author-link=John Gunning (journalist)|date=December 8, 2022|work=The Japan Times|url-access=subscription|access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref> Overall, during his time as an amateur wrestler at university level, Nakamura won no less than 13 titles, placing him ''ex aequo'' for the greatest number of amateur titles won by a wrestler.<ref name="hokkoku-shikona">{{cite web|url=https://www.hokkoku.co.jp/articles/-/1035632|title=中村（津幡出身・二所ノ関部屋）、しこ名は「大の里」 元横綱・稀勢の里「ものすごいもの感じた」|language=ja|date=April 7, 2023|work=Hokkoku Shimbun|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406204953/https://www.hokkoku.co.jp/articles/-/1035632 |url-status=live }}</ref> His dominance of amateur sumo in Japan was such that sumo columnist [[John Gunning (journalist)|John Gunning]] declared that he saw in Nakamura's sumo a continuous display of "calm smooth style reminiscent of [[Hakuhō Shō|Hakuhō]] in his younger days".<ref name="Gunning-praise"/>

In March 2023, Nakamura made the decision to become a professional wrestler (''[[rikishi]]'') by joining [[Nishonoseki stable (2021)|Nishonoseki stable]] under the guidance of former ''[[yokozuna]]'' [[Kisenosato Yutaka|Kisenosato]].<ref name="en-recru"/> At the time of his recruitment, he expressed his intention to achieve ''[[sekitori]]'' status as quickly as possible. Moreover, his entry into the professional world a few months after the record-breaking promotion of [[Hakuōhō Tetsuya|Hakuōhō]] (then known as Ochiai) did not fail to raise the interest of commentators as to the hypothesis of a rivalry between these two dominant wrestlers of the amateur world.<ref name="en-recru"/><ref name="shikona">{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202304060001061.html|title=アマ横綱・中村泰輝「大の里」にしこ名決まる「早く関取になって恩返しを」初土俵は夏場所の予定|language=ja|date=April 6, 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref> On the subject of choosing to join this particular [[heya (sumo)|stable]], Nakamura expressed his interest in being trained by a former ''yokozuna'' and that the stable, located in [[Ami, Ibaraki]], offered him a healthy working environment "to eliminate any temptations and be able to concentrate on sumo".<ref name="hokkoku-shikona"/> Since he turned professional in May 2023, Ōnosato was the last wrestler to be promoted to ''makushita tsukedashi'' 10 due to his amateur prowess, the system for promotion to the top of the ''makushita'' division having been abolished in September 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202309280001067.html|title=幕下10枚目格と15枚目格の付け出し廃止を発表　スピード出世の最速記録更新は事実上不可能に|date=September 28, 2023|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=September 28, 2023|lang=ja}}</ref>

==Early career==
===Professional debut===
[[File:Oonosatomakushita.jpg|thumb|left|Ōnosato training with [[Tomokaze Yūta|Tomokaze]] in August 2023.]]
In April 2023, it was announced that Nakamura would now fight under the ''[[shikona]]'' '''Ōnosato''' ({{nihongo2|大の里}}). The kanji "大", means 'great', to accentuate his talent, while the [[kana]] and kanji "の里" establish Nakamura's lineage from ''yokozuna'' [[Takanosato Toshihide|Takanosato]] ({{nihongo2|隆の里}}) and Kisenosato ({{nihongo2|稀勢の里}}).<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Inside Sport Japan |user=InsideSportJP |number=1643871732103778304 |date=April 6, 2023 |title=-nosato is a suffix from (former yokozuna Takanosato's) Naruto stable, where Kisenosato was raised.|language=en |access-date=September 15, 2023 }}</ref> This name, chosen to represent his master's expectations, was chosen in particular because this ''shikona'' had been proposed to Kisenosato when he was still an active wrestler when his promotion to the rank of ''[[Makuuchi#Ōzeki|ōzeki]]'' had been certain.<ref name="shikona"/> The ''shikona'' had previously been borne by the early 20th-century ''ōzeki'', [[Ōnosato Mansuke]]. Nakamura's father declared, "I am deeply moved by the honor of my son being named after a former ''ōzeki'' with such a long history".<ref name="hokkoku-shikona"/> Before bestowing Nakamura his ''shikona'', Kisenosato, with his former stablemate [[Wakanosato Shinobu|Wakanosato]] as intermediary, obtained permission for its use from Ōnosato Mansuke's family, who still reside in [[Aomori Prefecture]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20240123-5QL42R3KPBC4PNSX4HDSR45IFM/|title=元若の里、大の里命名で元稀勢の里から相談　大ノ里の親族に「許可をもらった」|language=ja|date=January 23, 2023|work=Sankei Sports|access-date=March 18, 2024}}</ref>

On the announcement of Ōnosato's debut as a professional wrestler, his former coach at Niigata Kaiyo High, Tetsuya Tōmi, declared his satisfaction, compared him to "a [[Shohei Ohtani]] of sumo", and said that Nakamura had the potential to become the {{nihongo|monster of the new era|新時代の怪物}}.<ref name="Hochi-april">{{cite web|url=https://hochi.news/articles/20230406-OHT1T51246.html?page=1|title=２年連続アマチュア横綱・中村泰輝が期待のしこ名「大の里」…「相撲の神様」と読み同じ|language=ja|date=April 7, 2023|work=Sports Hochi|access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref> On the occasion of his passage to the new apprentice examination, Ōnosato, obliged to comply with professional wrestlers [[Sumo#Life as a professional sumo wrestler|dress rules]], received an ''[[Obi (sash)#Men's obi|obi]]'' belt that his master had used.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2023/04/19/kiji/20230418s00005000678000c.html|title=「大の里」中村泰輝 稀勢魂受け継ぐ博多帯締めて… 夏場所デビューへ身支度着々|language=ja|date=April 19, 2023|work=Sports Nippon|access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref>

Having received the [[Japan Sumo Association]] approval to compete, Ōnosato began his career at the rank of ''makushita tsukedashi'' 10. His first professional match was against [[Takasago stable]] wrestler [[Asakoryū Takuma|Ishizaki]], a senior of Ōnosato during their time at [[Nippon Sport Science University|NSS University]]. Ishizaki however defeated Ōnosato by ''[[Kimarite#Tsukiotoshi|tsukiotoshi]]'' in what Ishizaki later describes as a "fluke match".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202305140000623.html|title=東幕下の石崎、未来の横綱候補・大の里に豪快勝利「怖さはなかった」日体大後輩のデビュー戦に土|language=ja|date=May 14, 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=September 15, 2023}}</ref> Nonetheless, Ōnosato finished the tournament with a score of 6–1, missing out, however, on promotion directly to the ''[[jūryō]]'' division, which some observers had been expecting.

During the July tournament, Ōnosato competed again in the ''makushita'' division, this time ranked as ''makushita'' 3. He won his first two matches, but suffered his first defeat in his third match against [[Tokihayate Hideki|Tokihayate]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307130000539.html|title=２年連続アマ横綱の幕下大の里、時疾風に送り出され今場所初黒星「今は悔しいしか出てこない」|language=ja|date=July 13, 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|accessdate=September 15, 2023}}</ref> On the seventh day of the tournament, Ōnosato faced amateur scene rival and upper-division wrestler, [[Kihō Tomotaka|Kihō]]. During their amateur bouts, Kihō never defeated Ōnosato, who had won the college ''yokozuna'' title from him at the 2022 championships.<ref name="Gunning-praise"/> Kihō dealt Ōnosato his second consecutive defeat, with a ''[[Kimarite#Hatakikomi|hatakikomi]]''. At the time, this defeat was thought to delay even further Ōnosato's promotion to ''jūryō''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307150000712.html|title=大の里プロ初の連敗「詰めの甘さ出た。土俵際が落とし穴だった」輝鵬のはたきに前のめりに落ちる|language=ja|date=July 15, 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|accessdate=September 15, 2023}}</ref> Ōnosato ultimately achieved a ''[[kachi-koshi]]'' of 4 wins in his last match by defeating [[Hidenoumi Takuya|Hidenoumi]]. Ōnosato said that his losses were unexpected and that it left him so disgusted with himself that he could not eat. Of his last match, he said that he came into it with "a bit of confidence", but that it was tough bout.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307220000732.html|title=２年連続アマ横綱の大の里、３勝３敗から勝ち越して来場所の十両昇進濃厚「精神的に鍛えられた」|language=ja|date=July 22, 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|accessdate=September 15, 2023}}</ref>

===''Jūryō'' promotion===
When the [[banzuke|rankings]] for the September tournament were announced, however, it was confirmed that Ōnosato's score was sufficient to promote him to ''[[jūryō]]'', professional sumo's second-highest division. This promotion, acquired at the same time as stablemate and [[Nippon Sport Science University|NSSU]] senior classmate [[Takahashi Yūta|Takahashi]], allowed Nishonoseki stable to simultaneously receive two new ''sekitori'', and the first two raised by Kisenosato alone since he had become [[toshiyori|master]] in 2019.<ref name="two-juryo">{{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2023/07/27/kiji/20230726s00005000938000c.html|title=二所ノ関部屋二重の喜び 大の里が所要2場所、高橋も所要8場所で新十両昇進決める|language=ja|date=July 27, 2023|work=Sports Nippon|accessdate=September 15, 2023}}</ref> Furthermore, this double promotion marks the first time since July 2012 that two stablemates have gained ''sekitori'' status at the same time.<ref name="two-juryo"/> After his promotion, Ōnosato went to his hometown of [[Tsubata, Ishikawa]] to officially announce his promotion to his local fans. After a conference attended by around 600 people, he was presented with a stock of {{convert|600|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of rice.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202308250001190.html|title=秋場所新十両の大の里、地元石川で昇進報告 先場所４勝３敗に「安心させられるような相撲を」|language=ja|date=August 25, 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|accessdate=September 15, 2023}}</ref> During the August ''[[Glossary of sumo terms#jungyō|jungyō]]'', he took part in public training series and competed against his ''jūryō'' peers. He was also honored to be trained later by current and former ''[[Makuuchi#Ōzeki|ōzeki]]'' [[Takakeishō Takanobu|Takakeishō]] and [[Takayasu Akira|Takayasu]], the latter having been stablemate of Ōnosato's master, and was praised for his attitude toward training.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202308260000767.html?cx_testId=163&cx_testVariant=cx_undefined&cx_artPos=0|title=新十両の大の里、大関貴景勝の胸借り７分間のぶつかり稽古 地元ファンから「大の里」コール|language=ja|date=August 26, 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|accessdate=September 15, 2023}}</ref>

During his first ''jūryō'' tournament, Ōnosato first recorded seven consecutive wins in seven matches with a victory over Kihō, placing him at the top of this competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202309160000732.html|title=２年連続アマチュア横綱の大の里が７連勝で勝ち越しに王手「余計なことは考えず、目の前の一番」|language=ja|date=September 16, 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|accessdate=September 16, 2023}}</ref> On Day 8, Ōnosato maintained his lead with an eighth consecutive victory, making him the seventh ''jūryō'' wrestler in the history of the sport to win eight in a row from day one of the competition and the first to achieve this since [[Takakeishō Takanobu|Takakeishō]] (then known as Satō) at the May 2016 tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/771198?rct=sumo|title=歓声が一瞬で どよめきに、新十両・大の里が初日から8連勝で1949年以降7人目に【大相撲秋場所】|language=ja|date=September 17, 2023|work=Chunichi Sports|accessdate=September 17, 2023}}</ref> Since he also followed this up with a ninth victory in a row, Ōnosato became the ''jūryō'' wrestler to win the most victories since the first day of a competition ''ex aequo'' with {{Interlanguage link multi|Naruyama Akira|ja|3=成山明|lt=Naruyama}} at the January 1953 tournament and [[Shōtenrō Taishi|Shōtenrō]] at the November 2008 tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202309180000795.html|title=大の里、新十両で歴代１位タイの初日から９連勝 53年初代成山、08年翔天狼に並ぶ|language=ja|date=September 18, 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|accessdate=September 18, 2023}}</ref> Ōnosato's winning streak ended at 9 consecutive victories, however, after he was defeated by [[Ichiyamamoto Daiki|Ichiyamamoto]] on the tenth day of the competition.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20230919-OHT1T51110.html?page=1|title=新十両・大の里が初黒星で連勝は「９」でストップ １５日制定着後最長記録はならず「切り替えたい」|date=September 19, 2023|publisher=Sports Hochi|lang=ja|access-date=September 19, 2023}}</ref> Ōnosato managed to keep himself in the title race with Ichiyamamoto, with the championship set to be decided on the final day. Ōnosato nevertheless lost his final match to [[Rōga Tokiyoshi|Rōga]] and finished just one defeat behind Ichiyamamoto, who won that month's tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202309240000637.html|title=大の里「自分が弱かった」初土俵から３場所目での十両優勝ならず 狼雅に敗れて12勝３敗|language=ja|date=September 24, 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|accessdate=September 25, 2023}}</ref>

During the November 2023 tournament, he won his first match against a wrestler who had been ranked in the ''[[san'yaku]]'' ranks by defeating former ''[[sekiwake]]'' [[Aoiyama Kōsuke|Aoiyama]] on the eighth day of the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2023/11/20/kiji/20231120s00005000560000c.html|title=十両・大の里が元関脇・碧山を圧倒「自信に」師匠・稀勢の里に勝ったことのある力士と初対戦|language=ja|date=November 20, 2023|work=Sports Nippon|accessdate=November 20, 2023}}</ref> Ōnosato was then able to maintain his lead throughout the tournament, recording eleven wins on day fourteen, tied with [[Kotoshōhō Yoshinari|Kotoshōhō]], with the championship to be decided on the final day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202311250000763.html|title=大の里が因縁の相手を破って十両トップを守る11勝目　十両優勝争いは琴勝峰と一騎打ち|language=ja|date=November 25, 2023|work=Nikkan Sport|accessdate=November 25, 2023}}</ref> Although Ōnosato won his final match against [[Mitoryū Takayuki|Mitoryū]], Kotoshōhō also kept himself in the title race by also claiming a twelfth victory. The championship was thus decided in a playoff, which Kotoshōhō won by beating Ōnosato by ''[[Kimarite#Uwatenage|uwatenage]]'', causing Ōnosato to miss out on the championship for the second consecutive tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202311260000624.html|title=大の里「すごく悔しい」優勝決定戦に敗れ初の十両優勝ならず　来場所の新入幕には大きく前進|language=ja|date=November 26, 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|accessdate=November 26, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202311260000760.html|title=琴勝峰３度目の十両優勝「まだまだ、ざんばら。負けたくなかった」新鋭大の里との優勝決定戦制す|language=ja|date=November 26, 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|accessdate=November 26, 2023}}</ref>

==''Makuuchi''==
===Up-and-comer===
[[File:Shiromawashi oonosato.jpg|thumb|right|Ōnosato training with his master [[Kisenosato Yutaka|Nishonoseki]] in December 2023.]]
After competing in just four tournaments, Ōnosato's promotion to the top ''[[makuuchi]]'' division was announced for the January 2024 tournament. The promotion made him the first recruited by the former [[Kisenosato Yutaka|Kisenosato]] to be elevated to the top division. He is also the third-fastest to reach the top division since 1989 (after [[Endō Shōta|Endō]] and [[Hakuōhō Tetsuya|Hakuōhō]]), doing so in four tournaments under the old ''tsukedashi'' system.<ref name=ns251223/> Ōnosato told reporters after his promotion that he was happy to see his name in big letters at the top of the ''[[banzuke]]'', while his stablemaster asked him to win 10 matches and the Fighting Spirit [[Sanshō (sumo)|special prize]] in January as a reward for his arrival in the top division.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202312250000906.html|title=大の里が昭和以降３位タイの所要４場所で新入幕　師匠の元稀勢の里「通過点」とさらなる出世期待|date=December 25, 2023|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=December 25, 2023|language=ja}}</ref>

Ōnosato performed well in the first half of the tournament, however, recording a defeat on the third day against [[Ōnoshō Fumiya|Ōnoshō]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202401160000623.html|title=大の里が幕内で初黒星「集中力が欠けていた。相手の方が上だった」経験豊富な阿武咲に完敗|date=January 16, 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=January 22, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> However, he maintained his position as one of the tournament's leading wrestlers by recording a sixth consecutive victory and a ''[[kachi-koshi]]'' on Day 9 against [[Meisei Chikara|Meisei]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202401220000699.html|title=新入幕の大の里が６連勝で勝ち越し　優勝争いのトップ守る　10日目は大関とりの琴ノ若戦|date=January 22, 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=January 22, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> On the tenth day, Ōnosato faced another tournament leader, [[Kotonowaka Masahiro|Kotonowaka]], however losing the match by ''[[yorikiri]]'' and leaving Kotonowaka alone in the lead in the title race.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202401230000615.html|title=快進撃続けた新入幕・大の里、関脇琴ノ若に敗れ２敗目　注目の取組敗れるも健闘に温かい拍手|date=January 23, 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=January 23, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> Ōnosato then suffered two consecutive defeats on Day 11 and 12, at the hands of {{transliteration|ja|Ōzeki}} [[Hōshōryū Tomokatsu|Hōshōryū]] and {{transliteration|ja|Yokozuna}} [[Terunofuji Haruo|Terunofuji]], virtually eliminating him from the title race.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202401240000724.html|title=新入幕の大の里が初の大関挑戦で“銀星”ならず　豊昇龍に敗れて３敗目　Ｖ争いから１歩後退|date=January 24, 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=January 24, 2024|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202401250001261.html|title=大の里、記録ずくめの金星ならず「立ち合いで当たったけどビクともしなかった。さすが横綱だと」|date=January 25, 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=January 25, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> Because he had a match against Terunofuji, Ōnosato became the first wrestler to face a ''yokozuna'' in his first ''makuuchi'' tournament in 10 years, since [[Ichinojō Takashi|Ichinojō]] faced ''yokozuna'' [[Kakuryū Rikisaburō|Kakuryū]] and [[Hakuhō Shō|Hakuhō]] in the [[2014 in sumo|September 2014 tournament]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/02/29/kiji/20240229s00005000594000c.html|title=大の里「頑張ります」　母校日体大の激励会で恩師斎藤監督から「試金石。10勝すれば大したもの」とハッパ|date=February 29, 2024|publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=March 1, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> For his performances, Ōnosato was however elected by popular vote [[List of sumo trophies#Particular trophies and prizes|Morinaga's Wrestler of the Day Award]] no less than four times during the tournament.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20240124-OHT1T51101.html?page=1|title=大の里の取組に今場所４回目、大相撲の「森永賞」とは…コロナ禍ではウェブ投票も|date=January 24, 2024|publisher=Sports Hochi|access-date=January 24, 2024|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.morinaga.co.jp/morinagashou/|title=デジタル森永賞|publisher=[[Morinaga & Company|Morinaga]]|access-date=January 24, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> For his 11 wins in his first tournament in the top division, he was also awarded the [[Sanshō (sumo)|Fighting Spirit prize]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/01/28/kiji/20240128s00005000281000c.html|title=三賞が決定！技能賞に琴ノ若、殊勲賞に若元春　新入幕・大の里は敢闘賞、島津海は千秋楽勝てば|date=January 28, 2024|publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=January 28, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> After his inaugural tournament in the top division, Ōnosato commented that he was grateful to have been able to learn from the {{transliteration|ja|san'yaku}} ranks despite suffering three consecutive defeats at the hands of the upper echelons.<ref name=comments1>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202401280001049.html|title=新入幕の大の里11勝目、敢闘賞初受賞「去年は大学生だったから」和製横綱候補として大きな自信|date=January 28, 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=January 28, 2024|language=ja}}</ref>

During the March tournament of the same year, Ōnosato remained in the group of wrestlers leading the championship during the first week (tied with [[Takerufuji Mikiya|Takerufuji]]) nevertheless recording a defeat on the seventh day against [[Ōnoshō Fumiya|Ōnoshō]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202403160001204.html|title=大の里、阿武咲に敗れ初日からの連勝止まる　一方的に敗れた先場所と比べ「内容はまだよかった」|date=March 16, 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=March 16, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> Ōnosato managed to keep himself in the title race on Day 9 by beating a ''san'yaku''-ranked wrestler for the first time, defeating ''[[Sekiwake]]'' Wakamotoharu.<ref name=wmh/> On Day 10, Ōnosato lost his match against Takerufuji, leaving the latter alone at the top of the title race with a two-win lead over the rest of the competitors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20240319-OHT1T51148.html?page=1|title=全勝と１敗の注目の一番は、全勝の尊富士が勝利　１敗の大の里を圧倒　優勝争いで２差をつける|date=March 19, 2024|publisher=Sports Hochi|access-date=March 19, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> Ōnosato continued his tournament with a notable win over ''Ōzeki'' [[Takakeishō Takanobu|Takakeishō]] on Day 11.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202403200001375.html|title=ざんばら髪の大の里、大関戦＆結びの一番初白星で２敗守る　最後は貴景勝を土俵下まで吹っ飛ばす|date=March 20, 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=March 20, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> On Day 14, he maintained his chances of winning the tournament with an eleventh victory over ''Komusubi'' [[Abi Masatora|Abi]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202403230001042.html|title=大の里がざんばら髪での初優勝の可能性残す 阿炎に勝って11勝目で敗れた尊富士と１差で千秋楽|date=March 23, 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=March 23, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> the ''[[yūshō]]'' to be decided on the final day in his match against ''Ōzeki'' Hōshōryū.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202403230001425.html|title=救急搬送の尊富士は豪ノ山、大の里は豊昇龍と　千秋楽の取組が決まる|date=March 23, 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=March 23, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> The latter defeated Ōnosato for the second time in a row, although the championship was not at stake because an injured Takerufuji had already won a thirteenth victory to become the champion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202403240000935.html|title=大の里、初優勝あと１歩届かず　敢闘賞、技能賞を獲得し今場所を象徴する活躍評価|date=March 24, 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=March 24, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> For his prowess at the tournament, however, it was announced that Ōnosato would receive the [[Sanshō (sumo)|prizes]] for Technique and Fighting Spirit.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202403240001208.html|title=大の里ざんばら髪Ｖ逃すも敢闘賞＆技能賞「悔しさも感じていますし何事も経験」尊富士Ｖも刺激|date=March 24, 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=March 24, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> His second consecutive 11-win record in the top division made him a strong contender for potential {{transl|ja|san'yaku}} promotion in May.<ref name=kyodo240424/> Regarding his rivalry with Takerufuji, the president of the [[Yokozuna Deliberation Council]], Masayuki Yamauchi, defined it in his review of the tournament as that of the "{{Interlanguage link|ryūko (rivalry)|ja|3=龍虎|lt=''ryūko''}}" ({{lang|ja|[[wikt:龍虎|龍虎]]}}), an expression drawing a parallel between [[Chinese dragon#With tigers|the rivalry]] of the tiger and the dragon to designate two opponents of equal strength.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/873800?rct=sumo|title=新入幕優勝の尊富士とV争いの大の里　横綱審議委員会「竜虎の競い合いを期待」【大相撲】|date=March 25, 2024 |publisher=Chunichi Sports|access-date=March 26, 2024|lang=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=竜虎 |encyclopedia=Shogakukan |url=https://kotobank.jp/word/%E7%AB%9C%E8%99%8E-658676 |language=ja |accessdate=March 25, 2024|via=[[Kotobank]]}}</ref>

On 22 April 2024, the Sumo Association announced that they had issued a strict warning to Ōnosato and his stablemaster, after the latter reported that Ōnosato drank with an underage wrestler in his stable back in September 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240422/p2g/00m/0sp/053000c|title=Sumo: Onosato, ex-yokozuna Kisenosato warned over drinking incident|date=April 22, 2024|website=mainichi.jp|publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=April 24, 2024}}</ref> Two days later, Ōnosato apologized for his actions. He added that he was grateful to have been allowed to wrestle for the final days of the spring regional tour, which was in progress at the time.<ref name=kyodo240424>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/04/ccb3f18707a5-sumo-top-prospect-onosato-apologizes-for-underage-drinking-incident.html|title=Sumo: Top prospect Onosato apologizes for underage drinking incident|date=April 24, 2024|publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=April 24, 2024}}</ref>

===''San'yaku'' promotion and first Emperor's Cups===
[[File:OonosatobasyoiriR0605 (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|200px|Ōnosato during the 2024 May tournament.]]
When the banzuke for the May 2024 tournament was announced, Ōnosato was promoted to his then-highest rank, ''[[komusubi]]'', making his debut in the ''[[san'yaku]]'' ranks in just six tournaments, the second-fastest progression to these ranks since the [[Shōwa era]] (behind the record set in five tournaments by [[Ichinojō Takashi|Ichinojō]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202404300001278.html|title=昭和以降２位スピード出世の大の里に「今のままでは大関見えない」師匠二所ノ関親方が厳しく指摘|date=April 30, 2024 |publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=April 30, 2024 |lang=ja}}</ref> At a press conference following the publishing of the ''banzuke'', Ōnosato was seen wearing a small topknot for the first time. His stablemaster Nishonoseki commented that he never imagined Ōnosato would rise through the ranks so quickly.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202404300000246.html|title=昭和以降２位のスピード新三役の大の里が、ちょんまげ姿を初公開「全く想像していなかった」|date=April 30, 2024 |publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=April 30, 2024 |lang=ja}}</ref> Both also apologized again with regard to the previous September's drinking situation, with Ōnosato stating that he caused trouble to so many people and his stablemaster, and that the most important thing was for him to keep winning.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202404300000424.html|title=20歳未満の力士の飲酒で厳重注意…二所ノ関親方と大の里がそろって頭を下げて謝罪|date=April 30, 2024 |publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=April 30, 2024 |lang=ja}}</ref>

On the opening day of the May 2024 tournament Ōnosato faced {{transl|ja|[[Makuuchi#Yokozuna|yokozuna]]}} [[Terunofuji Haruo|Terunofuji]] and scored an upset victory over his top-ranked opponent by {{transl|ja|[[Kimarite#Sukuinage|sukuinage]]}} ("beltless arm throw"). Ōnosato was the only {{transl|ja|san'yaku}} wrestler to win on the first day of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/49aa473fcdf0-sumo-onosato-beats-yokozuna-terunofuji-on-upset-filled-opening-day.html|title=Sumo: Onosato beats yokozuna Terunofuji on upset-filled opening day|date=May 12, 2024|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=May 12, 2024}}</ref> He continued to win over higher ranked wrestlers, beating ''sekiwake'' [[Wakamotoharu Minato|Wakamotoharu]] (Day 4) and ''ōzeki'' [[Kirishima Tetsuo|Kirishima]] (Day 5) and [[Kotozakura Masakatsu II|Kotozakura]] (Day 6).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/899009|title=【大相撲】大の里、若元春との三役対決制し3勝目　逆転の突き落としに「勝ちは勝ち。体が動いてくれた」|date=May 15, 2024 |publisher=Chunichi Sports|access-date=May 17, 2024|lang=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/05/16/kiji/20240516s00005000838000c.html|title=新小結・大の里が霧島を圧倒！新潟海洋高の恩師の前で大関撃破「体は動いている」好調の序盤4勝1敗|date=May 16, 2024 |publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=May 17, 2024|lang=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20240517-OHT1T51177.html?page=1|title=琴桜が大の里に敗れて２敗目、大の里は１横綱２大関破る|date=May 17, 2024 |publisher=Sports Hochi|access-date=May 17, 2024|lang=ja}}</ref> On Day 8, he defeated one of his direct rivals, [[Daieishō Hayato|Daieishō]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202405190001255.html|title=大の里が大栄翔との注目の「１敗対決」制す、ベテラン宝富士も１敗で並走　宇良は２敗に後退|date=May 19, 2024 |publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=May 19, 2024|lang=ja}}</ref> On the ninth day, he lost his one-win lead when he was defeated by [[Hiradoumi Yūki|Hiradoumi]] in an upset creating a tie between five wrestlers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/5df986070f5a-sumo-kotozakura-takes-share-of-lead-as-onosato-suffers-upset-loss.html|title=Sumo: Kotozakura takes share of lead as Onosato suffers upset loss|date=May 20, 2024|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=May 21, 2024}}</ref> Ōnosato climbed back into contention after that, and entered the final day of the tournament as the sole leader with 11 wins. He quickly defeated his Day 15 opponent, [[Abi Masatora|Abi]], to avoid a playoff and clinch his first Emperor's Cup. Having won his first top-division title in seven tournaments since his debut, Ōnosato broke the speed record that had just been set by [[Takerufuji Mikiya|Takerufuji]] in the previous tournament. Ōnosato also was the first to win the top-division championship immediately after promotion to {{transl|ja|komusubi}} in 67 years, the last being the late [[Haguroyama Sojō|Haguroyama]] in May 1957. Additionally, by winning two more [[Sanshō (sumo)|special prizes]] he became the first wrestler in 25 years to win a special prize in each of his first three top-division tournaments. Ōnosato dedicated his victory to the people of [[Ishikawa Prefecture]], who were affected by a [[2024 Noto earthquake|deadly earthquake]] on 1 January.<ref name=kyodo260524>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/f9ebc531ba37-sumo-23-year-old-rising-star-onosato-wins-1st-championship.html|title=Sumo: 23-year-old rising star Onosato wins 1st championship|date=May 26, 2024|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=May 26, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15281211|title=New komusubi Onosato grabs 1st title at fastest pace after debut|date=May 26, 2024|publisher=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=May 26, 2024}}</ref> The day after winning the Emperor's Cup he told reporters at Nishonoseki stable: "I'm happy to have won the championship, but my final goal is not here. I want to keep dashing up and go higher". He added that his [[Kisenosato Yutaka|stablemaster]] told him after his third loss that "the title is gone", and also before the final bout that he should not celebrate, even if he had won the match and the championship. Ōnosato said that those words made him feel less stressed, renewing his gratitude for joining the stable.<ref name=kyodo270524>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/21e969f146fe-sumo-new-champion-onosato-aiming-high-after-record-setting-meet.html|title=Sumo: New champion Onosato aiming high after record-setting meet|date=May 27, 2024|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

Following the May tournament the head of the [[Yokozuna Deliberation Council]], Masayuki Yamauchi, commented that Ōnosato's victory was "a sign that the sumo world is about to undergo major changes", adding his belief that Ōnosato would eventually reach the {{transl|ja|ōzeki}} rank.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240527/k10014462521000.html|title=大相撲 “照ノ富士 復帰に向けた姿勢など注視”横審委員長|date=May 27, 2024|publisher=NHK|access-date=May 27, 2024|lang=ja}}</ref> The Sumo Association also downplayed rumors of a possible {{transl|ja|ōzeki}} promotion earlier than usual, saying that only Ōnosato's 12 wins in May would count towards the [[Makuuchi#Promotion to ōzeki|promotion requirement]] of 33 wins over 3 tournaments, normally tallied while a wrestler is either a {{transl|ja|komusubi}} or {{transl|ja|sekiwake}}.<ref name=kyodo270524/> At the following tournament in July Ōnosato finished with nine wins, one of which was against {{transl|ja|yokozuna}} [[Terunofuji Haruo|Terunofuji]] for the second time in a row. He was awarded the Oustanding Performance prize for the second time, making him the first in sumo history to receive at least one of the special prizes in each of their first four top-division tournaments.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/07/68bd3661d21b-sumo-terunofuji-wins-nagoya-playoff-for-10th-career-championship.html|title=Sumo: Terunofuji wins Nagoya playoff for 10th career championship|date=July 28, 2024|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=July 28, 2024}}</ref> With 21 {{transl|ja|san'yaku}} victories across two tournaments, Ōnosato needed at least 12 wins at the September tournament to meet the {{transl|ja|ōzeki}} promotion threshold.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202409070001355.html|title=空前絶後の“ちょんまげ大関”誕生なるか　大の里が大関とりへ「５月のように楽しい15日間を」|date=September 7, 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=September 7, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> When he won his 13th bout on the 14th day of the tournament, he clinched the title (his second Emperor's Cup) and the process to formalize his promotion began.<ref>[https://www.niigata-nippo.co.jp/articles/-/479965 ''in Japanese'']</ref><ref>[https://asahi.com/ajw/articles/15436054 ''Asahi Shimbun'', "SUMO/Onosato wins fall tourney in Tokyo, handing him ozeki status"]</ref><ref>[https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/09/a01509b6726b-sumo-onosato-outguns-hoshoryu-to-clinch-2nd-emperors-cup.html Kyodo News]</ref><ref>[https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/09/2cd2d556ab6a-sumo-soon-to-be-ozeki-onosato-vows-to-work-harder-after-2nd-title.html Kyodo News+ "Sumo: Soon-to-be ozeki Onosato vows to work harder after 2nd title"]</ref><ref>[https://japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/09/22/sumo/basho-reports/onosato-wins-autumn-basho/ John Gunning, ''The Japan Times'', "With Autumn Basho win, Ōnosato makes it clear that he is sumo's dominant force"]</ref>
{{clear}}

===Promotion to {{transl|ja|ōzeki}}===
On September 25, 2024 the Japan Sumo Association unanimously promoted Ōnosato to the rank of {{transl|ja|ōzeki}}. His promotion came after nine tournaments, the fastest for any wrestler since the current six-tournament system was implemented in 1958. He surpassed the twelve-tournament records set by [[Haguroyama Masaji|Haguroyama]], [[Yutakayama Katsuo|Yutakayama]], and [[Miyabiyama Tetsushi|Miyabiyama]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 25, 2024 |title=大相撲 大の里 きょう大関昇進正式決定 伝達式へ |trans-title=Ōnosato's promotion to ōzeki to be made official at ceremony today |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240925/k10014591141000.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925010622/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240925/k10014591141000.html |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=[[NHK]] |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 25, 2024 |title=大の里の大関昇進決まる　初土俵から昭和以降最速の9場所　臨時理事会で満場一致　大相撲 |trans-title=Ōnosato's promotion to ōzeki, the fastest since the Shōwa era, approved unanimously at extraordinary meeting of board |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/3b467923fd250cd0129777f0cd8697ccc0422dd1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925010942/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/3b467923fd250cd0129777f0cd8697ccc0422dd1 |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=[[Yahoo Japan]] |agency=[[Sankei Shimbun]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/09/832c9b8d28ae-sumo-onosato-promoted-to-ozeki-at-record-pace-after-9-meets.html|title=Sumo: Onosato promoted to ozeki at record pace after 9 meets|date=September 25, 2024|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=October 7, 2024}}</ref> Following the Sumo Association's approval, elders Dewanoumi (former {{transl|ja|maegashira}} [[Oginohana Akikazu|Oginohana]]) and Hanaregoma (former {{transl|ja|sekiwake}} [[Tamanoshima Arata|Tamanoshima]]) delivered the news to Ōnosato at his stable in [[Ibaraki Prefecture]]. In formally accepting the promotion, Ōnosato said that he would continue to devote himself to the way of sumo, striving to become a {{Nihongo|''yuiitsu-muni''|唯一無二|{{lit|one-of-a-kind, unique}}}} wrestler who does not tarnish the {{transl|ja|ōzeki}} rank. He later explained that he used the words {{transl|ja|yuiitsu-muni}} with his father in mind, after hearing that his father told others that he wanted his son to be {{transl|ja|yuiitsu-muni}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202409250000480.html |title=大の里の口上「唯一無二」の“語源”になった父「ビックリしました。でも親孝行。家族思い」|date=September 25, 2024 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |trans-title=Father was the inspiration behind Ōnosato's "unique" speech: "I was startled. But he's a good son. He cares about his family." |access-date=October 7, 2024 |language=ja}}</ref> Ōnosato is the first {{transl|ja|ōzeki}} to be promoted before his hair has grown long enough to style into an {{transl|ja|[[Chonmage#Sumo|ōichō]]}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 25, 2024 |title=大の里の大関昇進が正式決定　史上初の“ちょんまげ大関”誕生　初土俵から所要９場所は昭和以降最速 |trans-title=Promotion to ōzeki for Ōnosato official, debut of "chonmage ōzeki" a first in history, nine tournament promotion fastest since Shōwa era |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/e73b4cd3a36bfb148f7f8fdfcea2dd3d6991e47e |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925011545/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/e73b4cd3a36bfb148f7f8fdfcea2dd3d6991e47e |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=[[Yahoo Japan]] |language=ja |agency=[[Sports Hochi]]}}</ref>

==Fighting style==
Ōnosato has shown a preference for ''yotsu'' techniques which involve grasping his opponent's ''[[mawashi]]'' or belt. His most common ''[[kimarite]]'' or winning move are ''yorikiri'' force-out wins. His preferred grip is listed as ''migi-yotsu'', meaning a right arm inside and left hand outside position. He is also using significant percentage of ''oshi-sumo'' pushing and thrusting techniques.

==Personal life==
Ōnosato is the eldest in his family and has a younger sister.<ref name="Hochi-april"/> He maintains a long friendship with [[Shirokuma Yūta|Shirokuma]], with whom he shared his university and professional years. The two often go to restaurants together during tournaments, and Ōnosato nicknames Shirokuma "polar bear-san".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202408260001178.html|title=新入幕白熊が牙むいた「大の里と優勝決定戦」中学からの後輩で普段から仲良い弟弟子との対戦が夢|date=August 26, 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=August 26, 2024|language=ja}}</ref>

On 6 February 2024, Ōnosato was part of a delegation of wrestlers from [[Ishikawa Prefecture]] sent after the [[2024 Noto earthquake]] (along with [[Endō Shōta|Endō]], [[Kagayaki Taishi|Kagayaki]] and former [[Tochinonada Taiichi|Tochinonada]]); charged with symbolically presenting Governor [[Hiroshi Hase]] with the sums raised during the January tournament and donations from the Sumo Association, since the presence of sumo wrestlers is considered a good omen.<ref name=nippon-noto>{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/02/07/kiji/20240207s00005000054000c.html|title=大の里 内灘町の避難所で祖父に物資と元気手渡し　被災地に笑顔届けた|date=February 7, 2024|publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=February 7, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> During his stay, he also paid a visit to the evacuation center that had housed his grandfather, receiving numerous messages of congratulations from the disaster victims for his recent sporting achievements.<ref name=nippon-noto/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202402060000449.html|title=遠藤、大の里ら石川県出身力士が能登半島地震の被災者を激励　馳浩知事に義援金|date=February 6, 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=February 6, 2024|language=ja}}</ref>

==Career record==
{{Sumo record box start|Ōnosato Daiki<ref name="database">{{cite web | author= | title=Onosato Daiki Information | website=Sumo Reference | url=https://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=12836 | date= | access-date=September 14, 2023}}</ref>}}
  {{sumo record year start link|2023}}
    {{Basho}}
    {{Basho}}
    {{Basho|mt|10||6|1}}
    {{Basho|ma|3|e|4|3}}
    {{Basho|j|14|e|12|3}}
    {{Basho|j|5|e|12|3|P}}
  {{Sumo record year end}} 
  {{Sumo record year start link|2024}}
    {{Basho|m|15|w|11|4|||f}}
    {{Basho|m|5|w|11|4||j|f|t}}
    {{Basho|k|1|w|12|3||y|o|t}}
    {{Basho|s|1|w|9|6|||o}}
    {{Basho|s|1|w|13|2||y|f|t}}
    {{Basho|o|2|w||}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record box end}}

==See also==
*[[Glossary of sumo terms]]
*[[List of active sumo wrestlers]]
*[[List of ōzeki|List of ''ōzeki'']]
*[[Sanshō (sumo)#Active special prize winners|Active special prize winners]]
*[[List of sumo tournament top division champions]]
*[[List of sumo tournament top division runners-up]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Goo Sumo|A=|4227}}
{{Active makuuchi rikishi}}

[[Category:2000 births]]
[[Category:Japanese sumo wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Sumo people from Ishikawa Prefecture]]
[[Category:Nippon Sport Science University alumni]]
[[Category:World Games gold medalists for Japan]]
[[Category:World Games medalists in sumo]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 2022 World Games]]
[[Category:Ōzeki]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Daiki, Ōnosato}}