the January 2023 basho, requiring a strong yusho to clinch promotion to sumo's highest rank. Although Takakeisho won the tournament - his third in the top makuuchi division - head judge Sadogatake-oyakata indicated that he would not be recommended for promotion given his 12-3 final score. After his victory Takakeishō spoke of the expectations on him as the only ōzeki and top competitor in the absence of Terunofuji but said "I've channeled that pressure into energy and inspiration." He will be aiming for yokozuna promotion in the March 2023 tournament in Osaka, which he regards as his home tournament coming from Hyōgo Prefecture, and is where he also clinched promotion to jūryō and to ōzeki. Fighting style Takakeishō specializes in pushing and thrusting techniques (tsuki/oshi). He regularly wins by oshi-dashi (push out) and hataki-komi (slap down). His tendency to avoid yotsu grappling techniques and throws has been attributed by some sumo commentators to his relatively short arms. It was noted however that he expanded his repertoire somewhat during his January 2023 tournament victory, winning two matches by kotenage (armlock throw) and clinching the championship with a sukuinage (beltless arm throw). Personal life In August 2020 Takakeishō announced his engagement to fashion model Yukina Chiba. She is the daughter of former ōzeki Hokuten'yū. During the press conference celebrating the achievement of his third tournament, it was revealed that he had a son with his wife. Career record See also List of sumo tournament top division champions List of sumo tournament top division runners-up List of sumo tournament second division champions Glossary of sumo terms List of active sumo wrestlers List of active gold star earners List of ōzeki Active special prize winners References External links 1996 births Living people Japanese sumo wrestlers Sumo people from Hyōgo Prefecture Ōzeki