A horde of fans of Georgia-born Tochinoshin descended on the Kasugano stable in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, to celebrate the wrestler's victory in the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday.
The fans congratulated Tochinoshin, after he secured his first career Emperor's Cup, each saying things like "Congratulations" and "You're the best in Japan."
It is the first time in 46 years that a wrestler belonging to the stable has won a tournament.
People in the area are excited by the victory of a rank-and-file makuuchi wrestler. After hearing the news of his victory, about 50 fans from various locations swarmed the stable to congratulate him and shake his hand. Tochinoshin appeared in front of the stable at about 6 p.m.
A 42-year-old company employee from Koto Ward, Tokyo, said he has been a fan of the Kasugano stable for more than 20 years and has often visited the facility to watch sumo practices.
After watching Tochinoshin's victory at home on TV, he dashed over by bicycle to get an autograph. In the past, he has taken pictures with Tochinoshin and collected autographs, he said.
"While jokingly saying, 'I'm busy right now' each time, he has accepted my requests. Tochinoshin took the title with solid wins over ozeki and other high-ranking wrestlers. He's a strong, good-tempered sumo wrestler," the fan said.
Another fan present was a 46-year-old company employee from Tachikawa, Tokyo, his face painted with the Georgian and Japanese national flags. He works for a firm that manufactures yogurt using bacteria from Georgia -- noted for the long life expectancy of its citizens.
"Tochinoshin has told me: 'Thank you for producing our yogurt.' If it helps him do well, then I'm glad," he said.
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