Half-Filipino sumo wrestler takes centre stage in Japan – and on the tiny Philippines island where his grandparents live
‘Takayasu’ who has a Filipina mother and Japanese father, has been promoted to the sport’s second-highest grade of ozeki
Sumo wrestler Takayasu’s grandmother has hardly been able to get up over the past three years because of arthritis.
But Susana Camacho’s state of mind and spirit is just as strong as her grandson, who is in top shape for the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament that begins Sunday in Aichi, Japan. Following his outstanding performance in the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, Takayasu, 27, was promoted to the traditional Japanese sport’s second-highest rank of ozeki in May. He is the first ozeki named since 2015.
“Akira-kun [little boy]! He is my grandson. I’m very proud of my grandson,” Camacho beamed at her home on the tiny island of Jandayan in the central Philippines.
That is also where Takayasu’s mother, Bebelita, the eldest of the Camacho’s six children, was born and spent her early childhood.
Located more than 600 kilometres south of Manila, the 48.5 hectare island is part of the quiet town of Getafe in Bohol province. Jandayan has just over 3,600 residents, according to the 2015 census.
