On the 800th anniversary of his empire's birth, Genghis Khan is surely smiling down from the heavens on his modern-day firebrand protege, who traveling from his native Mongolia has all but conquered the land of sumo.
Yokozuna Asashoryu (right), accompanied by No. 5 maegashira Takamisakari, demonstrates "dohyo-iri" on
Friday at Meiji Jingu before the upcoming New Year Basho that starts on Sunday.
KYODO PHOTOLike the legendary warrior whose vast empire stretched from Southeast Asia to Central Europe at its peak, grand champion Asashoryu continues to hold the biggest stick with no end in sight to his domination as he aims for his 20th Emperor's Cup at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, which kicks off Sunday.