At the conclusion of his post-championship press conference on Monday, Terunofuji stretched both arms out, seeking the help that sumo’s sole yokozuna always needs these days to rise from a seated position.
The Mongolian-born grand champion may only have turned 30 in November, but — in both act and word — he appears a man much older.
Long gone is the overt joy that was on display when he first won a title, and in its place is the calm air of respite that comes with having fulfilled one of the responsibilities of sumo’s highest rank.