Makuuchi Debut - Kakuryu
This is the second Makuuchi Division debut out of Izutsu Beya since the present oyakata (former sekiwake, Sakahoko) took over the heya on April 25th, 1994 and the first since Akinoshu was promoted to the top division for the 1997 September Grand Sumo Tournament.

Kakuryu is the eighth rikishi from Mongolia to earn promotion to the top, Makuuchi Division following Kyokushuzan, Kyokutenho, Asashoryu, Asasekiryu, Hakuho, Tokitenku and the first since Ama was promoted to the top division for the 2004 November Grand Sumo Tournament.

Kakuryu is the twenty-first foreigner to earn promotion to the top, Makuuchi Division since the end of W.W. II and the first since Baruto (Estonia) was promoted for the 2006 May Grand Sumo Tournament.

Kakuryu is the first rikishi from the professional debut class of November 2001 to make his Makuuchi Division debut.

Kakuryu is making is top, Makuuchi Division debut at West Maegashira #8. He is the first rikishi to make his top division debut at a single digit maegashira rank since Kitazakura first appeared in the Makuuchi Division ranked at West Maegashira #9 in the 2001 July Grand Sumo Tournament.

Quotes from the Izutsu-beya press conference where Makuuchi newcomer Kakuryu was introduced.

Kakuryu on his rise up the ranks, "I waited so anxiously to see how far I'd rise. My parents are also so happy. I'll now be on television in Mongolia, so I just want to focus on my bouts one by one." The Mongolian on his sumo style, "Previously, I would attack from the sides and keep on the move, but lately I've been able to attack straight on more and more."

Izutsu-oyakata on his prodigy's ideal style, "I think yotsu-zumo set up with tsuppari just like my younger brother (Terao). I like the maki-kae move for him to set up moro-zashi. Rising to Makuuchi is just the start. It's so hard to just get here, but now I want him to quickly establish his own style."