
One proven way to go viral on the internet is to be unbearably cute. Although it’s a path often taken by pets, women, kids, and pastries, it’s pretty rare to come across a sumo wrestler who pulls in online comments such as “I feel soothed by his unmatched cuteness.”
However, that’s just what Kazuki Kinoshita who wrestles under the name Kazuki Chiyomaru has done in Japan. A candid shot of him napping has become an internet hit and led to other pictures which further consolidate his new title of the world’s cutest sumo wrestler.
The first photo was posted by the Japan Sumo Association’s official Twitter account on 18 August with the caption “Chiyomaru mid-nap.” Thousands retweeted after falling in love with his scrunched-up chubby cheeks resting on the god-given pillows of his own arms like a big baby.
Following the popularity of the first photo, the JSA posted a few more of the cherubic chank0 eater. This time he can be seen conscious and palling around with Egyptian wrestler Abdelrahman Shalan who competes under the professional sumo name Osuna-arashi (Great Sandstorm).
Together the pair make up 286k (630lbs) of playfulness. In the following photos we can see Osuna-arashi giving Chiyomaru face noogies and loving pokes with a mic stand.


These images also provoked a positive response from viewers saying: “They look like they get along well together,” and “Chiyomaru and Osuna-arashi are so cute!” As a general rule, when two guys are getting along in a cute fashion the fujoshi and Boys’ Love manga can’t be far behind. But can the underground art form get over its usual predilection towards slim protagonists and portray some plus-sized affairs? Only time will tell.

Source: Twitter – @sumokyokai, @Oosunaarashi via AOL News (Japanese)

Japanese sumo wrestler proves why he’s the sport’s cutest star with another sleeping appearance
Sumo wrestler vs. 16-month-old toddler: The cutest match you’ll ever see【Video】
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
A Japanese toast sandwich remix: The toasted rice rice ball[SoraKitchen]
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
Japanese high school closes its cafeteria, replaces it with a 7-Eleven convenience store
Japanese rice cooker recipe gives us a tasty new way to enjoy vegetables and wieners
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Krispy Kreme releases a new Doughwich… at only one store in Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events