The Mainichi Newspapers held a ceremony Tuesday to honor the achievements of veteran sumo wrestler Kaio, who has appeared in a record 98 tournaments as a member of the top makuuchi division.

Kaio, 37, took his record 98th turn in the ring with his appearance at the Kyushu tournament in November.

"Your earnest attitude in the ring touched the hearts of so many sumo fans," said Mainichi Newspapers President Yutaka Asahina at the ceremony before handing Kaio a certificate of commendation. Japan Post Service Co. Chairman Norio Kitamura also gave the wrestler an extra prize of Kyushu specialty goods and special edition stamps featuring Kaio himself.

"There are people who gain strength from watching my sumo," said Kaio. "It's most heartening."

Kaio made his tournament debut during the spring tournament in 1988, and was promoted to the makuuchi division during 1993's summer tournament. His appearance at the Kyushu tournament in November pushed him past former Sekiwake Takamiyama, who appeared in 97 tournaments as a member of the makuuchi division. Kaio is also only one bout win as a makuuchi division wrestler away from tying former Yokozuna Chiyonofuji, who has 807.