Life as a First Foreign Sumo Champion, Konishiki Yasokichi

[@samspade4634]

This was a good interview of a great man. I have been to Japan and I never felt out of place. I was working on a project that took us well into the evening so supper was really late and we had to walk back to the hotel.. I was never scared about being attacked or mugged I felt very, very safe. There are places in America I could never walk in broad daylight without being mugged or shot. Thanks so much for sharing this interview. Konishiki is a real inspiration.

[@matthewbcc1]

Probably the best English language sumo interview I have seen on KZbin. Great job.

[@JapanDocumented]

Your comment means a lot to me, thanks!

[@TheNguoibinhtha]

I feel the same way. Thanks for sharing.

[@showtime3314]

He's got Ainu blood

[@e4d578]

hes Hawaiian

[@WorldReserveCurrency]

In the 80s and 90s this guy was headline news even in the US. I was so proud when I heard he was from Hawaii.... my hometown.

[@jakevitolio2850]

Samoa 🇼🇸 cuz!

[@peterkoch3777]

He is a sumo legend... and an ambassador for Japan! Respect🎉❤

[@samil5601]

Konishiki looking great. Good to see and hear from him.

[@JapanDocumented]

🙏🙏

[@JK-nh6jp]

This is a great interview with the Great Konishiki! The most famous feared unofficial Yokozuna.

[@ZattyAus]

You can see how much he loves Japan; he is also very protective at preserving the Japanese Way, I admire his wisdom.

[@anthonymurphy34]

The rare and beautiful humble Superstar 🏔

[@RussMcClay]

Outstanding interview! Very relaxed and insightful. I now have a very different impression of Konishiki. A great man. Thank you.

[@Gameboypxht]

Please keep making these interviews, this is extremely interesting

[@kennethbolton951]

The interview is great, precise, empathetic, very , ironically, Japanese. Many people don't understand how smart, full of humor and even fun professional athletes have to be to be at the top of their game. It , I believe, is very important to be as quick mentally as you are on your feet to be the best. One must understand this to get thru all the pain and effort. It was enjoyable to listen to Konishiki Yasokichi speak with a twinkle in his eye. I get the same feeling from Charles Barkley and Larry Bird.

[@nelsonsailor7524]

I had followed Konishiki's career for many years on my two yearly trips to Japan. In 2016 I got tickets for my Japanese partner and I to go to the May basho on a tour hosted by Konishiki. It was a fascinating afternoon and night and one of the highlights of my life. He was just as this interview portrays him. Funny, engaging yet fiercely competitive. I would pay anything to go on another days wrestling with him. I still go every two years (since 1980) but lately I have become somewhat worried about how the society is being subtly changed by some of the new immigration rules. There are many foreigners who want changes to society and while some changes are overdue I hope that the essence of Japanese culture is not diluted too much.

[@natelum-ss6lk]

Bradda , what a GREAT interview! Straight forward no BS!

[@JapanDocumented]

Thanks brudda!

[@ibarbadillo123]

Wow! Love the interview. I felt the Love and respect for Japan. A True Champion for sure…

[@mikesmith-ls3sx]

He’s real Japanese HERO🙏👍 I don’t have to meet Him but I know I love his character I’m glad he’s found his place in Japan

[@tinagrimes741]

💯 He is so loved. He is a star..

[@anthonypetty9288]

Fantastic to see this interview with Konishiki. He was still active on the dohyo when I first went to Japan. It is really nice to see that he is healthy and happy. Best wishes from New Zealand.

[@dmax714]

Strong messages here. Work hard, fight for what you want, don’t cry and GTFO if you’re not willing to put in 100%. Dis guy is still one braddah after all these years in Japan!

[@smilebell8381]

I saw him in Washington D C and I Thank you for coming to the States ❤ I love the show and enjoy myself ❤ Thank you again for traveling all around the world 🌎 to show us all how Great Sumo Is❤

[@techshafted1978]

Jesse Kuhaulua (Takamiyama) was the first foreign-born rikishi to win a grand sumo championship in July 1972.

[@sethkirby7085]

While that is true, I believe what Konishiki was referring to was that he was the first foreigner to obtain the “champion” rank of ozeki

[@mointokyo]

fantastic interview... loved to see Konishiki in a relaxed conversation and expressing the real qualities and essence of Japan!

[@MC-de1nt]

Great Documentary, Very proud of Salevaa and the strides he has made. From Nanakuli E`a, Congratulations on your 61st. Wishing you many more to come!!

[@JapanDocumented]

Thanks!

[@hankrice9453]

Outstanding interview! Braddah, mahalo for all you do. Love it when you say you yell at people who are being rude in the train or dropping trash on the ground. Mahalo Braddah!

[@noechavez7565]

Great interview. I learned more about Japan and their culture from Konishiki than from all previous videos I've watched. I had the pleasure of taking a photo with Konishiki last year in San Francisco when my wife and I attended his Sumo + Sushi event. Full House and very entertaining. I can't wait to see it again soon. Great job Japan Documented! Thank you

[@jamesyanlan2413]

I was at the San Francisco show too! was a great time.

[@alisonrobbins1126]

Hi there, really enjoying your video. I think that there is a minor disconnect between terms and language specifically with the term Champion. The title of the video really threw me because Takamiyama Daigorō (髙見山 大五郎) Jesse James Wailani Kuhaulua was the first non-Japanese/foreign born rikishi to win the emperors cup and become the champion. My brain was like "um, wait a second..." 🤔 Konishiki-seki was the first non-Japanese/foreign born rikishi to earn the rank of Ozeki and I think THAT is what you were referring to as the "first foreign Sumo Champion" meaning person to achieve the rank of Ozeki = champion rank. I think that was what you were trying to say, and to me, the title came out sounding like not acknowledging Takamiyama's accomplishment in 1972 at the Nagoya tournament. That's all - terms causing a brain fart. 😃 I absolutely love Konishiki-seki and even started watching sumo because of him when he fought Yokozuna Chiyonofuji in the 1980s. I was lucky to meet Konishiki-seki in September 2023 at the Ryogoku Kokugikan on Day 12 of the tournament. He's a wonderful man. Thank you for highlighting the accomplishments in his life. 🥰

[@JapanDocumented]

Thank you very much for your correction. I meant champion rank. Just FYI but he is often sitting outside the Kokugikan during the Tournament!

[@brucerobinson8498]

Great interview. I had the good fortunate to attend Konishiki's retirement hair cutting ceremony.

[@UberKick]

Konishiki is a MAN! Great interview. He truly understands 大和魂

[@pleiadecca]

Always admired him. And for a very large man, he had an uncanny sense of balance. This interview just makes me love him all the more.

[@mikirusun7866]

A great champion. A foreigner, but a respectful Japanese at heart. He's absolutely right in saying "i don't want us to be like America. Like shit it's crazy. Everything is always a problem"

[@wheatstalkers]

Awesome interview! Thanks for posting.

[@surinabura3126]

It was a great interview. Love Konishiki🙏🏻

[@JapanDocumented]

Thank you so much!

[@melotone3305]

Thanks so much for posting a long-form interview with Konishiki. Was sort of a sumo nerd in the 90's. Sad that I missed Chiyonofuji's heyday. The battles between the Americans (Konishiki, Akebono, Musashi Maru) vs the Hanada brothers (Waka/Taka) were always something to look forward to on highlights on Today's Japan tv news.

[@gc641]

He was awesome, he looks good, lost a lot of weight

[@deanzaZZR]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and your wisdom, 元大関小錦. I remember watching a few bouts during your prime live on NHK when I studied in Japan in the late 1980s.

[@CityStarlol]

great interview, great video, great insights into japan/sumo

[@tinagrimes741]

I remember when he was Sumo Wrestler champion. We always rooted for him. He is the reason I love Sumo! To this day I still watch Sumo. Thank you for all of your amazing Sumo bouts. ☮️💟

[@geenaks1657]

Salevaa is real, luv it, he is so down to earth

[@SoberOKMoments]

This is a wonderful video. I feel fortunate to have seen it. Loved his comments about Sumo and about Japan overall. Thank you for sharing it.

[@JapanDocumented]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheImmortalRedFox]

Thoroughly enjoyed this interview, thank you!

[@JapanDocumented]

Thanks!

[@dimelojudo2649]

This interview was fantastic! I've admired Konishiki since the first time I saw him fight. I especially enjoyed his discussion about the food, as it's one of the reasons it's hard to leave Japan. Having also practiced a sport professionally in Japan, I completely understood everything Konishiki described. Once again, I commend the interviewer for the excellent work and effort in presenting this interview.

[@JapanDocumented]

Thank you very much!! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@guycabral1847]

I agree, konishiki. do not try to change Japan. I love Japan and the people. foreigners want to make Japan like their country. not good.

[@JapanDocumented]

Agreed.

[@abrahammedhin5510]

My history class said the British forced the Japanese to be more like them a long time ago.

[@hardcorejab]

I love this video!!!❤❤❤❤

[@JapanDocumented]

Thank you!!

[@crystalaron569]

Thank you so much for the great interview! Can u pls do one with Ex Yokozuna Mushashimaru?

[@JapanDocumented]

Thanks for the request. Let me give it a try!

[@BeesBugsJapan]

I arrived in ‘88, Japan was a different places back then. Lucky you, I would love to meet him.

[@davevondamme]

Very cool Interview

[@JapanDocumented]

Thanks!

[@apastoys5153]

This man is so wise👍

[@13A13ENPARROWDISEZ]

Speaking truth as it should be 💯🙏🏼👏👏👏

[@MrKuliouou]

Really Great video to watch!! Thank You!!

[@JapanDocumented]

My pleasure!

[@howardleekilby7390]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@erinikeuchi6447]

Growing up in Hawaii konishiki,akebono and musashimaru were heroes to us and so much fun to watch. I miss those days. Great video!

[@colinmathie2710]

Konishiki is cool.

[@JapanDocumented]

Absolutely

[@user-ib4bo3sc9u]

im not gonna lie.. this is one of the most interesting interview videos on youtube i've ever watched in my life! i'd like you to keep making videos!

[@JapanDocumented]

Wow, thank you!

[@gladystaketa5110]

Fantastic interview with Konishiki. Great insight into sumo culture, Japanese culture, life after sumo. Konishki gets it; hes more Japanese than Japanese themselves! Love his brutal honesty-tell it like it is!! Respect to him ❤❤❤ Hawaii nei👍🌼🌴

[@JapanDocumented]

I agree. His insight into Japanese culture is deep and sophisticated

[@ftargr]

subbed. sumo will continue to prosper from content like this edit- he speaks of warrior culture while others call for watering down of the "sport"

[@JapanDocumented]

thanks for your words!

[@martinh5402]

Awesome Interview! I am turning 61 as well and I loved the Dumptruck so great to hear him talk about his life and see him doing well! Thankyou!!

[@ARMY-ep6fz]

We had another day 1 of all three ozeki losing. But the yokozuna got the win. Great interview.

[@JapanDocumented]

Thanks!

[@BobSaysWhat22]

Remeber watching Konishiki on TV when i was a young kid. 😊 GREAT interviewer btw.

[@tomtalker2000]

To put it in simple terms. Japan is a "collective society" where they work together for what works best as a whole. Where as America is an "individualistic society" where we work for what's best for us and us alone. Their are pros and cons to each. But for me personally i prefer what works best for myself. Because what works for one may not work for another. And if your in a collective society that won't work which in turn may leave many frustrated.

[@scullysensei]

An Ambassador from Hawaii! We love Konishiki. Hawaii Representing! Miss you brother. Come home and visit Hawaii. I love Musashimaru and the late Akebono too!

[@Baasicstuff]

I watch SUMO for years when this guy wrestled ..... miss Japan, but I just got back lol

[@jus-tinkin]

Really interesting interview.

[@MaggieShapiro]

I went to high school with konishiki ! My name is Maggie Donnelly and I was at university high school with Salee ! He was so sweet back then as he is now . He was my friend !

[@kimiyounasarukun]

I love Konishiki, and this was a wonderful interview. I have some quibbles about his views about his approach to respecting Japan. A good immigrant should ask questions and should push back against things that don’t make sense, should ask “how come your hamburger is hamburger”? I have no patience for that sort of patriotism, and I’m not inclined to believe that visitors or newcomers have no place or say in what a place can and should be. That said, his views on respect and dedication to learning are admirable and just as important for immigrants to take to heart. An immigrant to Japan should be humble enough to know that he will not make waves, but should never apologize for making ripples, especially if they are doing their best to learn and dedicating themselves to the ideal of respect. As Konishki himself notes, they beat the shit out of each other, but they do it with respect. A good ideal to keep in mind when going abroad, especially if you plan to stay. :D

[@markopoloasia]

1989 I first lived in Japan. Konishiki vs Chiyonofuji became a highlight I waited in great anticipation for. Gaijin vs Japanese. There were few gaijin then so difficult to explain the feeling. Once Akebono retired I lost interest. Thank you for the amazing interview. Tons of respect 🙏

[@maioatafao1954]

Thanks for the interview. Good to hear from you, I was following your talent, Thank you very much, God bless 🙌 🙏

[@JapanDocumented]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kamakoa]

Legend cheehoohooo Yessah

[@troykevil6860]

Excellent interview

[@Jordanehart]

Great video! Thank you. Suggestion on the captions. He talks about foreign sumo fighters having killing instinct (not killing instant). The term is more commonly used in English as is "killer instinct".

[@JapanDocumented]

My bad, thank you! It is edited so next time I watch out!

[@theresewheeler1498]

Yes Okinawa is beautiful

[@JapanDocumented]

yes extremely.

[@MoonBrushToken]

Do your homework! Jesse Takamiyama was the first foreign sumo wrestler and rose to sekiwake, followed by Akebono who rose to Yokozuna.

[@sakibomb9393]

He needs a movie.

[@yunusaminbari3060]

I like and supported Konishiki SUMOwhen I was in Japan but after watching this interview here in NY where I reside now I realized the man is more than just a sumo wrestler but he is hero and very patriotic for Japan flag. Long live Konishiki

[@eugenekonjr891]

awesome, common sense, respect.......

[@meletuifua275]

👏👏👏👏

[@fosgen2001]

Konishiki, too bad I did not see him in his prime, when I started watch sumo he was very overweight, at the end of his career. Anyway, congratulations that you could get him into your studio, good interview, also. Good job :).

[@DaFonz808]

Unstoppable in his prime.

[@JapanDocumented]

Thank you so much! "it was filmed in his office

[@fosgen2001]

@@JapanDocumented :) I got it after placed commentary - it didn't look like normal studio...

[@JapanDocumented]

@@fosgen2001 hahaha yeah I wish I had a nice place like this too tho!!

[@kuro_mantext]

I remember he was also a cast in the Japanese movie Chekeraccho!! (2006) it was so funny and great movie for me.

[@leeandersen9298]

WONDERFUL INTERVIEW!

[@JapanDocumented]

THANK YOU!

[@leonwong2498]

He should have a KZbin channel... Motivational... 👍✌️

[@DrNaz]

I always had this idea some rikishi would have this killer mentality combined with discipline and a bit of mercy. You need to be tough to handle all the training and the pain it brings. Also konishiki is a great singer.

[@mncalapati415]

Sumoan Champion 😁

[@BrysonBukoski]

GOAT

[@ozumodaisuki]

I believe the very 1st foreign sumo champion in NOT Konishiki, but Takamiyama, back in 1972.

[@JapanDocumented]

Champion rank would've been more accurate. Thanks!

[@ozumodaisuki]

@@JapanDocumented 　　Oh, now I know what you meant. I regret that there aren't any wrestlers from Hawaii anymore,

[@brucecox296]

That's true but Konishiki was the first foreigner to reach Ozeki Rank (Sumo Champion) . Takimiyama highest rank was Sekiwake & was the first foreigner to win only 1 makuuchi Basho Championship . Konishiki won 3 makuuchi Basho.

[@EyupSkydiver]

Isn’t the first foreign Yusho winner Takamiyama? I am not sure what was meant here with “the first foreign champion” otherwise. Konishiki is a major name in the entire history of sumo. He is the first foreign ozeki and he was almost going to be the first foreign Yokozuna. He seems like a very nice man outside of sumo as well.

[@MrKuliouou]

He meant Rank- Ozeki=Champion, Yokozuna= Grand Champion. He was the first foreign Ozeki.

[@mdericson]

Akebono was the first foreign born Yokozuna. Let’s not forget that.

[@markopoloasia]

Konishiki should have been the first. Was a bit controversial and disappointing.

[@CodyO-vf9mu]

🤙

[@formaldechyde]

Super sane Konishiki.

[@yjsnpi810snpi]

小錦八十吉という誉れ高い名を受け継いだ真の力士

[@RayNLA]

Anyone ever heard of Sumo Henry Miller from St. Louis Mo. I went to high school with him in the 80’s

[@JapanDocumented]

Check out my blog - loads of more articles about niche topics to be published: japan-documented.com/

[@SeventhPhoenix]

I have lived here in Japan for almost 35 years now, I agree with what konishiki says about japanese peoples gaman attitude to not cause too much trouble. However as he is a celebrity, I disagree with his conclusion that loneliness is a choice, this is not true in Japan for the ordinary person, I will explain why from my several decades living and working here. Konishiki did allude that power harassment is a problem in Japan even more so in the public sector than in the sumo world. This is the main reason, the problem in Japan is that people must fit in with expected norms, often unfair undemocratic norms in order to be accepted at school, at work and in society. Quite often People from rural areas move into the city areas, there they are cut off from friends and family due to distance. If they dont fit in quickly they become excluded from friendship circles, I know people believe all Japanese are so kind, but this is in not not quite true. Most Japanese leave others alone but at the same time they dont go out of their way to get close to anyone they dont accept. If people suffer from stress and mental issues they often get shunned, get forced out of work(it is rare a person is fired, but common to make a workers life so miserable that they quit.) If they are harassed the system is such that it is very difficult to have a resolution in favor of the victim, other office workers do not want to get involved...there the spira;l continues. making new friends if you are not introduced by someone in that group or area is also very difficult such is the japanese culture. If people go up to strangers and start talking on the street quite often they are seen as weird and to be avoided( foreigners doing this are tolerated because they are foreigners) but even there many japanese will try to leave asap. Anyways Japan has a very high suicide rate because people suffer from high stress levels, often are not able to make new friends if moving from another area, and wages are quite low compared to cost of living, so going out to clubs etc isnt an option for many. The problem is very real and it is not merely a case of being lonely is a choice...it is a case of in actuality Japanese people on the whole are not very friendly to anyone outside their immediate circle, do NOT confuse kindness with politeness, japanese are VERY polite...just I would not say (except from some exceptions) that Japanese are very kind...nope! They are Very Polite and follow the rules on average very well...But socially Japan lacks heart and real caring. Just the other day a man had an epileptic fit on the train and everyone moved away, I was the only person to take my sweater off and use it to cushion the mans head from the floor till his seizure subsided. Welcome to Tokyo! I think country areas in Japan have friendlier people, but the econmies are very poor there. Just my 2 cents.

[@MrKuliouou]

Heard this as well!! Not too many "Social Butterflies" conversation wise in Japanese Society, like to keep their problems to themselves. They can learn a few things from the West. I can imagine there are very few Psycologists in Japan.

[@nihongochopsocky808]

No Akebono was the first foreign, also Hawaii born yokozuna in January 1993!

[@regularolpoet1462]

@26:30 This Bruda just changed my whole idea of a Karen.. Love this man. Mahalo.

[@meowmeowwest]

you are smart.

[@soulgrind1642]

I love the appreciation Konishki has for Japanese culture, it's easy to see he appreciates the society that adopted him and allowed him to be successful. It's interesting that he says he feels frustration, and tries to speak up for Japanese people who feel like they can't speak out when they see foreign people disrespecting their way of life.

[@regalsurvivor3418]

You only have 2 likes. 1 maybe is yours. Be better. Remove your condescending tone.

[@soulgrind1642]

@@regalsurvivor3418 I put my own like on there to make it three, just for you because you seem so personally invested. Hope you have a nice day. I also liked yours so you don't feel bad about not having one yet since you care so much about likes.

[@brucecox296]

Heres a list of other Samoans who joined sumo after Konishiki. Nankairyu Taro (Kilifi Sapa) - Takasago stable : 1984-88 , Rank-Maegashira 2 Apia , Western Samoa 🇼🇸🏝️ Nanyozakura (Fofoga Fa'aleava) - Takasago stable 1984-88, Rank - Makushita 48. Apia , Western Samoa 🇼🇸🏝️ Musashimaru Koyo (Fiamalu Penitani) Musashigawa stable . 1989-2003 , Rank Yokozuna . Tafuna , American Samoa 🇦🇸🏝️ Ozora Hiroshi (Troy Tala'imatai) Azumazeki stable . 1989-92 , Rank Makushita 13 . Honolulu, Hi , Usa 🇺🇲 Shinnishiki (Vincent Devoux) Takasago stable . 1988-90 , Rank - Sandamne . Carson , California, Usa 🇺🇲 Musashikuni Mamu (Fiamalu Penitani) Musashigawa stable (2013- 2019) Rank - Makushita 26 , Makaha, Hi, Usa 🇺🇲

[@MrKuliouou]

Musashimaru I believe is Tongan

[@brucecox296]

@@MrKuliouou he's half tongan half samoan born in America Samoa. I spoke to him 10 yrs ago at his Heya in Japan

[@r.downgrade5836]

It's so interesting seeing someone try to describe the evil ideology of 'Intersectionality' when they don't know that this is the root of the gay-race-communists.

[@koneliovaatuitui5353]

So you tell me Sumo is a MAFIA.?.

[@minorityreporter9104]

🥷

[@PaliAha808]

Even Chiyonofuji? Come on.

[@shopjenny7151]

Hello hi this is my first time talking to you . my name is Jenny Hanada and people call me .. I am Jenny Loo.. I am Malaysia Chinese I live in Japan for 42 years I hope that I wish that you can come and tell people about my stories…. It’s not interesting story it’s a very sad story I living in Okayama Kurashiki city…

[@Es-co5ef]

Malo Uso.