The Life of a Retired Sumo Wrestler

Sumo wrestlers enter training stables, or beyas, as young teens and dedicate their lives to the sport until they retire. Training involves incredible food intake, heavy beer consumption as a means of weight gain and daily full-contact sparring. Along with the health impacts, most wrestlers leave the sport with little education and less money. In this VICE Sports exclusive, we visit with two retired rikishis to get their take on life after sumo.
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[@junkobash2365]

I just searched and this driver guy, the former sumo wrestler passed away in Dec 2020 from sepsis... Oh man RIP

[@votpavel]

damn

[@Felix-wz9bs]

That is truly unfortunate...

[@Mo96afaZ]

:(

[@carlosaraujo9037]

May he rest in Peace..

[@mark-ish]

Too much stress on his body. He went up to 135kg/297lb during his wrestling career and hes not tall either.

[@gaunhlet]

It's not an end. It's a shift, a change in momentum. WISE WORDS.

[@NemeanLion-]

I agree. This world is all about how you frame it.

[@nc01sadh]

That man just said the most wisest words. Something that all of us experience in life. The failure to accomplish things and then go sour; worse taking our own life.

[@chu8139]

Just the way he sumo

[@flowey389x5]

i love sumo wrestlers.

[@joannaedwards6325]

@@flowey389x5 Me too. They're the poster boys for 100%DEDICATION

[@marcleon1513]

The thing I admire about these two men is that they went for their dream. 98% of the people fall in line and never go for their true dream.

[@srsaito9262]

Yes but I like they do not treated their dream as their life, because some doenst stand when their dream is gone, they just keeped living enjoying life.

[@ozymandias7392]

They were men in the Arena. All I hope for as an interaction with them is some beers and a meal to hear their tales. I envy themz

[@kek262]

I do not know what my dream is

[@ozymandias7392]

@@kek262 ^yet.

[@lodii7246]

Some people doesnt even have a dream and some dreams just arent it as long sd your happy it works.

[@keselekbakiak]

People are elways enchanted by the glorious tale of a winner, sadly they never pay attention to the tale of failed ones.

[@marcowulliampopirers2216]

why would they?

[@MysticalStd]

No need to look yourself in the mirror

[@iHF95]

that's why survivorship bias is a thing my man ...

[@Thunda1986]

Cause most people want to think they're the winners

[@keselekbakiak]

@@marcowulliampopirers2216 there's only a few winners. Somepeople are not prepared for the consequence.

[@rudeboy6285]

Some info about these guys: Suzuki Yuichi also known by his ring name Iwatefuji reached the second highest division "Juryo" (The top 70) and stayed there for almost 3 years. Matsumoto Katsushi also known as Takamaru reached the third highest division "Makushita". Note: Once a wrestler is promoted to Juryo, he is considered a professional (sekitori) with significant salary and privileges. A wrestler ranked at makushita or lower is expected to carry out chores for the stable and any sekitori within it, whereas the jūryō wrestler will be served upon.

[@puropsychobilly3995]

I recognize that profile picture lmao never expected to see it in a sumo related video.

[@neverland5299]

Second highest rank is ozeki

[@thejackattack6349]

@@neverland5299 he said division, not rank.

[@dezmond121000]

@@JohnKienle3840 The ego crazy

[@domdellamorte]

@@neverland5299 division, not rank. Ozeki is the second highest rank within the top (Makunouchi) division. If you only follow grand sumo you only ever see makunouchi division sumo so you can be forgiven for not knowing there is so much more going on. I highly recommend following Juryo tournaments if you have a passion for sumo. Watching Rikshi climb to the top is an incredible journey to follow. The best in sports in my opinion.

[@aszechy]

6 months ago, I was in bed with Covid with a lot of time on my hands, and due to the mysterious ways of the KZbin algorithm, I was presented with this. I had no prior interest in Sumo (I haven't actually watched much of any sport before) and as a 40 year old woman from Europe, I am hardly the target demographic... But one click led to another, and here I am, a proper fan, watching every day of the tournaments as well as historic footage, soaking up japanese vocabulary, and having a wonderful time. To anyone just happening upon this video by chance, I whole-heartedly recommend taking a closer look at this wonderful sport.

[@drak3y]

And there's more drama than a Mexican soap opera. It is a fun sport to watch indeed!

[@terrabranwen2492]

It's funny how life works and where circumstance takes us! I'm glad you managed to connect with the sport as well as the culture, because Sumo really is a captivating thing to behold, no matter who you are or where you're from.

[@heididebree-so6869]

Same with me, that one click lead me into the world of Sumo.....

[@kwando897]

My brain: study Me: The life of a retired sumo wrestler

[@memesandmasculinity5491]

How did your studies go? What position are you in life now?

[@kevmoful]

I was stationed in Japan for 2 years 07-09 and had the privilege of watching a few tournaments. It is really a thing to behold . No show boating no taunting just explosive violence . It’s pretty awesome And chankonabe is pretty good to

[@mahendraryaw]

at least they tried something. most of us just accept "fate" it is what it is...

[@StarFox85]

👀

[@ImUrZaddy]

Speak for yourself

[@illuzeweb]

Even when out of the limelight they still are humble and ok with the different career path.

[@PauaP]

I mean... thats a pretty forward thinking. I really respect people who do that. Seems like we can learn these sort of people about life.

[@rexfoster9629]

Great illustration of the strength of Japanese Culture. After years of hard work and falling short of his dream, he choses a new path and wants to be the best he can be at that and continue to make a contribution to his community. Mindset of a Champion!!! Wish both of you gentlemen well!

[@Dewabarasunderan]

The strength of Japanese culture?😅

[@renge9909]

Definitely a bit of a downer after CHANKONABE

[@robertkidnley93]

As a American sumo enthusiast thank you sir for what you sacrificed even if I couldn't watch you you are a difference breed you are warrior in a society that values you in my society we dokt value anything you and ones like you keep you're culture alive

[@frosttube8793]

I love the quote, When he failed, just change the path.

[@JasminLeblanc]

Now I want a gritty movie that takes place In tokyo about a washed up sumo wrestler in his late 40s just doing a menial job. He gets into a kerfuffle with Yakuzas because of random chance. Now his life is on the line, maybe his daughter gets captured, but using his massive size and knowledge of wrestling, he fights his way to the top of the underground gang of Yakuza.

[@Krasses]

And he found out that his body is,after all, not made of steel. The yakuza pulled out what seemed to be a glock and shot his fat ass and there he was, lying down realizing that it's unlike what he saw in the movies. He died

[@JasminLeblanc]

@@Krasses You must be fun at parties.

[@EinsteinsChalkboard]

@@JasminLeblanc He joins and Yakuza underground sumo fight club, driven by vengance he fights his way up the hierachy of the fight club earning the respect of the Yakuza, using it as his oppertunity to save his loved one

[@thefirmamentalist9922]

That would be f’king sick!

[@Saturnia2014]

@@JasminLeblanc That's implying he gets invited to parties.

[@anchor7549]

I like that even though they couldn't become sumo wrestlers they found careers they could still at least enjoy. The story of the sumo wrestler who opened a restaurant was amazing.

[@ThePhoneBook123ABC]

they did become sumo wrestlers, one ever achieved a professional salary and benefits, its more of a tale of the wrestlers that dont stay within the sport and how they survive

[@blackbinauralbeats]

I am loving how they are finding joy from their lost. It is helping me. Thank you

[@sethallison5682]

Skip breakfast, eat a huge lunch and drink beer mid day. As an American this is my average daily diet.

[@moustafa7471]

Yeah but they do 3 to 5 hours of training on the daily

[@sethallison5682]

@@moustafa7471 shhhhhh

[@sexmansex4776]

just without 5 sets of 3 ton squats but that's just the small details

[@hossy540]

Yet you are not sumo.. 😆

[@broodyhenloloa]

seth are u jewish by any chance

[@ryanjay707]

A whole document would be nice on this subject. Very interesting

[@bozolito108]

I love me some sumo. Look forward to every tournament

[@mohaksingh8831]

The way he just said " I changed my path " with a smile . Was really charming.

[@sandotravels]

What a great video. I think I could watch a whole documentary on this.

[@wekker090]

I miss Vice on Dutch TV. another quality piece of work.

[@lovetownsend]

Always wondered about this, now I know. Ty!

[@MrInfinitrix]

Yourewelcome my ne e ga

[@eantropix]

"...competitors have a life expectancy of 10 years less, than the average Japanese citizen" Wow, from 90 years to 80, truly a devastating lifestyle

[@rektl2036]

A late reply but.. Most rikishi barely make it past 70. Kinda sad thst, all the strong yokozuna.. Almost all died before 70, espeically if they stayed on as oyakata/ coaches as their lifestyle of heavy eating continues due to entertaining of sponsors while not being active wrestlers

[@tomekkruk6147]

​@@rektl2036 Yeah, but so do pro boxers and many other athletes. Training excessively and performing way above average for years takes it's toll.

[@therealbs2000]

I always found that my favorite years were my 70s to 80s

[@tucolalo8251]

The man who was the driver (Iwatefuji Yuichi) died in 2020 at age 57

[@top5ver]

I'm a South African but for some reason I have high respect for sumo. All that training! Discipline!

[@timothywillis8883]

Great video!

[@onixbonilla4420]

Great Video!

[@waifung3367]

I have trained with semi professional kickboxer in my earlier life, I did it by taking my work vacation and went to the gym training with him. (did it for my hobby) all I wanted to say is that pro training on any sport can be very taxing on your body. It is not just the physical training, but the strict diet, strict sleeping time and repetitive life style also gets to you. it is more than what a youtube video can show you, you do face more than what you see, years of work going preparing yourself for minutes of glory on stage.

[@thahypeizreel]

E. Honda has been the reigning champion since 1992.

[@muslim_itu_tolol_sekali]

LOL I been wondering who will win E Honda or Ganryu ....

[@MusicScala]

Thanks for this unusual story!

[@richardsanchez9190]

00:34 takanohana. Akebonos greatest rival. Their matches were legendary.

[@glenbuyer8738]

This had a “it’s all g” vibe. But in the most modest, humble, Japanese way possible.

[@Yoshwayy]

The parallels between this and American Professional Wrestling for athletes who don't quite make it is quite scary

[@gavinperry8433]

I miss this version of vice

[@averageguy1261]

Color grading is on point.

[@JudahMaccabee_]

When I was in grade school in the 90s, bullies would taunt overweight people by mimicking the Sumo leg stomps in front of them

[@weakboy6871]

Im 17 and the little kids still do that sometimes

[@nevaladder]

@@weakboy6871 That's ignorance for you. If you're not averse to it, try the leg stomps. You're not gonna lose weight, but you're gonna gain some serious muscle and balance.

[@BASTYK14710]

This is the part of competitive sports. Not everyone gets to be the best and most successful. And the more it develops the mire difficult it will be to climb the ladder to success. Both inspiring and sad. 🤔🤔🤔

[@robertnoriega1388]

So much respect 🫡😎👊🥹

[@kenshiro7960]

I wish this was one hour long

[@dragma907]

I'm reminded of the quote regarding the Japanese people from "The Last Samurai": "They are an intriguing people. From the moment they wake up they devote themselves to the perfection of whatever they pursue." Westerners believe in progress and change but Japan seems to have mastery of living in the moment, accepting things as they are.

[@mysteryhombre81]

Shutup you weebs

[@thedarksideoftheforce6658]

Yosh!!!

[@vanguardprime4636]

@Lost Soul no nation is perfect but japan actually has passion in what they do and want to be great at it and don't just focus on the money and status of anything

[@joannaedwards6325]

@@vanguardprime4636 That's probably the reason there are so many 'masters' in many occupations and so many extra good artists; including chefs who treat food as art.

[@razmatazz9310]

"accepting things as they are" This also sums up all of the country's problems: stagnation in every form.

[@samualjohnson5450]

Make the most of what is, as to not completely waste the past...thank you for that.

[@Manaritzis88]

Short but intensive report! Very good job!

[@akihikosakurai4013]

10 years less than the average Japanese citizen May sound bad, but people in japan regularly live into their 80s-90s.

[@mankiratsingh4474]

Respect ✊🏽

[@confiance1492]

Become yokozuna or die tryin. They tried and had to give up but still they TRIED

[@Doggieman1111]

Never a good idea to peak when you're 23

[@muslim_itu_tolol_sekali]

Well you don't need to be yokozuna .... If you achieve makunouchi division ( which is top division in SUMO) who only consist 42 sumo/ rikishi . Your life will be better . Because you already consider the best in SUMO

[@pwe...2626]

this looks like the guy who will train the mc in the future after finding him 'randomly' in anime

[@kevinkenny8739]

So dignified!

[@ignacioiannello6461]

One would think that not being able to take part in your most beloved hobby/career would make most people miserable but these folks show how wrong that is

[@animagi6844]

imagine the horror stories from the toilet's perspective

[@edbroaotearoa1198]

If you had to choose would you rather be a toilet in a Sumo stable or Indian restaurant?

[@Ballu12345]

@@edbroaotearoa1198 i can be any but wont be white butt that isn't cleaned by water And has poop all life

[@danielshah3494]

Imagine being an adult

[@ShredCo]

Old Sumos never die, they just fade away

[@RespawnRestricted]

I'm confused vice has been saying for years that being fat was just as healthy as you can be 🤣

[@HassanAhmed-wq1lu]

The real world is a lot different than what vice tries to promote for propaganda

[@bryanaa196]

Hahaha

[@jerkface699]

@Miller Time they dont need vice too help with that. just look at women in the south...they always snag those toothless country boys

[@humbled_pleb]

@Miller Time 😂😂😂

[@Deftknight]

When has vice promoted that fat is healthy?

[@Machinelf]

This is in every individual sport. We cant all be great.

[@imikimi2009]

If the thing you do doesn't work even if you put a lot of effort to it, there are still tons of other ways you can do.

[@CliffSavage2021]

This is honestly really depressing. I feel bad for them.

[@PauaP]

Hay, thats Life. Not all can be winners, some of them have to try and handle the loosing side of life and live at its fullest.

[@drak3y]

@@PauaP Why? They got to experience a life that only a handful of humans ever will.

[@maad1670]

man... I hope everything goes well for them

[@muslim_itu_tolol_sekali]

the truck driver died in 2020

[@nomadjedimaster7690]

Wow rikishi!!

[@balasmj]

Always, ALWAYS have a backup plan and source of income... Especially on the way to the top

[@Beiskraft]

As I u understand it sumo wrestling is really hadcore and honored

[@slaiyfershin]

Suzuki was Iwatefuji, a Juryo ranked wrestler, that's very commendable. Most never make it there.

[@alvaroherrera3842]

En México y USA sería un éxito ....Hay muchos Gordos

[@Indigo-ke5dq]

American bullies: EwWwWw He'S sO FaT Japanese bullies: *Oh god... He's here! we're gonna die!!!*

[@animagi6844]

it's pretty amusing since "chanko" in my native language literally sounds like "my stomach"

[@yoshi999z7]

I didn’t know I was already on a sumo diet. I didn’t choose sumo, sumo chose me

[@KingKong-fj4dk]

🤣🤣🤣

[@PhonesHQ]

I just want to point out that after an entire career of eating as much food as possible and drinking tons of beer every day for years, both of these men would be considered quite thin and healthy for their age in the West. You have to admire the discipline and conscientiousness of the Japanese people.

[@Ahoooooooo]

Yes . When you mentioned west .... I want to see a 600lb vs 600lb participant in a sumo match. Would be epic .

[@PhonesHQ]

@@Ahoooooooo hahaha yeah. Can’t help but think they’d just get tired and fall asleep on top of each other after a couple minutes, tho.

[@drak3y]

@@Ahoooooooo Search for Konishiki matches. There's definitely some 600 vs 400 matches. Maybe higher. The best is Konishiki versus the little guys like Mainoumi, Kyokushuzan, or Terao.

[@Mani_Matter]

Sumo❤️Sushi❤️Japan

[@anuarkazer]

Wouldnt mind knowing what that tune is after about 1.54?

[@mrmann44]

Life expectancy is 10 years less that the average Japanese. However, the average life expectancy in Japan is 5 years more than America. So they're doing alright. 👍

[@realtalk6195]

Not to mention fighters across all competitive fight sports live less than the average. Nothing wrong with being fat in Sumo because it's covering up muscle. Their internal organs have no fat or cholesterol clogging whatsoever, people have done studies on it.

[@xone7790]

Oh stfu

[@CountingStars333]

@@xone7790 Did it hurt your feelings? ❄

[@scaccu]

@@CountingStars333 his cholesterol got trigged.

[@optidalfprime3904]

@@realtalk6195 That's literally impossible and wrong. You are not healthy when fat and being healthy while being fat is absolutely impossible.Check your sources please, because they suck ass

[@jokersmith9096]

I wonder if the Yakuza ever pick any of them up and use them as enforcers.

[@kidddrrkudi8917]

The yakuza are no longer protected they are hunted by the government nowadays

[@Sassenhaim]

My grandfather adored this guy , he watched sumo . Western and sumo in that specific order 🤣

[@carlosmagana4180]

why the sad background music...these guys are successful and had a experience like playing college football

[@LambeauLeeeper]

The world needs ditch diggers, no wiser or smart ass words from a dad has ever been better motivation. Love you dad and miss you.

[@luthmhor]

Like Karl Pilkington says, not everyone can be a brain surgeon, at the end of the day somebody still has to empty the bins after the surgery is done. Just do something useful, do your best.

[@taemien9219]

In my first job at 17, we had an assistant manager tell us at a meeting we were lucky to be there (concession at a movie theater, paid about $5/hr). She said we could be outside digging ditches. I said in response that digging ditches was a state job with salary and benefits. Nearly got written up for that one. But I was right, she was wrong. I've always maintained that all jobs that help society and civilization are honorable and applaudable. Years later, I get thanked for my service as a veteran. But nobody knows how much I appreciate the little things. The baggers at the grocery store, the waiters who bring me refills, and God bless the linemen who restore our power after storms. Everyone helps everyone just make the world slightly better in their own way.

[@wawawuu]

@@taemien9219 Except for cops, landlords and the rich. And assistant managers, it seems. We need to get rid of those.

[@joannaedwards6325]

@@luthmhor I used to volunteer at Skid row missions at their holiday dinners. All the so called 'better jobs' were taken like kitchen work or servers or sharers of Christ. But I looked around and was disgusted at the amount of trash in the streets. Then and there I chose to be the pickerupper of trash. I really shined as RUBBISH COLLECTOR and was very SATISFIED in the position. Tired afterwards but my self esteem was very high.

[@hussamfauzi]

04:08 what a gentleman.

[@MetalizedButt]

1:11 isn’t that the wrestler yokozuna?

[@rohanaismail9093]

You have received

[@BIackCadillac]

The thing people are ignoring is that neither of them even though they failed said that they regretted it.

[@MuddieRain]

“I changed my outfit. I changed my path.”

[@johurt7913]

0:24 I’m fairly certain that is Enho

[@Fotosynthesis858]

In Japan, sumo wrestlers are like rockstars & superhero’s on a Michael Jordan/Tom Brady athletic level 🤼‍♂️

[@yaboitommm496]

Atleast he’ll be making more money than he spent while training

[@peggy3038]

before justin y

[@yourdedcat-qr7ln]

They should have a vocational school for retired sumo

[@patmcbride9853]

Made me think of the Pink Floyd lyrics: "...it's too late to lose the weight you used to need to throw around..."

[@Koderfacts]

Sad background music, doesn't give it justice

[@EpicMishap]

That's weird. Imagine a sportstar from the NBA to become a truckdriver after his career.

[@GreatMewtwo]

I thought it to be weird as well, but then I got older and realized that life happens; people get hurt, sick, cut from the team, and even caught up in personal drama. Some do continue on in another sports league, even if it's for relatively nothing, while others aren't as fortunate in terms of managing their money or being able to moonlight to pay their bills. About the trucking thing, I also just learned that Karl Malone was a trucker when he wasn't playing basketball or investing in property.

[@divagaciones1628]

Out of all people who try a professional career in basketball (or sports for that matter) how many do you think become high profile and wealthy stars? Probably a very small percentage. The rest eventually have to quit and make by doing something else

[@christiankenjilala3306]

yeah but compared to sumo wrestling, their carreer is harder to live through when it comes to their pay

[@GreatMewtwo]

@@divagaciones1628 The sports stars we see in the pro leagues are, at the end of the day, the final outcrop of thousands (if not millions) of prospects starting from at least high school. Just making it to the professional league is an accomplishment in itself for the amount of time required, but nor can one be certain on how long their time will last there.

[@bilirubin5877]

It's better rather than being drug addict, alcoholic & spend time in jail.

[@TheBabibali]

sumo is hands down one of the toughest sports on earth. it takes a full dedication and discipline since very young age to live 24hrs in a beya (stable). the toll to each person's body is varied. some managed to live a long live, but most passed away at a very young age for a japanese. even one of the greatest, chiyonofuji, only reached 61 yo when he passed. many people could not see this thing and just see sumo as a bunch of fat people slamming each other. it is way more than that.

[@flowey389x5]

DAMN.

[@thetruth3068]

Not so fun fact: despite being a Japanese sport, the Yokozuna title was rarely held by a Japanese person. A lot of foreigner becomes a sumo wrestler in Japan and held the Yokozuna title.

[@drak3y]

Not so. Prior to the recent years, there have only been two foreign Yokozuna (out of 67 Yokozuna). That's going back to the 17th century. However, the Mongolian wrestlers invaded and have dominated the top spot since the early 2000s. Perhaps you can say "NOWADAYS, the Yokpzuna title IS rarely held by a Japanese person". This is true.

[@rollingthrees]

I hope they stay healthy

[@Mimiczeylon]

They eat healthy

[@2kmichaeljordan438]

@@Mimiczeylon I’m gonna smack the stupid out of you

[@Mimiczeylon]

@@2kmichaeljordan438 I mean they do, despite being fat, they just have a high calorie diet that is balanced and they participate in exercise. In comparison to an obese American or European, they are physically fit, their body composed of fat and muscle

[@2kmichaeljordan438]

@@Mimiczeylon you can’t say “just” when they don’t lose all their weight, unlike bodybuilders or high performance athletes, they’re eating a lot of calories but they’re using it as fuel, sumo wrestlers literally just eat a lot

[@thenorthstarsamurai]

@@2kmichaeljordan438 I'm gonna smack the stupid out of you

[@alapone8734]

lol compare the ammount of food they eat to some guy living as a hunter gatherer

[@DJmcRUSH]

Well that was depressing

[@clivebaxter6354]

There have only ever been 71 Yokazuna in over 200 years

[@BazzaBeeBenson]

36 seconds in before the first factually incorrect statement - "far more leave the profession without ever having made a cent off the sport". Not true! all rikishi receive a monthly allowance of a minimum of several hundred dollars a month, plus all food and rent is free while they live at the stable. Literally no one walks away" without ever having made a cent"

[@J.c410]

Only the top ranks receive a salary, so most sumo do leave the profession without earning anything

[@MSalt69]

The subtitles for this are not all that well done. There are several sloppy translations.

[@eastcoasttone3952]

I'd love to eat at that Chanko restaurant

[@Totozme]

"In order to gain weight, wrestlers slip breakfast" ow ok

[@samarthsprasad2258]

Harsh reality even though you might be like a mountain at the end you end up dying more with organ problems. Many great wrestlers died of diabetes and multiple organ failures due to overeating and over torturing the body

[@mambogal1]

It's the beer.

[@ChannelTENthousandBC]

I think Japan is the most beautiful country in the world. Everything they do is with beauty and honour

[@tucolalo8251]

(Iwatefuji Yuichi) the driver in the video died in 2020 at age 57 of sepsis