THE RETIREMENT CEREMONY OF THE GEORGIAN SUMO HERO TOCHINOSHIN

The retirement ceremony for former Ozeki Tochinoshin was held on February 4 in the Kokugikan, the home of sumo, in Tokyo. People from all over the world flocked the arena to bid farewell to the beloved Georgian hero and wished him best of luck in his new endeavors.
#sumo #haircut #georgia
00:05 Tochinoshin addressing the fans & his bout against Hakuho
00:36 Hiro’s opening comment
01:08 Tochinoshin’s sumo history
04:30 Fans share their memories and thank Tochinoshin
06:05 The hair-cutting ceremony
09:57 Tochinoshin’s farewell speech
11:11 Tochinoshin’s new hairdo
11:44 Tochinoshin interview
12:20 Hiro’s closing comment
Let’s learn the basics of sumo!!
• Let’s learn the basics...
SUMO’S SPECIAL DAY: SPECTACULAR TRAINING & BIG CELEBRATION
• SUMO’S SPECIAL DAY: SP...
ILLUSTRIOUS SUMO CAREER OF A STAR WRESTLER FROM GEORGIA
• ILLUSTRIOUS SUMO CAREE...
NEW SUMO STAR MAKES BIG IMPACT
• NEW SUMO STAR MAKES BI...
DISCOVERING SUMO TOWN WITH A FORMER WRESTLER
• DISCOVERING SUMO TOWN ...
THE SUMO TOWN DISCOVERY WITH TOMOZUNA OYAKATA!!
• THE SUMO TOWN DISCOVER...

[@sumoprimetime7506]

Hello sumo fans wherever you may be and thank you so much for tuning in to another edition of SUMO PRIME TIME. The retirement ceremony for former Ozeki Tochinoshin was held on February 4th at the Kokugikan, the home of sumo, in Tokyo. People from all over the world flocked the arena to bid farewell to the beloved Georgian sumo hero and wish him best of luck in his new endeavors. Tochinoshin stated that he will continue to cheer for the wrestlers as a fan from now on. Even though he’s leaving the sumo association, Tochinoshin asked his fans to continue rooting for him as he’ll remain in Japan and give his best effort to succeed in the trading business. It’s so sad to say goodbye to such a talented and popular man, but let’s hope we get to see another young hopeful from Georgia follow in Tochinoshin’s footsteps in the near future. Well done and thank you, Tochinoshin!

[@Hydrosized]

Thank you so much, i hope to meet the NGK Sumo team someday.

[@tvbox6955]

SUMO PRIME TIME, SUMO PRIME TIME, SUMO PRIME TIME! Stop saying SUMO PRIME TIME over and over and over and over!!! It’s annoying, silly and childish! Not even high school kids say their channel name repeatedly in EVERY video. No one does that. Do you know why? It's stupid, that’s why! Grow up!

[@Misterfox444]

@@tvbox6955 That’s so rude. You clearly don’t understand branding or Japanese culture, not sure why you are here.

[@tvbox6955]

@@Misterfox444 What company repeats its brand name over and over and over and over in a single video? ...none. Why, because it's annoying, it's childish, it's stupid... that's why. This has nothing to do with Japanese culture. Japanese companies don't do this either because they don't want to annoy their customers.

[@Misterfox444]

@@tvbox6955 If it bothers you, I recommend leaving because he isn’t going to stop 😂

[@dfg12382]

Hearing from Hakuho, the Greatest of all time, that he'd have reached Yokozuna without the injuries is heartbreaking. Tochi has the biggest heart and had an amazing carreer. All the luck for his future.

[@tysonfist7649]

Heart was the part of his ring name "心"

[@dfg12382]

@@tysonfist7649 Oh wow I honestly didn't know the meaning of his name

[@thedanabides9]

Despite the injuries, he still reached Ozeki. His rise to that rank got me into sumo.

[@reubenparies6678]

The greatest ozeki to never be Yokozuna.

[@oppai6480]

​@@reubenparies6678 Uncrowned King 😢

[@Proxyincognito]

What i loved about Tochinoshin is how gently he took his victories. Once he knew he'd won he'd put put in the extra effort to make sure his oppononent is supported so he doesnt fall down. To think thats the kind of person to have to stop because of an injury makes me kind of sad, while nobody deserves an injury like that, Tochinoshin deserves it even less :( He'll always be a yokozuna in my eyes.

[@archimondez]

I'm from Brazil and never had any contact with sumo. The only reason I started watching it was because of him. He always demonstrated such sportsmanship. #1 for me too! 🎉🎉

[@leekelley4701]

I thought the same. It may be because of the injury that he behaved that way. As to not injure others, idk

[@wermhatt]

That’s one of the reasons I’ve started rooting for Ura, he’s another one for holding his opponent so they don’t fall, love to see it.

[@norikovail8110]

​@@leekelley4701😊

[@juanrodriguez7875]

Agree.

[@tysonfist7649]

This guy literally introduced millions of people to sumo ...his viral ozeki promotion in 2019 was the reason I became a sumo fan and since then I never missed a tournament

[@gargonaut]

I do your words, my words as well, bro. I met Sumo 'cause this guy. Haha.

[@diegomr6969]

I AM WATCHING SUMO BEFORE BUT MAYBE IS THAT

[@nem3732]

It's cool to hear Hakuho himself say that Tochinoshin would've been Yokozuna if he hadn't sustained a major injury. I always wondered if Tochinoshin would've been capable of being one if he did become a Yokozuna.

[@Aronim1980]

What I always respected about Tochinoshin was that he always made sure his Opponent was alright or would not fall after he pushed or threw them out. You can always see he holds them once he won to make sure they dont fall.

[@davidbradley3196]

I lived in Ryogoku from 2007 to 2019 so I got to see a lot of rikishi on a daily basis. Usually it was lower ranked, younger rikishi. Tochi stood out, for obvious reasons, as did I for the same (not being Japanese and being over 6 foot tall). I was already into sumo and I remember asking him where he was from and which heya he was in when I saw him in a combini. From then on, I would say hello to him every time I saw him, if he didn't look busy. We never became friends in any way but he was always enthusiastic when I greeted him. I wonder if he remembers the tall skinny Aussie who always said g'day? As he rose up the ranks, I would see him less and less but there would still be the occasional "G'day Tochi" from me when I saw him riding his mamachari or at a combini. In Feb 2019 I was in Ryogoku for a month (was in Hokkaido Jan so missed the basho live) and was inside the Ryogoku-3-chome 7-11 when I saw Tochi jump in a cab out the front. He got in the cab before I coud say G'day and, he looked busy anyway. I was a little dissapointed I missed a chance to have a word. I've missed a few retirement ceremonies that I would have loved to go to (or at least hang outside the kokugikan and say hello - as I always did when I lived there) but this one especially. All the best big fella. I hope to see you again one day.

[@GrumpyGrobbyGamer]

I will miss the Georgian Forklift deeply. Good luck in everything Tochinoshin.

[@rmlfilms123]

Great name for him :)

[@soslanpirveli7345]

Tochinoahin Georgian lion, we all love and proud of you, 🇬🇪🇬🇪🇬🇪🇬🇪🇬🇪

[@andreatastiere]

Tochi was a super powerful rikishi, and hearing Hakuho saying that he could've got to yokozuna if not for the injuries is heartbreaking. :( Hope him the best for his new endeavours! ❤ The world loves you Tochi, greetings from Italy! 🇮🇹

[@N.C.C.1701]

From Germany too!!!💐✌️🤠

[@MrShoryuken1]

Massive respect for Tochinoshin, not only for his prowess but also concern for opponents - always being careful to support them from falling off the dohyo if he pushes them out.

[@mxes5938]

I wish I had started watching Sumo earlier to see Tochinoshin and Hakuho in their prime 🥲

[@sunshui6114]

I had the privilege of watching during the 4 Yokozuna Era and after. Definitely was a great time in sumo.

[@N.C.C.1701]

And I'd never wanted to miss my time watching Sumo here from Germany, when names were great like: ASASHORYU(my Fav.#1), TAKAMISAKARI(my Favourite#2 "ROBOCOP"-like FIGHTER :-)), KAIO, CHIYOTAIKAI, MUSASHIMARU, KOTOMITSUKI, KOTOOSHU, AMINISHIKI, IWAKIYAMA, TOKI, MIYABIYAMA... it was a fantastic time, and I am so happy, I could watch it all...nowadays it's really difficult to watch Sumo from my country... greetz to all Fans ! ! !👋🤠

[@richardaillas162]

Yes me too.

[@ortros1]

​@@N.C.C.1701AKEBONO, TAKANOHANA, DEJIMA, KOKKAI, ROHO, KOTOOSHU, HAYATEUMI,...

[@KatrinaRoseT]

I don’t know anything about Sumo wrestling, but this was a very touching video. You can see the love in the community. It is very beautiful.

[@Pow3llMorgan]

I feel exactly the same. Have basically no knowledge about sumo wrestling but I was deeply touched by the reverence and celebration.

[@bigbelly8649]

There's a reason sports are called the great uniter. Competition brings the best out of us.

[@KatrinaRoseT]

@@bigbelly8649 Good sportsmanship is a universal language. ☺️

[@lotuss422]

thank you Tochinoshin!

[@user-hq2lq5hq9g]

Огромный как медведь А столько добра и улыбки!!! Точинасшин 👍👍👍👍👍💐 Леван Горгадзе 🙌

[@bananaslugsfan]

Вот Леван это понятно, а то Тамагочи какие то)

[@kiskaloo6843]

I've been a fan of Tochinoshin since his Juryo days. I always felt he could have made Yokozuna if it wasn't for his knee, so I smiled when I heard Hakuho say the same. My goodness doesn't he look like one of the Baldwin brothers with his short hair! Thank you Tochinoshin for all the enjoyment that came from watching you and best wishes to you and your family for the future.

[@imwithstupid086]

Tochinoshin is the reason why I became a sumo fan in the first place. Sad to see him go, but happy that he already has a life planned ahead of him.

[@ronswanson1410]

When Fedor Emelianenko retired from his career in MMA he had all of his top rivals there to thank him and wish him well. It was a beautiful and rare moment that felt like the perfect ending to such a career. To see this moment in sumo where warriors come together to honor someone's retirement brought back a similar warm sentiment that made me appreciate the beauty of mankind. I am not so familiar with Sumo, but I respect the dedication and respect paid to the athletes by the fans and between athletes.

[@user-ol5nd7gk7y]

Федор 🇷🇺

[@penepatitenor]

I will miss tochi. He really was a reason that a lot of foreigners started watching sumo. I got to see his rise to Ozeki and I will never forget that.

[@MrRofl131]

Great powerful wrestler! I always liked his style. I was at the venue when he won against Hakuho. Everybody cheered for him, and he deserved it. He will be missed!

[@banaabekwegirl5731]

Tochinoshin, such a mighty warrior. He's given the world so much joy and excitement. How thrilling to hear Hakuho'/Miyagino's accolades and assessment that here was a man who could have been Yokozuna. Here's hoping Tochinoshin succeeds in his new venture, bringing Georgian wines to an appreciative new customer base. All the best to him and his family, in gratitude for the years of inspirattion.

[@drferasalnoaman5096]

I miss him already 😢

[@eltubo7]

I enjoyed seeing him wrestle. The way how he lifted the biggest opponents was incredible. Enjoy your retirement TOCHINOSHIN !

[@odiezilla]

Wonderful video. Tochinoshin was a great rikishi and even better sportsman, always showing so much respect to his opponents. Left his mark and will not be forgotten. Wish him All the best in the next chapter of his life.

[@gerryavalos7734]

MADE ME A FAN FROM USA TEXAS!! 🇺🇸 mexican.american here who always rooted for TOSHIIII!!!!!!!! Guna miss you big guys. Much love!!

[@derstilleabonnierer]

The first Rikishi i ever conciously watched and followed into the world of sumo :') Greetings from Germany

[@Dominic-sx8op]

This is the man that made me watch sumo, i saw a video of him picking up another rikishi and walking him out of the ring, i was amazed and i have been watching sumo ever since. Im so sad this gentle giant became too injured to continue, he would have made a wonderful yokozuna.

[@JuussoAA]

Very emotional and precious ceremony.

[@urekah37]

His strength 💪 was incredible 👏

[@nenenjb]

Tochinoshin is one of pillar to makes me start to watch sumo. I hope all the best for him now. Thanks for everything Tochi, and thanks Hiro for the coverage.

[@BASE5NYC]

Such an amazing wrestler. Been a privilege to watch him over the years.

[@djl9919]

I just started watching Sumo with the last tourney being my 2nd. I'm starting to fall in love with the sport. I think Sumo is the most dignified sport in the world and that's why I love it.

[@mediocrewolfsif]

I agree wholeheartedly

[@nikhilmanhas9759]

Love you tochinoshin you are our inspiration ❤️❤️❤️

[@user-uk2vz2yx1w]

Очень долго следил за его карьерой. Как он бился с великими ёкодзунами... Очень радовался, когда он выигрывал... Желаю тебе сохранять такое же терпение, силу, настойчивость и спокойствие!

[@heliumhubcryptocollective9337]

Tochinoshin was the reason i became interested in Sumo in the first place, it has been a great honor to follow his career, he wrestled his way through life with honor and integrity, doing his country, his family and sumo proud. sad to see such a legend retire.

[@martincolvill5453]

Thanks for the memories, Tochinoshin. From the great state of Oregon, USA. May your success continue in your future endeavor.

[@LucidFlameX]

Phenomenal praise from the greatest to ever do it.

[@LordJudgement1818]

This was my fav guy. It's sad to see him go but it was great to see the rise and then rise again. Great fighter.

[@raphaelverde4571]

iconic rikishi and former ozeki! not only an iconic rikishi but also an important cultural figure who played a huge role in promoting Sumo culture, and helping the entire world rediscover less-explored Japanese culture. seems like his retirement was not only celebrated by invitees. it almost felt like entire Japan celebrated and sent their best wishes to their hero. Dear Tochi, you have inspired thousands maybe millions of people and made us discover and love sumo. Here is to your health. Looking forward to say this toast with a cup of Tochi's Georgian Saperavi wine raised in hand. Million thanks to you. You are and will always be loved by millions. Tochi Power!

[@hanspecans]

Tochinoshin will always be my first favorite rikishi. Ganbarre!

[@freethepeople4093]

It was from watching Tochinoshin highlights that I got into sumo. He is beloved around the world. Sad to see him go, but wishing him much success in his future! Hakuho is looking very dapper as well

[@dieterdenno8606]

Du warst ein Hervorragender Kämpfer ,alles gute für deine zukunft. Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland !!!

[@tammydove8182]

Best wishes, Tochinoshin. Always your fan!

[@KLAYCO47]

He is the reason my wife and I became Sumo fans. 🙏

[@Olde_Spice]

I'm glad I got to see Tochi when he was at the top of his game. It really solidified my love for sumo!!

[@JohnnySabu]

I started watching Sumo because of him. He is a legend forever!

[@VivalaryMan]

Always my favourite since i started watching years ago. Thanks Tochi for all the memories! Wish you health and prosperity!

[@PREDATOR-sq4jw]

I don’t know him in person, but he makes me so proud of him. Be proud Georgia for one of your finest sons!

[@revoot]

I discovered Sumo wrestling just a view years ago but I am happy to have witnessed so many great events where TOCHINOSHIN was active and fully enjoyed seeing the so much respect between wrestlers, that is truly amazing! TOCHINOSHIN, thank you for entertaining us and we will miss you! Enjoy your retirement Sir.

[@curtcoeurdelion]

May he prosper and succeed in all his new endeavors and thank you for the great times we had with you!

[@ritujoyc]

Gentleman giant, loved by all❤

[@banaabekwegirl5731]

Thanks, Sumo PrimeTime, for this beautiful coverage of such an important moment in modern Sumo history. It's really special to see and hear so many of the meaningful moments. How courageous, Tochinoshin, arriving as a teenager alone in a strange land, rising to conquer, always with humility and dignified grace. Thanks for sharing this with fans world wide, Hiro!

[@KS-zq4hz]

Thank you Tochinoshin enjoyed watching Asasseruh and Hakuho were in ceremony. I think it was best time when they were competing in top division of course Haramafuji and Kakyuyru too. Cheering for young wrestler Kinbozan🇰🇿 now. Hopefully someday they will be big man in top division from Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬. Hello from Chicago,IL. Gambarjuba 🇬🇪

[@rafevelly7295]

Thank you for sharing your story. Tochinoshin, live a long and happy life 💪

[@gugzmcshield9154]

Wishing him all the best and hoping this is not the last time I see him in sports.

[@zackjasonnant8559]

გაგიმარჯოს ტოჩინოშინ

[@phoenix1826]

Tochinoshin was one of the few rikishi that I had my eye on since being able to watch sumo on TV back in 2016. He had an amazing technique, and was really on the rise. The injuries were so unfortunate. Best of luck to your future endeavors, Tochinoshin. Thank you for the wonderful memories in the dohyo!

[@boogienightsmarkwahlberg6011]

As an American who has studied Isshinryu Karate for most of my life, I do have a deep appreciation for the Japanese culture and history. I never really watched Sumo, until around 2018, when I saw someone who definitely wasnt Japanese in the ring. It wasnt where he was from that caught my attention, it was how he performed that did. He was strong enough to life these men in the air as if they were children, and the care he took to gently set them out of the ring. I have trained in JJU, and also take great care to make sure my partner/opponent leaves the ring the same way they entered. It takes more skill to defeat someone safely than it does to just defeat them, especially when they know its coming. Congratulations Tochinoshin! The kind words from Hakuho were amazing to hear, and in one of the best ways possible, great validation to the greatness Tochi possessed and demonstrated.

[@Abyssoft]

Thanks for covering Sumo for foreign viewers Hiro, I was able to watch and appreciate the twilight years of Tochi's career because of your videos.

[@Telamonio]

His win in genuary 2018 introduced me to this discipline. His huge raw strenght will be ever remebered. Thanks Giant of the mountain.

[@MrFLUIZZLE]

Thank you for the coverage!

[@rickperkins7929]

He is missed. I wish him nothing but success and happiness all his days. He was a lot of fun to watch and easy to cheer for.

[@steev927]

Thank you so much Tochi! He's the rikishi that really got me interested in sumo, and his comeback was an amazing story. I especially love how one man could link 2 very different cultures and give both a newfound appreciation of the other!

[@terencebennison6275]

I will never forget Tochinoshin, it was he, with his brute strength, that brought me into watching Sumo and I have enjoyed it ever since!

[@will57950]

Tochinoshin was a monster on the dohyo, but also really respectful and caring for his opponents, always helping them after a fight, and lending a hand. A really good man.

[@serotonin2501]

Like many others Tochinoshin was critical to me when it came to my fandom of Sumo. I started watching regularly right around the time he started his rise to Ozeki. Watching his unparralled strength never failed to entertain. Arigato Gozaimasu Tochinishin and good luck to the Georgian Goliath in his future

[@marthab4172]

Thank you Hiro very much! Stay well my friend! See you on sumo prime time again very very soon 😊❤!!

[@rolandomichel2070]

Always one of my very favorites, I will greatly miss seeing him at the tournaments. Wish him the best in all his business and Life endeavors!

[@Crmsnraider]

Most Excellente. Tochinoshin was great to watch. A real strong guy as well a nice guy. *thumbsup* *Edit* Man, I remember being so psyched watching when he won that Championship. ...and best wishes to him with his future and the business and Georgian wine endeavor.

[@user-zz5wk8dr3w]

End of an era,I wish this sumo legend all the best in the future,hes still a young man,done so much for sumo across the world,loved this man's fighting spirit,what a human,good luck levan

[@jlemieu1]

class act. Thank you for covering this.

[@8888riqui]

Thank you so much for your channel and hard work. Thankyou for sharing this occasion❤

[@Irishkilla79]

One of my favorite rikishi to watch, even though I started with sumo, starting with the Hatsu Basho in 2020. I missed a lot of great rikishi in their prime, and thankfully, for KZbin, I can watch a lot of their old matches and realize the greatness in all of them.

[@sophiko-lagvilava]

Thank you Mr. Morita for this truly amazing video, you included very important and memorable moments from Tochi's life and also the Danpatsu-shiki event itself. Thank you and good luck!

[@Tilldeatharmwrestling]

I knew about Tochinoshin long before any other. He’s the one that got me into watching Sumo

[@waltservice4370]

Great show. Many thanks from NH USA for presenting this.

[@joshuabecton4746]

One of the most entertaining and powerful to have ever graced the dohyo. Thank you for all you've done, Tochi.

[@9ers4ever]

I stumbled on a video back in 2016 or so and I knew right away that there was something special about him! I wish him the best in his future endeavors🙏

[@jimlimberakis8115]

I wish Tochi must success in his future endeavors. I agree were it not for his injuries he might have become a Yokozuna. He still had an amazing career.

[@JD-gj2rj]

I was fortunate enough to get into SUMO about 8 years ago. It was a great basho to see Tochi beat Hakaho! Hate to see him go but he was ready! Thanks for video!

[@beagledadtrucker]

I’m really going to miss watching him compete. Great video Hiro!

[@PapaSarto]

Thank you for this wonderful video, @SumoPrimeTime! He is one of my most favourite rikishi ever! :D God bless!

[@j.c.rodsil]

The end of an era. Cheers to the golden georgian, lets go on business!

[@mr.mr.541]

He was the only reason I gave sumo a watch. I've been watching for 4 years now. Amazing talent and spreading the tradition and culture world wide.

[@chanmaran5107]

2:26 Akua falling dramatically since way back then

[@ike-insertname]

Beautiful video to honor the illustrious career of Tochi! Wishing him all the best 🙌

[@Monk.Metcalf]

Beautiful. I'm not crying, you're crying.

[@thesaltysergeant4103]

Just found your channel, Tochinoshin was an amazing Sumo. One of the reasons I watch Sumo. He was one of the greats.

[@rockyv1balboa776]

That was So Great to Watch, the Respect is So Amazing 💯👌🏻 Greetings from Wales UK 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 💪🏻✌🏻

[@masonsudderth]

Grateful to have watched him compete over the past couple of years.

[@leewhitham1635]

Great video and a great send off for a legend of the sport.

[@lizzfrmhon]

I don’t know anything about sumo but this made me cry.

[@danielhelfen8737]

Loved watching Tochinoshin! His power and enthusiasm was amazing to watch! I will miss hearing his name proclaimed as winner.

[@Meiacoffeestain]

Tochinoshin, you inspired so many with your strength, perseverance, skill, compassion, and heart. You were the reason I became interested and intrigued with sumo wrestling! I was so amazed with the techniques and talent and skill you showed in your matches! I was sure you would achieve the highest rank in sumo for sure. In all of our hearts we know you achieved that highest rank. Strong heart, stout heart, we wish you all the success and happiness in your future endeavors. Sumo will never forget you!!!

[@somarriba333]

I think we started watching Sumo the tournament after he won. I just happen to channel surf and then saw "Sumo" and DVR'ed it. I was blown away with what I saw. It was the opening day of that tournament and we were SHOCKED at every wrestler we saw and had to google metric to inches and pounds at every match. We quickly found our favorite rikishis and Tochi was one of them.

[@ForTheFLOL]

I know nothing about Sumo or this this great Georgian Sumo. I was touched, moved and inspired by his success in this video. Great work.

[@ericwilson5936]

He is the sole reason why I love sumo. Congratulations on your success and retirement. The world of sumo thanks you.

[@ParaSytius]

Best of luck to him and his future plans outside of the Sumo world.

[@lip-filler-looks-rank]

what a dignified gentle giant. he was the reason i first watched sumo. GOOD LUCK and may you prosper

[@gavinhell4597]

Beautiful moment, beautiful respect, great warrior 🙏🫶🙌