How a Foreigner From Hawai'i Changed Sumo Forever | Konishiki Keeps It Aloha in Japan (Ep. 214)

Konishiki Yasokichi (Saleva'a Fuauli Atisanoe) is a cultural ambassador and sumo legend from the island of Oʻahu. He became the first non-Japanese-born wrestler to reach Ozeki, the second highest possible rank in the sport. During his career, he won the top division championship on three occasions and came very close to becoming the first foreign-born grand champion, or Yokozuna. At his peak weight of 287 kilograms or 633 pounds, he was also at the time the heaviest wrestler ever in sumo earning him the nicknames “Meat Bomb” and most famously, “The Dump Truck”. After retiring from sumo in 1997, he transitioned to a successful post-sumo career in entertainment, music, and philanthropy.In this special Keep it Aloha on the Road episode sponsored by @HawaiianAirlines  we talk about growing up in Hawai’i, getting scouted for sumo, moving to Japan with nothing, his legendary sumo career, life lessons, career after sumo, his sumo tours, and and so much more. Enjoy!Find Konishiki here: https://www.instagram.com/konishikiyasokichi/Buy our merch:🛍️ https://keepitaloha.com/Support us:🤙 https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us:📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/🎵 TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod📘 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod