Aonishiki

[Moti Dichne]

It was the 12th day of the current Aki Basho.. After defeating Yokozuna Houshouryuu in the final bout, Aonishiki returned to his dressing room, pulled out one of the bags containing the kensho money he won, and handed it to Tokojin (59, Arashio), a first-class tokoyama (hairdresser). "It's a birthday present," Tokojin said, "Thank you," as he accepted it. Tokojin said, "Of course, it makes me happy. I've put it high up in my living room." It was a belated birthday present. Tokojin's 59th birthday was on the 24th, the 11th day of Aki. On that day, Aonishiki lost to Shoudai and did not receive any kensho, but on the 12th day, he received a lucky charm along with a big win. Aonishiki expressed his gratitude to Tokojin. "He has been doing my Oyakata's topknot since he was still active. When I joined the sumo world, I asked him to do (the ginko style) when I became a sekitori. He also gives me advice." Aonishiki's Oyakata Ajigawa  (former sekiwake Aminishiki), had a connection with Tokojin, who was in charge of doing  the ginko style hairdo when he was still active. Therefore, since Ajigawa beya was founded, Tokojin has been tying the topknots of the heya's rikishi. Aonishiki's topknot, unlike that of the other rikishi, curves to the left. This was initiated at Tokojin's suggestion. The Hawaiian ex-rikishi  Konishiki, Akebono, and Musashimaru all had left-handed curves. Aonishiki was embarrassed at first, but now it has become established as a unique style not seen in other rikishi. Though they belong to different heyas, the two are bound by a relationship of trust.

[Sasaki Ichiro] (Nikkan Sports.com/Battle Column "Behind the Scenes of Grand Sumo")