More Tochinoshin, Asasuiryuu

[Moti Dichne]

Tochinoshin appeared at the talk show wearing hakama (traditional trousers) for the first time since his retirement ceremony. Noting that he has lost about 90 kilograms since his active days, he smiled and said, "That’s a huge difference. When I put them on for the first time in a while, my wife told me I looked more like a Buddhist monk than a rikishi." In a venue packed with fans, he shared stories about his life, including how he started sumo, his upbringing, anecdotes from his career, and his post-retirement activities, while showing photos and videos. He expressed his gratitude, saying, "It makes me happy. I'm glad that everyone still remembers me." Tochinoshin helped with his family's farming and winemaking businesses from a young age. His grandfather, who passed away when Tochinoshin was 17, had asked him to help spread the word about Georgian wine; honoring this wish, he established "Royal Georgia Co., Ltd." after retiring to deal in Georgian wine and honey. He is active as a business owner, having opened "Georgian House", a restaurant specializing in his home country's cuisine—near Honjo-Azumabashi Station this past February. He also serves as an advisor for sports and culture at the Embassy of Georgia, acting as a bridge between his homeland and Japan. His second child, a daughter, was born this May; he currently lives in a home he purchased in Chiba Prefecture with his wife and three-year-old son. Although the days remain busy, he is finding fulfillment, saying, "I have more work and less free time than I did during my active career, but I'm really enjoying it. I’ve found a new goal in life—it’s the kind of challenge that feels positive." He has declared his next objective: "I want to build a winery in Japan." Plans are already underway to begin cultivating grapes next year.

The Aki Jungyo arrived today at the Toriyasaimiso BLUECATS ARENA in Kahoku City, Ishikawa Prefecture, where Asasuiryuu  joined the Jungyo. During his bout against Tobizaru on Day 5 of the Aki Basho, his opponent's head struck him directly in the face. Despite being unable to see out of the eye, he pushed through to compete using painkillers and secured a kachikoshi on the final day. A post-tournament examination revealed a fracture of the medial wall of the left orbit, causing him to sit out the first half of the Autumn Jungyo; however, thanks to a speedy recovery, he decided to join starting today. Although he revealed that the bone "hasn't healed yet," he plans to build up his body with a routine focused on fundamentals as he heads to Kyushu. A Jungyo event is scheduled for the 15th in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, where he used to work as a company employee; "People I know are coming, so I'm looking forward to it," he said.