Ex-Tochinoshin reveals his superstitions while eating
Moti Dichne
Toyonoshima hosted a YouTube channel called "Toyonoshima's Sumo-chan," where former Ozeki Tochinoshin made an appearance. The episode is filmed at a Georgian restaurant owned by Tochinoshin, and in between questions, both of them tasting some dished from the restaurant..
Tochinoshin reflected on his time as an active wrestler, saying, "I haven't talked about this much, but actually, I had some really strong superstitions. Like which foot I put my sandals on first, or which hand I put in the sleeve of my kimono before I got dressed. I was pretty meticulous about it." He continued, " Kasugano beya (where I belonged) was within walking distance (of the Ryogoku Kokugikan). I had already decided in my mind that if I crossed this traffic light, I would lose today, or if I didn't cross this traffic light, it would be a no-no. Even if the light in front of me was green, I wouldn't cross. It had to be this one (a different light). I had decided on the way back too. I was that superstitious." Toyonoshima nodded, saying, "I understand that. I was like that too."
Furthermore, Tochinoshin explained the details of his superstition, saying, "Also, when I step onto the dohyo-iri - If I enter the dohyo from the west I step up with my left foot. I really hate that. I always stepped up with my right foot. Especially during a match, if I don't step up with my right foot, the whole time I'm on the dohyo I'm thinking, 'I messed up... I stepped up with my left foot.' I often lose. It just becomes an unnecessary bad habit." He then added, "I absolutely have to step up with my right foot. But sometimes I get nervous, you know .I accidentally step up with my left foot, and I think, 'Oh, I made a mistake. I guess I'm toast,' and I almost always lose those matches," revealing that it even affected the outcome of his matches. Toyonoshima exclaimed in surprise, "Wow."
Full episode part 1, Japanese with no English subtitles: