Konishiki Yasokichi Salevaa Atisanoe was born in Nanakuli, Oahu, Hawaii in 1963. In 1981, at the age of 18, Atisanoe was spotted by fellow Hawaiian Jesse Kahaulua (Takamiyama) and was persuaded to move to Tokyo to begin a sumo career under the tutelage of the American champion. In July of 1982 Atisanoe made his debut under the name of Konishiki and began what would be a tumultuous, but rewarding 15 year career. Konishiki charged through the junior divisions achieving the juryo rank in under one year and gaining a promotion to the elite makuuchi division in less than two years. Less than three years later, in 1987, Konishiki became the first American ever to achieve the rank of ozeki (champion). Konishiki continued to compete for another decade, but despite winning three championships, was never able to achieve the rank of Yokozuna (Grand Champion). Konishiki retired in 1997 with one of the best records in sumo history, 733-498. At his peak, Konishiki stood 6’ tall and weighed 626 pounds. His weight and girth earned him many nicknames, including “meat bomb,” and “dump truck.” A naturalized Japanese citizen, Konishiki continues to live in Japan where he is a pursuing a singing career and is involved in several charities and humanitarian foundations.
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