Former ozeki Konishiki to go under the knife

[Hokkaiko 50]

A few days ago I saw a show on TV. Special guest was Konishiki and his wife.

They show a little film about his diet: 10 years ago he made a lot of sports - and lost kilo. But every day he eats round about 19.500 kcal.

Now after his op he lost a lot of kilo: from 303 down to 228kilo, and he eats only 420 kcal.

But his face looks old and his smile was very sad.

And next year we have a Konishiki with an Takanohana body? :-(

[sekitori 492]

It's been over nine months since he underwent intestinal bypass surgery and I was wondering how he was doing. Does anyone know how much weight he's lost so far? I would appreciate seeing any recent pictures of him. I'm sure the "new" Konishiki looks (and feels) much better than the Konishiki of this past February.

[ilovesumo 12]

I got a mail from his ML 1 or 2 weeks ago. Did not translate it, but it was about an event so I guess he is ok.

[madorosumaru 7]

In a related story, Konishiki's brother, Anoalo Atisano'e, passed away at age 51 in Hawaii on November 23. The cause of death was heart failure. The former pro-wrestler was not as gargantuan as his sibling but still weighed over 150 kg during his rassling days. He had been in poor health, requiring regular kidney dialysis since five years ago.

Picture of Konishiki's brother from 1984

[Chisaiyama 11]

There is a thread titled, typcially for Sumo Talk Discussion Board, "Konishiki is One Fat Mother" that includes some more recent pictures. Including some at Musashimaru's wedding and with Moose on the golf course that are fairly recent. In the most recent ones he appears quite a bit smaller than before the surgery but he still has a ways to go to make it to the cover of GQ!

Edit: If you can just ignore the commentary or at least consider the source, the pictures make it worth a quick perusal.

Edited December 2, 2008 by Chisaiyama

[James H 0]

I didn't speak to him but I did see him at the last two Tokyo basho (May and September). Both times he looked thinner but well.

[Mark Buckton 1]

Maru opened a gyoza place down in Hiroo about 6 weeks back with Konishiki in tow - nice joint and very upmarket if pos for gyoza!

[Takamizakura 1]

Maru opened a gyoza place down in Hiroo about 6 weeks back with Konishiki in tow - nice joint and very upmarket if pos for gyoza!

Got an address?

[ilovesumo 12]

Just browsed his page and he really lost many kilos o far. Great. (I am not worthy...) I wish him to become at least 100 years old.

http://www.konishiki.net/jp/diary/

[ryafuji 806]

Just browsed his page and he really lost many kilos o far. Great. (I am not worthy...) I wish him to become at least 100 years old.

http://www.konishiki.net/jp/diary/

How many kilos has he lost? (I can't read Japanese.)

[ilovesumo 12]

I have not seen a number yet, but be sure, many many kilos.

[Sasanishiki 57]

Just looking at the photos on his site, it looks like he has lost about a third of the bulk that he had a couple of years ago, maybe more. I would also think that he would have had to lose a fair bit of weight before they could put him under the knife.

[Torabayama 51]

I saw Konishiki last month at the Japan Hawaii Ukulele Picnic. He looked considerably thinner and was in good spirits.

Here's a quick video of his performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N00dC88xt3A

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

The stars were out in force Wednesday for opening night of the musical extravaganza

[ryafuji 806]

The stars were out in force Wednesday for opening night of the musical extravaganza

[Washuyama 634]

Wow.

My sentiments exactly!!

[Kimyouzan 2]

I can't believe it! I know the face, but that guy is . . . normal size!

[Hananotaka 8]

The picture on his site (in the diary) of he and his wife both inside his old overalls is hilarious and adorable.

Edited April 28, 2009 by Hananotaka

[Taizeniki 0]

I wonder if the weight loss has affected his singing voice in any way. I know when Jessie Norman (opera singer) lost a great deal of weight it had negative impact on her voice... anyone heard him sing of late?

Edited April 28, 2009 by Taizeniki

[Orion 431]

I wonder if the weight loss has affected his singing voice in any way. I know when Jessie Norman (opera singer) lost a great deal of weight it had negative impact on her voice... anyone heard him sing of late?

No, but I heard him sing several times when he was at his biggest, and I was underwhelmed.

Orion