Hello sumo fans wherever you may be and thank you so much for tuning in to another edition of SUMO PRIME TIME. The retirement ceremony for former Ozeki Tochinoshin was held on February 4th at the Kokugikan, the home of sumo, in Tokyo. People from all over the world flocked the arena to bid farewell to the beloved Georgian sumo hero and wish him best of luck in his new endeavors. Tochinoshin stated that he will continue to cheer for the wrestlers as a fan from now on. Even though he’s leaving the sumo association, Tochinoshin asked his fans to continue rooting for him as he’ll remain in Japan and give his best effort to succeed in the trading business. It’s so sad to say goodbye to such a talented and popular man, but let’s hope we get to see another young hopeful from Georgia follow in Tochinoshin’s footsteps in the near future. Well done and thank you, Tochinoshin!
SUMO PRIME TIME, SUMO PRIME TIME, SUMO PRIME TIME! Stop saying SUMO PRIME TIME over and over and over and over!!! It’s annoying, silly and childish! Not even high school kids say their channel name repeatedly in EVERY video. No one does that. Do you know why? It's stupid, that’s why! Grow up!
@@Misterfox444 What company repeats its brand name over and over and over and over in a single video? ...none. Why, because it's annoying, it's childish, it's stupid... that's why. This has nothing to do with Japanese culture. Japanese companies don't do this either because they don't want to annoy their customers.
Hearing from Hakuho, the Greatest of all time, that he'd have reached Yokozuna without the injuries is heartbreaking. Tochi has the biggest heart and had an amazing carreer. All the luck for his future.
What i loved about Tochinoshin is how gently he took his victories. Once he knew he'd won he'd put put in the extra effort to make sure his oppononent is supported so he doesnt fall down. To think thats the kind of person to have to stop because of an injury makes me kind of sad, while nobody deserves an injury like that, Tochinoshin deserves it even less :( He'll always be a yokozuna in my eyes.
I'm from Brazil and never had any contact with sumo. The only reason I started watching it was because of him. He always demonstrated such sportsmanship. #1 for me too! 🎉🎉
This guy literally introduced millions of people to sumo ...his viral ozeki promotion in 2019 was the reason I became a sumo fan and since then I never missed a tournament
Before she passed away three and a half years ago, my beautiful wife of 48 years Sachiko, loved this great rikishi. He was one of her favorites. Mine, too. Taihen arigatou gozaimasu, Tochinoshin.
When Fedor Emelianenko retired from his career in MMA he had all of his top rivals there to thank him and wish him well. It was a beautiful and rare moment that felt like the perfect ending to such a career. To see this moment in sumo where warriors come together to honor someone's retirement brought back a similar warm sentiment that made me appreciate the beauty of mankind. I am not so familiar with Sumo, but I respect the dedication and respect paid to the athletes by the fans and between athletes.
It's cool to hear Hakuho himself say that Tochinoshin would've been Yokozuna if he hadn't sustained a major injury. I always wondered if Tochinoshin would've been capable of being one if he did become a Yokozuna.
What I always respected about Tochinoshin was that he always made sure his Opponent was alright or would not fall after he pushed or threw them out. You can always see he holds them once he won to make sure they dont fall.
Absolutely. He almost seemed gentle in how he would simply pick 150kg men up and deposit them outside the ring. I really admire this guy, both as a wrestler and as a man.
@@Pow3llMorgan This is even more heartwarming when you know how hard or even impossible it is to become accepted in Japan as a foreigner. Every one of them has to fight years and years of winning fights, receiving no applause at all. For this reason Tochinoshin has been called the most successful gaijin in japan ever. He made it and became "their man".
I lived in Ryogoku from 2007 to 2019 so I got to see a lot of rikishi on a daily basis. Usually it was lower ranked, younger rikishi. Tochi stood out, for obvious reasons, as did I for the same (not being Japanese and being over 6 foot tall). I was already into sumo and I remember asking him where he was from and which heya he was in when I saw him in a combini. From then on, I would say hello to him every time I saw him, if he didn't look busy. We never became friends in any way but he was always enthusiastic when I greeted him. I wonder if he remembers the tall skinny Aussie who always said g'day? As he rose up the ranks, I would see him less and less but there would still be the occasional "G'day Tochi" from me when I saw him riding his mamachari or at a combini. In Feb 2019 I was in Ryogoku for a month (was in Hokkaido Jan so missed the basho live) and was inside the Ryogoku-3-chome 7-11 when I saw Tochi jump in a cab out the front. He got in the cab before I coud say G'day and, he looked busy anyway. I was a little dissapointed I missed a chance to have a word. I've missed a few retirement ceremonies that I would have loved to go to (or at least hang outside the kokugikan and say hello - as I always did when I lived there) but this one especially. All the best big fella. I hope to see you again one day.
And I'd never wanted to miss my time watching Sumo here from Germany, when names were great like: ASASHORYU(my Fav.#1), TAKAMISAKARI(my Favourite#2 "ROBOCOP"-like FIGHTER :-)), KAIO, CHIYOTAIKAI, MUSASHIMARU, KOTOMITSUKI, KOTOOSHU, AMINISHIKI, IWAKIYAMA, TOKI, MIYABIYAMA... it was a fantastic time, and I am so happy, I could watch it all...nowadays it's really difficult to watch Sumo from my country... greetz to all Fans ! ! !👋🤠
I've been a fan of Tochinoshin since his Juryo days. I always felt he could have made Yokozuna if it wasn't for his knee, so I smiled when I heard Hakuho say the same. My goodness doesn't he look like one of the Baldwin brothers with his short hair! Thank you Tochinoshin for all the enjoyment that came from watching you and best wishes to you and your family for the future.
Tochi was a super powerful rikishi, and hearing Hakuho saying that he could've got to yokozuna if not for the injuries is heartbreaking. :( Hope him the best for his new endeavours! ❤ The world loves you Tochi, greetings from Italy! 🇮🇹
Massive respect for Tochinoshin, not only for his prowess but also concern for opponents - always being careful to support them from falling off the dohyo if he pushes them out.
This is the man that made me watch sumo, i saw a video of him picking up another rikishi and walking him out of the ring, i was amazed and i have been watching sumo ever since. Im so sad this gentle giant became too injured to continue, he would have made a wonderful yokozuna.
Great powerful wrestler! I always liked his style. I was at the venue when he won against Hakuho. Everybody cheered for him, and he deserved it. He will be missed!
είμαι fun σου σε έβλεπα πολύ καιρό...αγάπησα το άθλημα από σένα...τώρα σου εύχομαι ότι καλύτερο στην καινούργια σου ζωή..💋 from creek and Cretan Island
Tochinoshin, such a mighty warrior. He's given the world so much joy and excitement. How thrilling to hear Hakuho'/Miyagino's accolades and assessment that here was a man who could have been Yokozuna. Here's hoping Tochinoshin succeeds in his new venture, bringing Georgian wines to an appreciative new customer base. All the best to him and his family, in gratitude for the years of inspirattion.
Очень долго следил за его карьерой. Как он бился с великими ёкодзунами... Очень радовался, когда он выигрывал... Желаю тебе сохранять такое же терпение, силу, настойчивость и спокойствие!
Tochinoshin was a monster on the dohyo, but also really respectful and caring for his opponents, always helping them after a fight, and lending a hand. A really good man.
Tochinoshin is the wrestler that got me into sumo and I was lucky enough to see him reach Ozeki. Absolutely amazing strength and sportsmanship, I wish him the absolute best retirement and hope to see him again in some capacity
Tochinoshin is one of pillar to makes me start to watch sumo. I hope all the best for him now. Thanks for everything Tochi, and thanks Hiro for the coverage.
iconic rikishi and former ozeki! not only an iconic rikishi but also an important cultural figure who played a huge role in promoting Sumo culture, and helping the entire world rediscover less-explored Japanese culture. seems like his retirement was not only celebrated by invitees. it almost felt like entire Japan celebrated and sent their best wishes to their hero. Dear Tochi, you have inspired thousands maybe millions of people and made us discover and love sumo. Here is to your health. Looking forward to say this toast with a cup of Tochi's Georgian Saperavi wine raised in hand. Million thanks to you. You are and will always be loved by millions. Tochi Power!
He is incredible. Heart of a lion and incredible charisma. What a career, what an honor to have him in Sumo😭💪 Wish him a good retirement! You've achieved the rank of Yokozuna in our hearts! Georgians have excellent representatives in Japan... Ambassador Lezhava, Teri-chan and her family, and of course Tochinoshin. Georgia is such a beautiful country with honest, hard-working, good humorous people... I hope Japan and Georgia become closer and both nations become family❤
Tochinoshin was the reason i became interested in Sumo in the first place, it has been a great honor to follow his career, he wrestled his way through life with honor and integrity, doing his country, his family and sumo proud. sad to see such a legend retire.
It was from watching Tochinoshin highlights that I got into sumo. He is beloved around the world. Sad to see him go, but wishing him much success in his future! Hakuho is looking very dapper as well
i used to watch sumo when sally the dump truck was wrestling , there was a big hiatus until tochinoshin started to dominate in the late teens. when covid hit , the empty stadiums made me sad but seeing tochinoshin wrestle made things a little better. last summer i saw on nhk's you tube that they post daily highlights and i never saw tochinoshin that made me sad again. good luck in your future endeavours as this chapter has now closed. in case you were in any doubt tochinoshin was my favourite wrestler from when i started to watch again , undoubtedly there will be a new favourite.
Thanks, Sumo PrimeTime, for this beautiful coverage of such an important moment in modern Sumo history. It's really special to see and hear so many of the meaningful moments. How courageous, Tochinoshin, arriving as a teenager alone in a strange land, rising to conquer, always with humility and dignified grace. Thanks for sharing this with fans world wide, Hiro!
Thank you Tochinoshin enjoyed watching Asasseruh and Hakuho were in ceremony. I think it was best time when they were competing in top division of course Haramafuji and Kakyuyru too. Cheering for young wrestler Kinbozan🇰🇿 now. Hopefully someday they will be big man in top division from Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬. Hello from Chicago,IL. Gambarjuba 🇬🇪
Like many others Tochinoshin was critical to me when it came to my fandom of Sumo. I started watching regularly right around the time he started his rise to Ozeki. Watching his unparralled strength never failed to entertain. Arigato Gozaimasu Tochinishin and good luck to the Georgian Goliath in his future
As an American who has studied Isshinryu Karate for most of my life, I do have a deep appreciation for the Japanese culture and history. I never really watched Sumo, until around 2018, when I saw someone who definitely wasnt Japanese in the ring. It wasnt where he was from that caught my attention, it was how he performed that did. He was strong enough to life these men in the air as if they were children, and the care he took to gently set them out of the ring. I have trained in JJU, and also take great care to make sure my partner/opponent leaves the ring the same way they entered. It takes more skill to defeat someone safely than it does to just defeat them, especially when they know its coming. Congratulations Tochinoshin! The kind words from Hakuho were amazing to hear, and in one of the best ways possible, great validation to the greatness Tochi possessed and demonstrated.
Tochinoshin was one of the few rikishi that I had my eye on since being able to watch sumo on TV back in 2016. He had an amazing technique, and was really on the rise. The injuries were so unfortunate. Best of luck to your future endeavors, Tochinoshin. Thank you for the wonderful memories in the dohyo!
This got me emotional! The former Yokozuna's words of praise for Tochinoshin and saying that he would have been a Yokozuna without the injuries were impressive.
End of an era,I wish this sumo legend all the best in the future,hes still a young man,done so much for sumo across the world,loved this man's fighting spirit,what a human,good luck levan
I was fortunate enough to get into SUMO about 8 years ago. It was a great basho to see Tochi beat Hakaho! Hate to see him go but he was ready! Thanks for video!
Thank you Mr. Morita for this truly amazing video, you included very important and memorable moments from Tochi's life and also the Danpatsu-shiki event itself. Thank you and good luck!
Most Excellente. Tochinoshin was great to watch. A real strong guy as well a nice guy. *thumbsup* *Edit* Man, I remember being so psyched watching when he won that Championship. ...and best wishes to him with his future and the business and Georgian wine endeavor.
Like so many. I started watching Sumo because of him and Hakuho. Its bitter sweet that that they are both now officially retired. Ill still keep watching though.
Thank you so much Tochi! He's the rikishi that really got me interested in sumo, and his comeback was an amazing story. I especially love how one man could link 2 very different cultures and give both a newfound appreciation of the other!
One of my favorite rikishi to watch, even though I started with sumo, starting with the Hatsu Basho in 2020. I missed a lot of great rikishi in their prime, and thankfully, for UA-cam, I can watch a lot of their old matches and realize the greatness in all of them.
Tochinoshin, you inspired so many with your strength, perseverance, skill, compassion, and heart. You were the reason I became interested and intrigued with sumo wrestling! I was so amazed with the techniques and talent and skill you showed in your matches! I was sure you would achieve the highest rank in sumo for sure. In all of our hearts we know you achieved that highest rank. Strong heart, stout heart, we wish you all the success and happiness in your future endeavors. Sumo will never forget you!!!
Over the last 3 days I've watched a Georgian I didn't know compete as a sumo wrestler in a country he didn't know. I felt like I was going on a journey with him and boy was a beautiful. It was a good reminder that there are special people out there indeed. What a man of character and great honor. I followed his entire journey and I found myself deeply invested and I hope he finds great fortune in any endeavor he chooses.
In hindsight im so lucky to have attended that 2018 hatsu basho! I remember seeing his picture everywhere that 2 weeks of the basho. Thank you and good luck Tochinoshin-zeki! Omedetou on your retirement!
Hello sumo fans wherever you may be and thank you so much for tuning in to another edition of SUMO PRIME TIME. The retirement ceremony for former Ozeki Tochinoshin was held on February 4th at the Kokugikan, the home of sumo, in Tokyo. People from all over the world flocked the arena to bid farewell to the beloved Georgian sumo hero and wish him best of luck in his new endeavors. Tochinoshin stated that he will continue to cheer for the wrestlers as a fan from now on. Even though he’s leaving the sumo association, Tochinoshin asked his fans to continue rooting for him as he’ll remain in Japan and give his best effort to succeed in the trading business. It’s so sad to say goodbye to such a talented and popular man, but let’s hope we get to see another young hopeful from Georgia follow in Tochinoshin’s footsteps in the near future. Well done and thank you, Tochinoshin!
Thank you so much, i hope to meet the NGK Sumo team someday.
SUMO PRIME TIME, SUMO PRIME TIME, SUMO PRIME TIME!
Stop saying SUMO PRIME TIME over and over and over and over!!! It’s annoying, silly and childish! Not even high school kids say their channel name repeatedly in EVERY video. No one does that. Do you know why? It's stupid, that’s why! Grow up!
@@tvbox6955 That’s so rude. You clearly don’t understand branding or Japanese culture, not sure why you are here.
@@Misterfox444 What company repeats its brand name over and over and over and over in a single video? ...none. Why, because it's annoying, it's childish, it's stupid... that's why. This has nothing to do with Japanese culture. Japanese companies don't do this either because they don't want to annoy their customers.
@@tvbox6955 If it bothers you, I recommend leaving because he isn’t going to stop 😂
He is the reason my wife and I became Sumo fans. 🙏
Me too he was amazing!
Holy cow, cool seeing you here Klay! I just discovered how cool Sumo was myself. Sitting here watching it cleaning my 101 :)
@@isaacrhodes4617 small world my man
Hearing from Hakuho, the Greatest of all time, that he'd have reached Yokozuna without the injuries is heartbreaking. Tochi has the biggest heart and had an amazing carreer. All the luck for his future.
Heart was the part of his ring name "心"
@@tysonfist7649 Oh wow I honestly didn't know the meaning of his name
Despite the injuries, he still reached Ozeki. His rise to that rank got me into sumo.
The greatest ozeki to never be Yokozuna.
@@reubenparies6678 Uncrowned King 😢
What i loved about Tochinoshin is how gently he took his victories. Once he knew he'd won he'd put put in the extra effort to make sure his oppononent is supported so he doesnt fall down. To think thats the kind of person to have to stop because of an injury makes me kind of sad, while nobody deserves an injury like that, Tochinoshin deserves it even less :(
He'll always be a yokozuna in my eyes.
I'm from Brazil and never had any contact with sumo. The only reason I started watching it was because of him. He always demonstrated such sportsmanship. #1 for me too! 🎉🎉
I thought the same. It may be because of the injury that he behaved that way. As to not injure others, idk
That’s one of the reasons I’ve started rooting for Ura, he’s another one for holding his opponent so they don’t fall, love to see it.
@@leekelley4701😊
Agree.
大鵬に続き、2人目の【白人の横綱】に成ってもらいたかった🎉
膝のケガが😢😢
良く頑張ったよね✌️❗これからも、、ケガを乗り越えてきた時の気持❗を忘れずにガンバレ！
დიდი მადლობა, პატივისცემით , საქართველოდან ! 🇬🇪❤️🇯🇵
This guy literally introduced millions of people to sumo ...his viral ozeki promotion in 2019 was the reason I became a sumo fan and since then I never missed a tournament
I do your words, my words as well, bro. I met Sumo 'cause this guy. Haha.
I AM WATCHING SUMO BEFORE BUT MAYBE IS THAT
Before she passed away three and a half years ago, my beautiful wife of 48 years Sachiko, loved this great rikishi. He was one of her favorites. Mine, too. Taihen arigatou gozaimasu, Tochinoshin.
When Fedor Emelianenko retired from his career in MMA he had all of his top rivals there to thank him and wish him well. It was a beautiful and rare moment that felt like the perfect ending to such a career. To see this moment in sumo where warriors come together to honor someone's retirement brought back a similar warm sentiment that made me appreciate the beauty of mankind. I am not so familiar with Sumo, but I respect the dedication and respect paid to the athletes by the fans and between athletes.
Федор 🇷🇺
great parallelism that made me feel warm inside all over again thanks Ron!
It's cool to hear Hakuho himself say that Tochinoshin would've been Yokozuna if he hadn't sustained a major injury. I always wondered if Tochinoshin would've been capable of being one if he did become a Yokozuna.
I will miss the Georgian Forklift deeply. Good luck in everything Tochinoshin.
Great name for him :)
Tochinoahin Georgian lion, we all love and proud of you, 🇬🇪🇬🇪🇬🇪🇬🇪🇬🇪
Du warst ein Hervorragender Kämpfer ,alles gute für deine zukunft. Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland !!!
What I always respected about Tochinoshin was that he always made sure his Opponent was alright or would not fall after he pushed or threw them out. You can always see he holds them once he won to make sure they dont fall.
Absolutely. He almost seemed gentle in how he would simply pick 150kg men up and deposit them outside the ring. I really admire this guy, both as a wrestler and as a man.
I don’t know anything about Sumo wrestling, but this was a very touching video. You can see the love in the community. It is very beautiful.
I feel exactly the same. Have basically no knowledge about sumo wrestling but I was deeply touched by the reverence and celebration.
There's a reason sports are called the great uniter. Competition brings the best out of us.
@@bigbelly8649 Good sportsmanship is a universal language. ☺️
@@Pow3llMorgan This is even more heartwarming when you know how hard or even impossible it is to become accepted in Japan as a foreigner. Every one of them has to fight years and years of winning fights, receiving no applause at all. For this reason Tochinoshin has been called the most successful gaijin in japan ever. He made it and became "their man".
I lived in Ryogoku from 2007 to 2019 so I got to see a lot of rikishi on a daily basis. Usually it was lower ranked, younger rikishi. Tochi stood out, for obvious reasons, as did I for the same (not being Japanese and being over 6 foot tall). I was already into sumo and I remember asking him where he was from and which heya he was in when I saw him in a combini. From then on, I would say hello to him every time I saw him, if he didn't look busy. We never became friends in any way but he was always enthusiastic when I greeted him. I wonder if he remembers the tall skinny Aussie who always said g'day? As he rose up the ranks, I would see him less and less but there would still be the occasional "G'day Tochi" from me when I saw him riding his mamachari or at a combini. In Feb 2019 I was in Ryogoku for a month (was in Hokkaido Jan so missed the basho live) and was inside the Ryogoku-3-chome 7-11 when I saw Tochi jump in a cab out the front. He got in the cab before I coud say G'day and, he looked busy anyway. I was a little dissapointed I missed a chance to have a word. I've missed a few retirement ceremonies that I would have loved to go to (or at least hang outside the kokugikan and say hello - as I always did when I lived there) but this one especially. All the best big fella. I hope to see you again one day.
I wish I had started watching Sumo earlier to see Tochinoshin and Hakuho in their prime 🥲
I had the privilege of watching during the 4 Yokozuna Era and after. Definitely was a great time in sumo.
And I'd never wanted to miss my time watching Sumo here from Germany, when names were great like: ASASHORYU(my Fav.#1), TAKAMISAKARI(my Favourite#2 "ROBOCOP"-like FIGHTER :-)), KAIO, CHIYOTAIKAI, MUSASHIMARU, KOTOMITSUKI, KOTOOSHU, AMINISHIKI, IWAKIYAMA, TOKI, MIYABIYAMA... it was a fantastic time, and I am so happy, I could watch it all...nowadays it's really difficult to watch Sumo from my country... greetz to all Fans ! ! !👋🤠
Yes me too.
@@N.C.C.1701AKEBONO, TAKANOHANA, DEJIMA, KOKKAI, ROHO, KOTOOSHU, HAYATEUMI,...
hakuho is too high in his level in sumo..
Огромный как медведь
А столько добра и улыбки!!!
Точинасшин 👍👍👍👍👍💐
Леван Горгадзе 🙌
Very emotional and precious ceremony.
thank you Tochinoshin!
I've been a fan of Tochinoshin since his Juryo days. I always felt he could have made Yokozuna if it wasn't for his knee, so I smiled when I heard Hakuho say the same.
My goodness doesn't he look like one of the Baldwin brothers with his short hair!
Thank you Tochinoshin for all the enjoyment that came from watching you and best wishes to you and your family for the future.
Tochinoshin is the reason why I became a sumo fan in the first place. Sad to see him go, but happy that he already has a life planned ahead of him.
MADE ME A FAN FROM USA TEXAS!! 🇺🇸 mexican.american here who always rooted for TOSHIIII!!!!!!!! Guna miss you big guys. Much love!!
Best wishes, Tochinoshin. Always your fan!
Tochi was a super powerful rikishi, and hearing Hakuho saying that he could've got to yokozuna if not for the injuries is heartbreaking. :( Hope him the best for his new endeavours! ❤ The world loves you Tochi, greetings from Italy! 🇮🇹
From Germany too!!!💐✌️🤠
Massive respect for Tochinoshin, not only for his prowess but also concern for opponents - always being careful to support them from falling off the dohyo if he pushes them out.
Phenomenal praise from the greatest to ever do it.
I enjoyed seeing him wrestle. The way how he lifted the biggest opponents was incredible. Enjoy your retirement TOCHINOSHIN !
I miss him already 😢
This is the man that made me watch sumo, i saw a video of him picking up another rikishi and walking him out of the ring, i was amazed and i have been watching sumo ever since. Im so sad this gentle giant became too injured to continue, he would have made a wonderful yokozuna.
Great powerful wrestler! I always liked his style. I was at the venue when he won against Hakuho. Everybody cheered for him, and he deserved it. He will be missed!
Such an amazing wrestler. Been a privilege to watch him over the years.
Sumo is a beautiful sport! I luv guys keeping sumo alive for the next generation to come! 🌻🫶
Tochinoshin will always be my first favorite rikishi. Ganbarre!
Thanks for the memories, Tochinoshin. From the great state of Oregon, USA.
May your success continue in your future endeavor.
είμαι fun σου σε έβλεπα πολύ καιρό...αγάπησα το άθλημα από σένα...τώρα σου εύχομαι ότι καλύτερο στην καινούργια σου ζωή..💋 from creek and Cretan Island
His strength 💪 was incredible 👏
Tochinoshin, such a mighty warrior. He's given the world so much joy and excitement. How thrilling to hear Hakuho'/Miyagino's accolades and assessment that here was a man who could have been Yokozuna. Here's hoping Tochinoshin succeeds in his new venture, bringing Georgian wines to an appreciative new customer base. All the best to him and his family, in gratitude for the years of inspirattion.
Очень долго следил за его карьерой. Как он бился с великими ёкодзунами... Очень радовался, когда он выигрывал... Желаю тебе сохранять такое же терпение, силу, настойчивость и спокойствие!
I started watching Sumo because of him. He is a legend forever!
Tochinoshin was a monster on the dohyo, but also really respectful and caring for his opponents, always helping them after a fight, and lending a hand. A really good man.
I will miss tochi. He really was a reason that a lot of foreigners started watching sumo. I got to see his rise to Ozeki and I will never forget that.
The first Rikishi i ever conciously watched and followed into the world of sumo :') Greetings from Germany
გაგიმარჯოს ტოჩინოშინ
Tochinoshin is the wrestler that got me into sumo and I was lucky enough to see him reach Ozeki. Absolutely amazing strength and sportsmanship, I wish him the absolute best retirement and hope to see him again in some capacity
Love you tochinoshin you are our inspiration ❤️❤️❤️
Tochinoshin is one of pillar to makes me start to watch sumo. I hope all the best for him now. Thanks for everything Tochi, and thanks Hiro for the coverage.
iconic rikishi and former ozeki!
not only an iconic rikishi but also an important cultural figure who played a huge role in promoting Sumo culture, and helping the entire world rediscover less-explored Japanese culture. seems like his retirement was not only celebrated by invitees. it almost felt like entire Japan celebrated and sent their best wishes to their hero.
Dear Tochi, you have inspired thousands maybe millions of people and made us discover and love sumo.
Here is to your health. Looking forward to say this toast with a cup of Tochi's Georgian Saperavi wine raised in hand.
Million thanks to you. You are and will always be loved by millions.
Tochi Power!
He is incredible. Heart of a lion and incredible charisma. What a career, what an honor to have him in Sumo😭💪
Wish him a good retirement! You've achieved the rank of Yokozuna in our hearts!
Georgians have excellent representatives in Japan... Ambassador Lezhava, Teri-chan and her family, and of course Tochinoshin. Georgia is such a beautiful country with honest, hard-working, good humorous people... I hope Japan and Georgia become closer and both nations become family❤
May he prosper and succeed in all his new endeavors and thank you for the great times we had with you!
Tochinoshin was the reason i became interested in Sumo in the first place, it has been a great honor to follow his career, he wrestled his way through life with honor and integrity, doing his country, his family and sumo proud. sad to see such a legend retire.
Thanks for covering Sumo for foreign viewers Hiro, I was able to watch and appreciate the twilight years of Tochi's career because of your videos.
It was from watching Tochinoshin highlights that I got into sumo. He is beloved around the world. Sad to see him go, but wishing him much success in his future! Hakuho is looking very dapper as well
ყველა იაპონელს ვესალმები საქართველოდან ! 🇬🇪❤️🇯🇵
i used to watch sumo when sally the dump truck was wrestling , there was a big hiatus until tochinoshin started to dominate in the late teens.
when covid hit , the empty stadiums made me sad but seeing tochinoshin wrestle made things a little better.
last summer i saw on nhk's you tube that they post daily highlights and i never saw tochinoshin that made me sad again.
good luck in your future endeavours as this chapter has now closed.
in case you were in any doubt tochinoshin was my favourite wrestler from when i started to watch again , undoubtedly there will be a new favourite.
these guys are amazing. pure natural strength. fantastic sport or way of life and fantastic people both the Japanese and Georgians.
This was my fav guy. It's sad to see him go but it was great to see the rise and then rise again. Great fighter.
I don't watch Sumo but the love and beauty of it all is contagious. Beautiful display of positive masculinity
I'm glad I got to see Tochi when he was at the top of his game. It really solidified my love for sumo!!
Thanks, Sumo PrimeTime, for this beautiful coverage of such an important moment in modern Sumo history. It's really special to see and hear so many of the meaningful moments. How courageous, Tochinoshin, arriving as a teenager alone in a strange land, rising to conquer, always with humility and dignified grace. Thanks for sharing this with fans world wide, Hiro!
The end of an era. Cheers to the golden georgian, lets go on business!
Thank you Tochinoshin enjoyed watching Asasseruh and Hakuho were in ceremony. I think it was best time when they were competing in top division of course Haramafuji and Kakyuyru too. Cheering for young wrestler Kinbozan🇰🇿 now. Hopefully someday they will be big man in top division from Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬. Hello from Chicago,IL. Gambarjuba 🇬🇪
Like many others Tochinoshin was critical to me when it came to my fandom of Sumo. I started watching regularly right around the time he started his rise to Ozeki. Watching his unparralled strength never failed to entertain. Arigato Gozaimasu Tochinishin and good luck to the Georgian Goliath in his future
His win in genuary 2018 introduced me to this discipline. His huge raw strenght will be ever remebered. Thanks Giant of the mountain.
As an American who has studied Isshinryu Karate for most of my life, I do have a deep appreciation for the Japanese culture and history. I never really watched Sumo, until around 2018, when I saw someone who definitely wasnt Japanese in the ring. It wasnt where he was from that caught my attention, it was how he performed that did.
He was strong enough to life these men in the air as if they were children, and the care he took to gently set them out of the ring. I have trained in JJU, and also take great care to make sure my partner/opponent leaves the ring the same way they entered. It takes more skill to defeat someone safely than it does to just defeat them, especially when they know its coming.
Congratulations Tochinoshin! The kind words from Hakuho were amazing to hear, and in one of the best ways possible, great validation to the greatness Tochi possessed and demonstrated.
class act. Thank you for covering this.
I knew about Tochinoshin long before any other. He’s the one that got me into watching Sumo
He is missed. I wish him nothing but success and happiness all his days. He was a lot of fun to watch and easy to cheer for.
I’m really going to miss watching him compete. Great video Hiro!
He is the sole reason why I love sumo. Congratulations on your success and retirement. The world of sumo thanks you.
He was the only reason I gave sumo a watch. I've been watching for 4 years now. Amazing talent and spreading the tradition and culture world wide.
Tochinoshin was one of the few rikishi that I had my eye on since being able to watch sumo on TV back in 2016. He had an amazing technique, and was really on the rise. The injuries were so unfortunate.
Best of luck to your future endeavors, Tochinoshin. Thank you for the wonderful memories in the dohyo!
Thank you for sharing your story. Tochinoshin, live a long and happy life 💪
Thank you Hiro very much! Stay well my friend! See you on sumo prime time again very very soon 😊❤!!
Thank you for the coverage!
I got into Sumo after watching one of his matches. I am addicted to watch Sumo streams now.
This got me emotional! The former Yokozuna's words of praise for Tochinoshin and saying that he would have been a Yokozuna without the injuries were impressive.
End of an era,I wish this sumo legend all the best in the future,hes still a young man,done so much for sumo across the world,loved this man's fighting spirit,what a human,good luck levan
I was fortunate enough to get into SUMO about 8 years ago. It was a great basho to see Tochi beat Hakaho! Hate to see him go but he was ready! Thanks for video!
One of the most entertaining and powerful to have ever graced the dohyo. Thank you for all you've done, Tochi.
Always one of my very favorites,
I will greatly miss seeing him at the tournaments.
Wish him the best in all his business and Life endeavors!
He is the main reason watching sumo, good luck Big man! From Kazakhstan with respect!
Thank you Mr. Morita for this truly amazing video, you included very important and memorable moments from Tochi's life and also the Danpatsu-shiki event itself. Thank you and good luck!
Beautiful moment, beautiful respect, great warrior 🙏🫶🙌
Beautiful video to honor the illustrious career of Tochi!
Wishing him all the best 🙌
Most Excellente. Tochinoshin was great to watch. A real strong guy as well a nice guy. *thumbsup*
*Edit* Man, I remember being so psyched watching when he won that Championship.
...and best wishes to him with his future and the business and Georgian wine endeavor.
Grateful to have watched him compete over the past couple of years.
Like so many. I started watching Sumo because of him and Hakuho. Its bitter sweet that that they are both now officially retired. Ill still keep watching though.
I never knew that there was so much respect in sumo and I have watch for years. This is absolutely amazing.
Thank you so much Tochi! He's the rikishi that really got me interested in sumo, and his comeback was an amazing story. I especially love how one man could link 2 very different cultures and give both a newfound appreciation of the other!
One of my favorite rikishi to watch, even though I started with sumo, starting with the Hatsu Basho in 2020. I missed a lot of great rikishi in their prime, and thankfully, for UA-cam, I can watch a lot of their old matches and realize the greatness in all of them.
Just found your channel, Tochinoshin was an amazing Sumo. One of the reasons I watch Sumo. He was one of the greats.
I will never forget Tochinoshin, it was he, with his brute strength, that brought me into watching Sumo and I have enjoyed it ever since!
Tochinoshin, you inspired so many with your strength, perseverance, skill, compassion, and heart. You were the reason I became interested and intrigued with sumo wrestling! I was so amazed with the techniques and talent and skill you showed in your matches! I was sure you would achieve the highest rank in sumo for sure. In all of our hearts we know you achieved that highest rank. Strong heart, stout heart, we wish you all the success and happiness in your future endeavors. Sumo will never forget you!!!
Loved watching Tochinoshin! His power and enthusiasm was amazing to watch! I will miss hearing his name proclaimed as winner.
Gentleman giant, loved by all❤
I don’t know him in person, but he makes me so proud of him. Be proud Georgia for one of your finest sons!
Over the last 3 days I've watched a Georgian I didn't know compete as a sumo wrestler in a country he didn't know. I felt like I was going on a journey with him and boy was a beautiful. It was a good reminder that there are special people out there indeed. What a man of character and great honor. I followed his entire journey and I found myself deeply invested and I hope he finds great fortune in any endeavor he chooses.
What an incredible environment of strength. I loved screaming at my TV when he came out. TOCHINOOOOOOSHIIIIIIIIN!!!!!
Thank you, Hiro. And thank you Tochinochin. God bless.
In hindsight im so lucky to have attended that 2018 hatsu basho! I remember seeing his picture everywhere that 2 weeks of the basho. Thank you and good luck Tochinoshin-zeki! Omedetou on your retirement!