KONISHIKI, one of the greatest professional sumo wrestlers in recent memory, will be a special guest at the USA SUMO OPEN at UCLA on August 4, 2001. KONISHIKI will also be Parade Marshal in the Nisei Week Parade on the following day. Born "Salevaa Atisanoe" in Hawaii on December 31, 1963, KONISHIKI became a Japanese citizen in 1994 with the new name "Yasokichi Shioda".

At the age of 18, KONISHIKI left Hawaii to enter professional Sumo in Japan. After just over a year in professional sumo, he made it into the respected "juryo" ranks, and entered the top "makuuchi" ranks in July 1984, just two years after his debut! Less than three years later, KONISHIKI became the first foreigner ever to become "Ozeki" (Champion). Most professional sumo wrestlers never get close to this rank, and the very few that do often take 10-15 years to make it that far. KONISHIKI did it in under 5!

During the next decade from 1987 to 1997, KONISHIKI continued to fight, despite numerous injuries, and harsh criticism from a minority of xenophobic Japanese. After retiring in 1997 with a total of three top-division championships, KONISHIKI became a stable-master, but left the world of professional sumo altogether the following year. He has continued to support the sport of sumo, though, even as he juggles his music career, his numerous commercial appearances, and his entertainment career.

KONISHIKI has not only displayed tremendous athletic ability, But he has also demonstrated intellectual prowess. In high school, he was a straight-A student, and he mastered the Japanese language in a very short time in Japan. He also plays several instruments and sings professionally. KONISHIKI has become a role model for many young people in Japan, in Hawaii, and in many other parts of the world.

As a role model for so many, KONISHIKI has shown great humanity. The KONISHIKI KIDS FOUNDATION was established in 1997 to promote exchange between children from Hawaii and Japan. Other projects include improving education on Oahu by building the KONISHIKI Museum and computer center. KONISHIKI continues working to give children a broader view of the world and to encourage their education.

KONISHIKI's participation in the USA SUMO OPEN and the Nisei Week Parade also show his great heart and love for sumo. The sport is not well-known in the US, but KONISHIKI's willingness to share his sumo experience with the American people is a credit to his sincerity.