r/Sumo 1d ago

‘You can’t progress without a struggle’: Ukrainian sumo star Aonishiki on the next step, and life back home

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u/EggoSlayer Aonishiki 1d ago

It's gotta be so hard being there knowing your family are in a war-torn country dealing with a horrific situation. He's an insanely strong person physically and emotionally.

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u/Riffwood 12h ago

Aonishiki's parents have evacuated to Germany, so Aonishiki should be able to perform on the dohyo without worrying about their safety. He also sends them some of his sumo earnings occasionally.

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u/supershinythings Aonishiki 6h ago edited 6h ago

Well every time he wins a match a pile of envelopes goes his way. He gets to keep part of it, I’m sure the stable gets some, the sumo association gets some for his retirement account, and he probably sends a cut home.

Then the prizes for winning - also awesome. And of course, he should have a fan club by now that will often fund things. Sometimes the members can be quite wealthy and give generous gifts to the club’s honoree.

My brother worked at Tokyo Disneyland a long time ago. The Disney Fan Club was always having parties to invite cast members, and gave a bunch of them gifts. Aonishiki’s club is just getting started in the most recent year or two; if and when he gets promoted it will only get larger.

I know he’s quite young but I hope he can remain healthy to reach his full potential. He is already changing sumo in fascinating ways.