KONISHIKI, the renowned former sumo wrestler and current entertainer, has publicly shared his recent battle with kidney failure, highlighting the supportive role of his wife, Chie, who donated one of her kidneys for his transplant. The 60-year-old athlete was discharged from Shonan Kamakura General Hospital on December 23 after undergoing the surgery on December 4, which lasted six hours.
During his press conference at the hospital, KONISHIKI expressed his deep gratitude for his wife's kindness, stating, "I have received such a wonderful Christmas gift this year," referring to the successful surgery. He humorously mentioned, "I can't give her any gifts this Christmas as she gave me her kidney!" The former wrestler's upbeat demeanor shone through as he spoke about his optimistic outlook, claiming, "With this, I can live to 99.9 years old," and described feeling significantly improved post-surgery.
KONISHIKI, whose real name is Yonemura Takeyoshi, rose to prominence by becoming the first foreign-born sumo wrestler to achieve the rank of Ozeki. Known for his enormous physique, he initially weighed over 250 kilograms, competing at the highest levels of the sport until his retirement from professional sumo wrestling in 1997. Since then, he has transitioned to a successful career as a TV personality.
Having struggled with kidney issues for the past eight years, KONISHIKI shared the moment he learned he needed a transplant. His health complications escalated during various performances, with doctors warning him about potential severe consequences if he did not receive treatment. The decision to accept his wife's kidney involved considerable reflection, as he expressed concern about putting her health at risk. "It was difficult to accept receiving my wife's kidney," he admitted, emphasizing the emotional turmoil he felt throughout the process.
Chie also spoke during the press conference, sharing her initial fears about the procedure. "I felt very anxious at first, but hearing success stories from others made me more at ease," she said, referring to the support they received from former sumo champion Musashimaru's own experience with kidney donation. She was instrumental by reassuring KONISHIKI during his toughest moments, pushing him to proceed with the transplant.
The successful procedure and subsequent recovery are being celebrated not just by the couple but by their family and friends, who understand the significance of this life-changing event. KONISHIKI revealed his current weight after the surgery stands around 154 kilograms, attributing this transformation to several years of conscious efforts to live healthier.
Post-surgery, KONISHIKI intends to use his platform to raise awareness for kidney health and organ donation. He plans to advocate for such causes, hoping to inspire others facing similar health struggles. Living abroad, he has seen first-hand the perceptions surrounding organ donation, often hearing surprise about his wife's generosity. He stated, "I want to change those perceptions and promote the importance of family support during such trying times." This will also include efforts to spread knowledge about kidney disease and the resources available for those affected.
Doctors who treated KONISHIKI were present at the conference, providing insights about his procedure and condition. Dr. Kazunari Tanabe acknowledged the challenges posed by KONISHIKI's size for transplant surgery but remarked on how well he has responded to the treatment. "It’s exciting to see him recovering so well, and we anticipate continuing health improvements as he adjusts post-transplant," Dr. Tanabe explained.
Reflecting on his past, KONISHIKI noted his struggles with managing his weight and the toll it has taken on his body over the years. "I have been battling with my health and weight for almost ten years. The past eight years were particularly challenging, leading to this dire situation," he reminisced. He hopes his story will encourage others not to neglect their health.
With plans to resume his work as an ambassador for sumo wrestling, KONISHIKI aims to uplift the sport's presence beyond Japan's borders, citing his experiences traveling for exhibitions. "It's more than just sports; it’s about sharing our culture and stories," he emphasized. His advocacy includes destigmatizing organ donation within the community, ensuring people understand its significance and potential life-saving impact.
Although his life has taken this unexpected turn, KONISHIKI's resilience shines through, embodying the spirit of overcoming adversity. Now more than ever, he looks forward to enjoying life with his family, continuing his public engagements, and contributing positively to society.
