Published accounts suggest that he received especially brutal hazing in his early years, even by the harsh standards of the sumo training system. I knew what I wanted and where I wanted to go. Everything I've done with sumo has helped me be a better person and gain more patience with everything I do. Japanese toy companies have manufactured lines of Konishiki action figures and accessories, and he is said to rank with Hello Kitty, Mickey Mouse and Ultraman in popularity with children. He says that at this point in his life, his pursuits are not about money or celebrity status.
Family is foremost.
Community and culture are next. I dedicate everything I do to my parents because they're the ones who originally immigrated from Samoa. I was born and raised in Hawaii but my culture is Samoan. I speak my language. I know my culture.