'That Was The Longest Trip'

Nearly two decades after Konishiki left his poor village in Hawaii, he has become one of Japan's biggest stars. He recently spoke with NEWSWEEK's Velisarios Kattoulas:KATTOULAS: How would you describe your origins?

KONISHIKI: I came from a typical Samoan family. I'm no different from any Mexican, any Haitian fleeing his country or any Cuban just off the boat. We're all trying to survive, make life better.

Too poor. I learned from watching my older brothers and sisters go through college that it was a lot of money. When sumo came, they told me I didn't need anything: no money, just pack your bag and come. Why not? Free trip.

I came over in my [Samoan wrap] and a T shirt, with my Bible, a picture album, my graduation shoes, slacks and aloha shirt. That's all I had. I had no money. That was the longest trip I ever took, man.

The feeling, being scared of what I don't know. I don't know anything about sumo wrestling. I don't know who I'm going to see. I can't talk to nobody. All I can do is stand there and smile and growl and pray that somebody can show me something.

My life as a son in the family was harder than sumo, discipline-wise. Anyone can take their body to a certain level, but to take it to another level you have to be mentally strong.