Begin Japanology

tv show

poster for Begin Japanology

251 total episodes

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7 seasons

First Aired April 14, 2008

Overview

BEGIN Japanology invites you into the world of Japanese culture, both traditional and modern, explaining how traditions evolved and the part they still play today in people's everyday lives.

Japanophiles - Yasokichi Konishiki poster unavailable

Japanophiles - Yasokichi Konishiki

Season 6 - Episode 7 - 0h 28m

Air Date

February 21, 2013

Overview

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. Yasokichi Konishiki from Hawaii was a "big hit" as a sumo wrestler in Japan. He was recruited in Hawaii for sumo when he was 18. In 1987, he became the first foreign wrestler to be promoted to ozeki, the second-highest rank in the sport. The heaviest sumo wrestler ever, he overpowered opponents with his 284-kilo frame and stormed to the top of the sport. After retirement, he became a TV personality. Now he's a popular figure in children's programming. And these days, one of Konishiki's greatest passions is doing charity work related to children. Right after the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 in northeastern Japan, Konishiki swung into action to help the kids of the region. In 2012, he toured the disaster area as Santa Claus and gave out thousands of presents.