After Sumo
After a brief spell as a member (or elder) of the Japan Sumo Association, he eventually left sumo completely and has worked as an entertainer in Japan, as well as trying to enter the professional world of American Football. Wakanohana now owns and operates a chain of chanko nabe (literally "meal pot", the staple food of sumo wrestlers) restaurants in Japan called "Chanko Dining Waka" On May 6, 2010, it was announced in the news that the "Chanko Dining Waka" chain was filing for bankruptcy, citing debts of over 147 million yen.
He published his autobiography, Dokuhaku (Strong Spirit), in 2001. He wrote of his constant fear during his career that he could be badly injured in a bout, and revealed that he never slept well during tournaments.
It was announced in October 2007, he was divorcing his wife Mieko, whom he married in June 1994 and with whom he had four children. He has since remarried and has another child with his new wife.
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