Former komusubi Chiyotairyu will leave the sumo world with no regrets and is looking forward to a new career in the restaurant business, the 34-year-old ex-wrestler said Monday.
In an online press conference a day after announcing his sudden retirement, the Tokyo native said he would not remain in the Japan Sumo Association and planned to eventually open a yakiniku grilled meat restaurant.
The grappler from Kokonoe stable made the decision to quit after losing his bout on Saturday at the ongoing Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, where he was competing as a No. 12 maegashira, and dropping to a 2-5 win-loss record.
"I don't have any regrets or second thoughts," said Chiyotairyu, whose real name is Hidemasa Meigetsuin. "I feel refreshed."
A former college yokozuna at Nippon Sport Science University, Chiyotairyu made his grand tournament debut in the third-tier makushita division in May 2011.
While dealing with diabetes, he contested 58 tournaments in the elite makuuchi division, including two while fighting from the three sanyaku ranks below yokozuna.
"I'd like to take care of my health and study (the restaurant business) for about a year," he said.