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The Reinvention of Yama, the World’s Heaviest Sumo Wrestler

Ryuichi Yamamoto left Japan after a match-fixing scandal led to his retirement from organized sumo. Now he’s carving out a career in Hollywood.

Strength comes in many forms and has many sources. But what does it mean to be strong? We have a few ideas. Check back throughout the week for more.

Even as Ryuichi Yamamoto rocketed up the sumo wrestling ranks, winning five national championships as a university student and reaching the highest of six professional divisions in his native Japan, he seemed destined for a life beyond the sport’s austere traditions.