From Nail Artist to Sumo Stable Wife: The Story of a Woman Who Embraced Fate

Michiko, the wife of stablemaster Hikotegawa, has taken an unconventional path to becoming the okami (stable mistress) of a sumo stable. Before her marriage in 2019, she worked as a nail artist in Tokyo, a career she pursued after a period as an office lady. Her journey, marked by hard work and determination, now shapes her approach to mentoring young sumo wrestlers.

After graduating from junior college, Michiko worked as an office lady in her hometown of Fukuoka for three years. During her final year, she attended nail school while working and was invited by a salon owner to join her business. She moved to Tokyo and worked at the salon for five and a half years, before opening her own home salon, which she ran for over nine years. She recalls being "unbeatable" in her 20s and 30s, driven by a desire for a more stimulating life.

The decision to open her own salon was not a long-held ambition but a response to burnout. Her savings were depleted, and she initially had only half the clients from her previous job. For about a year after opening, bookings were inconsistent, causing significant anxiety. However, she turned things around by posting nail designs on social media, gradually increasing her customer base.

Now, as the okami of Hikotegawa stable, Michiko draws on her experience of relentless hard work. She encourages the young wrestlers under her care by telling them, "You’re young, so do your best," embodying resilience and confidence. Her philosophy, she says, is summed up by the phrase, "Things will only work out as they should" ("Naru you ni shika naranai").