Sayuri Tsuchitani
Sayuri Tsuchitani is the founder of Sumo Yoga, a Los Angeles wellness studio embracing all body types. A Japanese-born entrepreneur and wellness practitioner, she brings over 20 years of experience. Her philosophy—'Ten people, ten colors'—honors each individual's unique journey toward health.
Sayuri Tsuchitani's Bio
Sayuri Tsuchitani is the founder of Sumo Yoga LA, a Los Angeles-based wellness brand that redefines fitness by embracing all body types.
Born in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, Sayuri built her career in the United States starting as a hairdresser in New York. After years in that role, she secured an employment-based green card and took out a $100,000 loan — a move that set her on the path toward the life she wanted in America. She later became a National Yoga Alliance-certified instructor (RYT200), accumulating more than 20 years of experience in wellness and mindful movement.
In 2025, Sayuri founded Sumo Yoga LA, drawing on traditional Japanese wellness practices to create a practice centered on grounded hip-opening and the philosophy of "ten people, ten colors" — honoring every body's unique power. The brand quickly attracted attention and was featured in the Los Angeles Business Journal's Who's Who in Finance special report.
Sumo Yoga offers workshops, events, and a growing community in Los Angeles, built on Sayuri's belief that fitness should welcome everyone, without exception.
Career Timeline
1998 — Moved to the United States from Japan
Arrived in the U.S. as a newcomer and put herself through beauty school
2002 — Began career as a hairdresser in New York
Worked her way up to leading salons in New York City
2006 — Obtained U.S. employment-based green card
First major milestone toward building a life and business in America
2008 — Secured $100,000 SBA loan to open Beverly Hills head spa
As a newly minted permanent resident, used SBA loan to launch brick-and-mortar Japanese head spa in Beverly Hills
2020 — Pivoted to Sumo Yoga amid COVID-19 salon closure
After pandemic shuttered the salon, began developing the Sumo Yoga mindful movement practice
2025 — Founded Sumo Yoga LA
Officially launched Sumo Yoga in Los Angeles, rooted in traditional Japanese wellness practices
2026 — Featured in Los Angeles Business Journal Who's Who in Finance
Sayuri Tsuchitani and her entrepreneurial story spotlighted in the LA Business Journal special report
