Kyushu 2026: Day Six

Andy Kyushu 2026, Kyushu Basho , ,

Day Six in Fukuoka

I had missed an item yesterday. Hitoshi had returned from kyujo. You may remember the broken eye bones and bleeding in the eye stuff after his Day One win against Tanji. Well, yesterday he lost to Ryuden and today he lost to Wakatakakage after trying a henka.

Wakatakakage still leads and Tamashoho is still right there with him at 6-0. Tamashoho has been fighting aggressively and very quick. Good to see. Today, Tamashoho faced Tomokaze and quickly shoved him out. Right behind the two leaders, Asahifuji, Enho and Tobizaru all won their Day Six bouts to remain one loss back at 5-1. We’ll see later if Kazekeno can stay in the group as he will fight Arashifuji during the top division bouts.

One of the benefits of firing up the VPN to watch the early action is that you not only get to watch Eisei win his third bout of the tournament but you also get to watch both of the Yokozuna dohyo-iri and feel especially awkward with Ura as Hoshoryu’s tachimochi.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Arashifuji (5-1) defeated Kazekeno (4-2). Arashifuji used his speed to shift left and shove Kazekeno toward the bales. The misdirection caused Kazekeno to stumble off-balance. Arashifuji blasted him from the dohyo as he tried to recover. Oshitaoshi.

Kitanowaka (2-4) defeated Tamawashi (3-3). After the initial clash, Kitanowaka used the same misdirection tactic to beat Tamawashi. He shifted left, grabbed Tamawashi’s belt and bowled him off the dohyo. He scored a strike as he blasted old Tom right into Kimura Asanosuke. Oshidashi.

Toshinofuji (2-4) defeated Kyokukaiyu (3-3). The risk of staying low to the ground is that your hands are very close to the ground. At the start of his brawl with Toshinofuji, Kyokukaiyu lost his balance and touched the ground with his hand. Asanosuke caught it and ended the bout. You know he’s awake now! Tsukite.

Asasuiryu (3-3) defeated Daiseizan (1-5). Daiseizan tried to trap Asasuiryu’s left arm and really bear down to force Asasuiryu to release his belt grip and set up a potential kotenage. Asasuiryu extracted his arm, but reached right back in to get that left hand on the front of Daiseizan’s belt, and force him out. Yorikiri.

Dewanoryu (5-1) defeated Abi (1-5). Dewanoryu’s tsuppari was stronger than Abi’s. He forced Abi back and out. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (5-1) defeated Tokihayate (2-4). This was an exciting migi-yotsu grapple where the advantage went back-and-forth. Tokihayate had Asahakuryu bent backward at the edge but Asahakuryu saved it and eventually wore Tokihayate down. Asahakuryu ended it by laying Tokihayate down, slowly, and gently as any gentleman treats a lady. Joking aside, Asahakuryu probably saved Tokihayate from some damage to that left knee. Yorikiri.

Oho (4-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-3). These guys love to use their heads as a third weapon when trading volleys of tsuppari. Lead with the forehead and follow by throwing hands. While sizing up my fellow Metro commuters, as you do, I’ve often wondered how effective this approach would be in a street fight. I think it would definitely catch the opponent off guard. “This dude’s crazy!” I’m usually not thinking of this pair of wrestlers as my inspiration, though. I’m usually thinking of Kagayaki, followed by Ryuden. But the staid bureaucrat, Ichiyamamoto, is definitely a practitioner. So, is Oho when he’s in a forward moving mood, as he was today. In the fourth or fifth charge, Ichiyamamoto bulled forward but Oho wisely shifted left to avoid the oncoming headbutt and Ichi’s momentum brought himself down. Hikiotoshi.

Takanosho (5-1) defeated Asakoryu (1-5). Asakoryu henka! Takanosho recovered just in time to re-engage. Asakoryu pulled again and tried a slapdown but Takanosho stuck with Asakoryu and rode him down into the crowd. Gunbai Takanosho. No mono-ii. Yorikiri.

Roga (3-3) defeated Shishi (0-6). Roga seemed to invite Shishi to force him to the bales. He had both hands firmly gripping Shishi’s belt and was giving just enough resistance to wear Shishi down. At the edge, Roga began to rotate as if he were going to execute a shitatenage. I think Shishi saw his life flash before his eyes and he knew he was going over, so he pulled to avoid it. Roga then used Shishi’s momentum and forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (5-1) defeated Nishikifuji (3-3). Hidari-yotsu battle. When Wakamotoharu finally firmed up that left hand grip, paired with the right-hand over-arm hold, he pulled up and bulldozed Nishikifuji through the dohyo. Yoritaoshi.

Kinbozan (5-1) defeated Oshoma (4-2). Kinbozan’s arm cannons laid waste to Oshoma. Tsukidashi.

Halftime

Hiradoumi (2-4) defeated Gonoyama (3-3). Hiradoumi blitzed Gonoyama and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (4-2) defeated Daieisho (2-4). Kotoshoho tried to block as many incoming tsuppari as he could but he definitely took some headshots. Nevertheless, he also pursued Daieisho when Daieisho would try to slip away. Kotoshoho got in some blows of his own, that’s for sure. He cut down the dohyo, cornered Daieisho and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Fujiseiun (3-3) defeated Takerufuji (2-4). Hidari-yotsu grapple. Takerufuji hefted Fujiseiun and tried to get him over the bales. But Fujiseiun drove back into the center and toppled Takerufuji with a fierce uwatenage.

Sanyaku

Fujinokawa (2-4) defeated Ura (1-5). Fujinokawa repeatedly blasted Ura, forcing him to the edge where Ura would try to shift direction and catch Fujinokawa with a throw. Fujinokawa wasn’t having any of it, though, and kept blasting away, eventually blasting him clear from the fighting surface. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (2-4) defeated Atamifuji (5-1). Asanoyama flowed downhill like a ferocious landslide, decimating the sleepy town of Atami. Atamifuji came into this bout with no plan, apparently; just counting on his size, as a few of you have noted in the comments. Well, landslides don’t abide the lazy. BTW, if you’re new to sumo, you may have seen the viral video from a few years ago and not known that’s Atamifuji’s hometown. Search it up. I’ll wait. Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji (4-2) defeated Kotozakura (4-2). Kotozakura impressed me again, today but Yoshinofuji was just better. Kotozakura tried to pin Yoshinofuji’s right arm with an armbar but Yoshi quickly pulled away. Kotozakura still pressed forward and held Yoshinofuji, trying to work him back. Yoshinofuji wasn’t going back, though and pressed into the Ozeki, forcing him back to the edge. Kotozakura tried a shitatenage but Yoshinofuji’s left-arm uwate won the day. Uwatenage.

Aonishiki (4-2) defeated Churanoumi (1-5). Churanoumi’s tsuppari and ottsuke was intended to keep Aonishiki’s left hand from getting inside. Job done. But, Aonishiki decided to grab Churanoumi’s belt with his left-hand outside, instead. Aonishiki then slammed Churanoumi to the ground. Uwatenage.

Kirishima (5-1) defeated Fujiryoga (4-2). This was a great bout. An energetic, aggressive Fujiryoga charged at the Ozeki. Kirishima tried to shuffle left and bring Fujiryoga down with a throw but Fujiryoga. In American football, they talk about edge containment. It’s similar here where the opponent is trying to shift one way and allow your momentum to carry you past. To avoid it, you have to not only move with the flow but even get ahead of it to contain it. Fujiryoga did that and avoided Kirishima’s early throw. However, as the pair settled in the center of the dohyo, Kirishima began to drive into Fujiryoga, forcing him to the edge. It was now Fujiryoga’s turn to try to shift left but Kirishima contained him and slammed him to the ground. Yoritaoshi.

Onosato (5-1) defeated Hakunofuji (2-4). While Hakunofuji fumbled for a left-hand inside grip, Onosato moved forward to the edge. Then, at the edge, Onosato shoved Hakunofuji with both hands and sent him sprawling off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Hoshoryu (3-3) defeated Takayasu (1-5). Takayasu just got beat. Not pretty and it’s not going to settle the bigger debate around whether Hoshoryu should go kyujo or not. Hoshoryu charged ahead and forced Takayasu over the edge as Takayasu futilely tried to escape along the tawara. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

With Atamifuji’s loss, no one remains undefeated. The field is wide open as we approach the middle weekend. Onosato will fight Churanoumi in the musubi-no-ichiban. Does anyone doubt that Hoshoryu will be back tomorrow? Is anyone more concerned about his fight against Yoshinofuji tomorrow than Papa Bear today? Good, we’re on the same page.

As far as the Ozeki go, they’re still there. Aonishiki will fight Fujiseiun, Kotozakura will fight Ura, and Kirishima will take on Hakunofuji. Fujinokawa will fight Asanoyama and it will be Atamifuji’s turn to battle Fujiryoga. That’s certainly a lot of great action which will surely keep me up tomorrow. Thank God for coffee.

As a bonus for those in Japan (or with VPNs going) in the lower division action Sunamusashi will fight Matsunosato and Eisei will be back to fight Tochihayate, all with an early kachi-koshi on the line.

Kyushu 2026: Day Five

Andy Kyushu 2026, Kyushu Basho , ,

Day Five in Fukuoka

Wakatakakage and Tamashoho, of all people, continue to run things in Juryo. Asahifuji handled Tomokaze with ease today. It’s bouts like this which make me wonder how Tomokaze is still sekitori when he’s not just a one trick pony. He’s a one trick pony with no knees. He got blasted to the edge and then tries a pathetic slapdown attempt from about a foot in front of the tawara. They might be harsh words but it’s painful to watch him fight and I don’t like fights where it’s painful to watch them. We’ll have a few of them today.

As an aside, if you’re new to sumo and curious about how a gyoji can manage to prevent a wardrobe malfunction, watch the Tobizaru fight. Kazuma’s mawashi came loose so the gyoji made them freeze while he fixed it.

If there’s a real marathon bout that lasts four minutes, they stop the fight like this, too. Except in that case the gyoji will mark where their feet are in the clay and the wrestlers will go down and get some water before coming back to resume the action, in the manner done here. Tobizaru quickly took advantage of the restart and threw Kazuma.

Down in Makushita, Ikarigata is making a strong case for promotion to Juryo. He picked up his third win and remains undefeated. Omori is the buff guy, the “ikemen” who’s making the sujo swoon with his sukuinage win over Sazanami today.

Down in Jonokuchi, Sunamusashi got his third straight win. Let’s see him pick up his kachi-koshi before we start thinking about yusho. Today, he beat Chiyoshinzan. Even though Chiyoshinzan appeared to jump a bit early, Sunamusashi quickly dispatched him. Chiyoshinzan seemed more focused on where he was going to land than tactics.

Your NHK videos are here. As y’all asked in the comments, I am curious if the NHK ever looks at their referral traffic and sees us. We’re probably too small of a website but many of you do go and click through to watch the videos there. I still think they’re great but it was better when they had all of the Juryo fights, too. At least Abema shares a lot of those on Twitter.

Makuuchi Action

Kyokukaiyu (3-2) defeated Onokatsu (1-4). Onokatsu visited from Juryo. His early slapdown attempt failed and moved him a bit closer to the edge. Kyokukaiyu wrapped him up and forced him back to the edge. Onokatsu shuffled along the bales desperately trying an uwatenage but Kyokukaiyu’s grip and footwork were solid as he forced Onokatsu out. Yorikiri.

Daiseizan (1-4) defeated Kitanowaka (1-4). Kitanowaka’s right ankle was taped and he couldn’t put any pressure on it. Daiseizan grabbed Kitanowaka’s belt and easily forced Kitanowaka back and out as Kitanowaka hopped around on the one healthy foot. Another broken rikishi who needs to go kyujo. If that’s what it took for Daiseizan to get his first win, frankly he’s probably broken, too, and maybe hiding a back injury or something. Yorikiri.

Arashifuji (4-1) defeated Tamawashi (3-2). Arashifuji shifted to the left at the tachiai, trying to pull Tamawashi’s arm. Tamawashi adjusted well but Arashifuji went on the attack and shoved Tamawashi out. Oshidashi.

Dewanoryu (4-1) defeated Tokihayate (2-3). Dewanoryu’s right hand ottsuke and left arm inside grip kept Tokihayate from getting his own hold. Dewanoryu chugged ahead and forced Tokihayate out. Yorikikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (3-2) defeated Asasuiryu (2-3). Asasuiryu went low, and apparently too low. It looked like he slid his right leg out to brace against the tawara, which were farther away than expected. Ichiyamamoto slapped him down as he slipped. Hatakikomi.

Asahakuryu (4-1) defeated Toshinofuji (1-4). Hidari-yotsu lean fest. No one could get an advantage so Asahakuryu decided to switch things up and forced a grip change to migi-yotsu. Toshinofuji tried a pull, but it failed. He then tried a trip, but Asahakuryu’s footwork was solid. The trip attempt actually gave Asahakuryu an opening and he forced Toshinofuji back and out. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (4-1) defeated Abi (1-4). Takanosho shoved Abi back and out. Abi looks terrible. He could not generate an offense today. He’s throwing hands but his opponents are just moving through them. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (4-1) defeated Oho (3-2). Oshoma used his left hand uwate to drag Oho around the ring. Oho kept his balance until Oshoma pressed forward. This forced Oho to stand up a bit, and forced him back. When they got close to the edge, Oshoma pulled again on that uwatenage, now with more leverage and Oho off-balance and he successfully threw Oho. Uwatenage.

Nishikifuji (3-2) defeated Shishi (0-5). Shishi had a great hold of Nishikifuji and tried to topple him at the edge. But at the last second Nishikifuji broke Shishi’s left hand grip and threw him over the edge. Shishi’s best fight of the tournament, in my opinion. He was competitive but never really close to a win. Uwatenage.

Roga (2-3) defeated Asakoryu (1-4). Roga just overpowered Asakoryu, drove him back and out. Asakoryu pulled, attempting to brace with his right foot and throw Roga. Roga just plowed through. The reason it was so easy was apparent by the way Asakoryu limped back up the hanamichi. His taped right knee is acting up. Why was he trying to brace with the right foot when his right knee can barely handle his own weight? Another broken rikishi who should probably be on the couch for a few days. Kimedashi.

Kinbozan (4-1) defeated Kotoshoho (3-2). Kotoshoho pulled so Kinbozan drove forward and forced Kotoshoho out. Kotoshoho’s twist at the edge was ineffective. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Wakamotoharu (4-1) defeated Hiradoumi (1-4). Hiradoumi charged ahead but Wakamotoharu shuffled to the left at the edge and slapped Hiradoumi down. Hatakikomi.

Gonoyama (3-2) defeated Daieisho (2-3). Daieisho blasted Gonoyama but tired. It looked like he tried to wrap Gonoyama up with a kubinage but the move allowed Gonoyama to rotate Daieisho so his back was to the edge. With Daieisho high, up around Gonoyama’s neck, Gonoyama got low and inside and shoved Daieisho back. Oshidashi.

Fujiryoga (4-1) defeated Takerufuji (2-3). Takerufuji used his right hand uwate grip to pull and drag Fujiryoga back. However, Fujiryoga bulldozed through Takerufuji and blasted him off the dohyo, nearly taking out Atamifuji in the process. Thomas asked on Twitter whether Fujiryoga is the real deal. We won’t really find out until he faces this sanyaku competition on a regular basis. It’s clear you have to have durability as well as power and skill. Yoritaoshi.

Sanyaku

Yoshinofuji (3-2) defeated Churanoumi (1-4). Churanoumi drove into Yoshinofuji and forced him back. However, Yoshinofuji sidestepped left at the edge and pulled Churanoumi forward over the bales. I like Shikimori Kandayu’s robes. The autumn leaves looked like flames to me at first. A few of the earlier gyoji had their Pokeball robes on, so I was initially thinking this was another Pokemon-themed outfit. But a closer view allows you to see the leaves. Then there’s the softer sakura on the other side. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (5-0) defeated Fujinokawa (1-4). Both men stood at the tachiai. Fujinokawa reached in for a leg pick but Atamifuji quickly wrapped his arms around Fujinokawa and pulled him up. Atamifuji plowed forward and forced Fujinokawa back and crushed him out. Yoritaoshi.

Aonishiki (3-2) defeated Hakunofuji (2-3). The return of the left hand. Aonishiki got his left-hand inside grip, rotated, and chucked Hakunofuji into the front row. Shitatenage.

Kirishima (4-1) defeated Asanoyama (1-4). Kirishima’s patience paid off. Asanoyama had a strong right-hand inside grip. But he wanted to get that left-hand inside. When he tried to switch grips, Kirishima took advantage of the improved leverage and dragged him over the edge, trying an uwatenage. Asanoyama kept his footing but Kirishima continued to pressure him until he forced Asanoyama out. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (4-1) defeated Takayasu (1-4). Takayasu got a right hand inside grip of Kotozakura’s belt but Kotozakura squared him up and drove him back, regardless. Powerful work from the current Ozeki. Yorikiri.

Fujiseiun (2-3) defeated Hoshoryu (2-3). Fujiseiun overpowered the Yokozuna. Like I said the other day. Hoshoryu is a Kinboshi-flavored Pez dispenser. From what I understand, base on the ancient texts at Ekoin Temple, Kinboshi-flavor is kind of like pineapple. Yorikiri.

Onosato (4-1) defeated Ura (1-4). Onosato pulled and slammed Ura into the ground. Not the prettiest win, not exactly great footwork or overwhelming power but a win is a win. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Tatsunami-oyakata has a goose that lays a golden egg. His preferred method for managing this resource is to open a yakitori restaurant and serve him up until the last of the meat is exhausted. Yes, a Yokozuna’s job is to get out there and win. Hoshoryu’s doing half of it. He’s getting out there. Let’s hope he can win enough to get a kachi-koshi. Tatsunami-oyakata can talk a big game but he’s either going to force Hoshoryu into retirement here in Kyushu or face the music that the knee is not ready and needs rest.

Tomorrow, Hoshoryu is scheduled to face Takayasu in the musubi-no-ichiban. Onosato will fight Hakunofuji. Kirishima will take on the sensation that is Fujiryoga. Aonishiki will fight Churanoumi, Kotozakura will fight Yoshinofuji, Atamifuji will fight Asanoyama, and Fujinokawa will fight Ura. That’s a lot of great looking match-ups, capped off with a pre-retirement party. May the least damaged rikishi win.

Kyushu 2026: Day Four

Andy Kyushu 2026, Kyushu Basho , ,

Day Four in Fukuoka.

No news from the infirmary. I’m not entirely convinced that’s a good thing.

As a general sumo coverage note, Sumosquirrel was right. JME is shutting down on 3/31/2027 and announced it on various Social Media accounts. JME points to Sling, Dish, and Toober (Canada) as alternatives for the North American markets affected.

In Juryo, Wakatakakage and Tamashoho won their bouts to remain undefeated. Asahifuji defeated Wakanosho for his third win. The real surprise is Shodai finally woke up from his slumber and threw poor Tobizaru off the dohyo. I couldn’t believe it, myself, so I posted the evidence below.

Down in Jonidan, Eisei defeated Terutaka (clip below). In Jonokuchi, Sunamusashi beat Kotoryu. Both men improved to 2-0.

Today’s NHK videos are here and include an interview and feature celebrating sumo’s Iron Man, Tamawashi.

Makuuchi Action

Chiyoshoma (1-3) defeated Daiseizan (0-4). Chiyoshoma visited from Juryo. He grabbed Daiseizan’s belt with his left hand, pivoted, and bowled the youngster across the clay. Shitatenage.

Tamawashi (3-1) defeated Kyokukaiyu (2-2). Kyokykaiyu threw an errant right hand thrust that Tamawashi batted to the side, spinning Kyokukaiyu. This exposed Kyokukaiyu’s back so Tamawashi quickly ushered Kyokukaiyu through the ring but Kyokukaiyu put on the brakes at the edge. Wasting no time, Tamawashi slammed into Kyokukaiyu’s chest, toppling him onto his back. Yoritaoshi.

Tokihayate (2-2) defeated Kitanowaka (1-3). Tokihayate had a strong right-hand over arm grip. He tried to drive Kitanowaka back and force him over the bales. Kitanowaka planted his feet on the tawara and refused to back out so Tokihayate pulled with that right hand and rolled Kitanowaka to the ground. Uwatedashinage.

Arashifuji (3-1) defeated Dewanoryu (3-1). Arashifuji repeatedly slammed into Dewanoryu, shoving him back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Toshinofuji (1-3) defeated Asasuiryu (2-2). Asasuiryu charged low into Toshinofuji but this allowed Toshinofuji to grab the back of Asasuiryu’s belt with his left hand. At the bales, Toshinofuji swung Asasuiryu down to the ground and over the edge. Lots of throws so far today. Uwatenage.

Ichiyamamoto (2-2) defeated Abi (1-3). Abi’s tsuppari dispenser was out-of-order so he pulled three times, each time trying to slap Ichi down while edging closer to the bales. On the third pull, Ichiyamamoto shoved Abi back and out. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu defeated Takanosho. Takanosho hit Asahakuryu with tsuppari to drive him back but Asahakuryu ducked low and got inside, grabbing Takanosho’s belt. Takanosho pulled and Asahakuryu took advantage, using Takanosho’s momentum to drive him back and out. Yorikiri.

Oho (3-1) defeated Shishi (0-4). Oho slammed into Shishi and reached his right hand inside. When Oho grabbed Shishi’s belt, Shishi pulled. Oho used the momentum to help drive Shishi back and out. Shishi is having a terrible basho. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (3-1) defeated Asakoryu (1-3). Asakoryu ducked inside and got a left-hand inside grip. Oshoma swiftly locked onto Asakoryu’s arm and dragged him, trying a kotenage. Asakoryu stayed up but decided to let go of Oshoma’s belt. He then drove forward with an oshi attack but Oshoma slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

NIshikifuji (2-2) defeated Roga (1-3). Nishikifuji got his right-hand inside and hoisted Roga up and back, off-balance. Nishikifuji kept Roga moving back and forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (3-1) defeated Kinbozan (3-1). Strong tachiai from Wakamotoharu, stunning Kinbozan. Kinbozan dropped to a knee. The way Kinbozan dropped alarmed Wakamotoharu who immediately checked in on Kinbozan. Good to see that. Kinbozan was fine, though. Just stunned. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Kotoshoho (3-1) defeated Takerufuji (2-2). Kotoshoho used his tsuppari and footwork to thrust Takerufuji over the edge. It looked like a run of the mill Oshidashi to me but they called it a Tsukidashi.

Daieisho (2-2) defeated Hiradoumi (1-3). Daieisho did his thing. Forceful tsuppari followed by a pull. When the pull failed, he slammed into Hiradoumi with such force it staggered Hiradoumi and Hiradoumi stumbled back over the edge. Now THAT’s a Tsukidashi.

Gonoyama (2-2) defeated Hakunofuji (2-2). Hakunofuji chose to pull, basically jumping on to the tawara. Cue my confused, “¿Que?” face. He might have been trying for misdirection but ended up with virtual capitulation. Gonoyama followed and slammed into Hakunofuji, shoving him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Fujinokawa (1-3) defeated Yoshinofuji (2-2). Yoshinofuji grabbed Fujinokawa at the tachiai and drove him back to the bales. At the edge, Fujinokawa escaped to his left, pivoted and thrust Yoshinofuji to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Atamifuji (4-0) defeated Churanoumi (1-3). Churanoumi squared up to Atamifuji but Atamifuji wrapped him up and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (3-1) defeated Takayasu (1-3). Throughout the bout, Kirishima was focused on corralling Takayasu’s left arm. Takayasu tried to lock on Kirishima’s right and drag him over the edge but he rotated too far, exposing his back to the Ozeki. Kirishima got Takayasu turned and shoved him back from behind. Okuridashi.

Kotozakura (3-1) defeated Asanoyama (1-3). Chest-to-chest, Kotozakura bulled Asanoyama back and over the edge. Let that sink in. The words just don’t seem to fit together that way, do they? It’s so unusual, I’m not entirely convinced that I’m awake. These bizarre dreams are quite unsettling. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (3-1) defeated Aonishiki (2-2). Aonishiki got his left hand inside but Fujiryoga did not go quietly over those straw bales. Instead, he piled the pressure on the Ozeki with his own right arm uwate hold, forced him back and crushed him out. Cue fierce Fuji face. He looks like Popeye when he does that. It’s not quite like Kotozakura’s pre-bout Popeye face but close. Uwatenage.

Onosato (3-1) defeated Fujiseiun (1-3). Onosato locked on quickly with his right hand inside. Fujiseiun was in trouble but seemed to have limited options. Onosato started driving back and even briefly managed to get his left hand inside, too. Fujiseiun tried a last gasp throw by shuffling to his left and rotating. Onosato shuffled right with him, though, and dropped Fujiseiun over the edge. Sukuinage.

Ura (1-3) defeated Hoshoryu (2-2). Hoshoryu tried to pull and slap Ura down. Ura justed pressed forward and forced the Yokozuna over the bales. Kinboshi Numero Dos. Hoshoryu’s become a Pez Dispenser. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Atamifuji leads the field, alone. Obviously, there’s a whole host of guys at 3-1 but Atamifuji is our lone undefeated rikishi in the top division. I agree with several of y’all who commented on the topic that Atamifuji likely isn’t even the best rikishi in Isegahama but for now he’s got the best record.

Hoshoryu will need to recover quickly. He will face Fujiseiun tomorrow. Onosato will take his turn against Ura. Kotozakura will fight Takayasu, Kirishima will fight Asanoyama, and Aonishiki will take on Hakunofuji. Rounding out Sanyaku, the Sekiwake pair of Atamifuji and Fujinokawa will face off and the Komusubi will take each other on, Yoshinofuji vs Churanoumi.

Hoo Boy. Umm… Is Tatsunami-oyakata looking for a deal on a barber? How quickly the sense of relief after Day One has faded.

Kyushu 2026: Day Three

Andy Kyujo (休場), Kyushu 2026, Kyushu Basho , , ,

Day Three in Fukuoka.

This usually means the start of maezumo but there will not be maezumo at this tournament. There were only four participants in the entrance exam before the basho and two of them were foreigners. The foreigners have to wait for their visas to come through, which will likely be January. One of them is Anatoli, a recruit from Estonia who will join Hidenoyama beya.

As Justin mentioned in the replies, the two Japanese recruits are going to join the same heya and there won’t be any injured rikishi coming back who would participate in maezumo again. So, no maezumo.

We do have a new report from the infirmary today. Kotoeiho is kyujo due to a neck injury that led to numbness in his right hand. Apparently, he’s got a herniated disc in his neck. Yikes. NHK says he’s out for four weeks. Kinbozan will receive the default victory.

Speaking of NHK, your videos are here. Today’s videos include a nice little interview with Shinkomusubi Churanoumi that features his work promoting sumo with kids.

Before we hop to the top division action, let’s check in on our former makuuchi wrestlers in Juryo. Wakatakakage and Tobizaru continue to fight for their return, joined by Kayo, Enho, and Tamashoho at 3-0. Enho is always dangerous with his leg picks as Sadanoumi discovered today.

In Makushita, Fujinokawa’s brother, Ikarigata Chugo is making a case for rapid promotion. He tood down Asahifuji’s old nemesis, Tenshoyama, today. Ikazuchido picked up his first win of the tournament against Kyokumizuno and Kaki got his second win. Naya picked off Kiryuko. Hikarumusashi won his first bout of the basho against Ryutsukasa. Eisei and Sunamusashi had the day off. Apologies for the truncated early division action but there’s a lot of great action to focus on in Makuuchi today.

Makuuchi Action

Kyokukaiyu (2-1) defeated Arashifuji (2-1). Solid tachiai from Kyokuakiyu. As Kyokukaiyu recoiled, Arashifuji stumbled forward and touched the clay with his hand. Kimura Shozaburo didn’t see, so he tried to play it off and the fight continued briefly before Kokonoe-oyakata, the head shimpan, alerted the gyoji. “Yo, Arashifuji touched, dude.” That’s an awesome name, “Shou-ZA-buro.” I could say that all day. Tsukite.

Tamawashi (2-1) defeated Daiseizan (0-3). Daiseizan has not looked ready for this tournament. Tamawashi blasted into him at the tachiai, leading with a fierce clash of heads. Tamawashi followed with tsuppari and drove Daiseizan out. Oshidashi.

Dewanoryu (3-0) defeated Kitanowaka (1-2). Kitanowaka tried to use his right hand ottsuke to displace Dewanoryu’s left-hand inside grip. He briefly broke Dewanoryu’s hold but Dewanoryu quickly locked back on again. He used that strong hidari-yotsu hold and dragged Kitanowaka over to the edge, pivoted and threw Kitanowaka to the ground with his right-hand overarm grip. After my Day One snafu with his shikona, Dewanoryu’s message to Andy is, “Learn my name, Dude.” Yes, sir. He’s been fighting really well to start this tournament and looks like he belongs in the division. Kitanowaka, Toshinofuji, and Daiseizan are not quite as persuasive here. Uwatedashinage.

Tokihayate (1-2) defeated Toshinofuji (0-3). While Toshinofuji leaned over Tokihayate’s back and fumbled for a belt grip, Tokihayate charged into Toshinofuji and blasted him from the ring. Oshidashi.

Asasuiryu (2-1) defeated Abi (1-2). Abi’s back, ankle wrapped up with about sixty feet of tape there. Asasuiryu did not take it easy on him and bulldozed Abi back and out. Will he grind it out and pray for leniency from the Banzuke committee? Oshidashi.

Takanosho (3-0) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-2). The men traded tsuppari, Ichiyamamoto advancing steadily. As Takanosho reached the edge of the dohyo, he shifted left and slapped Ichiyamamoto down. Hatakikomi.

Oho (2-1) defeated Asahakuryu (2-1). Oho moved forward! He forced Asahakuryu back to the edge where Asahakuryu tried to shift right and thrust Oho down to the side. But Oho had his wits about him, adjusted to Asahakuryu’s shift and plowed ahead. “Call Mr. Plow. That’s my name. That name again is Mr. Plow.” I like this version of Oho. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (2-1) defeated Shishi (0-3). Shishi tried to lumber forward and get in for his left hand grip but Oshoma kept shoving him away. Eventually, Shishi grew so tired (or bored) that he fell asleep and flopped into the middle of the ring. YAWN. Again, terrible footwork from Shishi. He’s stumbling all over. And Oshoma demonstrated the less creativity than a kindergarden art class. Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (1-2) defeated Asakoryu (1-2). Nishikifuji’s tachiai woke me up. He hit Asakoryu with a shoulder blast and followed with steady thrusts. Asakoryu barely had time to try any counter attack before he was being driven over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (2-1) defeated Roga (1-2). Wakamotoharu got a left-hand grip deep at the back of Roga’s mawashi. He drove ahead and forced Roga out quickly. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (3-0) default win over Kotoeiho (1-2).

Halftime

Kotoshoho (2-1) defeated Hiradoumi (1-2). Kotoshoho battered Hiradoumi with head shots out the gate. Hiradoumi shifted to avoid and tried to re-engage from the side but Kotoshoho slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Takerufuji (2-1) defeated Gonoyama (1-2). Gonoyama charged ahead but Takerufuji slid to the left and pulled Gonoyama down. Tsukiotoshi.

Hakunofuji (2-1) defeated Takayasu (1-2). Hakunofuji reminded me of a weatherman assigned to hurricane duty. He withstood a shoulder blast tachiai followed by a torrent of tsuppari from Takayasu. The only respite came from wrapping his arms around a tree (Takayasu) and waiting for the storm to die down. Hakunofuji then pressed forward and forced Takayasu out with an extra shove to make sure Papayasu was good and out. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Atamifuji (3-0) defeated Daieisho (1-2). Atamifuji read the brief. He blocked as much of Daieisho’s incoming blasts as he could and watched out for Daieisho’s sudden shifts. Daieisho eventually shifted himself too close to the edge and Atamifuji charged ahead. Daieisho tried to run away and shift again but shifted himself out. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (1-2) defeated Fujinokawa (0-3). Fujinokawa was on edge and jumped the gun twice. Churanoumi got a strong left-arm uwate and dragged Fujinokawa down with a forceful throw. I’m sorry, did Churanoumi pull a tooth out, all nonchalant-like, while walking back down the hanamichi? I hope that was just some broccoli. Uwatenage.

Kotozakura (2-1) defeated Fujiseiun (1-2). Now this was Ozeki zumo. Kotozakura forced his way forward until he got that big left-hand grip at the back of Fujiseiun’s belt. Then, he pivoted and dragged Fujiseiun down. Fight like this from now on, Zakura-seki! Can I call you, Zack? No? Wise choice. Uwatenage.

Aonishiki (2-1) defeated Ura (0-3). I didn’t know what Ura had planned and Aonishiki likely didn’t either. We all knew what Aonishiki had planned. Left-hand inside. Ura, it turns out, let him go for that because he was counting on it. He bum-rushed the Ozeki and drove forward, seizing Aonishiki’s belt with his right hand outside as the Ozeki got his favored hold. Ura then suddenly pulled and tried a forceful uwatenage. It would have been a spectacular move but Aonishiki maintained his composure and used his excellent footwork to move inside, wrapping up Ura with both arms and forcing him back and out. Excellent sumo from both men. Good try, Ura-zeki. Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji (2-1) defeated Kirishima (2-1). Yoshinofuji got his right hand uwate early. Kirishima tried to use his left-hand inside hold to throw Yoshinofuji. Yoshinofuji countered by wrapping his leg around Kirishima and using the added leverage to make his overarm throw work. Fantastic move! Kirishima had a wry smile of appreciation as he got himself back up from the ground. Uwatenage.

Fujiryoga (2-1) defeated Hoshoryu (2-1). Fujiryoga exposed the vulnerability of Hoshoryu’s knee. Hatsu-kinboshi. Hoshoryu pivoted and pulled, clutching for that right hand uwate. It never came. Fujiryoga recovered and charged at the Yokozuna, forcing him back to the edge and then bull-rushing him back onto his ass. “Das ist nicht gut.” Oshitaoshi.

Onosato (2-1) defeated Asanoyama (1-2). Asanoyama got his left-hand uwate but could not quite get that right arm inside. Undeterred, he planted his foot and pulled hard on the Yokozuna’s belt, dragging him toward the edge. Onosato used his footwork and his own solid inside belt grip to keep Asanoyama centered, crushing the former Ozeki backward and out. Asanoyama may have lost but he left his mark. Onosato got up with a bloodied mouth. I’m not sure if it was from the fierce tachiai or the fall. I wouldn’t be surprised if Onosato will be looking for some late-night dental work. Yoritaoshi.

Wrap-up

I’ve got a serious question. Who is better, Yoshinofuji or Atamifuji? Which Isegahama wrestler is destined for higher office, more accolades, more titles, more hardware? Right now, Atamifuji has the Heyagashira title. I mean, it’s staggering to think of Hakunofuji and Takerufuji as the “B-Team” at Isegahama-beya but here we are.

Now, turning to the Fujishima Boys, Fujiryoga draws first blood, claiming his first kinboshi. Both of these guys have burst onto the scene and are becoming quite the duo. I look forward to seeing these guys develop. Fujiseiun will get his chance at a kinboshi tomorrow as he will fight Onosato. Fujiryoga will take on Aonishiki and both are first-time meets.

Hoshoryu looked shaky today on that knee. He will fight Ura tomorrow. We’ll see how he recovers from today’s loss. It will be very important to pick up these early wins. He can’t be scrambling for a kachi-koshi in the final days, or we’ll see his final days on the dohyo sooner rather than later.

Asanoyama will fight Kotozakura, whom he leads in the rivalry with a 3-0 record. However, their first head-to-head was more than 10 years ago, way back in Sandanme and both were fighting under their real names: Ishibashi vs. Koto-Kamatani. They would fight again two years ago when Asanoyama was making his first comeback. We’ll see how it goes this time. With Kotozakura fighting well, this could actually be a really good bout.

Kirishima will fight Takayasu in yet another highlight bout. Atamifuji will fight Churanoumi and Fujinokawa will take on Yoshinofuji. It’s amazing Fujinokawa is still winless. Can he turn this around and save his potential Ozeki run? Or will it wither on the vine? Yoshinofuji leads the head-to-head with a 6-1 advantage.