Aki 2026: Day Four

Andy Aki 2026 , ,

Day Four in Tokyo.

Shinmichi picked up his first win in maezumo. Shinmichi is a shin-deshi (new recruit) noted in Japanese press for being “a buck 25.” Well, over there they use metric, so he’s 57kg. They note that his weight is in “the 50s.” Which is rather light for a sumo wrestler and they’re looking forward to his inevitable bout with Ultraman (Urutora).

The Sumo Association had paired him off against a 165 kg 19-year-old from Tottori Johoku High School in his first bout yesterday. The larger Matsunosato easily dispatched the youngster, displaying an appropriate degree of mercy.

Shinmichi’s entry into sumo is really only possible since the sumo association relaxed its height and weight limits, allowing exceptions to enter if they pass a series of physical tests. Shinmichi comes to sumo with a background in MMA and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Well, does it even count as a “background” when you’re 15 years old and you picked it up in sixth grade? I’ve got pimples with more experience.

In the first division, Eisei won his second professional bout against Honda. Honda is 190cm and 140kg. Up in Juryo, Hitoshi flattened Enho with fierce tsuppari. Daiseizan shares the 4-0 lead with Kitanowaka, Kagayaki and Kayo. I would not put much money on those last three remaining undefeated to nakabi, much less featuring in a yusho race. But stranger things have happened.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Asasuiryu (3-1) defeated Kazuto (1-3). Asasuiryu immediately locked on to Kazuto’s shoulder and wrangled him down in the middle of the ring. Katasukashi.

Tobizaru (1-3) defeated Shonannoumi (0-4). Tobizaru got his right-hand hold of Shonannoumi’s belt and was determined to use that grip and spin Shonannoumi down. Shonannoumi struggled to contain Tobizaru and eventually succumbed to the drag-down. Uwatedashinage.

Toshinofuji (3-1) defeated Asakoryu (3-1). Toshinofuji got a firm right hand grip on Asakoryu’s belt and dragged him down at the edge. Gunbai Toshinofuji. Mono-ii. Shimpan wanted to take a closer look to whether Toshinofuji’s foot stepped out first. It did not, though it came close. Uwatenage.

Abi (2-2) defeated Tokihayate (2-2). Abi-zumo of old. Abi battered Tokihayate with tsuppari and drove Tokihayate out with a particularly forceful right hand. Tsukidashi.

Chiyoshoma (2-2) defeated Asahakuryu (2-2). Henka! Chiyoshoma jumped right, grabbed Asahakuryu’s belt and pulled him forward and off the dohyo to a smattering of applause. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (3-1) defeated Shodai (0-4). Kinbozan grabbed Shodai’s belt with both hands, buried his head under Shodai’s chin and drove the former Ozeki back and out. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (3-1) defeated Shishi (1-3). After a brief period of trading slaps, the two settled in the center with hidari-yotsu grips. Wakamotoharu demonstrated the strength and initiative, driving Shishi back. Shishi countered with his own pressure but Wakamotoharu overwhelmed Shishi and crashed the pair out. Overpowering Shishi like that is no small task. Yoritaoshi.

Takerufuji (3-1) defeated Oho (1-3). Gah! Oho showed great strength and drove Takerufuji back to the edge…and then he pulled!! Takerufuji kept his balance as Oho tried to slap him down and forced him out the opposite side. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (2-2) defeated Fujiseiun (3-1). Hiradoumi executed what Oho attempted. Hiradoumi slammed into Fujiseiun and drove him back. He then shifted subtly to the left and shoved Fujiseiun down as the latter rushed forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Ura (3-1) defeated Nishikifuji (1-3). Nishikifuji charged forward and Ura retreated around the ring, nearly completing an entire lap before realizing this attack wasn’t getting anywhere. Ura squared up and drove forward, forcing Nishikifuji out. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Roga (3-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (0-4) Ichiyamamoto got off to a great start with his tsuppari attack but Roga got his right arm under Ichiyamamoto’s left, pivoted and swung him around, nearly scoring a sukuinage at the edge. Though Ichiyamamoto remained upright, he was completely back-footed and Roga drove forward and out. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (3-1) defeated Oshoma (2-2). Asanoyama drove into Oshoma and got his powerful left-hand uwate. Oshoma planted his foot at the bales and would not go over so Asanoyama swung him down with that uwatenage.

Churanoumi (3-1) defeated Takanosho (3-1). Churanoumi retreated from Takanosho’s tsuppari then charged inside and used his morozashi to force Takanosho out. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Daieisho (1-3) defeated Yoshinofuji (0-4). This was the most composed I’ve seen Daieisho in that he seemed to understand balance. He used his normal attack but did not get out too far over his feet. A simple shift caught Yoshinofuji off balance and Daieisho pounced, blasting Yoshinofuji from the ring. Tsukiotoshi.

Atamifuji (3-1) defeated Fujiryoga (1-3). Pull at your peril! Fujiryoga put in a great attack but then decided to pull. Atamifuji chased and shoved Fujiryoga down. Oshitaoshi.

Kotoshoho (1-3) defeated Fujinokawa (2-2). What did I just say? “Pull at your peril!” Fujinokawa pulled and became immediately imperiled. Fujinokawa met a strong tachiai from Kotoshoho and decided to pull. Kotoshoho rushed him out of the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji (1-3) defeated Aonishiki (3-1). Hakunofuji charged forward well, forcing Aonishiki back to the tawara. Aonishiki got his left hand grip but lost the initiative as he tried to slow the Juggernaut in front of him. Aonishiki decided to pull. What.did.I.just.say??? Hakunofuji charged forward. The delayed gunbai pointed at Hakunofuji. No Mono-ii. An extremely out-of-breath Hakunofuji headed to the interview room. Give the man some oxygen! Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (4-0) defeated Gonoyama (1-3). Kotozakura shifted left after the initial charge, grabbed Gonoyama’s belt and dragged him down. Uwatenage.

Kirishima defeated Kotoeiho. Kirishima got both hands inside. That makikae was a bit of a gamble because it allowed Kotoeiho an opportunity to charge ahead. Kirishima stopped Kotoeiho’s momentum, shuffled to regain position at the center of the ring, and used that morozashi to force Kotoeiho out. Yorikiri.

Takayasu defeated Onosato. WHAT.DID.I.SAY? Onosato completely abandoned the forward-moving sumo of the last couple of bouts. He pulled and leapt from the dohyo while trying to slap Takayasu down or pull him out. Takayasu nearly lost his balance but pirouetted on the tawara as he watched Onosato dive into the crowd. Pay Day!! Tsukiotoshi.

Wrap-up

I think I’ve said enough about today’s bouts. I’ll let my cousin’s voice echo through the interwebs. “MOVE FORWARD!!!”

Tomorrow’s big bout is Onosato versus Yoshinofuji. Yoshinofuji has beaten Onosato three.times.running. He’s 4-0 against the Yokozuna if you count the fusen. However, Yoshinofuji is 0-4 in this tournament. Either the Yokozuna will be another black star in a bad losing streak or his first white star will be white-gold. Onosato is probably in the market for a quality voodoo doll.

Other sanyaku bouts are Kotozakura against Churanoumi, Aonishiki versus Gonoyama, Kirishima-Takanosho, Atamifuji versus Daieisho, and Hakunofuji versus Fujinokawa. That last bout could be a real barnstormer. Hakunofuji won their only previous bout.

Days like today are why I watch live. I just don’t get the same drama from watching replays. Holy moly that was immensely frustrating but a great day of sumo.

Aki 2026: Day Three — Late Edition

Andy Aki 2026

Day Three in Tokyo.

Sorry for the late update. The presentation went well and the conference is pretty nice. But damn, dude. Remember Animaniacs from back in the 90s? They had a song about how New York was once New Amsterdam. Well, old New York is definitely new New Amsterdam. The weed up here, it’s like a cloud, everywhere you go. I thought I was getting used to it in DC/Maryland…but no… Totally different level. Maybe I just picked the wrong neighborhood for my hotel.

I noticed Takagenji isn’t on the upcoming Sumo + Sushi tour. Maybe he’s still here somewhere? I’ll keep my eyes open and not too bloodshot. After all, I’ve got like, 4 levels of bosses here. This just does not happen in Tokyo. Even the tobacco smokers mostly stick to the enclosed rooms on the station platforms.

But I digress.

In the sumo world, day three means maezumo. The new American recruit out of Musashigawa-beya, Sunamusashi, picked up his first maezumo win today. As we move up to the Shin-jo folks, Joshoyu beat Hokuto again to really establish himself as the favorite for the first division yusho. Eisei will have his second bout tomorrow against Honda.

Up in Juryo, Tokifudo forced Himukamaru out, setting back Himukamaru’s drive back to full-time sumo, now with two losses. Enho beat Nabatame and Onokatsu defeated Tamawashi, who’s now 0-3. It’s a real gut shot to see so many of these former top rankers losing in Juryo. I think it’s a real sign of the quality of recruits AND the serious shortage of kabu, the stock needed to move on as an elder. And it’s very different from the flood of recruits back in the 1980s. A lot of them crashed out or became low-division lifers. There are a lot of solid, “elevator rikishi” coming up to replace the Old Guard. As we turn to look at last night’s top division action, hoo-boy, looks like more Old Guard are on their way.

NHK Videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Daiseizan (3-0) defeated Tokihayate (2-1). Tokihayate tried to go inside with a morozashi but Daiseizan just overpowered him. Yorikiri.

Toshinofuji (2-1) defeated Asasuiryu (2-1). Toshinofuji had a devil of a time with Asasuiryu. Every time Toshinofuji tried to use his uwatenage, Asasuiryu countered with his shitatenage. Toshinofuji was able to get that lean in there just enough to force Asasuiryu out first. Uwatenage.

Chiyoshoma (1-2) defeated Shonannoumi (0-3). Uwatedashinage.

Abi (1-2) defeated Tobizaru (0-3). Abi chased Tobizaru around the edge and finally shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (3-0) defeated Shodai (0-3). Asakoryu outgunned Shodai, shoving him over the bales. For some of you newbies out there, Shodai has won yusho. He was an Ozeki. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (2-1) defeated Asahakuryu (2-1). Wakamotoharu established his hidari-yotsu hold and walked Asahakuryu back and out. Yorikiri.

Shishi (1-2) defeated Kinbozan (2-1). Kinbozan tried to outmuscle Shishi and dragged him toward the edge a couple of times. But Shishi demonstrated real ring sense and power of his own. He stayed in, wore Kinbozan down, then walked him out. Yorikiri.

Ura (2-1) defeated Oho (1-2). After quite the energetic brawl, Ura got Oho’s right arm, dragged him back and down to the ground. Tottari.

Nishikifuji (1-2) defeated Hiradoumi (1-2). Hiradoumi tried to meet Nishikifuji’s tsuppari with his own but slipped. I wonder if the tachiai might have stunned him and he had a delayed fall? Tsukiotoshi.

Fujiseiun (3-0) defeated Takerufuji (2-1). Takerufuji tried to slap Fujiseiun down. Fujiseiun kept his balance and got inside. Then, in a spectacular move, he pulled Takerufuji back over his knee for a great trip/throw combo. Kirikaeshi.

Halftime

Oshoma (2-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (0-3). Ichiyamamoto tried to drive into Oshoma but he was not having much success. Oshoma slipped left and tried to target Ichi’s left arm, pulling him forward then trying to slap him down. Ichiyamamoto pulled back to the edge but Oshoma followed and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Roga (2-1) defeated Asanoyama (2-1). Roga went inside and Asanoyama tried a kimedashi but I think his left knee couldn’t muster the power. He pulled back and tried a slapdown but Roga drove through him and forced him out. I really hope Asanoyama didn’t go too far with that left knee. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (2-1) defeated Yoshinofuji (0-3). Churanoumi got under Yoshinofuji and worked him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Fujiryoga (1-2) defeated Hakunofuji (0-3). Fujiryoga took it to Hakunofuji. He drove Hakunofuji back like he was a blocking sled. When Hakunofuji’s leg braced at the edge, Fujiryoga adjusted and shoved him forward to the ground. Oshitaoshi.

Fujinokawa (2-1) defeated Gonoyama (1-2). Gonoyama had a great initial charge but Fujinokawa slipped to the side at the edge. When he started attacked, Gonoyama lost control in reverse. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (3-0) defeated Atamifuji (2-1). Takanosho executed beautifully. He forced Atamifuji to press forward with all his might at the edge then shifted left. Atamifuji flew off the dohyo and into the lap of the head shimpan. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotozakura (3-0) defeated Daieisho (0-3). Daieisho tried the slowest henka in recent memory. Kotozakura shifted and allowed Daieisho to attack. When Daieisho got moving forward, Kotozakura parried and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Takayasu (1-2) defeated Kirishima (2-1). Takayasu proved that he can still move laterally. Not a henka but similar idea. When Kirishima charged forward, Takayasu shifted out of the way and slapped him down. Hikiotoshi.

Aonishiki (3-0) defeated Kotoshoho (0-3). Kotoshoho gets great marks for forcing Aonishiki out of his plan and nearly pulling him off the dohyo. Aonishiki slipped free and reengaged. As Kotoshoho tried, yet again to pull Aonishiki forward at the edge, Aonishiki charged into him and forced him over the edge. Watashikomi.

Onosato (3-0) defeated Kotoeiho (1-2). Where’d Onosato pick up the bulldozer? Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Great action from the top guys. I’m going to wrap this up quick because I’m so late with coverage today. Should be back to normal tomorrow or the day after.

Aki 2026: Day Two

Andy Aki 2026 , ,

Day Two in Tokyo.

So, yesterday, both Aonishiki and Shishi turned in good fights, though Ura managed to prevail over Shishi. Wakamotoharu looked strong and at his current level, he could clean up if that kind of performance continues. As for Onosato, it was great to see him win but I was rather disappointed to see that win coming by way of running away and jumping at the edge. Otherwise, the sanyaku, especially the Ozeki, fought well and appeared ready to compete for a title.

Asahifuji fought today with an oichomage for the first time because he visited Juryo to fight Tochitaikai. The oichomage is the prestigious ginko-leaf hair style worn primarily by sekitori so, this is likely to be an auspicious bout in the memories and video montages if Asahifuji’s career comes anywhere near the hype. That means Tochitaikai will be chuffed for years to come.

Tochitaikai hit Asahifuji with a furious volley of tsuppari, keeping him at arm’s length. Asahifuji continued to press forward, trying to get inside. This gave Tochitaikai an opportunity to pull Asahifuji’s extended right arm, shift slightly left and pull Asahifuji forward. Tochitaikai capitalized quickly and got a left-handed grip at the back of Asahifuji’s mawashi. He pressed hard and drove the pair out, crashing over the side – gunbai Tochitaikai. “You’re not wearing silk, yet. And I aim to keep mine.”

In Juryo, Endo picked up his first loss as he got slapped down by Tohakuryu. Kazekeno did the same thing to Tamawashi after a strong tachiai. Tamawashi leaned into his attack and after a brief display of strong resistance, Kazekeno took the opportunity to slip to the side and bring Tamawashi down. Let’s turn to the top division.

Your NHK videos for Day Two are here.

Makuuchi Action

Toshinofuji (1-1) defeated Kyokukaiyu (0-2). Toshinofuji got Kyokukaiyu in a headlock but did not find it particularly useful. He let go, got lower, and drove into Kyokukaiyu to take him back and out. Yorikiri.

Asasuiryu (2-0) defeated Shonannoumi (0-2). Shonannoumi’s first instinct, the slapdown, did not pay off as Asasuiryu quickly got his left hand inside and bulled forward, forcing Shonannoumi out quickly. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (2-0) defeated Chiyoshoma (0-2). Chiyoshoma hit Tokihayate with a nodowa, then pivoted and pulled. Tokihayate charged ahead and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (2-0) defeated Abi (0-2). Asakoryu just overpowered Abi who could not get his trademark attack going, at all. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (2-0) defeated Tobizaru (0-2). Asahakuryu kept his head down like the dominant ram forcing Tobizaru into retreat. Oshidashi.

Oho (1-1) defeated Shodai (0-2). Oho got his right-hand inside and followed Shodai around the ring as he tried to tip Oho. Shodai never got enough leverage as Oho ushered him out. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (2-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-1). Fifteen days is a long time and I made the mistake of reading too much into Wakamotoharu’s strong win yesterday. His undercarriage looked rather weak today and he was unable to stop Kinbozan’s forward progress. Oshidashi.

Takerufuji (2-0) defeated Shishi (0-2). Takerufuji bulldozed Shishi, a rather impressive feat. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (1-1) defeated Ura (1-1). Hiradoumi launched into Ura, driving him back and out. Ura had little time to attempt any attack. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (2-0) defeated Nishikifuji (0-2). Nishikifuji dished out a lot of abuse at Asanoyama but the former Ozeki kept moving forward, like the Terminator. He got his right hand up under Nishikifuji’s shoulder and hauled him over. Sukuinage.

Halftime

Fujiseiun (2-0) defeated Ichiyamamoto (0-2). Ichiyamamoto charged forward but Fujiseiun pivoted and pulled Ichi off balance. Katasukashi.

Takanosho (2-0) defeated Oshoma (1-1). Takanosho battered Oshoma with tsuppari. Oshoma backed away looking for relief. He finally found the peace he was looking for on the other side of the tawara. Oshidashi.

Roga (1-1) defeated Fujiryoga (0-2). Roga got a strong left hand inside grip, and tried to power Fujiryoga backward. Fujiryoga did not yield much ground in this yotsu battle. Roga let go with his left hand and pulled it up under Fujiryoga’s shoulder to help him heave Fujiryoga over with that mighty right-hand. Uwatenage.

Sanyaku

Gonoyama (1-1) defeated Daieisho (0-2). Gonoyama weathered Daieisho’s tsuppari, backing to the edge. As they approached, Daieisho pulled and attempted a slapdown but Gonoyama kept his balance and charged forward. Daieisho turned and drove back into Gonoyama. This time, as they approached the edge, Gonoyama grabbed Daieisho’s arm and pulled him forward while pivoting to escape out the left side. As Daieisho crashed forward, Gonoyama shoved him from the side to finish him off. Hikkake.

Atamifuji (2-0) defeated Churanoumi (1-1). Churanoumi tried to cycle, clockwise along the edge but Atamifuji’s footwork did not fail him. Atamifuji looked every bit the Ozeki as he powered Churanoumi out. Will he keep this up for another two weeks? Oshidashi.

Kotoeiho (1-1) defeated Fujinokawa (1-1). Fujinokawa shot out like a missile, both arms hugging Kotoeiho. Kotoeiho had no choice but to wrap Fujinokawa up with both arms outside. He twisted and dragged Fujinokawa to the tawara and then deposited him in the front row. Ever the gentleman, Kotoeiho checked in on Fujinokawa to make sure his opponent survived the drop intact. Yoritaoshi.

Kirishima (2-0) defeated Hakunofuji (0-2). Kirishima fought hard to keep Hakunofuji’s left hand off his belt while trying to use his own left arm to pull Hakunofuji over. Though he never got the sukuinage, Kirishima eventually got Hakunofuji moving backward, picking up speed and momentum as the two headed toward the straw bales. Hakunofuji tried to put on the brakes but Kirishima bowled him over. Yoritaoshi.

Aonishiki (2-0) defeated Takayasu (0-2). Takayasu blasted Aonishiki with a torrent of slaps and thrusts but Aonishiki still managed to get inside. First, it looked like he’d get a right-hand grip but when he locked on with the left, Takayasu was done. Aonishiki quickly pressured Papayasu out. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (2-0) defeated Yoshinofuji (0-2). Kotozakura didn’t make much use of his size, opting to back toward the bales while shifting left to get a belt grip. While his momentum carried him back, he pulled Yoshinofuji forward and down to the ground. Uwatenage.

Onosato (2-0) defeated Kotoshoho (0-2). Today, Onosato charged ahead and got the job done, quickly forcing Kotoshoho back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Another Takasago sweep. As y’all noted, the morning dragons have been double-dosing the protein coffee and Asanoyama looks ready to make his own charge back to sanyaku.

Speaking of sanyaku, we’ve got another hot day of action tomorrow. Onosato will take on Kotoeiho while Aonishiki will fight Kotoshoho. Kirishima will battle Takayasu, who has so far looked outside his depth with his accumulated experience (aka. Injuries). Kotozakura will fight Daieisho and Atamifuji will fight Takanosho. Fujinokawa will face Gonoyama and Hakunofuji will hope to pick up his first sanyaku victory at the expense of Fujiryoga.  

Aki 2026: Coverage Notice

Andy Aki 2026

Coverage will be delayed for the next couple of days. I’m travelling to New York City for a conference, and I’ll be making a presentation tomorrow. It should be fun. Coverage should resume as normal on Thursday. But for Day 2, 3, and 4, coverage will be delayed and likely abbreviated.

Day Two NHK videos are here.

I hope to get a more complete Day Two post out later today. But I wanted to get the link up now. You will find all NHK videos for the past few tournaments here.