Aki 2026: Day Ten

Andy Aki 2026

Day Ten in Tokyo.

Apologies for the abbreviated coverage today. I overslept and only caught the second half of today’s action live.

Today’s NHK videos include a five-minute feature on Aki 1986 which is really worth checking-out. That tournament featured two brothers who both earned special prizes that tournament for their performance, Terao and Sakahoko. With all of the brother-pairs in this tournament, it’s cool to see. The real feature is Chiyonofuji, though. Chiyonofuji won the title and the video has great footage of that historical tournament.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Arashifuji (5-5) defeated Asasuiryu (4-6). Oshitaoshi.

Shonannoumi (3-7) defeated Asakoryu (5-5). Kotenage.

Asahakuryu (5-5) defeated Shodai (2-8). Oshidashi.

Kinbozan (8-2) defeated Toshinofuji (6-4). Shitatenage.

Tokihayate (7-3) defeated Takerufuji (6-4). Uwatenage.

Hiradoumi (6-4) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-6). Hikiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu (6-4) defeated Fujiseiun (6-4). Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (4-6) defeated Tobizaru (4-6). Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (7-3) defeated Abi (6-4). Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (2-8) defeated Oho (3-7). Yorikiri.

Halftime

Ura (7-3) defeated Roga (5-5). Ura charged ahead, driving Roga half-way to the bales. Ura wrapped his left arm around Roga’s head, right arm around his shoulder and dragged him down. Ura pivoted and shifted laterally as he dragged Roga down. Katasukashi.

Oshoma (6-4) defeated Shishi (4-6). Oshoma shoved Shishi in the head and got him turned around. Shishi turned back around to face Oshoma but the damage had been done as Oshoma shove him out. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (4-4) defeated Takayasu (3-7). Yoshinofuji got a right-hand outside grip and overpowered Takayasu. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (3-7) defeated Kotoeiho (2-8). Gonoyama hit Kotoeiho with a powerful tachiai and forced Kotoeiho back to the edge. Kotoeiho tried to use his migi-yotsu hold to topple Gonoyama with an uwatenage but he was not able to. Gonoyama kept pressuring Kotoeiho and eventually forced him out. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Kotoshoho (5-5) defeated Daieisho (3-7). Daieisho’s weight was too far forward as his feet tried to plant against the tawara. Kotoshoho pulled him down. Hikiotoshi.

Fujinokawa (8-2) defeated Takanosho (4-6). Flying henka! Fujinokawa jumped left and Takanosho charged across the ring, stumbling onto all fours. Tsukiotoshi.

Aonishiki (7-3) defeated Churanoumi (7-3). Every time Aonishiki would grab Churanoumi’s belt with his left hand, Churanoumi would pull it off or shift his body to get it away. He didn’t pay as much attention to the right hand as it snaked inside as well. When Aonishiki got his right hand grip, he immediately tried to use it and charged ahead, forcing Churanoumi over the edge. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (8-2) defeated Kotozakura (6-4). Atamifuji was stronger than Kotozakura and drove him to the edge. Kotozakura grabbed Atamifuji’s belt with his left-hand outside and tried to pull him with a last gasp uwatenage. “As if.” Oshidashi.

Fujiryoga (4-6) defeated Kirishima (5-5). Kirishima tried a really bad pull. It was as if he was hitting Fujiryoga with tsuppari and when his left hand was up at Fujiryoga’s head, the fleeting idea popped into his head, “Oh, I can try to pull him forward.” So, he pulled with that left hand and stepped back to the bales. It did not work. Fujiryoga had no forward momentum and his base was solid. Now that Kirishima was moving backward, however, Fujiryoga was able to press forward and shove Kirishima out. Christmas in September as Kirishima hands Fujiryoga a gift. Oshidashi.

Onosato (9-1) defeated Hakunofuji (3-7). Onosato braced with his left foot as he reached inside for Hakunofuji’s belt. He drove forward and forced Hakunofuji out. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

A rather dominant-looking Onosato today. If he keeps this up, he may run away with the title, leaving the field to fight for rank and special prizes. He will have a challenge tomorrow against Fujinokawa, whom he has yet to beat.

Yusho Race

  • 1-Loss: Onosato
  • 2-Losses: Atamifuji, Fujinokawa, Kinbozan

Kotozakura didn’t look like he wanted to be here. If he shows up tomorrow, he will fight Roga. Aonishiki will battle Takanosho for his kachi-koshi, the only Ozeki with a chance at kachi-koshi at the moment. Kirishima will fight Atamifuji and needs to win because he won’t want to fall behind the count yet to face the meat of his schedule and his strongest competition.

Hakunofuji will fight Takayasu and Daieisho will face Kotoeiho for the first time, ever. Further down the banzuke, Kinbozan will fight Asanoyama. That should be a great bout.

Aki 2026: Day Nine

Andy Aki 2026

Day Nine in Tokyo.

Joshoyu beat Chiyonotaka and remains the only undefeated rikishi in Jonokuchi. Eisei locked up his kachi-koshi against Kotokawabuchi. Congratulations! The Abema footage of his win is below. Makushita has narrowed to a three man race between Tenshoyama, Inami and Yumenofuji.

In Juryo, Kagayaki defeated Kayo and took a two-win lead. Kagayaki is undefeated at 9-0. Kayo falls to 7-2 with Daiseizan and Kitanowaka. The promotion picture is clearing up and there are not many candidates to go up. Daiseizan looks ready to go up but Dewanoryu, Tamawashi and Kazekeno really have work to do this week. So, I think there will be only be three seats on the barge – possibly four. Two seats will be claimed by the kyujo Wakatakakage and Wakanosho. We despair for a number of folks doing poorly on one or two wins but really only Shonannoumi is in real danger of going down, I believe. He might even jump ahead of Wakatakakage in the queue if the barge ends up being a two-man canoe.

NHK videos here.

Makuuchi Action

Tokihayate (6-3) defeated Sadanoumi (2-7). Tokihayate hooked both of his arms under Sadanoumi’s shoulders and charged ahead to the edge. Sadanoumi briefly grabbed Tokihayate’s belt with an overarm grip and tried to tip Tokihayate over. Tokihayate kept his balance and cut Sadanoumi’s grip. Without that grip, Tokihayate forced Sadanoumi back and out. Yorikiri.

Abi (6-3) defeated Shonannoumi (2-7). Abi henka! Shonannoumi reacted well, rotated and engaged Abi directly. However, Abi used his powerful thrusts to lay into Shonannoumi, shoving him back and out. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (4-5) defeated Shodai (2-7). As Shodai moved forward, Tobizaru shifted left and pulled Shodai down. Hikiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu (5-4) defeated Toshinofuji (6-3). When Wakamotoharu locked on to Toshinofuji’s belt with both hands in a hidari-yotsu grip, he forced Toshinofuji back through the ring and out. Wakamotoharu seems to be getting his grove back. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (7-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-5). Chiyoshoma could not get a solid grip on Kinbozan. He pulled as Kinbozan shoved with his powerful left arm. This sent Chiyoshoma flying backward and off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Hiradoumi (5-4) defeated Asasuiryu (4-5). Asasuiryu used the edge as leverage to whale into Hiradoumi and charge forward. Hiradoumi shifted slightly left and slapped Asasuiryu down. Hatakikomi.

Takerufuji (6-3) defeated Asakoryu (5-4). Takerufuji hooked his left arm under Asakoryu’s right and wrapped his right outside. Takerufuji then pressed forward and forced Asakoryu out. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (4-5) defeated (3-6) Asahakuryu. Nishikifuji’s tsuppari wasn’t getting him anywhere. Asahakuryu locked on to his belt so Nishikifuji did the same. Asahakuryu pulled with his hidari-yotsu hold and that was a fatal mistake as Nishikifuji used the momentum to force his way forward and usher Asahakuryu out. Yorikiri.

Fujiseiun (6-3) defeated Oho (3-6). Oho tried to cut Fujiseiun’s left-hand belt grip but failed. Fujiseiun charged forward and forced him out. Oho did not really seem capable of digging in with his legs to stop Fujiseiun’s forward pressure. Yorikiri.

Shishi (4-5) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-8). After a lengthy tussle, Shishi grabbed Ichiyamamoto’s right arm around the shoulder and swung him forward. Kotenage.

Halftime

Oshoma (6-3) defeated Ura (5-4). Oshoma shoved Ura back and stepped forward, hitting Ura with tsuppari. Oshoma then shifted left and slapped Ura down. Hatakikomi.

Takanosho (4-5) defeated Asanoyama (6-3). Takanosho shifted left and caught Asanoyama with his weight too far forward. Hikiotoshi.

Churanoumi (7-2) defeated Roga (5-4). Churanoumi overpowered Roga, forcing him back and out, quickly. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (4-5) defeated Gonoyama (2-7). Kotoshoho shifted to his right after the tachiai, shoving Gonoyama to the edge and then blasting him off. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Hakunofuji (3-6) defeated Kotoeiho (2-7). Kotoeiho let Hakunofuji charge into him, sliding back to brace against the straw bales. He tried to shift at the edge but Hakunofuji really wasn’t having it. With solid footwork and an all business manner, Hakunofuji forced Kotoeiho out. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (7-2) defeated Takayasu (3-6). Atamifuji looked every bit the Ozeki candidate as Takayasu struggled to budge the big man. It took all of Takayasu’s strength to pivot and try to throw Atamifuji with his migi-yotsu hold. Atamifuji shuffled to keep his balance and shoved Takayasu back with strong tsuppari. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (7-2) defeated Kotozakura (6-3). Fujinokawa used his right-hand overarm grip to pull Kotozakura forward to the clay. Uwatenage.

Daieisho (3-6) defeated Kirishima (5-4). Daieisho grabbed Kirishima’s extended left hand and pulled him forward, nearly catching him with a tottari. Kirishima pulled away just in time. Freaked out, Kirishima retreated carelessly. Daieisho was in hot pursuit, shoving the Ozeki. As Kirishima braced at the far edge, Daieisho pulled him forward to the ground. Hikiotoshi.

Aonishiki (6-3) defeated Yoshinofuji (3-6). Yoshinofuji targeted Aonishiki’s injured left foot for a leg sweep as he tried to lever the Ozeki over the bales. Aonishiki resisted and executed his own beautiful throw in response. But the damage may be significant. Aonishiki could barely stand by the power water and walked gingerly down the hanamichi. Sukuinage.

Onosato (8-1) defeated Fujiryoga (3-6). Onosato shifted left and pulled Fujiryoga down. Hikiotoshi.

Wrap-up

Did Onosato finally figure out that moving laterally works better than backwards? It’s essentially the same, “inashi” strategy, relying on misdirection and the opponent’s poor balance and footwork. But the pivot or shuffle to the side reduces the risk of losing by carelessly stepping out or leaping dangerously into the crowd. It also keeps him in the game to continue the attack from the side, or even from behind. It also means he is well positioned to address any counter attacks, if the opponent is able to adjust and reengage.

Hakunofuji will be a good test tomorrow. The Yokozuna picked up his kachi-koshi. He is in the lead by himself and the field behind him has halved.

Title Race

  • 1-Loss: Onosato
  • 2-Losses: Atamifuji, Fujinokawa, Churanoumi, Kinbozan

My hope for Aonishiki is that he picks up two wins and sits out the rest of the tournament on the couch at Ajigawa-beya. He will face Churanoumi tomorrow. At this point, it looks like Kotonanahachi might be the softest opponent on his card but they will not face each other until the weekend. Speaking of the Stay-Puft Ozeki, he will need all of his wits about him against Atamifuji tomorrow. Kirishima will fight Fujiryoga, who seemed a bit miffed that the Yokozuna didn’t fight him head-on and chose to slap him down.

Fujinokawa will fight Takanosho and Daieisho will fight Kotoshoho. Kinbozan is the lone low-ranker still in this for the moment. He will fight Toshinofuji.

Dai-Yokozuna by Decade

Thomas Griffin Yokozuna (横綱)

Could this be the first decade without a dai-yokozuna?

The 2020s have so far been an era of unprecedented parity in sumo, and I’m of two minds about it. In many ways this unpredictability has made the sport a lot of fun—would anyone tune in on Day 1 if we already knew who would be hoisting the Emperor’s Cup on Day 15? Maybe not, but then again, I’m not one of those who reads the end of the book first to find out what happens. I want to be swept along by the ride, and the last several years have been a crazy ride indeed, with surprise champions coming out of the woodwork and yusho races full of twists.

Yet, it is also thrilling to witness greatness, to see athletes strive for perfection and achieve dominance over their competitive peers. Throughout its modern history sumo has been a great sport in this regard. In its modern era (since the institution of the 6-basho calendar in 1958), sumo has produced at least one grand champion every decade who was head and shoulders above the rest, a “dai-yokozuna” who is forever after held up as the face of the sport in his time.

(Side note 1: there were of course dominant champions prior to 1958, but since they wrestled fewer times per year, it’s unfair to compare their records to later greats.)

(Side note 2: the term “dai-yokozuna” is itself highly subjective. There is no statistical benchmark—it’s about vibes, and is typically bestowed upon a dominant yokozuna who embodies a given era in the public perception. For our purposes today, I’m looking to make distinctions by decade, with a threshold of at least 10 yusho (1 per year) within a discrete timeframe.)

Taiho leads the way. The first truly transcendent dai-yokozuna won 30 of his 32 total yusho in the 1960s. His record would stand for 50 years, and his legacy, forever.

Next came Kitanoumi, Mr. “Hatefully Strong.” He would claim 17 of his 24 yusho in the 1970s, besting rival Wajima, who totaled 13 yusho in the same timeframe. Theirs was a fantastic rivalry, perhaps the most evenly matched of any single decade.

The 1980s were owned by “the Wolf,” Chiyonofuji. He claimed 29 of his 31 total yusho in the 80s. His next closest rival was the aforementioned Kitanoumi, who even at the tail end of his career captured 7 more yusho.

The 1990s might be dubbed the “Waka-Taka” era, but it’s the latter man who stands out. Takanohana won 20 of his 22 yusho in this decade, while his chief rival, Akebono, claimed 9.

The 2000s belonged to Mongolia. Asashoryu was nearly invincible at his peak, winning 24 of his 25 yusho in this decade, and who knows what his yusho tally might have been if a certain someone hadn’t come along in the back half to give him some real competition…

Hakuho won 12 yusho in the 2000s, but after Asashoryu’s dismissal in early 2010, sumo became a one-horse race. “The Boss” won 31 of his total 45 yusho in the 2010s, breaking Taiho’s record to cement himself as sumo’s GOAT.

This, at last, brings us to the present. The 2020s started off with promise, as Terunofuji rocketed up the banzuke and laid claim to Hakuho’s vacant throne. And yet, Teru’s injuries held him back from hitting that crucial mark set by his predecessors—10 yusho in a decade (he won 10 total, but only 9 in the 2020s). Coupling that with his frequent absences and relatively short yokozuna tenure means Teru doesn’t quite cut it as this era’s superstar.

Now the question becomes, will anyone? Time is running out. The 2020s are 2/3rds finished, and the candidate closest to the mark, Onosato, will need to first overcome his injuries and then double his yusho count. If you’d asked me a year ago, I’d have called it an inevitability, but his 2026 campaign has been woeful and I now have doubts.

Ozekis Kirishima and Aonishiki, both with 3 yusho, are next in line, but they should focus on simple promotion to the top rank first before thinking about transcending it. Behind them in line are a slew of men with 2 or 1 yusho, but none feel particularly likely. It’s nice to see the wealth (literal and figurative) get spread across the top division, but I would also regard it as a shame if this decade failed to produce a great to add to “the list.”

Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Serena Williams, Ronda Rousey—greatness inspires, it breathes life into old fans and draws new ones in. It’s just plain cool to watch, and it captures cultural relevance in a way parity will never be able to. For this reason, for the health of the sport, sumo needs its next generational talent to step up.

They better hurry though—there are only 20 basho left in this decade, and it’s not getting any easier to win an Emperor’s Cup.

Aki 2026: Nakabi

Andy Aki 2026

Day 8 in Tokyo

In the lower divisions, Hikarumusashi lost to Amane, picking up his first loss of the tournament and falling out of the Jonidan yusho race. He will be joined in Kyushu by Sunamusashi who debuted in this maezumo cohort. He’s second from the right, next to the 57kg Shinmichi.

In Jonokuchi, Kotofuno and Joshoyu are the lone undefeated. Joshoyu is definitely the favorite for the title. I’ll dig a bit more into the Jonidan and Sandanme races as the field narrows and we get closer to the yusho.

Up in Makushita, Tenshoyama (Tamanoi) defeated Osanai, picking up his kachi-koshi and remaining in the yusho race. Ryusho (Oitekaze), Inami (Onoe), Haruyama (Onoe), Aratakayama (Minatogawa) and Yumenofuji (Isegahama).

Kagayaki thrust Tokifudo from the dohyo to stay undefeated. He’s now the sole leader in Juryo since Kayo lost to Ryuden and Kitanowaka lost to Tomokaze. Video of this bout is on the NHK video page, underneath all of the top division action.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Toshinofuji (6-2) defeated Mitakeumi (3-5). Hidari-yotsu. Mitakeumi gave everything he had. It wasn’t enough as Toshinofuji crushed him out. Yoritaoshi.

Tokihayate (5-3) defeated Tobizaru (3-5). Tobizaru tried to pull but Tokihayate kept Tobizaru in front of him and rode him down to the clay. Yoritaoshi.

Asakoryu (5-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-4). Chiyoshoma also tried to pull but Asakoryu shoved him out. Yorikiri.

Shonannoumi (2-6) defeated Asahakuryu (4-4). Migi-yotsu. Shonannoumi pulled up on Asahakuryu’s belt and forced him back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Abi (5-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-4). Abi-zumo got the better of Wakamotoharu today. Abi battered Wakamotoharu with tsuppari and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Shodai (2-6) defeated Asasuiryu (4-3). Shodai cut Asasuiryu’s left hand grip with a forceful shove down, and then slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Kinbozan (6-2) defeated Fujiseiun (5-3). Kinbozan overpowered Fujiseiun, blasting him with tsuppari and then bear-hugging him to force him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Oho (3-5) defeated NIshikifuji (2-6). Oho 2.0 charged ahead and quickly shoved Nishikifuji out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (6-2) defeated Shishi (3-5). Migi-yotsu. Asanoyama showed off his Ozeki strength and forced Shishi back and out. Yorikiri.

Ura (6-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-7). Ichiyamamoto adapted his usual attack. Instead of whaling on Ura with tsuppari, he shoved Ura and held him at arm’s length. It was Ura’s pull, rather than Ichiyamamoto’s shove, that drew Ura to the edge. At the bales, Ura shuffled right and pulled on Ichiyamamoto’s outstretched left arm, forcing him to fall forward over the bales. Tottari.

Halftime

Hiradoumi (4-4) defeated Roga (5-3). Hiradoumi wrapped up Roga with a bear-hug and drove him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (5-3) defeated Oshoma (4-4). Oshoma pulled and Takerufuji kept him centered plowing through him and shoving him to the ground at the edge. Oshitaoshi.

Fujiryoga (3-5) defeated Gonoyama (2-6). Fujiryoga shifted left and shoved Gonoyama hard in the right shoulder while Gonoyama’s weight was already driving forward. This caused Gonoyama to stumble ahead. Fujiryoga followed and shoved him over the edge from behind. Okuridashi.

Yoshinofuji defeated Kotoshoho. Yoshinofuji used his left hand over arm grip to topple Kotoshoho over the edge. Kotoshoho tried to use his right leg to force Yoshinofuji over first. Both men fell over the side. Gunbai Yoshinofuji. No mono-ii. Kotoshoho landed just before Yoshi. Uwatenage.

Sanyaku

Atamifuji (6-2) defeated Kotoeiho (2-6). Kotoeiho had a strong migi-yotsu hold and forced Atamifuji back to the edge. However, Atamifuji rotated and shoved Kotoeiho down over the tawara. Tsukiotoshi.

Fujinokawa (6-2) defeated Takayasu (3-5). What a brawl. The two men battered each other with tsuppari with each man trying to use mis-direction, slapdowns, and raw power to gain advantage. Fujinokawa leapt forward to put Takayasu in a bear-hug. This triggered Takayasu’s flight response. Takayasu pulled and tried a last second throw or slapdown but Fujinokawa thrust him out. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (6-2) defeated Kirishima (5-3). Oshi battle here as neither man wanted the other on his belt. One would reach in and come close to a grip but get slapped away. Kirishima pulled and tried to escape to Churanoumi’s left. However, Kirishima lost his balance and stumbled backward, falling on his butt. The lesson from this bout was more along the lines of “if you have good footwork, good things happen.” Oshitaoshi.

Aonishiki (5-3) defeated Daieisho (2-6). Aonishiki weathered Daieisho’s torrent of tsuppari. When Daieisho tried his slapdown, Aonishiki moved in for the kill. He wrapped up Daieisho with a firm left-hand grip and he got that right arm inside as well. Since Daieisho was already moving backward, Aonishiki applied pressure to keep him going back to the edge and over. Yorikiri.

Hakunofuji (2-6) defeated Kotozakura (6-2). Kotohachinana is back. “Pull at your peril.” I should print up some more T-Shirts but this advice doesn’t have many practical applications outside the sumo world. People like having Japanese or Arabic tattoos, so maybe that’s a better route? Get this phrase tattooed: “引き技で墓穴を掘る” It roughly translates to, “Pulling methods dig your own grave.” The context of the article is critique of Onosato’s tendancy to pull. Another phrase is a bit more straight-forward. 引いたら負け, meaning “You pull, you lose.” It’s an axiom that Hiradoumi apparently lives by. Kotozakura needs to learn this lesson. Today, he pulled and Hakunofuji charged forward, shoving him out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Onosato (7-1) defeated Takanosho (3-5). Another day at the office for the Yokozuna. Maybe he actually, finally learned the lesson about pulling? He got his left hand inside and drove Takanosho to the edge. Takanosho flailed around at the tawara, allowing Onosato to grab hold with his right, as well. Once Onosato got the morozashi, he was able to power his way through Takanosho. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Onosato is in control. He has sole possession of the lead. However, there’s a crap-ton of guys waiting to pounce, one loss back. BTW, a “crap-ton” is officially bigger than a US short ton (2,000 lbs) and a metric tonne (1000 kg). The combined weight of the 8 guys behind Onosato is 1300+ kg, even with Fujinokawa and Ura weighing on the average. Jesus, I crack myself up at this ridiculous hour.

  • 1-Loss: Onosato
  • 2-Losses: Kotozakura, Atamifuji, Fujinokawa, Churanoumi, Asanoyama, Ura, Kinbozan, Yoshinofuji

I have too much fun with these narratives sometimes. Before your collective eye-rolling begins to lead to serious vision loss, I will turn to the Day 9 match-ups.

Onosato will fight Fujiryoga to maintain his lead. Aonishiki will fight Yoshinofuji, Kirishima will take on Daieisho, and Kotohachinana will hopefully not run away from Fujinokawa. Atamifuji gets Takayasu and Hakunofuji will fight Kotoeiho.

In the rank-and-file, Churanoumi fights Roga, Asanoyama fights Takanosho, Ura versus Oshoma, Kinbozan against Chiyoshoma and Toshinofuji vs Wakamotoharu.