Aki 2026: Day Seven

Andy Aki 2026 ,

Day Seven in Tokyo.

No news from the infirmary, no new kyujo to report. Sasaki Ichiro, sumo reporter from Nikkan Sports, broke a story yesterday that Nishikifuji faces heart surgery at the end of this tournament. Heart surgery doesn’t exactly sound like the kind of thing one recovers quickly from…even in sumo. He had been kyujo from the jungyo due to atrial fibrillation, or “A fib,” as they call it on those ubiquitous medicine commercials.

Ikarigata, Fujinokawa’s brother, is currently near the top of makushita, Ms4W. He visited Juryo and suffered his first loss today against Hitoshi. While he’s now out of the yusho race, he still has hopes of promotion to Juryo from that high rank, though he likely needs at least two wins. Meanwhile, Asahifuji got his third win against Daikisho.

Kitanowaka, Kagayaki and Kayo remain undefeated, much to my surprise. I just feel that if Nishikigi had read the brief, he would know exactly what Kayo does and he would have been prepared. Kayo shuffles back and to the side, attempting slapdowns. To my utter frustration, he’s been very successful this tournament.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Shonannoumi defeated Kazekeno. Shonannoumi shifted right, grabbed Kazekeno’s belt and dragged him forward. Uwatenage.

Asasuiryu (4-3) defeated Tokihayate (4-3). Asasuiryu planted his head in Takihayate’s jaw at the tachiai. Tokihayate pulled and rotated right so Asasuiryu adjusted left and forced Tokihayate over the bales. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (4-3) defeated Tobizaru (3-4). Tobizaru got his right hand inside. Chiyoshoma rotated clockwise in reverse, using that right arm to drag Tobizaru forward. Kotenage.

Asakoryu (4-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-3). It felt like Wakamotoharu was still trying to come up with a plan of attack as he was being shoved over the bales. He was stiff and far too high. Asakoryu shoved him back and out. Oshidashi.

Kinbozan (5-2) defeated Abi (4-3). Kinbozan was the more powerful Abi. His tsuppari forced Abi to the bales quickly. Kinbozan sustained the attack and shoved Abi out. Oshidashi.

Oho (2-5) defeated Toshinofuji (5-2). Oho wrapped up Toshinofuji and made him pay when Toshinofuji decided to pull. I’m just not even going to yell about it anymore, though I really, really want to… Aw, hell. Here goes. MOVE FORWARD!! This time I don’t have to yell it at Oho. He benefited when Toshinofuji pulled. Oho used that bearhug grip and forced Toshinofuji out. Yorikiri.

Asahakuryu (4-3) defeated Shishi (3-4). Asahakuryu forced Shishi to the bales. Shishi used the tawara for resistance and clung on for a long time. Shishi tried to move laterally left along the bales but Asahakuryu eventually overpowered him and forced him out. Shishi’s held his left leg up, awkwardly, a few times during this bout. I couldn’t tell if he was just trying to step forward or if he was cradling it because it hurt. He was still able to plant it in the tawara, put weight on it and resist, so I’m not convinced it was because of injury. But I’ll watch that. Yorikiri.

Shodai (1-6) defeated Ura (5-2). Ura charged ahead but Shodai moved laterally to the right and slapped Ura down. Hatakikomi.

Ichiyamamoto (1-6) defeated Nishikifuji (2-5). Nishikifuji pulled and Ichiyamamoto capitalized, bulling his way forward. Oshitaoshi.

Fujiseiun (5-2) defeated Asanoyama (5-2). Fujiseiun went belly-to-belly against Asanoyama. Though Asanoyama got his right hand inside, Fujiseiun resisted and even went on the attack. Asanoyama’s right leg strayed forward a bit so Fujiseiun used his left leg to try a trip. Asanoyama stayed up but changed his position, keeping that right leg away. Fujiseiun was then able to rotate slightly and pull Asanoyama forward by his shoulder. Katasukashi.

Halftime

Oshoma (4-3) defeated Hiradoumi (3-4). Oshoma crab-walked left along the tawara and shoved Hiradoumi to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Roga (5-2) defeated Takerufuji (4-3). Takerufuji just couldn’t make any forward progress. He pulled, briefly, but that helped Roga gain some forward momentum. Roga forced him back and out. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (3-4) defeated Takanosho (3-4). Takanosho opted for a yotsu battle instead of his usual tsuppari. Takayasu kept trying to get his right hand uwate grip but Takanosho’s belt was too far away. Takayasu shifted left and cut Takanosho’s grip, propelling Takanosho forward. Takayasu pursued and shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Yoshinofuji (2-5) defeated Kotoeiho (2-5). Yoshinofuji pivoted on his right foot and dragged Kotoeiho around to the bales with his big right hand uwate grip. He then forced Kotoeiho to hop over the bales. It took forever for them to decide it was a run-of-the-mill yorikiri. Maybe they were debating uwatenage? Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Kotoshoho (3-4) defeated Hakunofuji (1-6). Hakunfuji planted his left foot in the tawara and tried to pivot for a throw. But Kotoshoho used his right hand grip and charged through his opponent. Kotoshoho used Hakunofuji as a sled and rode him down the dohyo. Yoritaoshi.

Fujinokawa (5-2) defeated Daieisho (2-5). Daieisho seemed to execute his strategy but Fujinokawa just hung in there and kept blasting away with his own thrusts and parries, shoving Daieisho out. Oshidashi.

Aonishiki (4-3) defeated Atamifuji (5-2). You really shouldn’t allow Aonishiki to get a morozashi. Don’t get me wrong, Aonishiki had to work for this win and Atamifuji sure made him work, but he got that left hand inside early. Then, when he got his right hand inside, he was able to really start driving Atamifuji back. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (6-1) defeated Fujiryoga (2-5). Without moving backward, Kotozakura rotated right and pulled Fujiryoga down. If you’re always running backward, your opponent doesn’t have to push hard and put their weight forward. Katasukashi.

Kirishima (5-2) defeated Gonoyama (2-5). After Gonoyama’s shift nearly caught Kirishima out, Kirishima adapted, grabbed Gonoyama’s right arm and pulled him down to the ground. Tottari.

Onosato (6-1) defeated Churanoumi (5-2). Calm, collected. Churanoumi tried to shift and attack from the side but Onosato pivoted and struck out with his own thrusts. Onosato quickly shoved Churanoumi back and out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Onosato and Kotozakura lead and I’m not even upset. Excellent sumo from both men today. That’s exactly what I have been looking for from these guys.

Nakabi tomorrow and we will turn, in earnest, to the yusho race. Onosato will cap off that action tomorrow against Takanosho. Takanosho will hope to get the Yokozuna moving backward but Onosato must not let that happen. Kotozakura will fight Hakunofuji, and Aonishiki will take on Daieisho. Kirishima is set to square off against Churanoumi. Fujinokawa versus Takayasu should be a highlight. Atamifuji will fight Kotoeiho.

Aki 2026: Day Six

Andy Aki 2026 ,

Day Six in Tokyo

Nabatame is back from the infirmary and his brief bout with mumps. Childhood mumps claimed my mother’s hearing but for Nabatame, it only took a sick day.

The middle weekend is rapidly approaching and we have four wrestlers with zero wins and two kyujo (not including Hoshoryu). Juryo, however, is short on early promotion prospects. Daiseizan is still the best option at 5-1 from Juryo 3 East, though he lost to Sadanoumi. This has makings of an overloaded barge and likely some lighter than expected demotions.

Kitanowaka, Kagayaki and Kayo lead heading into the middle weekend, determined to make me eat my words from a few days ago. Kayo will fight Nishikigi and Kagayaki will face Tochitaikai, who has dropped three in a row. Kitanowaka will fight Onokatsu.

In Jonokuchi, Joshoyu picked up his third win against Fukufukumaru. In Jonidan, Kakizoe is looking to back up his Jonokuchi yusho, defeating Fujiyuho. Najima is in the mix! He defeated Ryuseiyama to also move to 3-0. Up in Makushita, Tenshoyama might now be the favorite for the yusho. He has only lost three times in his brief career, two of those famously to Asahifuji. With Asahifuji in Makushita in Nagoya, that gave Tenshoyama the chance to dominate Sandanme.

While both men have the day off, Ikarigata will head to Juryo for a shot at an early kachi-koshi against Hitoshi.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Tokihayate (4-2) defeated Shonannoumi (0-6). Shonannoumi put in a valiant effort and threw everything he had at Tokihayate. From his kachiage at the tachiai to his attempted slapdown to his attempted throw, Shonannoumi tried it all but Tokihayate pressed ahead and forced Shonannoumi out. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (3-3) defeated Onokatsu (3-3). Tobizaru charged ahead into Onokatsu but it was a feint. He waited for Onokatsu to put his weight too far forward and then pulled. Onokatsu fell to the slapdown. Hatakikomi.

Toshinofuji (5-1) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-3). Toshinofuji got both hands inside Chiyoshoma’s and drove forward. Chiyoshoma tried an uwatenage at the edge but Toshinofuji was in control and corralled him. Yoritaoshi.

Abi (4-2) defeated Asasuiryu (3-3). Henka! Not the way you were expecting, though. Asasuiryu jumped left but Abi quickly gave chase, pounding Asasuiryu with tsuppari and a wicked headbutt. Asasuiryu tried to retreat but Abi slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Wakamotoharu (4-2) defeated Oho (1-5). This was quite the brawl with both men trading steady fire. Wakamotoharu surprised me by working his way inside, rather than attempting to slip to the side with his back at the edge. He pressed forward and forced Oho out. Oho tried the last-ditch throw at the edge but fell to his fifth loss. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (4-2) defeated Asakoryu (3-3). Asakoryu jumped left, like his brother, and got beat. Kinbozan really stuck with this bout as Asakoryu’s thrusts and throw attempt certainly gave him fits and nearly took him out. He slipped Asakoryu’s throw attempt, which was a bit overzealous, leading to Asakoryu exposing his back to Kinbozan. Kinbozan seized the opportunity and shoved Asakoryu out from behind. Okuridashi.

Ura (5-1) defeated Asahakuryu (3-3). Ura grabbed Asahakuryu’s left arm and dragged him forward. As Asahakuryu tried to step on the brakes, Ura shifted right and shoved him from the side. Oshidashi.

Shishi (3-3) defeated Shodai (0-6). Coyote’s suit against Acme has left Shodai with no supplier of tricks at the edge. Shodai needs to retool quickly. His pulls are not fooling anyone. He tried to shove Shishi over the bales while shifting right but Shishi kept his head down and forced Shodai out. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (5-1) defeated Hiradoumi (3-3). Power vs Power here as Asanoyama and Hiradoumi squared up in the center of the ring. Asanoyama sensed an opportunity, grabbed Hiradoumi’s arm and stepped back, thrusting Hiradoumi headlong to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.

Takerufuji (4-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (0-6). Takerufuji got a double-inside grip and forced Ichiyamamoto back and out. Though Ichiyamamoto seemed sad walking back down the hanamichi, one gets the sense he still prefers this to his old office job. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Nishikifuji (2-4) defeated Roga (4-2). Henka #3! Nishikifuji jumped left but Roga pivoted quickly to reengage. Roga pressed into Nishikifuji but Nishikifuji pulled and shoved Roga down. Tsukiotoshi.

Fujiseiun (4-2) defeated Oshoma (3-3). Fujiseiun knew better than to be too aggressive with Oshoma. Instead, he weathered Oshoma’s tsuppari and blocked what he could. Oshoma tried a short, quick pull but that seemed to give Fujiseiun the opportunity he needed to force his way forward. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (5-1) defeated Fujiryoga (2-4) We had everything in this bout. First, a fierce brawl, then a long grapple. Fujiryoga tried a sukuinage as the pair tussled at the edge but Churanoumi grabbed the front of his belt and pulled up while sweeping his leg at the same time. Kirikaeshi.

Kotoeiho (2-4) defeated Takayasu (2-4). Kachiage from Takayasu, followed by a wicked shove from his left hand to Kotoeiho’s face. Kotoeiho turned that into an opportunity by shoving Takayasu’s left hand and threatening to get behind. Takayasu quickly spun away but Kotoeiho pursued and shoved him off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Daieisho (2-4) defeated Hakunofuji (1-5). Standard Daieisho sumo here. He whaled on Hakunofuji with tsuppari and as Hakunofuji bulled forward to fight back, Daieisho pulled and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Atamifuji (5-1) defeated Kotoshoho (2-4). Kotoshoho hit Atamifuji hard, then pulled and tried a sukuinage. Atamifuji planted his foot and pivoted to keep up with Kotoshoho, then charged forward and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (5-1) defeated Takanosho (3-3). Kotozakura moved forward! And he won! He quickly forced Takanosho back. Takanosho tried to move laterally at the edge and catch Kotozakura off-balance but Kotozakura kept his footing, adjusted and battered Takanosho, thrusting him from the ring. What a pleasant surprise. Tsukidashi.

Yoshinofuji (1-5) defeated Kirishima (4-2). Wow. Bout of the day so far. And what a way to pick up your first win! Absolutely blistering tachiai from Kirishima but Yoshinofuji didn’t back down. Kirishima worked him to the edge where Yoshinofuji shocked the crowd by nearly catching Kirishima with an uwatenage. Kirishima somehow resisted at the edge and regained the upper hand, driving back into Yoshinofuji. However, Yoshinofuji again went to that uwatenage and this time pulled it off in slow, dramatic, spectacular fashion. Kirishima smiled with the loss. One of those few L’s that you’re actually proud of. Great bout. Uwatenage.

Fujinokawa (4-2) defeated Aonishiki (3-3). Aonishiki got a left hand outside grip but Fujinokawa seemed to foil Aonishiki’s throw attempts by trying to trip him each time. Both men fought extraordinarily hard for a solid grip. After Aonishiki released his grip to avoid being thrown, Fujinokawa managed to get his right hand deep at the back of Aonishiki’s belt. Here, he was lower than Aonishiki and drove up into the Ozeki, forcing him back and out. Yorikiri.

Onosato (5-1) defeated Gonoyama (2-4). Onosato committed to the slapdown from the word jump. The crowd clapped at his victory but one could sense the letdown after the previous two bouts. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

The title race heats up on Day Seven. At the top of the banzuke, Onosato will fight Churanoumi in the musubi-no-ichiban. Kirishima will fight Gonoyama, Kotozakura will take on Fujiryoga and Aonishiki is set to take on Atamifuji.

Fujinokawa will face off against Daieisho and Hakunofuji will fight Kotoshoho. Lower down the banzuke, Asanoyama will fight Fujiseiun, Ura gets his turn against Shodai and Toshinofuji will fight Oho.

Aki 2026: Day Five

Andy Aki 2026

Day Five in Tokyo.

Checking in with the infirmary, Nabatame is kyujo with mumps. It’s a rather sad prospect if he can’t return to the tournament because he just crawled back into the division after having knee surgery. We hope he has a speedy and full recovery allowing him a quick return. Tanji received the fusen victory, improving to 4-1. Nabatame is 2-3.

Kayo, Kagayaki, Kitanofuji and Daiseizan lead the second division at the moment, undefeated, 5-0. On Enho watch, he lost to Ryuden. Ryuden is tough to beat when he gets that right hand overarm hold.

While checking the headlines, I came across this jaw-dropper. Endo revealed that he has about 30 kesho mawashi. He was featured on a panel at a talk event and was asked how many he had. They will likely all be on display at his retirement ceremony. I imagine them in cold storage, next to the Arc from Indiana Jones.

New fans may not realize the stunning heights of Endo mania. His dashing good looks, gravelly voice and dry wit (ha, ha) made sujo swoon. He was on a number of commercials and had many sponsorship deals at the height of his popularity.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Toshinofuji (4-1) defeated Shonannoumi (0-5). Toshinofuji ushered Shonannoumi out with ease. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (3-2) defeated Tamawashi (1-4). Chiyoshoma got his left hand inside grip and quickly forced Tamawashi back and out. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (2-3) defeated Asasuiryu (3-2). Tobizaru slapped Asasuiryu down quickly after the tachiai. Tsukiotoshi.

Tokihayate (3-2) defeated Asakoryu (3-2). Tokihayate pulled and slapped Asakoryu down. Hatakikomi.

Abi (3-2) defeated Shodai (0-5). Abi-zumo back in force. Shodai retreated around the ring, trying to pull Abi out but Abi finished Shodai with a strong right hand nodowa. I’d mentioned Abi as a likely barge passenger but it’s clear Shodai’s more likely to claim that seat. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (3-2) defeated Kinbozan (3-2). Asahakuryu shifted left, grabbed Kinbozan’s mawashi with his left hand and drove him back out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Shishi (2-3) defeated Oho (1-4). Migi-yotsu. Shishi overpowered Oho and drove him out. Oho tried a last gasp sukuinage but Shishi’s footwork was solid. Yorikiri.

Ura (4-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (3-2). Great finish here. Wakamotoharu was still trying to get his left hand inside. Ura charged ahead, forcing Wakamotoharu into an early throw. But Ura tripped Wakamotoharu and kept charging forward, crushing Wakamotoharu down. Sotogake.

Hiradoumi (3-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (0-5). Ichiyamamoto committed to the slapdown early but Hiradoumi remained upright long enough to shove Ichi out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (4-1) defeated Takerufuji (3-2). Asanoyama tried to throw Takerufuji but Takerufuji countered powerfully, forcing Asanoyama back to the edge. Asanoyama shuffled along the bales and then twisted, shoving Takerufuji from the left side and forcing him to take a knee. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Oshoma (3-2) defeated Nishikifuji (1-4). Oshoma pivoted and drove Nishikifuji back and out. Oshidashi.

Roga (4-1) defeated Fujiseiun (3-2). Fujiseiun cycled clockwise around the ring as Roga charged ahead. Fujiseiun tripped over the tawara and fell backward. Oshitaoshi.

Fujiryoga (2-3) defeated Kotoeiho (1-4). Fujiryoga stuck Kotoeiho with a solid tachiai forced him back and out. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (2-3) defeated Takayasu (2-3). Kotoshoho blocked Takayasu’s arms. Takayasu decided to pull and Kotoshoho gladly shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Fujinokawa (3-2) defeated Hakunofuji (1-4). Fujinokawa laid into Hakunofuji with blistering tsuppari. He then shifted left and Hakunofuji’s momentum carried him staggering forward. Fujinokawa hooked his arm up under Hakunofuji’s shoulder, pulling him toward the bales. He then lashed back out with more slaps to drive him out. I’m not sure what plan Hakunofuji came with. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (4-1) defeated Daieisho (1-4). Atamifuji shoved Daieisho to the edge and finished him off with a few shoves to the face. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (4-1) defeated Takanosho (3-2). Kirishima shifted left and got Takanosho spun around by pulling his arm forward. Kirishima then finished him off, shoving from behind. Okuridashi.

Gonoyama (2-3) defeated Aonishiki (3-2). Gonoyama hit Aonishiki hard at the tachiai, blasting the Ozeki backward. Aonishiki limped back down the hanamichi with that taped left foot. There’s plenty of opportunity for a non-kadoban Ozeki to go kyujo. Oshitaoshi.

Churanoumi (4-1) defeated Kotozakura (4-1). Churanoumi did not allow Kotozakura to get anywhere near his mawashi. As the suddenly one-dimensional Ozeki flailed around trying to get a hold of anything but pride, Churanoumi used his tsuppari effectively to force Kotozakura out. Kotozakura’s strategy today was: 1) grab belt, 2) pull backward, 3) rotate left while pulling to give myself a bit more room. He succeeded at 2 and 3 but failed at 1. If he fails at Step 1, he should not proceed to Step 2 or 3! Yes, Kotozakura was alone in the lead yesterday. Yes, I “forgot” to mention it. I wanted to wait a day to see if that would last. It did not. Who knew? Me. Well, I didn’t know but I had a sneaking suspicion that such a “lead” would not last into the weekend. Oshidashi.

Onosato (4-1) defeated Yoshinofuji (0-5). Onosato met Yoshinofuji with a solid tachiai. Onosato calmly worked his right hand inside to get a hold of Yoshinofuji’s belt. He then drove Yoshinofuji backward and out. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Onosato calmly cracked his goose-egg against Yoshinofuji, who is one of a number of guys still looking for their first win.

Turning to the Ozeki, Aonishiki looks suitably banged up to earn a spot on the couch for a few days. He recently had a broken tail bone and today’s crash landing did not likely help it to heal. I was very impressed with Gonoyama. That aggression was similar to Hiradoumi or Fujinokawa.

Kirishima looked strong while Kotozakura looked like Kotonanahachi.

Turning to tomorrow’s bouts, we see Hakunofuji and Daieisho will kick off sanyaku action. Then Atamifuji will fight Kotoshoho, Kotozakura will take on Takanosho, Kirishima will fight Yoshinofuji, and no rest for the weary as Aonishiki will face Fujinokawa. Onosato will end things against Gonoyama.

See you tomorrow.

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.