Haru 2026: Day Two

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho ,

Day Two in Osaka. We have new reports from the infirmary. Many fans will be happy to hear that Onokatsu and Hakunofuji will sit out starting today. Onokatsu is kyujo because of his ankle. MaciekSumo noticed that Onokatsu received a concussion. He got knocked out by the clash of heads with Ichiyamamoto. He then suffered an ankle sprain as we saw his leg buckle awkwardly.

Hakunofuji aggravated the toe injury he received in January and will go kyujo, as well. The door is obviously open to both men if they decide to return to action.

NHK videos for today’s action are here. Look for this button to expand the videos:

Makuuchi Action

Fujiryoga (1-1) defeated Sadanoumi (1-1). Sadanoumi got in a good hit at the tachiai but Fujiryoga quickly rushed Sadanoumi out behind powerful tsuppari (thrusts). Fujiryoga picks up his first top division victory and a nice handful of kensho. As with Fujiseiun, I am sure there will be plenty more of those in the future. Fujishima beya is becoming quite the little powerhouse. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (1-1) defeated Kotoeiho (1-1). Asahakuryu launched out after Kotoeiho and attacked with tsuppari. Kotoeiho tried to use a slapdown counter attack as he retreated around the inside of the tawara but Asahakuryu chased him down and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (2-0) defeated Kinbozan (1-1). Like Fujiryoga and Asahakuryu, Kinbozan immediately attacked with strong tsuppari. Mitakeumi attempted to lull Kinbozan into a slapdown or thrust out victory, similar to Kotoeiho. When those attacks failed, he changed strategy, grabbed Kinbozan by his belt and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (1-1) defeated Tobizaru (0-2). Chiyoshoma missed with his slapdown attack so he sprung forward to attack Tobizaru. Tobizaru tried his own slapdown but failed as he flew from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (2-0) defeated Fujiseiun (1-1). Both men locked on with left-hand inside belt grips. Both men tried to dislodge their opponent’s grips, as we saw in the Konishiki technique videos. Nishikifuji decided to latch on with his right-hand over-arm grip. This improved his leverage and allowed him to force Fujiseiun back and out. Our first real yotsu battle of the day was a good one. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (2-0) defeated Shishi (1-1). Asakoryu shifted right and pulled Shishi forward with a slapdown attempt. Shishi tried to recover but Asakoryu followed up with a shove from the side. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (1-1) defeated Oshoumi (0-2). Oshoumi had sold the slapdown the whole way but Asanoyama was able to stay on his feet long enough to shove Oshoumi out first. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (2-0) defeated Tokihayate (1-1). Gonoyama forced Tokihayate out as Tokihayate tried a slapdown. Yorikiri.

Roga (1-1) defeated Tamawashi (0-2). Roga missed with his left hand mawashi grab. But as Tamawashi charged forward, Roga pulled right and pulled Tamawashi down. Gunbai Roga. No mono-ii. On review, Tamawashi clearly touched down before Roga. Hikiotoshi.

Ura (2-0) defeated Oshoma (1-1). Ura shoved Oshoma out with his hazu-oshi attack. Oshoma was unable to time an effective slapdown. Oshidashi.

Shodai (1-1) default win over Hakunofuji (0-2).

Halftime

Ichiyamamoto (2-0) defeated Abi (0-2). Ichiyamamoto quickly thrust Abi out. Abi had no forward power. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (2-0) default win over Onokatsu (0-2).

Hiradoumi (2-0) defeated Daieisho (0-2). Daieisho tried a quick slapdown but Hiradoumi drove him back and out. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (2-0) defeated Oho (0-2). Takanosho will have some awful tournaments. This does not appear to be one. Great fundamentals. Good footwork. He thrust forward into Oho and Oho tried to pull him down. Oho went straight backward and out. You all know how much I love that. We’ve seen a lot of gear boxes stuck in reverse today. Lots of Ls. It’s just basically a forfeit. Throwing in your chips and hoping that splashing the pot somehow takes out your opponent. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Churanoumi (1-1) defeated Kirishima (1-1). Kirishima launched out with tsuppari. He tried to side step with a slapdown but that created the opening Churanoumi needed. Churanoumi pressed forward, corralled the Sekiwake and shoved him out. That was not Ozeki-caliber offense. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (2-0) defeated Fujinokawa (0-2). Takayasu fought hard to get his left hand inside. Once he got it, he pressed forward and forced Fujinokawa close to the edge. Fujinokawa brought his right arm up and tried a kubinage but that allowed Takayasu ducked the attack and threw Fujinokawa with that left hand. Sukuinage.

Yoshinofuji (1-1) defeated Aonishiki (1-1). What a bout! Aonishiki landed his right-hand inside grip to Yoshinofuji’s left-hand outside. As Aonishiki tried to get his left-hand inside, too, Yoshinofuji suddenly and violently twisted backward, clockwise, away from that left hand. He spun like the Tasmanian devil, forcing Aonishiki’s back suddenly up against the edge. Yoshinofuji then forced his weight forward, crushing Aonishiki off the dohyo. Yoritaoshi.

Kotozakura (2-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-2). Kotozakura retreated and tried to slap Wakamotoharu down. But he shuffled left to stay in bounds. He re-engaged from better position and shoved Wakamotoharu out. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (2-0) defeated Wakatakakage (1-1). Hoshoryu tried a slapdown. Wakatakakage kept his footing but Hoshoryu slipped to the left, like Kotozakura against WMH, allowing him to push Wakatakakage out from behind. Okuridashi.

Atamifuji (1-1) defeated Onosato (0-2). Onosato got his right hand inside. Atamifuji couldn’t dislodge it so he wrapped his left hand over it. He got his right hand inside Onosato’s left shoulder, as well, and began to chug forward. Onosato was in trouble so in desperation he pulled back, freed himself of Atamifuji’s grip…and jumped clear of the dohyo. Gunbai Atamifuji. No mono-ii. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Well, well, well. Yoshinofuji is first to get dirt on Aonishiki in this tsuna-tori, “rope run,” and he did it very early in the tournament. How will Aonishiki react? Will it all fall apart in a string of losses, like an Onami brother on an Ozeki run? Or will he regroup and find himself in title contention next week? I’ll be tuned in tomorrow to watch!

Hoshoryu never looks strong when he pulls but it was effective today. He will need to muster all of his agility and skill tomorrow as he fights Yoshinofuji.

Then, what of Onosato? Two days in and he has two losses already. Will he right this ship? We’ve got a hot list of bouts tomorrow, that’s for sure. Onosato will fight Fujinokawa. If Onosato retreats from the much smaller Day Three opponent Fujinokawa, I would presume he will sit out.

Aonishiki will fight Wakatakakage, Kotozakura will battle Churanoumi, Kirishima will face Atamifuji and Takayasu will take on Wakamotoharu. There’s a lot of fire in that torikumi, that’s for sure.

Haru 2026: Shonichi

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho , , ,

Lower division updates first. Asahifuji obliterated his Jonidan opponent and looks hungry for a second straight lower division title. In Makushita, Enho is off to a good start with his defeat of Hidenoumi. 1-0.

As usual, your NHK videos are here. Click “I understand,” and then find the “続きを読む,” in the middle of the page, click, and that will expand and show all of the videos.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoeiho defeated Ryuden. Kotoeiho drove forward with his left hand inside and dumped Ryuden over the edge. Overpowering Ryuden like that is not a good sign for Ryuden. He did not seem able to put weight on that right foot. Yoritaoshi.

Kinbozan defeated Fujiryoga. Fujiryoga’s rise has been so fast he sports the zambara hair-style. His hair is getting longer but it’s not quite long enough for a chonmage (top-knot). Fujiryoga put his head down and charged in through Kinbozan’s tsuppari, forcing Kinbozan back to the bales. Kinbozan used excellent footwork to cycle backwards along the tawara and back into center. Kinbozan then laid into Fujiryoga with more tsuppari, drove him back and shoved him over the bales. “Welcome to Makuuchi.” Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi defeated Asahakuryu. Mitakeumi pressed forward and drove Asahakuryu over the edge. Asahakuryu seemed to try a last second twist to escape but he might as well have been scratching an itch. It was completely ineffective as Mitakeumi shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji defeated Chiyoshoma. Nishikifuji got his left hand inside and charged forward. Chiyoshoma tried to shift direction but Nishikifuji stuck with him, drove him back and forced him over the tawara. Solid fundamentals. Yorikiri.

Fujiseiun defeated Asanoyama. Asanoyama started with good tachiai but he pulled backward and tried to slap Fujiseiun down. Fujiseiun used excellent footwork to keep his balance and charge forward into Asanoyama, shoving the former Ozeki over the edge. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu defeated Tobizaru. Asakoryu blasted his way forward behind effective tsuppari. Tobizaru tried to wrap up Asakoryu’s head for a kubinage but Asakoryu slipped from Tobizaru’s grasp and thrust him down to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.

Shishi defeated Oshoumi. Shishi shifted direction at the tachiai but Oshoumi reacted well and wrapped up the Ukrainian. Oshoumi chugged forward but Shishi dug deep and stopped at the bales. Shishi got his left hand inside, twisted Oshoumi back to the bales and pressed forward until Oshoumi fell backward. Yoritaoshi.

Gonoyama defeated Roga. Roga got his left hand quickly on Gonoyama’s mawashi and pulled. Gonoyama did well to stay upright and chase Roga back to the bales, eventually driving him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate defeated Tamawashi. Tokihayate quickly got a morozashi, double-inside grip on Tamawashi’s belt, then drove forward and forced Tamawashi back and out. Yorikiri.

Ura defeated Shodai. You could hear a pin drop at this tachiai. Such a huge crowd, completely silent as they waited for Shodai to attack. Instead, Ura plowed forward and forced the former Ozeki out. Oshidashi.

Oshoma defeated Hakunofuji. Hakunofuji got a morozashi but Oshoma quickly pulled back to free himself, then slapped Hakunofuji down as he jumped back over the edge. Gunbai Oshoma. Mono-ii. Hakunofuji limped off the dohyo to await the shimpan’s decision. I don’t think his shisho was kidding about that leg injury. The committee decided the gyoji’s call was correct, Hakunofuji had come down first before Oshoma went out. Hakunofuji walked back down the hanamichi, likely happy there wasn’t a torinaoshi. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Ichiyamamoto defeated Onokatsu. Ichiyamamoto spring forward and launched into Onokatsu. Onokatsu’s left leg buckled as he couldn’t take the pressure of Ichiyamamoto’s forward movement. It seemed like the left knee just gave way. Onokatsu laid down for a bit but eventually got up, bowed, and hobbled back down the hanamichi. Oshitaoshi.

Kotoshoho defeated Abi. Abi’s thrusts lacked power as Kotoshoho shoved Abi back and out. I’ve got a joke. Hakunofuji, Onokatsu and Abi walked into a bar…and hopefully stayed there for the duration of this tournament. Go kyujo, boys. Y’all are banged up. Who am I kidding? They’ll all be back tomorrow. Oshidashi.

Takanosho defeated Daieisho. Solid tachiai. Daieisho’s thrusts forced Takanosho back to the edge but he quickly lost steam. Takanosho countered with his own thrusts and forced Daieisho back over the edge. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi defeated Oho. Hiradoumi quickly got both hands inside. With a great bear hug, Hiradoumi pressed forward behind powerful gaburi hip thrusts and forced Oho out. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Takayasu defeated Churanoumi. Takayasu quickly grabbed Churanoumi’s belt with his right hand over-arm grip. Just as quickly, Takayasu discovered Churanoumi’s belt was loose as all get out. He tried to throw Churanoumi but lacked enough leverage. So we settled into a lean…and eventually Takayasu found the leverage to dump Churanoumi. Uwatedashinage.

Kirishima defeated Fujinokawa. Kirishima contained Fujinokawa by seizing his belt with both hands — left hand inside, right hand outside. Kirishima drove forward and threw Fujinokawa over the edge. Uwatenage.

Kotozakura defeated Yoshinofuji. Yoshinofuji quickly grabbed Kotozakura’s belt with a left hand overarm grip. Kotozakura had a solid right inside, but Yoshinofuji pulled and dragged Kotozakura to the bales and tried to topple him. Kotozakura kept his footing and recovered. He then grabbed Yoshinofuji’s belt with his own overarm grip and pulled Yoshinofuji down. Way to hang in there by the Ozeki. Uwatenage.

Aonishiki defeated Wakamotoharu. Wakamotoharu slow-rolled his tachiai so Aonishiki stood up for a matta, and the two reset. On the second attempt, Henka! Wakamotoharu leapt to the left at the tachiai and tried to slap the Ozeki down as he charged forward. But Aonishiki was ready. Aonishiki got his left hand on Wakamotoharu’s belt and shoved forward. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage defeated Onosato. Onosato pulled and tried to slap Wakatakakage down. Wakatakakage had his right hand inside Onosato’s armpit, maintained his footing and charged forward with Onosato’s retreat. He basically just rode Onosato back and out. Wakatakakage’s first kinboshi (hatsukinboshi). Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu defeated Atamifuji. Hoshoryu got his right hand inside quickly and drove Atamifuji back. Atamifuji kept his balance and tried to get his left-hand overarm grip. Hoshoryu tried to pull with that right hand but when he rotated right for the throw, that allowed Atamifuji to get his left-hand over arm grip. Atamifuji tried an uwatenage and brought his right hand up to the Yokozuna’s head to try to finish him off. Hoshoryu somehow kept his balance and charged into Atamifuji, forcing him back and off-balance. Hoshoryu then ran Atamifuji out the other side of the ring. Great try by the big guy. But that’s why Hoshoryu is Yokozuna. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Aonishiki passed his first test with flying colors. Of the top four guys, he appeared the most in control and solid, despite Wakamotoharu’s gamesmanship. Hoshoryu dodged a bullet but Onosato took it square to the scalp. Kotozakura will be happy with his white star to open the tournament.

On Day Two, they’ll trade opponents. Onosato will face Atamifuji, Hoshoryu will take on Wakatakakage, Kotozakura will get Wakamotoharu and Aonishiki will take on Yoshinofuji. Takayasu will fight Fujinokawa and Kirishima will take on Churanoumi.

Well, hopefully we’ll get some better polished sumo tomorrow but today’s action definitely brought a lot of excitement.

Narō Masters: The Final Five

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho ,

I posted the final five episodes of the Narō series. Again, rather than duplicating stuff and putting all five videos here, go to the main Konishiki Tapes Page. Videos 13-17 are the new ones.

  • Episode 13: Days of the Sekitori
  • Episode 14: Konishiki’s Match Breakdowns
  • Episode 15: Ozeki Life
  • Episode 16: Yokozuna Dreams
  • Episode 17: Legacy

In these videos you will find out more about Konishiki’s career, including his rapid assent in the top division, his life as an Ozeki, and his dreams of being Yokozuna and the toll injuries took on him. While we may think it’s all party time, there are a lot of obligations and responsibilities. We start to see why the top wrestlers might need a personal assistant for some stuff. One day you’re fighting in a tournament, then suddenly, you’re the MC at the wedding of a supporter’s daughter. And the next day you’re hung over and waving to folks at the opening of a car dealership while signing autographs and making hundreds of tegata.

At least these supporters are likely not named “Corleone,” and Marlon Brando isn’t going to slap you for whining about a mean director and a role in a picture. Sorry, when I think about a celebrity going to the wedding of an influential supporter’s daugther, obviously The Godfather is all I can think of. And now I’m going to have to watch it. Bottom line, Konishiki’s lived experience and perspective is fascinating. We also have to deal with some of the ugly truths of the sport, truths which have recently reared their head — yet again. Thankfully, much has changed but there is a bit further to go.

Haru 2026: Preview

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho ,

The yobidashi finished building the dohyo and it has been consecrated. The Osaka tournament is set to begin! There are a few items to note as we head into the opening day of the sumo tournament in Osaka.

First up, Shiden has retired. The timing seemed rather abrupt. At the end of last year, he had fallen into Makushita after his kyujo-shortened Kyushu tournament. He only managed one win in January so he fell deeper into the division when this most recent banzuke came out. The end of this past week was the time when they’re putting together the torikumi for the start of Osaka, so I imagine he was staring at either lengthy kyujo or push ahead with another poor performance and decided to hang up his mawashi. Tweets from fans expressed surprise at the timing but also thanks and wished him well in his second career.

I mentioned the bout list, or torikumi (取り組み), with the news above about Shiden. The list was released by the Sumo Association and we have a number of exciting matchups to look forward to on Sunday.

We take a brief stop by the infirmary. Midorifuji will be kyujo. Midorifuji’s kyujo is due to a heart condition which I hope will be treated and will allow him to come back. Fujiryoga will be welcomed to the top division with the open arms of Kinbozan’s fierce tsuppari. Fujiseiun doesn’t get any lighter treatment. He will take on former Ozeki, Asanoyama. “Here, Fujiseiun, lemme give you a hug.” Oof. Kotoeiho will open things up against Ryuden.

As we hop up the list, we see Ura paired against Shodai. That should be entertaining. Up in sanyaku, Papa Bear will face Churanoumi, Kirishima will fight Fujinokawa and Kotozakura will fight Yoshinofuji. Aonishiki’s rope run starts against Wakamotoharu. Must win. Onosato will fight Wakatakakage and Hoshoryu will close Day One action against Atamifuji.

We also note that Hakunofuji is scheduled to face Oshoma. This brings us to our third bit of “big news” — the news which I have been holding back on due to lack of detail in public. As Josh mentioned in his post, there was reportedly a violent encounter between Isegahama-oyakata (ex-Terunofuji) and Hakunofuji at a fan event. Because the incident is still under investigation and there are few details and many questions about those few details which have surfaced, I have decided to wait to report until we have those details. Well, we now have some items to report.

Hakunofuji will participate in Haru Basho. Isegahama-oyakata will be kyujo. The Sumo Association held a board meeting and determined that Isegahama will not work this tournament but will still act as coach. With the investigation still pending, he is effectively on leave. So we won’t see him in a blue jacket ushering fans out of the stadium or taking tickets or any sort of the activities oyakata perform at tournaments.

I’m sure your minds have questions and sadly, I have no answers, only my own questions and speculation. There are still several questions which I was hoping to be able to answer…but I can’t. If Hakunofuji is participating, is he practicing? Where is he practicing if Terunofuji is still coaching at the heya? If they’re together, that’s going to be awkward and not bode well for performance.

This drama won’t merely impact Hakunofuji, either. Nishikifuji witnessed the event and was summoned with Terunofuji and Hakunofuji to provide statements. Surely Nishikifuji’s going to want to get his head in the game, but who knows how effective that will be. Meanwhile, guys from Atamifuji on down to newly promoted Toshinofuji will try to soldier on.

Anyway, I won’t report on what I don’t know so don’t expect much coming out of me on this topic for the next fortnight. After the tournament, the board will get together and decide any outcomes and hand down any punishment. Till then, the show must go on!