Natsu 2026: Day Ten

Andy Nagoya 2025

Day Ten in Tokyo. No new kyujo to report. I do have a fascinating tidbit to report, though. I just noticed that the order of wrestlers on the scoreboard at the Kyokai homepage alternates each day, just like the yobidashi alternate between announcing east first on odd days, then west first on even days. Today, the West wrestlers are on top. I can be slow sometimes. I mean, it should be obvious because it says “West” on top of “East”.

Nishinoryu denied Enho his kachi-koshi. At 7-3, Enho falls out of the yusho race as Kazekeno (9-1) and Kazuma (8-2) won their bouts.

NHK videos for today are here.

Makuuchi Action

Dewanoryu (3-7) defeated Roga (5-5). A lengthly right-hand inside grapple. This was full of action with no “leanfest.” Dewanoryu steadily worked Roga to the edge and over the bales. It struck me how rare it’s become to have one of these with so much oshi-tsuki sumo nowadays. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (8-2) defeated Ryuden (3-7). Kotoeiho chugged forward which his lefthand inside grip. When he got the right hand inside as well, Ryuden was toast. Yorikiri.

Wakanosho (6-4) defeated Shishi (3-7). Shishi henka! I doubt today’s henka was one of those “polite” henkas. Neither of his were particularly good and today’s was ineffective. Wakanosho adjusted and thrust Shishi quickly from the ring as punishment. Tsukidashi.

Fujiryoga (8-2) defeated Tokihayate (3-7). Fujiryoga overpowered Tokihayate and quickly shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (5-5) defeated Kinbozan (5-5). Henka! Mitakeumi jumped left, rather slowly, though. Kinbozan rotated to engage Mitakeumi. Unfortunately, Kinbozan pulled and that was a mistake. Mitakeumi shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (8-2) defeated Abi (4-6). No henka. Abi even pivoted and pulled (Yay!), earning great position as he started to drive Tobizaru to the bales. Tobizaru shifted left at the edge and thrust Abi down to the ground from the side. There was a couple with Tobizaru shirts who seemed thrilled. I appreciate how risky it is to walk around with a purple “猿” Tee-shirt. Hubby needs to be nearby with his “翔”.  Otherwise, I imagine people think you’re supporting Punch or something. Tsukiotoshi.

Oshoumi (2-8) defeated Nishikifuji (3-7). A rare display of power from Oshoumi as he got a left-hand inside grip and drove Nishikifuji out. Yorikiri.

Ura (7-3) defeated Oshoma (5-5). Ura got his left hand inside and drove Oshoma back and out. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (1-9) defeated Asahakuryu (3-7). Tamawashi has barely been able to push his own shopping cart but managed to drive Asahakuryu back and out behind a nodowa. Asahakuryu tried to slip away at the edge but stepped out. Tamawashi moves ahead of Harumafuji and one behind Kisenosato for 8th place on the all-time top division wins list with 713 wins. Hakuho’s record of 1093 wins is a touch out of reach. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji (7-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-6). Hakunofuji and Chiyoshoma got all out-of-sync with two mattas. The first, from Hakunofuji, was really weird. I think I know why. Watch how Hakunofuji keeps bringing his forearm up to his face. I bet his allergies are destroying him and he’s not dealing with sweat but some sinus issues. He seemed really happy to get his black hand towel (tenugui) back. Chiyoshoma charged ahead with his right hand uwate. At the edge, Hakunofuji pivoted and twisted and threw Chiyonofuji over the bales. Shitatenage.

Halftime

Asanoyama (7-3) defeated Fujiseiun (5-5). Fujiseiun pulled but Asanoyama reacted well and shoved Fujiseiun out. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (4-6) defeated Churanoumi (6-4). Churanoumi drove blindly into the torrent of Daieisho’s tsuppari. Daieisho cycled backwards along the edge and slapped Churanoumi down. Tsukiotoshi.

Yoshinofuji (7-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-6). Yoshinofuji got inside Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari and bear hugged him. Once he had both hands inside like that, he held Ichi high and forced him back over the edge. Yorikiri.

Fujinokawa (5-5) defeated Hiradoumi (4-6). After trading tsuppari, Fujinokawa jumped left as Hiradoumi charged past. Fujinokawa followed up to shove Hiradoumi out. Oshidashi.

Oho (4-6) defeated Takanosho (4-6). Oho charged into Takanosho. Takanosho put his foot back to resist at the tawara so Oho slapped him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (8-2) defeated Atamifuji (5-5). Atamifuji made Wakatakakage work for this one. Atamifuji nearly got the kotenage win. As Atamifuji forced Wakatakakage to the edge, Wakatakakage turned the tables as he pivoted and lifted Atamifuji to the edge. For quite a while he tried to drive Atamifuji over, even putting his right knee into the shove. He finally forced Atamifuji over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (8-2) defeated Kotoshoho (6-4). Kotoshoho tried several shifts and slapdowns, a lot of his usual misdirection. But Gonoyama surprisingly kept his wits about him and did not stumble to his doom as he does so often. This time, Kotoshoho pressured Gonoyama to the edge and Gonoyama shifted and thrust Kotoshoho down. It was tight, though. Kotoshoho wanted a mono-ii. Gonoyama’s heel was perilously close to touching outside the bales as it perched on the edge. But it does look like there’s space there. Hatakikomi.

Kotozakura (3-7) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-8). Kotozakura quickly got his right hand inside, pivoted and dispatched Wakamotoharu. Yorikiri.

Shodai (4-6) defeated Kirishima (8-2). As Kirishima’s legs churned forward, cheeky Shodai slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-Up

Shodai’s win opens up the yusho race quite a bit. Suddenly, four new players join a rather crowded race.

  • 2-Losses: Kirishima, Wakatakakage, Gonoyama,  Kotoeiho, Tobizaru, Fujiryogoa
  • 3-Losses: Yoshinofuji, Asanoyama, Hakunofuji, Ura

Frankly, there are a lot of outcomes here that I would enjoy. It would have been nice to have Takayasu up in this race, too. Oh well.

Shodai will try to put dirt on Kotozakura tomorrow. If he succeeds in claiming a second massive stack of kensho, he will be responsible for officially putting Kotozakura on kadoban status. I doubt he minds at all. Kirishima will fight Wakatakakage in a huge match-up. Atamifuji will fight Churanoumi and Kotoshoho will take on Fujiseiun.

Other yusho race bouts include Yoshinofuji versus Hiradoumi, Gonoyama versus Ichiyamamoto, Kotoeiho up against Oshoma, Tobizaru versus Asanoyama, Fujiryoga taking on Hakunofuji, and Ura versus Wakanosho. See you tomorrow!

Natsu 2026 Makushita, Day 9

lksumo Nagoya 2025

As noted yesterday, this was the quarterfinal bracket:

Super-prospect Asahifuji had perhaps his toughest match yet against Fudoho, just prevailing at the edge by shitatenage to counter his oppenent’s uwatenage attempt. He will next face Omori “the handsome”, who nonchalantly swatted aside Tatsubayama after the latter engaged in a pre-bout stare-down worthy of Hoshoryu. Veteran Akua defeated Anhibiki and will next fight Tanji, who came out ahead in a spirited battle with Ikarigata. If Omori can stop Asahifuji, we’ll have a straightforward title decider on day 13 between him and the winner of Akua vs. Tanji. Otherwise, that winner will be matched with the best available 5-1 opponent, opening the door to a big playoff.

By remaining undefeated, Tanji also keeps alive his hopes of Juryo promotion should he finish 7-0 in the extended promotion zone. Here are how things stand in the regular promotion zone:

Takakento, Shimanoumi, and injured Wakanofuji are already out of the running, and no one else is exactly breaking down the door, though Arashifuji (formerly Matsui) is currently in pole position. We’ll have a better sense of the exchange picture after the next round of bouts.

Natsu 2026: Day Nine

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho , ,

Day Nine in Tokyo. No new kyujo in the top divisions.

Kazekeno picked up his first loss against Shonannoumi. At 8-1, he still holds a solo lead in the Juryo yusho race. Kazuma and Enho trail at 7-2. Enho defeated Nishikigi, a fading member of the old guard – and one of the larger members of the old guard. If I recall correctly, at one point he was the largest guy in Makuuchi. Enho still took him on head-on and managed to shove him out. No tricks.

Down in makushita, Omori slid out of the way of Tatsubayama to stay in the hunt for the third division title. Asahifuji survived a scare against Fudoho. The pair teetered at the edge with Asahifuji succeeding in pulling Fudoho down a fraction of a second before he went down. He’s still on the path to join the 21-win club but it’s obvious the competition will only get more difficult from here.

The NHK videos for today are here.

Makuuchi Action

Takerufuji (6-3 Juryo) defeated Oshoumi (1-8). Oshoumi shifted to his left at the tachiai but Takerufuji still blanketed him and quickly blasted him from the ring. Yoritaoshi.

Wakanosho (5-4) defeated Roga (5-4). Roga attacked Wakanosho from the side and shoved him toward the bales. Wakanosho countered by shifting to the side and shoving Roga down. Tsukiotoshi.

Fujiryoga defeated Mitakeumi. Fujiryoga hit Mitakeumi with a solid tachiai and drove him back to the bales, attacking his face. Oshidashi.

Kotoeiho (7-2) defeated Tobizaru (7-2). Tobizaru allowed Kotoeiho to drive him back to the tawara, opting to use the bales to mount his counter attack. He shifted to the side but Kotoeiho adjusted well. Kotoeiho drove forward again and this time shoved Tobizaru clear from the ring. Oshidashi.

Shishi (3-6) defeated Tamawashi (0-9). Henka! Shishi jumped left and Tamawashi rolled to a stop at 0-9. Tsukiotoshi.

Kinbozan (5-4) defeated Ryuden (3-6). As Ryuden sought Kinbozan’s belt, Kinbozan rotated clockwise, eventually succeeding in making Ryuden dizzy and slapping him down. Hatakikomi.

Ura (6-3) defeated Tokihayate (3-6). Kokonoe-oyakata stopped the fight with the probably the most delayed “matta” call I’ve ever seen. People wondered if shinpan had the ability to stop a fight and he proved it today. The fight was well under way when he raised his hand. The gyoji saw it and stopped the fight. Everyone looked at the head shimpan. “What’s up?” Kokonoe-oyakata raised his fist. At first, I thought he was calling Ura for a forbidden closed fist strike. “Get your hands down!” “Okay. Yessir.” Extraordinary. So, everyone reset and went at it again. On the second tachiai, Ura had the clear upper hand, got behind Tokihayate and shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Hakunofuji (6-3) defeated Abi (4-5). Abi seemed to have adopted Shodai’s “Stand-up” Tachiai. Regardless, Hakunofuji took advantage of Abi-zumo. He absorbed Abi’s tsuppari and moved forward when Abi retreated for his slapdown attempts. After a few hops, Abi was at the edge and Hakuoho – I mean, Hakunofuji – easily forced him out. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (6-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-5). Asanoyama charged ahead and cast Chiyoshoma into the second row of spectators — under the watchful gaze of Lord Dark Helmet’s okamisan. (Oh dear, I might just have to do that fanfic. It would be brilliant. I’d have to write her as the not-so secret patron of the former Ozeki.) Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (3-6) defeated Fujiseiun (5-4). I think Fujiseiun was a bit stunned by Nishikifuji’s head-first tachiai. Nishikifuji got his right arm under Fujiseiun’s left, rotated, and pulled Fujiseiun down. Kotenage.

Halftime

Churanoumi (6-3) defeated Oshoma (5-4). Churanoumi steadily beat Oshoma back with tsuppari. Tsukidashi.

Shodai (3-6) defeated Asahakuryu (3-6). It looked like Shodai was going to eat it there but he recovered, pressed forward and shoved Asahakuryu back to the bales. Some sloppy footwork from Asahakuryu and he stepped out instead of working his way along the tawara. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (6-3) defeated Oho (3-6). Oho tried the double-outside arm hold. Unfortunately for him, Yoshinofuji was still able to use his arms. He put Oho in a bear hug, held him up and drove him to the bales and over. Yoshinofuji was glad to be free of Oho’s hold, stretching his elbow afterwards. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (4-5) defeated Hiradoumi (4-5). Takanosho shifted to his left and slapped Hiradoumi down. Hatakikomi.

Ichiyamamoto (4-5) defeated Fujinokawa (4-5). This was the best and most effective I have ever seen Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari game. The thrusts kept Fujinokawa at bay. The subtle shifts and slapdowns forced him off balance. Fujinokawa was left with no way in. So, he went out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Kotoshoho (6-3) defeated Wakatakakage (7-2). After an initial flurry of tsuppari from both men, Wakatakakage made the mistake of pulling. Kotoshoho was all over him and easily pressed forward and forced him out. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (5-4) defeated Daieisho (3-6). Daieisho used his tsuppari to no effect. Atamifuji batted some volleys away but focused on pressing forward, forcing Daieisho to the bales. As he lost ground, Daieisho shuffled clockwise around the ring but Atamifuji pursued well and shoved Daieisho from the fighting surface. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (8-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-7). Kirishima forced Wakamotoharu back to the edge. Wakamotoharu tried to shift to the side but Kirishima drove straight through him, crushing him backwards. Wakamotoharu fell back on his but while Kirishima dove headlong over the edge. Kirishima was bloodied, possibly from landing face first on the step leading up to the dohyo. He rolled into a few Chads at the side of the ring and came up with a forehead and nose covered in blood. The way he was touching his face afterwards makes me think he might need some new dental work. But at least he got his kachi-koshi! Yoritaoshi.

Gonoyama (7-2) defeated Kotozakura (2-7). Kotozakura charged forward while Gonoyama shifted right along the tawara. Kotozakura fell forward and Gonoyama stepped out. Gunbai Gonoyama. Mono-ii. The shimpan judged Kotozakura out first, confirming the ruling on the field. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Kotozakura will, in all likelihood be officially kadoban in the coming days. Will he go kyujo? Will Kirishima go kyujo to get his grill looked at? I just think we were inches from a real medical emergency today and hopefully Kirishima heads straight to the hospital to get sorted.

That said, this yusho race is pulling in some really interesting names. Wakatakakage and Tobizaru fall into the chase group. Kirishima regains his position as sole leader with his winning record secured.

  • 1-Loss: Kirishima
  • 2-Losses: Wakatakakage, Gonoyama, Kotoeiho, Tobizaru, Fujiryoga

On the other end of the spectrum, we’re getting a bit more clarity with the Makuuchi/Juryo exchanges. I’m interested to hear your opinions on this. In my humble opinion, at the current pace we could be getting three to five promotion cases from the second division. Onokatsu, Daiseizan, Takerufuji and maybe Sadanoumi seem determined to put in a good word. Kyokukaiyu or maybe even Kazuma might be able to get in there with great finishes to the tournament but I’m thinking three is most likely the number.

If that’s the case, Tamawashi, Oshoumi and Ryuden appear closest to earning slots on “the barge.” Everyone else at the bottom of Makuuchi seem determined to avoid the drop. Shishi and Tokihayate would really need to fall apart this week to join the other three.

We close out “Act Two” tomorrow. Already? Geez this basho is going by quickly. Kirishima will face Shodai tomorrow. Maybe Shodai can point the Ozeki to a good reference for the dental work. Kotozakura will fight Wakamotoharu and one of them will be make-koshi. Gonoyama will fight Kotoshoho. Kotoshoho’s been looking quite solid and might be a dark horse. In the final sanyaku bout, Wakatakakage will fight Atamifuji.

Down in the rank-and-file, Tobizaru will fight Abi, Fujiryoga will fight Tokihayate and Kotoeiho will take on Ryuden. I would have thought they would move Fujiryoga and Kotoeiho up a bit but no. Feeding them some chum for now. Will see you back here tomorrow.

Natsu 2026 Makushita, Day 8

lksumo Nagoya 2025

It’s day 8, which means the first 4 rounds of lower-division bouts have been completed. Here’s the day 9 bracket for the quarterfinals:

We get our first look at super-prospect Asahifuji, who visits from Sandanme to fill out the bracket. He fights Fudoho rather than lowest-ranked Omori in order to break up the Tokitsukaze pair of Fudoho and Tatsubayama. Asahifuji is the Isegahama Mongolian who trained in the heya for several years before his debut while he waited for ex-Terunofuji to retire and open up the foreigner slot. He was very highly touted, and hasn’t disappointed to this point, taking the Jonokuchi and Jonidan yusho and running his career record to 18-0 (not counting two playoff wins). His opponent debuted at Ms60TD in March with a 4-3 record.

Tatsubayama is another Mongolian who debuted last July, took the Jonokuchi yusho, and has a 27-3 record (with two absences). He’ll fight newcomer Omori, aka “the hunk.” The third bout pairs Anhibiki, who also took the Jonokuchi in his first basho, in January 2024, but has slowed down since, with former maegashira, salt thrower, and bow twirler Akua, the only grizzled veteran to make the quarterfinals. Finally, we get Tanji, who started 4 years ago but is still only 19, against Ikarigata, Fujinokawa’s more highly touted brother. It promises to be a good day of action tomorrow!