Nagoya 2026: Day Seven

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho

Day Seven in Nagoya. Wakanosho is kyujo. Apparently, the concern is for the right knee. Minatogawa-oyakata is getting it checked out and they will address it when they know more about the prognosis. Kinbozan will receive the fusen victory.

In Makushita, Nabatame, Asahifuji, Mita and Kaisho are undefeated at 4-0. Asahifuji went bowling. He sidestepped Ryuho, grabbed his belt and flung him into the expensive seats. There are six more guys at 3-0 who will fight tomorrow with dreams of Makushita yusho: Osanai, Tokunomusashi, Obara, Fudoho, Anosho, and Hananoumi. Nabatame is also close to securing his return to Juryo. He might be set already but another win won’t hurt. There are a few guys who could leapfrog him if they have strong finishes and he flops in Week 2. So, there’s a lot to fight for here.

In Juryo, Enho remained upright while walking forward and therefore beat Kayo. Both men are 3-4. Shirokuma suffered his first defeat, to the Iron Man (4-3). Arashifuji keeps charging head, this time beating Hitoshi to move to 7-0. Meisei finally got his first win against Nishinoryu and Shonannoumi fell to Kazekeno.

Meanwhile, I am extremely excited because I got a delivery of madai, the red fish which is famous in the sumo world for being the fish of celebration. You often see pictures of guys holding one (or two) aloft after winning the top division title or earning promotion to Ozeki or Yokozuna. I’ll be posting about it in a few days. I want to see what I can do with this. So far, so good. My first attempt was amazing and super simple: just a dash of salt and threw it in a pan. Served with rice and a sprinkle of ponzu. Absolutely Delicious.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (3-4) defeated Tomokaze (Juryo 2-5). I wonder if Tomokaze gets called for hairpulls more than average because he put his hand back behind Asakoryu’s head and left it there the whole bout as he tried to pull Asakoryu down. I find that degree of one-dimensional sumo annoying. Asakoryu successfully resisted and pushed Tomokaze out before both men fell. Gunbai Asakoryu, no mono-ii. Oshidashi.

Takerufuji (6-1) defeated Onokatsu (1-6). Takerufuji got his left hand inside Onokatsu’s shoulder. He twisted and drove toward the bales, trying to execute a sukuinage. As they neared the edge, Takerufuji shoved Onokatsu over the bales. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (6-1) defeated Shishi (6-1). Oh no! No Shishi yusho! Nishikifuji’s tsuppari disrupted Shishi’s usual attack. Shishi found no way to get inside and began to back away. Nishikifuji pursued well and kept battering Shishi. Shishi turned away and Nishikifuji shove him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Abi defeated Kazuma. Likewise, Abi beat Kazuma silly with tsuppari. Kazuma tried to keep up with Abi and dish out his own tsuppari but Abi-zumo was too intense and Abi thrust Kazuma from the ring. Tsukidashi.

Daiseizan (3-4) defeated Asahakuryu (2-5). Migiyotsu. Daiseizan got his left hand outside, quickly and kept pressing to get his right hand inside. He patiently chugged forward and drove Asahakuryu out. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (5-2) default win over Wakanosho (5-2).

Asanoyama (5-2) defeated Mitakeumi (0-7). Mitakeumi executed his best “turn-of-tables” attack at the edge as he twisted and nearly toppled Asanoyama. Asanoyama’s left-hand outside grip actually helped him stay upright. He kept pulling on Mitakeumi and eventually heaved Mitakeumi over. I must say, Mitakeumi did not go gentle into that good night, that’s for sure. He gave it his all. Uwatenage.

Fujiryoga defeated Chiyoshoma. Chiyoshoma hit Fujiryoga with a kachi-age and blast him with tsuppari. He then snapped with a slapdown. Chiyoshoma pulled so hard that he threw himself off-balance and both men fell. I thought Fujiryoga came down a beat ahead of Chiyoshoma. Gunbai Chiyoshoma. Mono-ii. The judges wanted a rematch, so we got a rematch. In the rematch, Chiyoshoma slapped the crap out of Fujiryoga while retreating to the edge, trying to avoid Fujiryoga’s tsuppari. A pissed off Fujiryoga cornered Chiyoshoma and pushed him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (3-4) defeated Tobizaru (2-5). Wakamotoharu tried to slap Tobizaru down. When that failed, he realized he would have to MOVE FORWARD and attack Tobizaru. So he did. And he won. Imagine that. Oshidashi.

Kotoeiho (6-1) defeated Roga (2-5) You know when Kotoeiho climbs onto the dohyo by the “Oohs and Aahs” from the crowd. I remember when Abi used to get the same appreciative reaction from the crowd. It seems like there’s always one who does it best and then he passes on the torch after he becomes grim and jaded and mummified. At the tachiai, Kotoeiho latched on quickly with his left hand at the front. He got his right hand inside and steered Roga back and over the edge. Powerful sumo from the youngster. I hope the shiko remains strong with this one for a long time. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (6-1) defeated Shodai (3-4). Shodai waited at the edge for Takayasu to attack before trying to shift right and pull Takayasu forward. That failed and Takayasu shoved him out. No tsuppari from Shodai. No fighting for a belt grip. Just one dimensional, “I’m going to stand on the tawara and try to pull you forward when you attack me.” I swear, there was a time when he actually would MOVE FORWARD, and it was great. By the way, every time you see “move forward” in all caps, that’s because my I have my cousin’s voice in my head. In this sport, it really is the key and I shall adopt it as my mantra. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Fujiseiun (4-3) defeated Ura (1-6). Fujiseiun pressed Ura to the edge. Ura attempted a pull and slapdown but Fujiseiun kept Ura in front and rode him down to the ground. “OK, Ura, I’ll go down. But you go first.” Yoritaoshi.

Oshoma (2-5) defeated Daieisho (5-2). Daieisho tried to slap Oshoma down but failed and ended up at the edge. Oshoma shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (4-3) defeated Churanoumi (1-6). Ichiyamamoto hit Churanoumi with a flurry of tsuppari and drove him back to the edge. Churanoumi resisted at the bales but his leg buckled awkwardly as he went down. Ichiyamamoto showed concern but Churanoumi hopped right up. “Oh, I’m fine, dude. Just flexible.” Oshitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Gonoyama (3-4) defeated Oho (1-6). We started Migi-yotsu. Gonoyama pulled Oho forward and attempted a shitatenage. Oho resisted but yielded a double-inside belt grip. Gonoyama kept Oho high and pressed forward, steering Oho back over the edge. Excellent sumo from Gonoyama. That looked so much better than his usual top-heavy attack. More of that, please. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (3-4) defeated Yoshinofuji (3-4). Takanosho turns up the heat when his opponent is not ranked Ozeki or Yokozuna. He hit out with tsuppari then slapped Yoshinofuji down as Yoshinofuji launched forward. Like Churanoumi, Yoshinofuji seemed to go down really awkwardly but got back up quickly. I am determined to acquire that degree of flexibility before I’m fifty. My bones are starting to creak and I don’t like it. Abisetaoshi.

Aonishiki (6-1) defeated Fujinokawa (3-4). Super-flying henka from Fujinokawa. Fujinokawa grasped for the back of Aonishiki’s belt. But Aonishiki reacted well, pivoted into Fujinokawa and chucked him off the dohyo. Geez, Aonishiki still needs four more wins. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (5-2) defeated Kotozakura (3-4). Kotozakura just didn’t look like he even wanted to win. He rather half-heartedly shifted left and tried to twist Atamifuji; it looked like Shodai on anti-steroids. Atamifuji just shoved him out. Kotozakura’s most difficult opponent might be himself and until he wins whatever internal battle it is that he’s got going on, he’s not going to win on the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (6-1) defeated Kotoshoho (3-4). Kirishima got his left hand deep on Kotoshoho’s belt and held him in a way that kept Kotoshoho’s right arm flailing skyward. Suddenly, Kirishima pivoted and put his left leg in front of Kotoshoho’s right. He heaved Kotoshoho forward over his leg. What a throw! Uwatenage.

Onosato (4-3) defeated Hakunofuji (5-2). Nothing fancy. Densha-michi. Onosato lifted Hakunofuji’s right arm at the elbow and got his left arm inside. Throttle to notch 8! See what you can do when you, MOVE FORWARD!! Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (5-2) defeated Hiradoumi (1-6). Hiradoumi charged ahead but Hoshoryu got that right arm inside, planted that left leg and twisted, throwing Hiradoumi to the dirt. Sukuinage.

Wrap-Up

We won’t really have a yusho race until tomorrow, which is good because there’s a crap ton of guys at 6-1 and even more at 5-2. Seven guys are 6-1 and eight at 5-2.

Two dominant wins from the Yokozuna-tachi. Great to see. Geez, we’re already at nakabi? Time flies like a purple zabuton. Hoshoryu will fight Daieisho tomorrow and Onosato will fight Oho. Both are dangerous. It never gets easy when you’re Yokozuna. Kayo or Tomokaze or Tamashoho are never on your schedule.

Kirishima will fight Atamifuji, Kotozakura will fight Hiradoumi and Kotoshoho gets Hakunofuji. Aonishiki will fight Takanosho and Yoshinofuji will take on Fujinokawa. All are great matchups. I’m super conflicted with Takanosho. I’d love to see him win but that would mean Aonishiki would have lost.

Asanoyama and Takayasu won our former Ozeki battles today. Unfortunately, that does not mean the schedulers set them to face each other. That would have been awesome but Takayasu will fight Ura and Asanoyama will face Onokatsu in one of five first-time match-ups on the board for tomorrow. Shodai vs Fujiryoga, Mitakeumi against Takerufuji, Nishikifuji versus Kazuma and Kotoeiho versus Ichiyamamoto are the others. That Kotoeiho versus Ichiyamamoto bout will be another where I’ll be happy to see whichever guy wins and sad for the loser.

Hasta mañana!

Nagoya 2026: Day Six

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho

Day Six in Nagoya. No new kyujo to report but please check out Justin’s sumo experience with former Makuuchi wrestler, Kyokutaisei. There is so much sumo content and so many sumo shows nowadays, it’s great to see these options. Konishiki’s Sumo and Sushi tour is coming back and there’s even a new group in London, featuring Hidenoumi and Shiden. Sumo’s going global, which is great because tickets are getting more and more difficult to acquire.

Speaking of going global, Abema’s sneaking out more and more content to the public, too. Abema’s pinned Twitter post is this quiz question. On the Banzuke, what does this “御免蒙” say? YOU ALL SHOULD KNOW THE ANSWER. IT IS B. ごめんこうむる。The Anatomy of a Banzuke post explains it.

The Sumo Kyokai’s website has these great quiz questions and it was featured on that, as well. I’ve got a direct link to it on the right-hand navigation, under the link to the Konishiki pages, in case you need to find it again. Anyway, when I saw the quiz question, I just about jumped out of my chair because I was like, “I learned about that!!”

Back to the tournament at hand. Asahifuji encountered some resistance from Fujisodai, so he threw him down in the middle of the ring and remains undefeated at 3-0. He has off tomorrow and will presumably go for kachi-koshi on Nakabi. Will anything put a stop to Isegahama’s protege? Makushita debutant Kaida lost to Aratakayama and fell to 1-2. Tanji defeated Nishikigi and improves to 3-1. One more win and he can claim his ticket to Juryo.

Shirokuma and Arashifuji won their bouts in Juryo and improved to 6-0. Enho (2-4) lost to Kagayaki (3-3). Asasuiryu and Shonannoumi chase at 5-1.

The NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Onokatsu (1-5) defeated Kazuma (2-4). Onokatsu got his left hand inside grip and kept pressing forward, very patiently, and very slowly driving Kazuma toward the edge. After a long struggle, he finally worked Kazuma over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (4-2) defeated Dewanoryu (3-3). Kinbozan quickly charged straight through Dewanoryu and forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Shishi (6-0) defeated Asakoryu (2-4). Shishi calmly and patient pressed Asakoryu back to the edge. Asakoryu’s foot slipped as he tried to brace against the straw bales, he stepped out and went down. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (5-1) defeated Daiseizan (2-4). Daiseizan tried to turn the tables on Nishikifuji but Nishikifuji wasn’t having any of it and dropped Daiseizan over the ledge. Yoritaoshi.

Takerufuji (5-1) defeated Asahakuryu (2-4). Asahakuryu tried to pull on Takerufuji’s right arm but Takerufuji drove Asahakuryu back and out before losing his balance at the edge. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (4-2) defeated Abi (3-3). Asanoyama pressed his way inside Abi’s tsuppari and forced Abi over the edge. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (4-2) defeated Wakanosho (5-1). Fujiryoga and Wakanosho traded tsuppari in quite the brawl. Fujiryoga’s slaps forced Wakanosho back to the edge. Wakanosho’s knee or Ankle buckled as he braced in the straw bales. He could not stand back up under his own power and to get assistance from the team of wakaimonogashira to climb into the big wheelchair. Really sad turn of events for a guy who had been having a great tournament so far. Oshitaoshi.

Tobizaru defeated Mitakeumi. Tobizaru got both hands inside and steadily forced Mitakeumi back to the edge. At the edge he used gaburi hip thrusts to force Mitakeumi over the bales. Mitakeumi does not look long for this division. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (2-4) defeated Roga (2-4). Henka! Chiyoshoma leapt to the side and slapped Roga down. Tsukiotoshi.

Shodai (3-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-4). You can sense Wakamotoharu’s displeasure at having to “move forward!!” against Shodai, so he pivoted and pulled, trying to slap Shodai down. Shodai stayed on his feet long enough to see Wakamotoharu back out over the bales first. At first, I was struck by how this was a “first half” match-up. After the event, I am not surprised. Oshidashi.

Kotoeiho (5-1) defeated Ura (1-5). Kotoeiho grabbed Ura’s left arm and dragged him over the bales. Kotenage.

Halftime

Takayasu (5-1) defeated Oshoma (1-5). In the most anti-climatic ending to a bout — ever — Oshoma withstood Takayasu’s tsuppari but fell out to a wee shift and a slap. I got a collective, “WTF?” vibe from the crowd’s reaction. Like, “¿Qué?” Let’s move on. Tsukiotoshi.

Fujiseiun (3-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-3). Fujiseiun stuck with Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari long enough for Ichiyamamoto to transition into his pulling phase. When Ichiyamamoto pulled, Fujiseiun drove forward and forced him back and out. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (5-1) defeated Churanoumi (1-5). Daieisho got Churanoumi off-balance with some misdirection and quickly followed up with a shove from behind. Okuridashi.

Sanyaku

Takanosho (2-4) defeated Kotoshoho (3-3). Takanosho forced Kotoshoho back to the edge and then slapped him down as Kotoshoho dug in at the bales. Tsukiotoshi.

Atamifuji (4-2) defeated Fujinokawa (3-3). After an initial matta, I got the sense Fujinokawa jumped the gun early. But Atamifuji still had the wherewithall to avoid Fujinokawa’s misdirection and kept him centered as Fujinokawa cycled around the ring. Atamifuji cornered him at the bales (yeah, this ring has corners, okay?) and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Aonishiki (5-1) defeated Oho (1-5). Aonishiki used his left hand inside and pulled Oho forward suddenly. Somehow, Oho was the one who seemed to be walking gingerly back up the hanamichi. One thing’s for sure, Aonishiki’s ankle is still an issue. Shitatehineri.

Kirishima (5-1) defeated Yoshinofuji (3-3). Kirishima fought to keep Yoshinofuji’s hands off, drove forward and forced Yoshinofuji out. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (2-4) defeated Kotozakura (3-3). Kotozakura braced against the bales like he was going to try some counter attack but forgot how to counter attack. Gonoyama just kept shoving. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji (5-1) defeated Hoshoryu (4-2). Hoshoryu did not care that Hakunofuji locked in with both hands inside. Perhaps he should have. After a wild tussle, Hoshoryu went for the trip and tried to heave Hakunofuji down but Hakunofuji freed his massive tree trunk legs and drove Hoshoryu into the ground. Hoshoryu appeared to land on his ass first but gunbai Hoshoryu. Mono-ii. Hoshoryu did, indeed, fall first. The call was overturned and Hakunofuji rightly given the win. We expect Inosuke’s resignation letter on Hakkaku’s desk in the morning, and for it to be quietly ripped up. Kinboshi! Kirikaeshi.

Onosato (3-3) defeated Hiradoumi (1-5). Onosato absorbed Hiradoumi’s lightning tachiai and then overpowered him. He remained calm as Hiradoumi resisted at the edge, got his left hand inside and forced Hiradoumi out. Yorikiri.

Wrap-Up

Shishi leads. It’s his yusho to lose at this point.

Turning to tomorrow’s action, Hoshoryu will face Hiradoumi and Onosato will take on Hakunofuji. Kirishima will fight Kotoshoho in a big match-up. Though, I think Kotozakura versus Atamifuji technically counts as a bigger match-up since both guys break the scales. Aonishiki will fight Fujinokawa, Yoshinofuji will fight Takanosho, and Oho will try to regroup against Gonoyama.

Down in the rank-and-file, Shodai will face Takayasu and probably run away. And Asanoyama will take on Mitakeumi as the shadows of four former Ozeki collide. Shishi will also get a real test in his bout against Nishikifuji. Nishikifuji has been in fine form this tournament and looking healthy.

I’ll also keep my eyes out for news about Wakanosho but I’m expecting at least a few days of kyujo. Ankles are funny, though. I’ve twisted mine and been unable to walk…then fine after a little rest. His ankle was already taped, though, so I’m not as optimistic that he’ll just walk this one off.

I’ll be back mañana.

The Peek Behind the Curtain (幕の内) Part I:

hochiyama Japanese Culture, Sumo Entertainment, Sumo Tourism, Travel

Background

I have been a sumo fan for more than 30 years. I attended the Las Vegas Koen in 2005 (where I met a young Hakuhō and Ama/Harumafuji wrestling in the lazy river of the Mandalay bay).

Justin in Vegas, wearing a specially designed shirt that said 資本主義の野郎 on the back

I have participated in Konishiki’s Sumo and Sushi’s “Get in the Ring” event and pulled off a victory.

Justin had to “build his body” for this bout
My retirement from sumo came with Takakeishō style weight loss. I made the rally towels

After more than three decades of following sumo, I thought I had a reasonable understanding of what rikishi do and a good understanding of how to make a sumo-themed izakaya.

Senshūraku party at my place?

The bottom line is that I thought I “knew” sumo. I know the terminology, the kanji, the banzuke, the statistics. I can call (poorly) the kimarite in a bout. After Sumo and Sushi, I even thought I knew what “taking sumo” felt like. There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom, and part of that is derived from experience.

During my family’s recent trip to Japan (May/June), we had a chance to take a mini-morning training exercise under the guidance of former top division’s Kyokutaisei (旭大星). For those who do not recall, he was subject of a French Documentary in 2009.

Free polar bear hugs!

This experience is what gave me and my family the chance to learn more about sumo. Since the experience, I see the sport differently, and in a much more appreciative way. Please allow me to explain.

We booked the opportunity to participate in former maegashira Kyokutaisei’s sumo training experience. Kyokutaisei was supported by former rikishi Kyokuhikari and Hakuyō. After only a few minutes, the contrast was stark: watching sumo and living even a tiny fragment of it are entirely different things. The training regime is brutal and one does leave their blood, sweat, and tears in the ring. By the end of the session, my family had gained an entirely new level of respect for the men who dedicate their lives to this sport.

A Peek Behind the Curtain

When I lose something, I now always look behind the curtains and expect to see rikishi there

Sumo remains one of the most unique corners of Japanese culture. The more you study it, the more you realize you have left to learn. Almost every one of us has encountered sumo via streaming, online videos, live TV or (if you are lucky to get tickets) from the seats of the Kokugikan. Unlike many other sports, for non-Japanese, it is almost exclusively observed from a distance.

Let’s be clear, my wife and son were good sports for joining me on this adventure. As the family’s resident sumo obsessive, I was the obvious enthusiast. They were willing participants. Let’s also say that they have had 30 years of second-hand exposure to sumo, so they did not walk in completely unawares.

Nevertheless, at the end of the day, my wife summed up the experience better than I could. She called it a “peek behind the curtain.” Ironically, she had no idea that the English translation of makunouchi (sumo’s top division) is often given as “behind the curtain.”

Peeking behind the curtain is exactly what this experience offered.

The experience began with our arrival and introductions. Right away, everyone was approachable and quite appreciative of meeting foreign fans that were not typical tourists. I knew the wrestlers and their histories. Kyokuhikari was impressed that I recalled his debut was in 1992 and Hakuyō was shocked to hear that I knew his stable (Isenoumi) and that he had only retired within the last year. I explained that I would do a write-up for the blog, and everyone was amenable. Of course, these are now businessmen, selling a product and it must have been very different for them, men who had spent years inside the closed and demanding world of the heya system, to welcoming complete amateurs into their world. We could tell that we were in for something special. This experience is different.

The Mawashi Moment

Perhaps the first surprise was having a mawashi put on.

They spun me right round, baby!
My wife got pumped up. Yes, women can participate in this event

I had imagined it would feel impossibly tight everywhere. Yes, I mean everywhere. Men know what I am talking about. Instead, the tightness was concentrated around the waist and it remained quite comfortable. Yes, we had to wear shorts and t-shirts, nobody wants to use second-hand mawashi. So, they keep it clean.

The mawashi fabric was remarkably sturdy and heavy. It was more substantial than I had expected. The moment you grab one, you can quickly understand its purpose. A mawashi isn’t simply clothing, it is sumo’s main tool. A grip on the mawashi is all it took to realize how easily it would assist in moving, lifting, or controlling your opponent. Feeling and using that leverage in your hands is entirely different than watching a yorikiri battle on TV.

It seemed they were more prepared to host larger tourist or corporate events, not a small family of three. But they were all happy to spend the time with us to get us prepared.

My son is so darned lucky. I had to wait over 30 years to get this experience. His hair was long enough for a proper mage, no?
Finally kitted out

Fate Decides Your Shiko

Then came our first “asa-geiko” training. As expected, the first exercise was shiko. However, they did not present us with any ordinary shiko. They came around with a box and we had to draw lots to determine how many repetitions we would do. Every draw felt like a lottery in reverse as nobody wanted to get the high number.

There were ping-pong balls numbered 5-50 in increments of 5. I got 30, my son 15. My wife, who usually has good luck, got the 50. Of course, they did have some mercy on her. One of the instructors mentioned that wrestlers may perform hundreds of shiko—sometimes around 500 in a training day. An order of magnitude less should have been easy for an amateur, no? No!

No matter how many stomps were assigned, every one of us had legs that were starting to turn to liquid.

Yoishou!!!!!

As an amateur, surviving a small sample felt like an accomplishment. For a rikishi, it’s simply a small portion of their regular morning routine.

That was just the start. We then had to go through our second round of “test your luck”. We had to draw the ball that determined how many seconds we would have to hold a squat position.

What you do not see here is the quivering

If the shiko hurt, the squats were another level entirely. Once again, due to their mercy on my wife’s high draw, it was down to me to handle 20 seconds of the squat (15 for my son). I noticed that within moments, my thighs began quaking. The wrestlers noted, too, that my legs were trembling. A burning sensation spread higher and higher until maintaining the position became an exercise in willpower more than strength.

And then came the moment of enlightenment: professional rikishi do this every day and they do not get the luck of a small ping pong number. They must do this for minutes, tens of minutes at a time. Everyday.

Part II coming soon – with Surashi, Butsukari-geiko, and learning some kimarite.

Kyokutaisei says “see you soon”

Nagoya 2026: Day Five

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho , , ,

Day Five in Nagoya. Oshoumi, in Juryo, is kyujo and will undergo surgery. Tough break for the kid, as that will likely lead to his demotion from Juryo at Aki.

In Makushita, Tanji (2-1) suffered his first loss, to Nabatame (3-0). Tanji remains in the driver’s seat for Juryo promotion but Nabatame is building his own case. Hakuyozan’s and even Oshoumi’s positions will be up for grabs but it’s obviously way too early to know how many other Juryo slots will be available. Asahifuji will battle Fujisodai tomorrow as he tries to make his own case for promotion via yusho. Tanji will move up and fight Nishikigi. Trial by fire.

Shirokuma and Arashifuji continue winning and remain undefeated at 5-0. Shirokuma fights Meisei tomorrow and Arashifuji will take on Hatsuyama. Enho lost to Nishikigi and Meisei fell to Tamawashi as the schedulers pitted our favorite veterans against themselves. Enho will face Kagayaki and Tamawashi will fight Kitanowaka.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Daiseizan (2-3) defeated Onokatsu (0-5). Onokatsu used his hidari-yotsu to push Daiseizan to the bales but Daiseizan pivoted at the edge and toppled Onokatsu over the tawara. Yoritaoshi.

Shishi (5-0) defeated Ryuden (1-4). Ryuden visited from Juryo and disrupted Shishi’s desired attack. Ryuden’s left hand ottsuke blocked Shishi from getting the grip he wanted. So, Shishi had to adapt. He pulled and dragged Ryuden to the bales, then toppled him over the edge. Sukuinage.

Kinbozan (3-2) defeated Asakoryu (2-3). Asakoryu gave up a double-inside grip to Kinbozan. That was a huge mistake. Kinbozan immediately bulldozed through the dohyo and forced Asakoryu back over the edge. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (4-1) defeated Kazuma (2-3). Takerufuji twisted as the pair advanced toward the edge and Kazuma’s leg buckled, taking a knee. It didn’t seem to be an injury issue, rather a footwork issue. Sukuinage.

Abi (3-2) defeated Asahakuryu (2-3). Abi henka. The henka itself did not appear designed to win but to get a left-hand grip on Asahakuryu’s belt. Then Abi pivoted and dragged Asahakuryu down with that belt grip, aided by his right hand on his opponent’s head, pressing down. Uwatedashinage.

Nishikifuji (4-1) defeated Mitakeumi (0-5). Mitakeumi charged ahead but Nishikifuji pivoted and yanked Mitakeumi over the bales. Uwatedashinage.

Asanoyama (3-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (1-4). Chiyoshoma lashed out with a brief nodowa and then pulled, which was a mistake. Asanoyama made quick work and happily forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakanosho (5-0) defeated Tobizaru (1-4). Tobizaru pulled early and shifted to the side, but Wakanosho put on the brakes quickly enough to avoid stepping out. Wakanosho then reacquired his target, drove forward and blasted Tobizaru from the ring. Tsukidashi.

Roga (2-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-3). Wakamotoharu deployed his usual tawara-twisting throw attempt but Roga had read the brief, kept Wakamotoharu centered, and drove through him. Yoritaoshi.

Takayasu (4-1) defeated Fujiryoga (3-2). Fujiryoga was not intimidated and fought well against Takayasu as the two traded tsuppari and head butts. Takayasu dramatically spun away to his left and slapped Fujiryoga down as the latter re-engaged. Hatakikomi.

Shodai (2-3) defeated Fujiseiun (2-3). Shodai pivoted at the bales and dragged Fujiseiun down. Hikiotoshi.

Halftime

Kotoeiho (4-1) defeated Oshoma (1-4). Kotoeiho used his left-hand inside, right hand outside grip to steer Oshoma to the edge and force him over. Yorikiri.

Daieisho defeated Ichiyamamoto. Daieisho’s pull forced Ichiyamamoto to the edge and off-balance. Daieisho then squared up and shoved Ichiyamamoto out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji (4-1) defeated Ura (1-4). Hakunofuji got both hands inside and charged to the edge. Ura tried to pivot but Hakunofuji kept Ura in front of him and crushed him out. Sukuinage.

Sanyaku

Yoshinofuji (3-2) defeated Oho (1-4). Yoshinofuji let Oho lead as they waltzed to the edge. Oho tired quickly, though, and let Yoshinofuji take over. Yoshinofuji pulled up with both hands squarely on Oho’s belt and drove him out. Oho gave his best Shodai impression at the edge, which means he tried to twist but lost. He was more Shodai today than Shodai, himself, was. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (1-4) defeated Atamifuji (3-2). Takanosho has that disruptive ability if he can stay up and in. After trading nodowa and tsuppari, Takanosho had shoved Atamifuji to the edge. Atamifuji then pulled when he had no room left and Takanosho shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (3-2) defeated Kotoshoho (3-2). Henka! Fujinokawa leapt to the left. Kotoshoho was caught completely off guard and flopped forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Aonishiki (4-1) defeated Kotozakura (3-2). Kotozakura pulled and tried to slap Aonishiki down. Aonishiki braced himself with his right hand inside and drove forward, forcing Kotozakura out. Yorikiri.

Hiradoumi (1-4) defeated Kirishima (4-1). Kirishima was committed to the slapdown but Hiradoumi did well to stay upright and force Kirishima out. Oshidashi.

Onosato (2-3) defeated Churanoumi (1-4). Onosato charged ahead as Churanoumi shifted left and tried to pull on Onosato’s right arm. Importantly, Onosato did not move in reverse! Instead, he pressed forward and shoved Churanoumi out. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and the crowd gave Onosato a solid round of applause. Not a lot of hooting or hollering but I think folks were just happy the Yokozuna moved forward and won. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (4-1) defeated Gonoyama (1-4). Hoshoryu pulled Gonoyama’s left arm and shoved him down as he ran past. Maybe this tactic would have been more effective against Aonishiki than the straight-forward slap-down attempt? Keep that arm off your belt by yanking on it? I guess anything’s possible. Tottari.

Wrap-Up

Kirishima slipped up today against Hiradoumi. The slapdown is a good strategy, on paper, against Hiradoumi. But today Hiradoumi kept his footing and Kirishima did not use any mis-direction or anything to throw him off. Trying a slapdown against Aonishiki, though, is a bit more of a gamble. He seems so solid with his footwork. He doesn’t really tend to get his mass out ahead of his feet, certainly not in the way that Kotozakura tends to get his (m)ass moving backward and off of the dohyo.

Lots of big match-ups tomorrow. Hoshoryu will fight Hakunofuji. Onosato will fight Hiradoumi. Not easy bouts for the Yokozuna-tachi, that’s for sure. Kirishima will fight Yoshinofuji and Kotozakura will fight himself and Gonoyama. Atamifuji is up against Fujinokawa, Kotoshoho will square off against Takanosho and Aonishiki will fight Oho.

Among the rank-and-file, Ura versus Kotoeiho will be interesting and undefeated Wakanosho will fight Fujiryoga. Shishi will take on Asakoryu. Will Onokatsu show up? I’ve got my eye on a few guys for possible kyujo and he’s at the top of my list.

おやすみなさい。