Nagoya 2026: Day Twelve

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho , , ,

Day Twelve in Nagoya. No news from the infirmary.

There was a lot of discussion yesterday about whether there was a hairpull in the Aonishiki bout. I’ve seen the replays and I wasn’t able to tell if Aonishiki got his fingers in there or just batted the ginko-leaf around — kinda like a cat with a ball. You all were not the only ones to notice and call it out. Sasaki Ichiro, the popular sumo reporter from Nikkan Sports, wrote about it. He spoke with Onoe-oyakata, head shimpan for that shift. He said that they’d not thought there was a hairpull and they were not notified from the replay booth about it.

There was an eventful day in Juryo today. Shonannoumi improved to (9-3) by slapping Arashifuji (10-4) down. Toshinofuji (9-3) was wrangled down by Shirokuma (9-3), so the Isegahama man remains in second place now joined by Shirokuma and Shonannoumi.

Asasuiryu, Tokihayate, and Dewanoryu won and picked up their kachi-koshi records. Asasuiryu will be picking out his somenuki patterns for Aki and Tokihayate is already likely to join him. Dewanoryu might need another win to seal his promotion but with the dire state of Makuuchi, he might already be heading up. That would be a story in itself as Dewanoryu would overtake Mitakeumi as heyagashira (top wrestler) in Dewanoumi-beya. At this point, I don’t see how that can be avoided. It’s been a tough time for the former Ozeki, who lost his mother earlier this year. I’ll be purchasing a forty of malt liquor this evening, maybe even two so I can actually drink one.

Enho (6-6) beat Sadanoumi (4-8) with a clever little tottari. Meisei (3-9), Nishikigi (6-6), Kagayaki (5-7), Ryuden (2-10), Midorifuji (7-5) and Tamawashi (6-6) all lost. A brutal day for The Old Guard. Ryuden, in particular, looks set to fall deep to the bottom of Juryo, though likely safe from demotion.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Asahakuryu (5-7) defeated Kazuma (3-9). Hidari-yotsu. This was a long, old-school yotsu battle. In the middle of the bout, Asahakuryu had good position and tried an uwatenage. By pivoting and trying the throw, he ended up with his heels at the edge of the ring. Unfortunately, Kazuma did not have the strength to drive Asahakuryu over the edge, so I got the sense this would just be a matter of time, as Kazuma would wear down, Asahakuryu would work him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (7-5) defeated Abi (5-7). Asakoryu henka! Asakoryu leapt to the left and thrust Abi forward to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.

Daiseizan (6-6) defeated Mitakeumi (1-11). Mitakeumi Henka! Full-on desperation from the former Ozeki. Mitakeumi missed with his belt grab and Daiseizan had not rushed forward so he quickly spun around to face Mitakeumi. Another hidari-yotsu battle ensued. Daiseizan cut Mitakeumi’s left-hand hold and pulled up, driving forward and forcing Mitakeumi out. Mitakeumi is likely Juryo-bound. Yorikiri.

Shishi (10-2) defeated Asanoyama (8-4). Migi-yotsu battle. Shishi pivoted and dragged Asanyama down, rotating left along the bales. Shitatenage.

Fujiryoga (8-4) defeated Nishikifuji (8-4). Nishikifuji charged forward but at the edge, Fujiryoga shifted left and pushed Nishikifuji down. Fujiryoga kachi-koshi. Is it me or did he look pissed? It looked like he caught a hand to the throat but I didn’t see anything really untoward from Nishikifuji’s fight. Maybe Fujiryoga was just pumped to get his kachi-koshi? Tsukiotoshi.

Tobizaru (4-8) defeated Onokatsu (2-10). Tobizaru shifted right and slapped Onokatsu down. Hatakikomi.

Takerufuji (10-2) defeated Takayasu (9-3). Henka Takerufuji! I think this henka caught everyone off guard. Well played. Takayasu was a coiled spring and launched himself forward. Takerufuji didn’t need much help as Takayasu flew by but he grabbed Takayasu’s belt with his left hand and helped fling him forward. Uwatenage.

Kinbozan (7-5) defeated Shodai (4-8). With a right-hand nodowa, followed by a head-butt, Kinbozan drained Shodai’s will to compete. Kinbozan drove forward and Shodai did not stop him. Shodai makekoshi. Yorikiri.

Roga (6-6) defeated Ura (4-8). Migi-yotsu. Roga pushed Ura to the edge. Ura kept trying to use his shitatenage and tip Roga over but Roga’s position really prevented Ura from securing a left-hand overarm grip. Roga kept driving forward and crushed Ura over the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Chiyoshoma (4-8) defeated Oshoma (5-7). Chiyoshoma pivoted on his left foot and pulled Oshoma down with his left hand inside. Shitatenage.

Halftime

Daieisho (7-5) defeated Fujiseiun (6-6). Daieisho shifted right and slapped Fujiseiun down. Hatakikomi.

Wakamotoharu (6-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-7). Ichi tried to grab Wakamotoharu’s left arm and pull him forward but Wakamotoharu kept his footing and drove Ichiyamamoto off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (6-6) defeated Gonoyama (5-7). Fujinokawa got both hands inside for a morozashi, then planted his left foot and hauled Gonoyama over from that right hand hooked under Gonoyama’s shoulder. Sukuinage.

Takanosho (6-6) defeated Hakunofuji (7-5). Takanosho charged ahead behind that right hand nodowa and shoved Hakunofuji out. Sometimes that nodowa looks brutal, other times it’s batted away and Takanosho gets slapped down. Today was one of the brutal days. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (2-10) defeated Yoshinofuji (5-7). Yoshinofuji hauled Hiradoumi to the edge with his sukuinage but couldn’t quite get him over. He followed up with tsuppari blasts as Yoshinofuji tried to shove Hiradoumi out. Hiradoumi slipped to the left and pulled Yoshinofuji over the edge for quite the surprising reversal. Hiradoumi ends a six-day losing streak. Okuridashi.

Churanoumi (5-7) defeated Oho (1-11), easily. Oho tried a half-hearted slapdown and Churanoumi shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (9-3) defeated Kotoeiho (9-3). Migi-yotsu. This was a rather high-octane back and forth as the two men raced around the dohyo trying to shove each other out. Kotoeiho gained the advantage and tried to push Atamifuji out. Atamifuji used his right hand inside Kotoeiho’s shoulder to haul him over. Kotoeiho fell forward as he pushed Atamifuji out. Gunbai Kotoeiho. Mono-ii. The shimpan decided it was too close to call…do it again! In the rematch, Atamifuji charged ahead. Kotoeiho pulled and tried to shift right to counter Atamifuji but Atamifuji dropped him from the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (5-7) defeated Aonishiki (10-2). Kotoshoho pulled down with his left hand on Aonishiki’s head. This caused Aonishiki to stumble forward. Kotoshoho gave chase and shoved Aonishiki out. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (7-5) defeated Hoshoryu (7-5). Kotozakura slipped to the left and used his left hand on Hoshoryu’s belt to pull the Yokozuna forward. Uwatedashinage.

Kirishima (10-2) defeated Onoshato (6-6). Kirishima grabbed Onosato’s right arm and dragged him forward, dumping the Yokozuna over the bales. Tottari.

Wrap-Up

Well. That was a day of sumo. Not all of it good but some of it great. Earlier in the tournament, Aonishiki seemed desperate to get that left hand grip as early as possible. Today, it was an after thought as he brawled with Kotoshoho for a bit. The Yokozuna were dreadful, losing quickly to guys who appeared to have a plan. It is helpful to have one. You might want to write that down, guys.

I’m not convinced Onosato will show up tomorrow. We shall see.

Yusho Race

  • 2-Losses: Kirishima, Aonishiki, Takerufuji, Shishi
  • 3-Losses: Atamifuji, Kotoeiho, Takayasu

Well, the Kirishima rope-run storyline comes back into play. Sorry for the delay in posting. The Sumo Association just published the bout list for tomorrow. Hoshoryu will fight Atamifuji. Onosato will face Takerufuji. Kirishima will fight Aonishiki in what will likely be bout-of-the-day. Interestingly, Kotozakura will fight Shishi. I’ve got mixed feelz on that. I mean, come on. Kotozakura fighting M14 to clear his kadoban?!?! I’ve never wanted someone to go down before now. This is just nonsense.

We’ve got Kotoshoho versus Takayasu and Yoshinofuji versus Kotoeiho and Hiradoumi versus the Ghost of Oho. Churanoumi will fight Fujinokawa. Shodai will fight Abi and Mitakeumi will take on Kazuma.

The Makuuchi demotion picture is becoming clear, and Onokatsu is captain of the barge to Juryo. Kazuma also has a demotable record already, and further losses just dig the hole deeper and push his slide further into the second division. Mitakeumi is next and Wakanosho fourth in line.

Nagoya 2026: Day Eleven

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho , , , , ,

Day Elf in Nagoya. No news from the infirmary today.

Nabatame defeated Fudoho. With Mita falling to Tenshoyama, Nabatame is the lone undefeated wrestler in Makushita and controls his own destiny in the yusho race. It’s his if he wins his final bout on Day 13, or he’ll be a participant in a wider playoff. Tenshoyama is a big dude, by the way. His bout against Mita:

In Juryo, Arashifuji (10-1) continues his charge for the yusho with Toshinofuji right behind at 9-2. Shirokuma defeated Enho. Kayo shocked me with his win, as after running backward around the dohyo he stopped, MOVED FREAKING FORWARD and thrust Hatsuyama over the edge and to the ground. If he has such strength, why in the hell is his first attack always the slapdown? Video of his win is available at the tail end of the NHK videos from today. Enjoy Shirokuma vs Enho, below.

We’re tracking four guys at the moment with possibility of promotion to Makuuchi. No one has locked it in yet but Asasuiryu (7-4), Tokihayate (7-4), Toshinofuji (9-2), and Dewanoryu (7-4), are probably the best promotion cases at the moment.

The NHK videos are here. The NHK usually shows one bout from Juryo during their coverage. That bout is the one that usually shows up at the end of the list. As I mentioned, today, that is Kayo over Hatsuyama.

Makuuchi Action

Daiseizan (5-6) defeated Abi (5-6). Abi struck out at Daiseizan with fierce tsuppari and nodowa, causing Daiseizan to go back to the edge and slip to the left. Daiseizan made a quick escape and grabbed the back of Abi’s belt, pushing him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Asakoryu (6-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-8). Chiyoshoma made the fatal mistake of pulling when his opponent was prepared. Asakoryu shoved him to the ground. Chiyoshoma makekoshi. Oshitaoshi.

Takerufuji (9-2) defeated Asanoyama (8-3). Takerufuji made quick work of the former Ozeki, shifting left, grabbing Asanoyama’s belt with his left hand and pulling him toward the bales. He followed up by forcing Asanoyama over the edge. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (7-4) defeated Kazuma (3-8). Fujiryoga shoved Kazuma back to the edge and down to the ground with his powerful tsuppari and head-butts. Kazuma is makekoshi and in danger of falling into Juryo. Oshitaoshi.

Roga (5-6) defeated Onokatsu (2-9). Roga drove Onokatsu to the edge with his right hand inside. As the two approached the bales, Roga used that right hand inside, under Onokatsu’s shoulder, to topple his opponent. Onokatsu is first in line on the barge. Sukuinage.

Wakamotoharu (5-6) defeated Kinbozan (6-5). Wakamotoharu let Kinbozan drive him to the edge, he then shifted right and used his right hand inside to pull Kinbozan forward by his shoulder. Kotenage.

Shishi (9-2) defeated Kotoeiho (9-2). A great migi-yotsu battle; Probably the best I’ve seen in some time. Both men tried to gain better position and drive the other over the edge. Shishi finally wore Kotoeiho down and drove him to the ground at the tawara. NHK cameras tracked Shishi as he walked up the hanamichi and pausing on his way back to the shitakubeya, completely gassed. Yoritaoshi.

Fujiseiun (6-5) defeated Mitakeumi (1-10). Fujiseiun finally forced Mitakeumi over the edge with gaburi hip thrusts. Earlier in the bout, Mitakeumi seemed to have the upper hand as he charged ahead with his forearm lodged under Fujiseiun’s chin. You could sense a real urgency from Mitakeumi as he pressed hard into Fujiseiun, aware that he’s in line for a drop to Juryo and needs several wins to avoid the drop. Yorikiri.

Asahakuryu (4-7) defeated Shodai (4-7). Asahakuryu gently ushered Shodai over the edge after Shodai’s useless slapdown attempt. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (5-6) defeated Tobizaru (3-8). Oshoma got his hands up behind Tobizaru’s head and drove him into the ground. I approved of this slapdown because he didn’t pull back far at all. He stood his ground and used all of his strength to drive Tobizaru’s head into the clay as if he wanted Tobizaru to get a taste of the dried squid and chestnuts under the dohyo. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Nishikifuji (8-3) defeated Daieisho (6-5). Henka! Nishikifuji shifted left at the tachiai and slapped Daieisho to the clay to secure his kachi-koshi. Hatakikomi.

Takayasu (9-2) defeated Hakunofuji (7-4). Takayasu forced Hakunofuji over the edge with his hidari-yotsu sumo. He had a left-hand grip inside. But when he was able to shift that grip deeper to the back of Hakunofuji’s belt and pull himself in tight and add that right hand outside grip, he gained the leverage he needed to chug forward and force Hakunofuji out. Yorikiri.

Fujinokawa (5-6) defeated Hiradoumi (1-10). Hiradoumi’s gaburi yotsu ran into a brick wall when Fujinokawa got both hands inside and bear-hugged Hiradoumi. Fujinokawa pressed Hiradoumi toward the edge and toppled him over it with his left arm hooked under Hiradoumi’s armpit. Sukuinage.

Sanyaku

Takanosho (5-6) defeated Oho (1-10). Oho pulled and Takanosho forced Oho out with gaburi-yotsu. Does Oho have the flu or something? Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (4-7) defeated Yoshinofuji (5-6). Churanoumi battered Yoshinofuji with tsuppari and finally shoved him out after Yoshinofuji tired of the assault. Oshidashi.

Aonishiki (10-1) defeated Gonoyama (5-6). Aonishiki quickly seized Gonoyama’s belt with his left hand uwate. Aonishiki then pivoted and tried to slap Gonoyama down. Gonoyama fought to stay up but Aonishiki pushed forward and forced Gonoyama over the edge. With the win, Aonishiki sealed his return to the rank of Ozeki for the September tournament. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (6-5) defeated Ura (4-7). No! This isn’t butsukari-geiko, you nonce! Kotozakura started sliding back as Ura pressed forward, like a blocking sled. Why in the hell are you moving backwards? You’ve got a 39kg size advantage here!! As if it suddenly occurred to him, Kotozakura slapped Ura hard with his left hand and drove him to the ground. Ay caramba, dude! Yoshitaoshi.

Kirishima (9-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-6). Kirishima hit Ichiyamamoto with tsuppari, driving him out. Ichiyamamoto never had a chance to deploy much of an attack. It seemed like he was set on trying to get a belt grip from the outset and Kirishima didn’t let him. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (8-3) defeated Onosato (6-5). Guess what? Onosato pulled and lost. He whiffed with the slapdown attempt and Atamifuji shoved him over the bales, picking up his kachi-koshi. Onosato had to sit and wallow in freakish misery at the side of the dohyo, waiting for the final bout so he could go home. The dude in the checkerboard shirt, seated next to the hot gyaru and behind Onosato, basically summed up my thoughts by shaking his head in disappointment. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (7-4) defeated Kotoshoho (4-7). Hoshoryu began with a right hand inside and tried to get that left-hand inside to join it as he battled Kotoshoho. Hoshoryu switched to a left-hand uwate and toppled Kotoshoho to the ground. Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

Welp, the pressure is off Aonishiki. He’s locked in his Ozeki rank in September. Kotozakura needs two more wins to do the same. We know that ankle is not 100% and he should probably go kyujo if it weren’t for that pesky yusho race. What a conundrum. He’s fighting so well with one foot, why not keep going? He’s in the driver’s seat. If he takes a couple of losses and falls out of the race, I could see him going kyujo this weekend. But if he keeps winning, he’ll take it all.

My big question is this: if you were Aonishiki, would you go kyujo in September and come back kadoban — but closer to 100% — in Kyushu? My nightmare senario would be competing at Aki, not allowing the ankle to heal, and going kadoban despite participating. So, I would be tempted to sit out Aki. Regardless, I hope he will go kyujo for jungyo. There’s about 30 dates here!

As for giri-giri Kotohachinana’s rank, he will have one more bout against a rank-and-filer but he still has to fight both Yokozuna and then Ozeki Kirishima. He will have to pick off at least one of them in order to preserve his rank. Kotonanahachi is sekiwake.

Yusho race

  • 1-Loss: Aonishiki
  • 2-Losses: Kirishima, Takayasu, Kotoeiho, Takerufuji, Shishi

Hoshoryu will fight Kotozakura tomorrow and Onosato will have to fight Kirishima. Onosato does not have an easy path to kachi-koshi, either. He will have to fight the Sadogatake pair and Hoshoryu in the final three days after the Kirishima bout tomorrow. He needs to squeeze two wins out of that schedule or be the first Yokozuna since Wakanohana to come up short. That was the final time Wakanohana “went the distance” and competed all 15 days before intai. I’m not suggesting Onosato will retire soon but I do wonder if he will go kyujo with another loss. He may even go kyujo now. All of that pressure which had been on Aonishiki is now on Onosato.

Speaking of Sadogatake beya, the brothers have some big fights tomorrow. Atamifuji will fight Kotoeiho tomorrow and Kotoshoho will fight Aonishiki. Yoshinofuji will take on Hiradoumi and Oho will fight Churanoumi as he tries to end his seven-bout losing streak and save something from this tournament.

In the rank-and-file, Takayasu will fight Takerufuji and Shishi will fight Asanoyama. I imagine if Shishi wins, he might then fight Takayasu. I’m eager to see how this yusho race shakes out. A lot of guys will be in contention for special prizes, even if they fall short on the yusho. Well, I don’t know about y’all but I’ll be watching tomorrow.

Nagoya 2026: Day Ten

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho ,

Day Ten in Nagoya. No new kyujo to report.

As I mentioned over on social media, Nikkan Sports is reporting that the Japan Sumo Association plans to cut back on its Jungyo tour dates from next year, from 90 tour dates to something around 70. Chairman Hakkuho has told the Jungyo Department to make the cuts so the tours are not as rough on the wrestlers. They also hope to minimize travel by staying in the same place for multiple days, either clustering venues or holding more multiple-day basho.

Tomorrow will be a big day for Makushita as our three undefeated leaders with 5-0 records will square off. Nabatame will fight Fudoho and Mita will face off against Tenshoyama, from sandanme division. Tanji will fight Tokifudo in a crucial promotion match-up. Hakuyozan and Oshoumi are already making two slots available. Tochitaikai and maybe Tamashoho could provide an important third slot.

It will be a bar fight for those few promotion slots. Nabatame likely secured one but Tanji has a 3-2 record at Makushita 1 East. If he picks up a win, he will earn one. Tokifudo is also 3-2 and seated at Ms2W. Most everyone else who is in a promotable position has a 2-3 record. Daikosho, at Ms1W is already makekoshi and out of it. So, either Tanji or Tokifudo will earn their kachi-koshi tomorrow and likely a sekitori debut.

Asahifuji will fight Tochikodai, who has beaten former sekitori Kotokuzan, as well as Oho’s brother Mudoho, and Tanji this tournament. Now that he’s in the loser’s bracket, that doesn’t mean his schedule will get easy. There are also a host of guys at 3-2, like Akua, Ikarigata, Okaryu, and Otsuji who are trying to fight their way up into the promotion zone.

In Juryo, Arashifuji continues to take the division by storm. (See what I did there?) He beat Tamashoho to improve to 9-1. He will fight Tokihayate tomorrow. Toshinofuji is one loss back and will face Tomokaze, who defeated Midorifuji today. Meanwhile, Asasuiryu lost to Shonannoumi. Ryuden defeated Enho with a kotenage by locking in on that left arm when Enho reached inside.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Daiseizan (4-6) defeated Kinbozan (6-4). Migi-yotsu. Kinbozan pulled up on Daiseizan’s belt and slowly worked Daiseizan to the edge. But Daiseizan pivoted and spun Kinbozan around, then walked him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (7-3) defeated Onokatsu (2-8). It took two attempts, but Nishikifuji used his hidari-yotsu grip to escort Onokatsu over the bales. Onokatsu resisted at the bales once, even on one healthy leg he planted his foot along the tawara and would not go over. Nishikigi regrouped for another attempt and this time successfully walked Onokatsu out. Onokatsu make-koshi. Yorikiri.

Asahakuryu (3-7) defeated Shishi (8-2). Shishi yielded a morozashi, double-inside grip for Asahakuryu. Asahakuryu used it to steamroll Shishi to the edge. Shishi tried to use his left hand uwate to topple Asahakuryu but Asahakuryu forced Shishi over the bales. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (5-5) defeated Mitakeumi (1-9). Asakoryu was not making any progress trying to push Mitakeumi. Mitakeumi blocked his hand away and pulled…giving Asakoryu the forward momentum he wanted and drove Mitakeumi out. Oshidashi.

Takerufuji (8-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-7). Takerufuji was too strong for Chiyoshoma, especially since Chiyoshoma couldn’t seem to plant with his right leg, keeping it in the air for much of the bout. Takerufuji pivoted and set course for the back side of the ring and forced Chiyoshoma out the back edge. Takerufuji has secured his kachi-koshi upon return to the top division . Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (4-6) defeated Kazuma (3-7). Wakamotoharu blitzed Kazuma, driving his head square into Kazuma’s head. Kazuma dropped immediately to one knee. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotoeiho (9-1) defeated Abi (5-5). Abi henka! Abi slapped Kotoeiho in the face while leaping to the right. He grabbed Kotoeiho’s head and belt, and spun him toward the bales. Kotoeisho braced himself at the edge and locked on to Abi’s belt firmly with both hands. Kotoeiho grabbed Abi’s belt from the right side and swept his leg as he drove Abi backward to the dohyo. Excellent come back. Kirikaeshi.

Takayasu (8-2) defeated Tobizaru (3-7). Takayasu assaulted Tobizaru with a hail storm of tsuppari until he blasted Tobizaru over the edge. Tsukidashi.

Roga (4-6) defeated Shodai (4-6). Roga gave Shodai a tug with his left hand uwate, forcing Shodai to stumble forward. Roga swept in behind Shodai and shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Asanoyama (8-2) defeated Fujiseiun (5-5). Asanoyama got his migi-yotsu grip and forced Fujiseiun back and over the edge with powerful gaburi thrusts. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Fujiryoga (6-4) defeated Oshoma (4-6). Fujiryoga lashed out with a steady stream of tsuppari. Oshoma pulled and Fujiryoga shoved him out. Who’d have thunk it? The dude who was moving forward won the bout. Oshidashi.

Ura (4-6) defeated Hiradoumi (1-9). Ura met Hiradoumi’s over-caffeinated attack with firm tsuppari. He then shifted to the right suddenly and Hiradoumi flopped down to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Takanosho (4-6) defeated Fujinokawa (4-6). Takanosho’s nodowa and thrusts were too much for Fujinokawa as he blasted him back and out of the ring. Tsukidashi.

Sanyaku

Gonoyama (5-5) defeated Yoshinofuji (5-5). Gonoyama’s nodowa forced Yoshinofuji back toward the edge. Gonoyama followed up with forceful tsuppari and shoved Yoshinofuji out. Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (5-5) defeated Kotoshoho (4-6). Kotoshoho opened with a slapdown attempt, giving Ichiyamamoto great position. Ichiyamamoto started with his tsuppari but it wasn’t have much effect on Kotoshoho, so he grabbed Kotoshoho’s belt with his left hand. Ichiyamamoto used his left-hand uwate grip to force Kotoshoho back and out. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (7-3) defeated Churanoumi (3-7). Migi-yotsu, belly-to-belly, Atamifuji plain overpowered Churanoumi. Churanoumi lost a bit of leverage since Atamifuji’s mawashi seemed loose. Atamifuji, meanwhile, focused on holding Churanoumi from the armpits rather than the belt. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (8-2) defeated Hakunofuji (7-3). Solid tachiai. Hidari-yotsu. Kirishima’s right-hand uwate seemed to be the difference maker here as he used that strong grip to force Hakunofuji back and out. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (5-5) defeated Oho (1-9). Kotozakura pulled Oho down with his left-hand overarm grip. Uwatehineri.

Aonishiki (9-1) defeated Hoshoryu (6-4). Hoshoryu never got a good hold of Aonishiki’s belt. Meanwhile, Aonishiki had locked on with a tractor beam. He got that powerful left hand outside and, eventually, a right hand inside. After resisting the initial slapdown, Hoshoryu went on offense, pivoted and tried a sukuinage. Aonishiki was like, “Okay, you’re going to tip yourself half way, I’ll help you with the rest!” Friggin brilliant to turn Hoshoryu’s throw back onto the Yokozuna. Uwatenage.

Onosato (6-4) defeated Daieisho (6-4). Onosato drove right over Daieisho and his tsuppari. Abisetaoshi.

Wrap-Up

Yusho race:

  • 1-Loss: Aonishiki, Kotoeiho
  • 2-Losses: Kirishima, Takayasu, Asanoyama, Takerufuji, Shishi

Hoshoryu will fight Kotoshoho and Onosato will fight Atamifuji. Maybe next tournament one, or both, of the Yokozuna will feature in the yusho race. Kirishima, for his part, is still in it and will fight Ichiyamamoto. Kotozakura will fight Ura. Aonishiki will fight Gonoyama. Yoshinofuji will take on Churanoumi and Oho will next throw himself at the feet of Takanosho.

Down in the rank-and-file, Hakunofuji is out of the race but he will fight Takayasu. Kotoeiho will fight Shishi and Asanoyama will take on Takerufuji as the yusho contenders are forced to cannibalize themselves.

Nagoya 2026: Day Nine

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho , ,

Asahifuji’s winning streak came to an end tonight against Nabatame. He was defeated by a steady stream of tsuppari, and a clever arm grab. Asahifuji appeared ready to charge forward but Nabatame seized his left arm and yanked him forward. That forced Asahifuji to pull back while Nabatame kept up his tsuppari and drove him out.

Nabatame likely sealed his return to Juryo with the win. Asahifuji is guaranteed another tournament in Makushita. Any delusions of invincibility are gone. Despite the hype, we knew he would eventually lose a bout. Fitting that it came with, arguably, his first real test against a former sekitori aiming for his own return to Juryo. My message to those who are ready to crown him Yokozuna, “slow your roll.” Let’s see how he handles full-time sumo and he isn’t even there yet. Fighting every day for 15 days is a huge change. We now know that change will not be at Aki.

In Juryo, Arashifuji locked in his kachi-koshi by beating Shirokuma, who has dropped three in a row. I think his right leg is injured. Arashifuji is being chased by Asasuiryu, and two stablemates, Toshinofuji, and Midorifuji. Another stablemate, Enho beat Hatsuyama to improve to 5-4. Arashifuji will fight Tamashoho tomorrow.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Takerufuji (7-2) defeated Asakoryu (4-5). Asakoryu pulled for a slapdown attempt but Takerufuji stayed up long enough to usher him out. Yorikiri.

Shishi (8-1) defeated Abi (5-4). Abi tried a similar strategy as Asakoryu and met a similar fate. Shishi picked up his kachi-koshi! Oshidashi.

Kinbozan (6-3) defeated Asahakuryu (2-7). Kinbozan used solid yotsu sumo and overwhelming strength to power through Asahakuryu and force him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Onokatsu (2-7) defeated Mitakeumi (1-8). Onokatsu timed his slapdown perfectly. Mitakeumi just began to charge forward so Onokatsu pivoted and slapped him down. Mitakeumi make-koshi. Hatakikomi.

Chiyoshoma (3-6) defeated Kazuma (3-6). After a brief flurry of harite and tsuppari, Chiyoshoma slipped his left hand back inside to Kazuma’s belt and yanked forward, pulling Kazuma down. Katasukashi.

Asanoyama (7-2) defeated Daiseizan (3-6). Asanoyama latched on to Daiseizan’s belt with his left hand and immediately used the grip to steer Daiseizan toward the exit. Daiseizan tried to switch up his grip, Asanoyama got his right hand around Daiseizan’s trunk and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (7-2) defeated Nishikifuji (6-3). Nishikifuji began to pull backward to slap Takayasu down when the gyoji, Yonosuke, decided to get in on the action and inexplicably moved behind Nishikifuji. He’d been fine off to the right side. I don’t know why he moved. Takayasu lowered his shoulder and blasted Nishikifuji from the dohyo, narrowly avoiding Yonosuke. Gunbai Nishikifuji??The boys climbed back onto the dohyo, unaware of what the gyoji’s decision was. Thank God for Kisenosato. He raised his hand when he saw Yonosuke signal to the head shimpan, for about the fourth time, “I’m going to give the kensho to Nishikifuji. Is that right?” Nishonoseki-oyakata, who was sitting behind the dohyo, was alert to Yonosuke’s quandry, “Qué?” and raised his hand. Thankfully the replay team got the right call and the gunbai was reversed. I think Yonosuke got mixed up and thought Takayasu was on the other side. Watashikomi.

Kotoeiho defeated Fujiryoga. Kotoeiho latched on with his left hand inside and right hand outside, then pulled Fujiryoga up and droce him out of the ring. Kachi-koshi. Yoritaoshi.

Fujiseiun defeated Tobizaru. Fujiseiun forced Tobizaru to the edge. Tobizaru tried to pivot and topple Fujiseiun by twisting to his right. Fujiseiun avoided the throw and steamrolled through Tobizaru, crushing him out over the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Oshoma (4-5) defeated Roga (3-6). Oshoma tried really hard to shove Roga’s head into the clay. Roga stayed up but Oshoma shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Ura (3-6) defeated Wakamotoharu (3-6). Wakamotoharu is lost. He pulled and Ura slipped away and pushed him out. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (6-3) defeated Shodai (4-5). Daieisho thrust his right hand into Shodai’s throat making Shodai reconsider his life-choices. Shodai moved back and Daieisho thrust him from the dohyo. Tsukidashi.

Gonoyama (4-5) defeated Takanosho (3-6). Takanosho pulled and Gonoyama shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Fujinokawa (4-5) defeated Oho (1-8). Oho let Fujinokawa get a morozashi. He thought he could kimedashi the smaller wrestler, overwhelm him with his considerable size advantage. Instead, Fujinokawa used his two-handed belt grip to heave Oho clear of the dohyo and then pitch him over the side. Oho needed help to get back up and seemed to be cradling his right arm. Oho make-koshi. Sukuinage.

Kotoshoho (4-5) defeated Hiradoumi (1-8). Kotoshoho used tsuppari to force Hiradoumi back to the edge. Hiradoumi charged forward and Kotoshoho shifted left and slapped him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Atamifuji (6-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-5). Atamifuji charged ahead with overwhelming force and shoved Ichiyamamoto from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji (7-2) defeated Kotozakura (4-5). Kotozakura began by pulling and tried to topple Hakunofuji with his right hand uwate at the edge. Life on the edge is perilous and Kotozakura seemed to understand that so he pressed forward to the center of the ring. While the two leaned into each other, at the center of the ring, Hakunofuji pulled and used his own right-hand overarm grip to heave Kotozakura to the ground. Uwatenage.

Churanoumi (3-6) defeated Kirishima (7-2). Churanoumi reached down with his left hand to get the front of Kirishima’s belt. So, Kirishima grabbed Churanoumi’s arm and appeared ready to bludgeon him with it. Churanoumi pulled his arm free, moved back and slapped down Kirishima. Gunbai Churanoumi. Mono-ii. The video replay booth checked to see if Churanoumi’s foot touched out. Gunbai upheld. Tsukiotoshi.

Aonishiki (8-1) defeated Onosato (5-4). Aonishiki shifted subtlely to his left, and used his left hand uwate to pull Onosato forward. Onosato stepped out as Aonishiki hopped on that injured left foot to stay in bounds. Uwatedashinage.

Yoshinofuji (5-4) defeated Hoshoryu (6-3). Yoshinofuji won this bout when Hoshoryu decided to pull. Yoshinofuji had a firm hold, both hands inside. Yoshinofuji’s left hand was at the back of Hoshoryu’s belt and his right was square under Hoshoryu’s shoulder. When Hoshoryu pulled back, Yoshinofuji charged ahead and cast him from the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Wrap-Up

Yusho Arasoi:

  • 1-Loss: Aonishiki, Kotoeiho, Shishi
  • 2-Losses: Kirishima, Hakunofuji, Takayasu, Asanoyama, Takerufuji

Hoshoryu will fight Aonishiki tomorrow. That’s a huge bout, obviously. Onosato will try to bounce back against Daieisho. Kirishima will take on a hungry Hakunofuji. Kotozakura will fight Oho, Atamifuji will take on Churanoumi and Kotoshoho will fight Ichiyamamoto. Yoshinofuji has faced the gauntlet and come out with a winning record. He’ll battle Gonoyama tomorrow and his schedule will be full of rank-and-filers from here out. I can imagine he might be testing Kotoeiho or Shishi if their runs continue.

Fujiseiun will fight Asanoyama, Kotoeiho will fight Abi, Takayasu will take on Tobizaru, Chiyoshoma will fight Takerufuji and Shishi is set against Asahakuryu.

I have a feeling this leaderboard will change dramatically over the next few days. It’s a very interesting list, I’ll say that, and it’s promising to be a thrilling Week Two.