Hakuho, fresh from his historic 37th yusho, will lead things off in the Nagoya tournament, back in his usual spot at Yokozuna 1 East. Presumably late in his career (15 years, 10 at Yokozuna), it’s remarkable he achieved a zensho (undefeated) yusho, his 12th. Kakuryu and Harumafuji follow.

Kisenosato’s jun-yusho and 13 wins earned him top Ozeki with Kotoshogiku and Goeido following. Sadly, we will see Terunofuji on the bill at Ozeki 2 West. His kadoban status means that if he sits at home and recovers from his injuries – as this armchair M.D. recommends – he would be demoted to Sekiwake for September. If he’s still injured, it will be excruciating to watch him fight to save his rank.

Losing records for Kotoyuki and Yo-yo Ikioi mean we will have two new Sekiwake, both have now achieved their career-high ranks. Kaisei’s 8 wins were good enough to let him not only keep his sanyaku rank, but promotion to Sekiwake East. Tochinoshin’s excellent 10 wins will boost him from Maegashira 4 to Sekiwake West. Both will need to capitalize on any bouts with maegashira if they hope to remain in the sanyaku.

Kotoyuki slipped to Komusubi East. Though he lost to two maegashira, he beat an ozeki and yokozuna. Takayasu has reached Komusubi for the third time in his career, the last time was at the start of last year. Both times he finished with losing records in the next two tournaments before regaining his comfort level around maegashira 8.

Speaking of the M8 rank, Mitakeumi’s 11 wins at the rank in the last tournament will leapfrog him to top Maegashira. Tochiozan will try to rebound into sanyaku but M1W will be a challenge. I’ll be watching Osunaarashi at M3 to see if he can stay healthy. I hope he’s learned how to protect himself at the edge. Shodai’s drop to M5 will hopefully not be a pattern repeated by Mitakeumi.