With connectivity and video restored, I can once again crack open a fine bottle of sake and ponder today’s upcoming bouts in Tokyo. My video issues began as I tried to get TV Japan into my house, and a series of technical calamities visited my world. But now that has been remedied, and I am once again able to enjoy the full broadcast in Japanese.
Many of our readers don’t have a chance to watch Juryo bouts, and they might be happy to know that Onosho is currently 3-0, though for reasons that cannot be explained, he is not wearing the red mawashi of power. Newcomer Wakatakakage (aka, Mr Unpronounceable) has sadly yet to win a match, though he seems to be giving it his all. Joining the day 3 undefeated list is none other than the rapid rise yeast of the sumo world, Yago. As he also hails from Hokkaido, there is a chance that later this year we could have two northern lads in Makuuchi.
While it is almost impossible to achieve, some of the most brutal, flat out sumo you can ever see is the upper levels of Makushita. These men are so close to Sekitori status that they can taste it, and they want that tremendous level of privilege that comes with the ginkgo top-not. Almost everyone likes Enho, and he finds himself out of Sekitori land and back down at Makushita 6, eager to return. He’s only had one match (which he won), but he fights again on day 4.
What We Are Watching Day 4
Nishikigi vs Kyokutaisei – Nishkigi holds a 7-1 advantage, but Kyokutaisei now has his first set of kensho envelopes, so he may be well motivated to outdo the most desperate blind man in sumo.
Sadanoumi vs Asanoyama – How did Asanoyama get to 3-0 to start this basho? Hell if I know, but I am sure he did it with a smile on his face. That may come to an end today, as Sadanoumi is an established veteran who has the skill to put dirt on the happy rikishi.
Chiyonokuni vs Takakeisho – This has the potential to be a violent hitting and shoving contest between these two, with Chiyonokuni channeling his spirit animal (which is a grumpy badger), and Takakeisho using sheer physics (he is close to natures perfect shape) to his advantage. It’s nature vs science, and someone is going to get hurt!
Hokutofuji vs Kagayaki – If Kagayaki can beat Hokutofuji, I may be forced to eat both my own buttocks in sheer frustration. Seriously Hokutofuji, get they wounded self to a healer, and not whatever large animal veterinarian that told Kisenosato what to do.
Ryuden vs Yoshikaze – I am willing to fly to Tokyo and administer large amounts of fine Scottish distillates to Yoshikaze if it will help him recover his mojo. Even though he is facing poor 0-3 Ryuden, Yoshikaze is day by day in my book. It’s a book I don’t want to read.
Ikioi vs Shodai – Oh this looks fun. Shodai has managed to stumble his way to 3-0, which is fine is any win is still a white star. But Ikioi is active, brutal and hunting for wins himself. Can Shodai continue the Mr. Bean routine and somehow get Ikioi to step on a rake?
Abi vs Endo – Well Abi, hopefully you are ready for more beatings, it’s your welcome package to the upper ranks of sumo. Endo seems fairly genki, even though his sumo on day 3 against Goeido was chaotic, it was good enough for a win.
Tochinoshin vs Mitakeumi – Oh my, this one has potential. Tochinoshin will work hard to get inside and land that lethal left hand early. Will Mitakeumi take him up on the offer of a mawashi war, maybe getting a leg trip as the big Georgian comes forward to land his right hand? Or will Mitakeumi stay mobile and find a way to move the future Ozeki back?
Yutakayama vs Ichinojo – Ichinojo likes ice cream.
Tamawashi vs Goeido – Was day 3 a fluke, or has Goeido 2.1 been cracked already? I guess its up to Tamawashi to find out. Tamawashi is possible the best 0-3 man in the competition right now, which won’t even get you free yakitori. I know Tamawashi wants back in San’yaku, but right now he has got to be wondering where his sumo is hiding.
Kakuryu vs Shohozan – Kakuryu seems to be dialed in, and I am sure after his “blink and you will miss it” loss to Hakuho day 3, Shohozan is going to redouble his effort at a kinboshi. Kakuryu is possible an easier mark, but of course to win against him you have to really focus on not making any mistakes. Shohozan over commits like mad in his battle-rage, and I am sure Kakuryu can wait him out.
Kaisei vs Hakuho – Kaisei has yet to beat Yokozuna, and this is probably not the day he starts. I am hoping that Hakuho gives him one of his patented flying lessons.