The list of special prizes has been posted:
Shukun-sho (Outstanding Performance Award)
West Komusubi Mitakeumi
East Sekiwake Takakeisho (conditional)
West Sekiwake Tamawashi (conditional)
Kanto-sho (Fighting Spirit Prize)
West Sekiwake Tamawashi
Gino-sho (Technique Prize)
East Sekiwake Takakeisho
Mitakeumi defeated all three Yokozuna, two Ozeki, and both of the potential yusho winners. Tamawashi and Takakeisho won’t walk away empty-handed, but their shukun-sho are conditional, apparently on winning the yusho. It looks like no prizes for Kaisei or Endo even with victories on senshuraku.
I’ve no idea how the system works, admittedly, but no Ikioi for Fighting Spirit?
Ikioi is awarded “best sumo from an ICU candidate prize” – it comes with an IV drip and a full body plaster cast.
Seriously though, I don’t think fighting injured comes into it.
Don’t we all wish…
I can only think Kaisei and Endo weren’t given prizes as they’re being viewed as former sanyaku rikishi capitalising on their positions lower down the banzuke
Minor correction. Mitakeumi only beat one Ozeki. But a well-deserved prize I think (maybe also very pointed for the two Sekiwake. When they’re standing there with him with the sansho-prizes they’ll remember how easily he beat them both).