Later this weekend, the banzuke for the Natsu basho in Tokyo will be released for all to enjoy. If you want a master analysis on how the May ranking sheet might turn out, do check out lksumo’s predictions.
The basho itself is just 2 weeks away now, and it should be a heck of a battle for 15 days. I am excited to see Mitakeumi take the top Ozeki slot for the first time, and to see Wakatakakage build on his 12-3 result in March to try to string together a bid to become the 4th Ozeki. As far fetched as that may seem, I think that if he can maintain consistency for the next 2 tournaments (maybe 3), he has a solid shot at assuming sumo’s second highest rank.
For those of you who may have missed it, the NSK streamed one of their joint practice sessions on YouTube, and the quality was actually not that bad for a change. If you missed it, its nearly 3 glorious hours of sumo practice –
The rikishi who never seem to attend these were not in attendance, and I wonder if the NSK is concerned that none of their Ozeki showed up. But you know who showed up, and seemed to really fight it out – Nishikigi. This guy just loves sumo, and seems to never miss a chance to hone his craft.
I also note that Kiribayama and Hoshoryu were there, and seemed driven to tear each other up. Of course Takayasu was holding court, and always does pretty well in practice. I just wish he could carry that kind of dominance into week 2.
Some fine matches, so if you are so inclined, pour yourself a nice drink, park it on the sofa and let the sumo run.
Yeah I was really impressed by Nishikigi too. I’ve seen him at the joint practices before, and he’s usually lost most of his bouts. A very different proposition now.
I wonder what’s been ailing him the last couple of years as he doesn’t seem to have had any visible injuries.
Thanks for this. Was good to watch…and Apropos of Tim Sumo’s comment on twitter…Why do they all run in at the end of every bout????
They want to be chosen by the winner to fight next.
It’s part of moshi-ai practice, or winner stays on (and has the privilege to pick his next sparring opponent). It looks incredibly forward and brash, whether by Japanese standards or otherwise, but it’s highly encouraged by the oyakata; I think rikishi have been reprimanded before for not being forward enough in practice. That’s especially when you yourself get the chance to be the winner to stay on for a lot of good practice, so it’s in your own interest to be part of the spar that’s happening as much as possible.
Ahh, thanks..😃
That was fun. I wonder how they decide it’s time to throw a little salt.
Do you remember which point you saw them throwing salt? I’ve noticed it being thrown after someone gets hurt. Hopefully that’s not the case if you saw it here.