Year: 2023

Kyushu Storylines, Day 13

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

How fast the tournaments go! It seems like the Kyushu basho just started, but we only have the final weekend of action left. Let’s recap where things stand going into the home stretch.

Yusho Race

This is down to two men: Ozeki Kirishima, who is back after a bit of a cold spell that followed his March yusho and May promotion, and the youngster M8w Atamifuji, who is in the yusho race for the second consecutive tournament. Both sport impressive 11-2 records that are two wins clear of anyone else, and they clash on Day 14, guaranteeing the winner at least 12 wins and eliminating all others from the race. The winner will be in pole position going into Day 15, although the right combination of results could see a playoff rematch between the two.

San’yaku

With Kotonowaka (9-4) now limited to at most 11 wins, we’re not getting a new Ozeki, although he can keep the run going by getting to double digits. Wakamotoharu will vacate his rank after four tournaments at Sekiwake, and will fall out of san’yaku altogether for the first time in a year. Since his slot is supernumerary, we may be back down to two Sekiwake in January. Hokutofuji’s latest tenure at Komusubi won’t be any longer than his previous ones. Fellow Komusubi Abi (6-7) must win out to maintain his rank. Atamifuji, M3e Takayasu (8-5), and M5w Midorifuji (9-4) are in a tight race for sany’aku promotion, with M1w Ura (6-7) not out of it if he can win out.

Makuuchi – Juryo Exchanges

We now have three demotable records in makuuchi: Nishikifuji, Roga, and Kitanowaka, though none are completely unsalvageable yet. Absent Kotoeko should be the first to go down, and the first opening is definitively spoken for by Kotoshoho. Onosato has a promotable record and would be very unlucky to miss out; one more win will make his promotion certain. The rest of the promotion queue is Bushozan, Shimazuumi, Aoiyama (who would get priority if he can find his 8th win), and Mitoryu. Tohakuryu needs two wins for safety, and might be okay with one, while Takarafuji needs one by the numbers, but may be safe already anyway.

Juryo – Makushita Exchanges

In a battle of youth vs. wisdom, youth prevailed, with 19-year-old Isegahama phenom Ms42w Satorufuji (30-5 career record in 5 basho; two yusho) turning the tables on 37-year old wily veteran Ms11e Kitaharima, who knocked him out of the Sandanme title race in September, to take the Makushita yusho and knock Kitaharima out of the promotion picture. Both should be ranked in the Ms1-Ms5 promotion zone in January, where they could well meet again.

After today’s results, the first three Makushita-Juryo exchanges are clear. Hakuyozan, Takerufuji, and Oshoumi will swap places with Hakuoho, Hitoshi, and Azumaryu. Two exciting sekitori debuts and one meh return. Tomorrow, it’s Tochimusashi vs. Chiyosakae in what is likely to end up as a direct exchange bout; Tochimusashi would be 4th in line with a win, and Chiyosakae would be demotable with a loss, although others could still end up in the demotion queue ahead of him, and conversely a win wouldn’t leave him safe. Among the other incumbents who are not safe yet, Akua still needs a win, while Chiyomaru, Tenshoho, and Takakento need 2 apiece, although it’s debatable what sort of promotion cases could force down Akua even if he ended 5-10, or the other three with one more win. None are paired up tomorrow, so depending on those results, we may see them up against the remaining regular promotion candidates: Kitadaichi and Tsushimanada. Ms6w Kayo (5-1) and Ms6e Wakatakakage (4-2) sit just below the “invisible line” separating the Ms1-Ms5 promotion zone from the rest of the division, but could still potentially be in the conversation if they win and a lot of other results break just right, though realistically they’ll be looking to stake a strong promotion claim in January.

Kyushu 2023: Day 13 – Happy Thanksgiving!

Andy Kyushu 2023, Kyushu Basho ,
Our Thanksgiving Chanko

We are not big fans of turkey, too be honest. On our own for the holidays for the first time in a long time, the threat of spending hours preparing, and failing, at making a dry bird led us to an unconventional decision. So, this year we opted for a Thanksgiving dinner of chanko and sushi. Give me moist tsukune (chicken meatballs) over ham, turkey or venison, any day. Tuna temaki is just icing on the cake. Then, we also actually had cake in the form of baumkuchen.

I am certainly thankful for, among other things, a great tournament. It is unfortunate that Takakeisho could not follow up on his September yusho and charge forward with a strong title win in Kyushu. Instead, Kirishima, Atamifuji, Ichiyamamoto and Kotonowaka have been the stars of this show. Ozeki performance issues have certainly been quieted for now. And after a spell of short reigns, maybe Kirishima and Hoshoryu will lighten some of Takakeisho’s load. The continued successes of recent tournaments mean Kotonowaka (26) and Atamifuji (21) have designs on their own future promotions. After starting the year with much more uncertainty, it’s nice to have not only a steady current slate of Ozeki but some hopes for the future.

Makuuchi

Kitanowaka (5-8) defeated Oshoma (4-9). A bit of a testy slapfest that ended when Oshoma lost his balance and fell forward. Hikiotoshi.

Tohakuryu (5-8) defeated Oho (6-7). Tohakuryu jettisoned his retreating sumo of late for aggressive, forward moving thrusts here against Oho. And what do you know, it worked! Tsukidashi.

Tomokaze (7-6) defeated Hiradoumi (8-5). Hiradoumi tried a slapdown but Tomokaze pressed forward and shoved Hiradoumi over the bales. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (8-5) defeated Sadanoumi (6-7). Sadanoumi was the aggressor in this bout, nearly ending Churanoumi’s day with an early slapdown attempt. Sadanoumi kept pressing forward and forced his opponent to the edge…where Churanoumi twisted out of the way and threw Sadanoumi forward. Sukuinage.

Mitakeumi (8-5) defeated Tamawashi (8-5). Not much thrusting from Tamawashi today; Mitakeumi forced himself inside the range of Tamawashi’s guns and they settled, head-to-head with Tamawashi’s back to the bales. Mitakeumi gathered his strength and pressed forward, pushing Tamawashi over the edge. Oshidashi.

Roga (4-9) defeated Myogiryu (4-9). Myogiryu charged forward but Roga circled right in retreat, staying in bounds long enough to thrust Myogiryu out. Tsukiotoshi.

Endo (5-8) defeated Nishikifuji (4-9). Endo chased Nishikifuji around the ring for awhile before Nishikigi stepped out. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (9-4) defeated Ichiyamamoto (9-4). Now, I’m sure we can all agree THAT’s a henka. We can all see the, “YOU BASTARD!” on Ichiyamamoto’s lips. Hikiotoshi.

Tsurugisho (8-5) defeated Nishikigi (6-7). Tsurugisho pulled to start but Nishikigi was wise to it. The two settled into a grapple. Nishikigi tried to make a charge but Tsurugisho pulled up hard and resisted, forcing the two back toward center. Nishikigi gathered up his strength for another charge and this time Tsurugisho couldn’t stop him…but instead he twisted and hefted Nishikigi over the bales with a great throw. Utchari.

Tobizaru (6-7) defeated Hokuseiho (6-7). Tobizaru quickly reached in and pulled Hokuseiho forward. He then circled behind and pushed him out. Okuridashi.

Halftime

Atamifuji (11-2) defeated Takayasu (8-5). The Japanese word, Atama, means “head” and that is all that I can bring to mind as I watch Atamafuji drive his head into Takayasu, forcing a yotsu contest. Takayasu tried to shove that head back but each time, Atamafuji brought his head back to rest under Takayasu’s chin. Atamafuji then grabbed Takayasu by the shoulders to drive him down. Takayasu resisted the slapdown but the pressure forced his back to the bales and Atamifuji pressed forward, pushing him out. Excellent sumo from Atamifuji. Oshidashi.

Takarafuji (5-8) defeated Meisei (3-10). After the tachiai, the two combatants settled into a grapple at the center of the ring. Meisei pulled to the edge but Takarafuji pursued and pressed forward, eventually forcing Meisei over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (8-5) defeated Shodai (5-8). Kinbozan drove forward, hard into Shodai. Just when you wanted New Shodai to resist and force Kinbozan back, Old Shodai scanned behind himself for a place to land and dropped into the crowd. Oshidashi.

Ura (6-7) defeated Onosho (3-10). Ura blasted Onosho backwards and off the ring. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (7-6) defeated Hokutofuji (4-9). Hokutofuji tried to remove Gonoyama’s face with the right hand and ottsuke with the left. Gonoyama shifted and thrust Hokutofuji’s hand away. Hokutofuji pressed with such force that the momentum thrust himself down in the center of the ring. Tsukiotoshi.

Abi (6-7) defeated Shonannoumi (7-6). The staredown was about 100x longer than the bout as Abi caught Shonannoumi and yanked him down to the ground, almost instantly. Hikiotoshi.

Ryuden (9-4) defeated Kotonowaka (9-4). Ryuden thrust his head into Kotonowaka’s chest and pressed forward. Kotonowaka kept fumbling for a belt grip but it’s much easier when your head is down, like Ryuden’s. Ryuden just kept pressing forward and Kotonowaka could not counter effectively. Any hopes of Ozeki promotion will have to wait for March, or more likely, May. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (2-4-7) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-9). Powerful tachiai. Asanoyama rotated his body, twisting Wakamotoharu over toward the edge. Wakamotoharu kept his footing along the bales so Asanoyama forced him out. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (11-2) defeated Daieisho (8-5). Standard Daieisho thrusting attack, parried to the side by Kirishima. Hatakikomi.

Takakeisho (9-4) defeated Hoshoryu (8-5). Hoshoryu drove into Takakeisho’s tsuppari a bit too far as Takakeisho switched modes and thrust him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Wrap-Up

We’re down to a two-man show. It took a while for the Kyokai to finally publish the torikumi (bout listing) for tomorrow. I had thought they might like to actually have all of the Ozeki fight each other, and during normal circumstances, that would probably be their preference.

  • 2敗: Kirishima, Atamifuji
  • 3敗: no one

Instead, Kirishima will fight Atamifuji tomorrow. This means that we are assured of an at-least 12-win yusho. We might have a playoff between these two if the winner of tomorrow’s bout stumbles on senshuraku. Kirishima will undoubtedly be paired up with one of his fellow Ozeki (likely Takakeisho) for the musubi-no-ichiban on senshuraku.

As I’d mentioned, Kotonowaka’s charge is now done. Ichiyamamoto’s role in this drama, sadly, fizzled in front of Midorifuji. But there is certainly a significant crop of new talent, simmering under the surface. And, whatever the outcome of this weekend, Atamifuji is leading their charge into 2024.

Kyushu 2023: Day 12

Andy Kyushu 2023, Kyushu Basho

Fierce competition in the top division this tournament. Let’s get straight to the action and chat afterwards.

Highlights

Tohakuryu (4-8) defeated Shimazuumi (7-5) with forward-moving sumo! Of course, he tried the retreating, crap-style of sumo first. Hopefully he will learn to ditch that. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (8-4) defeated Oho(6-6). Oho lasted longer than I thought he would and he tried several different attacks. But he never was able to get out of Tamawashi’s firing range. Eventually, Tamawashi battered him out of the dohyo. Tsukidashi.

Tsurugisho (7-5) defeated Sadanoumi (6-6). Tsurugisho power sumo. Sadanoumi was no easy target and nearly pulled a “Reverse” out at the edge. Yorikiri.

Hirodoumi (8-4) defeated Churanoumi (7-5). Hiradoumi shot off the line like he’d been fired out of a cannon. He stayed low but kept his balance through Churanoumi’s slapdown attempt and blasted Churanoumi out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Takarafuji (4-8) defeated Myogiryu (4-8). 妙義龍元気ないですね。Takarafuji drove forward and handed Myogiryu his make-koshi. Yorikiri.

Endo (4-8) defeated Kitanowaka (4-8). Endo started with oshi-zumo but moved inside and got a good grip of Kitanowaka’s belt and tried a strong uwatenage. Though his opponent didn’t fall, the throw was effective at yanking Kitanowaka around the ring and putting him up against the tawara. From there, Endo kept up the pressure and forced Kitanowaka out. Yorikiri.

Hokuseiho (6-6) defeated Roga (3-9). Roga initiated all of the action, trying multiple throws. At first, Hokuseiho had Roga’s right arm locked up as if he was going to attempt a kotenage which never came. I think that grip helped keep Hokuseiho up. He then switched to that loooong lefthand belt grip. Roga tried a final throw and Hokuseiho reacted by getting his right-hand grip and pressing Roga forward. When Hokuseiho’s right hand went up to Roga’s neck, Roga stepped out. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (7-5) defeated Mitakeumi (7-5). Kinbozan pressed forward and never allowed Mitakeumi to get any forward churn. Oshidashi.

Shonannoumi (7-5) defeated Tomokaze (6-6). Shonannoumi collected his thoughts and pressed forward, forcing Tomokaze out. He punished Tomokaze’s ineffective makikae by pressing forward when Tomokaze had lost his ability to counter. Yorikiri.

Onosho (3-9) defeated Nishikifuji (4-8). Nishikifuji’s early charge was powerful enough to roll Onosho off the dohyo. Matta, reset. Another early start from Nishikifuji. Onosho got his revenge on the tachiai and steamrolled Nishikifuji over the edge. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Ichiyamamoto (9-3) defeated Nishikigi (6-6). Early charge from Ichiyamamoto. Maybe nerves. He launched forward early again…but no matta. Ichiyamamoto pressed forward into Nishikigi. As Nishikigi adjusted and changed grips, his right foot stepped out. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (8-4) defeated Ryuden (8-4). As Ryuden reached in for a righthand belt grip, Takayasu pulled him forward to the ground. Katasukashi. It was impressive to see Ryuden weather Takayasu’s powerful tsuppari attack and land a one-handed grip of Takayasu’s mawashi. That grip was enough to spin Takayasu around. But going for the second hand was just greedy and Takayasu made him pay.

Gonoyama (6-6) defeated Tobizaru (5-7). Brutal tsuppari drove Tobizaru back and out. Oshidashi.

Ura (5-7) defeated Shodai (5-7) with a deft shift and throw while dancing along the tawara. Shodai was slow to get up, limped away with yobidashi help. I think Ura landed on Shodai’s leg…which was lying on the tawara. Tottari.

Abi (5-7) defeated Meisei (3-9). Abi laid into Meisei with powerful tsuppari but Meisei bulled forward. When Abi backed to the tawara, he stepped quickly to the side and thrust Meisei forward to the dirt. Tsukiotoshi.

Hokutofuji (4-8) defeated Asanoyama (1-4-7). Hokutofuji let Asanoyama play his yotsu-game for a while. But when Asanoyama drove forward, Hokutofuji stayed in the ring. And when Asanoyama pulled, he kept his balance. Hokutofuji then used that momentum to drive Asanoyama back and out over the bales. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (8-4) defeated Midorifuji (8-4). Daieisho power sumo. He drove forward with powerful tsuppari, pushing Midorifuji onto his backside. Oshitaoshi.

Kirishima (10-2) defeated Kotonowaka (9-3). Kirishima’s in the driver’s seat now. Kotonowaka matta. I swear, lots of those today. Strong yotsu-zumo from both but Kirishima was never in danger. Controlled, quality sumo from the Ozeki as he forced Kotonowaka ever closer to the edge and…eventually…over the bales. Yorikiri.

Takakeisho (8-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-8). Wakamotoharu drove forward into Takakeisho’s tsuppari. But he was unprepared for Takakeisho’s sidestep and lost his balance. Takakeisho followed with a simple shove to push Wakamotoharu over the bales. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (10-2) defeated Hoshoryu (8-4)! Hoshoryu drove forward but Atamifuji shifted at the tawara and pulled the Ozeki down. Hoshoryu gave a long, hard stare at that tawara; disbelief that Atamifuji had remained in bounds.

Wrap-up

Wow, quite the day! The yusho picture draws into focus with the spotlight on Ozeki Kirishima and the Hiramaku upstart, Atamifuji. Kotonowaka and Ichiyamamoto challenge, one loss back. Eight wrestlers sit just behind the lead pack.

  • 2敗: Kirishima, Atamifuji
  • 3敗: Kotonowaka, Ichiyamamoto

There are several big bouts on tap for tomorrow. Kirishima will face Daieisho; Atamifuji will face Takayasu. Kotonowaka will face Ryuden and Ichiyamamoto will face Midorifuji. Hoshoryu will face Takakeisho in our first Ozeki bout.

Unless weird things happen, Kirishima will then be able to fight each of his fellow Ozeki in turn on Day 14 and 15. Though these bouts are clearly not official, I wouldn’t be surprised if Atamifuji/Kotonowaka on Day 14 and a Takakeisho/Atamifuji revenge match is on tap for Senshuraku if Atamifuji wins tomorrow.

All of our Ozeki are kachi-koshi. Kirishima has his 10 wins and both Takakeisho and Hoshoryu are still in the running to pick up theirs. We end 2023 in a different place than we started it, that’s for sure. Unfortunately, Kotonowaka’s Ozeki run is now on life support. A 12-win yusho will likely still secure promotion, even though it’s shy of the 33-win benchmark, but he’s chasing now.

Day 13 will decide several lower division yusho contests.

Ajigawa-beya’s Aonishiki is the only Jonokuchi wrestler on six wins. If he wins tomorrow, he will seal the first division yusho. He will face Hatachijo, who at 5-1 just beat Ultraman and is now on my list. No worries, Ultraman is kachi-koshi and will sneak back into Jonidan.

Speaking of Jonidan, undefeated Dairinzan will face 5-1 Kototaiga. But the big match will be between the pair of undefeated: Higonoumi and our Yusho-favorite Shiroma. If Dairinzan wins, he will force a senshuraku playoff with the winner of Shiroma/Higonoumi. If Kototaiga wins, the winner of Shiroma/Higonoumi will claim the second division title outright.

In Sandanme, Daishoryu will face Nishida for the yusho. Both are undefeated. Lastly, in Makushita, Kitaharima will face Satorufuji, as Leonid covered yesterday. https://tachiai.org/2023/11/22/makushita-finals-and-promotion-race/.

If the Basho Ended Today…

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

Thankfully, it doesn’t, and we can look forward to four more exciting days of sumo. But let’s take a look at what would change in san’yaku and in the top division if the basho ended today.

First, we’d have two new Komusubi and a new Sekiwake. K1w Hokutofuji’s (3-8) demotion is sealed, while K1e Abi (4-7) can’t afford another loss. S1w Wakamotoharu has the same 4-7 record, so another loss would cost him his rank, but he could limit his fall to Komusubi if he finishes 7-8. At the moment, we’d have new Sekiwake Takayasu (M3e, 7-4) and new Komusubi Midorifuji (M5w, 8-3) and Atamifuji (M8w, 9-2).

Oh, and we could get a new Ozeki. S2e Kotonowaka (9-2) came into this tournament with 20 wins while ranked in san’yaku in the two prior tournaments. If he wins out, he’ll get the nod for sure. 12 wins might also be enough, especially if they come with a yusho. Anything less, and he’ll have to try again in January.

As for Makuuchi-Juryo exchanges, nothing is set in stone yet, but right now we’d have four rikishi on each side of the line trading divisions. J1w Kotoshoho (8-3) would have to have a terrible finish and terrible luck to miss out on a quick return to the top division. J2w Shimazuumi (7-4), J1e Aoiyama (6-5) and J5e Onosato (8-3) are in a good position but still have some work to do. Injury victim M10w Kotoeko (2-8-1) is set to fall if he can’t reenter and pick up a couple of wins. The other endangered incumbents, in order, are M16e Roga (3-8), M17e Kitanowaka (4-7), M15e Tohakuryu (3-8), M16w Nishikifuji (4-7), and M13e Takarafuji (3-8). Given the current odd number of rikishi in Makuuchi, we should see some potential exchange bouts down the stretch, starting with Shimazuumi’s attempt to get his kachi-koshi while pushing down Tohakuryu tomorrow.