On Tuesday, the Sumo Kyokai released the banzuke for the upcoming May tournament. So, what are the big highlights? Starting at the top of the banzuke, Kotonowaka is now, Kotozakura. Ozeki Kirishima is kadoban. Wakamotoharu stays at Sekiwake for the second consecutive basho. He’s joined at the rank by Abi (on the West), who returns to the rank for the first time since 2022 — and the first time since his yusho. Asanoyama and Onosato were both promoted to Komusubi, for Onosato it’s his first time in sanyaku. Takerufuji jumped up to Maegashira 6 East after his yusho.
We have two new promotions to the top division with Oshoma from Naruto-beya at M14W and Tokihayate (Tokitsukaze-beya) at M15E. Mitoryu, Tomokaze, and Takarafuji return to Makuuchi. Onokatsu, Tochitaikai (Tsukahara), and Kazekeno were promoted to Juryo for the first time while Chiyomaru returns.
In a six-basho career, Onosato’s got the second fastest sanyaku promotion after Ichinojo’s lightning fast 5-basho trip to Sekiwake. From his top division debut, he hits sanyaku after two tournaments. That’s in the realm of guys like Asashoryu, Ryogoku, and Konishiki. The hype machine will be in overdrive for both Onosato and Takerufuji this basho, that’s for sure.
So, what am I watching this tournament? Obviously, Takerufuji. You can’t just walk in to the top division and win a yusho without getting everyone’s attention.
Takerufuji is just far enough down the banzuke that he is outside of the “joi” so he should not have the most difficult schedule. That being said, if he’s undefeated after Nakabi or in the yusho race, he will get hit with a bigger challenge. Given his injury, though, I think we will all be surprised if he is in this title race.
It’s anyone’s guess who will take this championship. I am hopeful that the Yokozuna or one of the Ozeki rolls to a convincing 14-1 yusho. Right now, I am thinking Kotozakura has the best opportunity to claim his first title.
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The joi group looks very strong.
Banzuke above M6, with the presence of Gonoyama, Takerufuji, Takayasu, Atamifuji and Onosho, it’s really a meat grinder.
By observing previous few bashos, this basho I have a feeling that either Hoshoryu or Onosato will win the Yusho.
Andy, any further news on Onosato, with the on going investigation, will he be allowed to participate?
Yes. As far as I know the investigation is complete and the reprimand is the only punishment. I’m not aware of a deeper investigation.
For natsu I’ll watch non-charismatic, hard working Hiradoumi. He made his way to M2e with no eyes upon and no talk about him. Strong competitors around him, it will be a thriller.
I‘d like to see Kirishima clearing kadoban with a yusho. Just a dream, yeah!
Totally agree with Hiradoumi comment.
From my perspective I compare him with Nishikigi. There will be very less discussion about him and nobody notices (atleast me), suddenly he pops up in the joi or as Komusubi.
Hiradoumi has been fighting well for a while, but he relies a lot on his quickness and that usually comes with a higher variance. Also gives him some difficult matchups. But there are a lot of smaller or medium sized rikishi in the upper half now, so even if he isn’t favoured against Hoshoryu or Kirishima, he is always good for a potential upset.
Most importantly, he is fun to watch. Like Tobizaru he has this never give up vibe.
Time for Hoshoryu to step up and win one for the ailing uncle,