The Japan Sumo Association released the torikumi-hyo (bout list) for shonichi (Day One), and with it the names of kyujo sekitori. Takerufuji and Asanoyama are injured and will not compete from Day One. Though we do not anticipate either man participating in this tournament, we will keep our eyes and ears open for any news. Takerufuji will need a few wins (likely 2 or 3) to be safe from demotion to Juryo in July.
Coming into March, we were anticipating strong performances from our top guys, particularly Terunofuji and Kirishima. That got flipped on its head during the tournament as the Yokozuna left early from injury after picking up a string of losses, and Kirishima struggled to find wins. The fact that Kirishima showed up each day meant that he was able to attend Senshuraku activities and participate in the danpatsushiki of his long-time tsukebito, Yuki. We are eager to see if he can turn his fortunes around at Kakuryu’s Otowayama-beya.
So, coming into April, the story is completely different. And that means the bout list itself is chock-full of interesting match-ups. These early bouts carry a bit more weight than one would anticipate, leading up to an absolute banger: Terunofuji vs Onosato in the musubi-no-ichiban. While that is certainly the biggest bout tomorrow, the entire slate has promise. Before Terunofuji’s bout we will have Hoshoryu against Atamifuji, Kotozakura and debuts his new shikona against Daieisho. Takakeisho will face Hiradoumi and Kirishima will take on Gonoyama in a pair of bouts where the Ozeki should be heavy favorites to win. Should. Emphasis added there.
I will be watching the Wakamotoharu/Takayasu bout with keen interest and Tobizaru facing Abi should be a highlight, even if it shouldn’t feature into the yusho race. Now, outside of the sanyaku, Oho will take on Ura, Onosho takes on Meisei and Nishikigi will start his tournament against Midorifuji. The full bout list is here but I have a particular feeling about Ichiyamamoto and Hokutofuji. I think the two of them could light it up this basho.
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Waku waku
Takerufuji is my center square on my bingo card and Asanoyama is also on it; not a great start! But even injured, both those rikishi could probably cobble together a kachi-kochi if necessary.
If Onosato can make it through the first week with a good record, I feel this is his tournament to lose. Hoshoryu and Kotozakura seem the best bet from the higher ranks to take down the title, while I will tip Gonoyama as the joi maegashira and Shodai (yes, him) as the lower-ranked Maegashira to be in contention for the win in week 2. Given my track record of predictions, maybe one total of these rikishi will wind up with a winning record.
Let’s bookmark this and see where it looks next week. 😁
The kyokai presents a carefully and straight combined opening tableau. Great! Much to enjoy – and I‘m eager to see, how it all will continue in the next days from this starting point.
This has the makings of a weirdly interesting basho where anythng can happen and any1 can win
Feels like I got a great day to attend in person!
For those going to Japan in the future, just know that the odds of a sumo wrestler zipping by you on a bicycle on any given sidewalk are low, but never zero. :)