Month: May 2024

Commentary: Sumo Video Take Down, again

Andy Commentary

This morning we got a gut shot for English-speaking sumo fans as news comes from Jason that he received a copyright strike from Abema. He and other YouTube channels and streams face increasingly aggressive action from Abema now, as well as the NHK. It may not be a coincidence that this is occurring during “the rise of AI.” As I’ve said a few times on the blog and on Twitter, AI is not about intelligence and decision-making, it’s about automation. Just as the music companies employed bots to find their content on YouTube, I would not be surprised at all if AI bots are being used to find things like Abema’s logo and such on videos throughout the service.

My son’s a soccer fan and while a lot of Liga MX content is available on Univision, much more content required a $50/mo Fubo service for TuDN. So when searching for Mexican soccer streams, it was funny to see how many streams on YouTube and Twitch were tilted at a 45 degree angle, cropped slightly, or had images/stickers overlaying the video to avoid detection. I am not sure if that’s the direction sumo streams will go – I’m sure similar gimmicks to avoid detection would work for a while. But like with Mexican soccer, it will only be a matter of time before they caught up, and that was before AI. More creative methods will require more work and more effort from the streamer.

Why am I bringing up Mexican soccer? It’s because people think sumo fans are under attack but my point is that this is a much wider crackdown on copyrighted content and now it’s aided by the best AI tools. It’s not just sumo, folks. My son and I would be watching these Chivas games streamed at a 45-degree angle but they were still getting shut down over, and over. As a fan of Pachuca, it became untenable to watch anything. And that’s something as obscure as Liga MX. Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, NFL, NHL, etc…many sports have been going through this. Sumo is not alone.

Face it, many of the big name streaming services are so far losing money hand-over-fist. Paramount, for example, is under discussions to sell. Netflix has far fewer movies than it used to and it’s impossible to find a platform with Bond movies. But anyway, back to sports. In the end, the Mexican soccer fans finally got an alright, affordable streaming service in Vix. Sumo fans are getting a pretty good streaming service from the NHK.

As I’ve said before, if the sumo fan community is going to insist on leading the pirate life and getting everything for free, we’re going to get ignored as far as content goes. I seriously cannot put up with Taylor Swift and the NFL and all of this other mainstream crap that people are apparently throwing money at. Why do you think TV is full of pharma and political ads? It’s because people are spending money on medicine and throwing money at Biden and Trump like it’s the end of the world. There were serious ads about “restless leg syndrome,” for Christ’s sake.

Services go to where markets demonstrate their strength. Konishiki’s tour is an awesome opportunity, as are sumo tournaments, like those in Texas. We have to keep it up!

Anyway, I’m all for people keeping their money in their pockets. But where people spend money, businesses are willing to spring up and take it. The Kyokai is no different as we see whenever Shibatayama oyakata is on TV…usually with some curry or something in hand. When we financially support these services, we will get more attention and more content. Spend money on fun stuff and stuff you enjoy.

I hope the streamers can work something out with the channels like Abema and NHK. There is a massive “value add” in providing content for a new audience in another language. Maybe they would be open to an MOU or something? I just hope there’s a path toward cooperation that benefits everyone. The sumo world relies on the support it receives from its fans. And more and more of those fans are from foreign countries so I am confident that the Kyokai, NHK and Abema will be open to providing more content. Until then, I guess we’ll need to see how things play out.

Natsu 2024: Day 10 Highlights

Andy Natsu 2024, Natsu Basho , ,

Wakamotoharu will return from his toe injury for Day 11. Takayasu came back looking great so I hope Wakamotoharu’s rest was as effective. Frankly, there are several guys who need a rest, like Mitakeumi, Tomokaze, and Tsurugisho.

Once again, NHK videos are available for the Juryo and Makuuchi divisions. You will be able to watch Endo charge full steam ahead to 10-0 over Shimazuumi. Who knew the fountain of youth was hiding in Juryo?

The Action

Oshoma (7-3) defeated Ryuden (6-4). Oshoma enticed Ryuden into a pushing/thrusting attack. When Ryuden’s weight was extended too far forward, Oshoma shifted to his left and slapped Ryuden down. Hatakikomi.

Roga (4-6) defeated Mitoryu (2-8). Mitoryu fought hard to keep Roga off his belt. But when Roga finally quit trying to reach in for that grip and settled for a pushing/thrusting attack, he quickly shoved Mitoryu over the edge. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (7-3) defeated Tomokaze (1-9). An aggressive Tomokaze led Churanoumi backwards by his head with a brutal oshi attack. Churanoumi locked his feet at the tawara and suddenly twisted Tomokaze down with his two-handed grip on Tomokaze’s belt. Shitatedashinage.

Takarafuji (8-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-6). Takarafuji outlasted Ichiyamamoto’s thrusting attack. He patiently waited until Ichiyamamoto wore himself out and gently ushered him over the straw bales. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (4-6) defeated Tsurugisho (3-7). Nishikifuji’s tsuppari attack kept Tsurugisho off his belt and walked him back and out. Tsukidashi.

Tamawashi (3-7) defeated Tokihayate (4-6). Tokihayate quickly drove Tamawashi to the edge but Tamawashi might have needed the stability of the bales to get his own charge started. He wrapped up Tokihayate and drove him across the ring and out. Oshidashi.

Shodai (4-6) defeated Hokutofuji (5-5). Shodai used a similar strategy to bait Hokutofuji to the edge. Then Shodai slipped to the side and shoved Hokutofuji to the bales. “Am I going to have to walk over there and push you out?” “Na, I’ll step over.” Tsukiotoshi.

Takanosho (4-6) defeated Sadanoumi (5-5). Takanosho met Sadanoumi head-on at the tachiai. But when Sadanoumi got those legs churning, Takanosho pulled to the side and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Kinbozan (6-4) defeated Nishikigi (3-7). Kinbozan withstood several attacks from Nishikigi and when Nishikigi finally shoved him to the edge, Kinbozan moved laterally to drag Nishikigi to the floor. Shitatenage.

Halftime

Kotoshoho (7-3) defeated Mitakeumi (7-3). Mitakeumi pressed forward as best he could. Kotoshoho retreated to the right, forcing Mitakeumi to move laterally. When Kotoshoho reached the bales, he shifted to the left. This forced Mitakeumi to put his weight back on the left foot and down he went. Oshidashi.

Shimanoumi (8-2) defeated Midorifuji (4-6). Solid Shonannoumi kept Midorifuji centered and when Midorifuji pulled, Shonannoumi blasted him from the fighting surface. Oshidashi.

Meisei (7-3) defeated Hiradoumi (4-6). Hiradoumi charged forward out of control. Meisei just let him go by. Hatakikomi.

Atamifuji (4-6) defeated Tobizaru (4-6). Atamifuji took his time and let Tobizaru hop around the dohyo. Tobizaru attempted an ill-advised kick because it left him over-extended and he stumbled backwards. Atamifuji pursued quickly and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (7-3) defeated Oho (4-6). Daieisho adjusted his usual attack by slipping to the side with a slapdown attempt and re-engaging on Oho’s left side to shove Oho out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Onosato (8-2) defeated Gonoyama (4-6). Onosato stronk. All business today, he shoved Gonoyama backwards and cast him from the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Abi (6-4) defeated Ura (6-4). Abi assaulted Ura with his devastating tsuppari. Abi got his hands under Ura’s chin and tried to shove him out. Ura slipped desperately to the side but Abi followed well and forced the retreating Ura to roll away. Hard to believe Ura was leading this thing. Oshitaoshi.

Hoshoryu (6-4) defeated Onosho (4-6). Hoshoryu quickly shifted to the side and pulled Onosho down. Uwatedashinage.

Takayasu (4-5-1) defeated Kotozakura (7-3). Takayasu was aggressive today while Kotozakura was reactive and defensive. Takayasu forced the action and pressed Kotozakura around the ring. Kotozakura kept up with the pace but Takayasu used his powerful left hand grip to rotate and pull Kotozakura down. Fantastic sumo from Takayasu. Ozeki sumo from Takayasu. But why oh why does Takayasu’s color of power have to be Dook Blue? Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

Mitoryu joined Tomokaze with makekoshi records. Both men look set for a return to Juryo. Tsurugisho looks ready to purchase his ticket to Juryo mañana. Oddly, Hiradoumi is headed to a rather feisty makekoshi unless he can string together some wins in this final third of the tournament.

Takarafuji is safe and the first makuuchi man with kachi-koshi. Aside from the yusho race, any extra wins this week will obviously propel him further up the banzuke to give him breathing room. He certainly looks rejuvenated and healthy. Shonnanoumi joins him at kachi-koshi and the Kyokai are forcing them to fight each other tomorrow. The Kyokai want there to be only one dark horse in this yusho race. I would give the edge to Shonannoumi but Takarafuji has been fighting very well this tournament.

Takayasu picked off Kotozakura so Onosato is the lone sanyaku wrestler remaining in the leadership group. Onosato will face Hoshoryu tomorrow. Who knows where this yusho race will go?

Makushita Semifinals

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

Yesterday, we set up the quarterfinals among the 4-0 rikishi:

  • Ms7e Otsuji vs. Ms11e Fujiseiun
  • Ms26e Kotoyusho vs. Ms32 Kazenoumi
  • Ms40e Aonishiki vs. Ms51e Shunrai
  • Ms60TD Kusano vs. Sd2e Amakaze

Fujiseiun prevailed, and will be the only former sekitori in the semifinals, as well as the only rikishi ranked high enough to earn a promotion by winning out. He started in Ozumo 3 years ago, went 21-0 in his first three basho, and got as high as Juryo 6 before sitting out three tournaments with an injury. His next opponent should be Kazenoumi, another prospect fighting in his 9th basho. And we get the semifinal I was hoping for between two former amateur stars: young Ukrainian Aonishiki, whose professional record so far stands at 25-1 with two yusho, and newcomer Kusano, who joined Ozumo after making quite a name for himself as a university and international wrestler.

In the promotion zone, Ms1w Kayo (4-1) looks set to finally make a sekitori debut. Ms3e Kiryuko (4-1) may also have already done enough, but one more win would make a Juryo debut a lot more likely. Ms1e Akua (2-3) can ensure immediate re-promotion by winning out, but another loss will keep him in the unsalaried ranks. Ms2w Nabatame (3-2) could go up with one more win, and should be a lock with two. And by winning today, Ms4e Kitaharima (3-2) kept his hopes for a record-setting 10th promotion to Juryo alive.

The only relevant Day 10 action will see Kitaharima visiting Juryo to take on J14e Tochitaikai, whom he’s bested in their two prior meetings. The other key bouts will take place on Day 11; come back then to see where things stand.

Natsu 2024 Day 9 Highlights

Andy Natsu 2024, Natsu Basho ,

Mitakeumi is not on the kyujo list but we will be watching his performance today for signs that he might go. With 6 wins already, he is in no danger of demotion.

Links to the NHK videos are here:

Makuuchi Part 1 – Makuuchi Part 2

Juryo Part 1 – Juryo Part 2

The Action

Churanoumi (6-3) defeated Takarafuji (7-2). Churanoumi pulled on Takarafuji’s arm and yanked him over to the bales. Takarafuji spun and tried to retreat but Churanoumi pursued well and shoved him out. Oshitaoshi

Mitoryu (2-7) defeated Tsurugisho (3-6). Mitoryu walked Tsurugisho quickly back and out. He was much too large of an opponent for Tsurugisho to be able to lift or swing him out of the dohyo with his upper body alone. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (4-5) defeated Nishikifuji (3-6). Nishikifuji made great early progress, blasting Tokihayate toward the bales but Tokihayate timed his counter attack beautifully. Just as Nishikfuji hit him with the right, Tokihayate shifted to his left and knocked Nishikifuji to the side. This threw Nishikifuji completely off balance and Tokihayate was able to follow up with some quick shoves to force Nishikifuji out. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (6-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-5). Oshoma slipped to the side and pulled Ichiyamamoto forward. Hatakikomi.

Ryuden (6-3) defeated Hokutofuji (5-4). Ryuden did well and kept Hokutofuji in front of him, allowing him to make a mistake. Hokutofuji’s tsuppari shifted to slapdown attempts and Ryuden struck. Here, Ryuden slipped it to reach for the belt and Hokutofuji fell forward. Uwatedashinage.

Sadanoumi (5-4) defeated Tomokaze (1-8). Once Sadanoumi slipped in and got a hold of Tomokaze’s belt, Tomokaze was toast. Tomokaze is makekoshi.

Shonannoumi (7-2) defeated Roga (3-6). Shonannoumi fought hard to keep Roga’s right arm from locking onto his belt. The two had worked themselves into a bit of a stalemate at the center of the ring. Shonannoumi began to press forward. A well timed tug at the edge from Roga nearly sent Shonannoumi out but Shonannoumi kept his balance and shoved Roga backwards and out. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (7-2) defeated Kinbozan (5-4) Henka! Very well executed dodge from Mitakeumi. He reached over to Kinbozan’s belt and pulled him forward to finish him off.

Kotoshoho (6-3) defeated Nishikigi (3-6). Nishikigi pressed forward and as the pair approached the edge Kotoshoho stepped to the side and allowed Nishikigi’s momentum to carry him forward and out. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Midorifuji (4-5) defeated Shodai (3-6). Shodai was very wary of Midorifuji today, possibly too wary. Instead of launching much of an attack, Shodai appeared defensive. He pressed forward early but Midorifuji resisted. Perhaps Shodai tired quickly. But he clearly did not want to get caught pitched too far forward. Midorifuji cleverly and patiently worked the big man back toward the edge. As Shodai neared the tawara, Midorifuji intensified his pressure and shoved Shodai out. Oshidashi.

Meisei (6-3) defeated Tamawashi (2-7) Meisei was too strong today for Tamawashi. Meisei resisted a strong initial charge from Tamawashi. Meisei used pivot after pivot to throw Tamawashi off balance. Then he launched out and hit Tamawashi square, driving him completely off the surface of the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (3-6) defeated Ura (6-3). Takanosho had great fundamentals today. Ura drove Takanosho back toward the edge of the ring. Then, as Ura back-pedaled, Takanosho helped Ura reverse himself out of the ring with a bit of a shove. Oshitaoshi.

Gonoyama (4-5) defeated Tobizaru (4-4) Tobizaru tried a poorly executed (or well anticipated) pull. Gonoyama pressed Tobizaru back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (3-6) defeated Daieisho (6-3). Daieisho does not know how to move backwards. But it shows that Atamifuji has a reputation and Daieisho was trying to take advantage of it. Unfortunately for Daieisho, he ran out of space before Atamifuji fell forward. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (4-5) defeated Onosato (7-2). Hiradoumi had patrons reaching for their zabuton but remembering they’ve still got a few bouts to go yet. This was just a komusubi. What an upset, though! Very aggressive sumo from Hiradoumi as he launched at the heir-apparent, kept his balance when Onosato tried to slap him down, and plowed forward. Oshidashi.

Oho (4-5) defeated Abi (5-4). Oho turned this bout around by grabbing Abi’s arm and yanking him forward. Abi reacted by moving backward but this left him no real estate to maneuver. Oho pursued and resisted Abi’s continued thrusts, eventually shoving Abi out. Honestly, I’m so impressed with that strategy, I hope it catches on. If I had to fight Abi, I would do it. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (7-2) defeated Onosho (4-5). Kotozakura is such a tease. Onosho did well drive Kotozakura back to the bales. He probably started thinking, “I’m going to beat an Ozeki!” Just as Kotozakura reached the tawara he wrapped his arm around Onosho’s neck and threw him with a beautiful kubinage, following up with a powerful thrust to finish Onosho off. Tsukiotoshi.

Takayasu (3-1-5) defeated Hoshoryu (5-4) Takayasu came back from his convalescence in fine form. Hoshoryu helped out with some terrible footwork. Takayasu plowed into the Ozeki and as Hoshoryu hung on, his leg splayed way out to the tawara. The bear then twisted him down to the ground. Sukuinage.

Wrap-up

Kotozakura is providing some stability at the top of the banzuke and now has a share of the lead. He coolly dealt with Onosho today but will face the meat of his schedule this week. Well, what’s left of it, that is. He will be tested by Takayasu on Day 9. But there’s really just Abi and Hoshoryu, who they will leave for senshuraku. After the Takayasu bout, he will possibly fight Midorifuji, Meisei, Mitakeumi, and possibly even Nishikigi. All bouts he should dominate. With all of the absences, I guess this means the joi extends down to Maegashira 7-8?

Onosato is fighting like an Ozeki and by that I mean he has apparently started dropping bouts to Maegashira whom he should beat. That was a joke, he has actually been very solid this tournament, obviously. But he was far too complacent today, unprepared for the heat that Hiradoumi likes to deliver at the tachiai. He will face Gonoyama tomorrow. The odd wrinkle with his schedule is that since he already fought (and beat) many of the guys who are now kyujo, like Terunofuji, Wakamotoharu, and Kirishima, there are a lot of top Maegashira whom he still needs to fight. Along with the Hoshoryu and Abi fights that also await Kotozakura, he will need to fight Ura, Oho, and Onosho. When all is said and done, the soft part of his schedule may have been the first week. He really cannot start losing to these rank-and-filers.

Takarafuji dropped his bout today and viewers could see how disappointed he was. He is possibly already safe from demotion with his 7 wins, though. Tomokaze and Tsurugisho look ready for demotion and since Week 2 just started and neither man shows any kind of spark today, they could drop quite a bit. He also remains with a share of the lead since Onosato lost, as well. He will be challenged tomorrow by Ichiyamamoto. Shonannoumi has also been fighting very well but will face a difficult opponent in Midorifuji tomorrow. Mitakeumi will face Kotoshoho, who I hope will not fall for a henka.