Bushozan is kyujo. Mitakeumi is not. The NHK’s commentator for today, former Ozeki Takakeisho, hopes Bushozan, his senpai from Saitama Sakae HS, gets well soon. Takakeisho was a great guest on the NHK broadcast. They showed videos from his career, showing his rise up the ranks and several great top-division bouts. I’ll be watching again later on JME.
The NHK links for today’s action are here: Juryo Part I and Part II, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.
Makuuchi Action
Tamashoho (5-2) fusen win over Bushozan (1-6).
Takerufuji (5-2) defeated Onokatsu (6-1). Takerufuji hit Onokatsu hard, driving him back to the bales. Takerufuji’s initial hazu-oshi hit a wall so Takerufuji paused to lock up Onokatsu’s belt, left-hand inside. Once he got a firm hold of Onokatsu’s belt, he drove forward and ushered Onokatsu over.
Chiyoshoma (4-3) defeated Shishi (2-5). Chiyoshoma lashed out at Shishi with nodowa and tsuppari to the face. Shishi was less than pleased with this treatment and swatted Chiyoshoma’s hands away. When Shishi leaned inside to attack, Chiyoshoma quickly seized his belt with his right hand and pulled him forward. Uwatedashinage.
Shonannoumi (5-2) defeated Asakoryu (3-4). Asakoryu grabbed Shonannoumi’s arm and tried to pull him forward. When that didn’t work, Asakoryu plowed forward. Shonannoumi retreated to the edge where he twisted Asakoryu to the ground. Uwatehineri.
Nishikifuji (2-5) defeated Sadanoumi (3-4). Nishikifuji launched an attack of tsuppari at Sadanoumi. Sadanoumi had no defense and was too overwhelmed to attack. Nishikifuji blasted Sadanoumi back and out. Tsukidashi.
Hokutofuji (2-5) defeated Tokihayate (2-5). Hokutofuji charged forward with tsuppari. Tokihayate pivoted and spun Hokutofuji so his back was to the bales. Tokihayate then launched his own attack. Hokutofuji resisted at the bales and then pressed forward and powered Tokihayate over the bales. Oshidashi.
Takarafuji (5-2) defeated Ryuden (2-5). Takarafuji’s used his lefthand inside belt grip to drive Ryuden back and out. Yorikiri.
Meisei (4-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-3). Ichiyamamoto did his brand of sumo but Meisei twisted at the edge, shifting to his right, and pulled Ichiyamamoto to the floor. Hikiotoshi.
Tamawashi (4-3) defeated Midorifuji (3-4). Henka! Midorifuji hopped to his left to attack Tamawashi from the side. Tamawashi was not impressed. Tamawashi adjusted quickly, grabbed Midorifuji’s face and yanked him to the ground. Ow. Oshitaoshi.
Roga (3-4) defeated Takayasu (3-4). As Takayasu charged forward, Roga shifted to the side and slapped Takayasu down. Hatakikomi.
Endo (4-3) defeated Gonoyama (5-2). Endo’s hit-and-shift tachiai caught Gonoyama completely by surprise. Endo met Gonoyama’s charge with his right arm to Gonoyama’s shoulder. But he quickly shifted left and locked in on Gonoyama’s belt. Then he spun Gonoyama toward the edge. When Gonoyama finally processed what was happening, he was ready to step back and out. Yorikiri.
Halftime
Takanosho defeated Mitakeumi. Why is Mitakeumi here? Takanosho wrapped him up at the tachiai and gingerly ushered him over the bales. Yorikiri.
Tobizaru defeated Nishikigi. Tobizaru wore Nishikigi out with his arms-length sumo. Early in the bout, they’d traded pulls and shoves. Eventually they settled at the center of the ring, toe-to-toe. Nishikigi was gassed Oshidashi.
Kotoshoho (2-5) defeated Churanoumi (2-5). This was a great brawl. Churanoumi was always on the attack, pressing forward. Kotoshoho did his best to shift and pull, trying to use misdirection but nothing worked. Churanoumi was always there and always maintained his balance. Churanoumi seemed to say, “If you’re going to beat me, it’s going to be with forward-moving sumo.” Kotoshoho finally pressed forward and shoved Churanoumi out. Kotoshoho walked back down the hanamichi with a fresh welt forming on his forehead. Oshidashi.
Oshoma (2-5) defeated Wakatakakage (4-3). WTK plowed forward but Oshoma shifted right after the tachiai. Oshoma’s tachiai effectively deflected the WTK Juggernaut to the edge. Oshoma re-engaged and shoved Wakatakakage over the bales. Oshidashi.
Sanyaku
Wakamotoharu (4-3) defeated Oho (2-5). Oho did well to start, forcing Wakamotoharu back to the bales. Wakamotoharu stepped inside and briefly secured a lefthand inside grip. This was enough to reverse the flow of the action and shift momentum to WMH. Oshidashi.
Daieisho (4-3) defeated Hiradoumi (1-6). Huge cheers of support from the crowd before the bout, urging Hiradoumi on. THIS is the kind of atmosphere I want to experience live. Wow. Despite the home crowd advantage, Daieisho’s thrusting attack was too much for Hiradoumi. The two gladiators traded thrusts and headbutts for the first half of yet another exciting bout. Hiradoumi tired of the brawl and tried to reach inside for a belt grip. Daieisho slipped to the side and slapped Hiradoumi down. Hiradoumi rolled off the edge, coming to a stop under the red tassel. Hatakikomi.
Kirishima (2-5) defeated Shodai (2-5). Shodai showed up today. He hit Kirishima hard at the tachiai and persistently tried to get his lefthand inside grip. But Kirishima kept Shodai off his belt. He tried oshi to start but secured a right hand inside grip on Shodai’s belt. Kirishima then drove forward. Shodai twisted at the edge to try a last gasp Tsukidashi but Kirishima kept his balance and kept up the pressure. Good bout. Lots of good bouts from guys who are 2-5 or 1-6, tonight. Yorikiri.
Onosato (5-2) defeated Ura (2-5). Onosato chased Ura off the dohyo. What did I say about good bouts from guys who are 2-5? Not this one. Ura ran away. Oshidashi.
Abi (5-2) defeated Hoshoryu (6-1). Abi charged forward, drove his hands into Hoshoryu’s face, holding him high. Then he disappeared and Hoshoryu flopped forward. Good thing the zabuton are bolted to the floor. They would have come raining down after this and people wouldn’t have anything to sit on for the final bout. Hikiotoshi.
Kotozakura (6-1) defeated Atamifuji (4-3). Atamifuji wrapped up Kotozakura’s right arm, put his head down and charged forward. Maybe he picked the wrong arm because Kotozakura reached around with his left hand and grabbed Atamifuji’s belt. As Atamifuji pressed ahead, Kotozakura shifted left and pulled Atamifuji down. Uwatenage.
Wrap-up
One week into this Kyushu bahso. What a week! Yet another night chock full of great bouts. Heading into nakabi (the middle day) we now have four guys tied with one loss, Kotozakura, Hoshoryu, Takanosho, and Onokatsu. Eight more guys have two losses.
Tomorrow, the Ozeki will continue to plow through rank-and-file opponents. Kotozakura will face Churanoumi, Onosato will take on Tobizaru, and Hoshoryu will face Oshoma. Meanwhile, a few sleepers continue to do well further down the banzuke. Where will this yusho race lead?
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Wasn’t Abi’s tachiai a bit too early? I thought matta would’ve been called, but things happen so fast that gyoji couldn’t even try to stop them.
that should have been a matta….
I thought of a matta, when I saw Onosato break out on not quite ready Ura. Lower division gyoji don‘t hesitate to interrupt the combattants even when they are in mid action already. I wouldn‘t be angry if they dared to stop Makuuchi rikishi, too. Onosato in particular is very young and there are still things left for him to apprehend.
It was “a bit too early” in the sense that the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs was “a bit too early” to be caught on camera. Real shame to see an undefeated ozeki lose to a sleeping gyoji.
It’s the price you pay for this kind of tachiai antics. The moment Hoshoryu’s hands touched ground, Abi exploded. Hoshoryu was so slow to react, that I initially thought, Abi might have been too early, but the slow-motion was pretty clear on that.
I should better ad “sometimes pay”. Today Abi was ready and very literally exploded right in his face😉
Oh bother! I just knew that Hoshoryu was going to lose to Abi. So annoying. I hope he picks himself up for tomorrow with that fighting spirit he had at the start. Abi zumo 🤔
Although he lost, good to see Mitakeumi back in the dohyo! Looks like all still to play in a very exciting basho.
Interesting watching Shishi and the other rikishi promoted from Juryo isn’t it?
I missed the live broadcast this morning, so will catch the highlights later.
I noticed last night that Tachiai is on Bluesky!
It didn’t look like Mitakeumi should be on the dohyo at all. Takanosho very gently walked him out, trying not to further aggravate that shoulder injury. Didn’t look like Mitakeumi can perform any sumo but maybe a henka.
Mitakeumi Returning with no power and essentially a frozen left side is one of the most perplexing aspects of Sumo. The samurai spirit is one thing, but insisting to continue at the risk of your health and your career makes no sense.
Oh bother! I just knew that Hoshoryu was going to lose to Abi. So annoying. I hope he picks himself up for tomorrow with that fighting spirit he had at the start. Abi zumo 🤔
Although he lost, good to see Mitakeumi back in the dohyo! Looks like all still to play in a very exciting basho.
Interesting watching Shishi and the other rikishi promoted from Juryo isn’t it?
I missed the live broadcast this morning, so will catch the highlights later.
I noticed last night that Tachiai is on Bluesky!
Tamawashi celebrates turning 40 with a win. Well done and happy birthday, ironman!
Yes! and a nice bit of Kensho-kin (I counted 12 banners for the match, more than all others except the Ozekis.) And it was his 1,650th match, like the energizer bunny — he keeps going, and going, and going!
Since I‘ve outet myself as a fan of the two Ukrainians, they racked up ONE win altogether!
Therefore I now declare that I hope they lose every bout…
An effective jinx antidote.
I do hope it will prove more effective than your and Zee‘s towel displays!
Happy to see Takarafuji quietly racking up a 5-2 record. Adroitly captained, the Takarabune sails on!
Especially after that opening day business with Tamawashi and his arm! People were expecting him to suffer from that, but he’s just gone about his way like the old pro that he is.
Also nice to see that sweet smile on Takakeisho.
NHK Hiro Morita double-meaning comments today (or maybe really bad intentional puns):
“Takerufuji eats Onokatsu for lunch!”
“Asakoryu comes up short!”
Ah, I missed out on Hiro last night. Awesome puns. I would totally use those. But since Takakeisho was doing commentary I was listening to the Japanese. I can only pick up about half of what they’re saying but Takakeisho was good and they kept getting his take on his highlights.
Happy Birthday Jade Eagle – continue to soar!
Mitakeumi – leave, do not pass go – just go!!! PLEASE!!!
Loved all the brawls and I agree Abi went way to soon and it should have been called!
My towels work better than your reverse jinx so far herbern! I LOVE your reverse psych!!! There’s still a long way to go don’t give up!!!
Thanks for pointing out the puns jmotzi – I heard the first one but not the second one. I don’t think they’re intentional but who know for sure?
I hope this basho continues to be this good!
Amen on Mitakeumi! He spent a better part of two years with injured shoulders and now he comes back the very next day after being carried off on a stretcher. I understand these men try to summon their samurai spirit, but at some point stupid is stupid. Continuing while injured can only shorten what’s left of his career. Sad because he’s one of the truly good guys in Grand Sumo. I remember back to Kisenosato continuing to fight after he tore up his shoulder instead of taking time off, he was a yokozuna. He was not going to get demoted, but he refused to take time off to heal properly. His career was cut shortened by 3 to 5 years because of that decision.
In Juryo Wakaikari collected his second win (first real one) while Aonishiki got his second loss. Hakuoho is now on a 3 loss streak and after a promising start, he better turns things around, if he is looking for a promotion. Probably wants Togo 6-2 from here on.
Oshoumi just keeps winning and is the only undefeated rikishi in the top two divisions now and can secure his kachikoshi on nakabi against Daizeisan. He is chased by 2 veterans 1 win behind in Kinbozan and Tsurugisho and Tochitaikai(beat Aonishiki today), who started the climb up the banzuke together with Oho an Hoshoryu and might now finally be able to establish himself in the salaried ranks.
In Makuuchi Kirishima looked good for the first time this basho being active and in the driver seat. Oho had to reassure himself again that it’s out a good idea to give Wakamotoharu a belt grip. Bout was looking good till that moment.
I was really looking forward to Onokatsu vs. Takerufuji, but that one was a big disappointment. Takerufuji just destroyed Onokatsu on the belt in 3 seconds or so. Was hoping for a bit more of a fight or even a clash of styles here.
Mitakeumi shouldn’t be there. Maybe that shoulder isn’t that bad, but it’s clearly bad enough that he can’t perform sumo. Take at least some days off …
Kotoshoho was pulling so many and nearly paid every time, but managed to escape with a win, when he finally moved forward. Don’t steal the wrong page from Oho’s book.
Oshoma has a rough tournament, but that doesn’t mean he has no plan for WTK. It’s this kind of bouts that stopped him from being a serious competitor for an Ozeki rank before.
Hoshoryu always does the same thing at the tachiai … making his opponents wait forever to the degree it could be called almost disrespectful while hoping they will lose there readiness whenever he finally deems appropriate to start the fight. Didn’t work today as someone was very ready and made someone look very silly. I don’t like Abi-sumo, but you have to give respect where respect is due. I certainly like a lot of things about Hoshoryu’s sumo, but his tachiai antics aren’t part of that.
The other two Ozeki bouts were unspectacular. Onosato did Onosato things to Ura and Kotozakura did what he always does to Atamifuji.
Can Kirishima turn things around for at least a kachikoshi with the difficult part of his schedule still ahead for him. 9 wins should be enough to keep his run alive.
Can Onokatsu rebound from today’s demolition and get to double digit wins?
Are Takerufuji’s two early losses enough to have him sneak up to another superior score from the bottom of the banzuke?
With two Onosato plunders already and Hoshoryu’s loss today and should have lost yesterday, who believes in a 13win or better Yusho?
With WTK already at 3 losses and the easier part of his schedule ahead of him, can he secure a kachikoshi? Tomorrow he meets Hiradoumi who has an off tournament so far, but that ha never stopped WTK from whiffing such a bout😉
Awesome summary! I really hope Hakuoho gets 9 wins but it will be tough. Takerufuji is certainly a wild card but with Hoshoryu’s loss, I don’t think he will face softies for long. Takanosho is the mystery for me. Some days he’s dangerous and then he pulls.
Great post, especially of Abi-Hosh match. I hope Hoshoryu learn something about his bad antics on Tachiais.
WTK, WTF, slip to his side/turn him, a quick push, collect your price money. He has the power in the strength to push Onosato out of the ring this tournament, pick him up and turn him and throw him out the last tournament but let’s Oshoma make him look like he belongs back in Juryo. Puzzling to say the least
WTK caught checking his toenail manicure again which gave his opponent time to turn and push WTK out. I thought during the time off to heal and reflect and train he’d worked on focusing on each match, but he’s back to making many of the same old mistakes he made in the past. Slip to the side, turn him collect your prize money. Make Onsato look bad again for the second straight tournament, then lose to Oshoma? More Saki please
My slo-mo-stop-action says Abi jumped .. Hoshoryu’s hands & Abi’s hands were level .. i.e. Abi’s were rising + Hoshoryu’s still descending .. It was an ambush ..
Hoshoryu waits for everyone else. It’s becoming his thing at the tachiai.
A lot of tachiai talk yesterday. It was interesting to read all your opinions and thoughts. I came to the conclusion, everybody should be aware that it is their tachiai, not his. I like the method of Ichiyamamoto of giving short nods to show the moment of synchronization. Btw. I can‘t get angry while watching sumo anyways, it‘s so enjoyable :)