Month: January 2025

Gyoji Kimura Kankuro Suspended

Andy Scandal

Juryo gyoji Kimura Kankuro has been kyujo since Day 10 of the Kyushu tournament. The Kyokai revealed that there had been incidents between Kankuro and one of his junior gyoji earlier in the tournament. He will be suspended for the Osaka tournament and docked pay.

Kankuro had pinched the junior gyoji a number of times, enough to cause a bruise. It was reported to the higher-ups and the Kyokai investigated. Kankuro admitted what he did but no further details, such as the cause of the dispute, have been revealed.

Now, if only I could remember how this scandal counter thing worked.

Yokozuna Hoshoryu

Andy Haru Basho, Hoshoryu, Juryo (十両) , ,

The Banzuke Committee met today, along with an ad hoc meeting of the Association’s Board of Directors to approve Hoshoryu as the 74th Yokozuna. After his Championship run, the Shimpan Department recommended his promotion which was seconded by the Yokozuna Deliberation Council.

This all happened today because the Banzuke Committee are drawing up the ranking sheet for Haru Basho, which will begin March 9 in Osaka. Hoshoryu will be listed at the top.

Along with the announcement of Hoshoryu’s promotion, we also received official word of promotions to Juryo. These promotions are in line with Leonid’s predictions from the other day.

Wakanosho (Tokiwayama), Kusano (Isegahama), and Otsuji (Takadagawa) earn sekitori status for the first time. I’m a little surprised that there aren’t any new shikona for the latter two, who continue to use their real surnames.

Joining them are Kazekeno (Oshiogawa) and Hitoshi, who return to the division. Hitoshi likely replaces an Oitekaze stablemate, as Daiamami and Daishoho dip back into the part-timers.

A Look Ahead to the March Banzuke

lksumo Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho

Congratulations to Ozeki Hoshoryu (12-3) on his second career yusho. After a shaky start, with 3 losses in the first 9 days, he won his final 6 bouts, plus two more in the playoff. This run included victories over his two fellow Ozeki and Sekiwake Daieisho (11-4). Hoshoryu also lived up to his rank’s role as “the great barrier” by defeating all the lower-ranked yusho hopefuls: Kirishima, Oho (twice), Chiyoshoma, Kinbozan (twice), and Takerufuji. JSA Chairman Hakkaku has asked the Yokozuna Deliberation Council to consider the promotion of Hoshoryu to sumo’s highest rank, and they will be meeting later today (Japan time). I was all set to write how Haru would be the first basho without a Yokozuna in over 30 years, but barring any unexpected hiccups, we should have a Yokozuna on the March banzuke after all!

Onosato earned a respectable if somewhat disappointing 10-5 record and should be the top-ranked Ozeki in March. He’ll be joined at the rank by Kotozakura (5-10), who will need to recover from whatever ailed him this basho in order to post the 8 wins he needs at Haru to retain his rank.

S1w Daiesho (11-4) ably defended his rank and should be moving over to East side. He’ll be joined at Sekiwake by either M1w Kirishima (11-4) or M3w Oho (12-3), who’ll be filling the space vacated by S1e Wakamotoharu (6-9). Whichever of the two isn’t Sekiwake will take the East Komusubi slot. K1w Wakatakakage (7-8) will join his brother in the rank-and-file. Who’ll be West Komusubi is unclear. The best-placed promotion candidate is M3e Gonoyama (8-7), which may lead the banzuke committee to consider sliding K1e Abi (7-8) over to the West side.

Abi/Gonoyama and the Waka brothers should occupy the first 3 maegashira ranks. They’re likely to be joined in the joi by Chiyoshoma, Tobizaru, Takanosho, Takayasu, Ichiyamamoto, Ura, and Kinbozan.

Who’s on the Juryo barge, and who’s coming up to Makuuchi? The 3 certain demotions are all absentees: Hokutofuji, Roga, and Kitanowaka. Together with Terunofuji’s retirement, this opens up 4 spots in the top division. The 4 obvious candidates to fill these are 3 returnees—Juryo champion Shishi and veterans Ryuden and Sadanoumi—and one rookie, Shishi’s fellow Ukrainian Aonishiki, who is set to earn the fastest top-division promotion by a foreign-born wrestler, and tied for the fastest by someone who started at the bottom. Asakoryu will also make a top-division return. He should take the place of Kagayaki, though this is a little less clear-cut. The other demotion candidates are Tamashoho, Tokihayate, Kotoshoho, and Mitakeumi (who looked completely helpless after a 2-1 start). The most likely 6th exchange, if there is one, is Shirokuma for Tamashoho. J1w Kayo (7-8) missed out on what would have been a near-certain promotion when he lost to Hakuyozan in a rematch of a bout which he pretty clearly should have won.

One last matter—who’ll be crossing the “heaven/hell” boundary between Juryo and Makushita? One spot in the sekitori ranks is opened by Terunofuji’s retirement. Set to lose their salaries are Daishoho, absent Bushozan, Shimazuumi, and Daiamami. This means we need to bring up five guys, and the lucky winners are Ms1e Wakanosho, making his sekitori debut after 19 tournaments, returnees Hitoshi and Kazekeno, who have two Juryo basho between them, and debutants Kusano (who started at Ms60TD last May) and Otsuji (who debuted at the bottom in 2019 as a 15-year-old after a second-place finish at the Hakuho Cup). Hatsuyama should be a bit lucky to survive, while Miyagi is likely to just miss out on promotion. This is one set of banzuke decisions (in addition to Yokozuna promotion) that we’ll learn about in the next couple of days. The rest will be revealed on February 25. In the meantime, let me know what you think in the comments.

Hatsu 2025, Senshuraku

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho , ,

Shishi claimed his first yusho in Juryo with a win over Tomokaze. The jun-yusho, runner-up, is Aonishiki after he beat Nabatame and Ryuden lost to Tohakuryu. With Kayo’s loss to Hakuyozan, we’re looking at, at least, five probable Makuuchi promotions: Sadanoumi, Shishi, Ryuden, Aonishiki and Asakoryu. This would be Aonishiki’s debut in the top division while all four of the rest make their quick returns after one-basho drops.

We have our bi-monthly proof of life via Twitter of Miyagino-oyakata as he presents the Kyokai’s selections for special prizes alongside Otowayama-oyakata. Oho claimed an unconditional Technique Prize and Kinbozan was awarded an unconditional Fighting Spirit prize. Additional Fighting Spirit prizes for Kirishima, Takerufuji, and Tamawashi are conditional on today’s action and they must win their bouts. Outstanding Performance prizes are conditional on Kinbozan or Oho winning the yusho.

Your NHK videos are available here: Juryo Part I & Part II, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

Aside from the sansho, the big prize is on the line today. Kinbozan will fight Oho for the yusho.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoshoho (5-10) defeated Tamawashi (9-6). Today’s top division action began with a consequential bout. Kotoshoho was likely fighting to stay in the division while Tamawashi fought for a special prize. Solid tachiai. Tamawashi charged forward and Kotoshoho pulled, slapping Tamawashi down. Hatakikomi.

Nishikigi (8-7) defeated Oshoma (8-7). After briefly trading tsuppari, Nishikigi lodged his forearm in Oshoma’s chin. Oshoma dug in for a belt grip and Nishikigi allowed Oshoma a morozashi. Oshoma pressed Nishikigi to the edge but Nishikigi planted his left foot in the tawara. Nishikigi then pulled to his left and brought Oshoma down. Kotenage.

Tokihayate (7-8) defeated Takarafuji (5-10). Takarafuji pulled Tokihayate’s right arm up and off his belt but Tokihayate pressed forward. Takarafuji tried to pull but had no room and was far too high to make any aggressive counter. Tokihayate pressed the Takarabune out. Did Tokihayate do enough to stay in Makuuchi? Yorikiri.

Tamashoho (6-9) defeated Mitakeumi (2-13). Mitakeumi pressed ahead, into the torrent of Tamashoho’s tsuppari. At the edge, Tamashoho jumped right and Mitakeumi bumbled forward a step but slammed on the brakes at the edge. Tamashoho came back quickly and shoved Mitakeumi from behind to force Mitakeumi out. Okuridashi.

Hakuoho (10-5) defeated Takayasu (8-7). Hakuoho jumped the gun. The pair reset. Takayasu hit Hakuoho with force and quickly drove Hakuoho back to the bales. With one arm under Takayasu’s left shoulder, Hakuoho pivoted along the bales and tried a throw but Takayasu resisted. This gave Hakuoho an opportunity, though, to bring action a step closer to center. When Hakuoho worked both arms inside and under Takayasu’s shoulders, he was able to gain the upper hand and drive Takayasu off the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (9-6) defeated Shonannoumi (8-7). A fiery bout. Chiyoshoma worked Shonannoumi to the edge but Shonannoumi used his height to extend forward from the bales and drive Chiyoshoma backwards as Chiyoshoma shifted his grip. Chyoshoma tried a quick throw but followed up with a headbutt to Shonannoumi’s chin and some forceful tsuppari. The bout shifted to an oshi-style brawl with Shonannoumi in retreat. Chiyoshoma landed a great right that shoved Shonannoumi over the bales. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (7-8) defeated Onokatsu (7-8). Hiradoumi drove into Onokatsu and forced him quickly from the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (9-6) defeated Shodai (6-9). Shodai tried a pivot and slapdown but Nishikifuji kept his focus and his footing and forced Shodai over the bales. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (8-7) defeated Midorifuji (7-8). Darwin Bout #1 of 2. Gonoyama chased Midorifuji for a full lap around the dohyo. Midorifuji tried desperately to get a slapdown or katasukashi, anything. But Gonoyama’s solid footwork and forceful tsuppari drove Midorifuji from the ring, eventually. Tsukidashi.

Atamifuji (5-10) defeated Churanoumi (4-11). Churanoumi dug in hard but Atamifuji drove forward with solid gaburi-yotsu and lifted Churanoumi over the bales to finish him off. Kimedashi.

Halftime

Tobizaru (7-8) defeated Meisei (6-9). This fight was fought in two phases. It began with an oshi-style brawl. Meisei backed himself to the ropes with his rope-a-dope style but Tobizaru was not falling for any slapdowns or misdirection. So, Meisei settled on driving Tobizaru back to center and wrapping him up for the second phase, a yotsu-style grapple. Meisei tried to pull but Tobizaru’s footwork was steady and he ran Meisei back and out. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (11-4) defeated Takerufuji (10-5). After the initial clash, Kirishima pulled and Takerufuji dove forward. Kirishima had stayed in just long enough. Gunbai Kirishima. No mono-ii. Kirishima got his second Kanto-sho. Hatakikomi.

Oho (12-3) defeated Kinbozan (12-3). As the two wrestlers mounted the dohyo, a big cheer rose from the crowd. Yes, there are other bouts to follow but this bout is why these folks were here. Initial clash and Kinbozan fired off immediately from those bazookas. Oho pulled and Andy shouted, “NOOOO!!” but Oho cleverly used the pull for position. He pivoted at the edge, forcing Kinbozan’s back to the bales. From here, Oho blasted volley after volley of tsuppari at Kinbozan. Oho finally finished him off with some gaburi-yotsu. Oshidashi? Okay. We will have a PLAYOFF!!!

Kagayaki (6-9) defeated Takanosho (6-9). After a brawl, the two paused to catch their breath at the center of the ring. Kagayaki waited for Takanosho to tire or make the first move. When Takanosho pulled, Kagayaki charged forward and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Ichiyamamoto (8-7) defeated Wakatakakage (7-8). Darwin Bout #2 of 2. The idol versus the fan boy. How many fans get to strangle their idols? Wakatakakage opened with a pull. Ichiyamamoto followed and strangled him, both hands up in Wakatakakage’s neck. As Wakatakakage tried to press forward, Ichiyamamoto suddenly pulled and slapped WTK down. Hatakikomi.

Daieisho (11-4) defeated Abi (7-8). Push and Pull. Push and Pull. Neither pull worked so Daieisho went back to his roots and blasted into Abi’s shoulders, driving him back and out. Tsukidashi.

Kore Yori Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (6-9) defeated Endo (6-9). What the hell is Endo doing up in the kore-yori-sanyaku? Oh, right…Wakamotoharu is 5-9 and not worthy of fighting Ozeki. Well, current ones, anyway. This has not been a good tournament for Arashio-beya. Hopefully Daiseizan did enough to maintain his status as sekitori. Both Wakamotoharu and Wakatakakage will fall from sanyaku into the rank-and-file. Back to the “action”…Endo did not want Wakamotoharu to get that right hand uwate grip and used his best ottsuke to keep WMH at bay. The two leaned into each other for a while. As Endo pulled, Wakamotoharu followed and sent Endo into the crowd for some fansa. Oshidashi.

Onosato (10-5) defeated Ura (7-8). Ura opted for the non-tachiai. I’m not sure if that was a henka attempt but it got caught out quickly as Onosato plowed forward and to the left a bit. That was his tenth win and the easiest stack of kensho he has yet received. We need to remember that this is a poor showing for him because he was a non-factor in the yusho. Bad Onosato, bad. Take that stack back to your castle and think about what you have done. Tsukidashi.

All of the lower division titles were decided “in regulation.” We know there will be a top-division playoff. Will Hoshoryu join?

Hoshoryu (12-3) defeated Kotozakura (5-10). Kotozakura withstood Hoshoryu’s nodowa and pressed into The Nephew, locking on with a left-hand uwate. Hoshoryu tried to throw Kotozakura but Kotozakura kept his balance. However, Kotozakura could not pressure Hoshoryu. When Hoshoryu locked on with a morozashi, Kotozakura was toast. Kotozakura resisted as well as he could but Hoshoryu drove forward and forced Kotozakura off the dohyo. Hoshoryu secured his position in the playoff AND keeps those Yokozuna promotion hopes alive. Yorikiri.

PLAY OFF

With three contenders, the goal is pretty simple: win two bouts in a row. Draw lots to see who fights first and we exchange fighters until someone wins two consecutive bouts.

Bout #1: Hoshoryu defeated Kinbozan. Hoshoryu blitzed Kinbozan but Kinbozan also managed a solid grip. They both tried to throw the other. Hoshoryu was too powerful and when Kinbozan let up at the edge, the Ozeki thrust him into the crowd.

Bout #2: Hoshoryu defeated Oho. Oho resisted at the bales and brought the action back to center. Hoshoryu tried a pull and nearly slapped Oho down but Oho stayed up and even dodged Hoshoryu’s leg sweep. But as Oho backed away, Hoshoryu chased and drove Oho into the ground.

Hoshoryu Yusho.

Thank you, everyone, for reading and enjoying this tournament with me. Hoshoryu’s title opens the door to a new Yokozuna promotion. It is not a certainty and we will update on the any promotion. The new banzuke will be decided early this week, so we will definitely have promotion news (yay or nay) before then. We will also learn who gets promoted to Juryo and keep you apprized of any more big retirements.

There is no Jungyo between now and Osaka. The Kyokai has posted the Spring tour schedule, as shared by Asashosakari in the comments (English version). I’m sure the Kyokai would like to have a Yokozuna available for some of those events to perform Dohyo-iri, in particular at Ise and Yasukuni. Those events may be enough to tip the scales in Hoshoryu’s favor. I’d love to be a fly on the wall while they deliberate.

In February, the Kokugikan will host a number of events, so keep your eyes peeled for news on those. Tokushoryu’s retirement ceremony is on the first. That will be followed by the NHK’s fundraiser sumo event on the 8th and the FujiTV Tournament on the 9th.