Hatsu 2025, Day Six: Terunofuji Steps Aside

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho,

The big news coming into Day Six action is the sudden retirement of Yokozuna, Terunofuji. Terunofuji will remain with the sumo association as a coach, Terunofuji-oyakata. This brings his storied career to an end. He rocketed up the banzuke and reached the rank of Ozeki before knee injuries led to his demotion and eventual fall into Jonidan. Encouraged to stick with it by Isegahama-oyakata, Terunofuji climbed back up the ranks, reaching Yokozuna just as Hakuho retired, winning a total of 10 titles during his career.

We’re used to wrestlers adopting a new name when they become coach and either borrow or purchase a piece of the Sumo Association, known as a kabu. As Yokozuna, Terunofuji will be able to do so for five years under his name as Yokozuna. When that five year period is over, he will need to have a kabu if he wants to remain with the association.

We have a number of recent examples, such as Hakuho acquiring the Miyagino kabu. Kakuryu famously came down to the wire as he tried to acquire a kabu. Kisenosato shifted a couple of times to get Nishonoseki. There are a couple of kabu names associated with Terunofuji’s career which are likely target kabu. The obvious one is Isegahama but that is not written in stone. What is written in stone is current Isegahama is required to retire in July when he reaches mandatory retirement age of 65. The complication is that Isegahama can stay on with the Kyokai as a “sanyo” advisor, with that name, until he’s 70.

So, we will find out in the next few months if Isegahama-oyakata intends for Terunofuji to inherit the Isegahama kabu and the heya. During the broadcast today, Murray mentioned another elder in the stable, Homarefuji. In the case it’s not the Yokozuna who should take over, Terunofuji also has a history with the Magaki-kabu, currently owned by former Ishiura. Regardless, this process will have time to play out with the Yokozuna’s five-year grace period.

Finally, there is the little complication regarding Miyagino and Magaki as they are currently under Isegahama. With Terunofuji’s sudden retirement, I wonder if that will accelerate the timeline for allowing Hakuho to re-establish Miyagino-beya.

Your links to the NHK videos are here: Juryo Part I & Part II, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

In Juryo, Wakaikari defeated Hakuyozan, meaning we have a log jam of co-leaders with one loss. Ryuden, Shishi, Aonishiki, Oshoumi share the lead with the fore-mentioned Hakuyozan and Wakaikari. Earlier, Enho picked up his second win and down in maezumo, Hikarumusashi picked up his third win. Tenrose and Sunasaka had locked up their three wins yesterday.

Makuuchi Action

Kitanowaka (4-2) defeated Tokihayate (3-3). Both men grabbed on with matching left-hand inside, right-hand outside belt grips. However, Kitanowaka was able to overpower Tokihayate and quickly escorted him back over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (5-0) defeated Kagayaki (1-4). Kinbozan’s brutal nodowa forced Kagayaki back to the bales. Kagayaki pivoted and relieved the pressure on his neck but Kinbozan followed and shoved him out. Tsukidashi.

Tamashoho (2-4) defeated Shonannoumi (2-4). Tamashoho plugged away with his tsuppari but Shonannoumi shoved him to the side, almost toppling Tamashoho over. When he recovered his balance, Tamashoho slipped left and pulled Shonannoumi forward. Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (3-3) defeated Kotoshoho (1-5). The two men traded tsuppari but Nishikifuji outlasted Kotoshoho and shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (3-3) defeated Hakuoho (3-3). Onokatsu overpowered Hakuoho and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Meisei (2-4) defeated Nishikigi (4-2). Meisei obliterated Nishikigi at the tachiai, acquired a double-inside morozashi, and drove him straight back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (5-1) defeated Churanoumi (2-4). Takerufuji hit Churanoumi and grabbed Churanoumi’s belt with a right-hand outside grip. His left hand held onto Churanoumi’s trunk and held him high as he drove him back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (4-2) defeated Midorifuji (1-5). Midorifuji jumped early. No henka. After the tachiai it looked like they would settle into a grapple but Oshoma quickly came to his senses and shoved Midorifuji away. He drove Midorifuji back and then pulled, attempting a slapdown. Midorifuji maintained his balance but Oshoma followed up with another shove and knocked Midorifuji out. Oshidashi.

Takarafuji (2-4) defeated Tamawashi (5-1). Solid tachiai. As Tamawashi chugged forward, Takarafuji shifted left and pulled on Tamawashi’s left arm. Off-balance, Tamawashi stumbled forward. Takarafuji followed up and shoved Tamawashi out from behind. Okuridashi.

A sudden, quick NHK news break. We didn’t even get our usual currency update. Odd. I appreciate the brevity so, I’m certainly not complaining.

Takayasu (3-3) defeated Roga (0-2-4). Takayasu took the driver’s seat early, and shoved Roga back and out. Roga squeezed his right hand inside and knocked Takayasu’s arm away as he tried to get things going his way but Takayasu just kept moving forward and forced Roga out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Of course, more news. And let’s wait to start the break after the dohyo has been cleared and when Endo and Ichiyamamoto are mounting the dohyo. This is a much longer update to discuss the very interesting topic of FujiTV. We’ll bring in an extra commentator. Yeah, we’re going to miss a bout or two. Andy starts eyeing his VPN…so sexy. Ah, we’re going back to sumo! Still no currency update…does that mean another news break to come wise NHK producer-san?

Endo (3-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-2). Ichiyamamoto charged forward. Endo grabbed Ichiyamamoto’s arm and pulled back, slipping to the side. Ichiyamamoto stumbled forward over the bales. Hikiotoshi.

Chiyoshoma (6-0) defeated Mitakeumi (2-4). Chiyoshoma has been eating his Wheaties. He locked on with that powerful right hand outside and quickly threw the former Ozeki. Uwatenage.

Hiradoumi (2-4) defeated Ura (2-4). Hiradoumi charged forward early. Reset. Solid tachiai. Hiradoumi locked on with a left-hand outside grip, hoisted Ura and drove him back and slammed him out of the ring. Yorikiri.

Oho (6-0) defeated Tobizaru (4-2). A thrilling bout here. Oho was dominant with his power, consistently driving Tobizaru back with strong tsuppari. Tobizaru shifted and pivoted over, and over. Patient Oho kept pace and pursued without getting ahead of himself and without letting Tobizaru get any misdirection. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (3-3) defeated Abi (4-2). Henka! Wakatakakage side steps and pulls Abi forward and down. I know some of you dislike Abi because of his occasional henka. I wonder if those folks cheer this henka as Abi getting his just-desserts or if you all think this move by Wakatakakage was a bit of a stinker. Hikiotoshi.

Takanosho (1-5) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-5). Wakamotoharu’s struggles continue. Wakamotoharu shoved Takanosho to the edge but Takanosho escaped to the right and forced Wakamotoharu to the edge. As Wakamotoharu pressed forward to give himself some space, Takanosho slipped to the side again and slapped Wakamotoharu down. Hatakikomi.

Kirishima (3-3) defeated Daieisho (4-2). Daieisho jumped early. Reset. Solid tachiai followed by trading of tsuppari. Kirishima blasted  Daieisho and forced him back. As Daieisho recovered pitched his weight forward, Kirishima slipped to his right and pulled Daieisho down. Hikiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (5-1) defeated Gonoyama (4-2). Hoshoryu shoved Gonoyama’s right shoulder as Gonoyama tried to blast him. That allowed Hoshoryu to get in behind, seize Gonoyama’s belt from the back and drive him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Atamifuji (2-4) defeated Kotozakura (1-5). Kotozakura settled in for a lean. Atamifuji wanted to get things going so he charged forward. Kotozakura tried to react at the edge but Atamifuji kept up the pressure. Shimpan’s hand went up that Kotozakura touched out. Atamifuji walked him out. Gunbai Atamifuji. What the hell was Kotozakura thinking? What the hell are the shimpan thinking? Mono-ii? Rematch! The shimpan was red in the face, clearly embarrassed. Gotta feel for the guy. Anyway, the show carries on. After the tachiai, Atamifuji locked onto Kotozakura’s right arm and charged forward. Atamifuji forced Kotozakura over and won this bout again. Will Kotozakura go kyujo? Kimedashi.

Onosato (3-3) defeated Shodai (2-4). Shodai tried to pivot and throw Onosato at the edge. Onosato was ready for Shodai’s move and adjusted his attack so he shifted right and shoved Shodai over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

The flub by the shimpan was not on my bingo card. Neither was NHK’s double news break. Terunofuji’s out of action for a matter of hours and the show goes to pot. This was a hilarious day of miscues. As karma for missing the thrilling Endo bout, the action lasted past 6pm and pre-empted the news. Stick it to the man Shodai!

Many folks started dreaming of a Tamawashi zensho-yusho so, of course he lost. That’s the way it had to be once y’all jinxed it. You know how it works.

We have Oho leading Chiyoshoma and Kinbozan, undefeated in the top division. Oho will square up against Hoshoryu tomorrow in an enticing matchup. Chiyoshoma will take on one-legged Roga and Kinbozan will face Tokihayate. Who knows where this will go? I’m just along for the ride.

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28 thoughts on “Hatsu 2025, Day Six: Terunofuji Steps Aside”

  1. Great write up, Andy! Thanks every day.
    Goodbye, Kaiju… you will be missed. <3
    Oho vs Hoshoryu– can’t wait! (But I won’t jinx my guy). Stay well all.

    Reply

  2. I strongly dislike henka in bouts, where the clear favourite/ much stronger rikishi uses it. For that reason it took a very long time to me for Terunofuji to wash clean of the stench of that henka against Giku and he never became a favourite of mine again.
    The other situation where I strongly dislike it, are decider matches and especially playoffs. It’s robbery on the fans. All this build up excitement is flushed down the toilet. I know some people will say that especially in such a situation everything is fair game, but sumo isn’t just any combat sport. There is the cultural aspect and there is hinkaku.

    There are however situations where an injured, a weaker or small rikishi fights tough opponents. I think someone else mentioned that henka here is a strategical element to keep their opponents on their toes. Chiyoshoma uses it that way and Aminishiki build a prolonged career on that, after his knees were gone. There was some period, when Chiyoshoma overdid it. I think he was desperate because of some nagging injuries and it felt like all his wins came only from henka, but that’s long gone, but still leaves him in a bad reputation with many people.

    As for Abi … if you ask me before any match with him, who I root for, the best you will ever hear is that I don’t care. I didn’t specifically celebrate that henka against him though.

    If you have aspirations to become an Ozeki or are one already, henka shouldn’t be a required part of your toolset.

    Reply

  3. I’ll keep it short, but sweet, all (Great write-up by the way, Andy!) — I wish Terunofuji a wonderful post-career! Health is WEALTH…and I truly hope he works on fixing those heavily-damaged knees and whatever health issues he got going on. He made history in a sport that is pretty brutal, so he deserves his retirement and I can’t wait to see what he does next!

    Reply

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