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.
＜照ノ富士引退＞
— 日本相撲協会公式 (@sumokyokai) January 17, 2025
73代横綱 照ノ富士（本名 杉野森 正山、伊勢ヶ濱部屋）は引退し、年寄 照ノ富士を承認しました。#sumo #相撲 #照ノ富士 #引退 pic.twitter.com/byGfjEReHE
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.
＜照ノ富士引退＞
— 日本相撲協会公式 (@sumokyokai) January 17, 2025
ケガによる長期離脱の後、復帰戦となった平成31年三月場所初日の一番。
序二段でのあの一番が、相撲人生で一番緊張してソワソワしたと振り返りました。
今後は年寄 照ノ富士として後進の指導にあたります。
「自分に嘘をつかない力士、自分に負けない力士を育てたい。… pic.twitter.com/pIa87oltRf
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.
＜照ノ富士引退＞
— 日本相撲協会公式 (@sumokyokai) January 17, 2025
照ノ富士より、皆様へメッセージです。#sumo #相撲 #照ノ富士 #引退 pic.twitter.com/m033dB4axD
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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Yeah, sorry Tamawashi! 😞 mea culpa.
Thank you for the summation Andy. It’s all over the place isn’t it? But then, it always is, every basho. Interesting trio on 6-0, I wonder if they can sustain their form. Oho has, I think, and as you might expect, tougher opponents to start given his M3 position.
In an uncertain world, I find catching up on the results and tachiai.org, every morning, with cup of real coffee, a joy. Thanks everyone.
Thank you for the kind words. But mostly, thank you for jinxing Tamawashi. I want Chiyoshoma to win his first yusho!
Re Abi/henka: I try not to be disgusted by people like Henkashoma but to appreciate the rikishi who never use the move. And I if those who use the henka often might also be often at the receiving end of that prank.
Obviously handicapped Roga seems to be a very fair choice to put in Chiyoshoma‘s way…
On the other hand the Oho vs Hoshoryu matchup comes a little early for my taste. Maybe it would even have been perfect for Senshuraku.
They are just following the normal schedule. There isn’t really a reason to push back that match. Hoshoryu’s senshuraku opponent will very likely be Onosato.
Hoshoryu is 3-5 (1-2 in 2024) vs. Oho. This will be an interesting match tomorrow.
Utmost respect for Tero. What he’s endured in his career, to me, is unimaginable. A true warrior. Hoping for a long and successful career as Oyakata. Be well Terunofuji
Wakatakage has been employing more Henka’s and pull down moves since returning from injury. I’ve noticed that when he’s struggling to employ his under and up style against strong pusher thrusters he’ll use those techniques. That being said, Waka or Wakamotoharu both need some smelling salts. The 15+ kilos of weight Kotozakura has put on hasn’t done him any good, no added muscle or strength. Slow, plodding, predictable. Not Yokozuna material at all. I’m keeping my eye on Oho. Tomorrow’s match with Hoshoryu will be interesting to say the least.
Oho, Chiyoshoma and Kinbozan will get at least 13 wins. Jinxed!!!!!!
Playing with fire now.
No bow from Mitakeumi, not even a nod honestly, after his bout with Chiyoshoma. I wonder if respect for opponents will be more closely watched starting tomorrow or if the more obvious bows from the rikishi after that match were a response to that behavior.
I will admit that I cackled out loud at Wakatakakage’s henka, because it was against Abi, but I still wish the “not touching” or “barely touching” henkas weren’t a thing in the sport. I didn’t have a problem with Abi’s match yesterday, because there was solid contact between him and his opponent at the tachiai, for example.
We have quite an interesting second week set up for this basho, don’t we?
I guess Atamifuji doesn’t bother to show up unless there’s an ozeki-flavored elbow to crush.
He loves double-fisted kensho stacks.
I totally hate henkas! I don’t care who uses them – I will always hate them. It’s telling the other rikishi ” hey, I know you can kick my behind so this is the best I can do ” yuk – no class, no honor. I’m with you herbern, it makes me admire all the rikishi who have never used them all the more. I also agree that Oho – Horshoryu match up would be far more interesting on day 15.
I agree with Marco – Both Waka Bros need smelling salts immediately!
Wufftrax – great observation regarding no bow from Mitakeumi. I call the barely touching ones “half henkas” and I still hate them!
Corey and Andy’s reply to you made me laugh!
Betty and everyone else who jinxed Tamawashi – I forgive you! :)
Good-bye to Tero – I wish you all the best for your next new chapter and hope you enjoy it to the fullest!!!
Speaking of henkas, do you remember Terunofuji’s henka against Kotoshogiku? If I remember correctly, it sealed Kotoshogiku’s demotion from Ozeki. It was beautiful and so unexpected.
It was the sixth loss in his 10-win return attempt.
https://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=1226&b=201703
Looking at that list, I feel he should have beat Ikioi, at least. I don’t remember the bout but that’s the one he missed out on…not the Ozeki. Anyway, I think the grief Terunofuji took for that was unfair. It was a beautiful henka.
Best of luck to Terunofuji. I had never been much of a fan, but he won me over. It will seem very odd without a Yokozuna though!
I don’t like henkas in high-stakes matches, but I have to admit I laugh when it happens to Abi.
My faith in Oho is finally paying off. He’s doing great. I’ll still be rooting against him vs. Hoshoryu though, sorry Oho!
I started watching sumo regularly when Kisenosato became Yokozuna and I watched his bouts with Terunofuji then. At that time Teru used to frown before bouts, but after his ordeal his face expression changed to more meek. His comeback was one of the best in sports and he is one of the best characters. He came back stronger and more mature, but humbled and not the same as when he was younger and full of confidence.
He did have that intimidating scowl. I miss that.
I laugh every time I see Kotozakura make that silly face and nod before his matches. In the beginning, I thought it was him nodding at somebody in the audience but I guess it’s his style. He’s no Terunofuji.
That there exists something like a ‚yokozuna‘ and there really was a living person to be it, named Terunofuji, brought me to Sumo as well as to Japan. It took its time to see him compete, and first I was shocked by the brutality displayed. Later I understood why people could love him, and there were some moments when I felt similar. It‘s sad that he has to say goodbye before somebody could take the place near him in the west wing. Live in better health now and convey your heritage to younger rikishi, precious Teru!
Many years of good health to Teru .. Thank you for inspiring so many .. True warriors are a thing to behold + inspiration to us pikers ..
Teru’s retirement seemingly took the wind out of many sails .. some minds looked to be distracted/pre-occupied .. Many matches ended too fast .. It looked like they did not wake up til they were flying over the bales ..
I liked WTK’s henka .. Looked to me that Abi was trying a semi-henka .. Yes, the Waka-bros need smelling salts .. imho .. the “smaller” rikishi need to give opponents a reason to question whether blasting them w a strong tachiai is sure thing .. e.g Ura, Tobizaru, Midorifuji .. jump at your own risk .. young/smaller bangers (Hiradoumi) could take notice ..
Takarafuji was inspired .. stymied + quickly ushered Tamawashi to the door .. who expected that? .. old war horses banging heads .. Tamawashi’s endurance should be the subject of deep study ..
Hoshoryu’s arm looked OK .. Handled Gonayama’s blasting in a masterful way .. Just directing truck traffic .. no need for hip throws over the bales .. planning against his sumo has to be stressful ..
My bet is Kirishima wins 10 .. Perhaps getting healthy + as i recall in a new stable .. I like his best sumo .. but not convinced he can earn Ozeki again .. give all the young tigers ..
We appear to be moving into the phase where nagging injuries become a problem for early shiny objects ..
My opinion on henkas is probably not what most people think regarding them. Sumo is a zero-sum sport; there’s no injury timeouts and there’s very little cushion for losing. You win or you lose the majority of your bouts and that’s all that matters in the end. It has some bearing on how you win for promotion positioning, but the main goal is getting that eight victories. I don’t support constantly doing henkas but in most circumstances it’s a technique and strategy that desperate rikishi employ or simply to get the upper hand against a rival. I don’t think they should be applauded by any means, but I think in a sport as brutal as sumo can be, it should be understood why they do them.
In Wakatakakage’s case here, he was against a guy with a history of henka himself, with a losing record, and is very obviously still affected by his knee injury in his sumo to some degree. So, he henka’d against Abi. Not the most prideful move or the most respectable move but an understandable move.
The other guy I’d point out is Chiyoshoma. Because of his history of henka (and one earlier in the tournament) opponents never know what they’re going to get from him. He’s using that and great technique to rack up an advantage over the competition as of now. He has the element of surprise to his favor because of his “antics”. So, when he does pull off an unorthodox maneuver or a flying henka it catches the opponent off guard. Same can be said for when he doesn’t pull anything and just uses straightforward sumo. They simply don’t know what he’s going to do.
I am a relative newbie to sumo, the first basho i watched was the first after Hakuho retired and the first with Teronufuji as sole yokozuna. He holds a super special place in my heart as i was just learning the basics of the sumo culture, including watching his 15-0 win. I had no idea what i witnessing until i learned more over the course of the last 3 years. He is my archetype for a yokozuna, and although I’ve read a lot about all the former ones, I hope I’m not too out of line by saying that i could do worse for my personal example. Thank you Teru.
I really don’t like Abi. And although I’m no fan of the henka, it has nothing to do with that. I just dislike his fighting style. It’s ugly to me. I like yotzu-sumo better in general, but there are other o-zumo fighters I’m fine with. I mean, i call sumo my soap opera, and for me, he’s just one of the characters I love to hate, and love to see lose. Probably not a popular opinion around here, but I never liked takakeisho either. His body language, attitude and style were just never to my liking.
But back to the big guy. Hope he sticks around the association, and i hope he drops enough kilos to get that diabetes in check.
Wakatakakage’s didn’t do a henka. He met Abi straight up at the tachiai, grabbed an arm and pulled, just like he did against Terunofuji. Just a well planned and quickly executed hikiotoshi.