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.
＜千秋楽の様子＞
— 日本相撲協会公式 (@sumokyokai) January 26, 2025
三賞が決定しました！
・殊勲賞#金峰山※優勝した場合（初）#王鵬※優勝した場合（初）
・敢闘賞#金峰山（2）#霧島※今日勝てば（2）#尊富士※今日勝てば（2）#玉鷲※今日勝てば（2）
・技能賞#王鵬（初）#sumo #相撲 #一月場所 #初場所 pic.twitter.com/evcBVsqmVs
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.
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I was convinced that a 12-3Y wouldn’t be enough for Hoshoryu but the manner of his victories down the stretch run and in the playoffs, coupled with his attempts to train hard in front of the YDC pre-basho and above all the temptation just to fill that empty yokozuna spot while they can have tipped me back to thinking that they are slightly more likely than not to promote.
Same. Especially since the NHK interviewer brought up the rope run during the yusho interview.
Oh and the impending 100th anniversary of the Kyokai, the foreign tours – wouldn’t it be nicer just to have a figurehead in a tsuna, a dohyo-iri and all that jazz. Now Hosh might not be an invincible yokozuna by any means (he was the bookie’s 4th choice for this basho) so it could all come at some risk of embarrassment on the dohyo. A tough call.
Yeah I don’t recall NHK mentioning that when Takakeisho had his 12-3/12-3 run a couple years ago. But he lost the first basho in a playoff to Abi, who was M9 at the time, not a fellow ozeki. That, plus the extra win and decisive playoff, could be the difference.
I do think Takakeisho’s chances were hurt by being the only Ozeki. So those tournaments featured no wins over Ozeki.
Ah, right. No fights vs. Terunofuji either because he was out for both basho. Whereas Hoshoryu went 3-1 vs. ozeki in his two.
The way Hoshoryu handled this last day (and the couple days before) certainly speaks in has favour. He defeated his opponents in a pretty clear, decisive fashion. Also, if you look at his past record, you might say he’s not dominant enough, but he’s been very consistent in delivering (mostly double digit) kk-s, so I don’t think they need to fear him becoming an embarrasement if they promote him.
Kayo got robbed of what should have been his first promotion to Makuuchi.
That hand. Kabaite?
If so, why not give the win to Hakuyozan instead of Torinaoshi? Impossible to see in the Abema angles, but around the 2:00 mark in their first match vid in NHK’s Juryo Part II collection, Kayo doesn’t look “dead” and I think the commentators were comparing Haku’s hand with the the top of Kayo’s foot? Seems like harsh judgement with promotion on the line. Instead, the J10 gets another shot at inconsequential kk. Sigh…
OMG. I overslept and only woke up in time for the play-off (literally got the television on as Hoshoryu was putting in his gum shield). There was a lot of hollering from me during the matches. I had to provide encouragement any way I could. I am so pleased for Hoshoryu, I know he’s not everyone’s cup of tea but he is mine. He was quite overcome at the enormity of winning, and also for what it might mean going forward. I really want him to keep that drive and determination going forward, Yokozuna or not. Well done Oho, Kinbozan, and Kirishima too.
Another exciting basho reaches its end, thank you so much for the analysis and insights Andy, and thank you to everyone else who participates here. I learn so much every time. Gotta say though “slippiotoshi” is my new favourite word du jour (at least during sumo) LOL.
Looking forward to seeing the banzuke for March, and of course, the $64million question. Yokozuna, or not?
End of basho – hope, everyone is satisfied. I am! Oho was doing tremendously great in both his bouts, Kinbozan gave his best, Kanto Sho for him and Kirishima is so fine! Hoshoryu glad to tears, touching all the hearts around him! He had been going through so much adversities up to this. Now please – live happy ever after, all of you! Andy, thank you very much for finding words on the happenings from day to day. Lovely work!
Favouring a Y promotion may also be the upcoming tour to London in October !
The crowd in Tokyo have decided Oho is their favorite wrestler now I think. Every time his name was called the place went wild like I was in Fukuoka and one of the Kyushu natives were called out.
Hoshoryu winning three matches in the span of 25 minutes was a pretty good showing on his part, but I still don’t think they are going to promote him right now. Of course I could be wrong. Even a weak jun-yusho in March and he gets the rope though I think.
The extra security was pretty tame tho they were thorough. I wonder how they reacted to the Elvis impersonator in his jumpsuit when he came through.
If Hoshoryu is promoted that would be the weakest yokozuna run since 1987 when Hokutoumi was promoted after 12-3 yusho and 13-2 junyusho in a basho where the yusho was 15-0 from another ozeki. Also Onokuni as promored in 1987 after 12-3 junyusho & 13-2 junyusho, but those were preceded bya 15-0 yusho from him. Council could have looked at a three basho period which has happened before 1987 few times.
Actually Hoshoryus performance before the rope run is similar to what other ozeki have had before their rope run. My question is the 25 wins total. My prediction is that the result is not yet, but if he gets yusho or 13+ wins in March he gets the rope.
This symmetry of his and Hoshoryu’s records might have been a factor in Hakakku’s decision to call the YDC
The 12-3 yusho in this case includes two consecutive playoff wins. According to Herouth, the Shimpan Department has recommended promotion. A Kyokai Board Meeting and YDC meeting will follow, voting on promotion. A 2/3 vote is needed from the YDC.
The two playoff wins are not the only difference to Hokutoumi promotion. Hokutoumi lost in those two bashos 3 times to Ozeki, once to Sekiwake and once to Maegashira, all of whom achieved winning records in them. Hoshoryu’s 3 losses in this basho were to Maegashira, all of whom got losing records. I would not be surprised if the promotion still would not go through, but currently it seems to be going ahead. Mainichi even has an article titled “Hoshory set for yokozuna promotion …”.
Hokutoumi‘s Yokozuna run may have been relatively weak, but his first year in the highest rank was quite good. He had 73 wins, a number topped only ever by six other Yokozuna, and he also had a yusho. (Coincidentally Hakuho had 73 wins too, but three yusho.)
Also I forgot to mention, Takerufuji must have injured his knee yesterday. It was heavily taped and he was limping a bit even during the dohyo-iri. He was definitely favoring it after his bout. I would not be surprised to hear he has to sit next basho. He really needs to work on his lower body exercises if he wants to last. Every time he has a good performance in the top division he breaks a wheel on day 14.
Whether or not there’s someone’s desperate shouting, Oho has developed pull skills, and elevate his status as one of the best oshi rikishes.
Kinbozan has developed into an invincible yotz wresler, as he showed in Kirishima match.
Hosh showed his supremacy against best oshi and yotz rikishes in their terms in the playoffs. This tells a lot about Hoshoryu’s rope run to be adequate one.
Hoshoryu clearly has a long and fruitful career in sumo still ahead of him. About the only two things that could curtail it are serious injury or being made Yokozuna :)
Good point! Becoming Yokozuna can be a mixed blessing.
Anyway, the best tournament in a long time.
“rope-a-dope style” :)
Imagine how Takakeisho would feel if he has to watch Hoshoryu get promoted in almost the exact situation he got denied in just two years ago….
Would love to see a Yokozuna, but can’t help feeling this would be a stretch.
No henka. Also, count the wins against Ozeki in each run. Takakeisho was handicapped by being the only Ozeki.
God I hate Hoshoryu for taking that from Oho, but damn what a playoff bout. At least for this tournament Oho has made a gargantuan leap forward. His ring sense and just overall balance between going forward and backward is just so much better. He gave Hoshoryu a real good fight for his money.
Day started kinda disappointing with Tamawashi losing to Kotoshoho. Now I used to have bigger expectations to Kotoshoho and that likely gives him another tournament in makuuchi, but a sansho for Tamawashi would have been nice.
Takarafuji really faded in week 2 and so Tokihayate easily secured his stay in makuuchi despite a losing record. Also saving the banzuke committee the trouble of whether to keep him there even with a 6-9 record.
Mitakeumi with another loss is in demotion territory too now I think. With all the injury and intai he will probably be safe. Need to take a closer look later.
Hakuoho was the first bright spot of the day. He had a good tournament showing some good sumo. Today he withstood the storm that is Takayasu and beat him on the belt. Granted that Takyasu’s yotsu game has vanished quite a bit lately, that was still a nice win.
Onokatsu lost his last 3 bouts to end with a kachikoshi. Today his head was somewhere, just not on the dohyo. A bit disappointed. He showed glimpses of promise this basho again, but going 1-5 the last 6 days?
Gonoyama on the other hand had quite the spirited bout securing his kachikoshi in a real Darwin match with Midorifuji. He often gets too far ahead of himself, but today he kept his balance nicely while making sure Midorifuji never got any breathing room.
Kirishima quietly finished a strong tournament with a win over Takerufji and an 11-4 record. Yes it was at the edge, but it wasn’t close. I think this secures his return to sekiwake, but we will see.
Match of the day and I think it did live up to the expectations and yes, Oho took. Another proof of his much improved decision making. In hindsight I wouldn’t have minded a maegashira yusho, but it’s not like Hoshoryu didn’t earn it. That loss to Abi does really hurt now.
Thanks to Ichiyamamoto and Daieisho for freeing up two more Sanyaku slots. That kachikoshi by Gonoyama could become really valuable now, unless they decide to only drop Abi half a rank. I’m sure Iksumo will have an opinion here.
Wakamotoharu cushioned his fall as much as possible and finally the Ozeki bout. Much more competitive than I expected.
Grats to Hoshoryu. I think you should show us another strong tournament next basho before a promotion, but we will see. Teru’s intai could help here.
Sanyaku debut for Oho next basho.
You didn’t mention Kotozakura. If Hoshoryu is promoted, I expect a chip on his shoulder. “It coulda been me.” I think he needs to heal his knee, though.
We will never know for sure, unless unfiltered truths start flowing, but my feeling is that his head (mental state) was more the losing factor than the knee? Isn’t the same knee usually taped in same way?
Didn’t mention Onosato either, who rebounded from a shaky start and looks to be finding his way as an ozeki. I’m not sure he doesn’t jump Kotozakura in the next basho and starts discussions on his own rope run.
Because I have nothing to add to Andy’s comment. It’s a somewhat disappointing basho for Onosato, but still an Ozeki kachikoshi. He was a non-factor in the yusho race.
I still root for him to take that next step, but this basho he was a bit careless at times.
I mentioned him. I said that Ozeki bout was more competitive than I thought;-)
He is definitely hurt. This gentle touch ny Takerufuji knocking him down? He had a few bouts where he was way too light. But what can I say? Heal up, regroup, restart.
As I posted yesterday or the day before, I’m not sure whether I should applaud him for the wins he picked up despite his condition or scold him for not sitting out and healing up.
Hoshoryu should become Y. He is the best and most consistent. If they wait for a overwhelmingly superior rikikishi, one who can consistently win 15-0s then it is going to be a long wait. 2 to 3 losses is now the average for a yusho win.
Fully agree. I’ve been watching sumo for precisely three years and in that time there have been zero zensho yusho and only 2 with 14-1. Hoshoryu may not be able to win out (yet), but he’s also not likely to be the kind of yokozuna who has to pull out midway every other basho to avoid a losing score.
And The Old Man is a happy boy, thank you Sumo Gods and congrats to the Evil Nephew!!!
Fun fact: Hoshoryu lost to Hiradoumi, Shodai and Atamifuji, who all ended up makekoshi!
That may also play towards yokozuna promotion as it means that Hoshoryu completely dominated both the top sanyaku as well as all other title contenders.
Andy, as always, thanks for the great yusho coverage!
Good point and I think he displayed true Yokozuna worthy sumo down the stretch as well.
Andy had pointed out earlier that they typically look for 26 wins over 2 basho and at least one yusho at the same time from an Ozeki in order to make him a Yokozuna.
I know they don’t officially count play-off wins as part of a rikishi’s record. But if you include those 2 wins Hoshoryu is past the magic 26 with a jun-yusho (13-2) in November and a play-off yusho (14-3) in January for a total of 27 wins.
So here’s hoping that we have Hoshoryu as the 74th Yokozuna in March.
And yes, as always, thank you Andy.
Those aren’t terrible losses, though. Shodai is Shodai, after all.
I think you’re spinning straw into gold a bit there, saying the fact that Hoshoryu lost to rikishi having weak tournaments should count in favor of promotion.