Senshuraku in Osaka. In case you missed them, Leonid and I covered the yusho race and banzuke implications with brief updates. If you want to check those out before reading about and watching the action, I’ll wait.
Hakuho presented us with the Kyokai’s decision making for special prizes. Takayasu received an unconditional technique prize. Aonishiki received an unconditional Fighting Spirit prize. Churanoumi and Tokihayate will win fighting spirit prizes if they win their regulation bouts today. If any of the maegashira win the yusho, they will earn the Outstanding Performance prize. If Onosato wins, no one gets it.
Now that you’re ready, your NHK videos of the action are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.
＜千秋楽の様子＞
— 日本相撲協会公式 (@sumokyokai) March 23, 2025
三賞が決定しました！
・殊勲賞
髙安※12勝で優勝した場合（5）
美ノ海※優勝した場合（初）
安青錦※優勝した場合（初）
時疾風※優勝した場合（初）
・敢闘賞
安青錦（初）
美ノ海※今日勝てば（初）
時疾風※今日勝てば（初）
・技能賞
髙安（3）#sumo #相撲 #三月場所… pic.twitter.com/S5oJLNxcOZ
Makuuchi Action
Onokatsu (10-5) defeated Shirokuma (5-10). Onokatsu overpowered Shirokuma and drove him over the tawara. Yorikiri.
Midorifuji (9-6) defeated Mitakeumi (6-9). Mitakeumi charged forward and Midorifuji wrapped up his left shoulder and pulled while rotating to his right, rolling Mitakeumi to the ground with a lightning quick katasukashi.
Kotoshoho (8-7) defeated Endo (7-8). Endo pulled rather unwisely and Kotoshoho bowled Endo violently through Hakuoho and into the Osaka sumo fan club. Yorikiri.
Hakuoho (9-6) defeated Asakoryu (6-9). Henka! Asakoryu jumped to his left but Hakuoho was wise to it and drove him from the dohyo. Yorikiri.
Ryuden (6-9) defeated Oshoma (9-6). Ryuden drove into Oshoma and Oshoma quit at the edge and stepped out. Yorikiri.
Sadanoumi (8-7) defeated Atamifuji (6-9). Migi-yotsu. Sadanoumi rather dominated Atamifuji and drove him over the bales. Yorikiri.
Tamawashi (10-5) defeated Shishi (9-6). The 40-year-old veteran bulldozed the young-gun and quickly shoved him from his dohyo. Oshidashi.
Shodai (6-9) defeated Nishikigi (3-12). Shodai wrapped up Nishikigi, pivoted, and forced him back to the bales. Nishikigi gave up about halfway there. Yorikiri.
Kinbozan (6-9) defeated Shonannoumi (4-11). Guess what? After Kinbozan’s tachiai nodowa, Shonannoumi pulled. I’m sure you are all shocked. Kinbozan knew the score, too, and dispatched Shonannoumi easily. Yorikiri.
Ichiyamamoto defeated Takarafuji. Ichiyamamoto drove forward with a brutal nodowa against Takarafuji. At the edge, Takarafuji managed to bat Ichiyamamoto’s arm away from his neck and reverse the attack. Takarafuji took the initiative and attacked but Ichiyamamoto pulled and danced along the tawara until Takarafuji fell down. Takarafuji was a bit slow getting up but I think he may have been hoping for a mono-ii that never came. “How could someone backpedal that far and not step out?” Hatakikomi.
Halftime
Ura (7-8) defeated Tobizaru (6-9). Ura wrapped his left arm around the back of Tobizaru’s shimekomi and forced him from the dohyo while Tobizaru tried a last-gasp kubinage. Tobizaru tumbled off the dohyo and Ura flopped onto the dohyo. Gunbai Ura. Tobizaru slow to get up…another mono-ii ploy? He seemed fine walking down the hanamichi but it was a rough fall. Oshidashi.
Meisei (9-6) defeated Chiyoshoma (6-9). Solid tachiai. Meisei shifted right and slapped Chiyoshoma down. Hikiotoshi.
Gonoyama (7-8) defeated Takanosho (3-12). Gonoyama forced Takanosho from the dohyo behind his right hand nodowa. Oshidashi.
Wakamotoharu (9-6) defeated Takerufuji (9-6). Wakamotoharu resisted Takerufuji’s throw attempt and drove forward with his right hand uwate grip. Yorikiri.
Wakatakakage (9-6) defeated Hiradoumi (9-6). Hiradoumi pulled and Wakatakakage stumbled forward…but did not go out. Hiradoumi was late to finish WTK off, so Wakatakakage made him pay. Wakatakakage charged forward and blasted Hiradoumi out. Oshitaoshi.
Sanyaku
Takayasu (12-3) defeated Abi (6-9). We all knew Abi’s henka was coming. Thankfully, Takayasu did, too. He make Abi pay, shoving Abi hard with his right paw in Abi’s right shoulder. That gave Takayasu access to Abi’s belt. Takayasu seized Abi’s belt with his right hand and immediately used the grip to rotate and yank Abi down. With that, Takayasu immediately eliminated Tokihayate, Aonishiki and Churanoumi from contention. Uwatedashinage.
Kirishima (8-7) defeated Tokihayate (10-5). Tokihayate pulled. Kirishima pursued, reached low and inside, latching on quickly. Kirishima kept Tokihayate’s momentum moving backwards and walked him out. Yorikiri.
Aonishiki (11-4) defeated Oho (6-9). Aonishiki is the real deal. He earned his way into the Kore-Yori-Sanyaku in this debut tournament. Mr. Fundamentals then earned the arrows by keeping his head buried under Oho’s chin and driving forward. As Oho retreated and neared the bales, Aonishiki reached deep behind him with his left hand and his right hand up front. He rotated left, bringing Oho backward over his extended knee. Absolutely beautiful. Of the videos, that is a key one to watch. Kirikaeshi.
Churanoumi (11-4) defeated Daieisho (9-6). After his initial powerful tsuppari, Daieisho pulled. Churanoumi stayed up and in. Realizing his back was at the edge, Daieisho stepped out. With the win, Churanoumi claimed a Fighting Spirit Prize. Oshidashi.
Onosato (12-3) defeated Kotozakura (8-7). Onosato pressed forward and shoved Kotozakura out quickly, claimed a massive pile of kensho, and forced a playoff with Takayasu. Yorikiri.
Playoff
A playoff at 12-3 between Ozeki Onosato and former Ozeki and beloved Papa Bear, Takayasu. This is an infinitely better scenario than the alternative 5-man playoff. Takayasu can win his first yusho and try to make a final run at re-promotion to Ozeki. Onosato can kick off his own tsuna-tori.
Onosato defeated Takayasu. Onosato hit Takayasu with a tachiai that staggered the former Ozeki. Takayasu latched on with his left and pulled, nearly forcing Onosato over the bales but Onosato shifted right and kept his weight back. If he was going to fall forward, Takayasu would have to pull him and Takayasu would have to fall first. Takayasu shuffled right but Onosato was now well positioned behind Takayasu and pushed him out. Okuridashi.
Wrap-up
Thank you for joining me for this tournament. It was one heck of a roller-coaster ride. I’m proud for Onosato but am writing through tears for Takayasu. Yet again, he lost a yusho in a playoff. This time, Onosato seemed vulnerable and Takayasu seemed to be fighting well. “厳しいです。” Absolutely right. Frankly, though, the better sumo won today. That tachiai from Onosato was the best one I saw from him this tournament and I hope he hits with that power on a consistent basis. Hoshoryu will hopefully be back and healed in May, ready to make Onosato earn his rope. If Onosato wants it, he will need to do his best and go through Hoshoryu.
There will be news in a few days about Juryo promotions. Jungyo will start up next weekend and will run through the banzuke release at the end of April. The banzuke will be eagerly anticipated in this household. We’re eager to see where these hot-shot yung’uns land as they spring up the ranking sheet.
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We all knew it was going to happen :(
I knew it beforehand but in the act, I thought Takayasu might pull off that throw.
After yesterday’s loss to Churanoumi, yes. That was the chance to seal it. What happened today was hardly a surprise.
😭😭😭
Oh well, detonated on the surface once again. But Takayasu looked good today, just couldn’t take Onosato at full power.
Fing Abi, that fing guy. I’m glad he did it, just so it could fail.
Ironic seeing ex-Tokushoryu on windbreaker duty as the contenders came back in for the playoff: such a career contrast between Tokushoryu, who had a marginal Makuuchi career but snagged a yusho, and Takayasu, who’s had a great career but never yet closed the deal.
Thanks, Tachiai team; see you in May.
lol, I put in asterisks for the bad words, and now I know how to make bold italics in the comments.
#tearsfortakayasu
I despise Abi 😆
This is why Abi merch sales stink, and Ura is everyone’s hero win or lose…
Do they really? That’s great.
Do U know more? Who are the bestsellers (after Ura I take it)?
Oh, there are plenty of folks who are tired of Ura. Abi seems to be very polarizing.
Seems like a somehow shifted spectrum if some neutral sentences about Abi are perceived as the the ultimate polarizing.
The sentences here are not the only ones uttered. People here are rather chill and moderate.
That‘s what I like about this place.
I am sorry for Takayasu, glad for Onosato, and I am even more glad that Abi’s henka failed. NOT the time or place; respect your opponent, especially in such an important fight. Any respect for him that I might have had, is utterly gone.
Takayasu was barely holding it together afterwards, I really felt for him.
As ever, my thanks to Andy and all of the Tachiai team, where would we be without y’all? Also to all contributors,thank you as well 👍
Here‘s a conspiracy theory in favor of Abi: what if his oyakata demanded the henka from him (for the kensho) and Abi obliged contre coeur, therefore executing it so badly that in the end it was an easy win for Takayasu? (To tell the truth I have no idea how much of the tactics come from the oyakata and how much from the rikishi.)
Imaginative.
Controversial lol. What’s that comment from, was it Mike Tyson? “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face”?
Congratulations to Onosato! A moment of joy for all that weary gambarizing. Soon back to business, he knows it. Hoshoryu waiting at the doorsteps.
Takayasu. He survived Abi, who knew and did what everybody expected from him. Today a bit halfheartedly with his henka, maybe he wasn‘t sure if the nodowa would have been the better approach. Streaky basho for him, anyway. – But then came the playoff. There were some vibes of ‚young against old’ in it – so lets take it with acknowledging the laws of nature.
Kachikoshi finally for Sadanoumi and Kirishima, appreciate it much!
Thank you, team Tachiai and everyone for all the analysis, insights and sharing of emotions! Andy, liked your reporting very much, as ever!
On the young and old vibes, the Iron Man made his statement today
That‘s interesting, please tell me more!
Ah, you didn‘t mean today, 25.3., but his bout with Shishi on Senshuraku. Yes, I like these exceptional athletes who never seem to get old. My top favourite is Noriaki Kasai, skijumping in World Cup still with 52!
Takayasu lost the basho yesterday when he stupidly gave a win to Churanoumi
today’s result was kind of obvious, Onosato is a better fighter and a rising star
Disappointed for Takayasu. Wondering whether he holds the somewhat undesirable, but nevertheless worthy, record of most jun yusho without a yusho?
As for Onosato, he’s now won three of the last six yusho. Not bad for someone who doesn’t practice enough, according to his critics. Watch out if he ever gets serious about this sport!
Thanks, as always to Andy and Iksumo for their great coverage.
Dammit, how did this end up on here twice, can someone delete it please?
As always, thank you Tachiai crew for your coverage and insights. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and enhance the Sumo experience for all of us.
Some March 2025 basho Crib Notes:
Takayasu, I hang my head and weep for you.
Onosato yusho, barf!!!
Aonishiki, well done kid, well done.
Tamawashi, you stud!
Daieisho, at least 12 wins next basho and get that Ozeki promotion please.
Shishi, nice to see you’ll be sticking around for May.
Kinbozan/Oho, like I said pre-basho, a little more seasoning before prime time.
Atamifuji, Maegashira #8 and you produce a 6-9 record? A complete flop again.
Kirishima/Kotozakura, 8-7. Ok, you held serve but where’s the heart and fire you both once displayed?
Waka brothers, nice surprise 9-6 from both of you.
Hakuoho/Takerufuji, 9-6, come on boys, pick up the intensity, you can do better, especially at M9 and M6
Forgot to add:
Chiyoshoma (or is it Chiyohenka?), henka the Yokozuna and go 6-9. Well deserved for that chicken-shit move. When you finally retire no one will miss you.
I totally agree with U and still can’t find anything glorious about that Chiyoshoma henka.
That said the Mongolian is a fair sportsman compared to distasteful Henkabi.
I will miss him. He is from the old guard, a very good technician, and the henka was beautifully executed.
This is sumo, not just a raw power contest, if you don’t anticipate your opponents move you lose. Henka adds layers to the game.
COMPLETELY agree. Sumo would be so much duller without henka. If you’re doing head-down, charge straight ahead, you’re asking for a henka. Conversely, if you anticipate the henka, you’re in good shape. Midorifuji is a master of mixing up the odd henka with head-on sumo. Chiyoshoma is a bit more predictable, but still a tricky customer. Not really sure who’s the best at reading them, but I’m sure there are stats somewhere.
Exactly as you say – layers – I don’t want one-dimensional sumo..
What a pity there weren’t four-way playoffs including Aonishiki.
What a great final Onosato vs Aonishiki would have made!
And it wouldn’t even have surprised me, if the Ukrainian had won.
He‘s such a fast adapter. He seemed overwhelmed at the start of the basho and then again when he met his first Sanyaku in Daieisho. But at the end he might well have been the strongest rikishi in the field.
Onosato won the yusho, but still he was a slight disappointment for me. Not only did he lose three fights but he also was shaky in a couple of others. Once again: what a pity he didn’t meet Aonishiki on Senshuraku instead of freebie Kotozakura.
I‘m already very much looking forward to the May tournament with Aonishiki in striking distance to the joi and hopefully also with the very promising Kusano.
I’m absolutely loving the fact that a 12-3 yusho is a disappointing result for Onosato. Expectations are in the stratosphere but I think he will develop soon and reach those expectations.
I would prefer Takayasu to fall to Abi’s tricks. The way it ended, it’s a tougher pill to swallow.
Thanks to Andy and Iksumo for the coverage. Thanks to the community for their contribution.
Syd Hoare’s voice still rings in my mind: “Bye for now and sayonara.”
Re: the banzuke.
I haven‘t got a clue about the Komusubi next basho. Will there be three of them and will Takayasu overtake the Wakas?
The other great question is of course the exchange with Juryo. Will Asakoryu and/or Nishikigi be replaced by Kusano and/or Hidenoumi or will they stay in?
As an optimist I‘ll Guess The Banzuke with three Komusubi and Takayasu on K1e and with five promotions from Juryo including Kusano.
I think Asakoryu and Nishikigi will stay with Mitakeumi and Ryuden going down with Nishikifuji.
I have, at the moment, Nishikigi and Asakōryū holding the last two spots in Makuuchi, though mathematically, they’re on even footing with Hidenoumi and Kusano, who I have holding the top two slots in Jūryō…
Why Ryuden? I guess U meant Takarafuji (and of course Shirokuma is going down).
Yeah, I think I meant Shirokuma instead of Ryuden.
Ryuden is completely safe after today’s win.
How about Takayasu to K2w?
Day 1 matchup for May Hoshoryu vs. Takayasu?
I‘m almost expecting a K2w because of the balance of the banzuke, but it could also be Wakamotoharu instead of Takayasu, who could even end as M1e, I fear.
I doubt there will be an additional Komusubi slot. 9-6 isn’t such a strong record. The question is if Takayasu gets promoted over Wakamotoharu, which I think he should, and then whether WTK or Takayasu get the K1e. For reference, when Daieisho had his yusho in 2021 from M1w with a 13-2 record, he was promoted to K2w only, not S2w.
There was one basho when the M1w had a 9-6 record and the M4e a 12-3: the M1w was promoted to M1e only and the M4e overtook him. Though that was back in 1974 I now tend to agree with U that there will be no third Komusubi slot. (And under these makings it seems logical that Takayasu also overtakes Wakatakakage.)
I also vote for Takayasu jumping over both Wakas. Not just based on arithmetic but also on their relative performance against the seven Sanyaku opponents. Takayasu was 6-1, WMH 4-3 & WTK 3-4.
I agree with no K2 based on th3 records. But Takayasu has by far the best record against the Sanyaku compared to those who were S or K in this Basho as well as those who will be S & K in the next basho. So I vote S2W, K1E, K1W. Otherwise it’s K1E, K1W, M1E.
My last words to this basho: though (or rather because?) we have very different opinions about a few points, I thank U very much for your great and fast coverage, Andy. Well done.
I still say that henka was… chef’s kiss!
Well, the henka was there alright.
Gonna be a long jam at the lower Sanyaku ranks. Hoshoryu and the Ozeki will need to be extra Genki or they are all going to struggle to be relevant in the yusho race.
Kisenosato needed 12 runner ups before breaking through. Takayasu is 75% of the way there. All joking aside, disappointed he lost again, but the better rikishi won. If the Onosato the beat Takayasu shows up and sticks around in May, we will need a Yokozuna/Ozeki.
Thanks again for the awesome coverage!