Before diving into the action, I wanted to make note of a point that was brought up in the comments. In particular, I wanted to give credit to the source where I found the right answer. Betty had wondered how to address a sumo wrestler when you meet them and I had responded with the special honorific used for sumo wrestlers: ~関. Instead of using ~san or ~sama (~様) people use ~関.
I thought it was pronounced “seki” but David G. correctly pointed out that it’s ~zeki. I found it in one of my favorite sumo books in my library: “お相撲ことば.” I have posted a picture from the book here as photographic evidence. I don’t know why I thought it was ~seki. I heard Hayashiya Shozo say, “~zeki,” clear as day (multiple times) during tonight’s action.
I really like this book, in particular, because it makes generous use of furigana throughout and it gives a lot of explanations, especially if the term has a different meaning in day-to-day Japanese. This book is the source that I was reading for the term, “aikuchi,” when I wrote that, back in the day. I wrote this article on “He’s Got My Number,” because of it. I should probably update that dashboard sometime. I find it a helpful supplement in my Japanese language studies, though it’s clear that I sometimes forget what I read. Now that I’ve written this, hopefully I won’t forget it. Since I had totally forgotten about my “aikuchi” article, though, I wouldn’t be surprised if I do forget.
If you have found another source to corroborate, I’d like to give credit to it. I just couldn’t find the specifics online. Yes, it’s in the English Wikipedia entry on Japanese honorifics, but it’s unsourced. I don’t count Wikipedia itself as a source, though it’s a fantastic collection of sources. The articles that I found online which mentioned or explained the ~zeki honorific did not have the furigana. That’s not to say they aren’t out there, so if they are, let me know and I’ll source them, too. More sources, the better.
On to Day Ten Action
Kusano dispatched Daiseizan with a kotenage to move to 9-1. Shimanoumi woke up and beat Tohakuryu, so Kusano has a two-win lead over the field. Speaking of former Makuuchi wrestlers, Kagayaki and Nishikifuji are in trouble at 3-7. Takarafuji is not fairing much better at 4-6. None appear to be headed for a return to Makuuchi in July. Mitakeumi is scraping by at 5-5. If he can pick up three more wins, he’ll earn his spot back in the top division. It’s kind of funny that he’s been beating the guys he knows from Makuuchi and losing to the youngsters from Juryo, like Wakaikari. Okay, enough gabbing, Andy. Let’s get to it.
Your NHK videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.
Makuuchi Action
Kotoshoho (4-1-5) defeated Tochitaikai (3-7). Kotoshoho twisted and pulled on Tochitaikai as both men fell out of the ring. Gunbai Kotoshoho. Mono-ii. The judges ruled, after watching the video, that both men fell at the same time so they wanted a rematch. In the rematch, Tochitaikai came close to a quick shitatenage but Kotoshoho kept his balance, worked his right hand inside and onto Tochitaikai’s belt, and then threw him in the center of the ring with his own Shitatenage.
Tokihayate (5-5) defeated Shonannoumi (3-7). Tokihayate grabbed Shonannoumi’s left arm and pulled him down at the edge to conclude a rather lively, back-and-forth bout. Kotenage.
Sadanoumi (7-3) defeated Tamashoho (4-6). Tamashoho pulled and slapped Sadanoumi down. However, he pulled straight back and ran out of real estate with his foot appearing to go over the bales. Ganbai Tamashoho. Mono-ii. After video review, the call was reversed and Sadanoumi was given the push out victory. Oshidashi.
Atamifuji (7-3) defeated Ryuden (4-6). Ryuden pulled Atamifuji but stopped short at the bales since Atamifuji didn’t go down. With all of the real estate behind him, Atamifuji executed his own pull and slapdown, forcing Ryuden down. Hatakikomi.
Takanosho (6-4) defeated Asakoryu (7-3). Takanosho used excellent footwork and strong tsuppari to push Asakoryu out. Tsukidashi.
Shishi (2-8) defeated Nishikigi (5-5). After a couple of false starts, the two finally got the bout started. Shishi hit Nishikigi with tsuppari to keep him off his belt. As Nishikigi advanced to pressure Shishi, Shishi worked his way inside and hugged Nishikigi. Then he twisted him down to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.
Onokatsu (6-4) defeated Kayo (4-6). Onokatsu grabbed Kayo’s mawashi with his lef-had over arm grip and steadily pressed Kayo back and over the edge. Yorikiri.
Roga (7-3) defeated Kinbozan (6-4). Kinbozan attacked with his powerful, Daieisho-like thrusts but Roga grabbed Kinbozan’s left arm and pulled him forward. When Kinbozan stumbled ahead, Roga came in behind and pushed him out. Okuridashi.
Churanoumi (2-8) defeated Endo (5-5). Churanoumi used effective tsuppari to force Endo to retreat and shoved him out. Oshidashi.
Oshoma (7-3) defeated Shodai (3-7). Oshoma held Shodai at bay with a nodowa, then pulled and got in behind Shodai to shove him out. Okuridashi.
Meisei (7-3) defeated Tobizaru (5-5). Meisei wrapped up Tobizaru and chugged forward, rushing Tobizaru out. Yorikiri.
Halftime
Midorifuji (1-9) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-8). Midorifuji sidestepped and pulled Chiyoshoma down for his first win of the basho. Tsukiotoshi.
Takerufuji (4-6) defeated Tamawashi (3-7). Takerufuji got his left arm inside and pressed forward, negating Tamawashi’s tsuppari and forcing Tamawashi out. Yorikiri.
Abi (6-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-6). Indigo Abi pulled hard and forced Wakamotoharu to stumble forward and out. Abi pivoted as he pulled to remain inside the ring, a lesson Tamashoho needs to learn. Hikiotoshi.
Gonoyama (3-7) defeated Oho (3-7). Oho pulled, allowing Gonoyama to slam into him with a brutal nodowa, forcing him to the edge. Oho then fell as he tried to evade Gonoyama’s pressure at the bales. Oshitaoshi.
Sanyaku
Hiradoumi (4-6) defeated Takayasu (2-8). Hard, satisfying tachiai here. Takayasu started with tsuppari. Hiradoumi pulled and Takayasu stumbled forward. Takayasu then pulled with Hiradoumi in pursuit but Takayasu ran out of room and ran off the dohyo. “Run Forrest, Run!” I still remember when I forced my family to watch, “Forrest Gump.” Most successful family meeting, ever. It was as if the veil was lifted on so many Americanisms. Tsukidashi.
Wakatakakage (8-2) defeated Aonishiki (8-2). Wakatakakage pivoted as he pulled on Aonishiki’s shoulder and Aonishiki fell to the clay. The crowd hooted and hollered in appreciation of the exciting brawl and Wakatakakage’s nice win. Katasukashi.
Daieisho (7-3) defeated Hakuoho (8-2). A few thrusts from Daieisho and Hakuoho glanced backward for a soft place to land. Kohei will work. Tsukidashi.
Onosato (10-0) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-6). Onosato stood up Ichiyamamoto at the tachiai. Ichiyamamoto tried to slip out to the left but Onosato followed. Ichiyamamoto then backpedaled along the bales but Onosato pressed ahead with his tsuppari and put Ichiyamamoto out of the dohyo and hard on his butt. Oshi-ta-OUCHI!
Kirishima and a Big Damn Band-Aid (7-3) defeated Kotozakura (6-4). Kotozakura knew to protect against the morozashi at all costs. Kotozakura tried to pull on Kirishima’s arm but as he pulled, Kirishima pressed forward and forced the Ozeki out. I’m sorry but when I see that style of Band-Aid, I can only think of the pair of bandages that would show up on Tochinoshin’s butt cheeks. They looked a bit smaller there. Yorikiri.
Hoshoryu (8-2) defeated Ura (2-8). Hoshoryu tried for a quick slapdown. Ura escaped, briefly, because the Yokozuna was in hot pursuit and shoved Ura down at the edge. Okuridashi.
Wrap-up
Action has been ending pretty quickly of late, leaving a few minutes for the NHK coverage to show Akua’s bow-twirling ceremony. He’s been very popular, getting a big cheer from the audience and loud, “YOISHO!!” for his stomps. I wonder if more folks stay to watch since he had been in makuuchi.
Onosato now has breathing room in this yusho race. Onosato will fight Wakatakakage on Day Eleven. Both of the young hiramaku stars lost their sanyaku bouts today so the Ozeki has a two-bout lead over the field. His final four bouts should be, Kirishima, Daieisho, Kotozakura, and Hoshoryu.
Tomorrow, morale should improve because the beatings should continue. Aonishiki will face his first Ozeki, Kotozakura. Hakuoho will fight Hoshoryu in the musubi-no-ichiban. It will be Hakuoho’s first bout against a Yokozuna but he did fight (and lose to) Sekiwake Hoshoryu during Hakuoho’s breakout shinyumaku debut in Nagoya 2023.
If the upstarts win tomorrow, and particularly if Onosato loses, I would not be surprised at all if Aonishiki and Hakuoho find themselves fighting Onosato in place of one or both of the Sekiwake.
This has been a great tournament, unless you’re a Midorifuji or Takayasu fan. Okay, okay, I know we’re all Midorifuji and Takayasu fans, so their struggles have been a bit of a downer. Otherwise, this tournament has been great to watch. All eyes are now on Onosato. It’s his basho to lose but he churned through his rank-and-file competition with no problems. The sanyaku wrestlers have all displayed cracks in their defenses. Will he take advantage? Or will his own cracks become apparent as the action heats up? Dare I say, “zensho?”
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I will give credit where it is due: Kotoshoho has been solid and is showing he was smart to stay kujyo until he was fully healed based on his current performances. Kachi-koshi isn’t out of the question for him at this point and I hope he gets it.
Tokihayate/Shonannoumi almost reminded me more of Shokkiri than a top division match. My goodness, limbs were moving all over the place!
Nice to see Shishi win today. No bandage on his left hip either. Hmmmmm.
The henka giveth, and the henka taketh away for Chiyoshoma. I was chuckling at how quickly and quietly Midorifuji accepted his envelopes. “Yeah, I’ll just take this and go because I don’t want everyone looking at me anymore, thanks.”
Aonishiki gave Wakatakakage a run for his money today, for sure. I was also pleased to see Aonishiki’s displeasure at his loss as he stood up. He knew he made mistakes and I suspect he’s going to work to prevent them as much as he can in the future.
Daiesho might win enough matches with enough authority to get promoted if he keeps this up. If Onosato wins the Yusho, promotion might be a foregone conclusion.
Great win by Kirishima today. Facial scrapes crack easily, so you gotta slap a big bandage on there, Andy! I expect that everyone else is going to follow Kirishima’s gameplan today against Kotozakura as much as they can. Attack his left knee relentlessly and you’ve got a good shot to win.
I’m not saying “zensho” yet, but two wins seems like quite a barrier for Onosato to lose the Cup.
Yay!!
Henkashoma tasted his own medicine.
Actually I hate Henka, but somebody had to do it to him.
Even the crowd loved it.
Thanks for explaining on how to address the Rikishis.
I never thought about it, it’s interesting.
If I go to Japan, I have a list of Rikishis, whom I desire to meet.
Ura and Hokutofuji are top on my list.
Yay!!
Henkashoma tasted his own medicine.
Actually I hate Henka, but somebody had to do it to him.
Even the crowd loved it.
Thanks for explaining on how to address the Rikishis.
I never thought about it, it’s interesting.
If I go to Japan, I have a list of Rikishis, whom I desire to meet.
Ura and Hokutofuji are top on my list.
Now we need to re-start the scandal counter to the day when Andy confused -seki and -zeki. ;-)
Seki vs zeki.
This is one of those Japanese words that you change just slightly when it’s combined with something else.
The kanji, by itself, is ‘Seki.’ When added onto a name it becomes ‘Zeki.’ Why? I’m guessing because it flows/sounds better.
Me ga sameru (wake up). Take away the ‘ga’, still with the same kanji, and it becomes ‘mezameru.’
I stoped watching this basho after day 3 due to rl and had to binge-watch everything today.
When I left Onosato looked dominant at 3-0 and he is now 10-0. Oho had just beazen and looked good at 3-0 and then lost 7 straight, walking backwards almost evry fight? Wtf happened? Same for Takerufuji, who at least stopped his losing streak at 7 today.
Now the positives are obviously Aonishiki and Hakuoho, even if they lost today. Im also positively surprised by Wakatakakage and to a slightly lesser degree Kirishima. Its still a long way back to that Oueki-form Kirishima, but that was fairly consistent good sumo. Wakatakakage will probably curse that loss against Abi. His bout today against Aonishiki was very interesting. Aonishiki will definitely be someone to watch. It is only his 4th basho as sekitori.
Daieisho is a miracle to me. Today he blaszs Hakuoho out of the ring and yesxterday he has that super passive loss to Tamawashi. He still has Hoshoryu and both Ozeki on his fight card. An Ozeki run was a pretty long shot to begin with, but its probably already over.
Tomorrows match against Wakatakakage ist probably the most difficult one Onosato has left outside of Hoshoryu. Wouldnt be suprised if they replace Kotozakura with Aonishiki on his fight card, espeically if Aonisihiki wins their bout tomorrow.
Its actually a prezzy exciting state of the basho … Onosato with 2 in the löead on his rope run ahead of Hoshoryu, who stumbled out of the gate, but found a solid footing now, a revived Wakatakakage and 2 promising newcomers.
Kusano down in Juryo is just a beast. Cant wait to see him in Makuuchi next basho. Kotoeiho is also quietly having a strong tournament.
Daieisho‘s won a basho with 13-2 his best result ever, but he only once in his career was able to have three double digit wins in a row. Therefore as U say the probability of his becoming an Ozeki was not very high. And funnily he can‘t cope with Tamawashi, they are 10-16.
Onosato‘s head-to-head against Hoshoryu 2-5, Kotozakura 4-4 and Wakatakakage 2-2 is not brilliant (yet?), so the basho isn’t his already of course, but it’s not only the 10-0, which impresses me much, it’s even more how he‘s been winning. After your binge-watching, what would U say, was he really ever in danger to lose?
I‘m still disappointed they didn’t promote him. What a waste to have him make him lose one turn in Yuryo!
The „him“ in the last sentence being Kusano, naturally…
I would say that Abi and Gonoyama put up the best fight so far and atleast those nodowa looked scary for a moment, but wasnt in real danger so far.
Those head to head results are not really meaningful in the case of Onoato. Small sample size and he is a rikishi on the rise, while others (read Kotozakura) trend in the other direction. Kotozakura started 3-1 vs. Onosato in his first 4 bouts and went 1-3 in the last 4. So my judgment is not based on him being Hakuho v2, but on the current form of his opponents. Kotozakura is ailing since a few basho, so he shouldnt give Onosato too much trouble. He is a bad matchup for both Kirishima (6-0) and Daieisho (6-1).
Wakatakakage is a lot mor explosive than Kirishima (at least lately), thats why I would give him better odds, but still he somehow needs to surprise Onosato.
While I think that in the long run Onosato should match up well with Hoshoryu, Hoshoryu has those extremely strong and powerful throws and has proven more than once that he can use Onosatos attacks against him. He is just a lot more powerful/decisive in that regard that Wakatakakage or Kirishima. First half of the basho I was worried that this would be another mediocre showing by Hoshoryu, but he stepped up his game those last bouts.
Aonishiki might lack experience, but to me he is the closest one to physically matching with Onosato. Notwithstanding todays loss, his footwork/balance/speed/agility are impressive for his size, so he is probably a more dangerous opponent for Onosato than anyone but Hoshoryu and maybe WTK on a strong day,
Tomorrow is the big day, if Wakatakakage is unable to stop Onosato, then that is it; Onosato will get the yusho and the white ropes. Hoshoryu is the other guy that can defeat him, but unless someone stops him, like very soon, he will already be the yusho winner before he meet Hoshoryu
Thanks Andy. Great Japanese language supplement for all of us. An easy way to remember this particular pronunciation is from other common Sumo terms Ozeki and Sekiwake, or Sekitori, it’s the same seki/zeki but because one is the initial form and one is the medial/final form it changes from s to z. It’s the same morphology when used as an honorific at the end of a shikona which prompted the discussion yesterday. I meant to chime into the discussion yesterday but I didn’t post my comment. Anyhow, thanks always for the great commentary and added cultural-linguistic gems.
As for the action on the dohyo, the very real possibility of having multiple Yokozuna again will be a great development for Ozumo! I don’t want to talk about my dream scenario for this basho just yet, don’t want to jinx it, but it’s been a very interesting week plus and the funnel is forming! Who’ll be the meat? Who’ll be the grinder?
I miss Tochinoshin’s butt cheeks :)
I don’t see them skipping two in-form sekiwake for a promotion-chasing Onosato, unless it becomes absolutely necessary for the yusho race. Assuming that Hoshoryu and Onosato complete their sanyaku schedules on days 12-15, and that Takayasu is out of the sanyaku rotation given his dismal record, Kotozakura has an opening to fight one of the hiramuku contenders, as does Daieisho. Kirishima has two, and of course WTK completes his sanyaku fight card tomorrow, so he’ll have four. That should be plenty to occupy Hakuoho and Aonishiki; I just hope they stop throwing them to the wolves if they’re out of serious yusho contention, which could be as early as tomorrow.
A good time to be a sumo fan .. rising young stars .. recovering solid rikishi .. lots of competitive churn in the middle/lower ranks … promising juryo wrestlers moving up regularly .. many demoted rikishi will not be bouncing back quickly because the competition above them has risen..
Seki / Zeki is only used for Sekitori. (Kanji is the same in that word). For makushita and below it’s san.