Hoshoryu has gone kyujo, his big toe singed by the hot lava. Hidenoumi has also gone kyujo due to a calf injury. He may or may not return. In Juryo, Mitoryu has gone kyujo as well.
Nishikifuji handed Mita his first loss of the tournament. Mita put in a great effort, went chest-to-chest and nearly worked Nishikifuji out with a powerful morozashi. Nishikifuji stayed in bounds, though, and as Mita drove hard to the opposite side of the ring Nishikifuji threw him down. Tsukiotoshi. Great bout. With Hatsuyama stumbling today, seven guys stand now at one loss as there is a free-for-all in Juryo.
Your NHK videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II. While I’m gone, you’ll want to just check this page for updates.
Makuuchi Action
Shishi (3-2) fusen over Hidenoumi (0-5).
Mitakeumi (5-0) defeated Kotoshoho (3-2). Kotoshoho tried his best to run away while trying kotenage and hatakikomi attacks but Mitakeumi tracked him down and shoved him out. Mitakeumi is looking refreshed. A new man on his return from Juryo. Oshidashi.
Kotoeiho (3-2) defeated Shodai (3-2). Kotoeiho quickly shoved Shodai out. He seemed to go at Shodai from the side, forcing Shodai to shuffle to the bales laterally. I don’t know if Shodai couldn’t put his weight on that right leg or what but he went straight out. Yorikiri.
Churanoumi (3-2) defeated Kayo (0-5). Churanoumi chased Kayo out, quickly, while avoiding the slapdown. Yorikiri.
Kusano (4-1) defeated Asakoryu (2-3). Asakoryu timed the tachiai well and hit Kusano hard. He frantically tried slapdown attempts then drove into Kusano, trying to force him to the edge. Kusano was able to withstand the attacks and remain in the center of the ring. Once he reached inside and got both arms around Asakoryu, he drove Asakoryu back. Asakoryu tried to twist Kusano down but Kusano’s footwork was impeccable and he kept his balance while continuing to pressure Asakoryu out. Yorikiri.
Fujinokawa (3-2) defeated Midorifuji (2-3). Fujinokawa locked in with a morozashi and lifted Midorifuji off the dohyo and carried him to the edge before dumping him over the edge. Tsuridashi.
Tokihayate (2-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (0-5). Tokihayate got a left-hand inside, right hand outside grip, pivoted and used that right hand to throw Chiyoshoma down. Uwatedashinage.
Ura (4-1) defeated Takanosho (2-3). Takanosho drove Ura back to the edge with both hands at Ura’s head but Takanosho let Ura escape clockwise along the bales with a knock to the arm. Then Ura slapped Takanosho down as Takanosho chased. Hatakikomi.
Ichiyamamoto (5-0) defeated Roga (2-3) Roga withstood Ichiyamamoto’s thrusting attack so Ichiyamamoto locked inside with a right hand inside, left-hand outside belt grip. Roga got his right hand inside but Ichiyamamoto kept Roga from landing a good left-hand outside grip. Ichiyamamoto chugged to drive Roga back but Roga braced and avoided going out. The two settled into a lean until Ichiyamamoto tried again, and again, and again before he finally overpowered Roga and forced him out. Yorikiri.
Atamifuji (3-2) defeated Sadanoumi (1-4). Both men locked in with right hand inside grips. Sadanoumi tried to trip Atamifuji by wrapping his right leg around Atamifuji’s left. This was a huge mistake as Atamifuji kept his balance and twisted Sadanoumi toward the bales. Once he got Sadanoumi backed to the bales he quickly forced him over. Yorikiri.
Halftime
Hiradoumi (2-3) defeated Tobizaru (2-3). Hiradoumi forced Tobizaru straight back. Tobizaru kicked out at the edge but Hiradoumi powered Tobizaru over the bales. Yorikiri.
Takerufuji (3-2) defeated Tom O’Washi (4-1). Both men slammed into each other with repeated head butts and arm thrusts. Takerufuji seemed to last a bit longer and the young gun eventually forced good old Tom into retreat. Oshidashi.
Gonoyama (4-1) defeated Hakuoho (2-3). Gonoyama caught Hakuoho perfectly as Hakuoho tried to pull. As Hakuoho pulled, Gonoyama steamrolled in the same direction and he blasted Hakuoho from the fighting surface. Oshidashi.
Meisei (2-3) defeated Kinbozan (1-4). Both men latched onto the other’s belts with deep migiyotsu, right hand inside grips. Kinbozan yanked Meisei back to the edge and planned to rotate Meisei back over the edge but Meisei snuck that right foot out there and knocked Kinbozan’s left foot forward, forcing Kinbozan to fall backwards. Sotogake.
Sanyaku
Oshoma (1-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-4). Wakamotoharu charged forward but Oshoma slipped to the right and slapped WMH down. Hatakikomi.
Takayasu defeated Wakatakakage. Wakatakakage looked great at the start with his right hand inside. Takayasu avoided being forced out and fought his way back to the center of the ring. As the two settled into a bit of a lean, Takayasu suddenly pulled right and slapped at Wakatakakage. This forced Wakatakakage to stumble forward so Takayasu pursued quickly and shoved WTK from the fighting surface. Oshitaoshi.
Aonishiki (4-1) defeated Kirishima (4-1). Aonishiki withstood Kirishima’s face slaps. Aonishiki plugged away and forced his way inside. Aonishiki locked in firmly with his left hand inside. As Kirishima’s left leg snuck forward, Aonishiki reached out with his right hand and punched at Kirishima’s left knee forcing his leg to splay out and Kirishima went down on his right knee. Uchimuso.
Oho (2-3) fusen over Hoshoryu (1-4).
Kotozakura defeated Onokatsu. Onokatsu tried to change his grip and Kotozakura spun to prevent Onokatsu from getting the left-hand inside grip. Then Kotozakura drove forward behind a head butt and his momentum forced Onokatsu back and out. Yorikiri.
Onosato (4-1) obliterated Abi (3-2). Abi went after Onosato’s head but Onosato blocked Abi’s right arm. Abi then pulled and Onosato ate him up, forcing him out. Oshidashi.
Wrap-up
Akua closed the day’s action with the bow-twirling ceremony.
Hoshoryu’s withdrawal means there will not be a Yokozuna showdown on senshuraku. Without further lineup changes, it should be Onosato versus Ozeki Kotozakura. Before we get there, however, Onosato will fight Onokatsu tomorrow and Kotozakura will fight Abi.
Aonishiki is a delight to watch. That was a beautiful move against Kirishima. He will fight a wily old dog in Takayasu tomorrow. Surely that will be another highlight bout, either way. Kirishima will fight Kinbozan in an interesting pairing. Wakatakakage will face Oshoma and Oho will fight Wakatakakage.
With the close of Day 5, Andy joins the list of kyujo. I shall rejoin the tournament in its closing phases. Have a great weekend and I’ll see you all Wednesday or Thursday, rather full of wine.
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I’m not in a position to say whether Hoshoryu is really in pain, but this looks even less convincing than the typical yokozuna “exit stage higashi.”
Would the sumo world give any props to a yokozuna who gutted it out all the way through a bad basho, even at the risk of makekoshi, or is this really what they want?
If not mistaken, a yokozuna cannot be demoted. If he should fail to live up to the informal, unwritten standards (such as being a title contender or achieve at least 10 wins in each tournament), the yokozuna would be expected to retire.
Considering the overall inconsistency in all ranks, at the time of his promotion, it seemed not that difficult a goal for Hoshoryu to prove himself worthy. Apparently, he’s having problems –mental, physical or both. It’s not that common but the relevant council of the association might issue a warning at later stage. In comparison with ex-Kisenosato’s (current stablemaster of Onosato) history, Hoshoryu still has time to recover.
As sidenote, sumo offers excitement in all divisions and ranks.
I think that’s a fair question. If a Yokozuna is not fighting well, does the sumo world itself prefer he sits out? To be honest, I am not sure which I would prefer: 5-10 Yokozuna or 1-5-9? It’s a fair question and I don’t have an answer at the moment.
My 10 cents is I don’t want to see a Yokozuna struggling. It diminishes the rank, which I don’t want. After 3 loses, I prefer if he goes kyujo.
I meant 3 kinboshi, of course
Hoshoryu not injured yet pulls out as things haven’t gone his way? All I know about the man is what I see during the tournaments and NHK preview programs as well as this and 1 other blog. To me this is very telling about his character, and speaks volumes about the YDC hastily making a poor decision by promoting him. Apparently it was so important NOT to have a Yokozuna, they rushed and made a poor decision. I really do hope I’m Proven wrong a couple tournaments down the road, But I’m still very disappointed when I think about how many men have given their all even with serious injuries. This stinks
With all due respect, to you Marco and the tachiai.org audience who collectively have so much knowledge of ozumo, I do believe there are things we will never know, such as the real reason in certain cases for a rikishi going kyujo….. in this case my intuition is telling me that perhaps the JSA commanded a departure from the tournament due to the 3 straight losses so early on. I think Hoshoryu wants to compete and win each and every day… just offering a different perspective.
Good point.
Fair point. I have no idea.
Sumo sources (i. e. Kinta, and others) tell us that a certain Hoshoryu injured his left big toe in training on the 4th of July.
As others have pointed out, Hoshoryu’s big toe injury was reported before the basho. Just because we didn’t see the injury happen doesn’t mean it isn’t there. And if he was promoted too early, that’s on the JSA, not his fault. I don’t think anyone can accuse him of being a slacker.
I don’t remember who it was who recently commented that going kyujo doesn’t require inventing an injury, just invoking the one you already have – rikishi get injured all the time. What keeps them from going kyujo more often is that only the Yokozuna get to take time off without dropping in rank. The flip side of that is that you can’t drop from Yokozuna and continue at any other rank – you’re done with wrestling.
Other Yokozuna often pulled out citing injury after they lost a few early bouts. I’ve only been watching for 7 years, but I saw it all the time – Hakuho, Kisenosato, Kakuryu, Terunofuji. I’m not saying Hoshoryu is in their league. But I’m sad for him, not mad at him.
To finish my prior thought, I think back to Terunofugi and the pain that man endured for five or six years all for the love of the life and the sport.
We will be missing your blogs, Andy
Aonishiki, I was expecting him to struggle in the joi, to fight against Sanyaku and experienced rikishis, but so far he is doing good.
Daieisho vs Aonishiki would have been interesting.
Also was not expecting Mitakeumi and Ichiamomoto as leaders after day 5
Sensharuku, Onosato versus Ozeki Kotozakura, doesn’t sound much appealing to me. Yokozuna show down would have been great.
Safe travels, Andy! Aonishiki is just awesome. I was pleased to see an active win for Kotozakura, too – no lean-fest needed!
On a non-Hoshoryu note, is Kayo really that one-dimensional as a rikishi, or is he just hiding an injury? All he seems to do is immediately try to pull while moving backwards, and he’s clearly “earned” that 0-5 record with it. Not since Hokuseiho have I seen someone so committed to just doing their one thing. Even Abi and Ichiyamamoto sometimes do a tachiai not involving two arm thrusts, and Tamawashi occasionally eschews the throat nodawa. But Kayo really needs a Juryo reset, if that will even help at this point.
This has been a wildly entertaining tournament already, in my eyes. Really enjoying the summer sumo this year.
Hoshoryu drawing out at this point is a relief. Big toe is much of your footwork.
Wakaikari and Midorifuji had fun. Nice to watch!
Wish you a pleasant journey, Andy. Thanks so far for your excellent reporting!
Tomorrow Astonishiki will already meet the last real sanyaku this basho (Oshoma is a fake Komusubi yet in my eyes). But although a playoff between him and Onosato would be a dream come true, I fear the Ukrainian won’t win all the upcoming bouts. He‘s the outsider against Takayasu and Kinbozan, who seems to have his number, and I foresee potential problems against Abi, Oho and Tamawashi. Therefore a 12-3 is the best I‘m expecting for him, which of course would still be sensational, but probably not enough to meet the new yokozuna a second time.
Hoshoryu is out, long live Hoshoryu. As a fan, I cannot really help but wish him well. He was promoted too soon after all, but it is not his fault. Plenty of sumo to enjoy anyway! Ichiyamamoto winning on the belt against Roga was a thing of beauty, and Aonishiki feels so fresh and exciting! Plus Ura doing Ura things on the tawara. And plenty more but I will not speak of He who should never be jinxed. Please dear readership, let Him try… once again…
Mitakeumi has still not taken a backwards step .. let’s hope it’s renewed health .. not his competition .. he’s a slo-Mo Gonoyama .. who BTW won the “biggest blast off of the day” award w Hakuoho .. I have to wonder about Ura’s neck .. his head takes more whiplash abuse + nodowa than any other rikishi .. gotta love his toe dance along on the bales (yes toes are important in sumo) .. Kirishima clearly had a plan + focus + aggression v Aonishiki .. but that young Ukrainian has rare tricks for those who dare get within reach .. I predict the 400 lb rikishi’s will try to blast him upright like Onosato did (+ Kinbozan last basho) .. i wonder if Aonishiki can pull a good henka? .. Both Waka bros have been getting too far forward on their toes (those pesky toes) + falling to slap/pull downs lately .. Do they need more ballast under their mawashi’s? … The Kotozakura & Hoshoryu promotions both felt like filling a demand vs being fully earned .. time seems to validate that sense .. Maybe a little more patience by the sumo board was called for ..
Kotozakura’s promotion was so fully earned, he had the most wins of any rishiki in 2024. If he hadn’t been promoted last March he would have been promoted with the same 33 in 3 record in May or July. He’s had an injury/metal issues since December and really needs to take time off to heal properly but that won’t happen.
Yeah it’s hard to argue with 9-6, 11-4 J, 13-2 D, all at sekiwake. Similar runs have resulted in ozeki pretty much every single time.
As my fellow commenters have already proven U are totally wrong about Kotozakura.
And not only was his promotion earned, he was a very good ozeki, too.
Only 15 rikishi (of 69 since 1957) have won more often in their first five basho in the rank.
Then came his poor try at the yokozuna rank in January and since then he‘s been stumbling which is probably the reason for your still undeserved verdict.
It’s also a bit of a shame that compared to most recent Yokozuna, Hoshoryu has a stable master that hasn’t got a clue about being a Yokozuna (or even Ozeki). His next highest stable mate is Meisei and the next highest after that is the bow twirler. So whatever he does do, he does on his own.
There‘s Uncle…?
Uncle seemed to be a mixed blessing, and last I heard he was down on Hoshoryu and favoring another nephew.
Yeah, ‚mixed blessing’ hits the point. But it‘s easy to favor Tenrosei, he has quite the aura!
That’s a good point, but only under the presumption that it takes a great rikishi for a great oyakata, which in my eyes is not a given. And Onosato‘s highest ranked stable mates are Shirokuna and Hananoumi…
This may be sacrilege to some here but I am glad we will be spared Horshoryu’s barely recognizable, disrespectful bows following a defeat. One would think being called back into the ring by the gyoji within the past year to render proper respect would have cured him of this habit, yet he continued with this basho. It is not becoming of a yokozuna, and perhaps explains why his karma is so bad at present.