Year: 2025

Kyushu 2025: Day Seven

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , , ,

Check out Leonid’s update on the Makushita race. I was bummed to see Enho lose the other day but he faced a stiff challenge in Kazuma. Seihakuho could also make it to sekitori before long. No news to report on the kyujo front in either of the sekitori divisions. Fujiryoga continues to steamroll through Juryo and stands at 7-0. Shirokuma and Daiseizan chase with one loss. Fujiryoga will fight Tohakuryu tomorrow while Shirokuma will face Shiden and Daiseizan will fight Kotoeiho.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Nishikifuji (5-2) defeated Asakoryu (5-2). Henka! Asakoryu jumped to the left but Nishikifuji caught him. Asakoryu followed up with a blitzing and shoving attack which Nishikifuji withstood and then began his own attack. Asakoryu spent much of the rest of the bout in retreat around the edge of the ring until Nishikifuji caught up and shoved him out. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (Juryo 5-2) defeated Tokihayate (5-2). Asanoyama fought hard to get his right hand inside Tokihayate’s left. Tokihayate, like Asakoryu, entered retreat mode and Asanoyama used that hard-earned right hand inside to usher him over the bales. Asanoyama supporters were out with their hand towels, delighted in his victory. Asanoyama is determined to earn his return to makuuchi this tournament. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (2-5) defeated Ryuden (4-3). Sadanoumi acquired a morozashi, double-inside grip, lifted, and drove Ryuden back and out. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (4-3) defeated Mitakeumi (3-4). This was a one-sided affair as Chiyoshoma attacked Mitakeumi, drove him to the edge, got a morozashi and lifted the former Ozeki out. I had chosen a good bout to watch from the kitchen while getting tea. Yorikiri.

Roga (4-3) defeated Oshoumi (1-6). Roga locked in quickly on the newbie with his left hand over-arm grip (uwate). When he locked on with the right hand inside, he rolled clockwise and hauled Oshoumi down to the clay. Uwatenage.

Shishi (2-5) defeated Shonannoumi (2-5). Shishi buried his head in Shonannoumi’s breast and followed him everywhere he went. When Shonannoumi grew tired of this Kuato, he pulled again and Shishi walked him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (4-3) defeated Kotoshoho (4-3). Gonoyama kept pace with Kotoshoho’s retreating style. At the bales, Gonoyama shoved Kotoshoho out. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (5-2) defeated Tomokaze (1-6). Tomokaze pulled and Daieisho drove him out. No pivot, no win. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (6-1) defeated Tobizaru (3-4). Fujinokawa resisted Tobizaru’s twisting throw attempt and used his right hand inside to shove Tobizaru over the bales. Oshitaoshi.

Churanoumi (4-3) defeated Abi (2-5). Abi grabbed a hold of Churanoumi’s arm and pulled him toward the edge. It wasn’t a firm grip, though. When Churanoumi took his hand back, Abi let up because knew he was cooked. Churanoumi gently finished Abi off with a shove from behind. Okuradashi.

Onokatsu (3-4) defeated Midorifuji (2-5). Onokatsu deliberated the kimedashi hold but that would give Midorifuji a dangerous morozashi. Onokatsu then resolved to work his right hand inside. Migi-yotsu. With his firm hold, Onokatsu followed Midorifuji everywhere he went. Midorifuji missed a step and his leg finally gave out in retreat. Onokatsu rode him to the ground. Yoritaoshi.

Halftime

Kinbozan (2-5) defeated Atamifuji (5-2). Kinbozan quickly locked on to Atamifuji’s belt, pivoted on his left foot and dumped Atamifuji on the tawara. Uwatenage.

Shodai defeated Ichiyamamoto. With a right hand inside grip, Shodai entered attack mode and hauled Ichiyamamoto over to the bales. Ichiyamamoto scampered right along the bales trying to lose him but Shodai kept up. Ichiyamamoto gave a half turn to twist and get away but Shodai was determined and drove Ichiayamamoto out, delighting the home crowd. Shodai is from Kumamoto prefecture. Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji (6-1) defeated Hiradoumi (2-5). Hiradoumi showed now ill effects after getting hit by a truck yesterday. Yoshinofuji was too strong, though. He forced Hiradoumi to the edge. When Hiradoumi resisted at the bales, he twisted and hauled Hiradoumi around with his left hand uwate. He tried to get Hiradoumi down with his big paw on Hiradoumi’s head but settled for shoving him out. Yorikiri.  

Hakuoho (3-4) defeated Oshoma (3-4). Solid yotsu from Hakuoho as he drove Oshoma back with his left hand inside. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (2-5) defeated Takanosho (1-6). Once Wakatakakage withstood Takanosho’s initial driving attack, Takanosho really didn’t have a follow-up. WTK resisted at the bales and drove his way forward, settling with Takanosho’s heels on the bales at the opposite side of the ring. After a bit of a lean, Wakatakakage twisted and knocked Takanosho in the right shoulder, causing Takanosho to stumble to the left. Wakatakakage easily shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Kirishima (4-3) defeated Oho (3-4). This was a great brawl. A fairly even matched exchange of tsuppari, and some headbutts. Kirishima finally got his right hand inside Oho’s left arm and drove Oho back to the bales. When Oho resisted, Kirishima then twisted and forcefully threw him to the ground. Oshitaoshi.

Aonishiki (6-1) defeated Takayasu (4-3). This was a great, spirited fight. Lots of tsuppari, twists and feints. Takayasu got a right hand uwate and tried to haul Aonishiki over the bales but Aonishiki tripped him up just enough to cause Takayasu to stumble a bit. Aonishiki used his own left hand inside grip to push Takayasu over the bales first. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (2-5) defeated Kotozakura (3-4). A bout that Kotozakura could not lose, and he lost it. Kotozakura pressed forward with his right hand inside. But Wakamotoharu pivoted at the edge and used his left hand uwate to dump the Ozeki to the ground. Uwatenage.

Hoshoryu (5-2) defeated Tamawashi (4-3). Hoshoryu fought like a Tamawashi-clone, both men hitting the other with brutal thrusts as they twisted and brawled around the ring. Like a pair of Tasmanian Devils, the two blasted each other until they both stood, rather gassed, opposite each other at the center of the ring. Hoshoryu seemed to taunt Tamawashi. “Well, bring it old man.” Tamawashi obliged and engaged for a final charge but Hoshoryu locked him up with his right hand inside and easily drove the exhausted Tamawashi back and out. Yorikiri.

Onosato (7-0) defeated Ura (3-4). Ura showed that you have to get low to drive Onosato back. Ura tried to get Onosato’s leg but missed and had to settle for the belt. Onosato reached over Ura for the back of his belt and pulled. He had enough space behind him to run Ura to ground before leaving the dohyo himself. Uwatehineri.

Wrap-up

Even in the loss, Tamawashi draws level with Kaio, tied for second place all-time with 1444 bouts in the top division. Only Kyokutenho has more (1470). Tamawashi is on pace to break Kyokutenho’s record in Osaka next year.

I feel like Hoshoryu won their bout because he was patient and didn’t try to rush anything. None of Tamawashi’s parries were able to shake the Yokozuna. But Hoshoryu had more gas in the tank. He will need to refuel to be ready to face Ura tomorrow on Nakabi in the musubi-no-ichiban.

Onosato will take his turn to fight Tamawashi as Tamawashi takes sole possession of second place in his 1445th makuuchi bout.

If Kotozakura shows up tomorrow, he will fight Hiradoumi. The Ozeki is digging a massive hole for himself which is likely already impossible for him to climb out of. He needs six wins in eight days against the heart of his schedule…just to avoid kadoban.

Aonishiki will fight Oho, Hakuoho will fight Takayasu, and Takanosho will give it the old college try against Kirishima.

There are two rank-and-filers tied with Aonishiki, Yoshinofuji and Fujinokawa. Fujinokawa will fight Tomokaze who withered quickly against Daieisho today. Tougher fights will likely come in the following days. Yoshinofuji on the other hand, is already in the thick of it. He will fight Wakamotoharu tomorrow.

See you on Nakabi!

Makushita Race, Round 4, Kyushu 2025

lksumo Nagoya 2025

Three rounds of lower-division bouts have been completed, and we are left with 14 men with 3-0 records. They’ll be matched up (mostly) in rank order on days 7 and 8 to winnow the race to 7. Since Daiyusho and Ryusho both hail from the Oitekaze beya, they can’t face each other, and presumably will instead fight Mineyaiba and Asonoyama, respectively. Only one bout has been scheduled for day 7—Gyokuozan vs. Hokutenkai—with the rest being saved for nakabi. The quarterfinals should take place on day 9, with the highest-ranked undefeated Sandanme rikishi filling out the bracket.

There are quite a few notable names still in the running. Isegahama prospect Seihakuho, one of Hakuho’s last recruits, will fight former sekitori Tochimusashi. Two of our Ms60TD rikishi, Fukuzaki and Kazuma, will face off after dispatching their former sekitori opponents, Shimanoumi and Enho. These four contenders are ranked in the extended promotion zone, so a 7-0 finish would come with a fast track to Juryo. Ryusho debuted at Ms60TD in July and has a 13-4 career record. Come back after the Sunday bouts to see how round four played out and what’s on tap for round five.

Kyushu 2025: Day Six

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho

Fujiryoga won his bout against Tsurugisho to stay undefeated and the sole leader in the second division. Tamashoho, Shirokuma, and Daiseizan chase with one loss. Fujiryoga will fight Wakanosho tomorrow as we enter the middle weekend.

Asanoyama watchers will be able to see Asanoyama in prime time tomorrow as he will take on Tokihayate. Kagayaki is the Juryo visitor slated for today.

The NHK videos for Day Six Action are at this link.

Makuuchi Action

Kagayaki (Juryo 4-2) defeated Nishikifuji (4-2). Nishikifuji was working inside to get a belt grip when Kagayaki used a headbutt to break Nishikifuji’s grip and get separation. Nishikifuji made a move to get back inside but Kagayaki pulled him down. Hikiotoshi.

Chiyoshoma (3-3) defeated Shonannoumi (2-4). Shonannoumi was lumbering around the ring today. As they neared the tawara, Chiyoshoma shifted left and pulled him over the edge. Katasukashi.

Asakoryu (5-1) defeated Ryuden (4-2). Abi-zumo. Asakoryu laid into Ryuden with headbutts and tsuppari. When Ryuden leaned forward, Asakoryu pulled and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Tokihayate (5-1) defeated Oshoumi (1-5). Hidari-yotsu. Tokihayate quickly went into attack mode and pulled Oshoumi around the ring and dragged him down with his right hand over arm grip. Uwatenage.

Gonoyama (3-3) defeated Sadanoumi (1-5). Gonoyama blasted his way forward with tsuppari. Sadanoumi tried to grab his arm and twist at the edge but lost his grip and his footing under Gonoyama’s pressure. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (3-3) defeated Fujinokawa (5-1). Fujinokawa blitzed and charged forward with Mitakeumi wrapped up with both hands inside. As they reached the bales, Mitakeumi used his right leg to try to trip Fujinokawa. Fujinokawa kept his balance and moved back to avoid it. That’s when Mitakeumi launched a slapdown. Beautiful play. Hatakikomi.

Tomokaze (1-5) defeated Shishi (1-5). Tomokaze landed migi-yotsu grip, rotated clockwise and pulled Shishi down. Uwatenage.

Daieisho (4-2) defeated Roga (3-3). Daieisho won this at the tachiai. He hit Roga hard then chugged forward as Roga pulled, pushing Roga off the ledge. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (3-3) defeated Midorifuji (2-4). Chest-to-chest migi-yotsu here. Tobizaru used gaburi-yotsu to work Midorifuji back to the bales. Midorifuji resisted at the edge so Tobizaru pressed forward and both men tumbled down the dohyo. Yoritaoshi.

Kotoshoho (4-2) defeated Kinbozan (1-5). Kinbozan worked Kotoshoho back, close to the edge. But Kotoshoho blasted Kinbozan with a powerful headbutt and thrust that sent Kinbozan off balance, stumbling across the ring and over the tawara. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (5-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-3). Atamifuji kept Ichiyamamoto in front of him as Ichiyamamoto pulled. Ichiyamamo tried shifting left but he ran out of real estate and Atamifuji pressed him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Yoshinofuji (5-1) defeated Churanoumi (3-3). After a brawl of tsuppari, action settled into a migi-yotsu tussle. Yoshinofuji was first to land his over-arm grip, dragged Churanoumi around the ring and forced him out. Yorikiri.

Shodai (2-4) defeated Abi (2-4). Abi pulled and Shodai let him. Shodai resisted Abi’s attack to start and when Abi pulled, Shodai stuck with him and forced him back and out. Shodai won appreciative hoots and whistles from the home crowd. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (3-3) defeated Onokatsu (2-4). I feel like I spent two minutes watching a mirror wear itself out in a hazuoshi brawl with itself. Both guys laid into each other basically until Onokatsu got tired and walked off. Okuridashi.

Kirishima (3-3) defeated Wakatakakage (1-5). Wakatakakage pulled and Kirishima shoved him out before he could pivot. WTK was starting his shift to the right but it was too late as Kirishima ran him out. Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Takanosho (1-5) defeated Takayasu (4-2). Takanosho got a morozashi as Takayasu reached in for a belt grip. Wasting no time, he charged ahead and drove Takayasu back and out. That did not go the way I anticipated. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki (5-1) defeated Ura (3-3). Aonishiki did well to avoid getting caught too far forward. He took his time, found an opening to get a belt grip, and then powered forward to force Ura out. Yorikiri.

Oho (3-3) defeated Hakuoho (2-4). Abi-zumo from Oho. He stood Hakuoho up at the tachiai and then slapped him down. It’s like Abi-zumo is working for everyone today…but Abi. Hatakikomi.

Tamawashi (4-2) defeated Kotozakura (2-4). Kotozakura absorbed Tamawashi’s initial thrusts and began to chug forward. As the pair neared the bales, Tamawashi shifted left and deflected Kotozakura’s thrusts at his right shoulder. This meant Kotozakura had his back to Tamawashi. Tamawashi wrapped him up from behind and walked him out. Okuridashi.

Onosato (6-0) crushed Hiradoumi (2-4). Hiradoumi did well to take the Yokozuna on head-to-head at the tachiai. But while Hiradoumi was fiddling with a left hand maemitsu grip, Onosato snatched his dad’s keys from the table, ran out to the garage, hopped in his dad’s semi, drove back to the dohyo and ran over Hiradoumi with his dad’s Mack truck. Oshitaoshi.

Wakamotoharu (2-4) defeated Hoshoryu (4-2). Henka! Wakamotoharu leapt left and Hoshoryu ran past. WMH quickly slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Onosato is along atop the leaderboard, undefeated. So far, he’s unchallenged. He’s been quite dominant. Ura will need to bring something extra special tomorrow. Henka?

There’s a massive traffic jam of six guys at 5-1. It’s a rubber-necker delay on Interstate 495. They’re all slack-jawed at seeing the wreckage of Hiradoumi strewn along the highway. Aonishiki will fight Takayasu who suddenly looks very beatable. Yoshinofuji will face what’s left of Hiradoumi, Atamifuji will fight Kinbozan, Fujinokawa will face Tobizaru, Tokihayate fights Asanoyama and Asakoryu will fight Nishikifuji. I think that’s a solid set of interesting ties sprinkled through the evening.

Hoshoryu stumbled out of that group, though with his loss to Wakamotohenka. Hoshoryu will attempt to regroup against Tamawashi tomorrow.  

Alarm bells are ringing loud at Sadogatake beya. But they’re probably just as loud at Arashio-beya with the way their top boys are hopping around to pick up wins. Kotozakura will face Wakamotoharu tomorrow. Brother in blood and henka-bond, Wakatakakage, will face Takanosho. Someone will get a win from that bout tomorrow, I guarantee it.

Kyushu 2025: Day Five

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho ,

With Shirokuma’s loss to Kazekeno, Juryo rookie Fujiryoga took sole possession of the lead in Juryo by defeating Kitanowaka. If his success continues, Fujishima beya may have two new Makuuchi wrestlers in a few tournaments. Heya-mate Fujiseiun is at the top of the division and is also doing well. He could crack the barrier for Hatsu 2026. Asanoyama picked up a third win as we plot his progress back to the top division.

The link to your NHK videos is here.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (4-1) defeated Sadanoumi (1-4). Henka! Asakoryu leapt left to slap Sadanoumi down. Sadanoumi reacted well and tried to push Asakoryu out. The two settled into a lean, or at least it seemed like Sadanoumi wanted to. Asakoryu did not have the patience and pulled Sadanoumi down by grabbing his outstretched left arm. Kotenage.

Daiseizan defeated Shonannoumi. When Shonannoumi got his right hand outside grip to accompany his left hand inside, he tried to haul Daiseizan back over the bales. Daiseizan twisted to break Shonannoumi’s belt grips, then pressed forward with his head to create some separation and shoved Shonannoumi down to the ground. In sumo, that’s “using your head.” Tsukiotoshi.

Ryuden defeated Chiyoshoma. When Ryuden landed his favorite right-hand outside grip, he twisted and hauled Chiyoshoma down. Ryuden was exhausted and his face was bloodied after this rather lengthy brawl. Uwatedashinage.

Mitakeumi (2-3) defeated Oshoumi (1-4). Mitakeumi was allowed to do his brand of sumo as he pressed Oshoumi backward and over the bales. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (4-1) defeated Gonoyama (2-3). Nishikifuji pulled and pivoted with his right foot to slapdown Gonoyama. Hatakikomi.

Tokihayate (4-1) defeated Tomokaze (0-5). Tomokaze pulled backwards, no pivot, and ceded all position to his opponent with his feeble slapdown attempt. Andy yelled at the TV as Tokihayate shoved Tomokaze over the bales. “PIVOT!!” Sometimes these guys are just desperate, impatient or just plain lazy and they don’t PIVOT. Oshidashi.

Roga (3-2) defeated Shishi (1-4). Roga seized Shishi’s belt with his left hand uwate (overarm grip). While Shishi was settling into a lean, Roga twisted clockwise and pulled Shishi with that left hand. Shishi stumbled to his knees. Uwatenage.

Fujinokawa (5-0) defeated Kotoshoho (3-2). Kotoshoho yielded position to Fujinokawa and quickly had his heels at the bales. As Kotoshoho looked for something to grab onto for a last second counter-maneauver, Fujinokawa thrust him over the bales. Fujinokawa’s blitzing style has him off to his best start since he reached the top division. Tsukidashi.

Daieisho (3-2) defeated Kinbozan (1-4). Kinbozan thrust Daieisho back to the tawara. Daieisho pivoted and pulled, slapping Kinbozan to the ground. Kinbozan has a serious case of Daieshoitis. He has powerful thrusts but he gets caught too far over his feet. Hatakikomi.

Ichiyamamoto (3-2) defeated Tobizaru (2-3). Oof. Wow. Live, it looked like Ichiyamamoto lifted Tobizaru backwards off his feet with a brutal right hand nodowa, slamming him to the ground. Replay showed Tobizaru tried a poorly-timed leg sweep and caught nothing but air, right as Ichiyamamoto’s pressed forward with that nodowa. Ichiyamamoto’s reputation as the gentleman of the division is intact. Oshitaoshi.

Midorifuji (2-3) defeated Churanoumi (3-2). After a lengthy tussle, an exhausted Midorifuji used his right hand uwate to haul Churanoumi over the bales. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Onokatsu (2-3) defeated Abi (2-3). Abi pulled straight back and Onokatsu shoved him out. I have no patience for this impudence. Or maybe it’s just too early in the morning and I need some coffee. Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji (4-1) defeated Shodai (1-4). Shodai forced Yoshinofuji back to the bales but Yoshinofuji spun and forced Shodai to the edge. Yoshinofuji then finished Shodai off and forced him over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (4-1) defeated Oshoma (2-3). Head-down, Atamifuji chugged forward and shoved Oshoma out. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (2-3) defeated Old Tom O’Washi (3-2). Tamawashi put his head down to press forward but Kirishima backed away and quickly slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Hakuoho (2-3) defeated Takanosho (0-5). Takanosho looks lost back in sanyaku. Hakuoho got inside quickly, eliminating any of Takanosho’s tsuppari. He chugged and shoved Takanosho back and out. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (4-1) defeated Oho (2-3). Oho did not want Takayasu to get a belt grip so he retreated each time Takayasu went inside. Takayasu pursued well, though. Takayasu used his steady footwork and constant pressure to work Oho toward the bales and out. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (1-4) defeated Aonishiki (4-1). HENKA!!! Oh, wow. This one might go down in lore alongside Hakuho’s henka of Harumafuji and Terunofuji’s henka of Kotoshogiku. Even die-hard WTK fans might think, WTF?? At the core of every desperate 0-4 start, is a cold, cold heart. That was a thing of beauty. Evil beauty. Aonishiki rushed forward and fell to the dirt and ceded his first loss of the tournament. Aonishiki tried desperately to stop his forward momentum and regain his footing but Wakatakakage have him a little shove from the back to finish him off. Okuriotoshi.

Ura (3-2) defeated Kotozakura (2-3). Ura planted in the center of the ring and, borrowing Zeki’s spring analogy, compressed himself and then released and sprung forward, forcing the Ozeki back and out. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (4-1) defeated Hiradoumi (2-3). Hiradoumi launched himself out at the Yokozuna. As he blasted Hoshoryu backward, the Yokozuna shifted to the side – one might say PIVOTED – and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Onosato (5-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-4). Wakamotoharu got a left hand uwate but Onosato ignored it as he drove forward and forced Wakamotoharu to the bales. Wakamotoharu showed the slightest resistance and Onosato took this as an affront. Onosato pivoted and with his right hand hooked in WMH’s left shoulder, blasted his opponent through the ring and off the fighting surface. Yoritaoshi.

Wrap-up

Fujinokawa has had quite the run and is now the only man other than Onosato to remain undefeated in the top division. He will fight Mitakeumi tomorrow. As jmotzi and herbern pointed out yesterday, schedulers will soon plan to bring him up to fight higher-ranked opponents. As you all said, Hiradoumi, Ura, and even Aonishiki would be great choices. Hiradoumi or a Hakuoho would be a great pairing with Fujinokawa’s blitzing style of attack.

As I noted after he had a poor run to start Aki,

“I know Fujinokawa has his boosters, that he’s “for real.” I know he did well in Nagoya…but I don’t get the hype. Maybe one of you can convince me how he’s much better than, say, the shorter Tobizaru or even the powerful Asakoryu? Where does he fit in the top division? A grinder like Sadanoumi? Or someone who will reach sanyaku?”

This tournament has started completely different from the previous two. His 6-9 record from Aki forced him to slip down the banzuke a bit, to the bottom quarter of the division. He has been overwhelming his opponents so far with his speed. Former Yusho-winner Kotoshoho looked out of place today.

I know it’s early in his career but I’d like to bring that question up again. I wonder where he will fit in the division. There are more “smaller” wrestlers now and several who have preceded him, so I wonder whose track he will follow. I mentioned Sadanoumi because I wonder about how Fujinokawa would do in Sanyaku.

When people talk about longevity and age, we naturally mention the Iron Man, Tamawashi, but Sadanoumi actually has the longest tenure in the Sumo Association of anyone currently in the top division. His debut was way back in early 2003.

However, his top rank is Maegashira 1, which he earned back in 2015 after winning a kinboshi off Harumafuji. Since then, he’s largely remained in the bottom half of the division but he has been a regular presence, a solid Makuuchi veteran. Will sanyaku be too high of a cap for Fujinokawa?

Ura has peaked at Komusubi, so far, and is regularly in the joi-jin. When he falls from the joi, he usually performs really well against lower rank-and-filers and gets flung back up into the joi. But that seems to be his peak. Takakeisho was a little shorter than Fujinokawa but is he perhaps a more fitting comparison? Will Fujinokawa be able to rise that high and find a place as a sanyaku regular? Maybe he will be similar to Hiradoumi?

After seeing smaller wrestlers like Ishiura, Enho, and Ura come up and have some success in the top division, I just wonder where these new faces like Fujinokawa, Tokihayate, and Asakoryu will go. How high can they climb? Do they need to “bulk up” to Ura or Takakeisho proportions to take it to sanyaku, or can they do it now?

But I digress. I think I ended up having too much coffee this morning because I have spent far too long on this. I am interested in what you all think of this new crop of smaller wrestlers, in particular Fujinokawa with this blitzing style.

Takayasu is quietly having a great start to this tournament. His only loss was the Day One bout against Onosato. He will get his turn against a dispirited Takanosho tomorrow. Aonishiki will take on Ura tomorrow. Hakuoho will face Oho.

Kotozakura will need to regroup against Tamawashi or he needs to go kyujo and come back stronger, and fully healed. If he goes kadoban again, all of this effort and damage will take its toll. Onosato will fight Hiradoumi and Hoshoryu will battle Wakamotoharu in the musubi-no-ichiban.