Day 8, the middle day, is upon us. Maezumo wrestlers were officially introduced to the sumo world as “Shinjo,” and we look forward to seeing these guys fight in Osaka. Among the men is Kyokugosei who is shifting sports from baseball to sumo. Kyokurenma and Kyokutaiyo join him at Oshima beya. We also have Asasubaru and Shosei, along with Ito pictured here. There’s another recruit, Nakazato, who has been kyujo for a couple of days. Apparently not feeling well? I’ll try to get the story there and find out whether he’ll have to do maezumo again or not, if he sticks with it.
Enho earned his kachi-koshi and remains in the Makushita yusho race. The Juryo race heats up as both Fujiseiun and Kayo fall. They’re joined by Sadanoumi and Wakanosho with two losses each. Tomorrow, Kayo will fight Kazuma, Wakanosho will take on Hitoshi, Sadanoumi battles Kitanowaka and Fujiseiun faces Kotokuzan.
Makuuchi Action
Shishi (6-2) defeated Asahakuryu (5-3). Shishi put his big mitt in Asahakuryu’s mug and shoved, hard. This sent Asahakuryu sprawling into the crowd. Oshidashi.
Asakoryu (4-4) defeated Mitakeumi (3-5). This was all Asakoryu as he shoved Mitakeumi back to the edge and over the bales. Oshidashi.
Tobizaru (2-6) defeated Oshoumi (6-2). Oshoumi charged forward but Tobizaru shifted to his left as the pair approached the bales. While shifting, Tobizaru slapped Oshoumi down. Hatakikomi.
Ryuden (4-4) defeated Tomokaze (3-5). Tomokaze shifted left at the tachiai and tried to slap Ryuden down. Ryuden stumbled forward but caught himself and re-engaged. Tomokaze charged forward and tried again but Ryuden remained upright. Ryuden then showed Tomokaze how to execute a successful hatakikomi.
Chiyoshoma (3-5) defeated Hatsuyama (0-8). Chiyoshoma grabbed Hatsuyama’s belt with his right hand uwate and pulled Hatsuyama forward. As Hatsuyama stumbled forward, Chiyoshoma finished him by shoving him down to the ground. Hatsuyama make-koshi. Tsukiotoshi.
Nishikifuji (5-3) defeated Asanoyama (5-3). Nishikifuji shoved Asanoyama to the bales. Asanoyama tried to escape by retreating along the bales. Nishikifuji made that difficult as he wrapped his left hand onto Asanoyama’s belt. Asanoyama stumbled to the ground. Yoritaoshi.
Abi (7-1) defeated Tokihayate (4-4). Tokihayate hit Abi hard at the tachiai but Abi jammed his right hand into Tokihayate’s throat, driving back to the edge and over. Tokihayate tried desperately to knock Abi’s arm away but was not successful. Relief only came with defeat. Oshidashi.
Midorifuji (3-5) defeated Roga (3-5). Midorifuji got his right hand up under Roga’s left shoulder and it looked like he was going to try a katasukashi, but it was actually trapped there by Roga. Roga tried swinging Midorifuji around for a kotenage but Midorifuji kept his balance and then drove forward, forcing Roga over the edge. Yorikiri.
The Imperial family arrived at Kokugikan. It’s their first visit since January 25, 2020…just after Naruhito was installed as Emperor and right before the pandemic shuttered the sumo world.
Shodai (4-4) defeated Kotoshoho (5-2). Kotoshoho pulled and then attacked Shodai as he was off balance. Shodai caught himself before going over the edge and engaged Kotoshoho. Shodai shoved Kotoshoho to the ground with his right hand as he shifted right along the bales. Tsukiotoshi.
Hiradoumi (5-3) defeated Gonoyama (2-6). Hiradoumi grabbed Gonoyama’s belt with his left hand and hugged Gonoyama with his right arm. Hiradoumi charged forward and forced Gonoyama out. Yorikiri.
Kinbozan (3-5) defeated Onokatsu (3-5). Kinbozan henka! Kinbozan shifted left and slapped Onokatsu down. Hatakikomi.
Halftime
The Imperial family came out to their seats to applause from the fans, ushered by Hakkaku.
Fujinokawa (6-2) defeated Tamawashi (2-6). Fujinokawa wrapped up Tamawashi, negating Tamawashi’s usual thrusting attack. Tamawashi tried a kubinage. Shitatenage.
Atamifuji (6-2) defeated Oshoma (5-3). As Atamifuji charged forward, Oshoma tried to shift right and catch Atamifuji out. Atamifuji was unfazed, turned to meet Oshoma again and shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.
Churanoumi (5-3) defeated Takanosho (1-7). Churanoumi grabbed Takanosho’s right arm and hauled him forward to the bales. As Takanosho tried to reclaim his appendage, Churanoumi shoved him out. “Ok, now you can have your arm back.” Yorikiri.
Wakatakakage (4-4) defeated Ura (1-7). Wakatakakage blitzed Ura and shoved him out. Ura tried to stay on the tawara and pull Wakatakakage out but their combined momentum carried the pair into the crowd. Oshidashi.
Sanyaku
Wakamotoharu (2-6) defeated Yoshinofuji (4-4). Yoshinofuji pulled back to try to shift his right hand grip from outside to inside. Wakamotoharu used the opportunity to drive forward and force Yoshinofuji out. Yoritaoshi.
Takayasu (6-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-7). Ichiyamamoto pulled but lost his footing as he tried to shuffle left, so Takayasu slapped him down. Hatakikomi.
Oho (3-5) defeated Kotozakura (5-3). Oho moved forward and was rewarded. Kotozakura tried to twist and topple Oho at the edge but Oho’s footwork was solid. He wasn’t going anywhere. Oshidashi.
Kirishima (7-1) defeated Aonishiki (6-2). Kirishima did not let Aonishiki get his left hand inside. Rather than continue to fight for that grip, Aonishiki pulled. Huge mistake as that allowed Kirishima to grab Aonishiki in a big ole bear hug and drive forward. Aonishiki tried to pull Kirishima down with a kubinage but Kirishima continued to press forward into Aonishiki and both men crashed out. Gunbai Kirishima. No mono-ii. Yoritaoshi.
Daieisho (2-6) defeated Hoshoryu (6-2). Daieisho pulled and slapped Hoshoryu down at the edge. Daieisho pivoted to his left. Kinboshi! For Hoshoryu to stay up and effectively counter Daieisho’s move, he would have had to dig in and move laterally on that left knee which would not be advised with the torn meniscus. Well, walking probably isn’t advised, so this might be the most eagerly anticipated kyujo in quite some time. Will the Yokozuna bow out? Will he get surgery and allow his knee to fully recouperate? Will we see him on the dohyo before Aki? We shall find out. Hatakikomi.
Hakunofuji (5-3) defeated Onosato (6-2). Hakunofuji hit Onosato hard at the tachiai and shoved him clear of the dohyo. Kinboshi! Another kyujo incoming? Oshidashi.
The assembled throngs of fans remain in their seats for the bow twirling ceremony, in relative silence. Usually, half the crowd are gone before the first, “Yoisho!” Kamito has likely never seen a crowd this large and must be pretty chuffed to perform today. The fans stand and cheer after the ceremony is over as the Imperial family bow and wave and head out.
Wrap-up
Kirishima and Abi are now tied for the lead with 1-loss. Eight men follow with 2-losses. The leaderboard is as follows:
- 1-Loss: Kirishima, Abi
- 2-Losses: Hoshoryu, Onosato, Aonishiki, Takayasu, Atamifuji, Fujinokawa, Shishi, Oshoumi
Kirishima will face Ura tomorrow with a 9-4 head-to-head lead. Abi fans will likewise be happy to see that Abi is scheduled to face Kotoshoho, with whom he owns a 6-1 lead in their rivalry.
For the rest of the sanyaku bouts, Oho will face Ichiyamamoto, Aonishiki will take on Wakatakakage and Kotozakura will fight Takayasu. If the Yokozuna show up tomorrow, Onosato will fight Wakamotoharu and Hoshoryu will take on Atamifuji.
Other bouts for those in the hunt group include Fujinokawa fighting Roga, Shishi versus Ryuden, and Oshoumi versus Asakoryu.
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Kirishima! Beautiful work! I think he’s been studying Aonishiki. Well, everybody has but Kirishima has put it into action. Onosato sure appeared to be in pain. I think Hoshoryu’s knee hurts less than it just doesn’t work right. Oh, and is Kotozakura hurt or is that just his regular inexplicable retreat?
Kirishima finally found the clue to deal with Aonishiki. That is to push him from under! Aonishiki always pushed opponents from under himself, and looked vulnerable when Kiri came from under him.
Let’s see how other rikishes try this strategy, and how Aonishiki react to that in the second half of the basho.
Yes, I was thinking the exact same thing, he did a great job not letting Aonishiki get into his low stance, standing him up and keeping leverage under the arm pits and staying super tight. When Aonishiki pulled out his bag of tricks in rapid succession, Kirishima just stayed glued to his chest and countered them all. Not sure why Andi mentioned the no monoii. It was a very clear win.
Double kinboshi on the Emperor’s visit!! Has that happened before?!
Not only the 2 Yokozuna losses today, but also the two Ozeki. Hakkaku must be miffed that the top 4 on the Banzuke all lost today in front of the Emperor.
Kirishima and Abi are rightfully leading the pack. If only they could last.
Meanwhile, in the east, M1-M5 are destined for make-koshi.
Kotozakura. Lackadaisical personified.
My favorite description of the day: “Relief only came with defeat.” Made me laugh
Nakabi cheers! What a leaderboard! – Shishi up there is unexpected. But yes, his footwork clearly improved.
I had a laugh or two today, but the high rank desaster wasn‘t really funny. Daieisho over Hoshoryu shouldn‘t have happened this basho. I think the yokozuna was severely damaged by yesterday‘s exhaustions, the head wound (could have been some concussion, too?), and all that knee. I couldn‘t believe his torinaoshi victory at all. I guess, that‘s what all the butsukari-geiko is for, so you get access to deepest reserves. People would talk about giving 200% or something. But in the end they are gone and you have to be lucky to fill them up again.
I didn’t want to say it but I thought both Yokozuna would lose. They’re injured and need to go kyujo. What surprised me more was their ability to win a lot of tough bouts this week. Kotozakura’s loss wasn’t that surprising given his form over the last year. And Aonishiki got beat by a tough looking Kirishima.
In a sense, it’s almost more impressive that all of them lost on the same night the Emperor was in the audience.
The Juryo barge (or ferry, since it takes guys down and brings others up) has its first passenger. Tough way to start your first trip to the big show, Hatsuyama. A bit more seasoning in the second division will help get you ready for a return.
Another first for my sumo viewing – Tenran-zumo. I missed Naruhito’s visit in 2020. I always wondered where the VIP booth was, never seen it shown on TV before. It was wonderful to see the Imperial family attend. Kamito gave a superb Yumitori-shiki performance. I didn’t think it would ever end.
And 2 Kinboshi awarded on the same day. Hakunofuji’s retirement account continues to balloon with his dominance over Onosato. And Daieisho gets his fifth, and first in 4 years. Way to go you two.
Hatsuyama is only the sixth rikishi ever with 8 losses after 8 days and the first since Wakashoyo in 1991 (who ended the basho with a 3-12 record). It almost hurt to see the poor guy creep away from the dohyo.
The way he walks is so smooth though. It’s like he glides.
If I was only 141 kilos, I could glide too!
No, earnest now, it’s hard to believe he should be that heavy. He looks so slim.
Kotozakura needs a sports psychologist. It’s all mental. Murray Johnson’s commentary on NHK world nailed the issue mechanically today, which was that it was simply inexplicable why, after he had the inside position and was moving forward he just gave it up and was walked over the tawada.
He’s wearing a look on his face like he’s not present. Overthinking everything is my guess, can’t get out of his own way.
Oh my, do I love me some hakunofuji. Since that rookie debut that unfortunately ended in injury, he is just a marvel of grit and power and focus. So great to see him fully healthy and doing his thing. I really hope he can stay within his body’s limits and see where this goes. He is so compact and he doesn’t do acrobatic throws he should be able to have a long career as a bulldozer.
Thoughts on the Isegehama crew? Is Teronofuji’s influence starting to shine thru? They are as a group all pretty locked in. Has the drama receded enough for them to focus and learn from the big man? I’ll admit I’m way too new to sumo to be asking or weighing in on this question, but would love to hear you long time fans’ thoughts on the inside baseball angles.
I’m beginning to wonder if Kotozakura is Shodai 3.0. Mitakeumi was 2.0.
Just looked it up, since his yusho in Nov 24, kadoban, one 9 win basho, 4 at 8-7. Some of that was maybe injury but I’m not so sure. Too much family pressure? No double digits in a year is not impressive
How quickly the yusho race has changed .. Yesterday my odds were for .. Onosato>Hosh>Anonishiki>Kirib> … Today . Kirib>Anonishiki>Abi > .. ..Tomorrow?
Kiribyama is possibily in his best form .. If he holds this he is a worthy Ozeki candidate again ..
Abi needs to face some stiffer competition, before i start drinking his sake ..
Shishi is a fascinating case of on-the-job-training .. definitely stonger upper body .. obviousiy detemined .. working on fundamentals + always trying different strategies for aggression ..
I wondered if Oho would show up for work today + reflected KTZ at least always shows up .. even if not all that assertive .. Then KTZ changed his mind about work in the middle of the match .. geesh ..
Yeah Shishi is an interesting case. He looks like he maybe figured out, or got some coaching on an approach that stays away from his weaknesses. He is the opposite of quick, so sunny do anything that would require adjustments. stay over your feet and push with those long arms. To be seen if that can hold up against higher ranked rikishi, but it looks sound at the moment when the last year he’s been super sloppy.
Yesssss. This is how good Kirishima can be. What still remains to be seen is whether he can move an opponent who’s not just good but good and also really big. Like Teru, or Onosato – defeating a guy like that is still missing from his list of accomplishments. Here’s hoping that now is the time.
So glad to see Kirishima doing well again!
The imperial family looked quite sweet, not imperious at all. At one point they were all bent over writing, like they were filling out scoresheets.
According to media, Princess Aiko definitely was tracking the wins. She’s reportedly a big fan.
What a visual contrast one row behind! Hakkaku was like a hit man of a Yakuza clan.
Final hour of Juryo on the 9th day is plum lit. Just had a premonition that Ura may try to do Abi a favor tonight and that he might pull it off. I’m certain Kirishima is worried about the same thing.