Natsu 2026: Day ツー

As expected, Hoshoryu is kyujo. Heal up, Yokozuna.

Enho picked up a second win as he forced Hakuyozan out, over the edge. Enho improves to 2-0. Midorifuji destroyed Kayo to pick up his first win.

Your NHK videos are here. Not to be out-done, Abema offers a few nice videos on Twitter of the fights in the lower divisions, like the one above.

Makuuchi Action

Fujiryoga (2-0) defeated Wakanosho (1-1). Tsuppari-filled brawl here. Wakanosho introduced a little misdirection and nearly caught Fujiryoga. Fujiryoga recovered quickly and reengaged. He hit Wakanosho hard in the left shoulder and thrust him down to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Oshoumi (1-1) defeated Ryuden (0-2). Oshoumi overpowered Ryuden with his left-hand inside grip. He bulldozed Ryuden through the ring and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (2-0) defeated Mitakeumi (1-1). Tobizaru got a left-hand inside grip and began a hug-and-chug, gaburi yotsu, to force Mitakeumi to the edge. Mitakeumi turned to run away but Tobizaru just shoved him out from behind. If Mitakeumi’s right wrist is injured, like Wulftrax called out yesterday, that would explain how easily Tobizaru dispatched him. Okuridashi.

Roga (1-1) defeated Tamawashi (0-2). Roga overpowered Tamawashi; drove him straight back and out with a right hand inside grip. Tamawashi’s ottsuke was unable to dislodge Roga’s hold and his own tsuppari could not force Roga back. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (2-0) defeated Shishi (0-2). Kotoeiho ate his Wheaties this morning. He’d gotten a right hand grip early in the bout but Shishi pulled it off. As the two tussled, Kotoeiho re-established that right-hand overarm hold, rotated, and threw Shishi. Uwatenage.

Kinbozan (2-0) defeated Tokihayate (0-2). Tokihayate drove into Kinbozan and forced him back to the edge. As they neared the edge, Kinbozan pivoted and used his left-hand overarm grip to drag Tokihayate over the bales. Uwatenage.

Hakunofuji (1-1) defeated Asanoyama (1-1). Hakunofuji charged forward at the tachiai. Asanoyama backed up and tried to slap him down. Asanoyama leapt back as he reached the bales and Hakunofuji fell to the ground. Gunbai Asanoyama. Mono-ii. The shimpan review decided Asanoyama’s foot had gone out before Hakunofuji fell, overturning the judges original ruling. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (1-1) defeated Ura (1-1). Nishikifuji battered Ura as if the pink warrior had insulted his mother. Nishikifuji’s powerful tsuppari drove Ura back and out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (1-1) defeated Oshoma (0-2). Oshoma slid back and held Asahakuryu at bay. Then he suddenly pulled and tried to trip Asahakuryu as Asahakuryu charged forward. It didn’t work. Asahakuryu drove forward and forced Oshoma back and out. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (2-0) defeated Abi (1-1). Abi went for the belt to neutralize Asakoryu’s high-octane attack. It didn’t work. Asakoryu established a left-hand inside grip, pivoted, and threw Abi forward to the ground. Takasago-beya can celebrate the Kohaku victories today. Shitatenage.

Roga was the only competitor on the West side to win during the first half of action. Tamawashi could not make it an East-side sweep.

Halftime

Churanoumi (2-0) defeated Chiyoshoma (0-2). Chiyoshoma battered Churanoumi with tsuppari and then tried a poorly executed slapdown. Churanoumi kept his balance and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Shodai (1-1) defeated Fujiseiun (1-1). Shodai shifted right along the bales and pulled Fujiseiun down at the edge by his shoulder. Katasukashi.

Daieisho (2-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-2). Daieisho hit Wakamotoharu at the tachiai then shifted right, pulling Wakamotoharu down. Hatakikomi.

Oho (1-1) defeated Gonoyama (1-1). Oho engaged Gonoyama at the tachiai. Gonoyama tried to shove Oho’s left arm down and ended up losing his balance, falling face first to the clay. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (2-0) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-1). Ichiyamamoto plowed ahead with his head butts and tsuppari. Takayasu shifted left before he reached the bales and pulled Ichiyamamoto down. Hikiotoshi.

Hiradoumi (1-1) defeated Atamifuji (0-2). Hiradoumi got his left-hand uwate early in the bout. But when he was able to get that right-hand inside grip he was finally able to get the leverage needed to pull Atamifuji up, force him back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (1-1) defeated Kotoshoho (0-2). Takanosho blew Kotoshoho away. I don’t think anyone in the arena had that on their bingo card because everyone seemed to quietly processing what just happened. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (2-0) default win over Hoshoryu (0-2).

Wakatakakage (2-0) defeated Kotozakura (0-2). Wakatakakage got his right-hand inside and left-hand outside hold of Kotozakura’s belt. Once that hold was firmly established, he bulldozed Kotozakura to the edge. Kotozakura tried to borrow one of Shodai’s tricks at the edge but it didn’t work and Wakatakakage powered him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (2-0) defeated Yoshinofuji (1-1). Yoshinofuji wanted that early belt grip but Kirishima ripped his hand away and brawled. As Yoshinofuji tried to re-establish an attack, Kirishima shifted to the side and shove him down.

Wrap-up

Tobizaru is looking good so far this tournament. Of the veterans battling at the bottom of the division, he’s looked the strongest, so far.

There’s no yusho race at this point. Thankfully no one seems to have gone and injured themselves today, so hopefully no new kyujo tomorrow in the top division.

Looking at tomorrow’s sanyaku bouts, Takayasu will fight Hiradoumi, Wakatakakage will fight Yoshinofuji, Kotoshoho will try to get his first win this tournament against Ichiyamamoto. Atamifuji faces Oho, Kirishima will fight Fujinokawa and the other winless Koto will battle Takanosho in the musubi-no-ichiban.


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22 thoughts on “Natsu 2026: Day ツー

  1. Before the last bout I was half-chanting, take care of yourself Kirishima, take care of yourself Kirishima, be careful, people are trying to hurt you, big people are trying to hurt you, be careful, take care of yourself Kirishima, don’t get hurt, you hear me?

  2. I thought Hakunofji was “flying” before Asanoyama stepped back and out…so did not think the reversal of gyoji decision was right… just my eyes.

    • I did, too. For what it’s worth. But I was disappointed in Asanoyama’s decision there. Not good sumo from either, in my humble opinion.

        • Correction — Hak was in the air falling forward inside the tawara when Asanoyama’s heel touched outside.

  3. Alas, the uncertainties of the Dead Body Rule…
    I think Asanoyama’s heel touched the sand before Hakunofuji landed, but I expected they would decide that H. was “dead” already.

    • I thought there was a chance that would happen but Hakunofuji was moving forward and Asanoyama was basically capitulating by moving backwards and out. I was not really happy with either of their choices there.

      • Honestly, the fact that you got Asahakuryu and Asakoryu correct when you’re typing that early in the morning is impressive, Andy. Thanks for burning the early morning oil to keep us all updated.

  4. Seems like everyone knows the Cup race is wiiiiiiide open, so they’re really putting their all into every match. Lots of grumpy faces for the losers too. Love to see it.
    I’m not 100% convinced that Kotoeiho has leveled up his sumo, but he’s winning in glorious fashion right now. More of that, please.
    I would have preferred a torinaoshi for Takerufuji/Asanoyama, but I get why the judges decided what they did. I also agree with Andy that both rikishi made poor decisions for the bout to end the way it did.
    Asakoryu tossed Abi around like a sack of rice. My goodness!
    Welcome to cartoon sumo, Fujiseiun. Study up and maybe you’ll beat Shodai next time.
    I feel bad for Gonoyama. Losing by Slippiotoshi must be stupendously frustrating.
    After watching his match today, I’m convinced that Kotozakura has reached the highest rank he’ll ever get. He might do better if he loses some weight, but his knees are already on their way out.
    Kirishima was really pleased after his win. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s been working on strategies to win against bigger, stronger opponents since The Yeet Heard Round The World and there were definitely points in this match where he could have lost.

    • Re: Kotozakura. I agree with you, both on having peaked and the need for losing weight.

      He reminds me of Takakeisho (not in terms of technique). Uncomfortable with the weight and, frankly, doesn’t seem like he enjoys sumo(!). Maybe the two are intertwined?

      • That’s highly possible. Perhaps he believes he needs the weight in order to prevent people from moving himself much because he doesn’t believe he can move well himself? He’s definitely getting in his own way mentally. When he decides that he’s going to control a match and attack he’s completely different on the dohyo.

    • Hakunofuji instead of Takerufuji there versus Asanoyama, there’s a lot of Fujis to keep track of.

      • Ah, indeed! Thank you for the correction. I’ll have more coffee before posting next time.

  5. Nice detail about the ‚kohaku’ duo: when Asahakuryu got his bout home, some loud solo applause could be heard from the audience. But actually it was Asakoryu, slapping all his muscels to warm up for Abi. Very effective, one must say!
    Today’s sumo was overall very entertaining! Sure folks are eagerly scenting the opportunity to get something going, given the present void at the top ranks (like Wulftrax mentioned already).
    On to Dayスリー!

    • The thing is, I really need a picture to go with the explanation of Kohaku. It’s also a great, corny music show at New Year’s.

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