Day Twelve in Nagoya. No news from the infirmary.
There was a lot of discussion yesterday about whether there was a hairpull in the Aonishiki bout. I’ve seen the replays and I wasn’t able to tell if Aonishiki got his fingers in there or just batted the ginko-leaf around — kinda like a cat with a ball. You all were not the only ones to notice and call it out. Sasaki Ichiro, the popular sumo reporter from Nikkan Sports, wrote about it. He spoke with Onoe-oyakata, head shimpan for that shift. He said that they’d not thought there was a hairpull and they were not notified from the replay booth about it.
There was an eventful day in Juryo today. Shonannoumi improved to (9-3) by slapping Arashifuji (10-4) down. Toshinofuji (9-3) was wrangled down by Shirokuma (9-3), so the Isegahama man remains in second place now joined by Shirokuma and Shonannoumi.
Asasuiryu, Tokihayate, and Dewanoryu won and picked up their kachi-koshi records. Asasuiryu will be picking out his somenuki patterns for Aki and Tokihayate is already likely to join him. Dewanoryu might need another win to seal his promotion but with the dire state of Makuuchi, he might already be heading up. That would be a story in itself as Dewanoryu would overtake Mitakeumi as heyagashira (top wrestler) in Dewanoumi-beya. At this point, I don’t see how that can be avoided. It’s been a tough time for the former Ozeki, who lost his mother earlier this year. I’ll be purchasing a forty of malt liquor this evening, maybe even two so I can actually drink one.
Enho (6-6) beat Sadanoumi (4-8) with a clever little tottari. Meisei (3-9), Nishikigi (6-6), Kagayaki (5-7), Ryuden (2-10), Midorifuji (7-5) and Tamawashi (6-6) all lost. A brutal day for The Old Guard. Ryuden, in particular, looks set to fall deep to the bottom of Juryo, though likely safe from demotion.
Makuuchi Action
Asahakuryu (5-7) defeated Kazuma (3-9). Hidari-yotsu. This was a long, old-school yotsu battle. In the middle of the bout, Asahakuryu had good position and tried an uwatenage. By pivoting and trying the throw, he ended up with his heels at the edge of the ring. Unfortunately, Kazuma did not have the strength to drive Asahakuryu over the edge, so I got the sense this would just be a matter of time, as Kazuma would wear down, Asahakuryu would work him over the edge. Yorikiri.
Asakoryu (7-5) defeated Abi (5-7). Asakoryu henka! Asakoryu leapt to the left and thrust Abi forward to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.
Daiseizan (6-6) defeated Mitakeumi (1-11). Mitakeumi Henka! Full-on desperation from the former Ozeki. Mitakeumi missed with his belt grab and Daiseizan had not rushed forward so he quickly spun around to face Mitakeumi. Another hidari-yotsu battle ensued. Daiseizan cut Mitakeumi’s left-hand hold and pulled up, driving forward and forcing Mitakeumi out. Mitakeumi is likely Juryo-bound. Yorikiri.
Shishi (10-2) defeated Asanoyama (8-4). Migi-yotsu battle. Shishi pivoted and dragged Asanyama down, rotating left along the bales. Shitatenage.
Fujiryoga (8-4) defeated Nishikifuji (8-4). Nishikifuji charged forward but at the edge, Fujiryoga shifted left and pushed Nishikifuji down. Fujiryoga kachi-koshi. Is it me or did he look pissed? It looked like he caught a hand to the throat but I didn’t see anything really untoward from Nishikifuji’s fight. Maybe Fujiryoga was just pumped to get his kachi-koshi? Tsukiotoshi.
Tobizaru (4-8) defeated Onokatsu (2-10). Tobizaru shifted right and slapped Onokatsu down. Hatakikomi.
Takerufuji (10-2) defeated Takayasu (9-3). Henka Takerufuji! I think this henka caught everyone off guard. Well played. Takayasu was a coiled spring and launched himself forward. Takerufuji didn’t need much help as Takayasu flew by but he grabbed Takayasu’s belt with his left hand and helped fling him forward. Uwatenage.
Kinbozan (7-5) defeated Shodai (4-8). With a right-hand nodowa, followed by a head-butt, Kinbozan drained Shodai’s will to compete. Kinbozan drove forward and Shodai did not stop him. Shodai makekoshi. Yorikiri.
Roga (6-6) defeated Ura (4-8). Migi-yotsu. Roga pushed Ura to the edge. Ura kept trying to use his shitatenage and tip Roga over but Roga’s position really prevented Ura from securing a left-hand overarm grip. Roga kept driving forward and crushed Ura over the edge. Yoritaoshi.
Chiyoshoma (4-8) defeated Oshoma (5-7). Chiyoshoma pivoted on his left foot and pulled Oshoma down with his left hand inside. Shitatenage.
Halftime
Daieisho (7-5) defeated Fujiseiun (6-6). Daieisho shifted right and slapped Fujiseiun down. Hatakikomi.
Wakamotoharu (6-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-7). Ichi tried to grab Wakamotoharu’s left arm and pull him forward but Wakamotoharu kept his footing and drove Ichiyamamoto off the dohyo. Oshidashi.
Fujinokawa (6-6) defeated Gonoyama (5-7). Fujinokawa got both hands inside for a morozashi, then planted his left foot and hauled Gonoyama over from that right hand hooked under Gonoyama’s shoulder. Sukuinage.
Takanosho (6-6) defeated Hakunofuji (7-5). Takanosho charged ahead behind that right hand nodowa and shoved Hakunofuji out. Sometimes that nodowa looks brutal, other times it’s batted away and Takanosho gets slapped down. Today was one of the brutal days. Oshidashi.
Sanyaku
Hiradoumi (2-10) defeated Yoshinofuji (5-7). Yoshinofuji hauled Hiradoumi to the edge with his sukuinage but couldn’t quite get him over. He followed up with tsuppari blasts as Yoshinofuji tried to shove Hiradoumi out. Hiradoumi slipped to the left and pulled Yoshinofuji over the edge for quite the surprising reversal. Hiradoumi ends a six-day losing streak. Okuridashi.
Churanoumi (5-7) defeated Oho (1-11), easily. Oho tried a half-hearted slapdown and Churanoumi shoved him out. Oshidashi.
Atamifuji (9-3) defeated Kotoeiho (9-3). Migi-yotsu. This was a rather high-octane back and forth as the two men raced around the dohyo trying to shove each other out. Kotoeiho gained the advantage and tried to push Atamifuji out. Atamifuji used his right hand inside Kotoeiho’s shoulder to haul him over. Kotoeiho fell forward as he pushed Atamifuji out. Gunbai Kotoeiho. Mono-ii. The shimpan decided it was too close to call…do it again! In the rematch, Atamifuji charged ahead. Kotoeiho pulled and tried to shift right to counter Atamifuji but Atamifuji dropped him from the dohyo. Yorikiri.
Kotoshoho (5-7) defeated Aonishiki (10-2). Kotoshoho pulled down with his left hand on Aonishiki’s head. This caused Aonishiki to stumble forward. Kotoshoho gave chase and shoved Aonishiki out. Oshidashi.
Kotozakura (7-5) defeated Hoshoryu (7-5). Kotozakura slipped to the left and used his left hand on Hoshoryu’s belt to pull the Yokozuna forward. Uwatedashinage.
Kirishima (10-2) defeated Onoshato (6-6). Kirishima grabbed Onosato’s right arm and dragged him forward, dumping the Yokozuna over the bales. Tottari.
Wrap-Up
Well. That was a day of sumo. Not all of it good but some of it great. Earlier in the tournament, Aonishiki seemed desperate to get that left hand grip as early as possible. Today, it was an after thought as he brawled with Kotoshoho for a bit. The Yokozuna were dreadful, losing quickly to guys who appeared to have a plan. It is helpful to have one. You might want to write that down, guys.
I’m not convinced Onosato will show up tomorrow. We shall see.
Yusho Race
- 2-Losses: Kirishima, Aonishiki, Takerufuji, Shishi
- 3-Losses: Atamifuji, Kotoeiho, Takayasu
Well, the Kirishima rope-run storyline comes back into play. Sorry for the delay in posting. The Sumo Association just published the bout list for tomorrow. Hoshoryu will fight Atamifuji. Onosato will face Takerufuji. Kirishima will fight Aonishiki in what will likely be bout-of-the-day. Interestingly, Kotozakura will fight Shishi. I’ve got mixed feelz on that. I mean, come on. Kotozakura fighting M14 to clear his kadoban?!?! I’ve never wanted someone to go down before now. This is just nonsense.
We’ve got Kotoshoho versus Takayasu and Yoshinofuji versus Kotoeiho and Hiradoumi versus the Ghost of Oho. Churanoumi will fight Fujinokawa. Shodai will fight Abi and Mitakeumi will take on Kazuma.
The Makuuchi demotion picture is becoming clear, and Onokatsu is captain of the barge to Juryo. Kazuma also has a demotable record already, and further losses just dig the hole deeper and push his slide further into the second division. Mitakeumi is next and Wakanosho fourth in line.
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Some reactions:
“they were not notified from the replay booth about it” – furthers my case that the shimpan have their eyes painted on..
“Arashifuji (10-4)” – uh-oh – he’s been sneaking in some night-time bouts? ;)
“A brutal day for The Old Guard.” – that’s been my overwhelming feeling from this whole basho in makuuchi, too. So many who were down in the cheap seats where you’d expect them to do well haven’t, while many of the youngsters have looked pretty good. It feels like a changing of the guard.
“Is it me or did he [Fuijryoga] look pissed?” – he has looked that way the past few days. Perhaps he literally is – I’m betting that someone slipped him a bottle of Asahi-swapped-for-piss a few nights ago..
Shishi will not be an easy task for Kotozakura. He is in yusho race, probably fighting for his first special prize… and if Koto will lose this, it will be fair relegation to sekiwake, because there shouldnt be an ozeki who cant beat double digits maegeshira. And I feel so sorry for both yokozuna, it was a pathetic sight today. They are excelent fighters, and I dont want to see them like that.
I guess there is a slight misunderstanding: Aonishiki needed ten for his comeback to ozeki, but Kotozakura only needs eight to stay in. Therefore, if he lost tomorrow he‘d still get two more chances, one of them probably the freebie against Onosato (I‘m exaggerating, but only a little bit unfortunately).
My thoughts were if he cant tomorrow beat Shishi, he will not get his eight. Unless something like fusen against Onosato, which will be much worse than kick some M14, imo.
Well, Kotozakura is on a three-bout winning streak…
My money is on KotoZ to get his 8, and he retains his Ozeki status. I agree, he has been fighting well these last several days.
I’d say Kotozakura versus Shishi is actually a little ridiculous from the other direction. If I understand you, you’re saying the Ozeki ought to have a tougher fight to get his kachi-koshi, but the way Shishi has been fighting I’d think he’s going to be a real challenge.
I’d say, at the point the M14 is challenging for the yusho and ought to be given a gatekeeper, the remains of Kotozakura doesn’t seem like the stiffest of tests
I agree with U though it’s always hard to tell how the lower maegashira will do against stronger opponents. Shishi‘s record against joi rikishi so far has been 2-3, but he‘s never met Kotozakura before.
I think this bout tomorrow (Kotozakura v Shishi) will be the bout of the day. Shishi’s metamorphosis into the powerhouse Shishi v 2.0 this basho is nothing short of amazing. He’s gained a lot of upper body strength. I think none of us expected to see him tied for first place with three other rikishi going into Day 13. Exciting!
I was wrong about this
Great move by the Battle Mouse on Gonoyama, beautifully executed.
I do not know how Hakunofuji’s head didn’t pop off, I mean that was some brutal pressure!
Yes Kirishima, that was a plan, I think he has tried to pull off something similar in the last two tournaments against Onosato, but didn’t quite get it right. Quite a win for him finally.
It is not great seeing Oho the way he is, why on earth is he still out there….
Looks like the Juryo barge is going to be busy.
My thoughts mirror what’s already been said. The Yokozuna? Both were shockingly bad today. No one should ever take them for granted…but 7-5 and 6-6?!
I thought Kotoeiho won the first bout vs Atamifuji but, after watching the slo-mo replay, can understand the torinaoshi. Atamifuji didn’t mess around the second time.
Takayasu. Damn. A loss via henka.
Kotozakura at 7-5. Well, odds are he’ll eke out a kachi-koshi.
At least Wakamotoharu won, getting himself back into it.
I think I saw a little pride sneak into Wakamotoharu’s facial expression about two seconds after that fight, though it could just as easily be relief. Both are deserved. 6 and 6, when I would have guessed 2 and 10 by now had he continued that slide. I like him, and want him to do well.
I have not seen such a strong reaction by Hoshoryu after any fights he lost. That was just a very bad fight. He did not have any grip on Kotozakura, who could easily sweep him aside by shoving his head.
Wakanosho is quite save, but if the injury had happened one day earlier he would be down.
Fourth in line for a demotion is Daizeizan who needs two wins. Asahakuryu, Abi and Asakuryu still need one win or else they‘d be dependent on the juryo results.
Very interesting what they are doing down in makushita. The sole 6-0 rikishi, Nabatame isn’t scheduled for tomorrow! There will we six 5-1 duels, the makushita winners of which will be in a playoff with Nabatame, if he lost on day 14 (against a juryo man I guess).
Though that’s an original solution, I by all means can’t figure out why they don’t have him fight tomorrow. Any idea, Iksumo, if U happen to be watching?
My working theory: they want to have Nabatame fight someone from Juryo as an exchange bout.
Yes, that much seemed clear, but why not on day 13 for heaven‘s sake like all his possible opponents in the playoffs?
I’m not sure it was clear whether Tochitaikai or Nishikigi would be first in line to go down. Tochitaikai might just save himself. But here, a Nabatame win seals Nishikigi’s make-koshi. Nishikigi might even still save himself but this makes both men fight like hell tonight.
Abi is in danger of having henka nightmares. Had his own henka twisted round on him on day 11 and then Asakoryu’s gorgeous version left his face centimeters from the salt and clay on day 12. On another subject entirely, I’m developing a theory that Ura and Tobizaru, both having fighting styles listed as “other” or “unconventional” usually have similar tournament results. When one does well, so does the other. Good chance I’m imagining that, so I’ll gather hard data and post the results in case we end up in a game of Grand Sumo Trivia.
That does seem to be the pattern I’ve observed as well with Tobizaru and Ura.
Abi may no longer be the king of King of henkas! Though he has been a great role model for others to model their own henka style on.
In sandanme Tenshoyama is in a final to win his first yusho. He is in his fourth basho, the other three all going to Asahifuji. But even if he wins tomorrow there is still the possibility of a playoff.
In the jonidan final Hakugetsuro, who’s won all his (13) bouts in sumo will meet Nakazawa, who has 12 wins so far and only one loss against, U guessed it, Hakugetsuro.
Here too a playoff remains possible, exactly as in jonokuchi, where Kakizoe is the only one with a 6-0, but if he lost tomorrow (against the third 6-0 jonidan wrestler) he would have to fight one or two of the now 5-1 rikishi at senshuraku.
Mitakeumi really is throwing everything and the kitchen sink at his opponents trying to find a win, yet he’s still coming up short. I think his luck has run out and Abi might get dragged along for the ride too. There are definitely going to be some rikishi who will be breathing a sigh of relief that they’re still in the top division after this basho.
I think Tobizaru has a back injury. No forward motion at all today and stiff movements even when he accepted the envelopes. It really feels like he’s trying to finish the basho more than anything else.
Fujiryoga definitely looked angry after his win today, but I also have no idea why. He might be grimacing in pain which I hope isn’t the case because that means he has an invisible injury.
It seems that Kotoeiho has to improve his sumo skills against an opponent who’s strategy includes “being big”. Atamifuji relies on that a lot which is why the torinaoshi happened in their bout.
It is incredibly frustrating to say, “Don’t give this one away, Hoshoryu” and then watch a Yokozuna literally walk right into the standard strategy for his opponent. At least Kirishima tried something different than what he usually does. How can you not expect Kotozakura to pull and try a slapdown?! Ridiculous. I hope Hoshoryu is humbled appropriately by his record at the end of this basho. It really feels like he thinks he has everything figured out instead of making appropriate plans for each opponent these days.
Kirishima’s win today really feels like an “I want your spot, Kid” win.
I am pretty sure Fujiryoga looked as pissed because Nishikifuji clearly did a Matta! His right hand was nowhere near the ground when he charged forward.
My guess after having seen his interview in the NHK highlights is, that he wasn’t pissed at all, but had to fight to keep his straight face even after reaching kachikoshi, which he thinks is good etiquette.
The interviewer asked Fujiryoga why he looks mad after a win. Fujiryoga replied that he likes to look “professional” while on the dohyō, especially of his competitor is still there.
That can very well be, but he stared directly at Nishikifuji as he was still on his knees. Not a big deal anyway. It just stands out because rikishi usually don’t show any feelings other than some short nod after winning a basho (Aonishiki), letting out a deep breath of relief (Onosato a few days ago) or the sadly missing Wakatakakage on winning the last basho.
Poor Papa Bear! Losing to a henka is really rough, although I do admit this one was a total surprise and well done. I hope he bounces back tomorrow!
Aonishiki also lost, so I got the double whammy. It was a nice pull down by Kotoshoho, but I’m not sure it works nearly that well if Aonishiki had a healthy left ankle. It was up in the air when the pull hit, and Ao just couldn’t put enough weight on it to stop his forward momentum. I’m still less concerned about Aonishiki winning the basho (as nice as that would be) than his ankle getting hurt more. Hang in there vs Kirishima!
I feel really bad for Kotoeiho. What an incredible fight he had against Atamifuji. I don’t think the torinaoshi was a bad call (it’s what I thought the mono-ii would end up with and where I was leaning myself), but it wouldn’t have been that big a shock if they gave Kotoeiho the win either. But Kotoeiho was too gassed for the rematch. If he keeps wrestling like that, though, he’ll go places.
I don’t normally cheer for a Henka but when Abi is the victim…
What goes around comes around.
See! Not all henka can be bad! Proof!
Yokozuna have life tenure (until they get thrown out of or resign the association) so cannot go kadoban and be forced to regain their rank.
Just for fun I investigated which Yokozuna since 1990 have won outright (or were in the Yusho playoff) for two consecutive Yusho AFTER their promotion to Yokozuna. In other words, how many times would Yokozuna have “re-earned” promotion using the most strict requirement for Yusho or Yusho Equivalent:
Onosato None (Yokozuna 2025.07 – present)
Hoshoryu Once = 2025.09 / 2025.11 (Yokozuna 2025.03 – present)
Terunofuji Once = 2021.09 / 2021.11 (Yokozuna 2021.09 – 2025.01)
Kakuryu Once = 2018.03 / 2018.05 (Yokozuna 2014.05 – 2021.03)
Kisenosato None (Yokozuna2017.03 – 2019.01)
Haramafuji None (Yokozuna 2012.11 – 2017.11)
Hakuho 27 times (Yokozuna 2007.07 – 2021.07)
Asashoryu 13 times (Yokozuna 2003.03 – 2010.01)
Musashimaru 2 times (Yokozuna 1999.07 – 2003.11)
Wakanohana None (Yokozuna 1998.07 – 2000.03)
Takanohana 13 times (Yokozuna 1995.01 – 2003.01)
Akebono 3 times (Yokozuna 1993.03) – 2001.01
Asahifuji None (Yokozuna 1990.09 – 1992.01)
PS I tried to format this, but only after posting will we know if it was successful :)
Clearly my formatting did not work…
correction: ‘25 september classic- Onosato Yusho. (Hoshoryu has no yusho so far)
Thanks for the great info! I screenshotted your comment.
Respect Hakuho the great!
Thanks for you comment! What I was tracking was not Yusho, but 2 consecutive occurrences of Yusho or Yusho equivalent after becoming Yokozuna. I made a very strict definition of Yusho equivalent to be in the Yusho playoff. You are correct that Onosato won in 2025.09 and that Hoshoryu has no Yusho since becoming Yokozuna. But Onosato does not have consecutive Yusho or Yusho equivalents since becoming Yokozuna, whereas Hoshoryu has consecutive Yusho equivalents (Yusho playoff) in 2025.09 (Onosato Yusho) and 2025.11 (Aonishiki Yusho). It is an odd thing indeed.
Here is the query: https://sumodb.sumogames.de/Query.aspx?show_form=0&form1_rank=Y&form1_y=on&form1_yd=on&form2_rank=Y&form2_y=on&form2_yd=on
Good to see a wounded WMH save face and hopefully not slide down after this basho ..
Agree Shishi is the story of this basho .. no idea if he can handle KTZ but I suspect he can .. assuming he does not get over his toes .. he and KTZ have built in physical advantages .. macho Shishi is learning how to capitalize on his big bucket ..
Kiri could have gone henka on Onosato .. but he chose a smarter strategy ..+ square danced/chicken winged Onosato over the bales ..
Takanosho’s nodowa is electric .. when he lands it .. kinda surprised he doesn’t use it more ..
I think Kiri has the inside track to this yusho .,
Takanosho uses them ALL THE TIME, his ugly nodowas, and this already for several bashos. I bet so far you will find no 3 matches where our donut man doesn’t grasp for his adversary’s throat. I liked his style much more before he went to his actual number-one-weapon, he’s such a skilful fighter. Well, it’s quite effective, nodowa, Shodai for instance immediately quits fighting when he feels a grip at his throat, but imho amidst all the fascinating techniques of sumo it’s the most disappointing one …
Kotozakura seems to have figured out that if he lets his opponent over extend then he can just slap / push them down, or pull as appropriate. He will get his kachi koshi, just, again. Has he lost his love for the sport, is it mental, physical, emotional?
Everyone’s covered it all, but Hosh… really? That was a plan? Surely not.
I’m rooting for Kirishima to win this one; after the last basho, and his general performance, I feel he rather deserves it. Aonishiki has his rank back, so all good apart from his ankle. I keep forgetting about Takerufuji though. Already a yusho winner and despite the delicate ankles, dangerous! Any ideas as to what or who has put a rocket up Shishi’s ass? (can I write that on here?) Part of it surely has to be rivalry with Aonishiki, the real danger of heading back to Juryo, finally getting to grips a bit more with makuuchi, the rest I presume his stable master? Who knows?
Today the henkas were fabulous, the henka maestro henka’d. Joyous.