I would call today “Shimpan, can you spare a mono-ii day?” There were a number of close matches that featured rikishi in motion exiting the ring or falling to the clay in unison. But after Atamifuji and Mitakeumi required two mono-ii, I think the shimpan crew got worried about running past the 6:00 PM news deadline, and decided to not worry about it. As a result, a few of the contests that may have benefited from video review may not of gotten any, and the basho churned on within its allocated time block.

The group with 1 loss narrowed from 8 rikishi to 5, with kadoban Ozeki Takakeisho possibly having an edge once we begin to cover the yusho race on Sunday.

Highlight Matches

Aoiyama defeats Chiyoshoma – In Nagoya, Aoiyama had a cold start and then rallied to finish with a strong kachi-koshi. Now that he has won 2 in a row, could the same thing be happening after losing his first four? Aoiyama prevented Chiyoshoma from closing in at the tachiai, and then fired up the V-Twin and preceded to pommel Chiyoshoma into submission, sending him out by tsukidashi. Big Dan now 2-4.

Tsurugisho defeats Kotoshoho – How do you get that much human flesh hopping forward and maintain your feet? The athleticism required for some of these guys just handle their own bodies is incredible. Tsurugisho completely overrides whatever sumo Kotoshoho had planned and stomps him out on the East side three steps later by oshidashi. Tsurugisho holds onto his leader slot at 5-1.

Myogiryu defeats Kagayaki – Kagayaki had the better initial attack following the tachiai, but he allowed Myogiryu to position him, then ease him forward until he was ready for Myogiryu’s hatakikomi. Kagayaki hits the clay as Myogiryu improves to 4-2.

Nishikifuji defeats Daishoho – The first part of this match featured Daishoho’s showing some solid upper body defenses, keeping Nishikifuji from thrusting or getting a belt grip. But Nishikifuji was able to break contact, putting Daishoho off balance. In that moment, Nishikifuji grappled, and was rewarded with a double inside grip. Daishoho again did a solid job of defense, but could not overcome the advantage of Nishikifuji’s grip. The yorikiri improves Nishikifuji’s score to 3-3.

Atamifuji defeats Mitakeumi – Neat “low hands” tachiai from Mitakeumi played right into a solid hazu-oshi attack. A push, a pull and the battle went see-saw as the two traded forward combinations. The two lock up on the West side of the dohyo to sort themselves out. Atamifuji ran out of patience first, and attempted a pull. Mitakeumi was ready, driving Atamifuji back and out. but who was out first? The gumbai went to Atamifuji, but it was monoii time. They made the best possible decision – fight again! The second version was a fast forward version of the first, with Mitakeumi getting a body grip and driving forward, hitting the deck just as Atamifuji stepped out. It’s a shimpan parade as the men in black once again mount the dohyo to look deliberative while the guys in the replay room do all the real work. The decision went to Atamifuji, which I thought was maybe a bit generous, as it seemed another rematch was a more reasonable call. Maybe they were short on time. Atamifuji advances to 5-1 by uwatenage.

Kinbozan defeats Takarafuji – Kinbozan extends his record against Takarafuji to 3-0. Takarafuji was quick to square his hips and his shoulders, and Kinbozan responded in a fascinating way. Check out how he continually attacks from an oblique angle, and alternates the leading side of his body. This keeps Takarafuji’s working to adjust, and it does in fact result in Takarafuji being wide open for a grab and quick yorikiri from Kinbozan. Brilliant sumo, and Kinbozan maintains his share of the lead at 5-1.

Endo defeats Sadanoumi – Endo was working very hard to be fast off of the shikiri-sen today, and it caused a couple of matta. I think he was working to counter the speed at which Sadanoumi tends to merge in at the tachiai. However, Sadanoumi is still too fast for him, and gets a right hand outside grip before Endo can counter. But Endo was low enough that he was able to move Sadanoumi back, and step him out for a yorikiri. Both end the day 3-3

Midorifuji defeats Hokuseiho – Midorifuji gets a deep right hand hold on Hokuseiho’s mawashi knot, but then struggles to convert it into any kind of offensive sumo. There were at least two attempts to generate a shitatenage, both of which failed largely due to the tremendous size difference. After more than a minute, Midorifuji simply abandons any plan to throw the giant, lifts him by the belt with both hands, and manages to walk him out. Hokuseiho is being quite passive these days, and I do not like it one bit. Both end the day 2-4.

Kotoeko defeats Onosho – Onosho has now lost 2 in a row, and I hope this is not the start of a losing streak. Both men fought well, and it looked to me that Onosho had the advantage. But a lunge forward to finish Kotoeko was partially deflected, which devolved into both men being off balance and stumbling. The win went to Kotoeko, as he managed to get Onosho to hit the clay first. Kotoeko improves to 2-4.

Hiradoumi defeats Ryuden – Hiradoumi was willing to throw everything he had into that win. I give respect to Ryuden for surviving the first two attempts to finish him off, but Hiradoumi kept throwing in “yet another combo”. In the end, it required Hiradoumi launching himself at Ryuden, propelling both of them into the zabuton. They end the day 2-4.

Takayasu defeats Gonoyama – Excellent and effective opening combo from Takayasu. That left forearm strike followed by a big right hand thrust got Gonoyama off balance. From there, Takayasu maintained contact, and kept Gonoyama moving and off balance to win by oshitaoshi. Well played sir, he maintains a portion of the lead at 5-1.

Shonannoumi defeats Oho – Shonannoumi left hand outside belt grip amidships gave him control of the match, and allowed him to lift Oho up and walk him out. Simple, effective. Shonannoumi now 3-3.

Hokutofuji defeats Takanosho – Hokutofuji snaps his 2 match losing streak with some reverse gear sumo. He gets his opening nodowa in, and moves to pull down Takanosho two steps later, improving his score to 4-2.

Meisei defeats Abi – Another formulaic match from Abi. When he does this, it leaves a lot of room for counter attack, as most of these rikishi are used to fighting him now. Meisei was able to counter well, and kept Abi from putting power forward. Meisei’s oshidashi left both men at a 3-3 score to end their day.

Wakamotoharu defeats Tobizaru – Tobizaru tries a duck and spin Ura style opening combo. It sends both rikishi stumbling, with Tobizaru exiting the dohyo first. Wakamotoharu improves to 4-2.

Ura defeats Daieisho – Daieisho had Ura on the bales, and then for some reason decided to pull. Tremendous miscalculation, as Ura powers forward launching Daieisho off the dohyo. The acrobatics from Ura were the icing on the cake, he is now 3-3.

Kotonowaka defeats Nishikigi – Nishikigi spell seems to have been broken. Kotonowaka tangles up Nishikigi’s arms and walks him back for a simple but effective yorikiri. Kotonowaka advances to 4-2.

Takakeisho defeats Tamawashi – Tamawashi has got to be hurt. He puts up a token defense against Takakeisho, who overpowers him and drives him out of the ring by oshidashi. Tamawashi will take a hit on the banzuke in November, but I think there is a good chance he will rally once more before he finally fades away. Takakeisho maintains his share of the lead at 5-1.

Kirishima defeats Shodai – Shodai almost scored a 3rd win using cartoon sumo today, but Kirishima found his Ozeki fortitude and finished Shodai before he could reach for his acme sumo kit, unleashing a sukuinage that bodily slammed Shodai out of the ring. Kirishima improves to 4-2.

Hoshoryu defeats Asanoyama – There it was again – Asanoyama looking perfect, but missing about 10% of his former power. It left him short of what was required to defeat Hoshoru, who once again made the mistake of aligning his feet. They both worked to rotate their holds into an effective throw, but it was Hoshoryu who completed his pivot first, slamming Asanoyama into the front row. Hoshoryu really needed that win, and he is 3-3.

With the start of day 6 action, we open act 2 of the 2023 Aki basho. Act 2 is where we narrow the field to find out who has what it takes to compete for the yusho, and to start sorting the survivors from the damned. We will enjoy the middle day of the tournament, and being to track the leader board as we start the yusho arasoi. As of now, there are 8 men tied for the lead at 4-1, and we can be fairly certain that the one who eventually takes the cup will have a score no better than 14-1, and more likely 12-3. Only one rikishi in the leader group is in the named ranks, kadoban Ozeki Takakeisho. But keep track of the winner of one of today’s most anticipated match ups – Gonoyama vs Takayasu.

What We Are Watching Day 6

Aoiyama (1-4) vs Chiyoshoma (1-4) – Now that Aoiyama has his first win, will he be able to bounce back like he did in Nagoya? From day 8, he won 7 straight to finish 9-6. This battle today against Chiyoshoma should be telling.

Tsurugisho (4-1) vs Kotoshoho (2-3) – Tsurugisho’s uses his ponderous bulk to great advantage, but when facing a rikishi with good lateral motion, it can be a real weakness. We know Kotoshoho can fight with a lot of mobility, even if some days he does not. He does have a 3-1 career lead over Tsurugisho, including both prior matches this year.

Myogiryu (3-2) vs Kagayaki (3-2) – Both men have 3-2 scores, both men won their day 4 and day 5 matches, and they share a close to even 6-7 career record. Let’s just call this one even, thought I admit I am still quite pleased with Myogiryu’s win on day 5 against Hokuseiho.

Daishoho (2-3) vs Nishikifuji (2-3) – Another match up with even scores, but this time we have Nishikifuji coming in with a 7-2 career advantage against Daishoho. But the only prior match this year, which happened on day 10 of Osaka, went to Daishoho. I would like to see if the Oitekaze Mongol can do it again in September.

Mitakeumi (4-1) vs Atamifuji (4-1) – A match that was destined to happen. Both of them are plump, round fellows with a great deal of sumo skill. Both of them have a share of the 8 way leader board, and only one of them will survive this match. They have never fought before, and frankly I have no clue if either of them bring any kind of advantage to the dohyo today. I am pulling for Mitakeumi to be in the yusho race next week, just to confound the sumo world.

Kinbozan (4-1) vs Takarafuji (3-2) – It’s still great to watch Takarafuji fight, but age and accumulated injury has taken away quite a bit of his former stamina and alacrity. Given that his opponent is the red-hot Kazah Bulldozer, Kinbozan, this match might be a bit one sided. That is, unless Takarafuji can get his feet set before Kinbozan can rev up the forward power.

Sadanoumi (3-2) vs Endo (2-3) – A pair of long serving vets with acres of experience. I am not sure if Endo can be “up” for two days in a row any more, but I would love to see him pull some of his “how did he think of that” combos against the speedy Sadanoumi today. The last two matches have gone to Endo, with the most recent being day 1 of Osaka.

Midorifuji (1-4) vs Hokuseiho (2-3) – I am always ready to watch an Isegahama vs Miyagino battle. I just wish that dear old Haraumafuji could have been there to take on the Isegahama name and carry things forward. Ah, perhaps in some alternate universe where Kisenosato won 8 yusho after he took the rope. Midorifuji won their only prior contest, on the final day of Nagoya, but he comes in today diminished from his performance in the heat. I think that Hokuseiho will probably even the score today.

Onosho (4-1) vs Kotoeko (1-4) – Onosho took his first loss on day 5, but I don’t expect that to trigger one of his losing streaks unless he was somehow injured by his match with Gonoyama. Now part of the 8 man leader group, I suspect he’s fairly secure to be the favorite today against the flagging Kotoeko.

Hiradoumi (1-4) vs Ryuden (2-3) – Hiradoumi has not been able to beat Ryuden in any of the 5 previous attempts. I see no reason for him to be able to change that today. Hiradoumi has been moving well in each of his matches, but has been unable to pick up more than a single win thus far.

Gonoyama (4-1) vs Takayasu (4-1) – Do any of you readers finding yourself looking forward to Gonoyama’s match of the day. My eye caught that he was going to fight Takayasu today, and my reaction was “oh good!”. This has a lot of fun potential, as you can get the speed of Gonoyama going against the power and endurance of Takayasu. It’s been a long time since we have watch Takayasu grind someone to dust using his inhuman stamina, and maybe we might get that today. Gonoyama won their only prior match, on day 12 of Nagoya.

Oho (2-3) vs Shonannoumi (2-3) – Shonannoumi has won both of their prior matches, though only one has happened recently. On day 3 of Natsu, where Shonannoumi won by tsukiotoshi. I would like to see Oho once again keep his body calm and his center of gravity moving less, much as he did in his win against Hiradoumi on day 5.

Hokutofuji (3-2) vs Takanosho (2-3) – Hokutofuji has lost the last 2 in a row, after beating the 3 top men in the sport. No telling why that happened, but he has a chance to return to the winning path with a victory over Takanosho today. He has beaten him in 8 out of their 12 career matches, so the odds are indeed in his favor.

Abi (3-2) vs Meisei (2-3) – Abi is done playing with the Ozeki and the Sekiwake for September, so it’s on to thrashing about the Maegashira now. While is sumo is achingly formulaic, it still gets the job done most of the time. He has an 8-4 career record against Meisei, including all 4 prior matches this year.

Tobizaru (3-2) vs Wakamotoharu (3-2) – This match has a great chance of being loads of fun. We have an excellent clash of styles, with Wakamotoharu preferring to latch onto his opponent and fight yotsu-style, and Tobizaru looking to stay mobile and fight monkey-style. They both have won 7 of their 14 prior fights, and they come in with matching 3-2 records. I do note that Wakamotoharu has won the last six consecutive contests, going back to 2022.

Daieisho (2-3) vs Ura (2-3) – Neither one of these rikishi have been setting the torikumi on fire this week, and come in with middling 2-3 scores. Each have a set of matches that they somehow flubbed, and are left trying to find their way to 8 wins. Daieisho clearly holds a lead over their careers, at 9-2, including 3 of the last 4.

Kotonowaka (3-2) vs Nishikigi (3-2) – This match also has my attention. Nishikigi is actually on a path to get to kachi-koshi from the Komusubi rank. Should he do so, it will be a remarkable peak of performance late in his career. Frankly, I would love to see it. He has only won 2 out of the 6 prior fights with Kotonowaka, but did manage to get one of those wins on day 12 of Natsu – by oshidashi.

Tamawashi (0-5) vs Takakeisho (4-1) – I will be very surprised if Tamawashi can rally for this fight. He seems to be going through the motions as best he can, and I would guess he is probably injured. Right now Takakeisho needs 4 more wins to clear kadoban, and is part of the 4-1 leader group.

Kirishima (3-2) vs Shodai (2-3) – Shodai holds a 10-6 record against Kirishima. He has also won his last two (Hoshoryu, Ura) using a healthy measure of cartoon sumo. Kirishima must be on his guard, as he needs 5 wins across the last 10 days to clear kadoban.

Asanoyama (2-3) vs Hoshoryu (2-3) – To my surprise these two have only fought twice, with both wins going to Hoshoryu. The most recent of which was Day 7 in Nagoya where Hoshoryu won by uwatenage. I think this rank is about as high as Asanoyama can go with his current level of polish. Should he wish to ascend (I assume he does), he’s going to need to get back into his 2018 / 2019 form where he always seemed happy to be doing sumo on any day that ended in a “Y”. Sadly that seems missing now, and with it that last 10% that made him dominant.

Act 1 comes to a close, and the Ozeki corps re-asserts its dominance. Across today’s matches, power sumo was back in style with some brilliant forward power, yotsu-zumo and strong attacks today.

In act 1, the rikishi work to get into honbasho form, break off the ring rust, and find out who is hot, and who is not. It is interesting to me to note that of the 4 rikishi who were undefeated after day 4, all of them took their first loss on day 5: the best record on the board right now is the group of 8 at 4-1.

Hot List

• Gonoyama – Shin-Goeido really setting the pace in the joi-jin
• Onosho – The littlest tadpole is in the midst of one of his winning streaks
• Kinbozan – Too early to call him the “Kazak Bulldozer”?
• Mitakeumi – If he takes the cup, it will hilarious
• Atamifuji – Second posting to the top division is working well for him, in spite of that arm
• Tsurugisho – I know it is said otherwise, but yes, size matters.

Highlight Matches

Kagayaki defeats Chiyoshoma – Chiyoshoma makes good contact at the tachiai, and immediately works to try and pull Kagayaki down. Kagayaki is well balanced and responds with a hearty shove, sending Chiyoshoma out by oshidashi. Kagayaki now 3-2.

Tsurugisho defeats Atamifuji – Tsurugisho’s left hand outside belt grip at the tachiai payed off handsomely as it gave him control over Atamifuji’s body. I did like the amount of disruptive maneuvering Atamifuji tried in order to break that hold, but it was three steps to the bales and a yorikiri win for Tsurugisho. With Atamifuji picking up his first loss, both end the day 4-1.

Kotoshoho defeats Daishoho – A battle of the “Shoho” clan, it came down to clever footwork from Kotoshoho to side step a lunge by Daishoho trying to finish off with an oshidashi. Kotoshoho’s hikiotoshi connected a glancing blow, but it was enough to win the match, and both are 2-3.

Aoiyama defeats Nishikifuji – There is still hope for Big Dan, as he is able to score a win today. Granted, Nishikifuji has never been able to beat Aoiyama, but Aoiyama’s condition is still not good. This match is an exception to the overall power forward sumo theme, in that Aoiyama stepped back and slapped down Nishikifuji for his first win, improving to 1-4.

Takarafuji defeats Sadanoumi – Takarafuji’s ottsuke worked long enough to ensure that Sadnoumi’s hold was too late to matter. The left hand inside hold from Takarafuji had Sadanoumi out by yorikiri, and both ended the day 3-2.

Myogiryu defeats Hokuseiho – Hokuseiho, sir. That tachiai is straight out of Shodai’s sumo book. Please discard it at once. Points to Myogiryu for studying Hokuseiho’s sumo, and diving in with gusto. He left Hokuseiho without a working hold of any kind, then lifted and carried the giant out for a yorikiri, improving to 3-2.

Endo defeats Kinbozan – That’s two wins in a row for Endo. Not a streak by any means, but maybe some hope after a cold start to Aki. Fans of technical sumo take note – see how careful Endo is with maintaining a rather specific distance from Kinbozan. I thought it odd until I watched it a few times, but he’s taking away the bulk of Kinbozan’s attack options, and relegating him to reacting to whatever Endo decides to throw at him. Every once in a while, Endo can still deliver, he is now 2-3 as Kinbozan picks up his first loss.

Mitakeumi defeats Midorifuji – Man, look at Mitakeumi’s ottsuke! The only thing that is missing is Mitakeumi taunting “stop hitting yourself! stop hitting yourself!” as he thunders forward and drives Midorifuji from the ring. 4-1 and a share of the lead for the original tadpole.

Oho defeats Hiradoumi – Hiradoumi put so much effort and power into this match that its kind of a shame that he lost. But a bunch of that energy was not directed into Oho’s body, and was more or less wasted. In contrast, look at how quiet Oho’s core and legs are. If he can grow that, he’s going to be required assume higher ranks. Oho wins by oshidashi and is now 2-3.

Ryuden defeats Kotoeko – Excellent high power battle to get the inside thrusting lane open, but things go downhill for Kotoeko once he tries to execute a pull on Ryuden’s neck. To do that, he gives up his left arm ottsuke, and gives Ryduen a body hold. Faced with few options, he tries it again and Ryuden engages the oshidashi machine, sending Kotoeko into the same shimpan who has caught every last falling rikishi today. Ryuden now 2-3.

Takayasu defeats Shonannoumi – I had hoped that Takayasu would play this match with the focused and strong sumo rather than the wild man form he sometimes uses. Excellent, fast tachiai into a left hand inside grip – Takayasu was in control of the match. Shonannoumi tried some of the normal counter moves, and was able to break the grip, but that only set up Takayasu’s hatakikomi. He is now 4-1.

Gonoyama defeats Onosho – Shin-Goeido continues to demonstrate some of the better aspects of Goeido’s sumo. Onosho is very fast, he can attack with rapid speed and can react faster than most rikishi. But he’s no match for Gonoyama today. Go watch the combo where he breaks Onosho’s hold, lands two thrusts to center mass and sets his feet all within about 2 seconds. It’s more than Onosho can counter, and he’s over the bales to take his first loss. Both end the day 4-1.

Shodai defeats Ura – Ura powers up and slams into the creamy marshmallow mid section of Shodai, who looks on with all the passion of a rural farmer’s co-op. With Ura vigorously pushing forward, Shodai shoves him aside, maintaining the bored look on his face as Ura eats a face full of dirt. Both end the day 2-3.

Meisei defeats Hokutofuji – For the first three days, Hokutofuji seemed to be an unstoppable force of sumo. But he has now dropped the last two matches. Today he was not mindful of his center of balance, and reached too far forward to grab a retreating Meisei, who slammed him to the clay with a hatakikomi. Meisei improves to 2-3.

Takanosho defeats Daieisho – Daieisho puts big power forward at the tachiai, and for the opening salvo. It succeeds in pressing Takanosho back, but his feet are able to maintain position. As Takanosho catches Daieisho between thrusts, Daieisho steps back and attempts a pull. The resulting oshidashi was to be expected, as Takanosho picks up his second win. Both end the day 2-3.

Tobizaru defeats Kotonowaka – Kotonowaka chose to use power and mass to try and overcome Tobizaru’s mobility advantage. Of course that did not work out at all. Tobizaru easily dodged Kotonowaka’s second forward surge, sending him out of the ring while Tobizaru goes into the crowd to mingle with his adoring fans. Both are now 3-2.

Wakamotoharu defeats Nishikigi – You just knew this was going to be a grand battle of yotsu zumo. Wakamotoharu got the better grip out of the tachiai, and Nishikigi found himself focused on trying to even up. Wakamotoharu recognized he only had a moment before Nishikigi might latch on, and powered forward through Nishikigi’s attempt to hold on at the tawara. Third win for Wakamotoharu, and both are 3-2.

Kirishima defeats Asanoyama – This match had everything. Another great yotsu match, with one of the former master practitioners in Asanoyama. Former? Yeah, his technique is not what it was 4 years ago, though it probably could be if he hones it back into shape. But it was not yotsu that won this long running battle of strength, but a solid Mongolian style leg trip. Kirishima first tried and inside leg trip, which failed, and a few moments later connected with a sotogake to land Asanoyama on shikiri-sen with a thud that was heard all the way up in the gaijin section of the Kokugikan’s upper deck. Kirishima improves to 3-2.

Hoshoryu defeats Tamawashi – Tamawashi looks completely spent. There was an attempt to move to the side at the tachiai, followed by one good offensive run. But it was not enough to do more than move Hoshoryu back. He countered rapidly and ran Tamawashi out by oshidashi. Tamawashi remains winless, ad Hoshoryu improves to 2-3.

Takakeisho defeats Abi – Takakeisho hist with enough power at the tachiai that Abi is forced to step back, and immedately tries for a pull down. But the Grand Tadpole is at speed and he drove Abi from the ring before he hit the deck. From the replays it looks like there could have been a case for a monoii or even a rematch, but the judges let it stand, and Takakeisho advances to 4-1, needing just 4 more wins to clear kadoban.

Wow, we are already previewing the final day of act 1. Time does indeed fly by when you are having fun. There are only 3 rikishi left in the unbeaten category, and I don’t expect any of them to be in the hunt for the yusho. In fact, I don’t think the yusho winner will have more than 12 wins this time out. The sumo world is still looking for someone to provide the level of power and consistency we enjoyed 5 to 6 years ago. Please don’t assume I am saying it’s a bad thing. We all knew then that we were in a rare period of sumo, and that we would not see that level of dominance again any day soon, if ever.

What we have now is a cadre of guys who are giving it their all, but are so evenly matched that they struggle to contain their encroaching injuries, and to consistently rack up the wins. We are still waiting for someone to replace Terunofuji, who I assume will be retired by this time next year barring some level of miracle cure for the multiple health problems he must endure.

But at the start of day 5, I see no clear favorite to enter the yusho final run a week from today.

What We Are Watching Day 5

Kagayaki (2-2) vs Chiyoshoma (1-3) – These two have an impressive 24 match history, with Kagayaki having 14 wins to Chiyoshoma’s 10. From a technique standpoint, Chiyoshoma has been executing well. Yet he only has 1 win so far, and I have to wonder if he’s not quite up to his normal sumo power. At his rank, he could face the possibility of demotion if his losing streak continues.

Atamifuji (4-0) vs Tsurugisho (3-1) – Co-leader Atamifuji, who is no dainty petunia at 160+ kg, goes up against the super-sized Tsurugisho. Tsurugisho has won both of their prior matches, and I am looking at this as a test of Atamifuji’s progress. if he can pull off a win, he’s made progress in his sumo since the last time they fought, on day 9 of Hatsu.

Daishoho (2-2) vs Kotoshoho (1-3) – A lack of consistent good execution is what has made it tough for Kotoshoho to return to his prior ranking much further up the banzuke. Whatever injury he sustained in January or March of 2021 really robbed us of some excellent competition in the years since. He is off to an abysmal start, and seems to be on course for his 4th consecutive make-koshi tournament.

Aoiyama (0-4) vs Nishikifuji (2-2) – If Aoiyama is going to pull out of this slide, its about time for him to pick up a first win. But at his age, its possible he may instead be at the limit of what his body can handle. It’s tough to watch the old greats fade out. He has never lost to Nishikifuji, so if he is going to win one, today should be the day.

Takarafuji (2-2) vs Sadanoumi (3-1) – These two have a 22 match history, and it’s 2:1 in favor of Takarafuji. At 2-2, he could use the win. I note that Sadanoumi has been fighting quite well this month, and he has won 2 of the last 3 head to head matches with Takarafuji.

Myogiryu (2-2) vs Hokuseiho (2-2) – Both men come in at 2-2, but Hokuseiho has a 2-0 career advantage over Myogiryu. I am sure folks get weary of me writing this, but I would love to see some kind of sharp sumo technique from Hokuseiho. The standing around and being enormous was fun for the first few days, but it’s not impressing me right now.

Kinbozan (4-0) vs Endo (1-3) – A first ever match, and it could not come at a worse time for Endo. He just racked up his first win of Aki on day 3 against Midorifuji, and now he has to brawl with one of the co-leaders. Now Kinbozan is not some kind of super human sumo machine, and I am sure that Endo can find a way in that impressive lexicon of sumo to give him a good, close look at the Aki dohyo.

Midorifuji (1-3) vs Mitakeumi (3-1) – After losing his first match to Kinbozan on day 3, Mitakeumi is no longer unbeaten. But he is still very much a possibility to be a part of the yusho race next week. Although Midorifuji has a 2-1 career lead in their fights, a strong and healthy Mitakeumi can take him without too much worry. But is Mitakeumi healthy?

Hiradoumi (1-3) vs Oho (1-3) – Both men come into day 5 with just a single win. Both of them are moving well enough, but seem to be unable to dominate their matches. The good news is that one of these two will pick up a second win today, with Hiradoumi favored due to his 4-1 career advantage, including all three prior matches this year.

Kotoeko (1-3) vs Ryuden (1-3) – Another pair of 1-3 rikishi who have actually been fighting pretty well. I would say that Ryuden can move when he choses, but seems to be making odd or ill advised tactical choices on the clay. They have an even 6-6 record, but I would give an edge to Kotoeko today.

Takayasu (3-1) vs Shonannoumi (2-2) – This is Takayasu’s first ever match against Shonannoumi. Will he go in calm and powerful, or crazy and flailing about? It’s tough to guess which one might be more of an advantage for Takayasu, so I am going to guess Shonannoumi goes easy on the tachiai and tries for a slap down / pull down on the second step as Takayasu lunges forward.

Gonoyama (3-1) vs Onosho (4-0) – I did not realize how much I wanted to see this match up until it appeared on the torikumi. Oh yes please. Shin-Goeido vs the last somewhat healthy tadpole. Much as I love me some Onosho sumo, I really want to see Gonoyama run the table this September. They fought once before, on day 11 of Nagoya, with the win going to Onosho.

Shodai (1-3) vs Ura (2-2) – At this point Shodai is a human dumpster fire of sumo. Who better for him to fight than Ura. I am normally an Ura booster, but I would love to see another deployment of Shodai’s Acme driven cartoon sumo. It’s like getting to see water running uphill, or spontaneous human combustion. Why not televise it around the world in 4K? Ura holds a 6-3 career advantage, but that means nothing if Shodai made a stop in ToonTown before coming to the Kokugikan.

Hokutofuji (3-1) vs Meisei (1-3) – Hokutofuji was part of that cadre of folks who picked up their first losses on day 4, dropping a match to Daieisho after beating all 3 Ozeki on consecutive days. At 1-3 I don’t think Meisei’s sumo is strong enough this month to offer much of a challenge to him, unless he hurt something crashing off the dohyo by Daieisho’s oshidashi.

Daieisho (2-2) vs Takanosho (1-3) – One the subject of Daieisho, he has lost and won on alternating days so far. If he follows that pattern, he will lose today, much to Takanosho’s delight. But my guess is that he’s going to bat Takanosho around like a tabby jacked up on weapons grade catnip before sending him off the dohyo to go cuddle with a waiting Tobizaru.

Kotonowaka (3-1) vs Tobizaru (2-2) – On the subject of Tobizaru, I note that he has a 5-6 record against Kotonowaka, and both have won 2 of their 4 matches this year. When Kotonowaka wins against Tobizaru, it tends to be via a throw. So I will look for Kotonowaka to try and capture the flying monkey and give him a toss down range. Stay mobile Tobizaru!

Nishikigi (3-1) vs Wakamotoharu (2-2) – Seriously, folks. What kind of hulking golem of dread is this current form of Nishikigi. He’s not quick, he’s not agile, he’s like some chanko powered mud slide, tumbling down the mountain wrecking most of what it hits. Wakamotoharu leads the career series 5-3, but I am not certain I would bank on that too much this tournament.

Kirishima (2-2) vs Asanoyama (2-2) – Asanoyama ate a big plate full of “wave action” vittles on day 4, and I am sure that attenuated his fighting spirit a bit. Kirishima needs wins as well, and has dropped the last two matches, both to Maegashira opponents. He needs 6 wins over the final 11 matches, starting wtih today, to clear kadoban.

Tamawashi (0-4) vs Hoshoryu (1-3) – The good news is that Hoshoryu is likely to pick up a much needed win. The sad news is we have to watch Tamawashi get spanked on yet another day. I am not even going to suggest he go kyujo, that is a word he never took the time to learn. So good luck and hold on tight, Iron Man.

Abi (3-1) vs Takakeisho (3-1) – Both are 3-1, both are big power forward thrust jockeys. Both of them have distinct “brand of sumo”. Most of the time (6-4), it’s Abi who carries the day. Like Kirishima, Takakeisho needs wins – 5 over the remaining 11 matches.