Aki 2024

Aki 2024: Day Seven Highlights

Andy Aki 2024 , , ,

No new kyujo in the paid ranks.

Action in Juryo is really heating up. We know these guys are fighting hard for the right to wear their somenuki kimono. These specialized yukata feature the wrestler’s shikona and usually amazing designs and ONLY makuuchi wrestlers are permitted to wear them during the May, July, and September tournaments. Unfortunately, that’s only a summer-time benefit. After Aki, they will need to wait until May to fish them out of their akeni.

Takerufuji charged forward and Tsurugisho had to cycle back and to the left…which is not the way he would want to go. His knee buckled and Takerufuji continues to chew through the division. Chiyoshoma’s henka was well read by Shimazuumi and the Mongolian nearly dropped this bout but he threw Shimazuumi down to remain undefeated with Takerufuji.

Chiyoshoma will seal his return to Makuuchi with a win tomorrow over (…checks notes…) 1-win Daiamami. Yeah, Chiyoshoma will be back in Makuuchi in Kyushu. Takerufuji will need to do something much more spectacular to earn his return from Juryo 11 (probably 13-2 or better. -lksumo). Asakoryu stands in the way of picking up his kachi-koshi tomorrow. Hakuoho will have a tough match against Shishi tomorrow.

I’ve added direct links to the NHK bout videos here. I’m interested to know whether you all like that or not. I wish it would embed the videos but I’ve not figured out how to get that to work cleanly. VIDEO LINKS DON’T WORK. That’s a bummer.

Makuuchi Action

Ryuden (5-2) defeated Kitanowaka (2-5). Hidari-yotsu. Ryuden steadily worked Kitanowaka back and over the edge. Yorikiri. You were expecting susoharai?

Nishikigi (5-2) defeated Onokatsu (2-5). Nishikigi drove forward and Onokatsu fell down at the edge of the dohyo. Yoritaoshi.

Hokutofuji (5-2) defeated Takarafuji (4-3). Hokutofuji’s ottsuke kept Takarafuji from establishing any sort of hold. At the same time Hokutofuji’s tsuppari drove Takarafuji back and out. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (3-4) defeated Kinbozan (2-5). Nishikifuji shoved Kinbozan back. As Kinbozan tried to change direction at the edge he lost his balance and tumbled to the ground. Oshitaoshi.

Sadanoumi (3-4) defeated Shirokuma (2-5). Shirokuma had a strong start but Sadanoumi quickly turned the tables when he established his migi-yotsu grip. He hoisted Shirokuma to the edge of the ring and drove him over. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (5-2) defeated Roga (3-4). Takayasu locked on with his left-hand inside and maintained steady pressure on Roga, forcing him back. Just as it looked like the two were settling into a lean, Roga tried to change his grip and Takayasu charged forward, driving Roga out. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (3-4) defeated Bushozan (4-3). Bushozan drove forward at the tachiai, forcing Tamawashi back to the bales. But it was just a feint from Tamawashi as he slipped to the side and dropped Bushozan to the floor. Tsukiotoshi.

Oshoma (5-2) defeated Kagayaki (1-6). Taking a page from Tamawashi, Oshoma let Kagayaki press forward. Just as Kagayaki ducked his head to charge forward, Oshoma slipped away and slapped Kagayaki down. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage (5-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-5). Don’t they say, “never meet your idol?” Ichiyamamoto discovered that his idol has the power to make him look silly. Ichiyamamoto charged forward but Wakatakakage slipped to his right, grabbed Ichiyamamoto’s arm and forced him to continue forward. He then wrapped him up from behind and walked him out. Okuridashi.

Gonoyama (3-4) defeated Midorifuji (3-4). Midorifuji with the sidestep tachiai but Gonoyama recovered. Midorifuji’s high-octane style continuously probed Gonoyama for a weakness. Gonoyama just kept Midorifuji in front of him and steadily forced him back and over the edge. Tsukidashi.

Halftime

Endo defeated Meisei. Endo with solid hidari-yotsu, forced Meisei back to the edge. Meisei’s knee buckled and he fell to the ground under the white tassel. The way Meisei went down seems a troubling sign that there is a bit of an injury there that he has been trying to mask by not using a supporter. Yoritaoshi.

Churanoumi defeated Shonannoumi. Shonannoumi absolutely dwarfed Churanoumi before the tachiai. But Churanoumi had this bout under control. He focused on keeping Shonannoumi’s right arm at bay and steadily worked him around the dohyo. Shonannoumi seemed to be reaching too far forward as he tried to latch on and maintain that right hand grip. Churanoumi then grabbed Shonannoumi’s belt and pulled him farther forward…and down he went. Tsukiotoshi.

Mitakeumi defeated Ura. Mitakeumi waited for Ura to pull and when Ura made that pull, Mitakeumi cast him from the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Atamifuji (3-4) defeated Tobizaru (2-5). Atamifuji patiently and calmly corralled Tobizaru and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Daieisho (4-3) defeated Takanosho (2-5). Daieisho waited for Takanosho to start pressing forward to execute pull. He shifted right and pulled in a well-timed maneuver that brought Takanosho forward to the floor. Hatakikomi.

Kirishima (6-1) defeated Kotoshoho (4-3). Kirishima used all of his strength to yank Kotoshoho to the edge…but Kotoshoho twisted and pulled Kirishima out at the last second. Gunbai Kirishima. After a review, the call on the field was confirmed. Yoritaoshi.

Onosato (7-0) defeated Hiradoumi (4-3). Onosato calmly dispatched Hiradoumi with ease. Migi-yotsu grip established, he pressed forward and shoved Hiradoumi out. Yorikiri.

Oho (4-3) defeated Abi (2-5). Oho shifted to the side and bought Abi down. This bout may be a cautionary tale of winning the battle but losing the war. As Abi charged forward his head drove into the right side of Oho’s face. Oho appeared to be concussed afterward, unsteady on his feet, and his right eye rapidly swelled shut.

Hoshoryu (3-4) defeated Shodai (4-3). Hoshoryu gave Shodai no time or room for a counter attack at the edge. His nodowa forced Shodai back and another quick shove sent him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (5-2) defeated Kotozakura (5-2). Hidariyotsu. Wakamotoharu pulled up on Kotozakura’s belt and moved forward, dragging Kotozakura to the edge. Kotozakura franticly tried to change grips to get a counter-attack going. At the edge he tried to twist Wakamotoharu down but WMH had already shoved him out. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Wakamotoharu with the big upset. Kotozakura certainly has difficulties establishing any kind of dominance in the division. Onosato, however, has been making Week One look like a cake walk.

“Mmmm…baumkuchen…”

Suddenly, this tournament is a story of two Sekiwake: undefeated Onosato and 1-loss Kirishima. Onosato, the phenom should have an easy time of it against Mitakeumi on nakabi. If he keeps rolling, he will earn Ozeki promotion after this tournament. Sealing the deal with a title, especially a run-away, would be an effective changing of the guard.

Kirishima’s story is one of redemption. He fought hard to earn his title and promotion to Ozeki. We were even talking about Yokozuna promotion. But then the wheels fell off and his struggles in 2024 resulted in his demotion to Sekiwake. If he remains in contention, it would be great to see him begin talk of another Ozeki run. That is a big “IF” because he has not shown anything near the dominance we have seen from Onosato. His bouts are very competitive.

Meanwhile, Kotozakura and Hoshoryu have had their difficulties this week. Will either Ozeki make a serious charge in Week Two to make this interesting?

Finally, I do want to mention my concern for Oho. His eye was clearly swollen after the bout and he was staggered. I am sure he will be back tomorrow because he is a sumo wrestler but I think the smart play here is to take two days off to recover. Kachi-koshi is in reach but it will slip from his hands if he fights while injured and makes things worse.

Aki 2024: Day Six Highlights

Andy Aki 2024, Aki Basho, Oho (王鵬), Onosato (大の里) ,

No news from the infirmary.

Takerufuji is mopping the floor with his Juryo competition. Today, Aoiyama was a mere shadow of his former self. You can watch the bout at the NHK site. Takerufuji shares an early lead with Chiyoshoma but he will face Tsurugisho (5-1) tomorrow. Chiyoshoma will battle Shimazuumi.

For all of the videos, click here. Juryo bouts are green, Makuuchi are purple.

Makuuchi

Ryuden (4-2) defeated Shirokuma (2-4). Double inside grip (Shirokuma) vs Double outside grip (Ryuden). Ryuden won the battle of raw power. Several times Shirokuma tried to tip him over for a shitatenage but Ryuden kept his balance and steadily drove forward, forcing Shirokuma over the edge. Yorikiri.

Onokatsu (2-4) defeated Kitanowaka (2-4). Kitanowaka’s makikae was his undoing. He was clearly uncomfortable wrapping up Onokatsu’s left arm but he was having some success dragging Onokatsu around the dohyo. When he released his right hand and pulled up to get an inside grip, Onokatsu dug his head into Kitanowaka’s chin and drove forward. Kitanowaka tried to stop at the edge but Onokatsu dug deep and forced him over. Yorikiri.

Nishikigi (4-2) defeated Nishikifuji (2-4). Nishikigi drove forward and forced Nishikifuji over the tawara. Nishikifuji tried to twist and drag Nishikigi out at the last moment but it was obvious Nishikifuji stepped out first. Gunbai Nishikifuji? Did you forget which side Nishikigi was standing on? Yes, apparently so. After a quick mono-ii, the Gyoji’s ruling was overturned. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (4-2) defeated Bushozan (4-2). Takayasu disrupted Bushozan’s attack by going for Bushozan’s head. This drove him back to the bales. Bushozan found momentary resistance so Takayasu pulled and helped Bushozan fall forward. Andy’s hat is starting to look safe. Hikiotoshi.

Kinbozan (2-4) defeated Takarafuji (4-2). Takarafuji grabbed onto Kinbozan’s belt and dragged him over toward the edge. Kinbozan used the momentum well to pressure Takarafuji over the bales. Oshidashi.

Hokutofuji (4-2) defeated Kagayaki (1-5). Hokutofuji met Kagayaki head on but immediately stepped to the left and dragged Kagayaki forward with his left arm while slapping down with the right. This drove Kagayaki quickly to the floor. Tsukiotoshi.

Oshoma (4-2) defeated Tamawashi (2-4). As Tamawashi rushed forward, Oshoma shifted to the left and slapped Tamawashi down. Hatakikomi.

Endo (4-2) defeated Sadanoumi (3-3). Like Takarafuji, Sadanoumi dragged Endo toward the bales but this just moved himself closer to the edge. Sadanoumi was too high. Endo got low and pressed forward, driving Sadanoumi out. Yorikiri.

Roga (3-3) defeated Midorifuji (3-3). Roga did well to wrap Midorifuji up, secure him and drive him over the edge. Midorifuji was a little slow to walk back and Roga gave him a look, like “You okay?” Midorifuji seemed to have a slight limp going back down the hanamichi. Hopefully I was just seeing things because Midorifuji’s been looking pretty solid this basho. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (4-2) defeated Oshiyamamoto (2-4). That was a typo but I liked it so I kept it. Churanoumi’s oshi-game was better and more powerful on this day than Ichiyamamoto’s. He was able to force Ichiyamamoto backward, at will. Ichiyamamoto shifted, changing direction when he’d get in trouble but Churanoumi caught up to him and forced him back and out. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Ura (4-2) defeated Gonoyama (2-4). Ura timed his sidestep beautifully. He kept Gonoyama engaged and charging forward with great oshi-power. Then, as Gonoyama charged forward, Ura slipped to his right and slapped Gonoyama down. Hatakikomi.

Breaking for news after halftime does not make sense to me but it’s been the NHK way.

Shonannoumi (1-5) defeated Meisei (1-5). Meisei grabbed Shonannoumi’s right arm and heaved Shonannoumi back toward the bales but Shonannoumi countered by going with Meisei and crushing Meisei out. Abisetaoshi.

Kotoshoho (4-2) defeated Wakatakakage (4-2). Kotoshoho’s well timed shift was the difference maker here. After a tsuppari brawl, Kotoshoho ducked to WTK’s left and followed up with a mighty shove. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (2-4) defeated Atamifuji (2-4). Atamifuji was just settling in for a lean when Takanosho grabbed Atamifuji’s left arm, shifted to the side and pulled him forward. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Daieisho (3-3) defeated Hiradoumi (4-2). Daieisho dominated the battle of Komusubi. He fought his way and left no openings for Hiradoumi. Hiradoumi tried a slapdown but poor timing and execution resulted in him just stepping closer toward his doom. Tsukidashi.

Onosato (6-0) obliterated Shodai (4-2). Two powerful shoves and the Ozeki was in the second row. GTFOHidashi

Wakamotoharu (4-2) defeated Abi (2-4). Wakamotoharu’s kachi-age whiffed but Abi’s didn’t. He drove that elbow and led with it as he drove forward. When you think of it, though, it’s rather awkward to lead with your elbow. It kind of twists you to the side, rather than pressing forward, head-on. Wakamotoharu took advantage of Abi’s slight rotation and slipped to his left. This got him behind Abi as Abi stumbled forward, and he was able to press him forward and out. Okuridashi.

Kirishima (5-1) defeated Tobizaru (2-4). Kirishima wrapped up Tobizaru’s right arm and tried to rip it out of its socket. He wrenched Tobizaru forward, then slipped in behind and shoved Tobizaru out. Maybe it just feels good to yeet someone. Okuridashi.

Kotozakura (5-1) defeated Mitakeumi (1-5). Kotozakura just took care of business. He locked in with a powerful right-hand inside grip that Mitakeumi was unable to dislodge. Yorikiri.

Oho (3-3) defeated Hoshoryu (2-4). Oho got immediate revenge for the slap at the tachiai. Hoshoryu handed Oho a morozashi as he tried to envelope the larger kid with a kimedashi-style grip. Oho took advantage and twisted Hoshoryu to his right. Hoshoryu resisted so Oho released his grip with his right and brought his right hand down on Hoshoryu’s head to help him to the floor. So flustered by the sudden loss, Hoshoryu started to head back down the hanamichi. Shonosuke was like, “Dude, get back here and bow.” So, Hoshoryu went back up and bowed. Sukuinage.

Wrap-up

Well, I think Oho is in line for a special prize if he can get a kachi-koshi. I’m telling you, moving backwards is for the birds.

“That doesn’t make sense, Andy. Birds only fly forward.”

Exactly.

“But…”

Shhhh…

Moving on, then. Though the wrestlers don’t speak during the lead-up or during the bouts, I can imagine a quick conversation before the Shodai/Onosato bout.

Shodai: “So, kid. You want to be Ozeki? Because I know a little something about that.”

Onosato: “I want to be Yokozuna.”

That was a dominant performance. If we’re witnessing the changing of the guard, I think we now know who’s got the next shift as guard. I cannot wait to see what comes next. Tomorrow has a blistering set up matchups at the top of the division to end the day. Hiradoumi will face Onosato. Abi will fight Oho, Shodai will take on Hoshoryu (if he shows up), and Kotozakura will have his hands full with Wakamotoharu.

Aki 2024: Day Five Highlights

Andy Aki 2024

A late kyujo announcement came in last night from Juryo. Onosho is out from today. Tamashoho will pick up the default win. That is a bit of a 180-degree turn from what I was thinking to start this tournament but his injuries obviously did not improve enough from Nagoya.

With one win he will probably be able to keep his sekitori position but face a steep fall to the bottom of the division. Then again, with this banzuke they seemed more than happy to drop him and save someone else. Hopefully he will be in condition in Kyushu. He is 28 so it’s certainly not inconceivable that he could try the lengthy-kyujo-comeback thing. Watch this space.

Takerufuji continues to plow through his Juryo competition. Chiyoshoma has emerged as his main competition early though Kayo is surprisingly also 5-0. Hakuoho has stumbled a bit and may be hampered with injury. He’s 2-3 so far.

But let’s get to the Makuuchi Division.

Makuuchi Action

Takayasu (3-2) defeated Shirokuma (2-3). I was very happy to see that Takayasu was not just competitive in this bout, he went the distance and threw Shirokuma after a good belt-battle. Uwatenage.

Ryuden (3-2) defeated Nishikifuji (2-3). Ryuden’s brand of sumo, firm right-hand outside grip. From there, it was “over the gyoji and through the woods to grandma’s house, we go.” Yorikiri.

Takarafuji (4-1) defeated Nishikigi (3-2). Nishikigi tried to pull but ran out of real estate and stepped out. Yorikiri.

Hokutofuji (3-2) defeated Onokatsu (1-4). Hokutofuji’s hard-charging brand of sumo. Forceful tsuppari that did it’s thing and showed Onokatsu the exit, under the white tassel. Oshidashi.

Bushozan (4-1) defeated Kitanowaka (2-3). Bushozan steadily applied pressure to Kitanowaka. Kitanowaka kept circling left but lateral movement that slow is not going to bring anyone down. Tsukidashi.

Kinbozan (1-4) defeated Kagayaki (1-4). Kinbozan used good footwork today to cut off Kagayaki’s access to the dohyo. He kept forcing him back and eventually out. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (3-2) defeated Sadanoumi (3-2). Oshoma kept Sadanoumi off his belt and at arm’s length. At a pivotal moment when Sadanoumi charged forward, Oshoma slipped to his left and drove Sadanoumi down. Hatakikomi.

Roga (2-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-3). Ichiyamamoto kept slapping away but Roga continued to advance. He eventually escorted Ichiyamamoto out. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (2-3) defeated Endo (3-2). I thought Endo had this. Great stuff to start but he could never quite work Tamawashi over the bales. Suddenly Tamawashi went for Endo’s head. Endo immediately pulled but Tamawashi pursued and sent Endo into the second-row cushions for some fansa. Tsukidashi.

Midorifuji (3-2) defeated Churanoumi (3-2). Midorifuji’s frantic pace was a level or two beyond what Churanoumi could process. Midorifuji was all over him from the tachiai and shoved him back to the bales. He then stepped back and to the left, which brought Churanoumi stumbling forward. Midorifuji got behind Churanoumi and ran him out of the ring. Okuridashi.

Halftime

Wakatakakage (4-1) defeated Shonannoumi (0-5). Wakatakakage executed a beautiful pull and Shonannoumi is just…unprepared this tournament. Shonannoumi flopped forward on the shikirisen. Hatakikomi.

Ura (3-2) defeated Meisei (1-4). Meisei hit Ura hard at the tachiai but Ura steadied and forced the action back to the center of the dohyo. Ura then latched onto Meisei’s belt with his right hand and pulled, hard, bringing Meisei’s head down with his left hand. After a mono-ii, the judges confirmed the ruling on the field. Ura stayed firmly inside the bales as he threw Meisei out. Uwatedashinage.

Kotoshoho (3-2) defeated Gonoyama (2-3). Gonoyama with his forceful yotsu game steadily drove Kotoshoho back and ou….what? At the last second, Kotoshoho slipped left down the tawara and threw Gonoyama down by his shoulder. What a switcheroo there. Tsukiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu (3-2) defeated Tobizaru (2-3). Wakamotoharu hit Tobizaru with a firm elbow at the tachiai. Tobizaru pulled and tried to slap Wakamotoharu down but Haru kept his balance and laid into Tobizaru forcing him to flee. Tsukidashi.

Sanyaku

Daieisho (2-3) defeated Shodai (4-1). Well executed pull from Daieisho. Shodai extended his arms to shove Daieisho out but Daieisho grabbed Shodai’s left arm, shifted himself to the right, and dragged Shodai over the bales. My new rally towels suffer their first loss. Tottari.

Atamifuji (2-3) defeated Abi (2-3). Atamifuji corralled Abi and Abi didn’t seem to know what to do. So, while Abi contemplated, Atamifuji ushered him from the dance floor. Yoritaoshi.

Hiradoumi (4-1) defeated Kirishima (4-1). Hiradoumi pulled and yanked Kirishima forward. That put Kirishima’s back to the edge. Hiradoumi then wheeled around and drove Kirishima out. Oshidashi.

Onosato (5-0) defeated Takanosho (1-4). Takanosho tried to force Onosato back with a nodowa but was not powerful enough. Onosato just churned his legs forward and pressed Takanosho out. Powerful stuff! Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (2-3) defeated Mitakeumi (1-4). Mitakeumi had enough power to move Hoshoryu back one step. Just one step. Then Hoshoryu over-powered the former Ozeki, forced him into reverse and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Oho (2-3) defeated Kotozakura (4-1). No silly pulls from Oho today. In the first phase of this bout, the oshi phase, he slapped away and did try a few slapdowns but he did not pull back far. He never really shifted his momentum so Kotozakura could take advantage of it. He kept his weight forward and was always able to drive into the Ozeki. Both men tired and settled into a grapple while they caught their breath. Oho moved forward first and drove a gassed Kotozakura from the dohyo. Nice stack of kensho there, fit for a Prince! Yorikiri.

Wrap up

Well, that sure changed the early outlook of this tournament. The young Oho with the upset of the tournament so far. He might have also exposed a bit of a strategy for Kotozakura opponents. Stay alive for more than a minute. If the Ozeki tires, he might be easy prey for the force out. I will need to watch that. It’s similar to what we’ve seen with Takakeisho in the past. If you outlast the initial barrage and the headbutts and go toe-to-toe for a minute, the odds are suddenly in your favor.

We had four undefeated wrestlers to start the day. Now everyone is chasing Onosato. We won’t really start thinking about yusho race until this weekend but we definitely have a crop of young leaders in Onosato, Kotozakura, and Hiradoumi with Kirishima, Shodai, Wakatakakage, plus Takarafuji and Bushozan (?!?!).

Frankly, this is why we wait until the end of the weekend to start thinking of yusho. If Takarafuji and Bushozan are still being mentioned in the yusho race on Wednesday, I will eat my hat and post it on the blog. I might even do it live on Instagram. But most of the other names are guys we will expect to hear from down the stretch.

Wakatakakage has the scheduling advantage early this week but I am sure they will start to pair him with top guys soon. Tomorrow, though, he will face Kotoshoho. Hiradoumi will have a much more difficult time against Daieisho in the battle of Komusubi. Kirishima will face another dynamic wrestler in Tobizaru. Kotozakura will get a bit of a reprieve against Mitakeumi, who has not looked solid this tournament. But, in the big matchup of the day, Shodai will face Onosato. My rally towels are in direct competition, so at least one of them will win!

Aki 2024: Day Four Highlights

Andy Aki 2024, Aki Basho

Takayasu is not kyujo but Chiyosakae is, down in Juryo. Akua exposed Chiyosakae’s ankle as being not up-to-snuff yesterday. Chiyosakae had shifted at the tachiai and the two engaged in a tsuppari-filled brawl before Akua shifted and pulled Chiyosakae forward. You could tell something was wrong as soon as Chiyosakae’s weight shifted to that left foot. Winless and hurt, Chiyosakae will sit out.

NHK videos for Juryo are here: Part I and Part II. Makuuchi is here: Part I and Part II. And JME.tv is available for live Makuuchi action each night with full replays, four times daily via subscription. And as usual, NHK World has English language highlights of the Top Division for free.

Makuuchi Highlights

Takarafuji (3-1) defeated Kitanowaka (2-2). Kitanowaka got into a rhythm of slamming himself into Takarafuji and lobbing tsuppari. Takarafuiji took advantage of that rhythm by timing a pull and slapdown for the start of a new charge. Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (2-2) defeated Onokatsu (1-3). Another powerful win for Nishikifuji. It looked like his own mawashi was a bit loose so when Onokatsu grabbed, he was not able to lift easily. Nishikifuji took advantage and charged forward, driving Onokatsu from the ring. Yorikiri.

Shirokuma (2-2) defeated Hokutofuji (2-2). Hokutofuji had come out hard-charging with powerful tsuppari and drove Shirokuma to the edge. Once Shirokuma got his right arm inside Hokutofuji’s armpit and got a good hold, the outlook of the bout changed. Shirokuma launched forward and bulldozed Hokutofuji from the ring. Yorikiri.

Nishikigi (3-1) defeated Takayasu (2-2). Nishikigi grabbed Takayasu’s belt so Takayasu pulled to get him to release. Unfortunately, Takayasu pulled himself out of the ring before Nishikigi fell forward. Yorikiri.

Ryuden (2-2) defeated Kinbozan (0-4). Kinbozan charged forward and forced Ryuden to the edge but Ryuden resisted at the edge. He reached inside and established a firm right-hand inside grip and turned the tables on Kinbozan. He tried for his favorite uwatenage but Kinbozan used all of his might to stay centered. Ryuden then pressed forward and forced Kinbozan out. Yorikiri.

Bushozan (3-1) defeated Kagayaki (1-3). Bushozan was like a giant boulder in the way of the shinkansen. Except this boulder rolled forward and forced Kagayaki backwards until it derailed over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (2-2) defeated Sadanoumi (3-1). Yorikiri Day continues as Ichiyamamoto, yes, you read that right, ICHIYAMAMOTO latched on to Sadanoumi’s belt, drove forward and forced him out. He didn’t even try with his usual tsuppari. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (2-2) defeated Roga (1-3). Oshoma took on Roga at an angle, completely disrupting any attack from Roga. Oshoma then followed drove into Roga from the side and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (2-2) defeated Tamawashi (1-3). Tamawashi lashed out with a brutal nodowa but Midorifuji shifted to the side and pulled Tamawashi down under the red tassel. Gunbai Midorifuji. Mono-ii? The judges conference confirmed Tamawashi was down while Midorifuji was still on the straw bales. Of course, Katasukashi. Midorifuji does not observe Yorikiri Day.

Churanoumi (3-1) defeated Endo (3-1). I’ve not seen this kind of energy from Endo in a long time. Unfortunately, Churanoumi’s pull was effective at causing Endo to lose his balance and stumble forward. Endo stepped out before he was able to force Churanoumi over the bales. MORE OF THIS ENDO-SEKI!!! Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Wakatakakage (3-1) defeated Ura (2-2). Ura pulled down a hard charging Wakatakakage at the edge. Gunbai Ura. Mono-ii. Video replay revealed Ura had stepped out before bringing Wakatakakage down. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (2-2) defeated Shonannoumi (0-4). Shonannoumi’s troubles continue. Gonoyama bulled forward and forced Shonnanoumi from the ring rather easily. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (2-2) defeated Meisei (1-3). Meisei brought his usual fiery, brawling style. Kotoshoho went toe-to-toe with him and nearly drove him out. He could not get inside for a belt grip. Desperate to end the assault, Kotoshoho grabbed and pulled Meisei forward. Hikiotoshi.

Shodai (4-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-2). Shodai hit Wakamotoharu hard at the tachiai and drove him back to the bales where Wakamotoharu found the resistance he needed. Wakamotoharu pressed forward but Shodai hooked his arm inside Wakamotoharu’s right shoulder and twisted him down to the ground. Sukuinage.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (3-1) defeated Oho (1-3). Oho is not moving forward this tournament so Hiradoumi slammed Oho to the clay for his transgressions. Oshitaoshi.

Kirishima (4-0) defeated Mitakeumi (1-3). Kirishima secured a left-hand inside quickly. Mitakeumi’s ottsuke was completely ineffective at keeping Kirishima’s right arm from locking on. Kirishima pressed forward and forced Mitakeumi out. Yorikiri.

Onosato (4-0) defeated Daieisho (1-3). Daieisho pulled back as Onosato drove forward but Daieisho ran out of room quickly. Onosato kept his balance long enough to drive Daieisho from the ring before falling. Oshidashi.

Abi (2-2) defeated Takanosho (1-3). Abi shifted to his left and pulled Takanosho down. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotozakura (4-0) defeated Atamifuji (1-3). Atamifuji had nothing in the tank and Kotozakura took advantage. Kotozakura charged forward and forced Atamifuji out under the black tassel. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (2-2) defeated Hoshoryu (1-3). The tachiai of the future here as both men stood up. Hoshoryu grabbed Tobizaru’s arm and tried to pull him forward. Tobizaru, though, brought his arms down on Hoshoryu’s and knocked him off balance just enough to where Hoshoryu touched the clay with his hand. Tsukiotoshi.

Wrap-up

I remembered to post everyone’s records today. Sorry about that. I don’t do it on Shonichi because it doesn’t make sense. Everyone who won is 1-0; everyone who lost is 0-1. So, I forgot to do it on Day 2+3. I shouldn’t forget moving forward.

I was disappointed in the Atamifuji bout. I thought he’d get a better showing against Kotozakura but it seems he saves his best stuff for Hoshoryu. Hoshoryu slipped up today. I liked seeing that immediately after the bout, Hoshoryu went straight for the video monitor. He was just as eager to figure out, “What the hell happened?” as I was. I expect better from him in the coming days.

What am I looking forward to tomorrow? Well, not the Takayasu/Shirokuma bout. I just think Takayasu is hurt and Shirokuma will just need to wrap him up. Endo vs Tamawashi should be interesting but Midorifuji and Churanoumi will likely be the highlight from the first half of Day 5 action. In the second half, Kirishima and Hiradoumi will bring the fire. What are you looking forward to tomorrow?