All of the lower division yusho have been decided. Oshoryu slapped Kawabuchi down to claim the Makushita title. Asanoyama, the former Ozeki, claimed the Sandanme yusho with a straight forward yorikiri over Chiyooga. Daikisho beat Okinohama in Jonidan and Chiyotenfu returned from knee injury to win in Jonokuchi.

In Juryo, Kusano suffered his first defeat to Kayo. Kayo escaped Kusano’s clutches at the tawara’s edge and shoved the young hot-shot out from behind.

Your NHK videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoshoho (7-6) defeated Takarafuji (3-10). Kotoshoho quickly dispatched Takarafuji by shoving him back a couple of times. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate (9-4) defeated Meisei (7-6). Tokihayate grabbed Meisei’s belt with his right hand overarm grip, pivoted, and threw Meisei. Uwatenage.

Midorifuji (7-6) defeated Asakoryu (6-7). Asakoryu tried to power Midorifuji back with a yorikiri. Midorifuji pivoted left, and then right, throwing Asakoryu with his right hand secured in Asakoryu’s armpit. This was a similar position to his usual katasukashi, with his arm locked under his opponent’s shoulder, but rotating rather than pulling. Asakoryu had forced him too close to the bales for a safe pull but the throw was a great option. Sukuinage.

Shonannoumi (3-10) defeated Shirokuma (5-8). If Shirokuma doesn’t have an answer for Shonannoumi’s pulls, he will need to go back to Juryo. Uwatedashinage.

Mitakeumi (6-7) defeated Nishikigi (2-11). If you henka Nishikigi, you are a desperate individual. Mitakeumi is just such a desperate individual. He shifted left, grabbed Nishikigi’s belt and drove him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (7-6) defeated Endo (7-6). Sadanoumi’s early pull nearly lost this bout as he slipped but barely recovered. Endo did not have the speed to take advantage of the slip so Sadanoumi pressed forward and shoved Endo out. Endo considered taking a nap on some of the vacant zabuton below the dohyo. It’s hard to believe Endo has accumulated seven wins, as banged up as he is. I agree with readers that he might be suffering from another concussion and should probably go kyujo if he picks up that eighth win tomorrow. He’d gotten his bell rung so often early in his career. Oshidashi.

Hakuoho (7-6) defeated Shishi (8-5). Shishi’s henka was too slow but indicative of the fact that folks have spotted Juggernaut’s weakness. Shishi failed to grab his belt and Hakuoho recovered well, drove forward and forced Shishi over the bales with a double-inside belt grip. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (8-5) defeated Onokatsu (8-5). Oshoma shifted right at the tachiai and slapped Onokatsu down, to the groans of the assembled masses. It’s hard to tell if the crowd just doesn’t like Oshoma’s wins because they’re usually crappy wins or if they just don’t like Oshoma because allegedly he’s a jackass who chased several promising Naruto-beya recruits out of the sport. Tsukiotoshi.

Ryuden (5-8) defeated Atamifuji (6-7). Atamifuji tried to slap Ryuden down but failed. Ryuden fought to get low and acquire a belt grip at the front (maemitsu) and drove Atamifuji back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (9-4) defeated Tamawashi (9-4). Churanoumi’s forceful tsuppari kept Tamawashi at the edge. Tamawashi kept trying to twist and slap Churanoumi down at the edge. Churanoumi finally cornered Tamawashi and forced Tamawashi out while falling forward. Gunbai Tamawashi. Mono-ii. Video replay showed Tamawashi stepped out before Churanoumi landed so the gyoji’s call was reversed. Oshidashi.

Halftime; Shimpan Shuffle

Tobizaru (6-7) defeated Shodai (4-9). Eventually, Tobizaru shoved Shodai over the bales. Shodai nearly stole the victory with his old Acme-brand tricks but Tobizaru recovered from the slapdown attempt and maintained steady pressure on Shodai. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (8-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-8). Hiradoumi hit Chiyoshoma hard and forced him over the bales. Hiradoumi kachi-koshi, Chiyoshoma make-koshi. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (5-8) defeated Kinbozan (5-8). After a good oshi-tsuki bout, Gonoyama shifted right, caught a hold of Kinbozan’s belt and pulled him forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Takayasu (11-2) defeated Wakamotoharu (7-5). Wakamotoharu slow-rolling his tachiai caught Takayasu in a false start. They reset and tried again. This time, they got going for real and Takayasu laid into Wakamotoharu as if he were possessed by the ghost of Prime Aoiyama. Tsukidashi.

Wakatakakage (8-5) defeated Ura (5-8). Wakatakakage tried to force Ura back and over the bales but Ura used the bales to resist and launch his counter attack. Ura’s slapdown failed and Ura tripped himself as he was retreating laterally from Wakatakakage. Oshitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Abi (6-7) defeated Takanosho (3-10). Abi pulled Takanosho down at the edge. Hatakikomi.

Kirishima defeated Ichiyamamoto. After a brief oshi bout, Ichiyamamoto tried to take on Kirishima on the belt and he did a credible job. Kirishima twisted and pulled Ichiyamamoto down with his left-hand belt grip. It looked like a shitatenage to Mainoumi and myself but they called it an overarm throw. We’re new to this but that left arm was planted under Ichiyamamoto’s right arm for a good minute. Maybe in the bizarro world where Ichiyamamoto fights with a yotsu style, up is down and down is up. Uwatenage.

Daieisho (9-4) defeated Aonishiki (9-4). Daieisho introduced Aonishiki to that sanyaku tsuppari, shoving Aonishiki back hard. As Aonishiki charged back at Daieisho, Daieisho slipped to the side and slapped the rookie down. Hatakikomi.

Kotozakura (8-5) defeated Takerufuji (9-4). Takerufuji chugged forward and Kotozakura slapped Takerufuji down, clearing his kadoban and knocking Takerufuji from the yusho race. Kotozakura’s strategy today seemed to boil down to, “I’m big, shove me back as hard as you can. And when you over commit, I’ll bring down the hammer.” It worked today and that’s all that matters. We will have two Ozeki in May. Hatakikomi.

Oho (5-8) defeated Onosato (10-3). Freaking Oho. He does demonstrate the superiority of forward-moving sumo against the back-pedaling Ozeki. Steady tsuppari from Oho. Onosato failed with his first slapdown attempt so he tried rather half-heartedly to get inside and seize Oho’s belt. When that failed, he backed away and tried again, and again for the slapdown, eventually running himself out of the ring — to the sound of many expletives from Andy.

Wrap-up

Senshuraku parties at Isegahama, Oitekaze, Kokonoe, Takasago and Naruto beya will feature yusho celebrations. I really like how Asanoyama’s goal is to shoot for a kinboshi. I am glad to see his second rebound is off to a good start. But congratulations all around. The biggest question remaining is whether Taganoura-beya’s will feature a yusho celebration, as well, or will Nishonoseki steal the limelight? Who will be scouring Osaka’s fish markets for suitable sea bream?

• 11-2: Takayasu
• 10-3: Onosato

The torikumi has not been set for tomorrow but NHK was speculating that Takayasu may face Abi or Takerufuji tomorrow and on Senshuraku. We shall see.

If I have time later tonight, I might run a brief preview post with updates about tomorrow’s schedule. But that could be pretty late. Regardless, sumo fans around the world are knocking on wood, crossing fingers and toes, abstaining from shaving, and praying for Takayasu’s back to hold up for two more days.

Kusano won the Juryo Yusho. He switched his left hand outside grip for an inside one, gaining a double inside grip on Roga’s trunk and forced him over to the bales while twisting and pulling Roga to the ground. With Hidenoumi, Shimanoumi, and Hitoshi all losing, Kusano claimed the yusho outright.

NHK Videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoshoho (6-6) defeated Ryuden (4-8). Kotoshoho defeated Ryuden on the belt. Kotoshoho got a double-inside grip and forced Ryuden back to the bales. Kotoshoho kept pressing forward through Ryuden, forcing Ryuden to fall backwards. Abiseotoshi.

Mitakeumi (5-7) defeated Takarafuji (3-9). Mitakeumi shoved Takarafuji to the edge and forced him down, while falling to the ground. Gunbai Takarafuji. The shimpan called a mono-ii and after a booth review of the video footage, the call was reversed. Takarafuji’s hand had touched the ground a beat before Mitakeumi. Tsukiotoshi.

Onokatsu (8-4) defeated Sadanoumi (6-6). Onokatsu did a good job of keeping Sadanoumi at arms length. He then reached for a belt grip with his left while using his right hand to block Sadanoumi’s left. Sadanoumi tried to switch his left hand but this yielded a double-inside grip for Onokatsu and he charged forward, forcing Sadanoumi over the bales. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki (9-3) defeated Meisei (7-5). Quite the brawl. Aonishiki really impressed here as he hit Meisei with tsuppari repeatedly but resisted getting too far ahead of himself as he pressed forward. His great footwork meant Meisei could not slap him down. Steadily, he pressed Meisei back and over the bales. Aonishiki’s reward for such a great debut tournament? He will fight the Sekiwake, Daieisho, tomorrow. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate (8-4) defeated Shonannoumi (2-10). Shonannoumi grabbed Tokihayate’s left arm and pivoted, pulling him toward the edge of the ring. Tokihayate extracted his arm and hit Shonannoumi with tsuppari, driving him back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Endo (7-5) defeated Asakoryu (6-6). Endo worked hard to get his right hand inside. Asakoryu then seized Endo’s right arm and dragged him toward the bales but Endo reacted well, stayed upright and drove Asakoryu out. Endo, in much pain, was slow to get up and slow to walk back down the hanamichi. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (7-5) defeated Midorifuji (6-6). Oshoma grabbed Midorifuji’s left arm, swung him around and forced him down with the arm bar to a rather quiet Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. Kotenage.

Shirokuma (5-7) defeated Shodai (4-8). Despite Shodai working his way inside and getting a double-inside grip, Shirokuma chugged forward and forced Shodai to the bales. Shodai tried to twist Shirokuma over at the bales but Shirokuma stayed upright and forced Shodai over. Yorikiri.

Hiradoumi (7-5) defeated Hakuoho (6-6) Hiradoumi henka. Hakuoho stumbled forward and touched the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Ura (5-7) defeated Atamifuji (6-6). Ura took on big Atamifuji, straight up. Impressive! None of the evasive theatrics. More of this Ura, please. Ura got both arms inside Atamifuji’s grip and forced him to the edge. As Atamifuji tried to do the old tawara dance and escape left, he stepped out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Nishikigi (2-10) defeated Kinbozan (5-7). Kinbozan tried a quick thrust-and-slapdown but Nishikigi worked through it and got inside. As the pair settled into a yotsu battle, Kinbozan pulled. Nishikigi followed well and twisted Kinbozan down at the edge. Apparently, Kinbozan is that poor on the belt that he lost to Nishikigi. Sukuinage.

Tobizaru (5-7) defeated Ichiyamamoto (6-6). This was a wild back-and-forth as both men tried slapdowns. Tobizaru pulled and forced Ichiyamamoto forward to the ground. Gunbai Tobizaru. Both guys had fallen at about the same time so the shimpan gathered to discuss and make sure the call was right. Video replay confirmed Ichiyamamoto fell first. Might there have been a hair-pull? Tsukiotoshi.

Chiyoshoma (6-7) defeated Gonoyama (4-9). Chiyoshoma pulled left and Gonoyama stumbled forward. However, Chiyoshoma couldn’t keep his footing so he fell, too. Gunbai Chiyoshoma. Mono-ii. It was determined both guys fell at the same time so the shimpan ordered a rematch. Chiyoshoma must be kicking himself because he had that won if he had kept his footing. On the rematch, Chiyoshoma wrapped up Gonoyama with a left hand outside, right hand inside, dragged him to the edge and rolled him to the floor. It was another close one but the gunbai went to Chiyoshoma again and there was no mono-ii. Gonoyama did fall first but the NHK commentator raised the issue of Chiyoshoma’s foot flipping over. Face it, Gonoyama wasn’t happy but he fell first and lost. Uwatenage.

WTK (7-5) defeated Takanosho (3-9). Wakatakakage drove into Takanosho and forced him from the ring. Takanosho’s game is based on separation. Wakatakakage pressed forward so Takanosho needed to keep himself at arm’s length, meaning he kept going back toward the edge. Takanosho used zero lateral movement to try to extend the dohyo…so he walked over the edge. Oshidashi.

Shishi (8-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (7-5). Solid work from Shishi. He twisted left, and landed a left-hand over arm grip. This allowed him to pull Wakamotoharu toward the bales. Wakamotoharu slammed on the brakes and stopped short but Shishi followed through and forced him over the edge. I’m a little surprised it didn’t end up as Okuridashi or Okurinage because WMH got himself turned. Shishi earned his first kachi-koshi in the top division. Congratulations! Uwatedashinage.

Sanyaku

Tamawashi (9-3) defeated Kirishima (5-6). Kirishima tried the lateral movement that Takanosho did not do. But Tamawashi followed really well and shoved Kirishima over the bales. Oshidashi.

Abi (5-7) defeated Churanoumi (8-4). Abi’s tsuppari and footwork were solid today. He drove forward, no pulls, and shoved Churanoumi out. Abi’s forearm in your throat must be quite uncomfortable and Churanoumi understandably backpedaled to the edge and fell out. Oshitaoshi.

Takayasu (10-2) defeated Oho (4-8). Takayasu got his right hand outside grip and forced Oho to the edge. Oho escaped left and kept running along the bales trying to get away. Takayasu gave chase, all the way around the ring, and shoved Oho out of his Sekiwake rank and possibly out of sanyaku altogether. He shoved him that hard. Oshidashi.

Onosato (10-2) defeated Takerufuji (9-3). Onosato had been assaulted by a giant octopus before the bout, the marks from its tentacles bright red on his back. If it was the same perp shown in the Hokusai ukio-e, the one that assaulted the Fisherman’s Wife, beware; it’s armed and dangerous. Onosato persevered, however, and beat Takerufuji. Takerufuji charged forward and Onosato pulled him down. The NHK commentator really wanted Takerufuji to have one but Onosato clearly slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Kotozakura (7-5) defeated Daieisho (8-4). With a well-timed side-step, Daieisho forced Kotozakura to stumble forward to the edge. But Kotozakura just had his brake pads replaced so he stopped on a dime, in front of the bales. Daieisho was not quick enough to follow-up and Kotozakura would not go quietly into that good night. Kotozakura recovered and pursued, charging forward. Daieisho shifted side to side while moving backwards, time and time again. Kotozakura eventually caught up, wrapped him up and shoved him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Takayasu and Onosato lead. Takerufuji falls into the chase pack with Tamawashi and Aonishiki after his loss to Onosato.

• 10-2: Onosato, Takayasu
• 9-3: Takerufuji, Tamawashi, Aonishiki

I had been building up my octopus story as an excuse for why a deeply disturbed Onosato would have lost to Takerufuji…but he won! But I still think the cupping stuff that many of these guys do is hilarious. Japan doesn’t allow folks to get real pain medicine so the lengths that people go to for relief can get very creative.

Kotozakura picked up an important seventh win. With three bouts remaining, he can seal his kachi-koshi with one victory. Heck, in an ideal world where he keeps moving forward like this, he might yet claim a 9-6 or 10-5 record! It will be hard, though. He will face Takerufuji tomorrow. No easy wins for Ozeki.

Speaking of easy wins for Ozeki, Onosato will fight Oho. Takayasu will take on Wakamotoharu. As I mentioned earlier, Aonishiki will leapfrog up and fight Daieisho while Tamawashi will fight Churanoumi. Day 13 is looking great! Some of the lower division yusho races might be decided tomorrow, as well.