Hatsubasho 2017

Towards A Japanese Yokozuna

Bruce H Hakuho (白鵬), Hatsubasho 2017, Kisenosato (稀勢の里), Yokozuna (横綱) ,

tsuna

Day 15 Decides Kisenosato’s Promotion

Achieving the rank of Yokozuna is an enormous undertaking. It’s so monumental, that only 73 rikishi in the modern era have attained it. No only must a rikishi deliver a consistent and outstanding record after achieving Ozeki (which is no small achievement itself), but it requires winning several tournaments, or an equivalent performance.

Critics can rightly claim that a single tournament victory is not several. But then there is the equivalent performance. Firstly, Kisenosato has been forever a bridesmaid, 12 Jun-Yusho (runner up) meaning he was one win behind the tournament winner, 9 special prizes and 3 kinboshi over a rather impressive career. In 2016 he had the most wins, beating out Hakuho and Harumafuji.

But it really comes down to politics. As we have discussed many times on Tachiai, the Japanese public in general and sumo fans especially, have been without a Japanese Yokozuna for over a decade. The political pressure on the Yokozuna Decision Committee to award the zuna to Kisenosato will be overwhelming. In addition, it would be very good for sumo as a sport.

The three current Yokozuna are all from Mongolia, and two of them are in questionable medical shape as of today. Adding a new Yokozuna, a Japanese Yokozuna, to the mix would greatly improve the prospects for the future of sumo.

While Tachiai and other fan sites outside of Japan are raising these questions, the discussion is raging in the Japanese press. Some highlights include:

Japan Daily: YDC Chairman Moriya “We will discuss his promotion, but opinion is divided on the board. I want him to win tomorrow (against Hakuho), then I will strongly support (his promotion)”

Jiji Press: Japan Sumo Assn Member Hakko “Let him fight again tomorrow, I don’t want to disappoint the fans, but he has to win tomorrow to be discussed (for promotion)”

We will be glued to NHK overnight Saturday to catch early news of the outcome.

Kisenosato Yusho!

Bruce H Hakuho (白鵬), Hatsubasho 2017, Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Kisenosato (稀勢の里), Yokozuna (横綱), Ōzeki (大関)

kise-ichinojo

Takanoiwa Defeats Hakuho, Wins Kinboshi

In day 14 action from Tokyo, Kisenosato prevailed over the giant Ichinojo, but Takanoiwa shocked Hakuho in the final match. Takanoiwa’s kinboshi, or gold star, win is also a huge mark, as it represents the first time in many years a rank and file Maegashira below 9 has defeated a Yokozuna.  It may also be the first time a kinboshi was scored on day 14 in the current (fairly new) Kokugkikan. Video below

This hands the tournament victory to Kisenosato, who in spite of being a strong and reliable Ozeki had yet to win a yusho.

Tachiai congratulates Kisenosato, and we look forward to his final bout against Yokozuna Hakuho tomorrow to finish the Hatsu tournament.

Hatsu Day 14 Preview

Bruce H Hakuho (白鵬), Hatsubasho 2017, Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Kisenosato (稀勢の里), Kotoshogiku (琴奨菊), Takayasu (高安), Yoshikaze (嘉風) , , , , , , , , , , ,

day-14

Final Weekend Begins

Hatsu has been an interesting tournament for fans, but it has been brutal for Sumo’s talent. In the top division alone there have been 4 rikishi that have withdrawn with injuries, and many more (such as Kotoshogiku and Osunaarashi) who continue on although they should probably be nursing their wounds.

It would be easy to think of day 14 is filler while we all wait for the final, all important battle between Yokozuna Hakuho and Ozeki Kisenosato, but in fact there are a number of sumotori who are still fighting to secure their winning record (kachi-koshi). This includes

Sadanoumi who will fight Ura in the first bout of Makuuchi, Aoiyama who fights Kagayaki in a battle of slaps, Chiyoshoma who fights Daishomaru , and Ikioi who faces hapless doomed Ozeki Kotoshogiku.

There also seems to be a number of “test matches” that feature men from much lower down the banzuke trying their sumo against upper ranked rikishi. These will likely give us some good idea of how they might perform after their expected promotions. This includes

Takayasu vs Sokokurai – Komusubi (working to start an Ozeki run) vs Maegashira 10, but they have even records, and Sokokurai is a real contender. I am certain that Takayasu will take this match seriously, and it could be a real brawl.

Kisenosato vs Ichinojo – The dai-Ozeki vs Maegashira 13, but Ichinojo will be no walk in the park. He has lost a lot of weight, and is in good fighitng form now. Its expected that Kisenosato will dispatch him, but Ichinojo’s size, weight and strength means it’s going to take some work.

Mitakeumi vs Hokutofuji – Hokutofuji shows hints of being a very strong, dominant member for the new class of rikishi. He goes against Mitakeumi who has really impressed this tournament. On day 13, Mitakeumi looked a little bit spent, but we think he will gamberize for this match.

Yoshikaze vs Chiyotairyu – The mobile attack platform know as Yoshikaze will test Chiyotairyu, who is only Maegashira 14. The Berserker is a personal favorite, but he seems to be slowing down a bit these days. He still has skill and speed on his side.

Hakuho vs Takanoiwa – So the greatest Yokozuna of our age is going against a Maegashira 10. Takanoiwa comes in at 10-3, but it’s all against the bottom half of Makuuchi. I expect Hakuho to fold him like a paper airplane and send him up, up and away.

Wakaichiro In Action Day 14

Bruce H Hatsubasho 2017

wakaichiro-day14

Faces Jonokuchi #18 Shimakaze

American rikishi Wakaichiro returns to the dohyo for his 7th and final match on day 14, when he competes against Oguruma beya’s Shimakaze. Shimakaze has briefly appeared in Jonidan (next highest division) before settling back in Jonokuchi. He suffered a significant demotion after missing most of the Kyushu basho with injuries.

Both men bring in 3-3 records, the winner will earn their kachi-koshi. As always Tachiai will bring you results and video once we have it.

Go Texas Sumo!