Kotoyuki

Tokyo November Day 2 Preview

Bruce H Akua, Aoiyama, Asanoyama (朝乃山), Chiyonokuni (千代の国), Chiyoshoma, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Enho, Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Kagayaki (輝), Kaisei (魁聖), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Kotoshoho, Kotoyuki, Meisei, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Ryuden (竜電), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shimanoumi, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terunofuji (照ノ富士), Terutsuyoshi, Tobizaru, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tokushoryu, Tokyo November Basho, Wakatakakage, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲)

Day 1 was a solid slice of sumo to start the November tournament, and it seems the schedulers are going to keep things rolling into day 2. I am starting to think that with the Yokozuna out, we may see a repeat of September’s multi-way battle for the cup, and that is a good thing for sumo and sumo’s global fans. The highlight match is, once again, the final match of the day. Asanoyama is up against former Ozeki Terunofuji, whom he is 0-2 against. If Asanoyama is to ever make a bid to become Yokozuna, he will need to find a way to defeat any rikishi he faces. If day 1 is any indication, Terunofuji is in close to his Ozeki form from years ago. This should be a great test of Terunofuji’s recovery, and Asanoyama’s resolve.

What We Are Watching Day 2

Chiyoshoma vs Akiseyama – Akiseyama comes to the top division to fill the banzuke gap. He has never won a match against Chiyoshoma, whose speed and maneuverability makes him a tough opponent for a lumbering wide-body like Akiseyama.

Chiyotairyu vs Shimanoumi – Chiyotairyu lost his day 1 match against Kotonowaka, but he looked solid, and I really liked that he went for a slower tachiai. Its going to come down to the first 7 seconds – Chiyotairyu will try get Shimanoumi off balance or moving backward with an opening blast, Shimanoumi will need to focus on keeping his feet until Chiyotairyu exhausts his opening attack. Shimanoumi holds a 4-2 career advantage.

Chiyonokuni vs Akua – Much to my surprise, these two have only fought one before, in September, as both were working toward a Juryo promotion. That match went to Chiyonokuni with a slap down. Chiyonokuni had a great day 1 opener against Ichinojo, and I think he will hold an edge today gainst Akua.

Kotonowaka vs Ichinojo – By the numbers, Ichinojo should completely overpower and crush Kotonowaka like a discarded UCC iced coffee can. But in their only prior meeting, it was Kotonowaka who took the win. Ichinojo was moving well on day 1, so we hope that he is in fighting form for November.

Yutakayama vs Hoshoryu – I am really looking forward to this one, more so after Hoshoryu dispatched Kaisei like a pro on day 1. Yutakayama has been struggling since January, and in his day 1 opening match he looked rough and disorganized, in spite of his daily training with shin-Ozkei Shodai. This is a first time match, and it should be a good one.

Kaisei vs Enho – I think most of sumo fandom is waiting to see if Enho can pull his sumo together and return to at least a 50/50 winning record. Its clear he is struggling, and as is usually the case, there is no news about any kind of injury to be found. It may be as simple as not having the energy of the crowd during his matches, which was (prior to COVID-19) completely off the charts.

Ryuden vs Sadanoumi – These two have a nearly even 4-5 career record, and they tend to fight chest to chest. Ryuden has the size advantage, and Sadanoumi has a clear edge in speed.

Meisei vs Kotoeko – Two compact, superbly strong rikishi head to head? Yes please! Both looked really good day 1, so I am hoping for some fireworks today.

Aoiyama vs Tokushoryu – Aoiyama may try is reverse-gear pulling fest that was his day 1 attack plan, but he may find a rapid response from Tokushoryu, who tends to be able to keep his footing against Aoiyama. The 10 prior matches break down 6-4 in Big Dan’s favor.

Terutsuyoshi vs Endo – With only one prior match, there is not a deep history between these two. I am going to assume a hit and shift from Terutsuyoshi, and a left hand frontal grab attempt at the tachiai from Endo. If Endo lands that hand, he controls the match.

Takarafuji vs Tochinoshin – If Tochinoshin is able to generate any forward offense with his damaged body, we should see some in this match. Takarafuji will try to keep things moving laterally, ensuring that Tochinoshin can’t set up any form of offense.

Tamawashi vs Kotoshoho – I like this match a lot. We are going to have a somewhat diminished veteran in Tamawashi, up against the young up and coming Kotoshoho. If Tamawashi is on his sumo, he’s tough to beat as he has an optimum combo of size, strength and mobility. They have split their 2 prior matches.

Hokutofuji vs Tobizaru – This one is dripping with potential. Tobizaru’s frantic sumo can and will be matched by Hokutofuji’s brutal head / neck attacks. Tobizaru as yet to win against Hokutofuji, but the last time they fought was in 2016! Tobizaru comes into November with acres of confidence and more than enough fighting spirit to make it a true contest.

Myogiryu vs Okinoumi – 26 matches in their history, split 13-13. This will be two wily veterans going toe to toe!

Kagayaki vs Takayasu – Takayasu looked rather disorganized in his day one loss to Takakeisho. He gets to re-group against Kagayaki, who seems to have a healthy layer or ring rust.

Mitakeumi vs Daieisho – I am certain that Mitakeumi is smarting after his 8-7 record in September. It broke any real chance he may have had for an Ozeki bid, instead having to watch yet another rikishi (this time Shodai) pass him by and assume sumo’s second highest rank. If he wanted to reach 33 wind over 3 basho, he would need to finish no worse than 14-1 in November. He has his work cut out for him on day 2.

Onosho vs Takanosho – In spite of his day 1 loss, Onosho looks in good form right now. He was able to successfully overwhelm Mitakeumi at the tachiai, and moved well enough. Takanosho, on the other hand, looked completely disrupted in his day 1 loss. I expect Takanosho to be refocused and a much tougher opponent today.

Takakeisho vs Wakatakakage – A first time match, and it’s going to be Wakatakakage’s tug and move against Takakeisho’s tadpole sumo. I give a slight edge to Wakatakakage, but because he is nearly always moving, if Takakeisho can catch him with even one blast, we could see Wakatakakage go flying.

Shodai vs Kiribayama – Will we see more Shodai cartoon sumo today? It’s gotten so that I am actually looking forward to whatever he pulls out of his bag of crazy and employs to rescue the matches he is a heartbeat away from loosing.

Terunofuji vs Asanoyama – Oh yes indeed. What a great match to finish out day 2! Terunofuji has not lost to Asanoyama, but it’s a new day and Asanoyama needs to find a way to overcome the kaiju.

Tokyo November Day 1 Highlights

Bruce H Akua, Aoiyama, Asanoyama (朝乃山), Chiyonokuni (千代の国), Chiyoshoma, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Enho, Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Kagayaki (輝), Kaisei (魁聖), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Kotoshoho, Kotoyuki, Meisei, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Ryuden (竜電), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shimanoumi, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terunofuji (照ノ富士), Terutsuyoshi, Tobizaru, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tokushoryu, Tokyo November Basho, Wakatakakage, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲)

The November basho is off to a solid start, with some really solid performances out of winners and loser alike today. I was impressed not only with Shodai’s ballet again, but Chiyonokuni, Hoshoryu and Shimanoumi impressed me.

Highlight Matches

Shimanoumi defeats Chiyonoo – A solid match to start off the top division. Chiyonoo’s tachiai looked great, with Shimanoumi forced to step back, and crouch to get position. Shimanoumi had his right hand inside and against Chiyonoo’s chest, and the match battled back and forth as neither man could gain clear advantage. Shimanoumi managed to open enough of a gap to land a combination of thrusts to Chiyonoo’s chest, and propelled the Kokenoe man out.

Chiyoshoma defeats Akua – Chiyoshoma employed solid, straight ahead sumo today. He’s actually a solid fighter when he applies his skill! Akua had the stronger attack, and pressed forward. But he left his left side open, and Chiyoshoma found a grip, using that to swing Akua around and down to the clay. Akua looked a bit hurt following the match, hopefully he is ok.

Kotonowaka defeats Chiyotairyu – To my eye, Kotonowaka timed his opening combo anticipating Chiyotairyu’s perferred rapid tachiai. But Chiyotairyu took a slower route, and was rewarded with an open route to push against Kotonowaka’s chest. Kotonowaka took several long seconds to organize any counter attack, finally settling on Chiyotairyu’s neck. But this was effective in getting Chiyotairyu off balance, and down.

Chiyonokuni defeats Ichinojo – These two delivered the match we were hoping for, and it was glorious to watch. Quite a lot of tape on Chiyonokuni’s right shoulder, maybe to dissuade Ichinojo from taking a nibble if he might become hungry during the match? Chiyonokuni opening gambit was completely ineffective against Ichinojo, but Chiyonokuni just kept throwing combos at the Boulder. Ichinojo was largely unimpressed, and gave Chiyonokuni a hearty shove… in his face. Chiyonokuni kept grabbing and tugging, at one point going for some kind of under shoulder move, but there was just too much Ichinojo to move. I loved Chiyonokuni’s reversal at the bales to secure the win. Great to have this guy back in the top division. Let’s hope he can stay healthy enough to keep competing.

Hoshoryu defeats Kaisei – In the preview, I stated that Hoshoryu needed to elevate his sumo if he wanted to continue to climb the ranks. Granted Kaisei tends to show up with a good amount of ring rust, but Hoshoryu’s sumo was powerful and efficient today. He overcame Kaisei’s deep two hand grip, and frankly looked excellent.

Yutakayama defeats Enho – Enho continues to struggle, to the dismay of his fans around the world. All of his moves were employed today against Yutakayama, but ultimately Yutakayama was able to shut down every attempt Enho made to take control of the match.

Meisei defeats Sadanoumi – I really like Meisei’s defensive footwork today. He took control of the center of the ring, and forced Sadanoumi to move around him, responding to Meisei’s sumo. At one point Sadanoumi lunges forward, and Meisei side steps. Excellent move, and it set up the winning finish.

Kotoeko defeats Ryuden – A fantastic battle of strength and balance between these two. Ryuden really had command following the tachiai, with a solid mawashi grip. Kotoeko could not find any route to offense, but kept his balance centered and his feet positioned well. Ryuden moved to finish with what looked like a kotenage, but Kotoeko pivoted and moved into the throw, pulling Ryuden forward and down, with Ryuden hitting the clay first. Great rescue move by Kotoeko!

Tokushoryu defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi’s attempt at manuver based sumo against his lumbering, bulky opponent was a solid match plan. It ran afoul of physics when Tokushoryu bracketed him and sent him flying with a single shove that could have moved a lorry.

Endo defeats Aoiyama – Aoiyama had it in his head that he was going to pull or thrust Endo down today. He never fired up his thrusting attack, and resigned himself to fighting in reverse. Endo’s balance on a bad day is often good enough to keep him upright, and sumo’s “El Guapo” made fast work of Big Dan.

Tamawashi defeats Tochinoshin – I am impressed by how much sumo Tochinoshin can get out of his one working knee. He has changed his technique slowly over time, but he increasingly favors his left leg. Tamawashi over powered every defense Tochinoshin could set up, and took the win.

Takarafuji defeats Kotoshoho – Kotoshoho got turned to the left immediately out of the tachiai, a combination of poor foot placement and a skillful hit-and-shift from Takarafuji. With his back turned to Takarafuji, Kotoshoho was on the fast track over the bales.

Hokutofuji defeats Myogiryu – These two started attacking each others neck and face, but Hokutofuji shifted his force to Myogiryu’s chest, and found a way to move forward. I am hoping that Hokutofuji is in good condition this basho. It’s been a while since we have seen him really dominate.

Okinoumi defeats Tobizaru – Tobizaru is finding a new class of opponent now, and that’s a good thing. Okinoumi seems to have put most of his health and injury problems aside this year, and now his skill, patience, and deep sumo technique catalog can really shine.

Terunofuji defeats Kagayaki – First, Kagayaki with a dark belt? I had to look twice. Second, that was classic Ozeki Terunofuji sumo. You can go watch his matches in 2015 and 2016, and see that exact same combo use to win matches.

Daieisho defeats Takanosho – Takanosho gets surprised when Daieisho starts the match fast, low and strong. He took the inside position, and thrust Takanosho up, and the shin-Sekiwake never could get his sumo together. Daieisho kept him reacting until he was off balance enough to slap down to the clay. Maybe some ring rust?

Mitakeumi defeats Onosho – First match: really liked Onosho’s tachiai, but Mitakeumi’s ottsuke kept Onosho from really getting any kind of grip. Mitakeumi advanced and Onosho tried to flip him down to the dohyo, but stepped out as Mitakeumi fell. The mono-ii decided they would fight again, and this time it was all Mitakeumi.

Shodai defeats Wakatakakage – Shodai got overwhelmed by Wakatakakage, and saved his win with an incredible rescue move at the bales. If Wakatakakage had a point of failure, it is that he rushed the finish, and allowed Shodai to escape as Wakatakakage was about to win. That was a great defensive move by Shodai, but hopefully he does not have to resort to that kind of thing too frequently.

Asanoyama defeats Kiribayama – Asanoyama made it clear that November was a new page on the calendar, and he was going to open strong. Kiribayama is no easy mark, and got his left hand inside at the tachiai, but as his hand found silk, he had no stance to hold his position, and Asanoyama ran him out.

Takakeisho defeats Takayasu – Did you guys see that? A really interesting and useful variation on Takakeisho’s sumo today. Rather than trying to keep a broad gap between him and his opponent, Takakeisho made much better use of his lower body today. He kept his hips low, and his hands on Takayasu’s chest. Takayasu did a fine job of blocking Takakeisho in the opening moments of the bout, but could not deflect the Grand Tadpole for long.

Tokyo November Day 1 Preview

Bruce H Akua, Aoiyama, Asanoyama (朝乃山), Chiyonokuni (千代の国), Chiyoshoma, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Enho, Hakuho (白鵬), Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Kagayaki (輝), Kaisei (魁聖), Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Kotoshoho, Kotoyuki, Meisei, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Ryuden (竜電), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shimanoumi, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terunofuji (照ノ富士), Terutsuyoshi, Tobizaru, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tokushoryu, Tokyo November Basho, Wakatakakage, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲)

Welcome back sumo fans, it’s honbasho time once more, and I could not be more excited. With all of the uncertainty swirling around in the news, this basho is a true gift. For the next 15 days, we can set the world aside and embrace what may be the ultimate personal sport. Yes, we are facing a second straight basho with all active Yokozuna kyujo, and for many that means “basho-light”. Bollocks, I say! The next generation of sumo is now on the stage, and fighting it out for the future. Would it be better if we had a healthy and genki Hakuho and Kakuryu knocking heads? Of course. But both of those wonderful athletes are doing all they can to squeeze the last drops of their career into their sumo, and nothing can stop that.

As I cast my gaze at the torikumi for day 1, I see fantastic matches, and once again it could be anyone’s basho. As readers of the blog who watch or listen to our podcasts know, I favor Asanoyama to dominate this time, and to start talk of him as the next Yokozuna. The jitters of September are likely gone, and his disappointment likely left him hardened mentally, and focused on his goal. I see his primary foil right now as Shodai, who may struggle this tournament after all of the distractions of his period as shin-Ozeki and all of the media appearances, the well wishers and the general celebration the past six weeks. Takakeisho is the dark-horse this time. I expect him to get at least 10 if he does not get hurt, but I predict he will be chasing Shodai and Asanoyama for a fair portion of the tournament.

On to the preview!

What We Are Watching Day 1

Shimanoumi vs Chiyonoo – With 3 top division rikishi kyujo, there is a banzuke imbalance, and we will see visitors from Juryo daily until someone gets hurts and withdraws. First up is Chiyonoo – recent fans may not quite know who he is, he has ben a Juryo mainstay since 2013, save for an injury fueled tour of Makushita starting last year. Now at Juryo 1, a winning record would see him back in the top division for the first time since 2017. These two have split their prior 8 matches.

Chiyoshoma vs Akua – Unrepentant henka master and all around sumo heel Chiyoshoma has managed to climb back to the top division, where he has been a regular since 2016. He is going up against Akua on day one who has done his time in Juryo, and the meat grinder that is Makushita. Akua can be expected to attack straight ahead, and Chiyoshoma will be evading and looking to exploit any advantage he can find.

Chiyotairyu vs Kotonowaka – Kotonowaka is a good competitor for Chiyotairyu. Kotonowaka is massive enough he can absorb the cannon-ball tachiai, and both of them are excellent at tsuki-oshi sumo. I expect this to come down to who can get their hands inside and against their opponents chest first. Kotonowaka took their only prior match (in March at the silent basho).

Chiyonokuni vs Ichinojo – I must admit I am very happy, very excited to see Chiyonokuni return, yet again, to the top division. Like so many rikishi, he developed injuries to his knees, and has struggled ever since. His sumo attacks are rapid, focused and frequently overwhelming. I sometimes refer to him as the “Grumpy Badger”. Of course, who do you give him as a day 1 opponent? Yeah, “The Boulder”! I am keen to see which form of Ichinojo shows up to this tournament – the fluffy ice cream gourmet? Or the terrifyingly huge pony tosser?

Hoshoryu vs Kaisei – Hoshoryu has his work cut out for him, he has gotten about as far as he can with his current blend of body, sumo and spirit. I believe he is not anywhere near his potential, but he needs to find a path to take the next step. Maybe becoming some kind of hulking gym-monster like what happened to Ura, becoming a butter ball like what happened to Mitakeumi, or just becoming some kind of raging demon like Yoshikaze. He faces off against the ultra-massive Kaisei for his first match, having lost their only prior meeting.

Yutakayama vs Enho – Yutakayama looked very shaky prior to the Aki basho, and in fact he withdrew on day 8 and ended the tournament with a 2-13 finish. The big question must be, has he had a chance to recover? So many rikishi keep training, hoping to “work through” the problem, but never really recover their sumo. He has won all 4 of his prior matches with Enho, who seems to have hit some kind of wall with his sumo, much to the dismay of his fans.

Sadanoumi vs Meisei – I categorize this as a “stock and trade” match. A pair of hard core Makuuchi rikishi slugging it out in the middle of the torikumi. Sadanoumi has an edge of speed, Meisei an edge in strength. Both will bring an unknown quantity of ring rust to their first match.

Ryuden vs Kotoeko – Ryuden has been puttering around in the middle of the banzuke for the past year, always straggling the kachi/make-koshi line. These two last fought on day 9 in September, and it was Kotoeko’s match.

Tokushoryu vs Terutsuyoshi – Grizzled veterans like Tokushoryu tend to have a fair measure of ring rust to shake off before they can get up to real fighting form. I am sure he has sparring with Ura and Shimanoumi to tune up, but Terutsuyoshi is certain to come into the basho looking for blood. Probably going to be a short, intense match.

Aoiyama vs Endo – Once again Endo is expected to be competing with a nagging injury, having gone kyujo from Aki before the final weekend. He will have his hands full with Big Dan and the brutal V-Twin attack. Aoiyama tends to not have ring rust, and just shows up day one and slaps people around. He holds an 8-5 career lead over Endo, so there could be a fair amount of pain in this one.

Tochinoshin vs Tamawashi – Thirty two career matches! That’s some huge history. Tochinoshin holds an 21-11 leave on that list, but it will all come down to the condition of Tochinoshin’s right knee. If he’s good enough, he will dominate most matches. But in the past year we have seen him increasingly having to resort to “weak hand” sumo to score wins, as his body declares its had enough.

Takarafuji vs Kotoshoho – A solid first time match on opening day. We get rising start Kotoshoho at his highest ever rank going against top division mainstay Takarafuji. Takarafuji’s preferred approach is what I call “defend and extend” – drag the match out and wait for your opponent to tire or make a mistake. Kotoshoho will look for an early slap / pull down, which is a long shot given Takarafuji’s epic defensive foot placement and stability.

Hokutofuji vs Myogiryu – I truly, honestly want to see Hokutofuji fight and win this tournament. He has really solid sumo technique, but far too frequently he produces what I call “The most powerful make-koshi in all of sumo”. He loses with overwhelming vigor. Has a 5-5 record against Myogiryu, who has won 2 of their last 3.

Tobizaru vs Okinoumi – I am very excited to see this high energy dynamo take his first match against Okinoumi, and his encyclopedic catalog of sumo attack and defense techniques. I look for Tobizaru to bring intensity, and for Okinoumi to respond with calm, efficient sumo. A great match for day 1.

Terunofuji vs Kagayaki – Apologies to Kagayaki.

Daieisho vs Takanosho – Daieisho is one of these rikishi who has been just a half step short a few times too many. I think he has the seeds of greatness, but needs to find that extra element he does not quite have yet. He is 1-3 against Takanosho, who seems to have a natural power to his sumo, and is clearly going to enjoy his posting to Sekiwake.

Mitakeumi vs Onosho – Thank you schedulers, I get a tadpole fight on opening day! If he’s healthy, the Original Tadpole (Mitakeumi) will be a heavy favorite (see what i did there?). Both of these guys do tend to have a fair amount of ring rust for the first few days, so we may see some sloppy sumo in this match.

Shodai vs Wakatakakage – Hey, shin-Ozeki Shodai, you get to face Mr Unpronounceable for your warm up in a battle of the blue mawashi. This is the first match between these two, and I think it will be interesting to watch Wakatakakage negotiate his first trip to the top echelon of Makuuchi. I fully expect Shodai to win this one.

Kiribayama vs Asanoyama – Kiribayama has yet to take a match from Asanoyama, but I doubt that Kiribayama will let that slow him down in the least. Asanoyama avoided the joint training session in the Kokugikan two weeks ago, preferring to train at his home stable. We will see today if that choice was to his advantage, as Kiribayama will likely be a tough opener for him.

Takakeisho vs Takayasu – An excellent choice for the final match of the day. I have to wonder how well recovered Takayasu is from his injuries last year and earlier this year. Healthy he tends to overwhelm Takakeisho, but he will need to be careful not to indulge himself in some of his favorite attacks, which tend to leave him off balance. Takakeisho is a master of disruption, and will have you out of the ring or on the clay if you give him the slightest opening.

Tokyo July Basho Senshuraku Highlights

Andy Abi (阿炎), Aoiyama, Asanoyama (朝乃山), Chiyomaru, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Enho, Hakuho (白鵬), Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Ikioi (勢), Ishiura (石浦), Kagayaki (輝), Kaisei (魁聖), Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Kotoshogiku (琴奨菊), Kotoshoho, Kotoyuki, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nishikigi, Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Ryuden (竜電), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shimanoumi, Shohozan, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terunofuji (照ノ富士), Terutsuyoshi, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tokushoryu, Tokyo July Basho, Wakatakakage, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲) ,
Octagon Presents Terunofuji the Emperor’s Cup

Leonid did a great job of explaining what’s at stake today. One thing that I can’t get over, though, it is August 2nd. The July basho yusho was, oddly enough, decided in August after being fought in Tokyo. One Ozeki on the torikumi for senshuraku and zero Yokozuna confirm we are in a time of flux on the dohyo. But off the dohyo, the whole damn world is in flux. However, the drama of this past fortnight has served as a wonderful distraction.

Terunofuji’s Championship serves to demonstrate that our substantial challenges can be overcome. The next time we get together, we will be confident for the health and safety of all involved and that we can all breathe a deep sigh of relief. The coronavirus reminders have been everywhere and lapse in protocols may end up costing Abi very dearly. The virus robbed Terunofuji’s triumphant return of much of the pomp and celebration he’s due. No parade. No senshuraku parties. Supporters are beyond arms reach, though we are with him in spirit. I hope he gets to party properly after his next title.

Highlight Matches

Sadanoumi (8-7) defeated Nishikigi (6-9): Sadanoumi hot off the line, wrapped up Nishikigi and walked him back and out to pick up his kachi-koshi. Yorikiri.

Tochinoshin (10-5) defeated Kotoshoho (8-7): Tochinoshin got the better of the initial charge, forcing Kotoshoho back a step. Kotoshoho pivoted but Tochinoshin followed and got his big left paw up around the back of Kotoshoho’s neck and pulled down violently. Kotoshoho had no choice but to touch down. Hatakikomi.

Kaisei (6-9) defeated Shimanoumi (5-10): Shimanoumi tried to drive forward into Kaisei but Kaisei’s trunk was well set at the center of the ring. Kaisei shoved Shimanoumi backwards twice, hurling the matching orange mawashi out of the ring. Tsukidashi.

Wakatakakage (10-5) defeated Ishiura (4-11): Ishiura seemed to pull something in his right leg. He was unable to put much weight on his right foot. Wakatakakage blasted the hopping Ishiura off the dohyo. Ishiura limped back up onto the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Kotoeko (10-5) defeated Terutsuyoshi (8-7): Terutsuyoshi’s ashitori worked once but Kotoeko was ready for it. He dodged out of the way and regrouped grabbing for Terutsuyoshi’s belt. Taking a page from Tochinoshin, Kotoeko landed his left on the back of Terutsuyoshi and pulled him down to the floor. Hatakikomi.

Ryuden (7-8) defeated Kotonowaka (4-6-4): Kotonowaka still could not put much weight on his left leg. Ryuden was able to get Kotonowaka sliding backwards to the bales and over. Yorikiri.

Hokutofuji (9-6) defeated Kotoshogiku (8-7): Hokutofuji met Kotoshogiku head on but stepped to the side with his right arm up on Kotoshogiku’s shoulder, forcing Kotoshogiku to the ground. Hatakikomi.

Chiyotairyu (6-9) defeated Aoiyama (5-10): Aoiyama was a bit over-eager, charging forward off balance. Chiyotairyu pulled with his left hand up on Aoiyama’s shoulder applying sufficient pressure to force Aoiyama down. Hikiotoshi.

Ikioi (3-12) defeated Kagayaki (5-10): Ikioi showed some strength and wile for the first time this week. Driven to the bales by Kagayaki he drove forward, forcing Kagayaki back. However, Kagayaki wasn’t going to go over the bales easily, either. Kagayaki grabbed Ikioi by the mawashi, forcing him back but Ikioi deftly slipped to the side and pulled Kagayaki down. Shitatenage.

Halftime

Kiribayama (6-9) defeated Takarafuji (5-10): Takarafuji wiggled and retreated, trying to keep Kiribayama off his belt. But Kiribayama was relentless and able to slip both hands on there. Once he was secure in the morozashi, queue deathspin throw. Uwatenage.

Onosho (2-13) defeated Chiyomaru (4-11): Follow the bouncing Chiyomaru. Onosho got the better of the tachiai but Chiyomaru used his mass to arrest Onosho’s progress and started moving forward. Onosho pivoted several times in retreat to stay away from the edge of the ring but as Chiymaru forced him along it, Onosho executed a throw. Shitatenage.

Takayasu (10-5) defeated Takanosho (8-7): Takayasu’s aggressive tsuppari pushed Takanosho up and back. A well-timed pull sent Takanosho to the clay. Hikiotoshi.

Yutakayama (5-10) defeated Enho (5-10): Enho eager to get things started but Yutakayama. Yutakayama advanced forward, keeping his weight low. His effective tsuppari targeted Enho’s face and shoulders. He attempted two hatakikomi pulls, the second of which was more effective in getting Enho off balance but Enho sprang backwards. Yutakayama pursued and forced Enho out. Oshitaoshi.

Endo (8-7) defeated Tokushoryu (7-8): Our sole Darwin bout? Tokushoryu allowed Endo in to the belt far too easily. Endo bounced Tokushoryu to the edge where Tokushoryu’s foot slipped from the bales. They give Endo the yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Tamawashi (10-5) defeated Okinoumi (9-6): Tamawashi is a bruiser and Okinoumi was ready for a brawl. Okinoumi chased Tamawashi around the ring with effective slaps and thrusts. Tamawashi won on the belt, though, throwing Okinoumi at the edge. Uwatenage.

Daieisho (11-4) defeated Myogiryu (10-5): Daieisho ducked to the side, as Myogiryu was pitched too far forward. A disappointing end to Myogiryu’s fantastic basho. Hikiotoshi.

Terunofuji (13-2) defeated Mitakeumi (11-4): Showtime. Wow. Morozashi from Terunofuji and Mitakeumi was done. Terunofuji advanced, marching Mitakeumi out. Yusho Terunofuji! Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (12-3) defeated Shodai (11-4): Asanoyama bulldozed into Shodai who’s back to a less-than-impressive tachiai. After yesterday’s bout with Terunofuji, I was expecting more fire from the Daikon. However, Asanoyama corralled Shodai effectively, working Shodai back to the edge. Shodai nearly pulled the Ozeki down but Asanoyama recovered. Oshidashi.

Terunofuji has been here before. But I NEVER would have thought he’d storm back in his first makuuchi tournament. The pink macaron! Congratulations, Terunofuji!!!

Aside from the yusho, Terunofuji picked up the Outstanding Performance and Technique Prizes. Daieisho and Mitakeumi also collected Outstanding Performance Prizes. Not to be left out, Shodai was given the Fighting Spirit Prize for actually having a solid tachiai against Kaiju. See what you can do?

Thank you for enjoying this tournament with us. Time to clean up and get ready for September.