A huge day in the progression of the basho, 7 rikishi win their kachi-koshi, the sole leader meets his first Ozeki, and the leaderboard evens up. There were consequential matches up and down the torikumi, and the stage is set for the final weekend, and the conclusion of the yusho race.

Highlight Matches

Takarafuji defeats Chiyoshoma – Chiyoshoma came in early, but in his opening combo it was clear he was brining little if any forward power to his sumo. Takarafuji decided this was the case half a second before Chiyoshoma attempted a pulling move, which triggered a Takarafuji oshidashi that ended the match. Takarafuji now 6-7, and still on course for a Darwin match.

Endo defeats Nishikifuji – Endo gets his 8th win and is kachi-koshi for September. Nishikifuji went for a pulling move quite early, and surrendered the match to Endo by oshidashi. Endo is now 8-5.

Midorifuji defeats Kotoshoho – Excellent early thrusting battle for both men, the match nearly was decided when Kotoshoho grabbed Midorifuji’s arm and swung him Harumafuji style. Kotoshoho was throwing everything he could muster or dream up into this match, but eventually Midorifuji grappled him, and stood him up in the center of the dohyo. Taking his time Midorifuji worked his left hand deeper until he was able to load up a sukuinage that brought Kotoshoho to the clay. The match ended with Midorifuji kachi-koshi at 8-5, and Kotoshoho make-koshi at 5-8.

Aoiyama defeats Hiradoumi – It’s a rare day this September where we get to see Aoiyama win with his traditional V-Twin attack. Hiradoumi absorbed it as best he could, but it left him discombobulated for the resulting hatakikomi that took him out of the match. Both end the day 4-9.

Kotoeko defeats Kagayaki – Kagayaki can only manage a couple of glancing hits on Kotoeko’s face before he is bodily removed from the ring by yorikiri. He sinks deeper into make-koshi with 4-9 as Kotoeko staves off his 8th loss at 6-7.

Sadanoumi defeats Oho – Oho makes a major mistake at the tachiai, attacking Sadanoumi’s face while not putting any effort into defending his belt. Sadanoumi sets up a strong grip and proceeds to bundle Oho out in short order by yorikiri. Sadanoumi improves to 6-7.

Myogiryu defeats Ryuden – Myogiryu does a brilliant job of disrupting and shutting down Ryuden’s opening combo. The results was a Myogiryu right hand outsde hold, and effective control of the match. Ryuden did a masterful job of fighting back, but was too upright, and could not break Myogiryu’ grip. A culminating forward rush by Myogiryu sent Ryuden out by yorikiri, giving Myogiryu his 8th win, and kachi-koshi for Aki. Ryuden suffers his 8th loss and is make-koshi at 5-8.

Kinbozan defeats Shonannoumi – Shonannoumi had zero sumo moves today. He caught Kinbozan’s tachiai at full force, and then decided his only choice was to grab Kinbozan’s neck and pull. No forward power or pressure, he was out three steps later. Kinbozan advances to 9-4.

Hokuseiho defeats Takanosho – Credit to Takanosho, he put a bunch of power up front into Hokuseiho. But how is that going to effect a 2 meter tall piece of Hokkaido concrete? Simply put, it isn’t. Hokuseiho grabs Takanosho and thrusts him to the clay. Hokuseiho improves to 9-4, Takanosho now make-koshi at 5-8.

Tamawashi defeats Daishoho – I have to assume that with 11 losses, Tamawashi’s body is absolute hell right now. But now he has managed to win 2 in a row. Not sure how it makes you feel, but as a guy, I have an overflowing well of respect that he steels himself daily and gives it his all. Tamawashi is now 2-11.

Asanoyama defeats Mitakeumi – Fantastic classic rematch, and a true battle of sumo styles. Mitakeumi gets early advantage, but Asanoyama managed to get his left hand on Mitakeumi’s belt. That was all he needed to turn the tables on our Original Tadpole, and Mitakeumi hits the exit via yorikiri. Both end the day 8-5 as Asanoyama reaches kachi-koshi.

Ura defeats Meisei – Fantastic, textbook tsuki-oshi work from Meisei, and all Ura could do for most of the match was defend. But as always he was looking for a stray finger or wrist to grab and tug. Then something flips, out comes Ura’s left hand, which we know is strong enough to break grip strength meters, and latches onto Meisei’s throat. After about 5 seconds of that, you can see Meisei’s expression read “ok, you can stop that!” as the right hand comes up and delivers a thundering tsukiotoshi. I am not sure I have seen Ura employ a nodowa in quite some time. I bet that leaves a mark, he is now 7-6.

Hokutofuji defeats Takayasu – For long time Takayasu fans, it’s more of the same. With our hairy hero almost in sight of ultimate victory, he stumbles yet again. It’s like that boss level in Final Fantasy that requires some wacky 7 finger button combo to win that you just can’t make happen, Takayasu’s SD card is full of saved games exactly at this encounter. Takayasu starts the match well, but Hokutofuji is able to turn Takayasu, get behind, and run him out by okuridashi. That’s kachi-koshi for Hokutofuji, and he is 8-5.

Tobizaru defeats Onosho – Brilliant defense from Tobizaru, and I must remark that regardless of his score, how much his sumo has progressed. His early form was almost totally offense, but as has been demonstrated in his week 2 matches, he’s improved his sumo when defending as well. He blunts nearly every Onosho volley, and waits for Onosho to get too far over his toes. Given that this is Onosho, it’s just a question of being ready when he does it. Tobizaru is ready, and delivers a tsukiotoshi, but does not miss a chance to go three rows back and mingle with his fans. The win improves improves his score to 6-7.

Shodai defeats Nishikigi – Aww, I sort of wanted to see Nishikigi hold rank in the san’yaku. At the moment Nishikigi got his battle hug started, Shodai gave us a bit of the old “Wall of Daikon” and bodily rammed Nishikigi out. Shodai is now 6-7, and in my opinion headed for a Darwin match on Sunday.

Kotonowaka defeats Abi – Kotonowaka keeps his feet and keeps his balance centered as Abi-zumo fails to disrupt his forward push. That is no easy task. Kotonowaka is now 7-6.

Wakamotoharu defeats Tsurugisho – You see, I am not really good with this “jam the M16 into the san’yaku” arc we just witnessed. Sure, Tsurugisho was having a good run, but this was, in my opinion, gratuitous. Wakamotoharu seldom gets to grapple with someone that large, so I guess it was interesting for him, plus a bonus bloody nose. Wakamotoharu picks up his 8th win and is kachi-koshi at 8-5.

Daieisho defeats Gonoyama – I like that Gonoyama was able to withstand a full power Daieisho facial for a solid 20 seconds. He only really got in trouble during the pulling phase of the combo, with Daieisho really pouring in the power both forward and reverse. To me this speaks highly of Gonoyama’s potential to beat these guys with a bit more time to work on his skills. Daieisho wins, and is headed for double digits at 9-4. I hope they give the G-man a creampuff match in the last 2 days to let him get his 8.

Takakeisho defeats Atamifuji – I have mountains of respect for Atamifuji mounting the dohyo and putting up a bold and vigorous fight in his first match against an Ozeki. This guy is near the bottom of the banzuke, and if he were not a yusho leader, would not have ever been in consideration for this kind of fight. I also have to recognize that Takakeisho opened with a probing attack, and never did get to full power wave action volleys. They simply were not needed. He got his stubby arms around Atamifuji and walked him out for a yorikiri. Both are now tied for the lead at 10-3.

Kirishima defeats Hoshoryu – Top tier evasive work from Kirishima at the tachiai to set up his left hand outside grip. Hoshoryu never really had any offense in this match, and was simply ballast for the resulting uwatenage. Kirishima now kachi-koshi at 8-5, clearing kadoban.

Outstanding matches on day 12, and the schedulers are able to move one step closer to making the final weekend a real brawl to end it all. We had 6 rikishi reach kachi-koshi today, and dear injured Tamawashi picked up his first win of Aki, possibly sealing Chiyoshoma’s demotion to Juryo in the process.

Highlight Matches

Mitakeumi defeats Sadanoumi – Something was re-enabled in Mitakeumi from Nagoya to now. He’s back to good form, and this far down the banzuke he is somewhat unassailable. This denshamichi-sumo bout against Sadanoumi is just today’s example. Mitakeumi improves to 8-4 and is kachi-koshi. Next stop, double digits.

Hokuseiho defeats Daishoho – Daishoho seems to be banking on his superior density to prevent Hokuseiho from lifting him. It works for a bit, but the effort required to keep that much mass in a fight drains Daishoho’s stamina over time. Hokuseiho waits him out, lets him get tired and then nodowas up a yorikiir. 8-4 for Hokuseiho, and he is kachi-koshi for Aki.

Kinbozan defeats Kagayaki – Points to Kagayaki for working to clear the inside lane and open the route to attack Kinbozan’s chest. He no sooner gets that underway then Kinbozan steps to the side and sends Kagayaki down by tsukiotoshi. Kinbozan improves to 8-4 and is kachi-koshi, Kagayaki hits his 8th loss and is make-koshi.

Midorifuji defeats Myogiryu – Are folks getting tired of Midorifuji’s katasukashi habit? I know I am not, he can do that every day, and I will be happy about it. Seriously though, Myogiryu should have known that was coming. Both are 7-5.

Kotoeko defeats Nishikifuji – I think Kotoeko’s right arm ottsuke did a lot of good, and stopped Nishikifuji at a critical moment. The rest was Kotoeko engaging forward power take off and driving forward. He improves to 7-5 while delivering Nishikifuji’s kachi-koshi at 4-8.

Hiradoumi defeats Kotoshoho – A quick win by Hiradoumi – this is more what I expected from him this basho. Maybe now that he’s safely make-koshi, his actual sumo will come back to support him? He gets a right hand inside grip at the tachiai and almost immediately sets up the throw. The tsukiotoshi advances Hiradoumi to 4-8.

Oho defeats Aoiyama – Starting to look grim for Big Dan. He heads deeper into make-koshi territory with his loss to Oho, who tried hard to hit the dirt before Aoiyama could. A wild and completely off balance hatakikomi dropped both men, but Oho gets the win and is now 4-8.

Ryuden defeats Takarafuji – Faced with make-koshi, Ryuden finds a much needed win. He set up a left hand inside, and both men tried to rotate into a throw. Ryuden completed first, dropping Takarafuji to the clay to advance to 5-7 by uwatenage.

Ura defeats Tsurugisho – It’s a treat to see Ura really enjoying some good grab and tug sumo for a change, and even picking up a win. Given that Tsurugisho tends to win these matches, I am surprised he was not better set up to defend. The finishing touch was Tsurugisho trying some kind of leg trip. The response from Ura seemed to be, “Thanks big stuff for putting your weight on one foot, please keep your hands inside the ride at all times”. Ura advances to 6-6 by kakenage.

Shonannoumi defeats Shodai – The early part of this match was a genuinely solid ottsuke battle, with Shodai quite effectively blocking Shonannoumi’s left hand. Normally this is where Shodai’s cartoon sumo fires up, but instead we get Shonannoumi pivoting, breaking the ottsuke and pushing Shodai out by the face. Oshidashi it is, and Shonannoumi is now 6-6.

Tamawashi defeats Chiyoshoma – Thank you, oh Great Sumo Cat of the Kokugikan! After 11 straight losses, Tamawashi finds enough sumo to beat Chiyoshoma and help him secure a place in the demotion queue. At one point Chiyoshoma gets behind Tamawashi, and lunges forward to drive him out. Tamawashi catches him and delivers a rapid sukuinage to improve to 1-11.

Abi defeats Endo – Abi henka, ugh. He is kachi-koshi at 8-4.

Onosho defeats Hokutofuji – Looks like the rikishi wondered if it was actually a matta, with Onosho deciding to not pause the attack. He connected to an upright and waiting Hokutofuji, who was quickly run out from behind. Fight unless it’s called, gentlemen. Onosho now kachi-koshi at 8-4.

Meisei defeats Takanosho – Meisei’s tachiai was so brutal, they heard it upstairs in the “day of” seats. I think it knocked most of the sumo out of Takanosho, who seemed relegated to reacting and trying to figure out how to get his balance back. Meisei did not give him a chance, and took the match by kotenage, he is now 6-6.

Takayasu defeats Nishikigi – Maybe Takayasu’s not hurt after all. He continues his absolute (6-0) dominance over Nishikigi by denying Nishikigi any kind of belt or body hold, then disrupting Nishikigi’s balance to the point he can push him down by hatakikomi. Takayasu improves to 9-3, and is note quite out of the yusho picture yet.

Asanoyama defeats Tobizaru – Tremendous left arm ottsuke from Tobizaru really gave Asanoyama an over sized amount of trouble. Suggestion to the former Ozeki; find a second favorite attack route, everyone knows what you are trying for, and the good ones know how to shut you down. Tobizaru’s focus on that left hand block consumed too much of his focus, and Asanoyama improvised a yorikiri and bodily rammed Tobizaru into his favorite salt basked, sending him into the crowd yet again for a little fan service. You can see why the obaasan corps really loves this guy. Asanoyama improves to 7-5, and the look on Tobizaru’s face as he mounts the dohyo makes me think that someone shoved a phone number in his mawashi while he was in the crowd.

Daieisho defeats Atamifuji – I was very curious how this one would good, as Daieisho is tough to defend against, unless you frequently fight a strong oshi-zumo maniac. Atamifuji did an excellent job for a first ever match against Daieisho, and was able to block, parry or deflect a fair amount of the incoming thrust energy. As Atamifuji’s confidence grew, he decided to counter attack, and that’s when trouble began. Daieisho got him forward of his toes, and then swatted him to the clay with an expertly delivered hikiotoshi. That’s 8-4 for Daieisho, and kachi-koshi in fine style, dropping Atamifuji down one notch and putting him in range for a yusho pick off by the chasers.

Takakeisho defeats Kotonowaka – It makes me happy to see Takakeisho back in his Ozeki form. He puts so much power forward that Kotonowaka’s fight plan must have been completely disrupted, and he is relegated to trying to improvise some form of attack. Always polite, Takakeisho saves him from the embarrassment of forgetting where he was in the match by shoving Kotonowaka’s meaty chest out in rapid fashion by oshidashi. Takakeisho now 9-3 and one win behind Atamifuji.

Wakamotoharu defeats Kirishima – Kirishima missed a chance to clear kadoban today with a crappy tachiai. Poor hand placement, bad first step, it was garbage. Wakamotoharu could not believe his luck and quickly too charge of the match and finished the Ozeki three steps later by rapid yorikiri. Try again tomorrow, Kirishima. Both end the day 7-5.

Hoshoryu defeats Gonoyama – I did not expect Gonoyama to win this one, but I did get what I was looking for. Gonoyama put up an excellent fight against a much higher ranked opponent in a first match – gutsy move to open with that nodowa. But the following pull attempt was well anticipated by Hoshoryu, and it cost Gonoyama the match. To make headway over the next year, Gonoyama will need to work on new tools that are more effective against Ozeki and above. Hoshoryu with a much needed win, now at 6-6.

We are well into the thick of things for act 2, and we are just 4 days away from awarding the Emperor’s cup. The contenders who would challenge Atamifuji have fallen out due to losses in the past 2 days, and I think he may wrap things up before Sunday. He is only in his 18th basho , and his second in the top division. A yusho at this stage of his career would be quite the signal that he is going to be a major player in the next generation of sumo. Elsewhere on the torikumi there are 11 rikishi who have a shot at kachi-koshi today, and 4 who may be handed their losing records as well.

Aki Leaderboard

Tobizaru failed in his task, and now look what we have. Atamifuji with a 2 win lead. The path to get any of the hunt group into a spot to challenge for the cup is very narrow now, and an Atamifuji win against Daieisho today might just seal the deal. If the schedulers want to make a battle out of the final weekend, they have to pin their hopes on Takakeisho winning out, and Atamifuji taking a couple of losses. I think those are long odds, but it can still be done.

Leader: Atamifuji
Chasers: (nobody)
Hunt Group: Takakeisho, Takaysu, Tsurugisho

4 Matches Remain

What We Are Watching Day 12

Mitakeumi (7-4) vs Sadanoumi (5-6) – This is a solid chance for Mitakeumi to pick up his 8th win. I just have to say, I have been a fan of the original tadpole for a long time, and it really makes me happy to see him fighting more like his old self again. Last basho must have been miserable, his father had just died, and he looked like he had no fighting spirit, in front of his home town fans, too. I would love to see him hit kachi-koshi today.

Daishoho (3-8) vs Hokuseiho (7-4) – I think this is likewise an offer to Hokuseiho to take out the struggling Daishoho for his 8th win and kachi-koshi. After looking lost and tired during week 1, he has returned to much better form. He has only won 2 out of the 5 prior matches against Daishoho, but I think he’s going to dominate the match today.

Kinbozan (7-4) vs Kagayaki (4-7) – A nice, symmetrical match that should see Kinbozan reach kachi-koshi at the same time that Kagayaki picks up his 8th loss. Kinbozan won their only prior fight, which was day 13 of Aki last year. I am eager to see lksumo’s forecasts for promotions and demotions. I don’t think Kagayaki is at risk. At least not yet…

Midorifuji (6-5) vs Myogiryu (7-4) – Midorifuji has a 4-0 record against Myogiryu, and has beaten him with a variety of techniques. This includes day 5 of Hatsu where he unleashed an uchimuso (inner thigh propping twist down). Not sure we will get something that spectacular today, but I will be looking for Midorifuji to improve to 7-5.

Kotoeko (4-7) vs Nishikifuji (4-7) – The loser of this match is make-koshi, Kotoeko has not beaten Nishikifuji in two prior attempts, but if there was ever a day to do it, it will be today. They last fought on day 15 of Osaka.

Kotoshoho (5-6) vs Hiradoumi (3-8) – Hiradoumi is already make-koshi, and in no real danger of dropping to Juryo. Kotoshoho needs to win 3 of the remaining 4 matches to reach kachi-koshi. Nah, I don’t think he will, but he can at least minimize his drop by salting away a few more white stars.

Aoiyama (3-8) vs Oho (3-8) – Both are already make-koshi, and this may be part of finding out if Aoiyama will be ranked in Juryo in November for the first time in nearly 6 years. Given Aoiyama’s age, he’s likely on the path toward retirement, but he may have one or two strong basho left in him yet. The two last fought on day 13 of Natsu, where Oho won by okuridashi.

Takarafuji (5-6) vs Ryuden (4-7) – These two have a 12 match history, going back to 2018, and favors Takarafuji 9-3. A loss today for Ryuden will be make-koshi for him, but given that Takarafuji’s sumo is hit or miss right now, it’s not certain that Ryuden will lose.

Tsurugisho (8-3) vs Ura (5-6) – I was surprised to learn that these two have 7 prior matches, and they favor Tsurugisho 5-2. All but one of them are in Juryo, but in general, it seems that Tsurugisho has a habit for grabbing the highly mobile Ura and stuffing him in a salt basket, then launching the basket into the nearest river. Given how close the Sumida is to the Kokugikan, I guess that’s where Ura is going today.

Shodai (5-6) vs Shonannoumi (5-6) – First ever match between two hit or miss rikishi with identical 5-2 records, there is little to ruminate on this one except that I would like to see Shodai endure a Darwin match on Sunday. Shodai has won the last 2 in a row, and Shonannoumi has lost the last 3 in a row.

Chiyoshoma (2-9) vs Tamawashi (0-11) – Is this some effort to save Chiyoshoma from demotion? Or is it just that someone has to fight Tamawashi, and it’s his turn? If it’s the former, I beg the indulgence of the Great Sumo Cat of the Kokugikan to fill Tamawashi’s body with genki power for just a moment, that Chiyoshoma might endure his 10th loss. Of course, the right thing for Tamawashi deliver is a henka today. Yes, please, thank you.

Abi (7-4) vs Endo (7-4) – Winner is kachi-koshi, and I would love to think that Endo can pull it out. But in truth he has only won 3 times in 15 matches against Abi, who’s un-subtle double blast attacks are the antithesis of Endo’s calculated choreography. They have each won one this year, but my favorite Endo win was day 12 of Nagoya 2019, where Abi lost by the non technique tsukihiza.

Hokutofuji (7-4) vs Onosho (7-4) – A second consecutive match where the winner is kahci-koshi. This one is a lot closer in that they have a close to even record, and both are fighting well this September. I think the odds are slightly in Hokutofuji’s favor, but he will need to stay mobile and not let Onosho square his shoulders into his push.

Takanosho (5-6) vs Meisei (5-6) – Matching 5-6 scores, this match looks like a funnel effort to get at least one of the rikishi to a 7-7 score to start day 15. In their prior matches, Meisei has won 9 to Takanosho’s 4, with Meisei taking both of the two prior fights.

Nishikigi (5-6) vs Takayasu (8-3) – Takayasu has not lost to Nishikigi, ever. They have 5 prior fights, and each time Takayasu finds a way to win. If’s he so dominant in this pairing, why am I having my doubts about this fight? Maybe because I suspect he hurt is back in his loss to Atamifuji, and he’s going to stumble, grunt, and wince through the remaining 4 matches.

Asanoyama (6-5) vs Tobizaru (5-6) – Asanoyama, through his own hit or miss sumo, is in the funnel. Both he and Tobizaru are straddling the win / loss line, and both of them are good candidates for day 15 Darwin matches. To further that outcome, we need Tobizaru to finally win against Asanoyama on his 3rd attempt. Nah, I don’t think so either. It’s far more likely he ends up back in the crowd making the grannies swoon.

Daieisho (7-4) vs Atamifuji (10-1) – If you don’t pay any attention to the prior 11 days, you would be right to consider this match to be some kind of joke. But the only way I see Atamifuji not picking up his 11th win is if Daieisho can evade capture by Atamifuji, stay mobile and blast for all he is worth. Hopefully the Isegahama okamisan is shopping for fish.

Kotonowaka (6-5) vs Takakeisho (8-3) – Takakeisho is the best bet for someone other than Atamifuji to pick up the Emperor’s Cup on Sunday. But as mentioned in the leaderboard, it’s a tough path that requires Atamifuji to lose a couple of times, and Takakeisho to continue winning. This second part is especially challenging as he is entering the “tough” part of his schedule. He has a 5-3 career advantage against Kotonowaka, so the numbers favor him.

Kirishima (7-4) vs Wakamotoharu (6-5) – A Kirishima win today is kachi-koshi and he will join Takakeisho in clearing kadoban. He holds a 7-3 career record against Wakamotoharu, including winning the last 5 in a row, including all 4 prior matches this year.

Gonoyama (7-4) vs Hoshoryu (5-6) – You know, Shin-Goeido is really impressing me. It’s a tall order to ask him to win today against an Ozeki, whom he has never fought before. But should we win, Gonoyama will be kachi-koshi for September. Hoshoryu is starting to get his sumo together, and has won the last 2 in a row, including a yoritaoshi on day 10 against Wakamotoharu. All things being equal, Hoshoryu is the favorite to win today.