Mock Natsu Basho 2020

Mock Natsu – Day 1 Torikumi

Bruce H Mock Natsu Basho 2020

Welcome dear readers to the start of our coverage of the Mock Natsu basho. Over the next two weeks plus, we are teaming up with Grand Sumo Breakdown to simulate a Natsu basho, based on the banzuke published a few weeks ago, and the encyclopedic knowledge and statistics of the GSB crew.

We are proud to present to you, the torikumi (match card) for the first day of our mock Natsu. As with a real tournament, you can expect a preview in the evening before match day (US time), and highlights on the morning after the matches complete.

Feast your eyes on day 1 – and get ready for a fun ride into what might have been. Preview will be posted tomorrow (Saturday).

RankEast Rikishi
Head to Head
West RikishiRank
YeHakuho
0-0
22-1
Okinoumi
0-0		Kw
M1eEndo
0-0
3-13
Kakuryu
0-0		Yw
OeTakakeisho
0-0
1-1
Yutakayama
0-0		M1w
M2eTakanosho
0-0
0-1
Asanoyama
0-0		Ow
SeShodai
0-0
2-2
Onosho
0-0		M2w
M3eTakarafuji
0-0
2-5
Mitakeumi
0-0		Sw
KeDaieisho
0-0
0-1
Kiribayama
0-0		M3w
M4eKagayaki
0-0
2-6
Aoiyama
0-0		M4w
M5eAbi
0-0
5-2
Hokutofuji
0-0		M5w
M6eEnho
0-0
2-0
Ryuden
0-0		M6w
M7eTerutsuyoshi
0-0
3-5
Tokushoryu
0-0		M7w
M8eIshiura
0-0
5-4
Chiyotairyu
0-0		M8w
M9eTamawashi
0-0
11-6
Ikioi
0-0		M9w
M10eKaisei
0-0
7-10
Myogiryu
0-0		M10w
M11eShimanoumi
0-0
0-0
Tochinoshin
0-0		M11w
M12eSadanoumi
0-0
5-10
Shohozan
0-0		M12w
M13eTakayasu
0-0
0-0
Kotonowaka
0-0		M13w
M14eKotoshogiku
0-0
0-0
Wakatakakage
0-0		M14w
M15eKotoshoho
0-0
0-0
Chiyomaru
0-0		M15w
M16eNishikigi
0-0
0-2
Kotoeko
0-0		M16w
M17eTerunofuji
0-0
3-3
Kotoyuki
0-0		M17w

May – Grand Sumo Preview

Bruce H Mock Natsu Basho 2020

Believe it or not, NHK World Japan will be hosting one in the ongoing series of Grand Sumo Previews. In spite of the fact that the Natsu basho has been canceled (although Tachiai and Grand Sumo Breakdown are carrying on with a mock basho) – the crew at Grand Sumo are prepared to talk about the situation with our favorite sport.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN reviews the Grand Sumo spring tournament held without spectators. It also looks at the current situation of sumo after the cancellation of the May tournament.

Tune in Friday (Japan time) to see if they force Raja to get his sinus swabbed by a laughing Chiyomaru in a demonstration of the uncomfortable nature of COVID-19 testing. First showing is 00:30 Eastern time US on Friday / 21:30 Pacific time Thursday.

Tachiai / Grand Sumo Breakdown Mock Natsu Basho

Bruce H Mock Natsu Basho 2020

Hello sumo fans. If you are like me, you are sadly disappointed by the news of the world, and the loss of the May tournament. The sumo world has already suffered one tragic loss, and we hope that everyone else in Japan (and all of our global readers) can stay safe and healthy. But Team Tachiai, and our friends at Grand Sumo Breakdown sure do miss sumo, and we think maybe many of you do as well.

Rather than wait for the next basho (maybe July?), we have decided to conduct a mock Natsu basho. Some people will be annoyed or outraged by this move, but please keep in mind – its all in good fun. Rest assured, both Tachiai and Grand Sumo Breakdown have taken great care to simulate the basho with as much accuracy as we can muster. The torikumi (fight roster) will be constructed as close as we can to the same approach the Sumo Kyokai would use. The individual matches are mapped out comparing statistical strengths and weaknesses between the contestants, and the system tracks such things as attitude, winning momentum, fighting spirit, minor injuries and major injuries. The whole thing will be completely fictitious, but we will all be working very hard to bring you an authentic basho experience. This mock basho is crafted by fans who love the sport, respect the athletes and the traditions of sumo.

We will start our coverage with the release of the day 1 and 2 torikumi this Friday, the same as it would have happened if the basho were going ahead. You can expect the same daily previews and highlights that we would normally present. Sadly there will be no NHK or YouTube videos to go along with our coverage. But from what I understand, Grand Sumo Breakdown will be hosting some podcast segments covering the mock basho.

So shake off those “safer at home” lockdown blues. Join Tachiai and Grand Sumo Breakdown for a trip into what could have been. Our coverage will begin in the next few days.