Nagoya Basho

Nagoya 2026: Shin-Makushita (新幕下)

hochiyama Makushita (幕下), Nagoya 2026, Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho

A Look Back at Natsu 2026

Here is how our last tournament debutants did:

Kōseiryū handled his makushita debut quite well, securing a winning record and showing that he can compete credibly at this level. He opened strongly with a 4‑1 start, highlighted by notable victories over former top-division rikishi Kitaharima and makushita tsukedashi Gyōtoku. He even managed a sotogake win, highlighting his jūdō skills. At his best, he showed good composure – which is a reasonable expectation given his age. However, he dropped his final two bouts, which may highlight some lingering limitations in consistency and adaptability. Even so, he will approach mid-makushita ranks in Nagoya.

Kasshō’s first appearance in makushita was a respectable one given his relatively high debut rank. He finished 3‑4, only slipping to a losing record in his final bout, and generally held his own against a deeper field of opponents. There were encouraging victories along the way, including wins over former Jūryō man Mienofuji and Mongolian prospect Tenrōsei. With some added polish and consistency, he could remain competitive in makushita going forward. He will likely rank in the bottom of the division in Nagoya, and I actually suspect we will see him back in Sandanme before the year is out.

Honoikazuchi showed that he likely belongs in makushita, even if his tournament began on uneven footing. He dropped his first two bouts, the first one via a defensive utchari reversal that got away from him possibly due to nerves, but quickly settled and found his rhythm. From there, he reeled off five consecutive wins, including a solid victory over former Nihon University’s Haruyama. The shift was notable not just in results but in style, as he increasingly leaned into belt work, taking four of those five wins by yorikiri. What began as a shaky debut ultimately turned into one of the more convincing finishes among this group, and he should be around mid-Makushita in Nagoya.

Ōmori delivered one of the standout debuts among the shin‑makushita, pushing all the way into the playoff after compiling a strong record in regulation. His only loss came in a highly anticipated bout against Asahifuji (see below), in a match that felt like an early glimpse of two potential future sanyaku contenders, and he otherwise demonstrated a well-rounded and adaptable skill set. In the playoff, he ultimately fell to the eventual winner Ikarigata, but the overall performance was highly encouraging. He showed a clear proficiency for throws, using a variety of techniques to decisively end bouts, while also proving capable against his direct peers with wins over fellow debutants Tatsubayama and Gōnoshō. Taken together, this was a debut that not only confirmed his readiness for makushita, but also hinted at considerable upside. One thing is clear, he will be a popular rikishi among the fans.

Gōnoshō put together a successful makushita debut, ultimately finishing with a winning record. He came out quickly with three straight victories, including a win over Haruyama, before hitting a mid‑basho slump with three consecutive losses as the competition stiffened. Needing a win in his final bout, he responded well and defeated former top-division veteran rikishi Fujiazuma to secure kachi‑koshi. His sumo leaned heavily on belt work, with three yorikiri wins, complemented by a kimedashi, highlighting his preference for grappling. With this performance, he should find himself in the Makushita 40–45 range.

Tatsubayama also turned in a strong makushita debut, finishing 5‑2 after a 4-0 start and positioning himself firmly in the top half of the division heading into Nagoya. He picked up a notable win over Koseiryū, though he came up short against Ōmori and ultimately missed out on the playoff, falling in his final bout to former Jūryō wrestler Tsushimanada. The results were encouraging, but his sumo still appears to be in the process of refinement. Several of his wins came via reactive techniques (two tsukiotoshi, a hatakikomi, and a hikiotoshi).  This left me with some question as to how his style will translate against stronger, more stable opponents higher up the banzuke.

Takahara put together a respectable 4‑3 performance in his makushita debut, including a win over former makushita tsukedashi Fudōhō. He should be ranked in the upper 30s of the division heading into Nagoya. To me, his tournament felt somewhat uneven, with wins and losses coming against what appeared to be similarly matched competition. At his best, he showed the tools to compete effectively, but he was not always able to assert a clear advantage or sustain momentum across bouts. Going forward, the hope is that he can take a step forward in consistency to begin to separate himself from this middle tier as he gains more experience in makushita.

Looking Ahead

Onto the Nagoya 2026 Makushita rookies:

Asahifuji (旭富士)

Stable: Isegahama

Age: 24

Height (cm/feet-inches): 187 / 6’1”

Weight (kg/lbs): 148 / 326

Home country: Ulaanbaatar Mongolia

High School: Asahigaoka High School

University: —

Career Record and notes: 21-0 (1.000)!!

Debut: Aki 2025

Notes: Jonokuchi Yūshō (January), Jonidan Yūshō (March 2026), and Sandanme Yūshō (May 2026). Possibility of reaching sekitori: will say 100%.

Asahifuji arrives in makushita with a level of anticipation rarely attached to a wrestler this early in his career. A native of Mongolia, he followed a now familiar path by attending a Japanese high school (Niigata Asahigaoka, which has some Mongolian success, see below) before joining Isegahama stable in 2021(!). However, his trajectory diverges sharply from the typical prospect. Rather than debuting immediately upon joining the stable, he spent four years in a sort of “enforced limbo” due to the one‑foreigner‑per‑stable rule. This appears to be a delay that, in his case, may have been transformative rather than limiting.

During his high school years, competitive opportunities were somewhat constrained. With Mongolian upperclassmen such as Ōnokatsu and Kyokukaiyū ahead of him, he was not always a central figure in the team’s lineups. The pandemic further reduced his ability to perform in school tournaments at a national level. This left him with only a handful of national appearances. as the leadoff man for Kanagawa. His results at the National High School Championships were more modest, but he did contribute to the team’s top eight finish at the National Sports Festival as a sophomore and finished in the top 32 of the National High School Sumo Championships (losing to current makushita, Nobehara).

What sets Asahifuji apart is what came next. While waiting for his chance to compete professionally, he effectively underwent a prolonged incubation period inside Isegahama stable, training daily alongside high‑level sekitori without the wear and tear of official bouts. Reports from this period include training victories over sekitori (including Kiribayama/Kirishima) added to the growing sense that he was something special. This kind of extended preparation is rare in modern sumo. However, it has clearly produced a rikishi who debuted not as a raw prospect, but as an already polished competitor.

That sense of expectation was formalized when he was granted the shikona Asahifuji, inheriting the name of the 63rd Yokozuna and former Oyakata (currently Miyagino). It is not a name bestowed lightly, and it immediately marked him as a flagship prospect. External hype followed swiftly, with some outlets going so far as to label him the strongest new recruit in recent memory.

Once he finally stepped into the ring, the early results did little to temper that excitement. Back‑to‑back 7‑0 yūshō in Jonokuchi and Jonidan confirmed both his dominance over lower‑division opposition and his readiness for more serious tests. He was able to defeat fellow Mongolian prospect Tenshōyama in each of those first two tournaments and defeated former sekitori Kiryūkō (only low on the banzuke because he is rehabbing from injury) in back-to-back playoffs in for his jonidan and sandanme championships. In his last tournament, he also came up with victories against Fudōhō, Ōmori, and former sekitori Mita. This indicates his skill level is already sekitori caliber. His sumo is built around a fundamentally sound yotsu approach, relying heavily on yorikiri and nage finishes rather than trickery or evasion. He combines size and strength with a composure that is unusual for someone with so little official experience, and he rarely looks rushed or out of position.

Now entering upper makushita (he will be ranked in the promotion zone, where another 7-0 will result in promotion to jūryō), the picture can become more nuanced. In many ways, he is both ahead of and behind a typical prospect as he is technically advanced and physically prepared, yet still relatively untested in terms of adapting across a full range of opponents and match situations. The key question is not whether he has the tools, but how quickly he can translate them against deeper, more tactically varied competition. His high‑profile meeting with fellow standout Ōmori suggests that he is capable of competing immediately, but also that there will be adjustments required as the margin for error narrows. There is little doubt about the upside. Asahifuji looks like a fast‑track sekitori candidate, and perhaps more. The next phase will determine whether he is simply very good or truly something special.

Sachinofuji (幸乃富士)

Stable: Isegahama

Age: 20

Height (cm/feet-inches): 172 / 5’7”

Weight (kg/lbs): 98 / 215

Home prefecture: Saitama

High School: NHK Gakuen High

University: —

Career Record and notes: 82-60-19 (.577)

Debut: 2022 Nagoya

Notes:  Mongolian national

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Unlikely

While he is also from Isegahama stable, Sachinofuji represents a very different kind of prospect from Asahifuji, one whose development runs counter to the typical narratives attached to both foreign imports and elite amateur standouts. Born in Mongolia as Ganzorig Origil, he moved to Japan at the age of five and grew up in Saitama. This meant that, from the perspective of the NSK, he qualified not as a foreigner but as a domestic recruit. Unlike many other Mongolian wrestlers, he was not recruited with a wrestling pedigree or prior exposure to sumo. In fact, he entered the sport with no competitive background at all, beginning his career from a true blank slate.

This helped me, a 30-plus year sumo fan learn the concept of “tatakiage / 叩き上げ”.  A tatakiage is actually my favorite type of recruit, one who comes straight from middle school without any prior experience and is “built from scratch” in the stable. You will note above that Sachinofuji attended NHK Gakuen High School, but this is a correspondence-based institution that allowed him to train while forgoing the typical amateur circuit.

The beginning of his sumo career reflected both the challenges and opportunities of that path. Injuries disrupted his initial progress, forcing withdrawals in his first year and slowing what might otherwise have been a smoother ascent. Yet once he found his footing, his advancement has been steady rather than spectacular, marked by incremental improvement rather than sudden breakthroughs. His promotion to Sandanme in 2024 was less a moment of arrival than a confirmation that the underlying development process was working.

Physically, Sachinofuji faces immediate constraints. At around 172 cm and 98kg, he is undersized by modern standards, particularly as he moves into the upper reaches of the lower divisions. Heck, he even weighs less than I did in my famous “Sumo and Sushi” bout (well, at least it is famous in my mind…). His sumo has begun to reflect an adaptation to those limitations. He tends to work from a lower position, relying on balance, leverage, and patience rather than attempting to overpower opponents.

His stylistic influences are also telling. As a tsukebito to Midorifuji, someone who has openly identified as his role model, Sachinofuji has front row seats to see what characteristics are needed for a smaller rikishi to succeed. That is, he needs to work on his precision, persistence, and the ability to exploit positioning rather than to sheer force.

Off the dohyo, his profile reinforces the impression of a grounded, well-integrated heya product. His preferences, karaage, mobile gaming, and a generally understated demeanor, are beginning to give him a small fandom, with some media attention even focusing on his composed and “handsome” presence after bouts. As he makes his makushita debut, the challenge will be significant: opponents will be larger, faster, and less forgiving of technical imprecision.

His ceiling may ultimately be determined by how far his technique can compensate for his size. If he can continue to refine his belt work and sharpen his finishing ability, he has a viable path forward as a technical grinder capable of carving out a role in the division and earning many fans along the way as a “giant killer”. While he did not inherit a shikona, like Asahifuji, his shikona is a combination of the Isegahama ~fuji suffix and the kanji for good fortune/happiness, which we can infer that is something that is hoped for in his professional career.

Kaida (甲斐田)

Stable: Kasugano

Age: 18

Height (cm/feet-inches): 191 / 6’3”

Weight (kg/lbs): 150 / 330

Home prefecture: Tōkyō

High School: Adachi Shinden High School

University:  —

Career Record and notes: 11-3 (.786)

Debut: 2026 Haru, Sandanme Tsukedashi

Notes: None

Possibility of reaching sekitori: Likely

Kaida follows the more traditional path into professional sumo, one rooted in early exposure, structured development, and steady accumulation of amateur results. Born in Ōita Prefecture in 2007, he is a second‑generation rikishi, with his father having competed briefly out of Kasugano stable and serving as a tsukebito to current Kasugano Oyakata . While his father’s career topped out in jonidan, it provided Kaida with something arguably more valuable than rank – that is an early familiarity with stable life, its training routines, and the expectations of professional rikishi. That foundation is often difficult to quantify, but it tends to show in the small details. Aside from the family ties to Kasugano, he was scouted by Kiyomigata Oyakata (former Sekiwake Tochiōzan).

Unlike late converts or crossover athletes, Kaida began sumo early in elementary school and progressed in a textbook fashion. By the time he reached Adachi Shinden High School, he was already smoothly operating within a competitive environment. His high school development was steady rather than meteoric, but his final year results marked a clear breakthrough. He finished in third-place at the Inter‑High School Championships and secured a runner‑up performance at the National Sports Festival. This earned him a sandanme tsukedashi status (only the third as I count for high schoolers, following Anhibiki (who rejected it) and Ikarigata). This allowed Kaida to bypass the lowest professional divisions and enter sumo with immediate expectations.

That starting point is significant. Tsukedashi entrants are not just fast-tracked, they are implicitly expected to justify their ranking from the outset. In Kaida’s case, early results suggest that his amateur success was no fluke. He secured winning records right away, indicating that his fundamentals translate effectively against professional opposition. His sumo reflects that background: straightforward and balanced. He is comfortable both pushing and grappling.

Looking ahead, Kaida projects as a steady riser. The combination amateur success and technically complete sumo suggests a wrestler with a higher ceiling, even if it remains to be defined. Makushita will present a more demanding test, but the early indications are that he will not be easily taken out of the ring. Still, he may not overwhelm the division in the way some elite prospects do, and could settle into this division for a few years before breaking out.

Makushita Playoff!

lksumo Nagoya 2025

As Andy alluded to, the Makushita race didn’t end today. Asahifuji knocked off Omori on day 11, leaving Akua as the only 6-0 wrestler in the third division. Akua had his chance to claim the yusho today against 5-1 Mudoho but lost, bringing all the 6-1 rikishi back into contention. So we’ll have a big 7-way playoff on senshuraku. The participants are below. I believe the format is that they draw lots to pair them up for round one, with one lucky rikishi getting a bye. That leaves four, and they fight it out in a standard elimination format, with two semifinals followed by a final. It’s an interesting mix of prospects and veterans, and should be a fun watch. It’s the first such playoff since Aki 2023.

Natsu 2026: Day Twelve

Andy Nagoya 2025

Day 12 in Tokyo. Asanoyama and Kotozakura are kyujo. Kotoeiho and Churanoumi will receive default wins. I also wanted to bring up the kyujo of Yumenofuji now that more information has been made available.

On Day 10, Yumenofuji fought Tsurubayashi and suffered a hard fall as both men crashed from the dohyo. He was not moving and was removed from the arena by a stretcher. Terunofuji was there, pictured with Yumenofuji as he was wheeled away. News is that he’s had an MRI and been diagnosed with a concussion (no shit) and has been suffering from nausea and headaches. We’re definitely thankful it isn’t worse.

Down in Juryo, Enho lost another one. This time, he was initially awarded the pushout win but the call was overturned by the shimpan who decided he was dead while Hatsuyama was still in. NHK videos are here. Kazekeno (10-2) continues to hold onto his two-stroke lead over Kazuma (8-3).

Makuuchi Action

Kyokukaiyu (7-5 Juryo) defeated Tamawashi (2-10). After the tachiai, Kyokukaiyu shifted left and drove forward from Tamawashi’s side. He quickly plowed through the dohyo and forced Tamwashi over the edge. I think Tamawashi just punched his ticket to Juryo. If so, an era ends. Yorikiri.

Mitakeumi (7-5) defeated Shishi (3-9). Mitakeumi let Shishi fumble around for a little bit before he hooked his right arm under Shishi’s left and pressed forward, forcing Shishi back and over the edge. Shishi isn’t safe from the drop. Yorikiri.

Ryuden (5-7) defeated Tokihayate (4-8). Ryuden got his left hand uwate and Tokihayate was toast. Ryuden needs to win out to be absolutely safe but could conceivably avoid the drop with two more wins. But it will be tight. Yorikiri.

Ura (9-3) defeated Fujiryoga (8-4). Ura hooked his right arm in Fujiryoga’s left, pivoted, and toppled Fujiryoga. Sukuinage.

Kotoeiho (10-2) defaut win over Asanoyama (7-5).

Roga (7-5) defeated Nishikifuji (3-9). Roga grabbed Nishikifuji with his left hand uwate and drove forward, forcing Nishikifuji out, easily. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (6-6) defeated Wakanosho (6-6). Oshoma’s tsuppari was too strong for Wakanosho. Wakanosho made initial progress to force Oshoma to the edge. Oshoma seemed to use the edge for leverage and powered forward, knocking Wakanosho clear over the edge. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (4-8) defeated Oshoumi (3-9). Migi-yotsu. Asahakuryu was too strong for Oshoumi and pressed forward, forcing Oshoumi over the edge and likely into Juryo. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (5-7) defeated Kinbozan (5-7). Motoki with the Big D put a halt to the fight, judging Chiyoshoma jumped early. Matta. On the second attempt Chiyoshoma reached back and grabbed Kinbozan’s mawashi way back by the thong, drove forward and forced Kinbozan out. Both men tumbled down the dohyo. Out of nowhere, Motoki pulled out a packet of almonds. “Want some of D’s nuts?” Watashikomi.

Shodai (6-6) defeated Abi (4-8). Abi laid into Shodai with tsuppari and nodowa, forcing him back. Shodai slipped left and pulled Abi down at the edge. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Oho (6-6) defeated Hakunofuji (8-4). Hidari yotsu. Oho used his right hand uwate to press Hakunofuji back to the edge. At the edge, Oho pivoted and dragged Hakunofuji down by that right hand. Hakunofuji seemed to hurt his left ankle and was slow to get up. He limped slowly up the hanamichi. Uwatenage.

Yoshinofuji (9-3) defeated Tobizaru (9-3). Yoshinofuji caught the monkey, contained him, and pushed him clear off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (5-7) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-7). Ichiyamamoto pivoted and tried to pull Hiradoumi down but it was Hiradoumi who pulled Ichiyamamoto down with help from a tug on his belt. Shitatenage.

Fujinokawa (6-6) defeated Daieisho (5-7). Fujinokawa blitzed Daieisho and blasted him from the ring as Daieisho pulled. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (5-7) defeated Wakamotoharu (3-9). Wakamotoharu pulled but got lost half way to the edge. Takanosho showed him the way to the exit and ushered him over the edge.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (9-3) defeated Gonoyama (8-4). Wakatakakage pulled after the tachiai and Gonoyama fell forward. Someone had done their homework. Tsukiotoshi.

Churanoumi (8-4) default win over Kotozakura (3-9).

Atamifuji(6-6) defeated Fujiseiun (5-7). Fujiseiun drove forward and forced Atamifuji back to the edge. Atamifuji twisted and thrust Fujiseiun down while stepping out. Gunbai Fujiseiun. Mono-ii. After video review, the shimpan decided on a rematch. In the rematch, Atamifuji dominated and forced Fujiseiun back and out. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (10-2) defeated Kotoshoho (7-5). The pair traded slapdown attempts. Kirishima’s was effective. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-Up

Yusho Race:

  • Two-Losses: Kirishima, Kotoeiho
  • Three-Losses: Wakatakakage, Yoshinofuji, Ura, Tobizaru

Beginning on Day 13, the bout announcements get delayed as match-makers try to figure out the best pairings for the days ahead. So, we do not have tomorrow’s torikumi yet. One thing’s for sure, there will be no Ozeki battle on senshuraku. Kirishima’s only remaining sanyaku opponent is Atamifuji.

I wonder if the Kyokai will pair him with two rank-and-filers (Churanoumi and Fujiseiun?) for Days 13 & 14, then hold out for the Atamifuji bout on senshuraku. They might even shove Kotoeiho up there now and try to put an end to his yusho hopes quickly.

Tune in tomorrow to see where this hot mess takes us next.

Natsu 2026: Day Ten

Andy Nagoya 2025

Day Ten in Tokyo. No new kyujo to report. I do have a fascinating tidbit to report, though. I just noticed that the order of wrestlers on the scoreboard at the Kyokai homepage alternates each day, just like the yobidashi alternate between announcing east first on odd days, then west first on even days. Today, the West wrestlers are on top. I can be slow sometimes. I mean, it should be obvious because it says “West” on top of “East”.

Nishinoryu denied Enho his kachi-koshi. At 7-3, Enho falls out of the yusho race as Kazekeno (9-1) and Kazuma (8-2) won their bouts.

NHK videos for today are here.

Makuuchi Action

Dewanoryu (3-7) defeated Roga (5-5). A lengthly right-hand inside grapple. This was full of action with no “leanfest.” Dewanoryu steadily worked Roga to the edge and over the bales. It struck me how rare it’s become to have one of these with so much oshi-tsuki sumo nowadays. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (8-2) defeated Ryuden (3-7). Kotoeiho chugged forward which his lefthand inside grip. When he got the right hand inside as well, Ryuden was toast. Yorikiri.

Wakanosho (6-4) defeated Shishi (3-7). Shishi henka! I doubt today’s henka was one of those “polite” henkas. Neither of his were particularly good and today’s was ineffective. Wakanosho adjusted and thrust Shishi quickly from the ring as punishment. Tsukidashi.

Fujiryoga (8-2) defeated Tokihayate (3-7). Fujiryoga overpowered Tokihayate and quickly shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (5-5) defeated Kinbozan (5-5). Henka! Mitakeumi jumped left, rather slowly, though. Kinbozan rotated to engage Mitakeumi. Unfortunately, Kinbozan pulled and that was a mistake. Mitakeumi shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (8-2) defeated Abi (4-6). No henka. Abi even pivoted and pulled (Yay!), earning great position as he started to drive Tobizaru to the bales. Tobizaru shifted left at the edge and thrust Abi down to the ground from the side. There was a couple with Tobizaru shirts who seemed thrilled. I appreciate how risky it is to walk around with a purple “猿” Tee-shirt. Hubby needs to be nearby with his “翔”.  Otherwise, I imagine people think you’re supporting Punch or something. Tsukiotoshi.

Oshoumi (2-8) defeated Nishikifuji (3-7). A rare display of power from Oshoumi as he got a left-hand inside grip and drove Nishikifuji out. Yorikiri.

Ura (7-3) defeated Oshoma (5-5). Ura got his left hand inside and drove Oshoma back and out. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (1-9) defeated Asahakuryu (3-7). Tamawashi has barely been able to push his own shopping cart but managed to drive Asahakuryu back and out behind a nodowa. Asahakuryu tried to slip away at the edge but stepped out. Tamawashi moves ahead of Harumafuji and one behind Kisenosato for 8th place on the all-time top division wins list with 713 wins. Hakuho’s record of 1093 wins is a touch out of reach. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji (7-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-6). Hakunofuji and Chiyoshoma got all out-of-sync with two mattas. The first, from Hakunofuji, was really weird. I think I know why. Watch how Hakunofuji keeps bringing his forearm up to his face. I bet his allergies are destroying him and he’s not dealing with sweat but some sinus issues. He seemed really happy to get his black hand towel (tenugui) back. Chiyoshoma charged ahead with his right hand uwate. At the edge, Hakunofuji pivoted and twisted and threw Chiyoshoma (*update*) over the bales. Shitatenage.

Halftime

Asanoyama (7-3) defeated Fujiseiun (5-5). Fujiseiun pulled but Asanoyama reacted well and shoved Fujiseiun out. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (4-6) defeated Churanoumi (6-4). Churanoumi drove blindly into the torrent of Daieisho’s tsuppari. Daieisho cycled backwards along the edge and slapped Churanoumi down. Tsukiotoshi.

Yoshinofuji (7-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-6). Yoshinofuji got inside Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari and bear hugged him. Once he had both hands inside like that, he held Ichi high and forced him back over the edge. Yorikiri.

Fujinokawa (5-5) defeated Hiradoumi (4-6). After trading tsuppari, Fujinokawa jumped left as Hiradoumi charged past. Fujinokawa followed up to shove Hiradoumi out. Oshidashi.

Oho (4-6) defeated Takanosho (4-6). Oho charged into Takanosho. Takanosho put his foot back to resist at the tawara so Oho slapped him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (8-2) defeated Atamifuji (5-5). Atamifuji made Wakatakakage work for this one. Atamifuji nearly got the kotenage win. As Atamifuji forced Wakatakakage to the edge, Wakatakakage turned the tables as he pivoted and lifted Atamifuji to the edge. For quite a while he tried to drive Atamifuji over, even putting his right knee into the shove. He finally forced Atamifuji over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (8-2) defeated Kotoshoho (6-4). Kotoshoho tried several shifts and slapdowns, a lot of his usual misdirection. But Gonoyama surprisingly kept his wits about him and did not stumble to his doom as he does so often. This time, Kotoshoho pressured Gonoyama to the edge and Gonoyama shifted and thrust Kotoshoho down. It was tight, though. Kotoshoho wanted a mono-ii. Gonoyama’s heel was perilously close to touching outside the bales as it perched on the edge. But it does look like there’s space there. Hatakikomi.

Kotozakura (3-7) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-8). Kotozakura quickly got his right hand inside, pivoted and dispatched Wakamotoharu. Yorikiri.

Shodai (4-6) defeated Kirishima (8-2). As Kirishima’s legs churned forward, cheeky Shodai slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-Up

Shodai’s win opens up the yusho race quite a bit. Suddenly, four new players join a rather crowded race.

  • 2-Losses: Kirishima, Wakatakakage, Gonoyama,  Kotoeiho, Tobizaru, Fujiryogoa
  • 3-Losses: Yoshinofuji, Asanoyama, Hakunofuji, Ura

Frankly, there are a lot of outcomes here that I would enjoy. It would have been nice to have Takayasu up in this race, too. Oh well.

Shodai will try to put dirt on Kotozakura tomorrow. If he succeeds in claiming a second massive stack of kensho, he will be responsible for officially putting Kotozakura on kadoban status. I doubt he minds at all. Kirishima will fight Wakatakakage in a huge match-up. Atamifuji will fight Churanoumi and Kotoshoho will take on Fujiseiun.

Other yusho race bouts include Yoshinofuji versus Hiradoumi, Gonoyama versus Ichiyamamoto, Kotoeiho up against Oshoma, Tobizaru versus Asanoyama, Fujiryoga taking on Hakunofuji, and Ura versus Wakanosho. See you tomorrow!