Nagoya Basho

Nagoya 2026: Day Five

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho , , ,

Day Five in Nagoya. Oshoumi, in Juryo, is kyujo and will undergo surgery. Tough break for the kid, as that will likely lead to his demotion from Juryo at Aki.

In Makushita, Tanji (2-1) suffered his first loss, to Nabatame (3-0). Tanji remains in the driver’s seat for Juryo promotion but Nabatame is building his own case. Hakuyozan’s and even Oshoumi’s positions will be up for grabs but it’s obviously way too early to know how many other Juryo slots will be available. Asahifuji will battle Fujisodai tomorrow as he tries to make his own case for promotion via yusho. Tanji will move up and fight Nishikigi. Trial by fire.

Shirokuma and Arashifuji continue winning and remain undefeated at 5-0. Shirokuma fights Meisei tomorrow and Arashifuji will take on Hatsuyama. Enho lost to Nishikigi and Meisei fell to Tamawashi as the schedulers pitted our favorite veterans against themselves. Enho will face Kagayaki and Tamawashi will fight Kitanowaka.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Daiseizan (2-3) defeated Onokatsu (0-5). Onokatsu used his hidari-yotsu to push Daiseizan to the bales but Daiseizan pivoted at the edge and toppled Onokatsu over the tawara. Yoritaoshi.

Shishi (5-0) defeated Ryuden (1-4). Ryuden visited from Juryo and disrupted Shishi’s desired attack. Ryuden’s left hand ottsuke blocked Shishi from getting the grip he wanted. So, Shishi had to adapt. He pulled and dragged Ryuden to the bales, then toppled him over the edge. Sukuinage.

Kinbozan (3-2) defeated Asakoryu (2-3). Asakoryu gave up a double-inside grip to Kinbozan. That was a huge mistake. Kinbozan immediately bulldozed through the dohyo and forced Asakoryu back over the edge. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (4-1) defeated Kazuma (2-3). Takerufuji twisted as the pair advanced toward the edge and Kazuma’s leg buckled, taking a knee. It didn’t seem to be an injury issue, rather a footwork issue. Sukuinage.

Abi (3-2) defeated Asahakuryu (2-3). Abi henka. The henka itself did not appear designed to win but to get a left-hand grip on Asahakuryu’s belt. Then Abi pivoted and dragged Asahakuryu down with that belt grip, aided by his right hand on his opponent’s head, pressing down. Uwatedashinage.

Nishikifuji (4-1) defeated Mitakeumi (0-5). Mitakeumi charged ahead but Nishikifuji pivoted and yanked Mitakeumi over the bales. Uwatedashinage.

Asanoyama (3-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (1-4). Chiyoshoma lashed out with a brief nodowa and then pulled, which was a mistake. Asanoyama made quick work and happily forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakanosho (5-0) defeated Tobizaru (1-4). Tobizaru pulled early and shifted to the side, but Wakanosho put on the brakes quickly enough to avoid stepping out. Wakanosho then reacquired his target, drove forward and blasted Tobizaru from the ring. Tsukidashi.

Roga (2-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-3). Wakamotoharu deployed his usual tawara-twisting throw attempt but Roga had read the brief, kept Wakamotoharu centered, and drove through him. Yoritaoshi.

Takayasu (4-1) defeated Fujiryoga (3-2). Fujiryoga was not intimidated and fought well against Takayasu as the two traded tsuppari and head butts. Takayasu dramatically spun away to his left and slapped Fujiryoga down as the latter re-engaged. Hatakikomi.

Shodai (2-3) defeated Fujiseiun (2-3). Shodai pivoted at the bales and dragged Fujiseiun down. Hikiotoshi.

Halftime

Kotoeiho (4-1) defeated Oshoma (1-4). Kotoeiho used his left-hand inside, right hand outside grip to steer Oshoma to the edge and force him over. Yorikiri.

Daieisho defeated Ichiyamamoto. Daieisho’s pull forced Ichiyamamoto to the edge and off-balance. Daieisho then squared up and shoved Ichiyamamoto out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji (4-1) defeated Ura (1-4). Hakunofuji got both hands inside and charged to the edge. Ura tried to pivot but Hakunofuji kept Ura in front of him and crushed him out. Sukuinage.

Sanyaku

Yoshinofuji (3-2) defeated Oho (1-4). Yoshinofuji let Oho lead as they waltzed to the edge. Oho tired quickly, though, and let Yoshinofuji take over. Yoshinofuji pulled up with both hands squarely on Oho’s belt and drove him out. Oho gave his best Shodai impression at the edge, which means he tried to twist but lost. He was more Shodai today than Shodai, himself, was. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (1-4) defeated Atamifuji (3-2). Takanosho has that disruptive ability if he can stay up and in. After trading nodowa and tsuppari, Takanosho had shoved Atamifuji to the edge. Atamifuji then pulled when he had no room left and Takanosho shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (3-2) defeated Kotoshoho (3-2). Henka! Fujinokawa leapt to the left. Kotoshoho was caught completely off guard and flopped forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Aonishiki (4-1) defeated Kotozakura (3-2). Kotozakura pulled and tried to slap Aonishiki down. Aonishiki braced himself with his right hand inside and drove forward, forcing Kotozakura out. Yorikiri.

Hiradoumi (1-4) defeated Kirishima (4-1). Kirishima was committed to the slapdown but Hiradoumi did well to stay upright and force Kirishima out. Oshidashi.

Onosato (2-3) defeated Churanoumi (1-4). Onosato charged ahead as Churanoumi shifted left and tried to pull on Onosato’s right arm. Importantly, Onosato did not move in reverse! Instead, he pressed forward and shoved Churanoumi out. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and the crowd gave Onosato a solid round of applause. Not a lot of hooting or hollering but I think folks were just happy the Yokozuna moved forward and won. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (4-1) defeated Gonoyama (1-4). Hoshoryu pulled Gonoyama’s left arm and shoved him down as he ran past. Maybe this tactic would have been more effective against Aonishiki than the straight-forward slap-down attempt? Keep that arm off your belt by yanking on it? I guess anything’s possible. Tottari.

Wrap-Up

Kirishima slipped up today against Hiradoumi. The slapdown is a good strategy, on paper, against Hiradoumi. But today Hiradoumi kept his footing and Kirishima did not use any mis-direction or anything to throw him off. Trying a slapdown against Aonishiki, though, is a bit more of a gamble. He seems so solid with his footwork. He doesn’t really tend to get his mass out ahead of his feet, certainly not in the way that Kotozakura tends to get his (m)ass moving backward and off of the dohyo.

Lots of big match-ups tomorrow. Hoshoryu will fight Hakunofuji. Onosato will fight Hiradoumi. Not easy bouts for the Yokozuna-tachi, that’s for sure. Kirishima will fight Yoshinofuji and Kotozakura will fight himself and Gonoyama. Atamifuji is up against Fujinokawa, Kotoshoho will square off against Takanosho and Aonishiki will fight Oho.

Among the rank-and-file, Ura versus Kotoeiho will be interesting and undefeated Wakanosho will fight Fujiryoga. Shishi will take on Asakoryu. Will Onokatsu show up? I’ve got my eye on a few guys for possible kyujo and he’s at the top of my list.

おやすみなさい。

Nagoya 2026: Day Four

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho , , , ,

Eisei won his second bout. One more win and that should be enough of maezumo. Then we’ll see him at Nakabi in his kesho-mawashi finery. It will be Jonokuchi in September. I’m eager to see him take on Hikarumusashi. But that clash wouldn’t be happening until next year, maybe Osaka? As for Hikarumusashi, he is 0-2 in Sandanme at the moment. He will face Ayanofuji tomorrow.

In Makushita, Kaida fell to Hananoumi. Neither Kaida nor Asahifuji appear to be on the docket for tomorrow. Meanwhile, the competition in Juryo has quickly shifted to a two man race: Shirokuma and Arashifuji are undefeated at 4-0. Enho won, and somehow managed to preserve his arm. Nishikigi got his second win. Meisei, Tamashoho, and Oshoumi, though, still seeek that shonichi first win.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Sadanoumi (1-3) defeated Onokatsu (0-4). Sadanoumi, the freight train, steamed ahead and forced Onokatsu back and out. It should be pointed out this was Sadanoumi’s first win. Yorikiri.

Shishi (4-0) defeated Kazuma (2-2). Shishi bear hugged Kazuma under his shoulders and pulled up, eliminating any attack from Kazuma. Shishi is putting in a strong case that his sumo has improved to another level; if he keeps this up he will be moving up the banzuke. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (3-1) defeated Asakoryu (2-2). Henka! Nishikifuji anticipated Asakoryu’s shift and adjusted well. He grabbed Asakoryu and drove him straight back and out. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (3-1) defeated Daiseizan (1-3). Takerufuji modeled Shishi and Sadanoumi, quickly dispatching Daiseizan. Notch 8*! Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (2-2) defeated Abi (2-2). Kinbozan eventually forced himself inside Abi’s thrusts and got a hold of Abi’s belt. Once he got inside, Abi couldn’t use his tsuppari so Kinbozan pressed forward and forced him out. The last few days feel like a Yotsu Renaissance as guys like Kinbozan find the belt, find that it negates some Oshi attacks, and thus find wins. Yorikiri.

Wakanosho (4-0) defeated Mitakeumi (0-4). On cue, as I wax on about the rise of yotsu, Wakanosho steps up. He used his steady tsuppari to keep Mitakeumi at bay, pressed him back to the bales and forced him out. Not a simple Oshidashi here. The upgrade: Tsukidashi.

Asahakuryu (2-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (1-3). Hidari-yotsu battle. Asahakuryu had the advantage in strength and pressed Chiyoshoma back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (3-1) defeated Tobizaru (1-3). Tobizaru pulled and tried to slap Fujiryoga down but accidentally stepped out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (2-2) defeated Roga (1-3). Roga landed his left hand inside but Asanoyama charged ahead anyway, forcing Roga back and out. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (3-1) outlasted Takayasu (3-1). Kotoeiho struggled with his right hand this bout, trying to get inside. He finally popped Takayasu’s left arm off, squeezed his right hand inside and drove Papa Bear over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (2-2) defeated Fujiseiun (2-2). Henka! Desperate times, desperate measures. I have a feeling we will see this tactic again this tournament. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Ura (1-3) defeated Oshoma (1-3). Oshoma charged ahead so Ura shifted right along the bales to counter attack. Ura dipped inside and got his left hand on Oshoma’s belt. He then pulled and dragged Oshoma down. Ura seemed to glare at Oshoma as the latter slinked away down the hanamichi. I don’t think Ura appreciated Oshoma’s gamesmanship before the tachiai. Uwatedashinage.

Ichiyamamoto (3-1) defeated Shodai (1-3). Shodai pulled. (Quelle surprise!!) Ichiyamamoto stuck with him and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji defeated Hiradoumi. Hiradoumi plugged ahead behind forceful tsuppari but as the pair got to the edge, Hakunofuji shifted along the bale and slapped Hiradoumi down to the ground. Konishiki used to hate these hatakikomi guys. A little reminder to myself that I have this page with the old Narō footage. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Yoshinofuji (2-2) defeated Aonishiki (3-1). Aonishiki got his left hand grip and dragged Yoshinofuji to the bales. He tried to trip Yoshinofuji and then he tried to just grab his leg and pick it up for an ashitori. Yoshinofuji kept his composure through all of it. His right paw had a firm hold of Aonishiki’s belt and he heaved Aonishiki over for a late, come-from-behind victory at the edge. A massive roar from the crowd, appreciative of the late turn of events. This video will be on replay A LOT. I guarantee it will make the NHK highlight package, probably from multiple angles. Uwatenage.

Oho (1-3) defeated Kotoshoho (3-1). Oho weathered Kotoshoho’s tsuppari and blasted the Sadogatake Sekiwake with his own, trading volley after volley. Kotoshoho grew weary first and pulled. Oho charged ahead and shoved him out. A bruising win for your favorite spoil sport. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (3-1) defeated Atamifuji (3-1). All of the Sekiwake fell today! Atamifuji gave Daieisho his best Daieisho impression, blasting the veteran with his most forceful tsuppari. Atamifuji needs to work on Phase Two, though. Daieisho knows misdirection and he knows how to pull. As Atamifuji charged forward to chase, Daieisho deflected Atamifuji’s attack. He shifted suddenly, as the action was going left, Daieisho went back to the right and Atamifuji fell forward to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.

Kirishima (4-0) defeated Takanosho (0-4). This was not an easy one for the Ozeki. Kirishima certainlt had a plan to get in behind Takanosho and get that belt. Kirishima grabbed it good once, but Takanosho spun away. Kirishima went in for it again and Takanosho backed away again, swatting Kirishima off but Kirishima was able to shove Takanosho out. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (3-1) defeated Fujinokawa (2-2). Fujinokawa attacked fiercefully but Kotozakura cycled back, clockwise along the bales, and slapped Fujinokawa down, and pulled him forward by the belt for good measure. Fujinokawa had to catch his fall with his right hand and lost. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (3-1) defeated Churanoumi (1-3). Hoshoryu seemed patient today and it paid off. He grabbed Churanoumi’s left arm and pulled him forward to the bales. As Churanoumi again went for the Yokozuna’s belt with that left hand, Hoshoryu grabbed it. It looked like he would rip it off, in a rather more violent variant of the kotenage attack. But Churanoumi stumbled forward and Hoshoryu was satisfied with just shoving him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Gonoyama (1-3) defeated Onosato (1-3). Gonoyama charged ahead, Onosato opted for the slapdown. Onosato leapt for his life, flying higher than an eagle (certainly higher than Tamawashi can manage nowadays). Gonoyama landed in the dirt while Onosato glided through the air. Gunbai Onosato. Mono-ii? Reversal? What? Dude was robbed. The Yokozuna was robbed. I’m going to struggle to understand this one for a while. Oshidashi.

Wrap-Up

Well, um…I don’t know what to say about this one but I’m going to dig into more about this Gonoyama decision. I guess congratulations are in order for the kinboshi and the massive stack of kensho. I am sure there will be some articles about this but frankly, I think Kokonoe-oyakata and his team got the decision wrong.

What makes it even more odd is that Nishonoseki-oyakata was in on this decision. The duration of the conference makes me think this wasn’t a cut-and-dry thing and folks needed to be convinced. I’m going to need to be convinced on this one. What seems more likely is that Nishonoseki took exception to Onosato’s decision to take flight. With Onosato clearly leaving the dohyo, and the Earth’s atmosphere, and entering orbit before Gonoyama fell therefore Onosato died first?

Ugh. Now that I think about it, it’s rather cut-and-dry. I need to put away my Onosato rally towel and accept his defeat. Onosato’s jump ended his time on Earth and he therefore lost. Anyway, Day Four is in the books, whether I like it or not. Let’s turn to Day Five.

Onosato will face Churanoumi while Hoshoryu will take on Gonoyama. Kirishima will battle Hiradoumi as he hopes to remain undefeated. Kotozakura will face Aonishiki. Circle that one. Bold it, highlight it, draw pretty stars around it, write it in red, tattoo it to the back of your hand, do whatever but that will be a big bout. Atamifuji will face Takanosho and Kotoshoho will take on Fujinokawa. The Komusubi pair, Yoshinofuji and Oho will also face off for what should be an interesting bout.

There are other interesting bouts, too. Like Wakanosho versus Tobizaru. If you had told me there would be a Ukrainian undefeated going into Day Five, I don’t think I would have thought of Shishi. Anyway, should be thrilling. Tune in tomorrow!

*Note: For those who aren’t down with the railroad lingo, “Notch 8” is the highest notch on a train engine — essentially Full Throttle. I buried this explanation for comedic effect. Not for your amusement, purely mine. I get silly at this hour. Ha Ha.

Nagoya 2026: Day Three

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho

Day Three in Nagoya. No new kyujo to report.

Maezumo kicked off today. Eisei, the Minato-beya recruit from Leeds and on the left in the video below, looked solid with a force out win over Yamaguchi. The NHK coverage on JME.tv included clips from Maezumo, so you will see it in the replays today on their sumo channel.

In Makushita, Asahifuji used mis-direction to pick off Otsuji to continue his winning streak at 23. Y’all counting that as a henka? Looked close to me, a bit over the line when we think of the old HNH from Harumafuji. Nevertheless, he will have the day off tomorrow. Tanji, in that coveted Makushita 1 East slot, also picked up his second win, against Gojinyu. Kachi-koshi will guarantee promotion and he’s got two down and two wins to go.

https://x.com/abema_sumo/status/2076911644928868652?s=20

Enho picked up his first win today, overpowering Tamashoho in Juryo. Nishikigi defeated Kayo but Meisei picked up his third loss this tournament against Kazekeno. Shin-Juryo Arashifuji won his third straight and remains undefeated. He joins Shirokuma, Midorifuji, Shonannoumi, Toshinofuji, and Asasuiryu at 3-0.

The NHK video link is here.

Makuuchi Action

Kazuma (2-1) defeated Tokihayate (Juryo 1-2). Tokihayate visited from Juryo and quickly secured the grip he wanted. But so did Kazuma. Kazuma pumped his legs forward and forced Tokihayate over the bales. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (2-1) defeated Onokatsu (0-3). Asakoryu wrapped up Onokatsu in a big ole bear hug and quickly forced him back and out. Onokatsu still seems hurt and not competitive at this level. Yorikiri.

Shishi (3-0) defeated Daiseizan (1-2). Shishi used his left hand uwate to slowly guide Daiseizan toward the bales. Daiseizan tried to use his right arm sukuinage but Shishi was too heavy. Shishi continued to press forward and calmly ushered Daiseizan out. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (2-1) defeated Kinbozan (1-2). Nishikifuji blitzed Kinbozan, held him high and drove him backward like a blocking sled. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (2-1) defeated Abi (2-1). Abi henka! Takerufuji was prepared and adjusted well, charging into Abi and shoving him back and down. We got our answer to our question from yesterday. In truth, Abi was too far forward and fell. Oshitaoshi.

Wakanosho defeated Asahakuryu. Wakanosho layed into Asahakuryu with tsuppari, aiming for the face and chest. Asahakuryu had enough, turned and ran. Okuridashi.

Chiyoshoma (1-2) defeated Mitakeumi (0-3). Chiyoshoma forced Mitakeumi back and out in a rather one-sided affair. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (2-1) defeated Asanoyama (1-2). The most competitive bout of these early fights with Asanoyama pressing forward to get inside while Fujiryoga tried to keep him off and shove him away. Unfortunately, it ended as Fujiroga rotated right and Asanoyama seemed to put too much weight on his left leg and he went down. Oshitaoshi.

Roga (1-2) defeated Tobizaru (1-2). Roga locked on with his left hand uwate (over-arm grip) and patiently forced Tobizaru backward. As they neared the bales, Tobizaru tried a last ditch slapdown but Roga’s form was solid and he forced Tobizaru out. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (2-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-2). Kotoeiho got both hands inside and powered forward. His left hand got to the back of Wakamotoharu’s mawashi and he was able to turn him to the side. Wakamotoharu tried to trip Kotoeiho but Kotoeiho was unphazed, forcing Wakamotoharu back and out. A solid, dominant win for the youngster. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (3-0) defeated Fujiseiun (2-1). Takayasu shoved Fujiseiun away. When Fujiseiun pressed forward, Takayasu slapped him down. Gunbai Takayasu. Mono-ii? The replay booth checked for a hairpull. There was none. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Shodai (1-2) defeated Ura (0-3). Shodai doesn’t play when it comes to Ura. He charged forward but Ura’s legs coiled in the bales and sprung the pair back to center. Ura tried to pull and slap Shodai down but Shodai crushed him out. Yoritaoshi.

Ichiyamamoto (2-1) defeated Oshoma (1-2). Ichiyama-zumo as he assaulted Oshoma with tsuppari and took his lunch money. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (2-1) defeated Hiradoumi (0-3). Fearless Hiradoumi charged into Daieisho’s tsuppari but Daieisho quickly deployed his Phase Two attack, the slapdown, and pulled Hiradoumi down. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Kotoshoho (3-0) defeated Yoshinofuji (1-2). Kotoshoho used powerful thrusts to force Yoshinofuji into reverse. Yoshinofuji tried to slap him down but Kotoshoho drove forward and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (3-0) defeated Oho (0-3). Oho used his gaburi yotsu to force Atamifuji back toward the bales but Atamifuji used his left hand uwate to tip Oho off balance and then push him down. Uwatedashinage.

Aonishiki (3-0) defeated Hakunofuji (2-1). Aonishiki secured his left-hand inside grip and tried to throw Hakunofuji. Hakunofuji kept his balance but Aonishiki got a right hand grip and drove forward, forcing Hakunofuji back and out. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (1-2) defeated Kotozakura (2-1). Kotozakura was over-confident. Churanoumi grabbed the Ozeki’s left arm and pulled him forward to the bales. As Kotozakura stumbled forward, Churanoumi reached around and seized the back of Kotozakura’s belt, getting in behind and driving him forward. Kotozakura turned around but Churanoumi kept up the pressure and drove him out. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (3-0) defeated Gonoyama (0-3). Kirishima made his stand at the center of the ring. Gonoyama rotated and kept up his tsuppari to no effect. Kirishima charged ahead and shoved Gonoyama out. Oshidashi.

Onosato (1-2) defeated Takanosho (0-3). Onosato batted Takanosho’s right arm away with his left hand. Takanosho tried to go back with the right but Onosato swatted it away again and charged forward, shoving Takanosho off the dohyo. Onosato breathed a sigh of relief as he stood with the powerwater and waited ringside after the bout. One down. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (2-1) defeated Hoshoryu (2-1). Hoshoryu did not take Fujinokawa seriously and paid for it, just like Kotozakura against Churanoumi. Hoshoryu lead with a kachi-age…his right forearm to Fujinokawa’s chin. Hoshoryu charged ahead blindly while Fujinokawa shifted right along the tawara, pivoted, and thrust the Yokozuna down. More Purple Rain. Tsukiotoshi.

Wrap-Up

Sloppy sumo from Hoshoryu. There’s no other way to put it. Same with Kotozakura. They were riding high and seemed confident going into their bouts…over-confident. They were going to bully their opponents out and instead both got beat. Hoshoryu will face Churanoumi tomorrow. Onosato will take on Gonoyama. Kirishima will have his turn against Takanosho and Kotozakura will have to adjust and take on Fujinokawa.

Our Sekiwake have some good bouts on their hands, too. Atamifuji will take on Daieisho, Kotoshoho will fight Oho and Aonishiki will battle Yoshinofuji. In the rank-and-file, Hiradoumi will face Hakunofuji, Ichiyamamoto will take on Shodai, Ura will hope to cash in against Oshoma and Takayasu will fight Kotoeiho.

Lots of good bouts on the docket for tomorrow. See you then!

Nagoya 2026: Day Two

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho

Day Two in Nagoya. A wild boar is on the loose, attacking salarymen. However, no new kyujo to report.

In Makushita, Asahifuji defeated Kaiseijo with a kotenage, video below courtesy of Abema’s Twitter feed. Calm and collected. His competition is getting stiff but Asahifuji is still racking up solid wins. He will face Otsuji tomorrow.

In Juryo, Arashifuji picked up his second win, this time against veteran Nishikigi (0-2). Ryuden (1-1) defeated Sadanoumi (0-2) and Kagayaki beat Tamashoho. But Tamawashi (1-1), Meisei (0-2), and Enho (0-2) lost.

Your NHK videos for Day Two are here.

Makuuchi Action

Asasuiryu (Juryo 2-0) defeated Daiseizan (1-1). Henka! Asasuiryu shifted left at the tachiai and slapped Daiseizan down, collecting a good chunk of kensho. Remember what I said yesterday about incentives? People do interesting things when there’s money on the line and there were seven envelopes there, apparently including Spotify sponsorship and the financial services group, Saison Fundex. Hatakikomi.

Kazuma (1-1) defeated Asakoryu (1-1). Kazuma steamrolled Asakoryu, drove him straight back and out. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (1-1) defeated Onokatsu (0-2). Kazuma let Kinbozan rent his steamroller. Kinbozan drove forward and forced Onokatsu out. Yorikiri.

Shishi (2-0) defeated Takerufuji (1-1). Shishi seemed to have watched tape and switched up his plan against Takerufuji. Takerufuji charged ahead and Shishi fairly quickly jammed his gear in reverse and slapped Takerufuji down. Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (1-1) defeated Asahakuryu (1-1). Hidari-yotsu. Nishikifuji pulled up on Asahakuryu’s mawashi and used his gaburi yotsu to force Asahakuryu out. Yorikiri.

Abi (2-0) defeated Mitakeumi (0-2). Mitakeumi pivoted and pulled after the tachiai but Abi was able to keep his footing and shove Mitakeumi out. Oshidashi.

Wakanosho (2-0) defeated Asanoyama (1-1). Excellent sumo from Wakanosho who seemed to be operating a beat faster than Asanoyama. Wakanosho kept Asanoyama from his belt with steady tsuppari and well-timed pulls. Then he put his head down and charged into Asanoyama, grabbing the former Ozeki under the armpits and driving him back and off the dohyo. Yoritaoshi.

Tobizaru (1-1) defeated Chiyoshoma (0-2). Tobizaru pressed Chiyoshoma backwards. Chiyoshoma seemed to want to use the tawara to brace himself but his left foot skidded over the top and landed out. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (1-1) defeated Fujiryoga (1-1). Wakamotoharu got his left-hand inside and forced Fujiryoga back to the bales. Fujiryoga pivoted but slipped and Wakamotoharu shoved him to the ground. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (2-0) defeated Roga (0-2). Takayasu spun away from Roga’s initial attack. As Roga re-engaged, Takayasu reached over his back with his left hand and grabbed his belt, pulling him down to the ground. Uwatenage.

Kotoeiho (1-1) defeated Shodai (0-2). Shodai thought he had a good hold of Kotoeiho’s right arm and pulled. Kotoeiho wrested his arm free and shoved Shodai out. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Fujiseiun (2-0) defeated Oshoma (1-1). Oshoma tried to pull on Fujiseiun’s left arm. Fujiseiun was able to wrap up Oshoma and force him back and out. Fujiseiun smiled happily and picked up a big stack of kensho. Yorikiri.

Daieisho (1-1) defeated Ura (0-2). Daieisho hit Ura with powerful thrusts but Ura grabbed him and charged forward. Daieisho pivoted, grabbed Ura’s left arm and pulled him down. Kotenage.

Hakunofuji (2-0) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-1). Hakunofuji used a well-timed pull to disrupt Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari attack. Ichiyamamoto turned to meet Hakunofuji again and took the brunt of Hakunofuji at full-force. Hakunofuji blasted Ichiyamamoto from the ring. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Atamifuji (2-0) defeated Hiradoumi (0-2). Hiradoumi forced Atamifuji back to the edge. Atamifuji remained calm and began to churn his legs forward, gaining some space from the tawara. He worked hard to inch his right arm up under Hiradoumi’s left armpit and heaved him over to the side. Sukuinage.

Aonishiki (2-0) defeated Churanoumi (0-2). Churanoumi was alert to Aonishiki’s left arm and did his best to avoid it by pivoting and retreating, using ottsuke, or just heaving Aonishiki away with all of his might. However, Aonishiki’s pressure was relentless and eventually Churanoumi ran out of room to run. Aonishiki finally got the left hand uwate and forced Churanoumi back over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (2-0) defeated Gonoyama (0-2). Kotoshoho backed away to his right after the initial charge and calmly slapped Gonoyama down eliciting groans from the assembled masses. Tsukiotoshi.

Kirishima (2-0) defeated Oho (0-2). Kirishima got both hands inside, twisted and toppled him over the edge. Sukuinage.

Kotozakura (2-0) defeated Yoshinofuji (1-1). Kotozakura did what Onosato should have done yesterday and moved forward. Yoshinofuji tried to pivot and throw him with his right-hand inside grip but Kotozakura shoved him out from behind. Truth be told, I can’t shout “Move Forward!!” without flashbacks of my cousin and my recent vacation. His mother, my aunt, was testing out my dad’s e-Foil over the break. As she struggled to get up and maintain her balance, my cousin kept yelling, “Move Forward!!!” Over and over. It was rather hilarious and she gave it right back to him when it was his turn. That e-Foil sure is fun. It’s like an electronic surfboard with an engine mounted at the bottom of a long keel. But back in Nagoya, the kimarite was Okuridashi.

Hoshoryu (2-0) defeated Takanosho (0-2). Takanosho layed into the Yokozuna with tsuppari but Hoshoryu got his right arm up under Takanosho’s shoulder and heaved him over, forcefully. Ouch. Sukuinage.

Fujinokawa (1-1) defeated Onosato (0-2). Fujinokawa pivoted and pulled Onosato forward by the Yokozuna’s right shoulder. “Purple Rain, Purple Rain.” Tsukiotoshi.

Wrap-Up

Since Onosato closed out the match day with his loss, he didn’t have to sit around and wait, uncomfortably at the dohyo’s edge. He was able to exit the building quickly but not before shouting something into his hand towel. I imagine that whatever he shouted rhymes with “LUCK!!!” or its Japanese variant. Onosato is set to face Takanosho tomorrow. There is still time to chalk this up to nerves and scrap together a decent tournament and Takanosho is a great option for a first win. If Takanosho beats him, I’m sure kyujo would be imminent. Hoshoryu will get his turn against Fujinokawa, fresh from his latest kinboshi.

Kirishima will fight Gonoyama tomorrow and fellow Ozeki Kotozakura will face Churanoumi. Atamifuji gets to battle Oho, Kotoshoho will take on Yoshinofuji and Aonishiki will fight Hakunofuji. That last matchup promises to be a firecracker.

Further down the banzuke, Shodai will take on Ura. Ichiyamamoto will salivate at all of the kensho from Oshoma. Veteran Takayasu will fight up-and-comer Fujiseiun. Kotoeiho will get a huge test against Wakamotoharu. Asanoyama will try to bounce back against Fujiryoga and Abi will fight Takerufuji to see who can lean forward the most without falling. We all know Michael Jackson is the GOAT at that.

Join us tomorrow for Day Three! I’m off to get some donuts.