The Japanese Sumo Association released the ranking sheet for the upcoming May tournament (English/Japanese). We already knew the lone Yokozuna would be Terunofuji and the lone Ozeki is Takakeisho. Banzuke-makers have likely been sweating bullets over the past few months over this situation — but with Takakeisho kadoban and Terunofuji nearing retirement, both men returning from injury, this could be a make-or-break tournament for the next crop of Ozeki. As such, there will be four wrestlers at the rank of Sekiwake, in various stages of Ozeki runs.
Kiribayama will lead this class of Sekiwake as Sekiwake 1 East. He’s also on the strongest Ozeki run after his 12-win title in March and runner-up, 11-win tournament in January. A solid, 10-win tournament will probably be enough for promotion. Joining Kiribayama from the West side will be Hoshoryu. Hoshoryu’s good performance in Osaka is undercut by his 8-wins in the prior tournament, so he’s starting from scratch. Therefore, next in line for the promotion runs would probably be Daieisho, from Sekiwake 2 East. Ten wins from Maegashira 1 might be sufficient if he can mount a strong case this month. If he wins this tournament, there’s a strong case that he will be promoted. Lastly, Wakamotoharu has earned his highest rank, rounding things out at Sekiwake 2 West. Even he might have a case for promotion, depending on his performance here in May…but it would be a long-shot.
We have three Komusubi as Kotonowaka moves over to Komusubi 1 East, injured Wakatakakage shuffles down to Komusubi 1 West, and Shodai makes his return to sanyaku at Komusubi 2 East. Tobizaru glides down the banzuke a bit, from his perch at Komusubi in March, but remains in the joi at Maegashira 3 East. Abi shifts up one rank to head the Maegashira, opposite Midorifuji. Takayasu follows at Maegashira 2 East, opposing Endo on the West. Tobizaru’s opposite number at Maegashira 3 West will be Nishikifuji. Ura and Nishikigi fill in final joi ranks at Maegashira 4. Kinbozan leaps up to Maegashira 5 East, opposite Kotoshoho on the West. Both men will likely see considerable sanyaku action due to Wakatakakage’s injury and prohibited match-ups between the various Isegahama, Oitekaze, and Sadogatake heya-mates.
Further down the banzuke, Asanoyama makes his return to the top division after his long climb back. Ichinojo also rejoins the top division after his yusho. Bushozan and Azumaryu drop into Juryo. Down in Makushita, Shiden and Kawazoe occupy the prime real estate at the top of Makushita. They’ll be hoping for at least four wins and their right to join the salaried ranks.
Post your thoughts on the banzuke in the comments below. I’m eager to read your thoughts on who lucked out and who got the shaft.