Natsu 2024

Natsu 2024: Shonichi Preview

Andy Natsu 2024, Natsu Basho

The Japan Sumo Association released the torikumi-hyo (bout list) for shonichi (Day One), and with it the names of kyujo sekitori. Takerufuji and Asanoyama are injured and will not compete from Day One. Though we do not anticipate either man participating in this tournament, we will keep our eyes and ears open for any news. Takerufuji will need a few wins (likely 2 or 3) to be safe from demotion to Juryo in July.

Coming into March, we were anticipating strong performances from our top guys, particularly Terunofuji and Kirishima. That got flipped on its head during the tournament as the Yokozuna left early from injury after picking up a string of losses, and Kirishima struggled to find wins. The fact that Kirishima showed up each day meant that he was able to attend Senshuraku activities and participate in the danpatsushiki of his long-time tsukebito, Yuki. We are eager to see if he can turn his fortunes around at Kakuryu’s Otowayama-beya.

So, coming into April, the story is completely different. And that means the bout list itself is chock-full of interesting match-ups. These early bouts carry a bit more weight than one would anticipate, leading up to an absolute banger: Terunofuji vs Onosato in the musubi-no-ichiban. While that is certainly the biggest bout tomorrow, the entire slate has promise. Before Terunofuji’s bout we will have Hoshoryu against Atamifuji, Kotozakura and debuts his new shikona against Daieisho. Takakeisho will face Hiradoumi and Kirishima will take on Gonoyama in a pair of bouts where the Ozeki should be heavy favorites to win. Should. Emphasis added there.

I will be watching the Wakamotoharu/Takayasu bout with keen interest and Tobizaru facing Abi should be a highlight, even if it shouldn’t feature into the yusho race. Now, outside of the sanyaku, Oho will take on Ura, Onosho takes on Meisei and Nishikigi will start his tournament against Midorifuji. The full bout list is here but I have a particular feeling about Ichiyamamoto and Hokutofuji. I think the two of them could light it up this basho.

Natsu 2024 Banzuke Review

Andy Natsu 2024, Natsu Basho , ,

On Tuesday, the Sumo Kyokai released the banzuke for the upcoming May tournament. So, what are the big highlights? Starting at the top of the banzuke, Kotonowaka is now, Kotozakura. Ozeki Kirishima is kadoban. Wakamotoharu stays at Sekiwake for the second consecutive basho. He’s joined at the rank by Abi (on the West), who returns to the rank for the first time since 2022 — and the first time since his yusho. Asanoyama and Onosato were both promoted to Komusubi, for Onosato it’s his first time in sanyaku. Takerufuji jumped up to Maegashira 6 East after his yusho.

We have two new promotions to the top division with Oshoma from Naruto-beya at M14W and Tokihayate (Tokitsukaze-beya) at M15E. Mitoryu, Tomokaze, and Takarafuji return to Makuuchi. Onokatsu, Tochitaikai (Tsukahara), and Kazekeno were promoted to Juryo for the first time while Chiyomaru returns.

SumoDB Banzuke

In a six-basho career, Onosato’s got the second fastest sanyaku promotion after Ichinojo’s lightning fast 5-basho trip to Sekiwake. From his top division debut, he hits sanyaku after two tournaments. That’s in the realm of guys like Asashoryu, Ryogoku, and Konishiki. The hype machine will be in overdrive for both Onosato and Takerufuji this basho, that’s for sure.

So, what am I watching this tournament? Obviously, Takerufuji. You can’t just walk in to the top division and win a yusho without getting everyone’s attention.

Takerufuji is just far enough down the banzuke that he is outside of the “joi” so he should not have the most difficult schedule. That being said, if he’s undefeated after Nakabi or in the yusho race, he will get hit with a bigger challenge. Given his injury, though, I think we will all be surprised if he is in this title race.

It’s anyone’s guess who will take this championship. I am hopeful that the Yokozuna or one of the Ozeki rolls to a convincing 14-1 yusho. Right now, I am thinking Kotozakura has the best opportunity to claim his first title.