Natsu Basho

Natsu 2026: Preview

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho

Shonichi is just about to kick off in Tokyo, so let’s take a quick look at what the first day of action will bring. Notably, we will be missing a couple of huge names for at least the start of the tournament: Onosato and Aonishiki are kyujo. Onosato’s shoulder injury issues linger but Aonishiki suffered his ankle injury just this week. That’s a massive blow to his chances of retaining his rank of Ozeki.

Hope is not lost, however. Without a kachi-koshi winning record here, he will be demoted to Sekiwake for the July tournament in Nagoya. If he wins at least 10 bouts there, he will immediately earn is Ozeki rank back. This happened to Takakeisho in 2019. He was injured in his first tournament as Ozeki and was therefore immediately kadoban. Rather than rush his recovery, he stayed out completely for that year’s Nagoya tournament and came back with a strong 12-win showing as Sekiwake. He remained Ozeki until his eventual retirement in 2024.

This is a stark contrast to the experience of Terunofuji who preferred the “ride them till the wheels fall off” method of treating injuries. When the wheels fell off, he had them glued back on and started his epic comeback from Jonidan. For Aonishiki, I’m frankly holding out hope that the ankle injury was a blessing in disguise, forcing him to sit out and get healthy.

Tonight’s Action

Enho will kick off his return to Juryo by fighting Tochitaikai. A huge weight must be lifted off his shoulders now that he is back in the salaried ranks, so I’m looking him to take things easy. He’s battled back from the neck injury and faced a new fractured foot at the start of this year as he clawed his way back. If he’s still risking it all, I’ll be shocked. If I’m Tochitaikai, I would be patient and just try to win with solid fundamentals.

I’m excited to see Okaryu make his debut as a full-timer. He joins Meisei and Hoshoryu as Tatsunami beya’s current sekitori. And it’s not going to be easy for any of these guys to hold rank. Hitoshi will fight Tamashoho, Nishikigi will start his campaign against Kazekeno and Midorifuji comes off his scary heart issues by fighting Tohakuryu. With the likes of Kayo, Shonannoumi, Shirokuma, Kagayaki and Meisei here in the middle of the division, I expect a few brawls.

Meanwhile, the top of the division has Tomokaze, Asasuiryu, Sadanoumi, Takerufuji, Onokatsu, and Daiseizan. I’m looking for some statement wins here from Takerufuji over Sadanoumi and Daiseizan over Onokatsu, in particular.

As we turn to the top division, Ryuden will fight Fujiryoga to start off tonight’s action. Wakanosho will then fight Oshoumi and Roga will fight Tobizaru. I’ll skip over the Mitakeumi/Tamawashi battle. That would have been a highlight in past tournaments but Kotoeiho versus Tokihayate will outshine it this time around.

Shishi versus Kinbozan will be an interesting bout from the bottom third of the division but Ura versus Hakunofuji is the one to watch. When healthy, both of these guys should be 8-10 ranks higher. Next up, Asanoyama continues to slog his way back up and he’ll start things off with Nishikifuji this time around.

Then Abi will fight Asahakuryu. What are the odds for a Day 1 henka? Next Oshoma versus Asakoryu and Chiyoshoma versus Fujiseiun, followed by Shodai against Churanoumi and Gonoyama versus Wakamotoharu.

To be honest, this is where I will start to pay most attention: Oho versus Daieisho then we crack into sanyaku with Wakatakakage against Hiradoumi. Both of those fights should be great…if Oho’s stick-shift isn’t stuck in reverse. Then we’ve got Yoshinofuji againt Sekiwake Kotoshoho, Atamifuji against Ichiyamamoto and Takanosho against Kirishima. There could be some upsets there. Finally, we end the night with Fujinokawa fighting Kotozakura and Hoshoryu versus Papayasu.

I’ll see you all in the morning, and Happy Mother’s Day!

Natsu 2025: Senshuraku — and an extra visit to the Twighlight Zone

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho , ,

Wakaikari put the pressure on Kusano with a twisting escape on the edge, a sukuinage defeat of Daiamami. Kusano lived up to the pressure and easily dispatched Tsurugisho by grabbing his belt with his left hand and sliding around, attacking from Tsurugisho’s right side. This is called, “doing him dirty” because of that telling mummy wrap on his left knee. There’s no way Tsurugisho could resist by bracing with that left leg. Tsurugisho did what he could do, shuffle left and try not to fall over. Yorikiri.

There were some interesting decisions with the sansho (Special Prizes). No one will receive the outstanding performance prize. Sadanoumi was given a Fighting Spirit Prize, his third, unconditionally. Aonishiki and Asakoryu were given opportunities to win if one depending on winning their bouts today. Lastly, Kirishima and Wakatakakage were both given technique prizes, Kirishima’s fourth and Wakatakakage’s sixth.

Your NHK videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Roga (9-6) defeated Kotoshoho (6-4-5). Roga’s steady gaburi yotsu forced Kotoshoho to the edge. Kotoshoho resisted but Roga kept chugging until Kotoshoho went over the edge. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (8-7) defeated Nishikigi (6-9). Nishikigi did not want Atamifuji on his belt. Atamifuji had his right hand around Nishikigi’s trunk but when he tried to switch to the belt, Nishikigi squeezed hard to prevent it. Atamifuji tried chugging forward but Nishikigi’s weight kept Atamifuji from making progress. So, Atamifuji pulled on Nishikigi’s right arm and slapped him down. Kotenage.

Tochitaikai (4-11) defeated Shishi (4-11). As Shishi lumbered forward, Tochitaikai slipped to the right and followed up with a shove from the side to force Shishi out. Will this defeat pull Shishi down into Juryo? Oshidashi.

Endo (9-6) defeated Asakoryu (10-5). Endo spoiled Asakoryu’s party. Asakoryu tried a kotenage with Endo’s left hand. That failed and gave Endo enviable position with Asakoryu backed to the bales. Endo pressed forward and forced Asakoryu over before Asakoryu could slap him down. Yorikiri.

Shodai (6-9) defeated Shonannoumi (5-10). Shodai somehow spun Shonannoumi around at the edge and forced him over the bales before falling over. Yorikiri.

Midorifuji (6-9) defeated Tamashoho (4-11). Much of this bout was a tsuppari brawl which could have gone either way. Tamashoho abandoned his tsuppari to reach in for Midorifuji’s belt. While Tamashoho reached with his left, Midorifuji twisted clockwise, forcing Tamashoho into over extending, and pulled Tamashoho down with a lightning quick uwatedashinage.

Aonishiki (11-4) defeated Sadanoumi (10-5). Aonishiki earned his second special prize by locking in quickly with his left hand inside, then pulling Sadanoumi down. Shitatenage.

Kinbozan (10-5) defeated Kayo (7-8). Kinbozan chased Kayo around the ring as Kayo tried to pull on Kinbozan’s right arm. Eventually, Kinbozan cornered Kayo and shoved him over the edge. Tsukidashi.

Onokatsu (10-5) defeated Meisei (9-6). Meisei blitzed Onokatsu but Onokatsu stood him up at the edge. Meisei drove forward, tried to trip him, and then put his engines in reverse for a pull down. This was a BAD idea as Onokatsu chased him and drove him to the ground, roughly, for causing his nose bleed. Yoritaoshi.

Churanoumi (4-11) defeated Ryuden (5-10). After the two exchanged some tsuppari, Churanoumi grabbed Ryuden’s belt with his right hand and drove his head into Ryuden’s chin and left shoulder, forcing him backward to the bales. Ryuden dug in with his toes to resist at the bales, a maneuver that always makes me cringe and get flashbacks to Ikioi/Kizakiumi. Ryuden tumbled backwards under the crushing weight of Churanoumi. For a video of Kizakiumi destroying the current Yokozuna, check out this post. You don’t have to read my rants if you don’t want to but watch the video, closely. Kizakiumi was a promising university talent with family connections in the sumo world. Unfortunately, he did one of these resist-at-all-costs things at the edge and it cost him all the sumo things. A few painful makekoshi later, he had retired with a chronic neck injury. What’s really twisted? Look really closely at Churanoumi, from Kizaki in Okinawa. “Holup, Andy.” Looks familiar, right? Brothers. Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo-doo. Twightlight Zone stuff for you here at Tachiai. Ryuden. When Churanoumi offers his hand because he nearly crushed you, take it, jackass. Yoritaoshi.

Tokihayate (8-7) defeated Hakuoho (8-7). Quick as lightning, Tokihayate picked up a listless Hakuoho and drove forward over the bales. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Ura (5-10) defeated Takanosho (8-7). Ura charged forward and Taka tried a hasty slapdown…but he was already on his way out. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (6-9) defeated Hiradoumi (6-9). Tamawashi grabbed Hiradoumi’s head, twisted and slammed him to the ground. Diabolical dismantling at the center of the ring. Wow. Oshitaoshi.

Takerufuji (6-9) defeated Gonoyama (4-11). Takerufuji got a quick grip of Gonoyama’s belt, pivoted, and pulled him down. Uwatenage.

Oshoma (10-5) defeated Abi (7-8). Oshoma-subi? Jeez, this next banzuke’s going to be a mess. Oshoma grabbed Abi’s arm and swung him to the edge. That pissed Abi off and he drove into Oshoma, forcing him to the opposite side of the ring. Somehow Oshoma resisted, kept his foot from going over the tawara, got behind Abi and pushed him out from the back. Okuridashi.

Oho (7-8) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-11). Oho moved forward behind strong tsuppari, perhaps given an extra boost, pissed off from Chiyoshoma’s slapping and clawing. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (7-8) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-10). Ichiyamamoto went for the belt today, rather than his regular oshi. Ichiyamamoto was holding onto his finger as he left the dohyo. I do not think I want to see the replay of what happened to it. Katasukashi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage defeated Tobizaru. WTK’s arms enveloped Tobizaru, not letting him fly around the ring. Instead, he charged forward and gently dropped him over the side. Wakataka-wake. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (6-9) defeated Kirishima (11-3). Kirishima tried to bat Takayasu’s tsuppari away. He nearly backed out of the dohyo but rotated in time. Kirishima tried to press forward and get some space from the bales but Takayasu slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Daieisho (10-5) defeated Kotozakura (8-7). Bam, Bam, Bam. Daieisho’s tsuppari immediately forced Kotozakura into reverse. “Forced? Andy, Kotozakura was going to back up, anyway.” Okay, yeah, well…he forced him back faster than he otherwise would have gone and shoved him over the edge before he could try any tricks. 1, 2, 3. Tsukidashi.

Amazing. When the announcer said Onosato’s name, a huge roar erupted from the crowd. The guys just got up there. They’re still doing shiko.

Hoshoryu (12-3) defeated Onosato (14-1). Onosato charged forward, shoving the Yokozuna’s head back. Hoshoryu was in trouble but he adjusted really well. He slipped out to his right and grabbed for Onosato’s belt. As Onosato extended to keep up his attack and to try to get that right hand grip, Hoshoryu reversed and twisted him to the ground. Uwatehineri.

Wrap-up

A rivalry has begun. Hoshoryu strutted away with a massive stack of envelopes, denying Onosato from sealing a zensho-yusho. Nevertheless, Onosato will be the 75th Yokozuna. Keep your eyes open for the official announcement this week, along with word of Juryo promotions.

“Andy, don’t remind me about the banzuke.”

I know, I know, it’s going to be torture this time. But fun torture. Hopefully the fun torture is accompanied by relief from the not-so-fun torture Miyagino-beya is being put through. There’s no jungyo but still plenty of upcoming news to stay alert for as we shift to Nagoya.

When you’re in the sport this deep, you get used to it. I don’t even see the code. All I see is, blond, brunette, redhead…the occasional goth or “loli” in the crowd…It’s beautiful. But for some reason, she’s watching the sport through the screen on her camera phone instead of just watching the action 10 feet from her.

Congratulations to Onosato for winning his fourth yusho. Congratulations to Kusano, Otsuji, Hatooka, Mineyaiba, and Kazuma for their yusho, as well as to Sadanoumi, Aonishiki, Kirishima, and Wakatakakage for their special prizes.

This was one hell of a tournament, truly historic. This will be one of those that we remember for quite a while. I can’t wait to do it all again in a couple of months!

Natsu 2025: Day Fourteen

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho

The Makuuchi yusho has been decided but in Juryo Kusano (12-2) may still need to win tomorrow to secure his second consecutive title. Wakaikari (11-3) must win tomorrow against Daiamami to have any hope of a playoff. Daiamami is 7-7 and fighting for that all-important kachi-koshi, though he is likely already safe from demotion. If Wakaikari wins and Kusano loses to Tsurugisho, who also has kachi-koshi on the line, Kusano will fight Wakaikari in a playoff.

Right now, there is only one playoff scheduled. As Leonid mentioned yesterday, Otsuji won the Makushita yusho and will return to Juryo. Hatooka won the Sandanme title while Kazuma ran away with the Jonokuchi yusho. The Jonidan title will be decided in a playoff between Mineyaiba and Tenrosei, both of Shikoroyama-beya. Tenrosei is Hoshoryu’s cousin. Musashimaru’s nephew, Hikarimusashi, finished with a kachi-koshi and continues to make progress.

Your NHK videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Roga (8-6) defeated Nishikigi (6-8). Roga blitzed Nishikigi at the tachiai and drove him quickly to the edge, where he kept up the pressure until Nishikigi stepped out. After starting the tournament 5-0, Nishikigi is makekoshi and in a perilous position heading into tomorrow. We’re back where we were last tournament but worlds away from the optimism of Day 4 and Day 5. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (10-4) defeated Kotoshoho (6-3-5). Sadanoumi pivoted and dumped Kotoshoho unceremoniously, to the clay. Uwatenage.

Tokihayate (7-7) defeated Endo (8-6). Tokihayate quickly wrapped up Endo and spun, pulling him over to the edge where he pressed him out. Yorikiri.

Shishi (4-10) defeated Tamashoho (4-10). Shishi easily overpowered Tamashoho’s tsuppari. Nevertheless, Tamashoho would cycle and come back to try more tsuppari. When Tamashoho got within arm’s length, Shishi slapped him down.  Hatakikomi.

Meisei (9-5) defeated Kayo (7-7). Kayo henka? He didn’t get very far. Meisei was ready to brawl so Kayo charged forward. This time Meisei shifted to the side, grabbed Kayo’s belt and pulled him forward. Uwatenage.

Shodai (5-9) defeated Tochitaikai (3-11). “Oh, you’re so powerful. I cannot overwhelm you. You are forcing me back to the edge at will…Oh no, you fell when I slipped to the side. Sucker.” Shodai baited Tochitaikai into driving forward, full force. At the edge, Shodai slipped to the side and shoved Tochitaikai down. Tochitaikai’s new. He doesn’t know. Tsukiotoshi.

Aonishiki (10-4) defeated Atamifuji (7-7). Atamifuji gave a valiant effort but Aoinishiki’s right-hand inside grip was very powerful. Aonishiki tried to throw and Atamifuji tried to charge forward. It was a bit of an entertaining back-and-forth stalemate until Aonishiki got inside with his left hand, too. Once he got the morozashi, Atamifuji put it in reverse and flailed around as he tried to escape. Aonishiki had him and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Midorifuji (5-9) defeated Ryuden (5-9). Ryuden charged forward but Midorifuji quickly shifted to his right at the edge while shoving Ryuden down. Ryuden might need to win tomorrow to avoid the drop to Juryo. He and Nishikigi will have a lot riding on tomorrow’s bouts. Tsukiotoshi.

Asakoryu (10-4) defeated Onokatsu (9-5). Asakoryu with the sidestep tachiai but Onokatsu adjusted well. Asakoryu brought it right to Onokatsu and drove forward, angling for a belt grip. Onokatsu was trying to get a hold with his right hand when Asakoryu pulled and threw him down. Shitatenage.

Kinbozan (9-5) defeated Takanosho (8-6). Kinbozan did not start with his powerful thrusts, this time. He reached around, grabbed Takanosho’s belt and swung him powerfully to the edge. Takanosho was caught by surprise. “Andy, that wasn’t in the brief! You said to read the brief! That wasn’t in the brief!” As Takanosho tried desperately to stay in, Kinbozan shoved him off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Shonannoumi (5-9) defeated Churanoumi (3-11). Shonannoumi stood Churanoumi up at the tachiai with some steady tsuppari, lacking power. As Chura pressed forward, Shonannoumi stepped to the side and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Ura (4-10) defeated Tamawashi (5-9). Ura took a lot of abuse from Tamawashi as he set up a sidestep. When Ura shifted, Tamawashi charged forward but he caught himself at the edge, reversed, and challenged Ura to come at him. Ura charged forward into Tamawashi and drove him off the fighting surface. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (7-7) defeated Abi (7-7). Tobizaru seemed to be favoring his right foot at the start of this bout. He tried a slapdown, which failed, and somehow Abi got in deep behind. Tobizaru quickly reengaged so Abi wouldn’t okuridashi him. Somewhere, Tobizaru summoned the strength to keep Abi cornered. Abi shifted direction but Tobizaru pursued and forced Abi over. Was the right foot injury a feint? Remember, he was limping yesterday. If so, Tobizaru’s playing 3D Chess here. Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (5-9) defeated Gonoyama (4-10). Ichiyamamoto hit Gonoyama with measured tsuppari, just enough power to hold him up but to allow Gonoyama to charge forward. Then Ichiyamamoto stepped to the side and pulled Gonoyama down. Hikiotoshi.

Oshoma (9-5) defeated Wakamotoharu (6-8). Oshoma tried the same thing on Wakamotoharu but Wakamotoharu did not go down and stayed engaged with Oshoma. Wakamotoharu drove Oshoma back through the ring and Oshoma shifted along the bales. When Wakamotoharu resisted, Oshoma tried to slap him down. This forced Wakamotoharu into uncontrolled retreat. Oshoma followed up and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Oho (6-8) defeated Takerufuji (5-9). Oho charged forward and Takerufuji pivoted to his right, trying to get access to Oho’s belt. As Takerufuji pressed forward, Oho summoned all of his strength and turned the tables on Takerufuji, twisting and hauling him over the bales. Sukuinage.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (5-9) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-10). Quelle surprise…henka. Takayasu knew what was up and chased Chiyoshoma who backed away and accidentally stepped out. Fumidashi.

Wakatakakage (11-3) defeated Hiradoumi (6-8). Hiradoumi tried a slapdown but Wakatakakage was prepared. Wakatakakage drove forward and forced Hiradoumi out. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (11-3) defeated Hakuoho (8-6). This was a great, even yotsu battle. Hakuoho held his own but became impatient. He had a good left hand grip and surged forward, trying to lock on with his right. Kirishima retreated along the bales until Hakuoho was over-extended and off-balance. Kirishima shoved Hakuoho’s right shoulder with his left hand and dumped him along the bales. Tsukiotoshi.

Onosato (14-0) defeated Daieisho (9-5). Onosato read the brief. Daieisho charged forward behind powerful tsuppari. Onosato slipped to his right, trying a slapdown but that missed. Daieisho’ momentum carried him toward the edge. He turned back to face Onosato but Onosato was on him and shoved him of the ledge. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (11-3) defeated Kotozakura (8-6). Kotozakura had Hoshoryu in danger of a kimedashi but Hoshoryu remained low, remained calm, and adjusted his hold to regain the upper hand. The Yokozuna shifted and forced Kotozakura to the bales. Kotozakura tried a last gasp twist and pull down but Hoshoryu remained solid and drove Kotozakura over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Onosato is solidifying his claim on the Yokozuna rank by continuing to win, even when he has the yusho well in hand. He was prepared for Daieisho’s attack today and will need to muster all of his wiles for his fight with Hoshoryu tomorrow. A zensho will be quite the tale, one we will be telling future generations of sumo fans. A Japanese Yokozuna from Ishikawa prefecture, Top Dog of the stable of Kisenosato, who rose quickly through the ranks without ever having a losing record. Like everyone else, I’m eager to see what’s next. He will join Hoshoryu at Yokozuna. What kind of rivalry will they have? Well, tomorrow’s bout might set the tone for that.

There are MANY other questions to be settled tomorrow. Leonid covered a lot of them yesterday. It looks like we’ll have three Sekiwake. If Daieisho can beat Kotozakura tomorrow, we’ll be following up Yokozuna promotion stories with stories of Ozeki runs. All three of these guys have had solid tournaments and will want to join Kotozakura at the rank. A new era dawns.

Natsu 2025: Day Thirteen

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho

NHK videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Three of the lower division titles were determined today. Will the Makuuchi yusho be won on Day 13, as well? Kusano is going up and he defeated Oshoumi today. Kotoeiho prevented Mitakeumi from sealing his return to the top division. The former Ozeki will face Tomokaze tomorrow to try again. Wakaikari won his battle with Tohakuryu and likely earned promotion, as well. Hat tip to Herbern for the correction.

Makuuchi Action

Shonannoumi (4-9) defeated Kotoshoho (6-2-5). As Kotoshoho approached, Shonannoumi shifted laterally along the tawara and shoved Kotoshoho down. Gunbai Shonannoumi. Mono-ii. Had Shonnanoumi gone out first? No. The call was confirmed. Tsukiotoshi.

Takanosho (8-5) defeated Ryuden (5-8). Takanosho pulled Ryuden’s nodowa away and kept him off his belt with tsuppari. Takanosho pushed him out of the ring with a final shove. Oshidashi.

Kayo (7-6) defeated Atamifuji (7-6). Kayo drove Atamifuji straight back to the edge, where Atamifuji tried a last gasp slap down. Kayo shoved Atamifuji out before he was shoved down. Yorikiri.

Endo (8-5) defeated Tochitaikai (3-10). Tochitaikai attempted a slapdown but couldn’t finish. Endo decided to demonstrate proper technique. While Tochitaikai pressed forward with tsuppari, Endo shifted left and slapped Tochitaikai down. Hatakikomi.

Shodai (4-9) defeated Tamashoho (4-9). Shodai took a lot of abuse from Tamashoho and pressed forward. Tamashoho shifted gears from tsuppari to a slapdown attempt. Shodai powered his way through and shoved Tamashoho from the ring, and into Juryo. Yorikiri.

Meisei (8-5) defeated Roga (7-6). Meisei evaded Roga’s slapdown attack and throw attempt, grabbed Roga’s right hand and flung him completely off the dohyo. Tottari.

Midorifuji (4-9) defeated Nishikigi (6-7). Midorifuji got his katasukashi hold but Nishikigi captured his hand with his arm and tried to pull Midorifuji over the edge with his arm lodged in Nishikigi’s armpit. Thankfully Midorifuji was able to rescue his arm before it was snapped off and shoved Nishikigi out from behind. Okuridashi.

Sadanoumi (9-4) defeated Kinbozan (8-5). Sadanoumi really impressed me today. He took a battering from Kinbozan’s tsuppari but managed to get inside and lock on with a migi-yotsu hold. He tried to yank Kinbozan back but Kinbozan’s footwork prevented a throw. So, Sadanoumi chugged forward and forced Kinbozan out the old-fashioned way. Yorikiri.

Onokatsu (9-4) defeated Tokihayate (6-7). Onokatsu battered Tokihayate with tsuppari to keep him off his belt but then he drove forward and got a migi-yotsu grip to finish him off. Yorikiri.

Shishi (3-10) defeated Churanoumi (3-10). This was a very entertaining, back-and-forth oshi-tsuki battle. Both men tried throws and feints, shifts in direction, slapdowns…a kitchen sink was seen lobbed across the dohyo. Shishi finally seized Churanoumi and forced him out. Both men fell off the dohyo and landed on a woman in the second row, wearing a bright yellow-green kimono. Kimedashi.

Aonishiki (9-4) defeated Hakuoho (8-5). Aonishiki hammered Hakuoho with tsuppari, then grabbed his belt with a solid right and drove him from the ring. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Tamawashi (5-8) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-9). Tamawashi’s tsuppari was too much as he blasted Chiyoshoma from the ring. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (4-9) defeated Tobizaru (6-7). Gonoyama pressed Tobizaru to the edge, where Tobizaru found resistance at the bales. Gonoyama wasn’t having any of it, rotated and slammed Tobizaru to the ground. Tobizaru limped back down the hanamichi. We’ll keep an eye out for news on the condition of his right foot/ankle. Tsukiotoshi.

Hiradoumi (6-7) defeated Abi (7-6). Hiradoumi hit Abi so hard at the tachiai, he had to wrap him up. Abi tried to yank Hiradoumi to the side with a kotenage but Hiradoumi bulldozed through, keeping his body low, and forced Abi out. Yorikiri.

Oho (5-8) defeated Ura (3-10). Oho kept Ura at bay with tsuppari and then pulled and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Takerufuji (5-8) defeated Wakamotoharu (6-7). Takerufuji slammed into Wakamotoharu and pressured him back to the bales. Wakamotoharu tried to twist him down at the edge but Takerufuji pressed him out first. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (10-3) defeated Asakoryu (9-4). Wakatakakage had no issues bulling forward and forcing Asakoryu from the ring. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (4-9) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-9). After a lengthy grapple, Ichiyamamoto launched into Takayasu with a nodowa, then he tried a kotenage. Takayasu shifted to his left and pushed Ichiyamamoto down. Hikiotoshi.

Kirishima (10-3) defeated Oshoma (8-5). Kirishima hidari-yotsu. Kirishima powered into Oshoma and drove him from the ring. It wasn’t effortless but it was efficient. Yorikiri.

Onosato (13-0) defeated Kotozakura (8-4). Powerful tachiai. Kotozakura grabbed for Onosato’s right arm but Onosato shrugged him off. Onosato pressed forward and drove Kotozakura from the ring. The Ishikawa watch party erupted in cheers. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (10-3) defeated Daieisho (9-4). Daieisho hit Hoshoryu harder than I’ve ever seen him hit anyone. But Hoshoryu adjusted well, pulled on Daieisho’s right arm, almost pulling him out of the ring. He then wrapped Daieisho up and drove through the ring. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Onosato has not only won his fourth title. He has won his second in a row, at the rank of Ozeki, meaning he will be promoted to Yokozuna at the end of this tournament. It has been quite a year. We started with a lot of hype around Kotozakura, after his yusho in Kyushu. The shin-Ozeki had a “rough” tournament with a 9-6 record, almost seen as a disappointment in some corners of sumo fandom. “Oh, but it’s not even an Ozeki kachi-koshi.”

But the fact remains Onosato has never won fewer than nine bouts in any tournament. This year, he kept getting better. First, it was ten wins at Hatsu where we all saw Hoshoryu win the yusho and Yokozuna promotion. Then twelve in Osaka. Now, with 13 (and still counting) back in Ryogoku, Onosato has realized his destiny and will become the 75th Yokozuna.

This feels like an era-defining moment. While Hoshoryu’s victory led to a real debate about whether his jun-yusho/yusho would be a promotable record, Onosato’s consecutive yusho leaves no such doubt…and we’re not even finished with the tournament.

That’s right, Andy, let’s get back to the action, please.

Onosato will fight Daieisho tomorrow and Hoshoryu will fight Kotozakura in the musubi-no-ichiban. Hakuoho will come back up and fight Kirishima for some unknown reason and Wakatakakage will fight Hiradoumi.

Hoshoryu’s victory over Daieisho earned his important 10th win and likely put the final dagger in Daieisho’s presumptive Ozeki run. Daieisho and Kirishima might both be able to use this tournament as a first leg of future yusho runs, depending on how they do in Nagoya. It would be very interesting if either (or both) earn promotion after Aki. Conceivably, if they were to win out, I suppose there could be talk of Ozeki promotion in Nagoya but that would require extraordinary results, like what we’re seeing from Onosato here.

Might Wakatakakage force a third Sekiwake slot to open up? Who will be demoted, who will earn promotion? Does anyone want to be Komusubi in Nagoya? I mean, right now the leaders for the roles are Oshoma and Hakuoho and they’re not even in the joi! I’m sure we’ll have overpromotions and underpromotions galore. Sometimes you want to watch the clusterf*** — get some commentary, dissect the ins-and-outs. This one may be one to turn away; let them do their thing and get it over with.

OK. So, in closing, Andy is sleepy and delirious, as you can probably tell. Regardless, I want you to keep in mind that you will probably want to watch for news after the tournament is over about our new Yokozuna. But don’t forget that we also anticipate developments regarding Hakuho and the reopening of his stable to come with the retirement of Isegahama. Someone will inherit that stable…will it be Terunofuji or Homarefuji? Will Terunofuji go out on his own? Will they allow Hakuho back out of the dog house? So many questions…