Natsu Basho

Natsu 2025: Day Seven Highlights

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho ,

As a bit of a preview for Nagoya, NHK showed some video from inside the new IG Arena. It should be ready for action for the July tournament. It looks nice and is much bigger than the old sweat box next door. Having been to the Nagoya tournament, I encourage folks to go. The castle is right there and I am a fan of the Toyota Museum.

No new kyujo. Kusano is making another charge in Juryo at 6-1, tied with Tohakuryu from the bottom half of the division. Those two won’t be paired off until later next week if they keep their streaks alive.

Today’s NHK videos: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I & Part II. Let’s get to it.

Makuuchi Action

Kayo (3-4) defeated Tochitaikai (3-4). Tochitaikai nearly had this. He tried to slap Kayo down and then got in behind Kayo. But Kayo grabbed Tochitaikai’s left arm and dragged him to the edge. Kayo then shoved Tochitaikai out from behind. Okuridashi.

Shonannoumi (2-5) defeated Tamashoho (2-5). The larger Shonannoumi used his size well, shrugged off Tamashoho’s patty-cake tsuppari and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Roga (5-2) defeated Ryuden (4-3). Marathon yotsu battle here. Roga wore down Ryuden and eventually used his morozashi, double-inside belt grip, to force Ryuden over the edge. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (5-2) defeated Nishikigi (5-2). Nishikigi pressed Sadanoumi to the edge where Sadanoumi pulled out Nishikigi’s trick from Day One. Beautiful. Amiuchi.

Tokihayate (3-4) defeated Asakoryu (5-2). Tokihayate was the aggressor from the beginning here. He twisted and yanked on Asakoryu’s left shoulder and dragged him around the ring until Asakoryu went down. Kotenage.

Atamifuji (5-2) defeated Kotoshoho (1-1-5). Patient and persistent gaburi yotsu from Atamifuji. Kotoshoho started with a henka and slapdown attempt but Atamifuji’s footwork today was excellent and he did not fall for the henka. Atamifuji then wrapped up Kotoshoho and worked him to the edge with the hip-thrusting action. Kotoshoho tried to turn the tables at the edge and escaped along the edge to Atamifuji’s left. But Atamifuji pursued and shoved Kotoshoho out. Yorikiri.

Meisei (4-3) defeated Shodai (2-5). Meisei locked up and steamrolled Shodai while Shodai was still trying to find a belt grip that he liked. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (4-3) defeated Midorifuji (0-7). Takanosho dominated Midorifuji with tsuppari and did not allow him anywhere near his shoulder. Solid, persistent tsuppari drove Midorifuji from the fighting surface. Midorifuji needs to find some wins, soon. Oshidashi.

Aonishiki (6-1) defeated Endo (4-3). Aonishiki started with tsuppari and Endo wrapped him up on the belt to try to stop the assault. Aonishiki took his right hand, shoved it into Endo’s face and drove him through the dohyo and into the lap of a fan. The fan laughed, gave a thumbs up, and seemed absolutely thrilled to be a part of the action. “恥ずかしい！” Oshidashi.

Kinbozan (5-2) defeated Shishi (1-6). Kinbozan shoved Shishi straight back and out. One wonders if Shishi is injured. Tsukidashi.

Oshoma (4-3) defeated Churanoumi (1-6). Oshoma dragged Churanoumi by his shoulder to the edge and shoved Churanoumi out to finish him off. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Chiyoshoma (2-5) defeated Onokatsu (3-4). Chiyoshoma was all over Onokatsu like white on rice. Tsuppari, then grabbed Onokatsu by the right arm and belt, pulled him forward to the bales where he crushed him down to the ground. Yoritaoshi.

Ura (2-5) defeated Tobizaru (4-3). Ura secured a right-hand inside belt grip and dragged Tobizaru, helping him down with the left hand. Shitatedashinage.

Hakuoho (7-0) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-4). Hakuoho absorbed Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari and backed to the tawara. At the edge he put his head down and bulldozed Ichiyamamoto, shoving him out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (2-5) defeated Tamawashi (2-5). Wakamotoharu took a bruising nodowa from Tamawashi but used his left hand inside to drive Tamawashi back and out of the ring. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (2-5) defeated Oho (3-4). Beautiful throw from Takayasu to finish Oho. Takayasu got a hold of Oho’s belt with the right hand outside, stepped back and threw Oho to the ground. Oho seemed to cradle his left arm as he walked down the hanamichi. Uwatenage.

Kirishima (5-2) defeated Abi (3-4). Kirishima worked his way behind Abi and shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Wakatakakage (6-1) defeated Daieisho (5-2). Wakatakakage blocked Daieisho’s nodowa and then overpowered the Sekiwake, shoving him backward and thrusting him from the ring. Daieisho’s promotion hopes this tournament are fading, fading… Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (1-6) defeated Kotozakura (4-3). Gonoyama got low, slammed his mage right into Kotozakura’s chin. He wrapped up Kotozakura with a morozashi and drove him backward and out. It felt like Kotozakura was still trying to figure out what to do when he was standing outside the tawara. Yorikiri.

Onosato (7-0) defeated Takerufuji (3-4). Takerufuji drove into Onosato hard at the tachiai. Onosato backed to his right and slapped Takerufuji down. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (5-2) defeated Hiradoumi (3-4). Hoshoryu enveloped Hiradoumi with both arms before pivoting to his right and yanking Hiradoumi down by his left arm. Kotenage.

Wrap-up

Tomorrow is Nakabi already. It’s been a fun tournament so far and Onosato is in the driver’s seat. Hakuoho is still undefeated and will probably be pulled up the banzuke next week if his streak continues. As it is, Hakuoho will face Meisei tomorrow. Onosato will take on Hiradoumi.

Kotozakura is fighting like Shodai. It’s hard to believe Shodai was Ozeki for two years, isn’t it? With this kind of sumo, it’s hard to imagine Kotozakura lasting that long. The Goth Lord actually won a title back during the pestilence. Hard to think of that now as he will try to pick up his third win against…checks notes…Takanosho. Unfortunately, Daieisho looks like he is going to come up short this tournament in his drive to move up. He will need to win out in order to hit that 33-win mark.

Natsu 2025: The Real Day Six Highlights

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho ,

No kyujo news to report today other than we will see Kotoshoho on the dohyo today, as reported yesterday. Onosato has been leading the charge early in this tournament but we saw solid action from the top guys yesterday. Let’s get to it, shall we?

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

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (5-1) defeated Nishikigi (5-1). Maybe Nishikigi isn’t all healed. He did well to start but Asakoryu bulled him out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Ryuden (4-2) defeated Tochitaikai (3-3). Tochitaikai tried a quick slapdown but Ryuden was ready and forced Tochitaikai to the edge. Tochitaikai tried to get back inside by circling around the bales and changing direction but Ryuden was patient and worked him over the bales. This is a positional game. Oshidashi.

Kayo (2-4) defeated Roga (4-2). As Roga fought inside for a left hand belt grip, Kayo backed away and rotated, shoving Roga’s right shoulder with his left hand. Kayo pulled out his Uno Reverse on the edge and finished Roga off with a shove. Oshidashi.

Tamashoho (2-4) defeated Tokihayate (2-4). Tokihayate got a morozashi late but couldn’t turn the tables as Tamashoho crushed him out of the ring. Yoritaoshi.

Sadanoumi (4-2) defeated Shonannoumi (1-5). Shonannoumi started plugging away with his tsuppari. Sadanoumi Junior grabbed his right arm and yanked hard. Shonannoumi pulled away but Sadanoumi pursued and forced him off the dohyo. “This is my house.” Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (1-0-5) defeated Takanosho (3-3). Kotoshoho pulled and slapped Takanosho down after an opening flurry of tsuppari. I am always happy to see someone come off kyujo and win their first bout. It’s like, “maybe this guy actually took enough time to heal.” Hatakikomi.

Atamifuji (4-2) defeated Meisei (3-3). Atamifuji wrapped up Meisei’s arms and drove toward the bales. When Meisei resisted, Atamifuji pulled him down into the center of the ring. Kotenage.

Aonishiki (5-1) defeated Shodai (2-4). Shodai lured Aonishiki to the edge where he tried to pull Aonishiki over. Aonishiki somehow maintained his footing on one leg and then chased Shodai across the ring and threw him out from behind. Okurinage.

Shishi (1-5) defeated Midorifuji (0-6). Shishi wrapped up Midorifuji and forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (4-2) defeated Endo (4-2). Endo tried a quick slapdown. Kinbozan stepped forward but recovered and then shoved Endo off the dohyo. Endo again slow to return to the dohyo. That man has had his bell rung too many times. Tsukidashi.

Halftime

Oshoma (3-3) defeated Onokatsu (3-3). Oshoma used his tsuppari to keep Onokatsu away from his belt. He patiently circled, testing. Then he attempted a slapdown. Onokatsu stumbled forward but stayed upright. Oshoma was able to get in behind Onokatsu, wrap him up and usher him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Hakuoho (6-0) defeated Ura (1-5). Both men started with a left hand inside. Hakuoho wrapped up Ura’s right arm. Ura then pressed Hakuoho about the shoulders. Ura tried a slapdown but Hakuoho was ready and used the momentum to charge forward into Ura and press him to the bales. Hakuoho kept up the pressure and forced Ura out. Hakuoho’s patience won this. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (1-5) defeated Churanoumi (1-5). Churanoumi was ready for Chiyoshoma’s henka. However, Chiyoshoma grabbed Churanoumi’s belt and beat him, straight up, on the belt, driving him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (4-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-3). Ichiyamamoto launched into his tsuppari attack. Tobizaru pulled and timed his slapdown perfectly. Hatakikomi.

Abi (3-3) defeated Oho (3-3). Oho batted Abi’s arms and shoved him to the side but Abi recovered well and re-engaged. He then executed his patented slapdown and drove Oho into the clay. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (5-1) defeated Takayasu (1-5). Takayasu started with kachiage, forearm to the head but did not connect well. Takayasu laid into WTK with tsuppari and Wakatakakage retaliated with a slapdown. This forced Takayasu to stumble forward, and just like Oshoma did earlier, Wakatakakage came in from behind to finish Takayasu off. Okuridashi.

Hiradoumi (3-3) defeated Daieisho (5-1). Hiradoumi hit Daieisho firmly at the tachiai then immediately shifted slightly to the left and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Kirishima (4-2) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-5). Kirishima wrapped up Wakamotoharu and as he drove forward to the bales, Kirishima kicked Wakamotoharu’s right leg from the outside with his left leg. Sotogake.

Onosato (6-0) defeated Gonoyama (0-6). Gonoyama pushed Onosato’s chin up but Onosato chased him from the ring for his efforts. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (4-2) defeated Takerufuji (3-3). Takerufuji started with gaburi-yotsu, pumping his way to the bales. Kotozakura resisted at the edge and Takerufuji was impatient, so Takerufuji pulled with his left and tried to force Kotozakura down with his right. Kotozakura fell forward but he fell onto Takerufuji, crushing the Isegahama heyagashira. Yoritaoshi.

Hoshoryu (4-2) defeated Tamawashi (2-4). Tamawashi shifted left at the tachiai and tried to shove Hoshoryu but Hoshoryu reacted well and rushed Tamawashi out. Oshidashi.

Wrap up

Onosato is cruising. He dispatched Gonoyama with ease today. He remains in the lead with Hakuoho. Nishikigi and Daieisho stumbled today, joining Wakatakakage, Aonishiki, and Asakoryu (?!) with one loss.

Aonishiki is setting himself up for a Technique Prize, if he can keep this up. He has been brilliant to watch. His recovery today and escape from Shodai’s throw was another highlight bout. Takayasu took time to get back onto the dohyo. I would not be surprised if kyujo is incoming. We thought Daieisho had solved his tendency to get out ahead of his feet but apparently not, Hiradoumi caught him out perfectly.

Hoshoryu will fight Hiradoumi tomorrow while Onosato faces Takerufuji. It’s Kotozakura turn to beat up on Gonoyama. Daieisho will battle Wakatakakage. Hakuoho will fight Ichiyamamoto, Aonishiki faces Endo. Asakoryu will take on Tokihayate and Nishikigi will fight Sadanoumi.

It’s funny to see Takakeisho ushering folks out of the stadium at the end of the tournament. Folks come up to him pretty excited to see him and he’s lost a ton of weight. You can imagine hearing this, “Yes, I look great. But you gotta go, lady. You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here.” And Akua seems to be enjoying his bow-twirling duties. Thus ends another great day of sumo. I’ll catch you back here tomorrow.

Natsu 2025: Day Five Highlights

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho

Today, we received news that Hokutofuji has retired. He will remain with the Kyokai as a coach, Oyama-oyakata. Chiyootori has shifted to the Nishikijima kabu and Shotenro slides over to the vacant Dekiyama in the sumo world’s version of musical chairs. Other news from the infirmary, Kotoshoho will participate in the tournament from Day 6 and draws Takanosho in tomorrow’s matchup.

Your NHK videos for Day Five are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Nishikigi (5-0) defeated Tochitaikai (3-2). Nishikigi continues to roll. Today he faced Tochitaikai and weathered the initial tsuppari attack from the shin-nyumaku. He brought his arms up to bat away Tochitaikai’s attack, then wrapped up his opponent’s belt and ran downhill, forcing Tochitaikai back and out. Yorikiri.

Kayo (1-4) defeated Takarafuji (2-3). Takarafuji pressured Kayo, driving him to the edge of the dohyo. Kayo retreated inside the bales and sunk the Takarabune with a slapdown. Hatakikomi.

Asakoryu (4-1) defeated Shonannoumi (1-4). Asakoryu got a left-hand inside grip on Shonannoumi’s belt and twisted, pulling Shonannoumi forward, just as Shonannoumi started to charge ahead. Shitatenage.

Roga (4-1) defeated Tamashoho (1-4). Roga had enough of Tamashoho’s tsuppari, charged forward, wrapping up his opponent in a bear hug and running him out of the ring. Yorikiri.

Ryuden (3-2) defeated Tokihayate (2-3). Ryuden reached down and seized the front of Tokihayate’s belt. Tokihayate reacted by pulling backward. Ryuden was like, “Okay,” and pressed forward, using Tokihayate’s momentum to drive him out. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (3-2) defeated Atamifuji (3-2). Sadanoumi demonstrated his power by wrapping up Atamifuji quickly with a left-hand outside, right hand inside. He charged forward and forced Atamifuji over the bales. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (3-2) defeated Endo (4-1). Thank you to the random sujo in the crowd for pointing out today is Endo’s 1001st bout in professional sumo. Takanosho spoiled the party, however, by handing Endo his first loss of the tournament. Endo reached forward with his right hand to get a hold of Takanosho’s belt. As he did so, he over extended a bit and Takanosho struck with his own attack. Takanosho shifted left and pressed Endo forward and down, getting in behind Endo. He then ran Endo out of the ring from behind. Okuridashi.

Meisei (3-2) defeated Shishi (0-5). Shishi’s troubles continue as Meisei dispatched the Ukrainian quickly with a shove on Shishi’s left shoulder. Tsukiotoshi.

Aonishiki (4-1) defeated Midorifuji (0-5). What a beautiful finishing move from Aonishiki! He pulled with his left hand inside on Midorifuji’s belt while attacking Midorifuji’s left knee with his right hand. I had been screaming at the TV because Aonishiki’s left-hand outside grip allowed Midorifuji to try his katasukashi. Midorifuji tried to execute but Aonishiki shifted and tried his own slapdown. Then, Aonishiki shifted his left hand inside, down in front and said, “Chill, Andy. Watch this.” Absolutely beautiful uchimuso. Aminishiki must be chuffed to watch that one.

Kinbozan (3-2) defeated Shodai (2-3). Shodai countered Kinbozan’s tsuppari attack by pulling up on Kinbozan’s belt, driving him through the ring. At the edge, however, Kinbozan twisted and turned the tables on Shodai, forcing the Goth King over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Hakuoho (5-0) defeated Churanoumi (1-4). Hakuoho struggled to get a hold of or contain Churanoumi. But Churanoumi’s mistake was to pull. As soon as he did shifted backward, Hakuoho steamrolled and forced Churanoumi out. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Onokatsu defeated Tobizaru. Onokatsu got a solid hold of Tobizaru with a left-hand over-arm grip. Tobizaru’s own grip was unsettled as he kept shifting from the belt to holding Onokatsu’s trunk. While Tobizaru made up his mind, Onokatsu rotated and dragged Tobizaru to the edge. Some gaburi thrusts finished Tobizaru off. Yorikiri.

Ura (1-4) defeated Chiyoshoma (0-5). Chiyoshoma went for the belt today and Ura showed him the error of his ways. Ura locked on with his own belt grip and bowled Chiyoshoma over. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (3-2) defeated Oshoma (2-3). Ichiyamamoto pounded away at Oshoma and drove him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Abi (2-3) defeated Takerufuji (3-2). Abi blasted forward with forceful blasts to Takerufuji’s face. He then shoved Takerufuji down with a powerful thrust. Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (1-4) defeated Takayasu (1-4). I’m not sure if it was just bad timing or if Takayasu is broken. Either way, Takayasu tried to stand Wakamotoharu up at the tachiai. Wakamotoharu stayed low so Takayasu tried to reach over and grab at the back of Wakamotoharu’s belt. Takayasu failed to grab it, though, and Wakamotoharu bumrushed him and blasted him off the dohyo. All of this in the span of a few seconds. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (4-1) defeated Kirishima (3-2). Kirishima got a morozashi, double-inside grip and pressed forward. Wakatakakage reached up around Kirishima’s head with his right arm and twisted, pulling Kirishima down along the bales. Kubinage.

Daieisho (5-0) defeated Oho (3-2). Daieisho just plain overpowered Oho with his thrusts, driving the youngster back and out. Dominant. Tsukidashi.

Kotozakura (3-2) defeated Hiradoumi (2-3). Hiradoumi stayed low but Kotozakura pulled back and used his weight to press down, forcing Hiradoumi to eat clay. I’m sure it’s full of vitamins and minerals. Ouch. Hikiotoshi.

Onosato (5-0) defeated Tamawashi (2-3). Tamawashi attacked Onosato with a powerful nodowa but Onosato wrapped him up and chugged forward. More dominance. Love to see it at this rank. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (3-2) defeated Gonoyama (0-5). After a brief exchange of tsuppari, Gonoyama hit Hoshoryu with a nodowa. Hoshoryu worked his way inside and eventually contained Gonoyama with a firm left-hand overarm grip. He then rotated and pulled Gonoyama to the ground in the center of the ring. Uwatedashinage.

Wrap-up

Wins from Hoshoryu, Onosato, Kotozakura and Daieisho restore balance in the force. Today should be a good day. Hoshoryu will get his turn against Tamawashi tomorrow, though. You know the veteran will be taking his chance at a kinboshi seriously. Meanwhile, Takerufuji will face Kotozakura, Onosato will fight Gonoyama and Daieisho will take on Hiradoumi.

Further down the banzuke, Hakuoho is paired with Ura and Nishikigi will fight Asakoryu to kick off Day Six in the top division. Aonishiki will face Shodai.

Natsu 2025: Day Four Highlights

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho , ,

No news from the infirmary today. No new kyujo and no one returning.

Hoshoryu suffered his first loss. Will Oho take advantage of this and make an early charge for the yusho? Onosato will surely have something to say about that. Can Kotozakura turn things around and start winning on a regular basis? If any rank-and-filers make a charge this tournament, it may be Nishikigi’s turn as he finally seems healthy and is ranked lower than usual. But overall, a lot of the new crop of young guns are doing well. Thankfully, Onosato and Daieisho seem to be holding things down in sanyaku. Let’s get to today’s action.

NHK Videos are here: Juryo; Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (3-1) defeated Kayo (0-4). Kayo moved forward today but Asakoryu played the positional game well. Asakoryu rotated toward the center of the ring, grabbed Kayo and forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Nishikigi (4-0) defeated Fujiseiun (1-3). Nishikigi is having a great start against these low rankers. He drew Fujiseiun toward the bales and then executed a beautiful throw by rotating his body and dragging Fujiseiun over his right shoulder. “I bet you thought you were winning.” Amiuchi.

Ryuden (2-2) defeated Tamashoho (1-3). Ryuden got a double inside grip and started to press Tamashoho toward the bales. Tamashoho had to lift up a bit to shift his grip and work his left hand inside Ryuden’s right.  Yorikiri.

Tochitaikai (3-1) defeated Shonannoumi (1-3). Shonannoumi tried to drive forward and shove Tochitaikai out but Tochitaikai did well to dance along the bales and push Shonannoumi down. Tsukiotoshi.

Sadanoumi (2-2) defeated Tokihayate (2-2). Sadanoumi got his powerful left hand inside, right hand outside grip and charged ahead. Yorikiri.

Roga (3-1) defeated Takanosho (2-2). Roga pulled quickly after the tachiai and slid toward his left, slapping Takanosho to the ground. This is what I was talking about yesterday with Oho and Endo. Endo pulled back straight but Oho rotated to stay in the center. Roga stayed safely in bounds by rotating well to his left and forcing Takanosho to over extend. Hatakikomi.

Endo (4-0) defeated Shishi (0-4). Endo performed a beautiful disappearing act at the edge, leaping to his right as Shishi stumbled past. The gyoji did not see that Shishi’s right foot had gone over the bales and touched out, so the wrestlers kept going. Shishi eventually forced Endo over the bales. Gunbai Shishi. The head shimpan raised his hand and called a mono-ii to reverse the call. Hatakikomi.

Atamifuji (3-1) defeated Shodai (2-2). Shodai must have thought he could pull off Nishikigi’s throw but Atamifuji was having none of it. Atamifuji pressed forward and forced Shodai over the edge. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki defeated Meisei. The two wrestlers engaged in a great brawl with powerful tsuppari. Meisei shifted left and bumped Aonishiki, forcing the Ukrainian to stumble forward, perilously close to the bales. As Meisei pursued, Aonishiki seized his belt with his right hand and spun Meisei down to the ground. Beautifuji move. Uwatedashinage.

Kinbozan (2-2) defeated Midorifuji (0-4). Midorifuji with a bit of a henka at the tachiai but Kinbozan adjusted well. Midorifuji attempted his signature katasukashi but Kinbozan slipped his grip. Kinbozan kept up his own thrusting attack with excellent footwork and shoved Midorifuji into the crowd. Tsukidashi.

Hakuoho (4-0) defeated Onokatsu (2-2). Hakuoho acquired a moro-zashi, double inside belt grip, and pressed Onokatsu straight back and out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Tobizaru (3-1) defeated Churanoumi (1-3). Churanoumi engaged Tobizaru in his preferred shoulder-thrusting attack. The two repeatedly backed up and pounded into each other. As Churanoumi charged forward, Tobizaru backed to his right and slapped Churanoumi down. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma (2-2) defeated Ura (0-4). Oshoma kept his hands at the back of Ura’s head and on his shoulders. After a brief oshi tussle, Ura settled at the center of the ring. Oshoma pressed down hard and slapped Ura down. Ura rolled with a flourish, as is his wont. Hatakikomi.

Ichiyamamoto (2-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (0-4). Ichiyamamoto sumo, the extended version. Chiyoshoma did what he could to stay in bounds and try to pull Ichiyamamoto down. But Ichiyamamoto maintained excellent ring presence and footwork, eventually working Chiyoshoma back to the edge and over. I’m not sure why Chiyoshoma did not try to engage on the belt. Ichiyamamoto seemed game and tried to grab for Chiyoshoma’s belt halfway through their battle. Chiyoshoma was of one mind, retreat. It did not go well. Yoritaoshi.

Tamawashi (2-2) defeated Gonoyama (0-4). Tamawashi finished Gonoyama with a slapdown after a great brawl. Gonoyama seemed to have little energy in the tank at the end. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (3-1) defeated Takerufuji (3-1). Takerufuji locked in on Wakatakakage with a left hand over arm grip. But he was fixated on moving backward and slapping WTK down. WTK pressed his way inside, got a morozashi, and used Takerufuji’s momentum to drive him back and out. Yorikiri.

Daieisho (4-0) defeated Takayasu (1-3). Unfazed by Takayasu’s shoulder blasts and tsuppari, Daieisho pressed forward and shoved Takayasu back and out. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (3-1) defeated Hiradoumi (2-2). After a strong initial charge, Hiradoumi pulled. Kirishima went with the momentum shift and bulldozed Hiradoumi, chasing him through the ring and blasting him over the edge, into the crowd. Oshidashi.

Onosato (4-0) defeated Oho (3-1). All of that stuff about Oho moving forward…forget it. Onosato brought his overwhelming power and forced Oho into a rethink. At the edge, Oho tried to pull but Onosato’s footwork was on point and he shoved Oho out. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (2-2) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-4). Kotozakura’s initial backward step elicited a loud cry in our household, “What the hell are you doing?!?!” Half a world away, Kotozakura immediately realized he had done wrong, stopped, and pressed forward, driving Wakamotoharu out. The power of television. Yorikiri.

Abi defeated Hoshoryu. “Purple Rain, Purple Rain.” Abi-zumo. An strong initial shove followed by a pull and the Yokozuna fell hard into the dirt. Hikiotoshi.

Wrap-up

OK. The bouts you have to watch from the NHK videos are Nishikigi’s throw and Aonishiki’s escape. You will not be disappointed. Then, watch the Hoshoryu bout and you WILL be disappointed. This is literally Abi’s thing. READ THE BRIEF. Onosato and Kotozakura took care of their business but Hoshoryu couldn’t handle his today. Plain and simple.

Come back tomorrow for Hoshoryu versus winless Gonoyama! No? Don’t want to watch that? OK. I don’t blame you. That’s not exactly getting me eager for my 3am wake up call. Onosato versus Tamawashi will be fun, though. Will Oho be able to bounce back against Daieisho? If he couldn’t put a stop to Onosato’s rope run, maybe he can create a setback for Daieisho’s Ozeki hopes. There is a lot at stake in this tournament. I’m already looking forward to how this unfolds.