Thus ends the 2021 Aki basho, what a tournament! We hope that you have enjoyed the last 15 days as much as Team Tachiai has. Solid sumo, and some truly amazing scores. I can’t even begin to imagine just how much churn there will be on the banzuke for November.

Congratulations to Yokozuna Terunofuji, who wins his debut tournament as a Yokozuna, an elite group that have been able to do that, the last one being Kisenosato, who did so at a hideous cost. We hope that Terunofuji serves long and happily, and that his knees are able to give him a few more years on the dohyo.

No fewer than six rikishi finished with double digit wins, none of which were in the lower third of the banzuke, which is a smoking radioactive crater of double digit losses. Ten men went home with double digit losses, including 3 men with 11 losses from the bottom margin of the banzuke. That sad fog horn you hear in the distance? It’s the Juryo barge of the damned, captained by Tokushoryu, setting sail down the Sumida.s

Highlight Matches

Kaisei defeats Daiamami – This was a good match for Kaisei, he did not have to compensate for a lot of lateral movement, as Daiamami is also very much an East-West kind of fighter. He was able to dig in and take his time, working to get enough leverage, and quality hand placement, to overcome Daiamami’s defenses and walk him out. Kaisei finishes Aki at 6-9.

Shohozan defeats Tsurugisho – I think the late called matta was the right move, it was clear that the two were not really ready to fight when Shohozan launched. I am surprised that the gyoji did not pick up on that. The second round was about the same as the first. I like the amount of effort Tsurugisho put into trying anything is body could support to stave off the loss. Shohozan could not find a way to push or force Tsurugisho out, and gave into the temptation to toss him to the clay. Shohozan finishes with double digits wins, 10-5, in Juryo, and maybe he will make a triumphant return to the top division in November.

Yutakayama defeats Chiyotairyu – Darwin match time! As expected, both of them had he sumo dialed up to 11 today. It was a mad thrusting battle, with Chiyotairyu moving his arms side to side, but Yutakayama focusing center-mass. No need to guess which one was more effective. Chiyotairyu realized this too, and moved to go chest to chest with a right hand inside. Yutakayama responded in kind, but pivoted into a throw that put Chiyotairyu down. Make-koshi for Chiyotairyu, kachi-koshi for Yutakayama

Kotoeko defeats Aoiyama – The second Darwin match, Kotoeko took a lot of punishmen from Aoiyama applied directly to his face. Kotoeko, to his credit, absorbed the pounding and focused center-mass. It was slow to take effect, but once Aoiyama took that first step back, it was all Kotoeko. I am so very pleased that Kotoeko was able to reverse his losing streak, rally and finish September with a winning record. Aoiyama finishes make-koshi at 7-8.

Tobizaru defeats Chiyonoo – Not sure where Chiyonoo was today, but it was Tobizaru time after a matta stopped the action on the first launch. Tobizaru finishes 7-8, Chiyonoo at 4-11, and needs to go pack his bags for the Juryo barge.

Endo defeats Okinoumi – It came down to who could get superior hand placement first, and it was Endo. He always puts a lot his fortunes into that frontal grab at the tachiai, and today he was able to convert it against Okinoumi. I did like the pulling variant of the uwatenage he used today. Nice touch as there was no way he was going to get that going forward against Okinoumi. Endo finishes Aki 11-4, Okinoumi ends with a respectable 10-5.

Kagayaki defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi looked like he was attempting to channel Ura, and it fell to bits in an inglorious fashion. Kagayaki was very much “What the hell” as it unfolded, but too his credit he stayed into his attack plan, and crushed Terutsuyoshi to the clay. Kagayaki improves to 7-8.

Ura defeats Ichiyamamoto – Given Ichiyamamoto’s condition, there was only ever one way this one was going to end. Ichiyamamoto put up a reasonable defense to start against Ura’s probing attacks. But once the man in pink settled on a plan, it was high power delivered to center mass, and Ichiyamamoto did not have the lower body power to stop him. Ura improves to 7-8, Ichiyamamoto takes his hurt lower body home with a dismal 4-11, and a first class cabin on the Juryo barge.

Takarafuji defeats Tochinoshin – Another Darwin match. Tochinoshin allowed Takarafuji to set his feet, and get his lower body in position. At that point, there were few options that the big Georgian had, short of a throw, to overcome Takarafuji. He worked to get his hands set up for such a move, but all the while Takarafuji was moving him back. Takarafuji kachi-koshi at 8-7, Tochinoshin make-koshi at 7-8.

Chiyoshoma defeats Tokushoryu – Holy crap, it’s not like Team Tachiai did not spell out that the henka was coming some 12 hours prior. We could see it all way way from the United States! Ah well, better luck in November, Tokushoryu. We will always have your charming yusho speech. Chiyoshoma improves to 5-10.

Tamawashi defeats Onosho – Onosho’s opening volley did not connect with enough power to put Tamawashi on defense, and Tamawashi responded with a rapid fire combo. Onosho never recovered and ends Aki with a loss, missing out on a chance at a special prize. Tamawashi improves to 6-9.

Wakatakakage defeats Chiyonokuni – Wakatakakage caught Chiyonokuni off balance moments after the tachiai, and a single blow on the upper back brought him down. Both end Aki with matching 9-6 scores. Great run for Wakatakakage, and I am looking forward to him near the top of the rank and file in November.

Kiribayama defeats Chiyomaru – The one fact to know here, Kiribayama lifted Chiyomaru out for the win. I think everyone, including Kiribayama, were a bit surprised. Check out the smile as he awaits the kensho for his win. Kiribayama improves to 9-6 to end Aki.

Shimanoumi defeats Takanosho – Final Darwin match, and it was great to see Shimanoumi finish out with a kachi-koshi on a 4 match winning run. He’s been struggling since his 11-4 last November, and we saw a bit of that old fire today. Shimanoumi finishes 8-7 and is kachi-koshi, Takanosho make-koshi at 7-8.

Hidenoumi defeats Hoshoryu – I guess I would say – where the hell did that come from, Hidenoumi? That was a high quality move against a pretty tough opponent, ranked 8 slots above you on the banzuke. The twist down was a thing of beauty, and I wish he would be able to use this kind of sumo every day. Hidenoumi improves to 7-8, while Hoshoryu drops to 5-10 as a final score for Aki.

Daieisho defeats Ichinojo – Daieisho caps a 10-5 score at Aki with outstanding performance special prize. He found center-mass on Ichinojo (its about the same size as the broad side of a barn), and unloaded full force into the big man’s chest. I counted 4 steps to send him over the bales, and score his concluding win.

Meisei defeats Myogiryu – The yusho decider, Meisei gets his 8th win and knocks Myogiryu out of contention for the cup with a lightning fast katasukashi. Meisei finishes Aki at 8-7, and Myogiryu will have to settle for an awesome 11-4 and the gino-sho special prize. Nice work sir!

Mitakeumi defeats Takakeisho – Takakeisho went for an immediate pull into Mitakeumi’s second step. A disastrous mistake and the Ozeki exited in a hurry. 8-7 is kind of a crummy score for an Ozeki, but given that I think Takakeisho is still hurt, I don’t fault him for not putting up too tough of a fight. Survive and improve for November. Mitakeumi finishes with 9-6.

Terunofuji defeats Shodai – Terunofuji stepped on the dohyo with the yusho secure, but he still had some sumo to share with Shodai. The Yokozuna exploited Shodai’s tachiai, and tucked in before the third step. Shodai looked like he wanted to change his plan, and you just can’t do that once Terunofuji has a hold of you. Shodai ends Aki with a 4 match losing streak, and looked like hell the whole way to the end. Terunofuji wins his 5th yusho with a solid 13-2.

This concludes Tachiai’s day-by-day coverage of the Aki Basho. Thank you dear readers for sharing the September tournament with us. We have had a lot of fun bringing you coverage of what has been a satisfying and thrilling basho.

So we come to the final day. The yusho will be decided in the final three matches. The first one pits M10W Myogiryu against S1W Meisei. Should Meisei win, Terunofuji has the yusho outright. Should Myogiryu win, he waits to see the results of Terunofuji vs Shodai, the final match of the tournament. A win by Yokozuna Terunofuji, and he takes home the cup for the 3rd time in the past year. In fact, every basho since we went kyujo on day 13 last September (with an 8-4 record), he has won the yusho or the jun-yusho. Should the unlikely happen, with Terunofuji losing against Shodai and Myogiryu winning against Meisei, I don’t think that Myogiryu stands a chance.

Earlier in the torikumi, we have four Darwin matches. A pair of 7-7 rikishi face off, and only the winner survives with a winning record. During an early, pre-COVID time, attending matches on the final day had a festive atmosphere. Most rikishi already had sorted themselves into winning or losing records, and many of the matches were for interest or amusement purposes. Folks were happy, relaxed and in good spirits.

While lksumo has been doing an expert job forecasting the promotion and demotion picture, the fact that there are three rikishi with at least 10 loss records at the bottom of the banzuke portends a big churn in the ranks for November. It could make for a wild and wonderful 15 days in Kyushu.

What We Are Watching Day 15

Kaisei vs Daiamami – Daiamami comes up from Juryo with a 7-7 record, needing one more win for kachi-koshi, to add his name to the promotion hopefuls. Kaisei at 5-9 needs one more win to avoid joining the crowd at the the bottom of the banzuke with double digit losses. I predict maximum sumo here.

Shohozan vs Tsurugisho – Hey, as long as we have the tram running between Makuuchi and Juryo, lets stick dear old “Big Guns” Shohozan on there, and have him see if he can pound a return promotion out of Tsurugisho. As we have seen this basho, Tsurugisho has been suffering with painful cellulitis that has turned him into a door stop. A loss today would add him to the double-digit crew in the bottom third of the banzuke.

Chiyotairyu vs Yutakayama – After the bloody ravages of the first two matches, what to have next? Yes, it’s time for our first Darwin match! Both are about the same size and weight. Both are tsuki/oshi fighters, and only one of them will exit the dohyo with a winning record.

Aoiyama vs Kotoeko – Why stop with just one? Its big man vs little man sumo. With Aoiyama perfectly capable of knocking Kotoeko into next Tuesday if he can get the V-Twin attack humming. I am sure Kotoeko is going to go low and try for a grab-and-tug attack to shut down Aoiyama’s primary offense. Another Darwin match, and the winner takes it all.

Chiyonoo vs Tobizaru – Somebody decided to send Chiyonoo back to Juryo with a tough match. He has never beaten Tobizaru in 4 attempts. Granted Tobizaru is not fighting well right now,, but it’s still a brutal thing to do to 4-10 rikishi. Both are make-koshi, so this is just to see how far down the banzuke Chiyonoo will fall.

Okinoumi vs Endo – Turn that frown upside down! Its a pair of 10-4 rikishi in a consolation match, with each having a 10 win record against the other. Both of them high skill, and ready to bring their lexicon of sumo to the dohyo today. This match should be fun to watch.

Kagayaki vs Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi has this one chance to avoid double digit losses by taking out the man I used to call “Mr Fundamentals”. Well, Kagayaki’s sumo is not quite as sharp as it was when I gave him that name, and I have to wonder if its ever coming back. At M13, his make-koshi does not put him at risk of joining the Juryo barge, but his last kachi-koshi was a 8-7 last September.

Ura vs Ichiyamamoto – In another “Bring the pain” match, we have spritely and agile Ura against an injured Ichiyamamoto. This one should be pretty easy for Ura, and that could mean a 4-11 final score for Ichiyamamoto. I hear he is already in the engine room warming up the boilers for the moment Tokushoryu gives the order to begin the slow steam down the Sumida river back to Juryo land.

Tochinoshin vs Takarafuji – Its time for MOAR DARRWIN! This time its one time Ozeki Tochinoshin taking on defensive master Takarafuji. Takarafuji has lost 3 of the last 4, and certainly seems to be fading out. Not sure who has the advantage here, I just hope nobody gets injured.

Chiyoshoma vs Tokushoryu – The match that punctuates the roster of terrible scores in the bottom half of the banzuke, its a pair of 4-10 rikishi seeing who can get a 5th win. If I were Chiyoshoma, I would just henka the captain of the Juryo barge, Tokushoryu and be done with it. But I think the new Chiyoshoma is going to fight it out. Chiyoshoma holds a 8-3 career advantage.

Tamawashi vs Onosho – I am sure at this point, the schedulers were wondering what to do with Onosho. He had yet to fight former san’yaku mainstay Tamawashi, so lets tee that one up. Onosho took a fast route to the clay on day 14, and hopefully will have a bit better control of his center of gravity today, or Tamawashi will surely put him right back down on the deck.

Wakatakakage vs Chiyonokuni – First time match, and a chance for the last man of the banzuke to finish out with double digit wins. I tell you, the November ranking sheet is going to be NUTS! I like how Wakatakakage has been fighting this basho, but whatever plan he has to win this match will suffer greatly the first time Chiyonokuni lands a big blow to his face.

Chiyomaru vs Kiribayama – I suspect this match is to see if Kiribayama gets to be front of the line for a san’yaku slot. He has beaten Chiyomaru their only 2 prior matches, and I think that he has broken through whatever had him on that 3 match losing streak this week. Both are kachi-koshi, so this is all about figuring out rank.

Shimanoumi vs Takanosho – Our final Darwin match of the day. Both of them are quality rikishi, but both have been fighting well below their best this September. Winner exits with a promotion, loser with a demotion.

Hoshoryu vs Hidenoumi – As with a few other matches on today’s torikumi, I think this one is geared to help gauge how far down the banzuke to push Hoshoryu. Should he win today, I would call it a “soft” make-koshi for him, finishing with 6 wins, 7 losses, and 2 days kyujo. I think he will be back at the top of the rank and file soon, so they may not want him too far down the banzuke for November.

Daieisho vs Ichinojo – Speed and forceful attack at the tachiai vs large immovable boulder-like creature who has been known to toss ponies and eat ice cream by the truck full. Both are kachi-koshi, so I think this is to help sort our rank in November. Ichinojo has a distinct 6-2 career advantage.

Myogiryu vs Meisei – Meisei comes into today at 7-7, and a win would not only affirm his stay at Sekiwake, but would shut down any hopes Myogiryu might have for a first ever Emperor’s cup. He holds a 4-2 career advantage over Myogiryu, and I think he will be able to get the job done, in spite of Myogiryu showing us some of the best sumo of his career. A Myogiryu loss hands Terunofuji the yusho outright.

Mitakeumi vs Takakeisho – Somebody in the Japan Sumo Association loves team Tachiai. In spite of the fact that neither one can challenge for the cup, we get a final tadpole battle to tide us over until November. Unlike the last couple of days, I don’t expect either one of these battle-spheres to have any pretense of going chest to chest. Rather its going to be an oshi/tsuppari hell-storm. Both are kachi-koshi, so maybe they won’t “whip it one” at full power. But I do hope. The have a balanced 10-10 career record.

Shodai vs Terunofuji – The final match of the basho, it’s Shodai’s “Wall of Daikon” defensive sumo against Terunofuji’s slow, crushing attack. The only time Shodai has beaten him in teh current era was when Terunofuji was on his debut return to the top division, when he was Sekiwake 1E fighting the lowest ranked man on the banzuke. Since then it’s been 4 straight losses. I am looking for Terunofuji to pop him like a squeeze toy and then heave the remains into the zabuton zone.

The final weekend is here, it’s time to take a break, turn off the phone and watch a lot of sumo. The lower divisions have all sorted out their yusho races, and it’s time for the top to divisions to settle up. Although Terunofuji has dropped 2 matches thus far, it’s going to be tough for any of the 10-3 rikishi (3 of them) to present a real challenge to the Yokozuna. None of them have yusho experience, all of them are ranked M6 or lower, and all of them have tough matches today.

There is a broad group of rikishi who enter the final weekend at 7 or 6 wins, straddling the make/kachi-koshi line. While we did not have an obvious “Darwin funnel” like we did in Nagoya, the chances that half of the 15 rikishi at this score will be around for a day 15 Darwin match are solid. This should give us 3 or so matches between 7-7 rikishi for a final bout to decide a winning or losing record. It’s brutal, it’s at time gratuitous, but it’s 100% sumo. For the 10 rikishi in the 7 win group today, it’s either kachi-koshi today, or enjoy Darwin tomorrow.

Because of that, I expect the fight card to be announced late on day 14, to give the schedulers a chance to make sure the last day has maximum brutality.

Aki Leaderboard

A win today by Terunofuji will assure him at least a playoff for the cup, and it’s possible all 3 of the hunters could taste dirt today.

Leader: Terunofuji
Hunt Group: Onosho, Myogiryu, Endo
Chaser: Okinoumi

2 matches remain

What We Are Watching Day 14

Tokushoryu vs Kotoeko – Resurgent Kotoeko has a 8-3 career lead over Juryo barge captain Tokushoryu at 3-10. I think this is the big chance for Kotoeko to get his 8th win and stay out of the Darwin mill on day 15.

Aoiyama vs Chiyonokuni – Chiyonokuni is already kachi-koshi, and Aoiyama needs one more to make his 8. I don’t consider for a moment that Chiyonokuni will be anything less than completely brutal in his day 14 match. Both men prefer hitting hard and leaving their opponent in a heap. Could be a big match.

Ichiyamamoto vs Tobizaru – Both are make-koshi, and it’s not looking too good for Ichiyamamoto, who may be joining Tokushoryu on that barge. He is all even with Tobizaru in their career record, but Ichiyamamoto damaged a knee early in the basho, and really can’t move at all.

Shimanoumi vs Tsurugisho – Shimanoumi needs to win both to get to kachi-koshi, and loss today would be his 8th. I don’t see Tsurugisho putting up too much of a fight, so Shimanoumi is strongly anticipated to be 7-7 tomorrow.

Chiyonoo vs Terutsuyoshi – Chiyonoo is likely joining the barge back to Juryo, and I think this match be all about how far in the back he has to sit. For Terutsuyoshi, this Aki basho is shaping up to be his worst performance since his back to back 5-10 finishes last fall.

Ura vs Kaisei – Matching 5-8 scores, and I think that today’s match slightly favors Ura. I hope he resorts to his “grab and tug” style of sumo rather than his “pasticman” style of sumo. Kaisei is just too enormous for circus tricks.

Chiyoshoma vs Hidenoumi – If Hidenoumi can win today, he will be 7-7, and another strong Darwin candidate. I don’t know what is plaguing Chiyoshoma, but his record looks a lot like Kotoeko’s during the Nagoya basho. What ever is busted sir, please get it repaired.

Kagayaki vs Takarafuji – Oh man, a “mini-Darwin”! You know the schedulers are getting ready for tomorrow when they cook up a match like this. The winner gets a 7-7 Darwin record, and the loser is make-koshi. I favor Takarafuji to win, as Kagayaki once again is not really showing good sumo this month.

Tamawashi vs Chiyomaru – Tamawashi has an opportunity to send Chiyomaru into day 15 with the magical 7-7 score with a win today. We know that he dominates Chiyomaru most of the time (5-1), but is not been fighting that well this September. Should Chiyomaru win, its kachi-koshi for him.

Yutakayama vs Daieisho – If Yutakayama wins, he escapes the Darwin trap with a kachi-koshi. I had expected him to do much better than a final weekend decision for his fate this time out, but he seems to be barely holding his own at M14. Sad given that his highest ever kachi-koshi was a Maegashira 3.

Tochinoshin vs Kiribayama – Kiribayama, if you can’t beat a man with one leg, then you can face a Darwin match tomorrow. The winner of these two with matching 7-6 records will be the coveted 8th win, and the loser will probably face some other poor bloke with a 7-7.

Hoshoryu vs Chiyotairyu – Hoshoryu strongly favored to win this one, and relegate Chiyotairyu to a 7-7 record for day 15. Can you folks tell I am getting giddy with all of the potential? It’s not just low rankers. If anything its clustered toward the top of the banzuke.

Wakatakakage vs Takanosho – Can you taste the theme here? Another pair of 7-6 rikishi face off, winner is kachi-koshi, the loser probably gets a Darwin match tomorrow. I favor Takanosho to take this one, and send Wakatakakage into the decider on day 15.

Endo vs Ichinojo – This one is a bit of an odd match. Endo was severely under-ranked for Aki. This played at least a small role in his 10-3 score starting out today. He has been fighting ok, with a few really good matches. But because he is in the group 1 win behind yusho leader Terunofuji, he’s going to fight a high ranked opponent to “warm him up”. Sadly, its not just Ichinojo, but the genki form of Ichinojo. The Boulder has a 9-4 record of rolling over Endo, and he needs a win today to make his 8th.

Mitakeumi vs Okinoumi – In the consolation bracket, we have these two. A win today would give Okinoumi double digit wins for September, and that would be his best finish in 2 years. I hope he can make it happen, in spite of my bias toward Mitakeumi.

Onosho vs Meisei – Meisei needs to win today to avoid make-koshi, but that win tees him up for a Darwin match tomorrow. Onosho needs to win to stay 1 behind Terunofuji, and hope he can challenge him for the cup on day 15.

Shodai vs Myogiryu – Surprisingly, these two have an even 8-7 career match record. Shodai is already kachi-koshi, and will be happy to take more wins, but does not need them. Myogiryu wants to stay 1 behind Terunofuji and hope for a challenge to take the cup tomorrow.

Takakeisho vs Terunofuji – The big match at the of the penultimate day, it’s down to tadpole power vs the kaiju, with Terunofuji (in my mind) strongly favored in this match. Takakeisho will need to not let Terunofuji capture him and turn him into a sumo bowling ball. Strike hard, move sharp and keep the Yokozuna reacting.